AASA 2019 OES Special Summit Panel to Examine OE Dealer Fixed Ops and Aftermarket Suppliers’ Role

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – A panel of original equipment (OE) dealer fixed operations executives will examine the strategy and direction of OE dealer fixed ops and the role of aftermarket suppliers at the 2019 OES Special Summit presented by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), on Wednesday, Aug. 14 at The Ford Conference and Events Center, Dearborn, Mich.
 
“Many AASA supplier members are preparing to take advantage of growth in the OES Channel,” said Chris Gardner, AASA senior vice president. “Following the success of our inaugural event in 2018, our 2019 OES Special Summit will spotlight discussions such as OE dealer fixed ops and identifying specific strategies for new business opportunities through OE dealer parts and services business, OEM-branded parts for the independent aftermarket (IAM) and dealer networks, collision and dealer sales to the IAM.”
 
David Kushma, editor of “Fixed Ops Journal,” will facilitate the discussion, which will cover a range of topics such as “all makes” strategies, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) calibration, selling to the independent aftermarket, creative growth strategies (e.g. all-hours service), working with suppliers, attracting and retaining good technicians, and more.
 
Panelists are:
 

• Ruth Tomczyk, parts and service director, Esserman International Acura/Volkswagen, Miami, Fla.;
• Dave Wright, fixed operations director, Shaheen Chevrolet, Lansing, Mich.; and
• Terry Wayland, fixed operations director, Power Ford, Albuquerque, N.M.

 
AASA OES Special Summit attendees will include AASA members, non-member suppliers, OE dealers, OEMs and solution/data providers to this channel. Other confirmed speakers and presentations to date include:
 

• Mario Clementoni of NADA, discussing the current OE dealer business model trends
• Dave Mestdagh, general director of global product development, General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales, addressing “OEM: Aftersales Product and Brand Strategies”
• “I’ve Seen Life from Both Sides Now,” an OEM executive comparing the independent aftermarket to the OES channel.

 
The AASA OES Special Summit will conclude with a roundtable discussion among attendees of the trends, challenges and objectives that will provide the basis for the launch of the new AASA group: OES Council.
 
More information, including registration and hotel accommodation links, is available here.
 
About AASA
 
The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (www.aftermarketsuppliers.org) exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products, an important part of the automotive parts manufacturing industry which supports 871,000 American jobs. AASA is a recognized industry change agent – promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues and serving as a valued resource for members. AASA is the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “AASA, The Voice for the Automotive Aftermarket Supplier Industry”