AAPEX learning forum to offer sessions on technology and service readiness

The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) Learning Forum will offer six sessions on technology topics, ranging from data standards to start/stop vehicle technology, and four sessions on repair shop readiness. Learning Forum sessions will start on Monday, Oct. 29 and be offered during AAPEX, slated for Tuesday, Oct. 30 through Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas, Nev.

For technology topics, on Monday, Oct. 29, Derek Kaufman, C3Network, Inc., will offer, “The New Aftermarket: We Have an App for That.” Kaufman will discuss the future of business with mobile technology, the advantages of adopting this new technology, and examples of mobile applications used in the aftermarket today.

Telematics will be the topic for two sessions, beginning with “Confronting the Connected Car,” on Tuesday, Oct. 30, with Fred Blumer, Vehcon, Inc. In this session, Blumer will cover the characteristics of the connected car, what it means to the aftermarket service industry and the consumer’s freedom to choose where their car’s data is directed. “Yes, the Aftermarket CAN Do Telematics” on Thursday, Nov. 1, will feature a demonstration by the winner of the first-ever Aftermarket Telematics Challenge, which recognizes and honors the most innovative and commercially viable example of vehicle connectivity technology. This session also will include presentations by Scott Luckett, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and Ben Johnson, Mitchell1, on what it takes to build out and offer aftermarket telematics solutions.

Two additional sessions on Nov. 1, will focus on vehicle technology and have been organized by AAIA’s Car Care Professionals Network (CCPN) and two members of the AWDA Manufacturers Advisory Council. “Start/Stop Technology: It’s Coming Your Way,” will be led by Michael Loth, Robert Bosch LLC, and will cover the key details of start/stop systems and what technicians need to know to service them. For years, hybrid vehicles have used start/stop technology, but these systems are seen now in non-hybrid vehicles. “Advanced Driveabilty and Diagnostics: Properly Diagnose the First Time,” will be presented by Jason Norwood, NGK Spark Plugs/NTK Oxygen Sensors, and will explain testing methods for diagnosing emissions-related components to help improve efficiency and avoid costly comebacks due to improper diagnostics.

Repair shop service readiness topics include two sessions on “what’s in the box” that repair shops install on customer vehicles. On Wednesday, Oct. 31, a panel of repair shop owners, led by Ron Pyle, Automotive Service Association (ASA), will discuss what’s important about product quality from a technician’s perspective in “Technician Panel: What’s Inside the Box?” Panelists will include Bill Moss, Ferris EuroService Automotive Inc., Warrenton, Va.; Betty Jo Young, Young's Automotive Center, Houston, Texas; Tom Piippo, Tri-County Motors, Rudyard, Mich.; and Dave Kusa, Autotrend Diagnostics, Campbell, Calif. On Nov. 1, the session, “Manufacturers’ Added Value: What ELSE is in the Box?” will take an in-depth look at everything that goes along with the product in the box adding value that may be unseen or taken for granted. This session features Jack Cameron, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), along with Grif Jordan and Jim Kelley of Honeywell.

Additional sessions on Oct. 31 include, “Future Service-Readiness for Repair Shops and Suppliers: An Aftermarket Necessity,” to be presented by Mark Saxonberg and Andrew Knevel of Toyota. This session will define service readiness and outline how shops can become service ready. “The Impact of Dissimilar Coolants on the Automotive Coolant System,” led by Ed Eaton, Amalgatech, will highlight what happens in modern cooling systems when dissimilar coolants are mixed in the cooling system. This session is part of the “Inside AAPEX for Automotive Instructors” program.

A total of 32 sessions will be offered in the AAPEX Learning Forum. All AAPEX education sessions are free and will be held at the Venetian Hotel, on the Venetian/Palazzo Congress Center Level 1, Marco Polo Rooms 701 – 706.

Although some sessions are recommended for specific aftermarket audiences, everyone is welcome to attend any session. All AAPEX Learning Forum sessions are accredited by the University of the Aftermarket toward the Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) and Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designations. For more information, visit www.aapexshow.com.