By Amy Antenora
CHICAGO – On day two of the 2008 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium in Chicago, “Team Envision,” one of two teams of aftermarket executives who participated in the 2007-2008 University of the Aftermarket Leadership 2.0 program, presented their winning research project on telematics.
The team, comprised of Nataki Barnes, marketing manager, Federal-Mogul Corp.; JR Bishop, director of racing & event marketing for Federated Auto Parts; Jim Dykstra, owner of Dykstra’s Auto Service, T.J. Fontana, manager of sales operations & training, Tenneco; and Mike Harvey of Affinia, gave a clear, concise breakdown of the current state of telematics as well as a look at where it’s headed and how the aftermarket can play a part.
Just after their presentation, aftermarketNews took a few minutes to chat with Team Envision about their telematics research. To view our video interview, click on the arrow icon below.
According to Team Envision, telematics has become a “catch-all” term for all vehicle-related gadgetry including ‘infotainment’ as well as critical safety features such as collision control systems. With the advent of such products as GM’s “OnStar,” which can perform such tasks as remote diagnostics, automatic service reminders and scheduling service appointments, automotive dealerships are poised to gain a greater share of automotive maintenance and repair, and for a longer period of time – potentially for the entire life of the vehicle.
“OnStar can tie the driver to the dealership for the entire life of the vehicle, capturing exclusive control of diagnostics, potentially blocking independent repair technicians from accessing that information,” said Team Envision’s T.J. Fontana of Tenneco.
So, how can the aftermarket ensure that it gets its fair share of the pie? Team Envision proposed some next steps, including asking for industry association action to help prevent lack of access to repair information, and adapting telematics to the millions of unequipped cars already on the road.
“This technology can and should be integrated into all vehicles,” said Affinia’s Mike Harvey. “We propose we do this by providng all installers with a telematics option.”
As for the benefits, Bishop said the potential benefits are huge. “The time a vehicle spends in a bay going through diagnostics, troubleshooting and waiting for parts can be reduced to almost zero through use of telematics, also creating an opportunity to order the correct parts and have them on site before the vehicle is even in the bay,” he said.
Other benefits would be:
- Inventory management benefits — keeping inventory in step with demand;
- Reduction of returns and warranty claims; and
- Increased efficiency.
“These benefits are available to those who are willing to embrace change,” said Harvey.
