Final Day of the AASA Vision Conference Delivered Executive-Level Insights Leaving Attendees Ready to Take On 2021

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The second and final day of the 2021 AASA Vision Conference provided aftermarket supplier executives with insights from the customer keynote speaker, Greg Johnson, CEO of O’Reilly Auto Parts and also covered topics including: electrification and automated technology, connectivity and diagnostics, ADAS, e-tailing, and key next steps moving forward. 
 
Bill Long, President and CEO, MEMA and Paul McCarthy, AASA President & COO, kicked off the day with a welcome message and what to expect on day two of the conference as well as in the upcoming year.
 
Akshay Singh and Carlos Thimann, PwC Strategy&, then “took the stage” to discuss the impact of electrification and automated technology on the automotive aftermarket. AASA’s 2018 landmark study with Strategy& assessed and quantified the impact of vehicle electrification and ADAS (advanced driver assist systems) on the aftermarket through 2030.  But since COVID-19 hit, major changes in fundamental forecast assumptions have emerged which has lead to the re-release and update of the study. This session was immediately followed by a panel of executives including Kathy Jorge, K. Jorge Enterprises; Chris Pruitt, East Penn; and Joseph Mejaly, DENSO discussing their views on the opportunities and challenges vehicle electrification and ADAS systems will create for aftermarket suppliers. 
 
The first “Bonus Lap” of day two was presented by Northwood University students as they spoke to the importance of fostering young talent in the aftermarket and how the University of the Aftermarket Foundation can help attract and retain people.  
 
Next up was a member-exclusive breakout session featuring Greg Johnson, CEO, Co-President, O’Reilly Auto Parts as this year’s 2021 Vision Conference Keynote Speaker. Last year showed us a great example of how suppliers and customers must collaborate to succeed and Johnson provided suppliers the opportunity to hear about O’Reilly’s history, important 2020 statistics, and their strategic direction moving forward. He also allowed time at the end for a Q&A session. 
 
Barry Neal, Roland Berger; David Wilbanks, O’Reilly Auto Parts; and Tyler Reeves, Caliber Collision then opened up for a discussion catering to aftermarket distributors and service professionals around connectivity and diagnostics which was quickly followed by another study session with Akshay Singh and Carlos Thimann, PwC Strategy& about the impact of ADAS and electrification. 
 
Tim Hardin, Epicor Software, announced that SMP and NPW were the winners of the third AASA Channel Excellence Award presented by Epicor. This award presented by Epicor is unique in that it requires suppliers and channel partners to work in concert. Suppliers are innovators and drivers of new technologies so it is a true collaborative initiative with some amazing accomplishments.  
 
Fouzan Mansuri, Director and General Manager – Automotive, Amazon covered how Amazon’s automotive business continues to grow as customers look for selection, convenience, and value. Mansuri detailed how aftermarket suppliers can work best with Amazon to serve their customers. 
 
As the final day ended, Enrico Manuele, Robert Bosch and Eric Sills, Standard Motor Products from the AASA board discussed key takeaways in a roundtable discussion about the Vision Conference and how they might implement them moving forward. Overall, it was a very informative, inspiring, and compelling event. 
 
Epicor Software Corporation is the premier sponsor of the 2021 AASA Vision Conference, and other sponsors include: Baker Tilly, Classy Llama, Corcentric, eShipping, Experian, MontAd Media, Opticat, PDM Automotive, PROS Inc., Schaeffler Group USA Inc., AAPEX, Snap36, SURYS, and Tasco Sales Reps.  
 
Additional information about the virtual AASA Vision Conference can be accessed by visiting aasavision.com. 
 
To learn more about other ways AASA connects members to what matters, visit aftermarketsuppliers.org. 
 
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 907,000 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 Epicor Software Corporation 
Epicor Software Corporation drives business growth. We provide flexible, industry-specific software designed to fit the precise needs of our manufacturing, distribution, retail, and service industry customers. More than 45 years of experience with our customers’ unique business processes and operational requirements are built into every solution―in the cloud or on premises. With this deep understanding of your industry, Epicor solutions dramatically improve performance and profitability while easing complexity so you can focus on growth. For more information, connect with Epicor or visit www.epicor.com.