LEESBURG, Va. – The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) Spring meeting, scheduled for May 3 in Miami Beach, Fla., will focus on improving communication between the OEMs and the aftermarket, as well as increasing the visibility of NASTF among aftermarket repair facilities.
“The topic of industry awareness of NASTF and its mission has been discussed with increasing frequency by the NASTF Board of Directors,” said NASTF Chairman Ron Pyle. “The content of the Spring 2011 meeting has been focused on presenting some ideas and strategies for addressing this issue.”
A panel discussion led by Charlie Gorman, NASTF past-chairman, titled "Exploring Ways to Improve Communications Between OEMs and the Aftermarket" is one example of this communication-focused content.
“We have identified this issue several times and at several meetings,” said Gorman. “When designing, manufacturing and putting together service support systems, OEMs tend to concentrate on their own closed network. Often aftermarket repair issues are not considered during the serviceability process. What appears to be a conspiracy to some aftermarket organizations is in reality simple inattention. Concentrating on aftermarket needs has never been a priority or a requirement.”
To address this issue, NASTF has organized a panel to discuss some new ideas and initiatives that possibly could help OEMs adapt to the service community beyond their immediate network. The panel will consist of speakers who will discuss:
· How NASTF and other industry associations might study NASTF Information Request trends and develop guidance in the form of standards or recommended practices.
· How the development of generic data templates for aftermarket scan tools might help aftermarket scan tool companies improve model and system coverage.
· How standardization of diagnostic hardware and software designed to operate on commonly available appliances in every repair environment might lower costs and improve coverage for aftermarket shops.
More specifics on the panelists and topics will be announced in the near future.
Other presentations during the Spring meeting will cover suggestions for improving NASTF awareness within the aftermarket community, as well as committee reports covering service information, collision repair, tools and equipment, communications and vehicle security.
There is no need to register to attend the NASTF General Meeting, which will be held at 1 p.m. on May 3 at the Gansevoort Miami Beach in conjunction with ETI’s ToolTech event. Registration is required to attend ToolTech. Additional details can be found at www.nastf.org.
