CHICAGO – What are the top automotive trends that will soon impact the aftermarket? Find out the answers in a fast-paced GAAS 2014 presentation by Bill Long, president and chief operating officer of AASA, and Mark Seng, global aftermarket practice leader for IHS Automotive. Long and Seng will present their findings on “What’s Driving Change Now? Top Trends and the Aftermarket Implications,” from 2:20 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20. 
The presentation will provide both an overview of key trends and a look at how they will impact the aftermarket over the next eight to 10 years.
“One of the trends we’ll touch on is the accelerating globalization of OEM production and the increased leveraging of global platforms,” said Seng. “As OEMs ‘chase’ the increasing global VIO, they are looking to transform their global production footprint. The aftermarket must understand the new and evolving world of global platforms and modular architecture in order to maximize the efficiency of the aftermarket global supply chain.”
In addition, Seng says the presentation will challenge the aftermarket to understand OEMs who are utilizing technology to both meet increasing CAFE standards, “but also to change consumer behavior and build a relationship with the car owner beyond the standard warranty period.”
Long and Seng point out that industry leaders will not want to miss this exciting mix of industry forecast and the in-depth analysis of its impact on aftermarket businesses.
The 2014 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS), “Connected,” will take place May 20-21 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Ill. To download the registration brochure and view the latest copy of the agenda, visit www.globalsymposium.org.
