The Big Three Auto Companies Unite to Launch "OE Connection" Industry Portal

Strategic Insights -

The Big Three auto companies, namely Ford, DaimlerChrysler, and General Motors, have joined forces with Bell & Howell Co. to create a new industry portal called the Original Equipment Connection, or "OE Connection." This platform aims to link dealers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and repair shops for the sale and purchase of after-market repair parts and services. The site is designed to support all dealer wholesale parts transactions, including those with fleet and independent service center customers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The OE Connection is an industry portal that brings together the Big Three auto companies, Bell & Howell Co., and other industry stakeholders to facilitate the sale and purchase of after-market repair parts and services.
  • The platform is expected to support all dealer wholesale parts transactions, including those with fleet and independent service center customers.
  • The OE Connection is unique in that it represents the collective resources and existing dealer and customer bases of the Big Three auto companies and Bell & Howell Co.
  • The exchange will be an independent entity, initially run out of Bell & Howell's offices in Richfield, Ohio.
  • The participating companies have already announced that Isuzu, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda, Saab, Saturn, Subaru, and Volvo are considering joining the exchange.

Statistics:

  • The Big Three auto companies have teamed up with Bell & Howell Co. to create the OE Connection industry portal.
  • The platform is designed to support all dealer wholesale parts transactions, including those with fleet and independent service center customers.
  • The OE Connection will be the largest dealer network in the world, with a vast customer base and significant resources.

Sources:

  • "Big Three Auto Companies Unite to Launch 'OE Connection' Industry Portal" (no publication date mentioned)
  • Bell & Howell Co.
  • John Smith, general manager of GM's Service Parts Operation no publication date mentioned)