Attendees at the 2008 Aftermarket eForum Will Get the First Glance at Author’s Conclusions

CHICAGO — The author of an industry study on telematics will present his detailed findings and recommendations at the 2008 Aftermarket eForum, July 14-16 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago. Derek Kaufman, president of C3 Network in Grand Rapids, Mich., has performed extensive research on telematics in both the automotive and heavy duty aftermarkets.

Kaufman will share from the forthcoming AAIA commissioned study entitled Telematics Primer – The Aftermarket’s Role in the Telematics Future that is set for release in July Here are a few highlights of the information that Kaufman will present.

“The rising use of vehicle telematics is a concern to many Aftermarket companies based on their assumption that Original Equipment Manufacturers will use the technology to freeze Aftermarket players out of the market. Vehicle designers are combining sensors, probes and two-way communication devices to create information for vehicle owners and steer aftermarket service to their dealer organizations. Proprietary codes are being used to limit access to the vehicle’s database. The question, then, is – ‘Will Aftermarket companies have a role in the Telematics future?’”

We believe the Aftermarket is uniquely positioned to play an important role in the telematics future. But we also know that this market is a tough one. The technology is moving quickly and companies must be careful to build business plans that are both nimble and pragmatic.”

To find out more about aftermarket telematics, attend the 2008 Aftermarket eForum. Visit www.AftermarketeForum.com to register.