What is the job of automotive aftermarket parts and accessories planning?

summary

After purchasing a car, accessories and interior equipment are extremely important in ensuring that the customer can use the car comfortably. From aero parts,navigation systems, and audio systems that reduce aerodynamic drag and improve fuel efficiency to apparel and bags, there are a wide variety of parts and accessories that can be tailored to the needs of the customer, leading to product planning that improves profitability and the overall after-sales customer experience.

Unlike the development of the vehicle itself, each accessory is a product, and we know whether the customer has purchased the part and how much it has contributed to the company’s overall profitability.

An example of accessories

Various accessories can be added according to user preferences. Each user can choose the parts that he/she would like to have such accessories. In addition, various goods such as apparel and bags for brand fans are available in the motorcycle industry.

What exactly do you do?

Domestic Automobile Manufacturer (Global Headquarters)

At the global headquarters of a complete vehicle manufacturer, we actually analyze what parts and accessories are best and work with the development team to commercialize them.

1. Planning of overall product strategy linked to vehicle development
2. Development, maintenance and improvement of genuine products linked to vehicle development up to production and sales
3. Support for new commercialization and maintenance and improvement of genuine products at overseas affiliates
4. Market trend analysis and benchmarking of competitors’ products in the planning stage of new products
5. 5. Research on demand trends and market response in major markets in Japan and overseas after product launch
6. Promotion of product development and project management
7. Formulate design concepts based on planning concepts for general-purpose and electrical products including AVCN (navigation, audio, etc.)
8. Coordinate with design, design, and testing departments
9. Collaboration with design subsidiaries and overseas development bases

Imported car manufacturer (importer)

At an import car manufacturer, we work closer to the actual field to develop market-oriented strategies, such as what products are selling well and what kind of sales plan is needed to make the products profitable.

1. Increase aftersales growth and profitability through brand strategy
2. Analyze accessories and sales of previous/similar models and spec lists for future models to plan innovative products that customers expect
3. Achieve parts and accessories revenue targets by optimizing sales and service processes
4. Continually analyze and benchmark markets in other regions and industries
5. Enhance after-sales customer experience and service improvements to retain customers
6. Drive service retention and profitability
7. Work closely with customer satisfaction, accessories, finance, other functions and regions to bring after-sales to the Sales to the highest standards
8. Participate in various projects and teams to support and drive the future of Aftersales

Skills and experience required for this job

– Market research and planning skills: The ability to make proposals based on market research, user feedback, and market analysis of competing services. In addition to catching trends, it is necessary to be able to uncover needs that users themselves are not aware of and plan services accordingly.

– Project management skills: We need to plan accessories in cooperation with various stakeholders, such as development outsourcers and sales companies. Costing is required in the development of product creation.

– English and communication skills required for planning and development work with overseas offices and cooperation with global headquarters: communication skills are important skills as popular accessories and parts vary depending on each market.

– Experience in automotive design and development : In planning genuine parts, it is necessary to consider the quality of the vehicle itself as well. Experience in automotive development will be beneficial, as will knowledge of vehicles and experience in working with development teams to design them.

How do I get a job in accessories planning? What is the career path after that?

If you are looking for a job in accessory planning but feel that there is little possibility of transferring within the company because the position is already filled, or if you are looking for a job in planning related to vehicle bodies, please feel free to contact us.

At Turnpoint Consulting, we specialize in the mobility industry and work with companies that provide a wide range of mobility-related services, both automotive and otherwise. We are happy to discuss your career change to accessory planning or to introduce you to career opportunities that make the most of your accessory planning experience.

If you are interested in considering your next career move, or if you are worried about your future career, please apply for a free career consultation.

We will support your job search by providing you with private jobs that even major agencies do not offer, interview support, annual salary negotiation, and resignation procedure support.