The Ford Motor Company to Share its Perspectives on Electrification at the AASA Vision Conference

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Electrification of the automotive market continues to have an increasing impact on the automotive aftermarket. The 2020 AASA Vision Conference, set for March 26, 2020 in Rosemont, Ill., will host a discussion featuring the Ford Motor Company about its future EV plans.

Mark Kaufman, Ford's Global Director of Electric Vehicle Marketing & Distribution, will lead “Electrification: Aftermarket Headwind or Tailwind?,” a session to discuss the company’s strategic decision to create the Mustang Mach-E, its appeal to sports car and technology enthusiasts, and Ford’s future plans for EVs. Brian Daugherty, MEMA Chief Technology Officer, will address the aftermarket impact of battery electric vehicles and cover insights from the 2018 AASA/Strategy& report on the effect of vehicle technologies on replacement rates.

Mark Kaufman was appointed Ford Motor Company’s Global Electric Vehicle Director in October 2017 in a newly formed organization created to accelerate Ford’s global electrification efforts. Kaufman brings a breadth of experience to this position. He has worked in various roles in Marketing, Sales and Service, Product Development, and Strategy across five continents. His prior role was President, Ford ASEAN, which was based in Bangkok and responsible for managing and growing Ford’s integrated operations across the ASEAN region, as well as Korea and Asia Pacific Emerging Markets.

“With the number of competitive EVs launching around the world, Ford knew that we had to go further than creating a car just to meet compliance. We knew we had to create an EV with soul,” Mark Kaufman said. “Mach-E harnesses the power of electrification to create a unique driving experience while retaining that unmistakable Mustang feeling of freedom.”

“OEMs are investing heavily in vehicle electrification to meet future fuel economy requirements,” said Daugherty. “While consumer demand and therefore the pace of the rollout is somewhat uncertain, it is coming, and it will have a dramatic impact on the aftermarket.”

AASA members attending the Conference 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), AASA Marketing Executives Council (MEC), and AASA AAPEX Event Committee (AAEC) meetings on March 25 and meetings for the AASA Technology Council (ATC) and the AASA Modern Industry eXpertise (MiX) Council on March 27. Council meeting attendance is limited to AASA members only; some limitations apply, and pre-registration is required. Contact info@aftermarketsuppliers.org for more information.

About AASA
AASA 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”