AASA Vision Conference Panel to Examine New Business Models

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – A spirited discussion of emerging models in the aftermarket supply chain and the changing roles suppliers will be the focus of a featured panel discussion at the 2016 Vision Conference, presented by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association, scheduled for Tuesday, April 5 through Thursday, April 7 at the Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel, Rosemont, Ill.

Moderated by AASA Vice President Chris Gardner, Rob Infantino, CEO of Openbay, and Peter Yorke, CEO and co-founder of Voyomotive LLC, and other panelists will address “New Business Models: Connecting Drivers, Vehicles, Shops and the Traditional Independent Aftermarket.” 

“Chris, Rob, Peter and other panelists will examine technologies and business models that connect motorists with their vehicles and the aftermarket supply chain,” said Bill Long, president and chief operating officer of AASA. “Consumers know much more about their vehicle’s health than ever and can compare repair facilities, schedule service jobs and even pay for service jobs through mobile apps.”

“Our panelists bring unique perspectives to the Vision dialogue,” said Gardner. “Voyomotive is developing advanced Internet of Things (IOT) systems for automobiles and trucks. At Openbay, Rob directs operations for car repair in the connected world by delivering repair quotes from shops nearby, combined with an easy-to-use platform to schedule and pay for service.”

The 2016 AASA Vision Conference opens with a Networking Reception on Tuesday, April 5 with leading members of the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA). AASA President and COO Bill Long will kick off the joint Conference session with AWDA the morning of Wednesday, April 6, with his presentation, “Shaping Our Industry: 100-Year Partnership,” connecting the strong tradition of aftermarket supplier-customer relationships to how critical they will be in addressing emerging and disruptive challenges. Following the joint AASA / AWDA networking luncheon, the conference will continue with afternoon sessions for suppliers and conclude with a networking reception. 

Other confirmed speakers to date are: 

• Greg Johnson, executive vice president – supply chain, O’Reilly Auto Parts
• Gary Silberg, partner, national industry leader automotive, KPMG LLP
• Bret D. Jordan, CFA, managing director – research analyst, Jefferies LLC
• Donny Seyfer, chairman, Automotive Service Association (ASA)
• Nat Beuse, associate administrator vehicle safety research, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• Mark Saxonberg, Manager, Advanced Fuel Vehicles & Environment, Toyota USA, Inc.
• Xavier Mosquet, senior partner and automotive practice Americas leader, Boston Consulting Group
• Jason Schenker, CFP, ERP, CVA, president, Prestige Economics, LLC
• Ann Wilson, senior vice president of government affairs, MEMA

Vision presentations and panel discussions will focus on:

• Shaping Our Industry: 100-Year Partnership
• New Vehicle Technology: Where We Are Headed
• From D.C. to Silicon Valley\
• DMCA, Cybersecurity & Telematics: Threats to the Independent Aftermarket?
• Stopping the Onslaught: IAM Anti-Counterfeiting Strategies
• What’s in Store for Our Industry
• A Third Party View of the Independent Aftermarket
• Leadership and Perspective: POV from Supplier Executives
• Delivering Unmatched Growth and Performance

The 2016 AASA Vision Conference includes three days of ground-breaking thought leadership presented by subject matter experts, value-added take-aways, interactive demonstrations by solution providers and networking with industry partners and peers. The Filter Manufacturers Council (FMC), the AASA Technology Council (ATC) and the AASA Marketing Executives Council (MEC) also will hold meetings concurrent with the event.

Details about registration, the agenda, council meetings and hotel accommodations are available at www.aasavision.org.

About AASA

AASA (www.aftermarketsuppliers.org) exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products which support 710,000 employees in the United States. 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”