Automotive Off-Road Equipment
Boost your sales and service in the automotive off-road equipment market
If you distribute off-road vehicle parts, you have good cause to expect a growing market: the U.S. Department of Transportation reported in 2006 nearly 35% of public roads were unpaved. Furthermore, with petroleum prices driving up the cost of asphalt, the percentage may go higher, as governments consider letting some county roads go unpaved rather than trying to repair them.Couple the cost of maintaining pavement with the cost of new vehicles, and you can understand why people want to keep their current off-road vehicles running as long as possible. Your company can capitalize on customers’ drive to maintain or upgrade with parts for off-road autos. You can provide a sales and service outlet for suppliers of off-road vehicle equipment in one or all of the following three areas:
1. Off-road drivetrain parts, from modifying engines to beefing up final drive gears;
2. Off-road truck parts for suspension, from lift kits to custom wheels and tires;
3. Body customizing off-road vehicle parts and accessories.
Power up customers' vehicles with drivetrain parts for off-road vehicles
Keep the heart of your clients' drivetrains thrumming with new off-road truck parts. Diesels in particular have enjoyed a renaissance with parts that improve performance and economy.
Try: Since 1962, 4 Wheel Parts has been serving the 4x4 community. They supply engine electronics, exhaust systems and turbocharger kits. Performance Products 4 Trucks supplies parts for the rest of the drivetrain, from transmission to differential gears.
Give your customers' vehicles a lift with off-road truck equipment for high-end suspension
Customers love modifying their vehicles with wheels and tires. A new set of wheels can segue into up-selling new suspensions or lift kits.
Try: 4 Wheel Drive Hardware claims the lead in mail order and Internet distribution of parts and accessories for all things Jeep. Mike's Off Road offers suspension replacement or custom lift kits from a variety of manufacturers.
Provide a personalized look with off-road vehicle equipment for custom exteriors
Why stop with wheels and tires, when there is a whole body to tailor? Sell customers on the look and practicality of beefier bumpers, hoods, winches, brush guards or step-up side bars.
Try: Lund International offers a comprehensive catalog of accessories for vehicle exteriors and interiors. American Expedition Vehicles not only sells parts, but performs full-scale conversions on Jeep vehicles, with distributorships nationwide.
- Work with a graphic artist with Java experience to create an interactive "virtual studio" where a customer can call up a model car, truck or SUV and electronically add the parts you can supply in order to preview the custom-made result. Connect it to a parts inventory so when they lock in their new personalized vehicle, they can order the off-road vehicle parts on the spot. Connect it to a printer so when they leave they can take a picture with them to keep it fresh in their mind, making it easier to manage expectations when the work is actually done.
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