Navistar Parts is leveraging the latest online meeting technology to connect dealers and suppliers in a cost-effective way during its 2010 Navistar Parts Conference and Sales Expo. The expo, which kicks off today, May 3, offers a wealth of online resources, events and enhancements designed to connect, inform and educate Navistar Parts dealers from around the globe—from the convenience of their home or office. The expo runs through Friday, May 7.
“Connecting online is smart business — it gives our dealers an efficient way to participate in training opportunities without wasting time or money, and brings dealers and suppliers together in a sophisticated platform,” says Phyllis Cochran, president of Navistar Parts. “More than 2,000 Navistar Parts dealer representatives logged on and participated in last year’s expo, and we anticipate a strong response again this year.”
The expo eStore uses the same e-commerce platform introduced earlier this year at partsmartparts.com, says Michael Cancelliere, Navistar’s senior vice president/general manager of North American parts. “While a dealer is discussing product features with a supplier during a webinar, they can access the eStore, tap into show-special pricing and place parts orders instantly,” Cancelliere says.
New incentives, such as leader boards and daily treasure hunts, built into the virtual event reward active dealer participation and provide suppliers with more opportunities to communicate directly with dealers. Last year, more 235,000 documents were downloaded from the expo in a single week, and participants viewed more than 35,000 informational videos.
“This year, the expo goes global, connecting our worldwide dealer base with suppliers,” says Tom Clevinger, Navistar’s senior vice president and general manager of global parts. “It’s our goal to keep costs low for our dealers while offering the greatest possible training opportunities to their staff. For dealerships not located in North America, the ability to interact 24/7 with more than 50 suppliers to learn more about the products they sell and participate in training — that’s an unprecedented opportunity.”
