Tyler Reeves, Interstate Batteries, opened the Future of the Shop keynote session at AAPEX 2017 by stating, “Tomorrow’s auto repair shop will serve the youngest consumers with the oldest cars, and these consumers will have access to the most information with the least amount of context.” AAPEX, which represents the $740 billion global automotive aftermarket industry, took place Tuesday, Oct. 31, through Thursday, Nov. 2, at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas.
“This means shops and suppliers have the opportunity to lean in, listen, clarify and educate to effectively build loyalty with these customers,” said Reeves. “Technicians will be considered super users of devices and services to help serve customers.”
With so much technology coming at shops, Reeves and panelist Chris Cloutier, Golden Rule Auto Care, suggested automotive service professionals embrace technology by hiring smart people, learning from other industries and trying new things. “As important, start educating yourself about technology,” said Cloutier.
Cloutier stated one of the biggest problems faced by shops is finding the time for training. He encouraged audience members to create a training culture and to make sure they are trained as leaders.
Chris Blanchette, Bridgestone, said the declining population of technicians, declining enrollment in the trade and technicians leaving the industry present significant challenges. “The technician of tomorrow is not currently in the shop or bay. They are somewhere else with a spark for automotive,” said Blanchette. “We are a high-tech industry and a STEM, (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education feeds right into that, even if it means looking at 13, 14 and 15 year-olds enrolled in these programs as our future technicians.” He added that curiosity, ethics, drive, attitude and aptitude are important when hiring, in addition to skills.
Moderator Scott Shriber, Counterman magazine, stressed the need to focus more on vehicle data access and control as it relates to telematics and connected vehicles. Reeves acknowledged data is a critical item and the industry needs to elevate the discussion. Blanchette added, “Everyone in this room needs to get involved in the data discussion. The consumer has a direct impact if we don’t figure this out.”
The Future of the Shop keynote session took place on Nov. 2. The two additional keynote sessions at AAPEX 2017 addressed the Future of the Vehicle and the Future of the Buyer.
AAPEX is a trade-only event and is not open to the general public.
AAPEX 2017 featured more than 2,200 exhibiting companies and 50-plus AAPEXedu sessions. Approximately 158,000 automotive aftermarket professionals from more than 140 countries were in Las Vegas during AAPEX and the SEMA Show.
AAPEX is co-owned by the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). For more information, visit www.aapexshow.com or e-mail: [email protected]. On social media, follow AAPEX at #AAPEX17.
