INDUSTRY ISSUESNASTF Engages The Future
CHICAGO, IL (Dec. 1, 2005) - The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) is moving forward toward formalization. The questions that remain are how and when the plan will be put into effect.
The teleconference last month was attended by more than 50 interested parties. Prior to the meeting, two formalizing proposals were distributed: one briefly describing a proposed NASTF board, the other a formal proposal from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Once underway, the meeting included a recap of previous NASTF meetings; the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) facilitated meetings held last September; the recent Congressional subcommittee hearing; an offer by SAE to facilitate a meeting to discuss formalizing NASTF; and a discussion period.
The SAE proposal differs from the initial proposal from the Equipment and Tools Institute (ETI).
The ETI proposal was put forth as a straw-man to get things rolling. It proposed the hiring of a full-time manager/administrator over a three-year period (with a sunset clause at the end) at a projected annual cost of $150,000, to be funded by those wishing a seat on the NASTF Steering Committee. Details of the ETI proposal can be viewed on the ETI Web site at
www.etools.org.
According to SAE, its proposal offers to bring its industry-recognized reputation for professionalism in association management, especially in highly charged technical issues within the automotive and transportation industries. Key aspects of the SAE proposal for the creation, management and administration of the NASTF include the SAE's commitment to:
* Develop ground rules, strong organizational processes and structures, and consortia standards.
* Create a governance structure that has credibility, buy-in and transparency.
* Facilitate effective communication, including hosting meetings, workshops and conference calls.
* Maintain, update and improve existing matrices, as well as develop new ones as needed.
* Improve the NASTF "Feedback Information Request Process" to streamline resolution and accurately capture and publish data.
* Develop and nurture the NASTF leadership, and provide administrative services over the contract term.
* Operate at an annual cost of $270,000, based on a three-year contract, which would cover salaries and benefits, business travel, facilities, computer services, communications and meetings.
A tentative Jan. 25, 2006 date for the next meeting was set, followed by a general discussion as to the size and make-up of an initial steering committee. Two proposals were suggested. Both named industry stakeholder categories, and one went so far as to suggest the specific organizations represented. Neither, it was emphasized, was set in stone.
Those in attendance were asked to speak up if unable to support the proposal by the SAE to facilitate the next meeting of the NASTF. No one spoke directly against it, but there were some concerns raised. Several exclusions as steering committee representatives were mentioned, most notably that by Aaron Lowe of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) who asked why the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE) wasn't on either proposed list of representatives.
The response given suggested that a lobbying group should not be included. Lowe said that whether liked or disliked, organizations seen as being credible merited inclusion. Lowe added that the NASTF needed to ensure formalizing was done correctly, and once and for all. Note that CARE was a participant in both the CBBB facilitated negotiations as well as the congressional hearing, where governance, oversight and enforcement of NASTF were discussed.
SAE representatives asked for a key person to liaise with, and the group identified John Cabaniss, the current NASTF chairman, as the contact. In moving toward the next meeting, SAE indicated it will work with Cabaniss and the industry stakeholders to form an initial list of steering committee representatives to work toward formalizing an enhanced, full-time
NASTF.
For consumers, the industry and Congress, responsible self-control of the automotive industry, with buy-in from all stakeholders, may be closer than ever, with or without legislation.
