Autoelectro UK Sales Manager, Nick Hood, reveals why the feature of ‘winter products & lighting’ always makes him smile!
More times than not, Autoelectro is approached for comment because starter motors and alternators are cast as typical winter products – and while that is indeed the case, Autoelectro doesn’t put its feet up in the summer!
At the end of last winter, we reported the anticipated surge in sales as temperatures plummeted in January and February, even if the diversity of the orders surprised us!
Less daylight and generally harsher weather conditions equate to an increase in wiper blade, heater and headlight usage, to name but a few, which increases demand on the alternator. This demand, dependent on the age and wear of the alternator, can result in failure.
However, the demands on the alternator have increased exponentially over the years – air conditioning and climate control are standard on a lot of vehicles – meaning the alternator is worked hard throughout the warmer months as well. Dashboard electronics, daytime running lights, USB ports and charging docks all add to those pressures.
It’s not just the alternator that has a tough time either; the prominence of emission control, with the addition of stopstart, for example, means the starter motor is put under more duress.
The seasonal surge in sales of starter motors and alternators is still apparent, but motor factors should be wary of greater sales coming through the spring and summer months.
More demand, more expectation
With customers wanting an all-round service, 12 months of the year, we have to ensure we’re top of our game with range and availability.
In 2021, we put our own confidence to the test, to see if we stocked starter motors and alternators for each of the UK’s top-10 bestselling vehicles – we held every single one!
With 35 years under our belts, we have a good understanding of what types of vehicles are likely to create early demand. We bring new references to market each week.
The product development team forecast which references will sell, but more than that, work on the basis that if a vehicle exists on the roads, then there is a possibility that we can sell a starter motor or alternator for it.
Of course, there is an element of risk; some parts may sit in the warehouse and not sell immediately, but these generally relate to vehicles with a lower production volume; however, we’ll have that reference ready to go.
There might be a feeling that a newer vehicle is likely to remain within the dealer network in the initial stages; therefore, knowing exactly when to introduce a part in anticipation of a spike in demand is challenging, but we’re normally close!
Range and availability isn’t – and should never be – a problem for Autoelectro; we carry several millions of pounds worth of stock at a time, and as a UK family-owned business, we are, most likely, overstocked, but that’s a choice we make ourselves and we control our own remanufacturing process.
As a result, we have greater input control over our lead times, something which is likely to come to fruition during this winter period, something which puts in an advantageous position.
