Delphi To Post Aftermarket Internet Site

TROY, Mich.--Delphi Automotive Systems is launching one of the first global Internet catalogs for the automotive aftermarket industry.

The company’s new Internet catalog will be an on-line product library that provides customers with personalized access to real-time product, service and technical information from around the world, 24 hours a day.

“Designed specifically for the Internet, Delphi’s Internet catalog model is more efficient than traditional print or CD-ROM catalogs that are posted on the Internet,” said said Susan K. Lawrence, chief information officer. “Updated information will quickly become available in real time to customers--saving time and money for our distribution partners globally. Although Internet-ready, the Internet catalog will also support our customers’ traditional CD-ROM and paper catalog needs. Our Internet catalog will use the Internet’s speed and functionality to greatly simplify doing business with Delphi.”

When complete, Delphi’s Internet catalog library will include detailed product attachments such as dynamic buyer’s guides, multi-view photos, product videos, exploded parts assembly views with hot-spot links, labor time, service manuals and bulletins, training manuals and online instruction, installation instructions, published price schedules and more. The Internet catalog’s single-source content management also ensures data accuracy and integrity, said Lawrence.

Other features of the Internet catalog include search capabilities by vehicle make and model, vehicle identification numbers (VIN) and look-up by repair service. It will incorporate industry standards such as the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association’s (AAIA) vehicle make and model tables, vehicle market data and repair service guides.

“Delphi’s Internet catalog is part of an integrated e-commerce application,” said Lawrence. “This plug-and-play Internet catalog module will serve as the foundation for Delphi’s future integrated business-to-business e-commerce solutions. Delphi will be a recognized leader in using business-to- business e-commerce to support our customers.”

The Internet catalog is also an integral part of a strategy to provide diagnostic and service support to its channel partners.

“Delphi’s Internet catalog is a critical step toward our goal to develop the ‘garage of the future,’” said Louis R. Merz, director of global sales and marketing. “Delphi, a leader in vehicle communications, will use telematics to link the vehicle with the garage, allowing remote diagnostics and early identification of potential problems. Our Internet catalog’s parts data and service information will integrate with those applications, providing one-stop product, information and service support to our aftermarket customers.”

The Internet catalog architecture allows Delphi to create a customized user interface. Users can choose to view the products and services in their preferred language (including English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian and German) and currency. Delphi’s Internet catalog will go on-line in 2001 as part of a new Delphi customer extranet. This system’s open architecture will enable the company to quickly implement new technologies such as wireless and trade exchange integration via a single system.

Delphi can be found on the Internet at www.delphiauto.com.