Mazda Canada Inc. earlier announced that it has chosen a new preferred parts technology provider -OEConnection LLC, a leading provider of web-based technology solutions for automakers.
In its agreement with the automaker, OEConnection agreed to provide Mazda with integrated web-based solutions to help create a virtual in-circulation parts warehouse by connecting each segment in the importer's replacement parts supply chain, including the automaker's network of 163 separately owned and franchised new vehicle dealerships, its parts distribution centers, and corporate parts operation.
The automaker chose OEConnection technology for its ability to provide franchisees with faster, more timely online sourcing of OE replacement parts; availability of dealer tools to build and maintain a more marketable inventory mix and reduce costly investments in idle, slow-moving parts; and the ability to enhance customer service responsiveness by expediting dealer fulfillment of emergency backordered parts, TechWeb reported.
What is more, OEConnection said that it will provide online parts intelligence and analysis solutions for near real-time in-channel visibility to aid corporate and regional parts decision-makers with more efficient service parts management, more cost-effective product life cycle planning, and enhanced execution of market-responsive promotions.
According to Don MacPhee, the Director of Customer Service and Parts of Mazda Canada Inc., "Mazda is one of the fastest growing automobile brands in Canada, with sales increasing almost 300 percent in the past ten years. As a result of this growth our base of vehicles in operation is rapidly expanding, which is creating a greater demand for cost-effective and timely delivery of replacement parts."
"OEConnection is the only parts technology provider that can help every segment of Mazda Canada's parts supply chain meet and, even better, anticipate this growing demand," continued MacPhee.
"We're very pleased to be working with Mazda Canada as they truly are an emerging, aggressive leader in the Canadian automotive marketplace. The powerful combination of their vision with our ability to streamline their replacement parts distribution is sure to help them reinforce each customer service experience with uncompromising quality and outstanding value," added Ted Fellowes, the Vice President of Supply Chain Solutions, OEConnection
The agreement with the automaker closely parallels the booming January 2006 implementation for Mazda North American Operation's 700 U.S. new car franchised dealerships. The said agreement covers OEConnection's full suite of parts procurement, backorder fulfillment, and analysis tools of D2DLink(R), D2D Plus(R) - Idle & Reporting, D2D Express(R), and LinkIQ.
A January 2008 release is slated for Mazda Canada, which also etches the fourth international automaker to choose OEConnection as its preferred parts technology provider. For that reason, OEConnection applications, procedure manuals and customer support have been internationalized to house English and French-speaking users.
As auto giants compete closely in the global realm, one thing is constant and that is - improvement. as well as other auto equipment are increasingly getting better. This gives Mazda more reason to innovate hence the company's aim for excellence.
