Polk Enhances Aftermarket Demand Forecast for GVW 3-8 Vehicles With Expanded Component Categories

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Oct. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Polk, a leader in market intelligence for the commercial vehicle segment,  has expanded the categories of commercial vehicle components that are included in its forecast of demand for aftermarket commercial vehicle parts. Polk now offers 11 categories and more than 60 specific components included in the forecast, developed to help customers make good business decisions and better understand the replacement demand for commercial vehicle parts.  

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The demand forecast is based on Polk's vehicles in operation (VIO) data for commercial vehicles in the U.S., which contains more than 11 million GVW 3-8.  Based on its VIO expertise, together with an estimate of the replacement cycle for each of the various aftermarket components, Polk has the ability to produce a forecast of aftermarket parts demand by geographic location, vehicle or engine manufacturer, vehicle age, specific vehicle part and other criteria most relevant for customers.

"One of the capabilities that the expanded commercial demand modules from Polk offers is the ability to identify parts demand within a specific geographic market adjusted for just those vehicles that typically reside in that market," said Gary Meteer, director, sales and client services, at Polk.  "This helps retailers, distributors and component manufacturers identify specific demand in the area, adjusted for those vehicles that may be registered in the area but are not likely to have service and parts replaced within the area."

"The more our customers are exposed to the linkage of real vehicle populations and a replacement factor for each vehicle, the more they realize how strong a tactical and strategic planning tool we have," he continued.  "We expanded our parts categories at the request of our customers who were looking for a better tool to aid them in both tactical and strategic planning for their aftermarket commercial parts business."

Previously commercial vehicle parts demand forecast for GVW 3-8 vehicles were available for filters, brake components, lubricants, engine components and tires.  This year, the following parts categories have been added:  electrical, cooling, steering, suspension, wheel end and exhaust, among others.  There are other categories currently being discussed with prospective customers.  

The information is updated quarterly and is available in a wide variety of methods, from a single report to an online system available to customers 24/7, so that everyone from the smallest parts manufacturer to the largest multi-product line manufacturer, dealers and parts distributors can use this information to enhance efficiency and identify business opportunities at any time convenient for them. The information is currently used by tier one suppliers in the light and commercial vehicle markets.

"With the vehicle population aging, there is increasing demand for better aftermarket replacement part information in both the commercial and light vehicle sectors," said Mark Seng, vice president, aftermarket and commercial vehicle, and Polk's global aftermarket practice leader.  "We are pleased to bring this expanded portfolio of information to our customers in the commercial aftermarket to help them make better decisions for their business."

Polk's suite of aftermarket solutions for the passenger and commercial aftermarket will be featured during the upcoming AAPEX Show, Booth #425 at the Sands Expo Center Nov., 1-3, 2011 in Las Vegas.

About Polk

Polk is the premier provider of automotive information and marketing solutions.  The organization collects and interprets global data, and provides extensive automotive business expertise to help customers understand their market position, identify trends, build brand loyalty, conquest new business and gain a competitive advantage. Polk helps automotive manufacturers and dealers, automotive aftermarket companies, finance and insurance companies, advertising agencies, media companies, consulting organizations, government agencies and market research firms make good business decisions. A privately held global firm, Polk is based in Southfield, Michigan with operations in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. For more information, please visit www.polk.com.

SOURCE Polk