Auto Care Insider Volume 101 - 2

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE AND THE SURVEY SAYS... YES THEY CARE! AS I've said before in this column and in numerous speeches and meetings, telematics and emerging technologies are the association's top priority. That's why earlier this year, the association engaged the Powell Tate agency to conduct formative research and create a strategic communications and advocacy plan - our playbook - to raise the awareness and understanding of the implications of vehicle telematics among vehicle owners, the auto care industry and policymakers. While the association identified telematics as our number one issue, we needed to learn just how important this issue is to car owners and our members. As you will see from the research results in this issue, both consumers and the industry care a great deal, especially when they are presented with the facts. We have dedicated the cover of the magazine and a four-page feature article on telematics that shares some topline research findings upon which the playbook was built. I want to share some research finds from our members that you will not find in the article. The numbers clearly validate why the Auto Care Association stepped up to the plate and took a leadership role in conducting extensive research to inform ourselves 2 AUTO CARE INSIDER | VOL. 101 on the issue and understand how best to position telematics and gain and leverage support for our ultimate goal - to ensure that consumers have the right to choose where their vehicle data is transmitted and that independent repair shops have access to that data. One statistic we should all be proud of is that 96 percent of our members trust the association for information about telematics, more so than their own employer, other aftermarket trade associations and trade media. Following are more facts from the comprehensive research: 91 percent are familiar with telematics. 90 percent believe that vehicle owners should have access to the data. 93 percent believe the vehicle owner should be the one to decide who can access the data. 91 percent are willing to take action to give vehicle owners the ability to control who has access to their data. 97 percent believe that telematics will help the aftermarket provide better service to customers. 96 percent believe telematics systems will increase the efficiency in servicing vehicles. 90 percent believe telematics will help the aftermarket grow its business. BILL HANVEY Auto Care Association President & CEO As you will see from the research results in this issue, both consumers and the industry care a great deal, especially when they are presented with the facts. Now we know what our members believe about telematics, and we have comprehensive insight into what consumers know and think about telematics, too. Next step - we will continue to pursue a negotiated settlement for the consumer's right to own and direct their vehicle's data with the automakers. Should we not be able to reach an agreement, we will initiate this dynamic campaign on behalf of all vehicle owners, policymakers and the auto care industry. Game on!

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Auto Care Insider Volume 101