Verizon Wins 2013 Aftermarket Telematics Challenge

The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) announced Verizon Telematics as the winner of the 2013 Aftermarket Telematics Challenge at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas, Nev. The competition serves to identify and recognize the best example of connected-vehicle technology that can be fitted to vehicles in the aftermarket. The Verizon In-Drive system offers consumers a choice of telematics services including safety and security; vehicle operation data; navigation; roadside assistance; diagnostics and service reminders.

In announcing the winner at AAPEX, AAIA Chief Information Officer Scott Luckett said, “Nearly 160 million vehicles, 1996 and later, are equipped with a diagnostic port that can accept an aftermarket telematics upgrade. Consumers crave connectivity in their lives, including their time behind the wheel. The Verizon In-Drive system delivers a rich suite of convenience, security and vehicle management features without the need to buy a new vehicle with the ‘technology package.’”

Consumers respond favorably to maintenance reminders, especially when they are originated by the vehicle itself. Aftermarket service retailers who develop a telematics strategy to stay connected to their best customers will benefit from this increased awareness of the need for regular and timely maintenance. When features such as remote diagnostics and service reminders are bundled with driver-friendly features such as voice-navigation and roadside assistance, consumers see a compelling value proposition in an aftermarket telematics upgrade.

Eric Berkobin, vice president of engineering, Verizon Telematics, will be at the AAPEX Learning Forum session, “Aftermarket Telematics: Separating Fact from Fiction” on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 9 a.m., to explain how the In-Drive system can benefit the aftermarket service channel. The session will also include Luckett and Roger Lanctot, associate director in the global automotive practice, Strategy Analytics.

The winner of the Aftermarket Telematics Challenge is recognized with a $10,000 contribution made in their name to the Aftermarket Scholarship Fund. For more information, visit http://www.aftermarket.org/Technology/Telematics.