2015 Technology Newsmaker Q&A Chris Gardner

Nov. 19, 2015
Chris Gardner, a vice president who handles technology for the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association, discusses AASA's Connected Aftermarket initiative with Aftermarket Business World.

Chris Gardner is a vice president for the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). He manages all technology areas for AASA members, including the AASA Technology Council and the AASA Technology Conference. He spoke to Aftermarket Business World about AASA's Connected Aftermarket initiative.

What was the genesis of the Connected Aftermarket initiative? Why was it launched at this particular time?

There has been a lot of focus on autonomous vehicles and connected cars, and these certainly will impact the independent aftermarket (IAM) soon. However, a significant number of technology innovations are beginning to connect vehicles and vehicle performance with motorists and repair facilities, and this could lead to a disruption of traditional relationships and supply chains.

AASA has labeled this technological disruption the “Connected Aftermarket.” Our initiative to address it is focused on helping parts manufacturers, or suppliers, and the aftermarket industry identify opportunities to grow their respective businesses and to ensure the emerging technologies do not create barriers for conducting business between current trading partners. We also want to educate the entire aftermarket on technology advancements that are already impacting the industry – not just Connected Car innovations.

What are some of the key challenges presented by connected vehicles, telematics, etc.?

As great as these opportunities are for the aftermarket, potential problems also go hand-in-hand. Open consumer access to parts information opens the door to the possibility of ordering poor quality parts, which by the way is a major focus of AASA’s Know Your Parts initiative. Data roadblocks could arise, preventing motorists or the independent aftermarket from accessing vehicle data through OBDII ports or other ways. Finally, the control of the presentation of part, service, labor, branding and technical information could shift to emerging technology companies that do not understand the unique nuances found in, or stringent quality levels required by, the aftermarket industry

How will the initiative help address some of those challenges?

AASA plans to help its supplier members and aftermarket resellers by educating, discussing and addressing: Connecting traditional aftermarket companies with emerging technology companies, i.e., app developers, networks, sensor producers, Big Data software providers and e-tailers; branding parts and services on websites and mobile apps; innovating the use of telematics; and using Big Data applications to reduce excess inventory, reduce warranty returns and optimize forecasting.

What activities will be part of the initiative moving into the last part of this year and the first part of 2016?

AASA will kick off the “Connected Aftermarket” with thought leadership at the AASA Technology Conference. During 2015 AAPEX, AASA addressed the Connected Aftermarket in five AAPEXedu sessions organized by the association. Further discussions of the Connected Aftermarket will be on the agenda at the 2016 AASA Vision Conference in April.

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