LAS VEGAS – Recently, AAIA concluded its first Aftermarket Telematics Challenge. The purpose of the competition was to identify and recognize the best example of connected-car technology that serves to keep consumers and their vehicles connected to the independent aftermarket parts and service channel. Yesterday at AAPEX, Delphi Product & Service Solutions (DPSS) and partner Aftermarket Telematics Technologies, LLC (ATT) were announced as the winner of the Aftermarket Telematics Challenge.
“OE telematics consistently tops the list of things that keep independent aftermarket shop owners awake at night,” said Scott Luckett, CIO, AAIA. “Two-way communication with the vehicle, embedded by the car manufacturers, can deliver navigation, entertainment and other services to the vehicle. Telematics can also be used by the OEMs as a strategy to proactively communicate with the vehicle owner with maintenance reminders and suggested service when a problem develops. Can the independent aftermarket offer consumers an alternative to telematics built into their next new vehicle? The answer is a resounding ‘YES!’” The connected car solution is connected to the vehicle by way of an OBD II plug-in device engineered by Delphi. The device has been successfully road tested more than 50 million miles in tens of thousands of vehicles. ATT provides the vehicle owner and service shop operator with a web interface to view vehicle history and alerts, as well as access to parts and service information from Delphi.
Other features that will particularly appeal to parents of new drivers include geo-fencing, speed alerts and curfew management. In announcing the winner of the competition, AAIA cited how the Delphi connected car offers consumers the features and benefits of a connected-car experience, without the need to buy a new vehicle to obtain OE-embedded telematics technology. By deploying a telematics aftermarket auto care service model, traditional independent garages will be equipped with the same capabilities, designed to enable the independent aftermarket service channels to compete with the connected car care technologies supported by the OEM car dealers.
Integration with shop management technology and parts suppliers is supported through open web services. The solution also incorporates an extensive Delphi library of videos and articles designed to educate consumers about automotive parts and vehicle maintenance. “The Delphi connected car solution proves the aftermarket can offer consumers many of the services, safety and convenience of telematics without the need to buy a new car. By incorporating training and education, the solution will lead to better educated consumers and customers of the aftermarket,” said Luckett.
