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?