Tanvir Arfi’s keynote
message had attendees thinking hard about the future of cars and their new customers.
“The convention is one of Brock Supply’s opportu- nities to revisit current relationships and create new ones. We always find value in the collaborative and engaging atmosphere of the Auto Recycling Industry. ARA is where it all comes together,” says Jerry Brock, Chairman of the Board, and Diamond Sponsor. They have attended every trade show since 1968. “Hollander is pleased to once again partner with the ARA as a Diamond sponsor. The meeting & expo provide us a great opportunity to highlight our new innovative solutions, network with our clients and sup- port the industry,” says Chris Budion, Director Sales.
The Future of Cars Keynote Speaker Tanvir Arfi, President, Service
Maintenance and Repair Platform at Solera Holdings, Inc., had the standing-room-only crowd riveted with his discussion of the next generation of cars and cus- tomers of the not-so-distant future.
He opened with some Gen Y facts: Their spending power is currently at 1.7 billion strong – they will soon the be the big spenders of our society with boomers/ genXers spending winding down; at roughly 72 million, Gen Y is the most educated, diverse, tech-pro- ficient, and soon-to-be largest American generation ever; they are not brand loyal, rather they are brand agnostic (brand doesn’t matter; what matters is peer reviews); and interestingly enough, 10% of Gen Y checks their smart phone every 10 minutes. By 2020, he noted Gen Y will be 50% of the population; by 2030, 75%. Welcome to your industry’s future customer. With the audience processing all that data, Arfi gave them more on the state of vehicle design. Automated Driverless Vehicles are here now; appar- ently Google and Uber are building prototypes. By 2020 to 2030, he estimates “drivers” will be reading newspapers as their car drives them to work. In today’s vehicle, he notes that the technology is already evident: 360º Cameras, 360º sensors, and adaptive cruise control with lane departure assistant technology opens a new set of parts categories in yard management software.
A significant number of U.S. vehicles -- about 12.1 million between 2013-2018 -- are coming equipped with tele-diagnostics, “OE Gateway Technology.” This
38 Automotive Recycling | January-February 2016
reports diagnostic details of an accident or mechanical failure to manufacturers and/or repair shops before the car owner calls for a repair appointment. Welcome to your industry’s future inventory. Arfi concluded that in the U.S., most adults own two devices that are connected to the Internet. Anyone over 2-years-old is on the Internet. He strongly sug- gested, “Have a mobile strategy!” There are 800,000 “car parts” searches monthly. Do what you need to capture that business: accuracy of part description, images, data details, all equals a sale. Watch for “new” parts categories to appear to take advantage of profits.
Ahoy Matey ARA’s Convention and Event Planner Kim Glasscock
says, “The upbeat attitude and camaraderie shared among recyclers was evident throughout the week. Many commented on how they enjoyed the ‘family atmosphere’ of the event. Even in a tough market, the ARA family comes together and shares ideas, rein- forces business practices, and provides the continuing education and network support necessary to survive.” There is no rest – the conclusion of one convention is the start of another. “The Inner Harbor of Baltimore will be an exciting city for ARA to visit October 26-29, 2016,” says Steve Holland, Brandon Auto Services, Inc., and ARA Events Advisory Committee Chair. “Attendees will experience an area that they are really going to enjoy. We have plans for some outstanding speakers, seminar topics, vendor exhibition, and off- site activities. Make plans now to come learn and build relationships for the future.”
“Baltimore brings us to the Northeast – where, as an organization, we haven’t been before,” Glasscock comments. “The Inner Harbor is beautiful with plenty to do and see within walking distance. The hotels and convention center will be conducive to incredible networking and great educational sessions.” Check out
Baltimore.org to see the sights like the National Aquarium, the award-winning crab cakes of Phillips Seafood restaurant, and the history of Fort McHenry, B&O Railroad Museum, Seton House, Mount Vernon, Charles Street, and more. Check
araexpo.org regularly for updated details. Caryn Smith is the editor of Automotive Recycling magazine.
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