The Auto Care Association has named Joe Register as its new director of emerging technologies, with initial emphasis on heading the group’s vehicle telematics initiative. Register has 40 years of experience delivering progressive information system solutions to companies in every channel of the automotive aftermarket, including the design and implementation of entire enterprise systems.
Register joined the association in January as director of technology solutions to help lead the development of the industry’s next generation of automotive technology standards and solutions, and to serve as the technology architect focused on future vehicle telematics solutions.
Prior to joining the Auto Care Association, Register led Prescient Technologies Group, which he founded in 2000, to assist aftermarket companies with their adoption of the association’s technology standards.
From 1990 to 2000, he held several leadership positions for Canadian Tire Corp. in the area of information technology. Serving as senior director of information services at Auto Source, he developed a state-of-the-art information system designed to support its new retail automotive parts and service concept in the U.S. As senior director of automotive systems, he led the design and deployment of enterprise systems for the company’s new PartSource chain in Canada, from start-up through a 10-year expansion. From 1973 to 1990, he held several managerial positions with Montgomery Ward Automotive in Chicago.
“Vehicle telematics and all emerging technologies are the association’s top priority, so we are extremely excited to have such a knowledgeable, experienced and well-respected expert to direct our activities in this space,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “Also, for more than a decade, Joe has served as a volunteer leader on our association committees and on the board of directors.”
“It’s an honor to have been selected to lead the Auto Care Association Emerging Technologies program,” said Register. “It will be a privilege to build on the solid foundation already established by members and colleagues, as we continue to protect the consumer’s right of choice in this era of the connected vehicle. While we understand that the introduction of any new technology often includes its own complexities and risks, emerging vehicle technologies also enable new and exciting opportunities for the automotive aftermarket that more than offset these challenges. We’re confident in the aftermarket’s ability to realize the business benefits afforded by these opportunities, and commit to working with our members, other industry organizations and national as well as international regulatory and standards bodies in our pursuit of these benefits.”
