Schmettau & Fuchs partner with Klarius for new range of quality Emissions products
Automotive parts distributor and Carat member Schmettau & Fuchs, based in Bremen, has been working with Klarius for the last 12 months to help supply Klarius emissions products across the North West of Germany. Germany arguably leads the world in automotive production, so there is an expectation that aftermarket parts also meet ideal quality and performance standards, plus there is a clear market requirement for high availability; all of which makes this deal extremely relevant for the aftermarket in Germany.
Klarius offers the widest range of quality replacement exhaust products in Europe, all available direct from stock, so a deal with a leading German distributor makes sense for both parties, plus, it has benefits for the German garage owner and the end customer.
Agnes Rudy, Purchasing and Product Manager at Schmettau & Fuchs, explains the positive effects of working in partnership with Klarius.
The power of choice
‘A wide range of products is very important to us and our customers,’ Agnes begins. The difficultly of providing replacement parts for both modern and classic cars from stock is well documented within the aftermarket industry. Efficient logistical infrastructure is also vital to ensuring reliable turnover from what are generally considered slow moving products.
‘With regard to facilitating wide choice for customers, Klarius complements our range perfectly,’ she continues. Klarius consistently produce a spectrum of emissions equipment for vehicles of all ages, where OE parts may no longer be available from manufacturers or garages. For example, some of the latest additions to the exhausts catalogue include systems designed for the modern classic Porsche 914 and the oddball Subaru Justy – demonstrating the attention given to providing for all road going vehicles by Klarius. In a country with an automotive passion such as Germany, large numbers of stock items are the backbone of this wide range of choice – allowing higher numbers of European customers to benefit from high quality aftermarket exhausts. Furthermore, distributors can effectively plug product shortages and supplementing any level of demand, maximising profitability. Schmettau & Fuchs specified Klarius products as they reach the required engineering standards, helping to support a growing aftermarket in Germany via a reliable supply chain.
Deliveries to us and our customers
Wide choice is only one side of the coin. With such an extensive range, it is easy to fill valuable warehouse space with products that won’t move for very long periods. This, of course, disadvantages suppliers through opportunity cost. Klarius combats this issue with comprehensive logistical support.
‘One of the most beneficial aspects for us is Klarius’ combination of high availability and on time delivery. If we don’t have the products in stock the shipment from England can take as little as 2-3 days.’ Klarius therefore overcomes the difficulties of intermittent demand via flexible supply – ensuring end users and garage distributors alike can enjoy extensive choice and shorter lead times. Klarius helps alleviate the stress and time of repair for customers, all while offering supply partners the expertise and the benefits of a unique and easy-to-access aftermarket product range.
Performance
When a customer specifies a new exhaust, quality is a key factor in the purchase decision. With this in mind it is considered an expected minimum that any purchase fits all necessary EU certifications and guidance. An emissions product is not only required to be durable and perform efficiently – but also to address environmental concerns while preserving expected OE performance levels for end users. Klarius rigorously test their products at a dedicated on-site facility – to guarantee that performance for their parts meets or exceeds OE levels and achieves emissions targets.
Helpful Support
Familiarisation with a product is vital to a sales team’s success, a process for which Klarius provides plenty of support. ‘Klarius invited our sales team on a factory tour and trained all our relevant staff about every aspect of the product range.’ To guarantee a fully integrated working partnership, Klarius and Schmettau & Fuchs shared all the information needed to bring end users and garage owners a seamless reliable service with regards to the new product range.
To further support the introduction of Klarius products into the Schmettau & Fuchs component range, Klarius offered a stock replacement service coupled with special purchase offers for a limited time. Such assistance and promotions help to smooth the introduction of a foreign aftermarket product into a new mostly OE driven target area, familiarising consumers with the benefits of the new partnership and products while helping to increase turnover. Distributors and end users alike will therefore understand the benefits of new high quality aftermarket equipment through effective knowledge transmission throughout all levels of the purchasing process.
Klarius Quality
Klarius produces products that are as good as OEM parts or better. ‘We are very pleased with the quality of Klarius’ products,’ Agnes comments. Klarius aims to support every stage of the supply, selling and purchasing process with an emphasis on efficiency and quality. With a wide well tested range, short lead times, full certification and services to promote business – sales success and customer satisfaction are never mutually exclusive. While Klarius is not the only aftermarket exhaust brand distributed by Schmettau & Fuchs, its emphasis on a positive working relationship, premium construction and comprehensive support infrastructure enabled Schmettau & Fuchs to give it a head start in a highly competitive OE focussed market.
