Did you miss any of the State of the Industry coverage? In an effort to leave no stone unturned, Trucks, Parts, Service spoke with independent aftermarket distributors, heavy truck dealerships, suppliers, OEMs and other industry experts — all of whom share their take on the recent past, what’s happening in the industry today and what the future might hold.
Click on the story links below to check out those you might have missed.
State of the Industry, Part I: Independent aftermarket distributors remain resilient despite challenges
Aftermarket parts and service providers say company investments, product launches, expansion of services and strong demand for newer technology led to a steady, if not strong, performance in 2018 and 2019.
State of the Industry, Part II: Parts and service providers focus on 2020’s opportunities and challenges
As the calendar has flipped from 2019 to 2020, the aftermarket community turns its attention to the new year and shares some of its plans as well as what could affect the industry.
The heydays of 2018 and early 2019 when new trucks were being driven off lots faster than OEMs could build them have resulted in reports of a slowdown in new truck sales and a growing number of used trucks at dealerships. Despite what should be a hangover period, dealerships still are reporting brisk business.
Dealerships faced their share of obstacles in the parts and service areas of their business in 2018 and 2019. While one year might have been better than the other, many dealers have had successful years. Adjustments had to be made, but the changes made to address the challenges for those two aspects of the dealership have paid dividends.
State of the Industry, Part V: Dealerships address company plans and trends for 2020
As we ring in the New Year, truck and trailer dealers are faced with a 2020 filled with uncertainty. A presidential election, unresolved trade agreements, persistent rumors of a sagging economy and the evolution of trucks, themselves, are just a few of the factors making it difficult to handicap how well one’s business will perform.
State of the Industry, Part VI: The aftermarket, dealer channels continue hunt for qualified employees
A State of the Industry report wouldn’t be complete without taking a look at the shortage of qualified employees — an issue that has dogged distributors and dealers, alike.
State of the Industry, Part VII: Supplier side economics
Truck and trailer components and products are the lifeblood of the aftermarket industry. Like the independent aftermarket and dealership channels, suppliers have had their successes and challenges the past two years.
State of the Industry, Part VIII: OEMs and the return to normalcy
The last two years have had their share of ups and downs, according to the truck and trailer OEMs who shared their thoughts with Trucks, Parts, Service on the past, present and future of the industry and their companies.
