PARTS DEPARTMENT BY IBRAHIM MESBAH GROW LOCAL WHOLESALE PARTS BIZ Using eCommerce Strategies to Grow Local Wholesale Business n 2020, the pandemic caused a major decrease in the number of vehicles on the road as lockdowns were put into place. Fewer vehicles meant fewer accidents and less maintenance. Due to this decrease, I collision centers and independent repair shops were hit hard, and many struggled to pull in enough revenue. In the two years since 2020, many vehicles have returned to the road as people resumed pre-pandemic habits. Additionally, fewer people are buying new cars and are instead opting to keep their older vehicles, with the average vehicle on the road now being 12 years old. All of this can mean an increase in business for collision centers and repair shops. Right now is a great opportunity for dealerships to revamp selling strategies that will boost wholesale business and grow local parts sales. With more aging vehicles on the road, dealerships should find new ways to become the preferred local source for OEM parts. LET'S BETTER MEET THE NEEDS OF YOUR LOCAL CUSTOMERS Due to the rapid rise in older vehicles on the road, individual repair shops and collision centers will be sourcing more parts, and your parts department should be 52