Common Catalog Language Will Boost Sales of U.S.-Made Auto Parts
Latin American Firms Find Value in Standardizing Auto Parts Cataloging Data
It’s hard to do business when firms in the United States and Latin American do not speak the same language. It’s not just about English, Spanish, and Portugese. It’s the standard businesses use to catalog and list their auto parts. When Latin American auto parts firms use the same parts cataloging standards, both U.S. and Latin American firms win.
Mercedes or Mercedez?
In the parts world a vehicle manufacturer like Mercedes-Benz can be referred to in various ways: Mercedes Benz, Mercedes-Benz, MB, or even Mercedez. Without a standardized system, these variations can cause errors, delays, and confusion when matching parts to vehicles. (And yes, many Mercedes-Benz parts are manufactured in the United States.)
By using the ACES® and PIES™ parts cataloging standards developed in the United States, businesses eliminate inconsistencies, reduce supply chain inefficiencies, and make it easier for consumers to find the right parts quickly and accurately.
Gaining Traction in Latin America
The Auto Care Association’s efforts are bearing fruit. Latin American companies are discovering the value and benefits in standardizing automotive parts cataloging data.
“We are excited to replicate the Auto Care Association’s standards in our region in order to enhance the development of our aftermarket product lines,” said Ricardo E. Moreno C., aftermarket regional manager, Excel Automotriz, a participant in a Standards Technical Seminar in El Salvador and Guatemala. “We have the responsibility to the industry to offer a better service to our customers. We look forward and confirm our support in the development of this tool in Central America to bring our industry together.” Excel Automotriz has a large aftermarket presence in Central America, with stores and distribution centers in El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras and Panama.
“The Auto Care Association will support us in implementing a universal language among suppliers, distributors and customers in the Chilean automotive aftermarket industry,” said Hernán Quezada Hörmann, president, Chilean Automotive Spare Parts Association, a participant in a Standards Technical Seminar in Chile.
Making U.S. Industry More Globally Competitive
A key advantage for U.S. suppliers is that they already use ACES® and PIES™ data standards. They are the foundation of the U.S. automotive aftermarket industry. So, when expanding into Latin American markets U.S. companies do not need to implement another set of standards.
By aligning with U.S. data standards, Latin American companies can seamlessly integrate U.S. auto parts data into their systems and product catalogs. These standards ensure accurate and consistent data exchange across borders, reduce supply chain inefficiencies and bring products to market faster.