ACDelco Helps Change Installers

ACDelco Helps Change Installers’ Perceptions With ‘All Makes and Models Challenge’
GRAND BLANC, MICH. — Getting people to change their ideas sometimes takes a radical move. That’s why ACDelco initiated its 2007 “All Makes and Models Challenge,” getting a group of shop owners and technicians to install ACDelco parts in non-GM vehicles to transform the perception that ACDelco parts fit only GM vehicles.
“Research showed that while technicians know that ACDelco offers a full line of parts for non-GM applications, that awareness sometimes doesn’t translate to actual practice,” said Chris Brandt, advertising manager, ACDelco. “If they were willing to try our parts for a non-GM application, it was usually things like wiper blades or filters — parts that are low-risk for comebacks.”
So ACDelco sent the selected shops a variety of parts — brake pads and rotors, alternators, wire sets, ball joints and compressors — with the agreement that the technicians would try these products on Fords, Dodges, Toyotas and Hyundais. The results were then posted in full-page advertisements in some of the leading automotive trade publications.
“Doing the test was a means to get that information front and center to installers and to address this perception gap in the marketplace,” Brandt said. “We thought testimonials from actual technicians were a strong message to send to other technicians. So we set out to show them that ACDelco has quality applications for both GM and non-GM vehicles in fit, form, and function.”
Mark Hyde, owner of Hyde Auto Service in Oklahoma City, was asked to replace worn-out wires in a 1998 Ford Mustang with an ACDelco wire set.
“We were able to order ACDelco wires from our electronic catalog,” Hyde said. “We compared the Ford factory wires and ACDelco wires side by side and found they looked exactly the same. The installation was a breeze and everything went back together fine. The customer’s car ran great when we finished, and she was very happy. We will continue to use ACDelco ‘all makes and models’ parts on our customers’ cars so that we won’t miss a beat in our continued effort to repair cars with the right parts the first time.”
Dave Christopher, owner of Christopher’s Car Care in Tallmadge, Ohio, installed an ACDelco compressor on a 1996 Dodge Intrepid.
“The installation went very well,” Christopher said. “Right out of the box, the compressor fit perfectly. All the parts were supplied, including new gaskets, seals and O-rings, and the fit and performance were excellent — true to the original part. Plus, with the complete unit, we had what we needed in the box and the job went more quickly and easily. We didn’t have to look for seals or gaskets in the back room. Not only did this part ensure a quality job, but an efficient one that saved me time in the bay.”
Mike Koebke of San Antonio replaced the ball joints in a 2000 Toyota Tundra with ACDelco parts.
“The installation of the ACDelco parts went flawlessly,” said Koebke, who owns Gus Mann Automotive in San Antonio. “The new parts matched the OE design perfectly, and they fit exactly like the OE parts do. We were very satisfied. At Gus Mann Automotive, we take pride in what we do and will not settle for inferior parts. The safety of our customers and our reputation are extremely important, and we now feel very comfortable with installing ACDelco parts in non-GM vehicles.”
Bill James, owner of Bill’s Quality Automotive in Tulsa, Okla., installed an ACDelco alternator in a 1997 Ford Expedition.
“The installation was very smooth,” James said. “The unit was properly clocked, the belt pulley was correct and all the bolt holes had clean threads. The alternator also came with very detailed removal, installation and testing instructions to help remind technicians of the proper procedure.
“We now have confidence in the fit and function of ACDelco alternators for non-GM applications,” James added. “This will allow us to stock parts with a consistent quality and warranty. Having quality parts that fit right the first time not only reduces installation and repair time, but ensures customer service in the process.”
For more testimonials from the participating installers, go to acdelcotechconnect.com. ACDelco markets quality parts for Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, GM and most vehicles on the road today.