BETHESDA, Md. (Aug. 7, 2015) — The Auto Care Association (ACA) has begun accepting applications for the 2015 Aftermarket Telematics Challenge, which is, for the first time, co-sponsored by the Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI).
Now in its fourth year, the challenge seeks to recognize the best examples of aftermarket technology in telematics, according to the ACA.
Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the ACA, said the association “established the Telematics Challenge in 2012 to demonstrate that the auto care industry can provide the technology and solutions today for vehicle telematics.
“We are pleased this year to partner with ETI, an organization which has shown tremendous leadership in the development of aftermarket solutions for vehicle telematics.”
Greg Potter, executive manager, ETI, said the organization is “honored to be part of this award,” calling the ACA a “visionary in the automotive telematics realm, and we are excited to be involved with the promotion of this challenge.
“We see the telematics initiative as a very big task for ETI members and the aftermarket as a whole in the coming years, and there will be many challenges and opportunities along the way.”
The selection criteria for the challenge are:
- The product or solution must serve the interests of independent automotive service retailers;
- It must protect the right of consumers to choose where the information from their vehicle and their driving behavior is sent; and
- Neither ACA nor ETI membership are required for selection.
Applications, including other items needed for submission, can be found on the ACA's website. Completed applications must be received by Oct. 2, with the winner being announced at the 2015 AAPEX event in Las Vegas. A $10,000 scholarship will be awarded to the Aftermarket Foundation in the name of the winning entry.