Get the First Preview of a New Groundbreaking Study on the Emerging “New Retail” Aftermarket at the 2019 AASA Vision Conference in April

Conference attendees will learn if the digitalization of the aftermarket is a bust or boon in the pending AASA / Roland Berger study

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Dramatic changes are transforming the automotive aftermarket with a potential “new retail” emerging that could blur the line between physical and digital commerce. Barry Neal, Roland Berger partner, and their US Aftermarket Leader, will discuss the new business models being pursued by both current aftermarket players and new “digital giants” in the presentation, “The ‘New Retail’ Future of the Aftermarket (and How to Win),” at the upcoming 2019 AASA Vision Conference on Wednesday, April 3, at The Henry, Dearborn, Mich.

Roland Berger, one of the leading global consultancy firms, and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), have launched a groundbreaking analysis of how these new distribution and service models will impact the aftermarket – and what strategies aftermarket businesses need to adopt now to succeed. Vision Conference attendees will receive a preview of the report; the full report will be available exclusively to AASA members.

“As we launch our analysis at this crucial time for the aftermarket, it’s appropriate that we do so in Dearborn, the center of automotive development and innovations over the years,” said Bill Long, AASA president and chief operating officer. “Our examination of the impacts of digital giants, OEMs, insurers and other stakeholders on the traditional independent aftermarket, will spark vital dialogue among Vision attendees, who are the top suppliers and channel partners in the aftermarket today.”

“In this collaborative effort with Roland Berger, our goal is to provide our supplier members with the insights they need to access their own state-of-readiness and to support their current channel partners to ensure their continued success,” said Paul McCarthy, AASA executive vice president. “The conversation will begin at Vision and continue throughout this year to focus on the strategies that suppliers need in order to successfully manage the omni-channel marketplace through 2025 and beyond.”

“Technology is paving the way for new B2C models for service and part requirements identification, selection, and repair. As these new models and technologies continue to accelerate and gain penetration in the market, it creates new opportunities for both suppliers and distributors to reach, plan for, and respond to consumer demand.” said Neal of the new study that Roland Berger is working on with AASA. “This new study will provide insights so everyone who is part of the aftermarket chain can position themselves with winning strategies to overcome the inevitable market disruptions that are on the horizon.”

The AASA Vision Conference is regarded as the aftermarket’s premier thought-leadership event and is dedicated to advancing the business interests of the aftermarket industry and the association’s members.

The 2019 event opens on Tuesday, April 2, with an industry networking reception at The Henry Ford Museum. The Conference convenes the morning of April 3 with industrywide sessions examining critical aftermarket business issues, such as:

• The Road to Achieving Freedom of Choice for the Aftermarket
• The Great Tariff Debate
• How the Aftermarket Will Unfold in 2019-2020
• Repairing High-Tech Vehicles

The Conference will close with an AASA member-only segment, which will features Mark Finestone, executive vice president of merchandising for AutoZone, as the “Customer Spotlight” speaker, and also includes a presentation by Adam Goetsch director of automotive for Amazon.

More information about the AASA Vision Conference agenda, registration and hotel reservations is available at aasavision.org.

AASA Vision Conference supporters to date include premier sponsor Epicor Software Corp. and APA Search, AutoNetTV Media, Corcentric, Edgenet, Experian, Gold Eagle, MontAd Media, N.A. Williams, OptiCat, Plante Moran, Snap36, Surys and Tasco Sales Reps. For more information about promotional opportunities at the event, contact Ben Brucato.

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”