On July 27, the Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) Washington, D.C., office will hold a webinar on the current state of telematics and new-technology policy.

Telematics refers to the connected car and, eventually, the autonomous vehicle that the association says is not far away. From the software used in instrumentation, backup sensors, adaptive cruise control, cameras and sophisticated wireless communications systems to tomorrow’s driverless vehicles, telematics represents a complex array of computer science, multimedia presentations and navigational components.

During ASA’s upcoming webinar, participants will hear from aftermarket representatives, vehicle manufacturers and ASA leadership about the implications of policy developments for repair professionals. Robert Redding Jr., ASA’s Washington, D.C., representative, will host the program. Panelists include:

• Donny Seyfer, chairman of ASA and co-owner of Seyfer Automotive in Wheat Ridge, Colorado
• Chris Gardner, vice president of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association
• Wayne Weikel, senior director of State Government Affairs for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers

Telematics technology requires that shop owners who wish to stay competitive make significant financial investments in new equipment and technician training, as well as educate themselves on the complex legislative policy issues of safety and cybersecurity.

Following the presentations, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a question-and-answer session with panelists.

To register for “Telematics Policy for Shop Owners,” taking place at 1:30 p.m. EDT, July 27, click here. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email that contains details about joining the webinar.

For more information about how telematics is affecting the automotive service and repair industry, click here and read an article co-written by Redding and ASA Chairman Donny Seyfer, AAM, from the November-December 2015 issue of AutoInc. magazine. Interested individuals also can attend the Telematics & Technology Forum during the upcoming NACE | CARS show on Aug. 12 in Anaheim, California. To register, visit NACEexpo.com or CARSevent.com.