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Methinks:
Beyond IMACA, MACS and NARSA
Opinion by
John R. Hess,
Publisher/Editor
As appeared in the Mar/Apr 2001 edition of
Cool
Profit$ Magazine
© 2001
The impending vote of NARSA members to merge with IMACA could well have long term implications. For the sake of the future, please allow me to dream for a few minutes about what could happen if it passes. I ask that you remain open minded and cut me a little of
that proverbial slack.
Fast forward to 2006
IMARCSA History. It’s now 2006. To bring you up-to-date, IMARSA, formed in 2001 between IMACA and NARSA, merged with MACS in 2002. This new
association, known as IMARCSA, launched a major membership drive in 2003 that was quite successful; the IMARCSA rank and file now numbers 8,990 (including 1503 international) with and additional 493 active, participating associate members. This year’s trade show was sold out last year; it will break all-time attendance and revenue (fund raising) records. The six regional education and training seminars have been packed (lots of young, future technicians). Very positive merger talks are underway with a unified European aftermarket organization (look for a Euro-Aftermarket service trade show in 2008). IMARCSA coffers are full.
Focus: aftermarket heat transfer service. Back in 2001-2002, IMACA, NARSA and MACS members recognized that
aftermarket auto service was in the midst of a drastic change. The
outcome was clear, join together with other likeminded aftermarket service shops, or die. The group right then and there chose to put aside all personal differences, prejudices, past disputes—all that baggage—and concentrate on the future.
Individually, their members had become directionally splintered. The leaders realized that they desperately needed a focus that everyone would support.
Aftermarket Heat Transfer Service was the logical choice. Radiator, heater, charge-air or exhaust gas cooler and oil cooler repair, could—if everyone kept an open mind—blend nicely with cabin air conditioning and heating service. After all, onboard computers and sensors have already joined these components together at the hip. The concept was overwhelmingly accepted. Their forces rallied to start what has now become the largest specialized automotive aftermarket service association in the world!
Control of aftermarket parts and service. The information, experience and financial resources of this association will soon allow it to take control of the level of service, and product quality, delivered to motorists. No longer are aftermarket shop owners, mechanics and technicians dependent solely on manufacturers and other vendors for their technical data. They’ve sanctioned their own independent, unbiased tests on everything from coolants, belts, hoses, pumps, refrigerants, radiators, heaters, evaporators, condensers, etc., and will make appropriate buying recommendations. Most importantly, laboratory tests will be supplemented by field-testing input from participating member shops. In other words, soon IMARCSA members will have instant access to years of data about the vehicles driving into their shop. Yes, such data has been available before, but never with the seasoned input from the day-to-day service technician.
The OE is not always right! Why do we need experienced information? First of all, the OE’s generally stop evaluating (spending money on) their products after they reach a certain age. However, owners are keeping their vehicles longer than ever before in history. Since the OEs are long gone trying to sell the new stuff, it’s up to the aftermarket specialists to keep up with the service requirements of these “neglected” vehicles.
Lowest bidder wins. Lastly, why don’t we trust the OEs? Because as diligent as the best product and application engineers are, behind him, or her, is a bean counter with a sharper pencil. That cost-cutter’s idea of “service life” for a specific part may not match up with what your customer would like to achieve, and is willing to pay for!
Back to 2001. This scenario sounds farfetched, but it is achievable. Within aftermarket service is a wealth of knowledge. To tap that knowledge requires a focused organization. The organization requires a group of people dedicated to objectivity who can truly look beyond their own personal wants, needs and domain. I for one sincerely hope that IMARSA may be the start toward that end.
Oops, there are customers at your door, back to work. $$$
For more on this subject,
check out the article that accompanied this opinion:
Should IMACA and NARSA become IMARSA?
Editor: Be sure to check in with “current” vendor list on the web at: www.imcool.com/buyersguide/.
Vendors: If you would like to be listed as a vendor to the automotive (and Heavy Duty) radiator and A/C service industry, please call, fax, email or fill out the form on the imcool.com web site. Look for Buyer’s Guide Data Entry Form.
Your cost to be listed on the web site and in the 2002 Annual Guide is only $12. For that, you also get a subscription to Cool Profit$ Magazine. In addition, your web listing will be maintained for free (name, contact, address, phone, email, URL, etc.).
One heck of a deal.
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