Why smart stock management is vital in today’s extensive vehicle parc
Excellent stock management is crucial when it is increasingly improbable for a motor factor to have all the stock it needs for today’s vehicle parc, emphasising the importance of choosing a supplier with a wide vehicle range and availability to match.
Autoelectro, celebrating 40 years in business in 2026, is feeling the impact of the growing complexity of the vehicle parc. From modern 48V MHEV technology and start/stop systems to commercial vehicles and the ageing population of older models still in daily use, the remanufacturer of starter motors and alternators continues to stock units to cover every enquiry.
With the capacity to remanufacture and stock virtually every part number in its portfolio, despite the number consistently increasing and showing no sign of slowing, Autoelectro is by the side of motor factors that are finding it increasingly difficult to choose which units to stock in-house.
To complicate matters further, there is often more than one starter motor or alternator that can be fitted to the same model – dependent on the specification of that particular vehicle, including if it has start/stop or not.
Autoelectro’s Harnek Bhogal believes the motor factors that possess the best analytical resources and are able to use that data will have a competitive advantage.
He said: “For motor factors, it’s very difficult because they have a lot of product categories to account for, and they only have limited space. Expecting them to be able to stock everything is unrealistic, but the factors that are able to analyse historic sales data by part number, vehicle application etc to identify genuine fast-moving units, as opposed to occasional or one-off sales, will be in a strong position.
“They should also be able to track seasonal sales data, recognising that it may be worth increasing stock holding during peak times of year.”
Rely on quality
To cater to the needs and demands of motor factors, Autoelectro, with its specialist remanufacturing knowledge and equipment, can react to changes in the external environment. There are no shipping delays or exchange rate fluctuations, meaning it can be relied upon and will always be on hand to fill gaps and respond when factor stock isn’t available.
Harnek continued: “We don’t do back orders; our UK-based remanufacturing facility means our availability is second-to-none. In the current competitive environment, whereby a lot of motor factors are competing for the same sale, being able to say “yes” to every enquiry is worth its weight in gold because it builds trust. Motor factors know that they can rely on us.”
MHEV 48V units available in the aftermarket – not a dealer-only product!
One of these shifts is the increasing number of enquiries and orders of Autoelectro’s 48V MHEV units. A belted starter generator is an electric-motor generator integrated with aspects of traditional starter motors and alternators. It is a single belt-driven unit mounted to the engine that can both start the engine, generate electrical power, bolster fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Autoelectro has received plaudits from customers for the breadth and availability of its 48V MHEV range. In many cases, when dealer stock is non-existent and the vehicle is only two or three-years-old – an increasingly common scenario – motor factors don’t expect these units to be available in the aftermarket. Discovering that Autoelectro lists the correct part number and is available from stock for next-day delivery is often a genuine surprise.
Harnek added: “This availability can be the difference between winning and losing a sale.”
Dual stocking for success
There is also a compelling case for motor factors to dual-stock rotating brands. While a ‘value’ option may appeal to price-focused customers, relying solely on this range can limit the ability to answer every enquiry. Premium, quality brands, like Autoelectro, offer a wider vehicle parc coverage, excellent product quality and the reassurance that when availability or application accuracy really matters, there is a trusted solution to fall back on.
Harnek concluded: “In a zero-sum market, this is a critical consideration. A garage customer with a vehicle on the ramp needs an alternator or starter motor quickly. If one motor factor can’t supply it, the enquiry doesn’t disappear – it simply goes to a competitor who can.”