Mopar® Magazine Q&A:
Q: How does Mopar® fit in with and relate to the Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Ram brands of Chrysler Group LLC?
A: In short, our mission at Mopar is to complement and add value to each of our brands. We offer our customers more than 280,000 proven, quality-tested parts and accessories in more than 90 countries. In addition, we are focused on delivering a high quality of customer-care service. When a customer buys a Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or Ram vehicle, they will also get the added value of quality Mopar service and parts.
Q: As a leading OEM parts brand, how do you see Mopar serving and supporting the independent automotive service industry in the future?
A: Similar to our end customers and our dealership personnel, technicians who work in independent repair facilities want repairs fixed right the first time and within a timely fashion. When you do this, you generate loyalty and repeat business. Unlike any other company in the aftermarket business, Mopar can capitalize on this because our parts and accessories are specifically selected for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles.
Q: Last year, Mopar introduced Repair Connection, a new link on the brand’s Web site for independent body-shop repair technicians. What is Mopar’s intent with this link?
A: In the past, to support independent body shops, we would mail CDs and manuals with the latest repair information and body specifications. We now have all of our latest information easily accessible and available online. The intent of the link is to provide body-shop repair technicians with the information they need in order to get repairs done right and on time. Again, we share the common goal of satisfying our customers, building loyalty and keeping them coming back.
Q: Can you tell us your thoughts on whether Mopar will be sharing more service and technical information with independent repair shops?
A: Yes, we will continue to share more service and technical information with independent repair shops. This year we will upgrade our Tech Authority site in order to provide independent repair shops with better information that is easier to access and use. Regardless of where the customer chooses to get his or her vehicle repaired or serviced, we want to be sure that we are providing them with the right parts from Mopar and the right service in order to get repairs done properly.
Q: What new parts and accessories will Mopar introduce this year?
A: This is a big year for Mopar. We are offering hundreds of new products in 2010. We are the first automaker in the U.S. to offer FLO TV,™ which is live, mobile TV with up to 20 channels including ESPN, CBS Mobile, CNBC, Fox News, Comedy Central, MSNBC, MTV, NBC 2Go, Nickelodeon and more. For enthusiasts, we are offering new crate engines, long blocks and aluminum HEMI® engine blocks for racing or off-road applications. In addition, we are expanding our reman product line, a convenient and valuable alternative to new units. Finally, in conjunction with our dealers, we just opened our Mopar e-Store where we are making more than 100,000 of our parts and accessories available for online purchase.
Q: A number of “Moparized” vehicles were unveiled at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. Will we see more of these “Moparized” vehicles in the future?
A: We will continue to showcase “Moparized” vehicles at every turn and we will continue to support the launch of our new vehicles with Mopar parts and accessories. Accessories and performance upfits are a critical part of our business and we want to highlight our catalog of offerings. “Moparized” vehicles are designed to give our customers ideas and inspire them to personalize and upgrade their vehicles.
Q: Mopar isn’t just about parts, it’s also about service and Customer Care as well. What customer-care initiatives will Mopar launch for its customers?
A: Customer Care is a pillar for the Mopar brand. In every facet of our organization, we are going to turn the company toward the customer. Near-term actions include putting more service technicians into our dealerships, getting 70 percent of our dealers signed up to offer Express Lane service and 80 percent of them to stay open during weekends. And given that each of our brands has their own distinct DNA, we have established a single toll-free Customer Care line for each of our brands.
