On August 30 and 31, 76 industry professionals and executives from leading companies in the automotive aftermarket industry met in Chicago for the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) Fall Technical meeting sponsored by the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association (AMRA). This day-and-a-half meeting included informative and technical presentations covering topics that affect how service providers repair and maintain vehicles today, as well as their ability to build trust with the motorist.
The topics highlighted in the meeting were:
- “Battery Technology” – Jeremy Cordray, NorthStar Battery
- “Battery Application and Fitment” – Glenn Perrini, East Penn Manufacturing Company
- “Battery System Testing” – John Sowder, Midtronics
- “Battery Charging” – Gary Mackey, Associated Equipment Corp.
- “Telematics and the Supply Chain” – Jon Owen, Epicor Software
- “Automotive Telematics Systems” – Aaron Lowe, Auto Care Association
- “Connected Mobility Solutions” – Kevin Mull, Bosch – Automotive Solutions
- “Cabin Air Quality” – Bruce Dobbs, C.A.T. Inc/ Run-rite
The event began with an in depth battery segment, covering new technologies, testing, charging and fitment. This was followed by a panel discussion involving NorthStar Battery, East Penn Manufacturing Company, Midtronics, Associated Equipment Corp., and Interstate Batteries. The afternoon focused on automotive telematics systems. With presentations covering both Aftermarket and OEM systems, their capabilities and some of the opportunities and obstacles for the aftermarket. Day one ended with a networking dinner at a local upscale restaurant, allowing attendees to network and enjoy food and drinks while discussing the day’s meeting. AMRA also presented the finalized review of the Uniform Inspection & Communication Standards (UICS) covering components in the vehicle brake category and announced air conditioning will be the next category reviewed.
AMRA and MAP hosts three Technical Meetings each year that are open to all members. Each meeting includes presentations to provide relevant knowledge on servicing the latest vehicle systems to service providers as well as ensuring that the Uniform Inspection and Communication Standards are updated. The next Technical Committee Meeting will be held Jan. 15-16 in Orlando.
For more information about AMRA’s Technical Committee Meetings or memberships, contact the group at 847-947-2650 or [email protected].
About AMRA AMRA, a nonprofit trade association, is an alliance of automotive professionals responsible for standards that deliver piece of mind to the motorist through their member’s 21,000 service provider locations and their 80,000 MAP Qualified Associates. Membership includes a wide variety of industry participants including Service Providers, Parts Suppliers, Parts Manufacturers, Tool and Equipment Manufacturers and Suppliers as well as Technology Companies.
