The Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI) has presented its first-ever Automaker Awards.
The awards were created to not only show automakers what the perception of them is by the rest of the industry, but to also recognize OE’s that have exceptional engagement with the tool, information, and equipment providers that make up ETI. In addition, these awards were meant to provide all OE’s with a “balance sheet” each can use to better measure their industry perception and participation.
“ETI considers itself as the liaison between the companies that build service equipment, tools and service information and the vehicle manufacturers,” said Ben Johnson, the director of product management for Mitchell Repair Information Co., and host of the OE Awards session. “It allows us to facilitate a dialogue that provides us with insights into what those new vehicles are going to be and can ensure we are delivering the right products to help the aftermarket service/repair industry support those new vehicles.”
Winners were chosen based on an 11 point OEM Support Survey which was sent to all ETI delegates who were asked to rank OE’s based on various criteria.
This years four inaugural winners are:
- Toyota Motor Sales as “The OE Most Supportive of Scan Tool Companies.”
- Fiat Chrysler Automobiles as “The OE Most Supportive of Service Information Companies.”
- Toyota Motor Sales as “The OE Most Supportive of ETI Events.”
- Toyota Motor Sales as “Annual Industry Recognition Award.” This award recognizes the automaker ranked highest overall by ETI member companies, as aggregated from all criteria rankings.
“ETI members have been long aware that automakers do support the automotive aftermarket,” Johnson said. “These awards allow us to recognize, publicize and help educate others about OEM efforts to support customers when cars roll off the assembly line, wherever they choose to have them serviced.”
