Auto Care Association hosts first webinar

The Auto Care Association hosted a webinar on June 28, titled “A Decade of Change – Lightweighting the Key to Compliance,” presented by IHS Automotive.

The webinar was led by Michael Robinet, managing director of automotive advisory services, and was the first in the association’s new Industry Analysis Webinar Series featuring experts on key issues currently facing the industry.

Robinet described how emissions standards in the U.S. and around the world are causing OEMs to develop and sell different types of vehicles with new technologies, changing materials and new components, which also require OEMs to adapt to comply within the next decade.

“A lot of factors are impacting the OE side first,” said Robinet. “But trust me when I say at some point, the aftermarket industry will start to feel it very quickly, as we start to see more material changes, but also some of the structural changes in vehicle manufacturing. The industry needs to look forward and not be surprised by them when they do emerge.”

Participant survey results indicated that all subject matters covered were useful for their business and that they plan on attending future webinars. The presentation can be replayed at autocare.org/industry-analysis-webinars.

“The Auto Care Association is proud to partner with IHS Automotive to provide current valuable information on issues that are impacting, and will impact, all segments of the auto care industry,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association.

The second webinar will focus on U.S. consumer sentiments and behaviors regarding the connected car, presented by Colin Bird, IHS senior analyst, automotive technology, on Wednesday, Aug. 17.

Online registration will be available soon.

The Industry Analysis Webinar Series will include five webinars, scheduled through December 2016. Future webinar topics include global forecasting and strategic planning and auto care industry trends including commercial vehicle.

There is no fee to attend, but attendees are encouraged to register early due to limited availability. Registration will be on an individual webinar basis two to four weeks before each webinar at autocare.org/industry-analysis-webinars.