Thinking Accessories

Aftermarket Central

No one ever reached their destination without a plan.  You have to know where you are and where you want to go.  Armed with those two data points, you can chart your course and set out on your journey.
Over the last seven years, Insignia has developed and refined online accessory catalogs and sales systems for automotive OEMs.  We have seen the industry move from the position where selling accessories was considered an unnecessary procedure in the inner workings of a dealership, to our current status, where selling accessories is a necessity for the health and even survival of a dealership.

Last year we began to formally develop an Aftermarket Department in our company.  Dealerships and distributors across the OEMs take advantage of these accessories to fill the gaps where the OE is unable to provide an accessory for the customer.  Our approach to developing this program has followed this initiative.  We are looking to bring in industry leaders from the aftermarket that may help and assist in meeting the needs of consumers that the OEMs are unable to meet.

What does this mean for the dealership?  The answer is simple and straightforward.  The dealership is able to increase sales.  By allowing the dealership to offer the customer both OE products and aftermarket products that fill the gap, the opportunity for making an accessory sale at the time of vehicle purchase doubles.  Of course, if the dealership does not want to fill the gaps and remain strictly OE in their accessory presentation, they have the right and the ability to do so with the Insignia System.  The dealership will always retain the right.

Lao-tzu (604 BC – 531 BC) once said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”  Our goal is to provide the most complete accessory system on the market and our journey is off to a great start.

INSIGNIA ANNOUNCES AFTERMARKET PARTNERSHIPS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INSIGNIA ANNOUNCES AFTERMARKET PARTNERSHIPS

Rock Hill, SC — February 11, 2008 — Insignia Group, a leading provider of dealership Accessory Sales Systems, today announced its partnerships with the aftermarket manufacturers Professional Products Inc. (PPI Zone), THULE®, Bestop®, and ESCORT®. These reputable leaders from the aftermarket sector provide increased sales opportunities to Insignia Affiliate Dealers, as well as bring momentum to the Insignia Aftermarket Program. The program was established to give dealers a simple aftermarket accessory sales process to capture sales that may have been previously lost, and build additional revenue by increasing their accessory business.

As a national supplier of aftermarket Toyota parts and accessories, PPI Zone brings their popular painted-to-match OEM color accessories, running boards, assist steps, and exceptional service to Insignia’s Accessories Sales System.  To learn more visit www.ppizone.com or call 877-638-2878.

THULE®, a world leader in Sports Utility Transportation delivers solutions for active families, professionals and outdoor enthusiasts wanting to transport their equipment safely, easily and in style.  Their product portfolio is comprised of roof top and receiver hitch load carriers as well as cargo boxes, bike, ski, and water sport carriers. Additionally, the company offers a professional line of products, which includes van and pickup truck heavy duty racks and tool boxes.  To learn more visit www.thulegroup.com or call 925-461-4600.

Bestop®, Inc. manufactures and supplies the most diverse mix of soft tops, hardtops and accessories for the Jeep® Wrangler and other small SUVs. And now, utilizing their 50 plus year heritage of engineering and legendary design, Bestop® is offering a growing line of Truck accessories including Tonneaus, a brand new BestRail™ System complete with 7 different accessories and AMP Research’s PowerStep, BedStep™ and Bed X-Tender™ distributed by Bestop®.

By utilizing the finest materials available and adhering to OEM specifications for fit, function, style and craftsmanship – Bestop® designs and builds the highest quality Jeep and Truck accessories available on the market today. Bestop® is a part of Decoma International, which is owned by Magna International, Inc. (MGA, MG.A.TO), one of the largest automotive parts manufacturers in the world.  To learn more visit www.bestop.com or call 800-845-3567.

ESCORT® created the high-performance radar detector market in 1978.  The company is recognized as the technology leader, and has been issued more patents in the radar detector field than all other manufacturers combined.

ESCORT® manufactures the world's finest custom installed radar and laser detection systems, including the PASSPORT 9500ci, the PASSPORT SRX and the PASSPORT SR7 for dealer installation.  Additionally, the product line includes the award winning PASSPORT 9500i, the PASSPORT 8500 X50 and the battery powered SOLO S2 windshield mounted detectors. To learn more visit www.escortradar.com or call 800-964-3138.

Insignia provides over 1400 automotive dealerships nationwide a complete accessories sales system to maximize dealership profits on every new and serviced vehicle. From accurate data to useful sales tools, services, and training, Insignia simplifies the accessories sales process so orders can be fulfilled quickly and easily. To learn more visit  www.insigniagroup.com and www.insigniagroup.com/blog or call 888-579-4458
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Insignia Group LC
153 Oakland Ave.
Rock Hill SC 29730
Phone: 888-579-4458
Web: www.insigniagroup.com
Email: sales@insigniagroup.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Annie Saleh
Marketing Coordinator
704-588-0142 Ext: 8621
Email: asaleh@insigniagroup.com.