Connecting the automotive aftermarket is the focus of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association’s (AASA) 2016 Vision Conference, which kicked off this morning in Chicago. This year’s event intends to open a dialogue on the topic of connecting the aftermarket and all channel partners with advanced automotive technologies and today’s “connected” motorists. The 2016 AASA Vision Conference continues through Thursday, April 7.
“The widespread adoption of technology has changed society,” said Bill Long, AASA president and chief operating officer, in his opening remarks this morning. “The ‘connected aftermarket’ is already here. It will take a new level of collaboration across the aftermarket, encompassing distributors, shop owners, regulators and suppliers, to develop our future around new scenarios.
“The aftermarket is at a crossroads,” Long continued. “We are a huge industry with steady growth, but the future impact of technology creates a certain amount of uncertainty. To thrive in the new world, the aftermarket needs to refresh our strategies.”
The AASA Vision Conference was preceded on April 5 with joint meetings of the AASA and the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) boards. This morning’s sessions also were open to AWDA members, for the first time in the history of the event, concluding with a networking luncheon.
Morning session presentations included:
- Connecting the Aftermarket with the Connected Car – moderated by Bill Long, featuring panelists: Nat Beuse of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Donny Seyfer, AAM, Automotive Service Association (ASA) chairman of Seyfer Automotive Inc.; Xavier Mosquet of Boston Consulting; and David Williams of DENSO
- OEM View of Connected Vehicle Service – Mark Saxonberg of Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc.
- New Digital Business Models: Connecting Drivers, Vehicles, Shops and the Traditional IAM – moderated by Chris Gardner, AASA vice president; featuring panelists: Peter Yorke of Voyomotive LLC; Rob Infantino of Openbay; and Jon Owens of AutoMD
- Future of Consumer Mobility – Gary Silberg of KPMG LLP
The afternoon will continue with presentations from:
- Greg Johnson of O’Reilly Auto Parts
- Jason Schenker of Prestige Economics LLC
- Marcus Jadotte of the U.S. Department of Commerce
- Bret D. Jordan of Jefferies LLC
- Ann Wilson of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA)
The AASA Vision Conference will continue through Thursday, April 7, with meetings of the Filter Manufacturers Council (FMC), the AASA Technology Council (ATC) and the Marketing Executives Council (MEC).
