At least that was the atmosphere at the AAD’s first of a series of local market dealer meetings, held in Greenville, S.C. During the meeting, AAD and Michelin Americas Small Tires officials outlined upgrades to the program, as well as new products and marketing efforts coming in 2009.
Launched in January, the AAD program is now 100% online, said Michelin, with program statements updated daily to allow dealers to track purchases, goals and earnings. In addition, dollars earned from the program are automatically deposited in the dealer’s bank account, giving dealers quicker access to earned funds.
“It was our goal to simplify processes, improve cash flow and allow dealers to be more competitive while handling a complex product mix. We are proud to say that we’ve attained those goals and are contributing to continued growth and profitability for this very important channel,” said Emmanuel Ladent, MAST vice president sales. “Results of the 2008 Alliance Associate Dealer program are tremendous and we will continue to improve based on collective feedback from AADs.”
According to Bob Schaffner, manager of wholesale distribution development, input from Alliance program distributors and associate dealers played a major role in the upgrades. “Dealers continue to be more and more comfortable with the on-line tool and appreciate the accuracy and speed with which the program is administered,” said Schaffner.“It really allows dealers to focus on improving their profitability and in turn allows everyone to better meet their business objectives.”
By the end of the year, MAST will hold some 41 similar dealer meetings across the U.S. to present program results and 2009 program details and marketing plans.
