BETHESDA, Md. — The Auto Care Association (ACA) formed an Emerging Technologies Committee, a new standing committee that will spearhead research and development for vehicle network interfaces, vehicle connectivity and connected aftermarket devices.
The new committee comprises ACA staff, member volunteers and external stakeholders, according to the association.
"Wireless technology and data collection are quickly becoming integral parts of today's 'connected' vehicles," said Bill Hanvey, ACA President and CEO, explaining the reason for the committee's formation.
"The auto care industry depends on secure and standardized access to this information, particularly when it comes to diagnostic, repair and maintenance services," Mr. Hanvey said.
With the support of specific work groups, the new committee will develop design and usage requirements for the new technologies, while ensuring that these requirements are reflected in international standards, the ACA said.
In addition, the committee will oversee the creation of aftermarket retrofit device standards to provide access to existing vehicles, it said.
The committee emerged from the Telematics and Emerging Technologies Workgroup the ACA established in 2015 to begin a debate within the industry on emerging technology issues, according to the association.
The ACA is accepting applications from ACA members in good standing for individuals to serve either one or two three-year terms on the committee, according to the association.
The committee will meet twice a year—in the fall during the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas, and in the spring in a place to be determined by the committee, the ACA said. Joe Register, ACA director, emerging technologies, will be staff liaison to the committee, it said.