Meritor Inc. (NYSE: MTOR) will launch a network of Meritor-approved repair shops with independent service garages (ISGs) across the United States and Canada.
“Fleets taking their vehicles to a garage approved for the Meritor Service Point program will benefit from Meritor parts that are engineered for quality and installed by technicians trained with Meritor’s deep product knowledge,” said Terry Livingston, general manager, Category Management, Aftermarket. “ISGs will continue buying Meritor products directly from our distributers, who will benefit from greater revenue growth opportunities.”
ISGs approved for the Meritor Service Point program will carry Meritor signage and promote all of the company’s brands, including the Meritor AllFit and Green series, Euclid and Meritor WABCO. The garages will benefit from product training, greater Meritor brand awareness, enhanced online aftermarket parts search and identification and rewards programs.
To qualify for the Meritor Service Point program, garages must have current tools and equipment for Meritor-approved services, and technicians must train with Meritor either online or in live training sessions to deepen their product knowledge. ISGs must agree to buy Meritor components from approved distribution partners, meet certain Meritor parts sales targets and participate in the company’s future nationally advertised promotions. Approved garages will determine when to purchase Meritor products based on their needs.
Meritor developed the program after conducting extensive market research, including a survey of ISG owners, to gain insight and understanding of their needs.
“ISGs account for a significant portion of Meritor parts sales, and this program will help them find parts more easily so their Meritor-trained technicians can install products on customers’ trucks with greater knowledge and efficiency,” said Marty Hetherington, manager, Brand and Marketing, Aftermarket. “These Meritor-approved ISGs will be more visible to fleets and drivers who know and respect our brand. They will remain independent and the selling relationships with Meritor’s distributer partners will not change.”