Fuel Pump Returns:Do We Have a Problem?

October 19, 2005Romulus Marriott

Romulus, Michigan

© 2005 Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association

What is MEMA?

• Founded in 1904

• 700+ manufacturer members

• MEMA exclusively represents manufacturers of:motor vehicle componentstools and equipmentautomotive chemicals and related

products.

© 2005 Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association

AASA: Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association

• MEMA created its aftermarket segment in 2002

• Only trade association exclusively serving aftermarket suppliers

• Allows us to concentrate efforts on supplier issues, which may at times be sensitive

© 2005 Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association

© 2005 Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association

Brake Manufacturers Council

• MEMA “product line group” that focuses on brake manufacturer issues

• Example:Was concerned that brake pads and shoes on

the market were of poor qualityDeveloped BEEP – a brake pad and shoe

performance program to identify products that meet Federal Safety Standards for OE braking systems.

Now technicians/consumers have confidence when purchasing/installing quality products

© 2005 Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association

Motor Vehicle Lighting Council

• MEMA “product line group” focusing on automotive lighting issues

• ExampleAdoption of HID/Xenon lighting lags in

the United StatesCreate education and media campaign

to communicate safety advantages of the new systems

© 2005 Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association

An Aftermarket Dilemma

• Return rates have gotten out of control• Some estimate 30% of sales are returned• Customers abuse the system because

they can• Some suppliers have used lax return

policies as a sales and marketing tool• Customers do not want to address the

issue (“not our problem”) • With margins eroding, reducing warranty

costs can be the difference in being profitable (or maybe surviving)

© 2005 Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association

A Knowledge Issue

• Vehicles and parts have become more complex

• Diagnosis and repair requires new knowledge and tools

• Many service professionals, specifically in the independent aftermarket, have not received adequate training

© 2005 Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association

Fuel Pump Returns

• A member raised a concern:A high number of fuel pump returns

were not failed productsLack of technician knowledge was

leading to improper diagnosis and needless returns

Replacement procedures, such as fuel tank decontamination, was not happening – leading to more returns

© 2005 Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association

Step 1: Schedule an Exploratory Meeting

• Airtex• Beck Arnley• Bosch• DaimlerChrysler/

Mopar• Delphi• Denso

• Federal-Mogul• Ford/Motorcraft• GMSPO/AC Delco• The Pierce

Company• TI Automotive/

Walbro

© 2005 Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association

What Can Be Done?

• Is this a real problem?• Are most fuel pump manufacturers

experiencing similar issues?• Can the industry collaborate to develop

possible solutions?• Are there other issues regarding fuel

pumps we need to address?• Can AASA take the lead in generating

consensus among manufacturers and facilitate next steps?