As the NACE | CARS event draws closer, the Automotive Service Association (ASA) encourages anyone involved in the industry to attend the Auto Alliance Innovation Technology & Telematics Forum, an essential automotive repair program. The Forum will begin with a morning forum discussion titled, “Where is Vehicle Technology Headed and What Does It Mean for Sustainable Transportation, Vehicle Owners, and the Modern Repair Shop?” The panel will feature prominent auto 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 COMPANY
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 panel discussion will highlight the following topics:
- What is “connected car” technology and what are the possibilities?
- What does the evolution of this technology mean for professional repair technicians?
- What are some of the challenges facing the industry?
- What are the implications of future technologies such as automated vehicles, V-to-V, V-to-I, etc.?
- How are third-parties providing services?
- What role should governments play?
Following the discussion, members of the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions about the future of the industry.
ASA also announces that OnStar’s Chief Operating Officer, Terry Inch, will deliver the keynote address during a luncheon following the panel. Inch has been with OnStar since 2002. Prior to his role as Chief Operating Officer, Inch served as Vice President of OnStar Marketing and New Business Development as well as Director of OnStar Service Delivery Operations.
The Forum will conclude with a workshop featuring Technical Presenters from various auto manufacturers including Toyota, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz USA and others.
The program will be held Friday, August 1st, in Detroit, Michigan at the Cobo Center. The program begins at 8:30 a.m. For more information about NACE | CARS 2014, visit: www.NACEexpo.com or www.CARSevent.org.
About the Events
Along with NACE | CARS 2014, a series of automotive repair industry events and co-located meetings will take place July 28-Aug. 2. Early in the week there will be a series of Board and other private meetings. Tuesday will feature a CIC quarterly meeting. Wednesday will highlight the I-CAR Conference and Gala 35th Anniversary Networking Reception. On Thursday and Friday, the NACE | CARS Expo will take place, along with numerous NACE and CARS business and technical sessions, the Collision Repair Executive Symposium (CRES), the Technology & Telematics Forum, the Automotive Management Institute (AMI) graduation ceremony and on-site I-CAR training. Technical presentations end at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, August 2.
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is an association of 12 vehicle manufacturers including BMW Group, Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co., Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz USA, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen Group of America and Volvo Cars North America.
International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) – the world’s collision repair event – represents the only B2B event of its kind specifically designed for collision repair industry professionals from around the globe. NACE features a comprehensive educational Conference and Expo with hundreds of diverse exhibiting companies displaying the latest equipment, products, services and technology available to today’s collision repair industry.
Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) – the premier event for automotive service professionals – features a high-quality education lineup led by industry leaders, along with an exhibitor showcase of automotive service and repair related equipment, products and services.
