I.M.C. Defines Itself Through Customer Service And Quality

When the Inter American Motor Corporation was incorporated and began importing Beru spark plugs in 1962 under the leadership of Ewold Olbrich, the market for parts for imported automobiles was in its nascent stage. I.M.C. itself started stocking between 40 - 50 part numbers. Obviously, things have changed, but not the company's emphasis on satisfying customers with quality products and efficient service.

I.M.C.'s current president, Hanns Hederer, joined the firm in 1976. Over the past seventeen years, I.M.C. has grown to be a major force in importing that currently stocks 25,000 part numbers. The business employs 175 people, many of whom have served the company for over 15 years.

"Companies around the world are eager to have there products on I.M.C.'s shelves," points out Craig Burns, I.M.C.'s Japanese product manager.

"I.M.C.'s business has been built with the import specialist and repair shop customer in mind," he continues.

"These customers want to have the original part that came out of the vehicle. They match the part first for its quality and agree on a fair price. Then, our service helps to complete the job in a timely fashion."

I.M.C. has two branches in California and one located in Kirkland, Washington. The largest branch, the one in Chatsworth, CA functions as purchasing and receiving headquarters. The Orange, CA branch serves the lower portion of the state of California. The Washington location supplies the needs of the Pacific Northwest.

To maintain effective delivery schedules, I.M.C. currently operates 32 delivery vehicles in California that service from Bakersfield to San Diego. In addition, over 2,000 orders a day are shipped all over the U.S.

"Our business is locating and stocking parts, but I.M.C. continues to be a customer driven company, Burns says. "We remain flexible enough in today's market to respond to our customers' needs, yet we do not compromise when it comes to the word ‘quality.'"

As an example, Burns cites I.M.C.'s development of a new Japanese parts program. Started two years ago under his direction, this program intends to concentrate on the highest demand items while still retaining the focus on quality parts.

"We use our trade slogan, ‘The Quality Source,' as a guide with these programs,' he notes, explaining that by program, the company means an overall commitment to supply parts for these automobiles, either original parts or the best available that are made.

The subject of quality is one of the things that brought I.M.C. and Deves Piston Rings together several years ago.

"As far back as 1975. BMW factory service reps were recommending Deves rings for an oil consumption problem on '74 — '76 2002's,' Burns remembers. "in addition, my own 15 years experience with BMWs was enough to be aware of the widespread use of Deves rings in these cars.

"Deves rings are a terrific sealing component used by specialty shops and engine rebuilders alike. Plus, their high level of order fill and ability to respond to special order needs help I>M.C. service their own customers even better.

As I.M.C. begins its 32nd year in business, the company is riding out the waves of uncertain currency rates that continue to be a challenge to all importers. Nonetheless, the company has achieved the status of the number one automotive parts importer in the United States, which people there see as an achievement built on service to their customers and uncompromising focus on quality.