With the SEMA Show around the corner and PRI shortly after, the automotive industry is busy preparing for its trade show season. If you are a small business owner that means you are probably developing a game plan of who you need to talk with, or as a supplier you are most likely anticipating the launch of your new product. Industry-exclusive trade show events have continued to grow with the addition of celebrity appearances, awards, and vehicle demos which can make it challenging to accomplish what you set out to do.

Aware of this, Francisque Savinien used his experience as the Director of Global Sales and Marketing for PRI and SEMA, to develop his company, EPARTRADE, which stands for Electronic Performance And Racing trade.

EPARTRADE is a global trade-only online parts-sourcing platform, or as Savinien likes to call it, an “online trade show.”

Savinien made it clear that EPARTRADE is not meant to replace the face-to-face human interaction that comes out of trade shows like PRI and SEMA. Instead, the platform intended to be a resource meant to supplement and fill the other 50 weeks of the year outside of those trade shows.

“There’s nothing that can fill the void of the face-to-face and business-to-business relationships that are formed and cultivated at trade shows in our industry and we’re not trying to do that at all,” said Savinien.

“Racing is year-round,” explained Savinien. “Thirty years ago, you would prepare your car over the winter and take it out for the new season. Today, new parts are coming out every day, every week and every month.” Savinien further explained the platform gives companies the ability to continue marketing their products to the public all the time, rather than waiting to debut a new part or make the first push at PRI or SEMA.

Savinien added that builders, race teams, retailers, engineers, and other verified racing businesses can interact, connect, and exchange directly with aftermarket companies that feature products and services designed for every form of racing, including Formula 1, local tracks, drag strips, off-road, karting and more.

One of the innovative features on the platform is its “smart searching” capabilities. Users can search within categories such as engines and engine parts, chassis components, racing components, safety equipment and accessories, shop machinery, tools, materials, and services, as well as racetrack equipment.

If you aren’t sure what you are looking for, you can also use a search word. The first results to appear will include companies with the search word in the name, followed by companies that supply the product or service.

When it comes to searching for products, EPARTRADE has over 900 product categories. If you need something specific related to a component, you are able to explore the generic component it involves and then select a subcategory. Results can further be narrowed down to manufacturers, distributors, or service providers.

Companies also can spotlight products and services as well as different offers and promotions they are currently running.

EPARTRADE also serves as an industry resource by allowing companies to add technical “how-to” video content, testimonials, and social videos among others. Companies can also upload their latest brochures and catalogs, tech articles, and material they feel is relevant like case studies.

The industry trade news section of the site is maintained by EPARTRADE which shares industry news like press releases, race results in addition to other information relevant to the performance segment of the industry.

“The racing industry is built on passion and innovation, and we want to help all sides of the sport grow those facets in any way we can,” Savinien said. “We look forward to seeing how EPARTRADE will aid teams and suppliers around the globe in maximizing their potential.”

For more information, check out EPARTRADE.