CHICAGO Responding to interest and concern about the rising use of telematics and its potential impact on the automotive aftermarket, "Telematics Primer The Aftermarket’s Role in the Telematics Future" has been created by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and is now available. The Primer features the findings of an extensive study on telematics funded by proceeds from a four-day cycling Tour d’ AAPEX last year from southern California to Las Vegas, organized by Interamerican Motor Corp. and sponsored by other members of the Auto International Association (AIA), a segment of AAIA.
Key findings from the study were presented by Derek Kaufman, president of C3 Network, during the 2008 Aftermarket eForum which took place earlier this week in Chicago.
The 101-page study is divided into three sections, providing a comprehensive introduction to telematics language and applications, an outline of opportunities and threats to the aftermarket industry and a telematics business case with conclusions and recommendations.
"AAIA believes that aftermarket companies will not only have a major role in the telematics future, but will be the primary drivers of many all-new product and service opportunities for both the consumer and commercial vehicle markets," said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. "We see telematics as an industry-changing technology that can open all new markets for our members and we want to play an active role in helping them connect with its potential. This study is the first step at establishing AAIA as the ‘go-to’ resource for telematics planning."
More details from Kaufman’s presentation will appear on aftermarketNews next week.
The "Telematics Primer" is available free to AAIA members and costs $1,250 for non-members. For more information, call 301-654-6664 or visit www.aftermarket.org.