RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Current and emerging technologies will drive efficiencies, reduce costs, identify customer trends and forecast future needs. And, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), will examine the impact of these trends on the automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket at its 2014 Technology Conference on Monday, Oct. 6. The conference is scheduled from Sunday, Oct. 5, through Tuesday, Oct. 7 at Marco Island, Fla.
The AASA Technology Conference will be conducted within an interactive format that will feature 20-minute keynote presentations and small group question and answer sessions concurrent with other speakers.
The lineup of speakers and presentations will include:
“Market Science: How Progressive Suppliers Will Leverage New Data Streams”
Nicholas Jacquez, marketing & product development, Federal-Mogul Corp., will share how manufacturers need to prepare themselves to manage the enormous flow of data from vehicle parts and systems and the emergence of SoMoLo (Social Mobile Local Connection).
“The Digitization of the Aftermarket”
Kumar Saha, industry analyst with Frost & Sullivan, will update his highly-rated presentation, addressing the convergence of e-tailing, telematics, remote diagnostics, in-vehicle part ordering and connected vehicles and how this “digitization” will impact the aftermarket.
“Changing Shop Technologies"
Ben Johnson, director, product management, Mitchell1, and Jim Fish, vice president, product management & marketing, Bosch North America, will examine technology advancements and challenges facing today’s independent repair shops and service professionals and the opportunities these technologies present for suppliers to help shops succeed and be profitable.
“Heavy Duty Technology Action Plan”
HDA Truck Pride COO Bill Burns and Lisa Henkel, end-market development manager, Gates Corp., and chairperson of the AASA Technology Council (ATC), will facilitate interactive discussions with warehouse distributors, program groups and manufacturers about technology challenges facing the heavy-duty industry.
Keynote presenters at the AASA Technology Conference will participate in a small group discussion with attendees, allowing participants to take a deeper dive into emerging technology issues and opportunities. The conference also will include breakout sessions focused on marketing technology, information technology and heavy-duty technology.
More information about AASA Technology Conference 2014, including hotel accommodations and event registration, are available at www.aasatech.com. The ATC has reserved a room block for the event; attendees should reserve rooms here no later than Friday, Sept. 12 for guaranteed rates and room availability.
