I’m sure many of you have heard the term “telematics” before. If not, you’re certainly familiar with the technology. It’s the communication between a vehicle and another source – whether that be the driver, or another remote location. General Motors has already employed OnStar, a telematics service, for years.
Nowadays, larger fleet operations have already adopted this technology, so their operations can run vehicles at peak performance. Instead of passively communicating with the driver when necessary, telematics services actively encourage more efficient driving, updated routing information and more. That trend will continue to evolve with the widespread adoption into consumer vehicles.
At this year’s ETI annual meeting, a large emphasis was placed on vehicle telematics and the autonomous vehicle.
On the forefront of new technology, the aftermarket is making an effort to come in at the ground level, in order to seamlessly support telematics for consumers. This involves cooperation and communication between many different groups.
At this year’s meeting, the recently formed Telematics Task Force presented information encouraging the entire automotive aftermarket to prepare for this technology as it’s more widely adopted by vehicle owners, and to develop a standard that can be used across the entire automotive industry.
The task force’s main objective is to “(ensure) open access to automotive telematics technology, vehicle connection and service information for both vehicle owners and aftermarket service providers.”
This would involve working with a number of different groups that affect the vehicle owner, including:
Associations and standards organizations. Groups such as the Automotive Care Association, American Automobile Association and Equipment and Tool Institute all work to organize a standard for the automotive aftermarket. The Telematics Task Force is also working with standard creation groups, such as the Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE), in guiding the changes in telematics technology.
Auto manufacturers. The task force looks to have cooperation among all vehicle manufacturers, to better the service of the consumer. This means allowing vehicle information access to anyone that may request it.
App developers. Open information would allow developers to create more user-friendly means of obtaining and viewing vehicle information for users.
Parts and service providers. Not only referring to OEM service providers, but also any independent parts store or repair shop. In other words – your business.
So how does this affect your shop? Like most new technologies introduced to market (think the use of R-1234yf refrigerant in late-model vehicles), it may take a few years for telematics to hit your shop. But it’s important to stay on the cusp of new developments in order to service your customer to the highest potential.
While diagnostic companies are just coming out with technology to help you monitor a customer’s vehicle, that’s only the beginning. What other types of service and repair opportunities might be available to build a relationship with your customers?
I encourage you to visit www.aftermarkettelematics.org for more information.
