LAS VEGAS -- Automotive industry consultant Charlie Fewell will use his keynote address at the upcoming Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA) Annual Meeting in Las Vegas to warn executives of the need to save the aftermarket industry from meltdown.

Fewell, who also delivered the keynote address to the ASA (Automotive Services Association) in March, said he hopes to persuade executives who represent all levels of distribution and repair that they need to apply best practice principles from the business world in the aftermarket industry or face even tougher times ahead.

“We need to take a long hard look at ourselves and realize it’s time for change,” said Fewell. “The aftermarket is not exempt from the dynamics of the world of business. Just like in any other industry, you do not survive with outmoded business models, lackluster customer service and an unwillingness to adapt to a tougher marketplace. It just so happens that these problems are endemic in our industry.”

Fewell believes the seeds of change have already been planted, “Many people I talk to in this business are desperate to turn things around. I believe that as an industry we need to roll up our sleeves, think like entrepreneurs and reinvent ourselves.”

The ASAAA Annual Meeting takes place Nov. 4 at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.