Hard Parts Becoming Smart Parts: Learn about the Changing Dynamics of Smart Aftermarket Parts at AASA’s Aftermarket Mobility Innovation

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. -- Shiva Bhardwaj, CEO of PitStop, will address the changing dynamics of smart aftermarket parts, “Hard Parts Becoming Smart Parts,” at AASA’s newest event focused on suppliers of mobility technology to the aftermarket industry., the AASA Aftermarket Mobility Innovation (AMI). The event is slated for Wednesday, Oct. 3, in Clearwater, Fla., following the 2018 AASA Technology Conference.

Bhardwaj will explore how sensors and ECUs increasingly are being used to create two-way communications with traditional hard parts and how quickly automotive parts are becoming smart parts. He will share his perspective as the leader of Pitstop, a powerful combination of a mobile app, a telematics device and artificial intelligence that can predict vehicle failures before they happen and enable vehicle owners to book appointments with their trusted service center with a press of a button.

Bhardwaj’s background includes a history of entrepreneurship in the automotive industry. In addition to PitStop, he also was CEO and founder of Shocklock. He is an experience system engineer whose experience also includes past positions at NVIDIA and BlackBerry.

AMI is open to all industry players, including traditional parts suppliers, mobility/technology suppliers and aftermarket channel partners. Separate registration is required for Technology Conference attendees.

AASA President and COO Bill Long will open AMI with his presentation, “Advancing the Technology Interests of the Aftermarket.” Other confirmed presentations and speakers include:

• “How Long Will the OBDII Port Last?” – Debaters: Brian Daugherty, MEMA chief technology officer; Jim Fish, vice president business development, Lemur Vehicle Monitors and president of the Equipment & Tool Institute; and Bob Gruszczynski, OBD communication expert, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
• “The New Aftermarket Supplier: Telematics, Connectivity, Predictive Analytics and Vehicle Data Platforms and All Things Digital” – moderator Chris Gardner, AASA vice president; panelists William Newman, chief strategic industry adviser - NA automotive industry, SAP, and Kumar Saha, global aftermarket research and consulting manager, Frost & Sullivan
• “Vehicle Data Platforms – One or Many?” – Debaters: Chris Bahlman, head of diagnostics and services – NA, Continental, and David Winter, executive vice president, TecAlliance
• “Funding Technology Innovation: The Investment Community’s Perspective” -- Dan Smith, CEO, Capstone Financial Group
• “Regulatory Challenges for Aftermarket Mobility Suppliers” -- Ann Wilson, MEMA senior vice president, government affairs
• “Convergence of Blockchain, Mobility, IoT and Mobility” -- Arvind Jain of ShiftMobility
• “Strategies for Mobility Technology Suppliers” -- Paul McCarthy, AASA executive vice president

More information about the AASA Aftermarket Mobility Innovation event is available here.

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

About ATC

The AASA Technology Council (ATC) is a forum for networking and exchange of best practices focusing on current and emerging technologies that support members’ efforts to reduce costs, improve efficiencies and pursue new business opportunities. More information is at www.aasatechnology.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 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”

###