AASA Examines the New Aftermarket Reality: ‘Can You Fix My Car?’ at 2017 Vision Conference

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the connected car, telematics and cybersecurity technologies are already affecting how vehicles are diagnosed and serviced. At the 2017 Vision Conference, set for Wednesday and Thursday, March 29-30, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) will present the truth about who (and what) repair outlets can fix: what it means to our industry and what can suppliers do to support the independent repair community.

The Vision Conference session, “Can You Fix My Car?,” will feature debaters Jim Fish, chief innovation officer, Robert Bosch; Donny Seyfer, immediate past chairman of the Automotive Service Association (ASA) and owner, Seyfer Automotive; and Bob Stewart, general director, global product, General Motors. It will follow “Insider’s View of Technologies that will Change the Aftermarket,” as one of the Conference’s four-part focus areas examining new aftermarket realities.

“This session represents one of the traditional industry assumptions that are being challenged today as a new, more dynamic aftermarket emerges,” said AASA President and COO Bill Long. “Vision participants, which will include AASA supplier members and leading industry channel partners, will leave this session with insights into servicing technology and ADAS-enabled vehicles; challenges and potential threats to independent repair businesses; and opportunities for suppliers to support end customers’ efforts to compete.”

The 2017 AASA Vision Conference at the Loews Chicago O’Hare in Rosemont, Ill., will focus on interactive discussions of “The New Aftermarket Reality: Putting the Puzzle Together.” The agenda will spotlight four distinct areas, or “realities,” with presentations and discussions addressing topics specific to that area. Reality #1 is President Trump … and policies that affect the aftermarket. Reality #2 will focus on consumer habits, influences, and changing service decisions. Reality #3 is the effect of new vehicle technology … and when, and Reality #4 will address the economy … and how investors view our industry’s future.

The event will open Wednesday evening with “The Vision Experience,” the welcome reception for attendee networking. Long will kick off the Conference program on Thursday morning with his presentation, “The New Aftermarket Reality: Piecing the Puzzle Together.” He will wrap up the joint session for suppliers and channel partners in the afternoon with “The Completed Puzzle,” an overview of the changing aftermarket industry.

Following a networking break with industry partners, the AASA member-only session will introduce Reality #5, “the Voice of the Customer,” a unique industry analysis deliverable provided exclusively to members, which will include a channel partner keynote.

Registration information for the 2017 AASA Vision Conference are available here or by visiting www.aasavision.com. Special pricing is available for non-member suppliers and aftermarket channel partners: contact info@aftermarketsuppliers.org for details. AASA also has reserved a block of rooms at the Loews Chicago O’Hare hotel for the meeting; reserve your accommodations before Friday, March 3, for guaranteed availability.

AASA members attending the Conference also can take advantage of an additional benefit: attendance at the association council meetings held in conjunction with the event. Member conference participants can attend the AASA Intellectual Property Council (IPC) meeting on March 29, and meetings of the AASA Technology Council (ATC) and the AASA Marketing Executives Council (MEC), both on March 31. Council meeting attendance is limited to AASA members only; some limitations apply and pre-registration is required. Contact info@aftermarketsuppliers.org for more information.

The Conference’s expanded participation by suppliers and channel partners provides exceptional promotional opportunities. Sponsors to date include: Corcentric, Epicor Software, Experian, OptiCat, Pricedex Software, Snap36 and ZF Services. Contact Ben Brucato for details on how you can promote your company, brands and services.

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”

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