RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The 2010 AASA Vision Conference – set for Wednesday, March 18, at the InterContinental O’Hare, Rosemont, Ill. – will feature Mark Saxonberg, manager, environment, health, safety and service support, industry and government relations for Toyota Motor Sales, USA Torrance, Calif., in an open discussion regarding vehicle service technologies following his presentation, “Building Brand Loyalty through Outstanding Service Support in the Aftermarket.”
 
“Vehicle technology and associated service technologies are becoming increasingly complex and proliferating across all vehicle systems commonly supported in the aftermarket,” said Steve Handschuh, president and COO of AASA. “The need for information in the independent aftermarket has never been greater. Mark will share his views of the current independent aftermarket service business model and what Toyota is doing to provide ‘an ownership experience worthy of the product itself.’ ”
 
Following his comments, Saxonberg will engage with members in an open discussion of how automakers, aftermarket suppliers, industry trade groups, educators and the aftermarket repair community are working together to rebuild a 21st century business model.
 
Saxonberg has 45 collective years of experience in the OEM and aftermarket automotive service industry. His positions have included technician, service manager, independent shop owner, technical instructor, instructional designer, service engineer, compliance engineer, industry liaison and technical manager.
 
His current responsibilities include:
• Toyota/Scion/Lexus Environment, Health, Safety, Hazmat and Service Compliance
• End of Life Vehicle Recycling
• Government, Industry and Aftermarket Relations
 
He is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and a graduate of the University of Denver (1974), where he earned his BSBA in finance and economics.
 
AASA Vision Conference 2010: “Know Your Parts,” exclusive to AASA member companies, will kick-off with a welcome reception on the evening of Tuesday, March 16, following meetings of the AASA Board of Governors and AASA councils.
 
The program will begin on Wednesday morning, March 17, with keynote addresses by aftermarket channel partners, best practice presentations by members and panel discussions of trends and challenges affecting automotive aftermarket suppliers.
 
The AASA Vision Conference 2010: “Know Your Parts” will conclude at 5 p.m. on March 17 with a Networking Reception. Additional AASA council meetings are scheduled for Thursday, March 18, at the InterContinental following the conference.
 
Ernst & Young is the AASA Vision Conference 2010 premier sponsor.
 
Details about the AASA Vision 2010 Conference, including keynote speakers, panelists, Vision Workgroup Sessions and online registration, are at the conference Web site: www.aasavision.org.