The importance of trade shows like AAPEX has risen exponentially in recent years as the oftentimes perplexing, emerging technology that is being integrated into today’s vehicles becomes ingrained in every facet of our industry.
These changes underscore the value of attending an event of this magnitude. Shows like AAPEX offer attendees a chance to get up to speed on new product innovations, while also taking advantage of training seminars to prepare to service these next-generation vehicles. Trade show intel is priceless, as it gives attendees an inside look at what’s “next,” while empowering us all to capitalize on this industry’s technology wave and connected future — a reality that is no longer on the horizon. Without a doubt, these high-tech vehicles will be in your bays sooner than you think.
Whether it’s active safety and driver-assistance technologies (like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning), telematics or autonomous vehicles, the faster you embrace this technology and obtain the proper training, tools and equipment, the sooner you will be able to turn these new repair challenges into opportunities.
As high-tech features make their way into more and more vehicles, the need for customer education also becomes more important. In charge of handling this task is the resourceful network of independent repair shops who will be required to not only fix these new vehicles, but also educate customers on the latest vehicle developments and their corresponding service needs.
If you want a taste of some high-tech vehicle nuggets, don’t miss Donny Seyfer’s article, where he talks about the “driverless future” and how your business model as you know it today will change in the coming years as driverless cars are factored into the service equation.
Skeptical that the talk of driverless cars is more science fiction than an impending reality? Donny makes the case that there’s reason to believe that autonomous vehicles will serve the demands of the shifting marketplace sooner rather than later.
“Creating a strong business case for these vehicles is an aging population who will need mobility, children who have so many activities that they need an administrative assistant, and people who can’t be bothered to drive while they are texting,” Donny writes.
Technology is not a passing fad, and adapting to it is going to be a way of life in our industry. Puzzling as all the innovations may be right now, remember that you hold the key to keeping customers satisfied with each high-quality manufactured part you source and each expertly repaired vehicle you deliver.
The key is getting in on the ground floor by understanding all the parts and service information that these modern vehicles will require. The only caveat is you can’t take a step into the not-too-distant future just by sitting behind your desk. Here’s hoping to see you at the show!
