The National Catalog Managers Association (NCMA) recently presented the Catalog Excellence Awards to the best examples of automotive cataloging in multiple media at its 40th Annual Knowledge Exchange conference, held earlier this month in St. Louis. NCMA judges reviewed dozens of submissions from aftermarket suppliers to arrive at the most deserving examples of print, Web catalog and mobile catalog applications. Among this year’s winners, several aftermarket suppliers proudly announced the accolade and provided more details on their winning products.
    
Airtex Fuel Delivery Systems Honored for FuelPumpU.com Online Catalog
Airtex Fuel Delivery Systems was awarded the NCMA President’s Award for Catalog Excellence. The company has won the paper catalog category before, but this marks the first time in the company’s 77-year history that it has won the Web Catalog Gold Award for 2012-2013 for its online catalog, FuelPumpU.com.
 
The award is the highest honor given by the National Catalog Managers Association, a professional society within the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), dedicated to the interests of automotive aftermarket catalog managers. Founded in 1974, the NCMA is comprised of more than 200 catalog, product management and marketing professionals from manufacturers, distributors and retailers around the country.
 
“Fuel Pump U provides our customers with total support in a user-friendly way,” said Michelle Tucker, catalog manager of Airtex Fuel Delivery Systems. “Through FuelPumpU.com, we can provide today’s technicians with the most up-to-date information and tools they need to do the job right the first time.”
    
“We are honored to receive this national recognition,” added Brandon Kight, director of marketing and program development at Airtex and ASC Industries. “This award attests to our team of dedicated people and our commitment to providing exceptional quality and unmatched customer support in everything we do. This site was a great effort by all involved. Thanks to The EXTEND GROUP and Vertical Development Inc. for their help in developing the site.”
    
The FuelPumpU.com catalog was created as an online resource to provide the most comprehensive knowledge about fuel delivery systems to technicians and do-it-yourselfers. FuelPumpU.com combines all ACES and PIES data with rich media content to provide the industry standard for online catalogs and product knowledge.
    
Dayco Receives NCMA President’s Award for Catalog Excellence for VIN-Scanning App
Dayco received Gold in the Mobile Web category for its innovative, state-of-the-art vehicle identification number (VIN)-scanning mobile app.
 
“We are honored and would like to thank the National Catalog Managers Association for recognizing our work in making this app available,” said Robert Christy, director of marketing for the North American Aftermarket Division of Dayco Products. “Our team has worked tirelessly to be able to provide an industry-first, innovative solution for parts lookup.”
 
Each April during the Knowledge Exchange conference, NCMA President’s Catalog Excellence Award winners are recognized for the best examples of printed and electronic cataloging in the automotive aftermarket. Web and Mobile Applications are evaluated on criteria such as design, navigation, use of technology, innovation, interactivity and quality of content.
 
“Dayco did not develop this app just for the sake of developing a mobile app. Our approach was to create an app that provides value to our customers,” said Sherry Mathis, manager of sales automation for the North American Aftermarket Division of Dayco Products. “There is also a strong focus being placed on the transfer of printed product information into new, digital formats and websites. Dayco’s app delivers up-to-date information instantly to professional technicians and do-it-yourselfers.”
 
Developed in 2012, the Dayco VIN-scanning app gives users immediate access to a complete list of Dayco parts that match a specific vehicle’s year, make and model by simply scanning the VIN barcode under the windshield or in the door jamb of the vehicle. After finding the needed part or parts, app-users also have complete access to part specs, routing instructions and step-by-step installation videos. With a “Where to Buy” feature, the app gives users the ability to find the closest parts store selling Dayco’s products, with store contact information and directions to the store location via a map search through the use of GPS.
 
Gates Corp. Receives Four NCMA Awards
Gates Corp. received three “Best in Class” awards for its automotive catalog data presented by national auto parts distributors:

President’s Award For “Best In Class” Electronic Data Excellence – Presented by CARQUEST

President’s Award For “Best In Class” Electronic Data Excellence – Presented by Genuine Parts Company/NAPA

President’s Award For “Best In Class” Electronic Data Excellence – Presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts 

Gates also received the President’s Award For Paper Catalog Excellence – Silver Level – for its recently released 2013 Fleet & Heavy Duty Applications Catalog.
 
“To be recognized as ‘Best In Class’ by our customers and peers is a testament to the tremendous work and dedication of the entire Gates automotive aftermarket division,” said David Haun, senior manager of product data services, Gates Corp. “Gates strong relationships with our customers is always at the forefront of these achievements.”
 
Since 2001, Gates has been honored to have received 21 NCMA automotive awards.
 
Motorcar Parts of America Recognized for Print Catalog Excellence for Starters and Alternators
Motorcar Parts of America (MPA) received the Gold 2013 President’s Award for Electronic Catalog Excellence. The award recognized the company’s excellence for its 2013 print catalog of automotive aftermarket starters and alternators.
 
Motorcar Parts of America’s products are 100 percent end-of-line tested in ISO/TS 16949 certified facilities and supported by an ASE-certified technical hotline and roadside assistance coverage. The company’s print and online e-catalogs comprise all product lines, including Quality-Built, Pure Energy, Reliance and the Xtreme line of heavy-duty and powersport starters and alternators.
 
The company recently launched a new marketing program to support its Quality-Built rotating electrical product line, including a re-energized brand identity, new packaging, collateral and catalogs.
 
To see the complete list of this year’s winners, CLICK HERE.