The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers hosted the first Technology and Telematics Expo at the NACE | CARS show in Detroit. The expo featured a question-and-answer-style forum with automotive industry leaders including:
• Frank Weith, general manager, Connected Car Services, Volkswagen Group of America
• Steve Coker, head, Uconnect Operations, Chrysler Group LLC
• Alan Prescott, attorney, Ford Motor Co.
• Bob Stewart, general manager, Customer Care & Aftersales, ACDelco/General Motors
• Eric Berkobin, vice president, Engineering, Verizon Telematics
• Jules Polonetsky, executive director, Future of Privacy Forum
• Roger Saul, Ph.D., director, Vehicle Research & Test Center, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The panelists provided valuable information about the future of vehicle technology and what it means for the modern repair technician. Audience members also participated, posing their own questions to the group.
“I could not have been more pleased with the presentations at this inaugural program," said Donny Seyfer, forum moderator and ASA chairman-elect. "The willingness to share information and work with the independent repair shop was evidenced by the participation of the original equipment manufacturers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. I believe each of the nearly 200 participants left the program equipped with valuable information to take back to their shops.”
During lunch, participants were given the opportunity to hear about some of OnStar’s latest developments from Chief Operating Officer Terry Inch. The expo concluded with specialized workshops led by representatives from Toyota, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz USA and Volkswagen Group of America.
The expo was well-attended, and the Alliance expressed its interest in partnering with ASA on similar projects in the future.
“The Alliance appreciated the opportunity to bring together a variety of experts from our member companies and from within the industry to discuss connected vehicle technology and the related opportunities and challenges," said Matt Godlewski, vice president of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. "Automakers understand the value of an ongoing dialogue with ASA and its members on this topic, and look forward to continued collaboration and education.”
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