AASA and Its Technology Council Discuss Advanced Technology in the Aftermarket with Northwood University Students

ATC Chairman Brent Berman of Federal-Mogul Motorparts and AASA’s Chris Gardner addressed classes in Northwood’s MIS and aftermarket management curriculums at the university’s Midland, Mich. campus

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Emerging technologies are changing the automotive aftermarket today, impacting the industry’s future and providing new career opportunities for young professionals. Representatives of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), and its Technology Council discussed advanced technology with future aftermarket leaders in the Northwood University management information systems (MIS) and aftermarket management curriculums in Midland, Mich. this week.

Brent Berman, director of training and consumer satisfaction, Federal-Mogul Motorparts and chairman of the AASA Technology Council (ATC), and Chris Gardner, AASA vice president and ATC executive director, reviewed current and emerging technologies with students pursuing degrees in MIS and aftermarket management.

“Advanced technologies are already changing ‘business as usual’ in the aftermarket, and the industry landscape these Northwood students will face after graduation will be vastly different than what we know today,” Berman said. “It was a pleasure to interact with these rising professionals and play a role in preparing them for their future careers.”

“This was a rewarding experience for Brent and me – a chance to meet our industry’s ‘next generation’ and examine the changes technology is bringing to the aftermarket,” Gardner said. “AASA is pleased to work with Northwood University in providing their students with this ‘real world’ experience.”

“Students often wonder what types of jobs they can get after graduation. David Sanford, MIS chair, and I appreciate Brent and Chris presenting these opportunities to our Aftermarket Management and Management Information Systems students,” said Donna Wagner, Northwood University’s Aftermarket Management chair. “They also showed students that they can learn a discipline like MIS and combine it with an industry program which makes them more valuable to aftermarket companies.”

Berman and Gardner addressed classes at Northwood’s Midland campus on April 12. They also presented an opportunity for Northwood students to participate in the AASA Technology Student Program. Students will be able to attend the AASA Technology Conference October 1-3 and network with more than 200 aftermarket technology leaders.

About AASA

AASA (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”

About Northwood University

Northwood University is committed to the most personal attention to prepare students for success in their careers and in their communities; it promotes critical thinking skills, personal effectiveness, and the importance of ethics, individual freedom and responsibility.

Private, nonprofit, and accredited, Northwood University specializes in managerial and entrepreneurial education at a full-service, residential campus located in mid-Michigan. Adult Degree Programs are available in multiple states and online. The DeVos Graduate School offers day, evening, weekend programming in Michigan and Texas, and online. The Michigan-based Alden B. Dow Center for Creativity and Enterprise provides system-wide expertise in family enterprise, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and new business development. International education is offered through study abroad and in Program Centers in Switzerland, China (Changchun and Wuxi) and Sri Lanka.     

For additional information regarding Northwood University, go to www.northwood.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Margaret Beck, 919-406-8828 or media@mema.org