Telematics: A Major Threat or Opportunity for the Automotive Aftermarket?
BETHESDA, MD – Sept. 9, 2008 – AAPEX attendees will determine the concerns with, and/or opportunities behind, telematics during an educational program presented by Derek Kaufman, C3 Network, Inc. entitled, “Telematics: A Major Threat or Opportunity for the Automotive Aftermarket?” The session will be held during AAPEX on Tuesday, Nov. 4 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. in the Sands Expo Center, rooms 303/304.
The rising use of vehicle telematics is a concern to many aftermarket manufacturers, based on their assumption that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will use the technology to freeze aftermarket players out of the market. Vehicle designers are combining sensors, probes and two-way communication devices to create information for vehicle owners and steer aftermarket service to their dealer organizations. Therefore, the big questions are: “Will aftermarket companies have a role in the telematics future?” and “What do they need to do to secure their future growth in the industry?” In this session, the results of the recently-released Telematics Primer – The Aftermarket’s Role in the Telematics Future commissioned by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), will be presented.
Attendees will learn:
• What vehicle telematics is and how it works.
• About product and service opportunities for both consumer and commercial vehicles.
• How the aftermarket industry can take advantage of the telematics revolution.
All AAIA educational sessions at AAPEX are approved by the University of the Aftermarket for CEU credit toward the AAP and MAAP certificates. AAPEX will be held Tuesday Nov. 4 through Thursday, Nov. 6 in Las Vegas, Nev. For updated information on additional sessions, dates, times, locations and sponsors, visit www.aapexshow.com.
About AAIA
AAIA is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose more than 23,000 members and affiliates manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, service, tool, equipment, materials and supplies. Through its membership, AAIA represents more than 100,000 repair shops, parts stores and distribution outlets.