Telematics for the aftermarket

[Spence]

Saw this on another forum and thought I would bring it here.

http://www.sae.org/mags/aei/11575

 

So what are your thoughts?

[FROGFINDER]

Like it or not here it comes. Soon the cars will drive themselves to the dealer. Until then i say, you work your side of the street and i'll work mine.

[Gonzo]

Not that I'm surprised... at all. I add this to the continual efforts to apply the idea of "Right To Repair" to the independent side of the business. As I've seen in the past, every effort of the aftermarket to gain more info. or "re manufacturer" components, whether it's an oil filter or a water pump. There has always been some effort on the part of the manufacturer to make it tougher to get into their pocket.

 

Telematics sounds like, is going to be, and no doubt will be the future of automotive repair. It also has some behind the scenes issues of controlling vehicles after the sale... (Ok, I don't know that... I'm being paranoid I guess)

 

Here's the thing, as we keep moving into a complete computer age the manufacturer is going to find even more ways of watching their product after the sale. If, as an independent, we have full access... well...how much of that is true? How much of it could be still hidden or fall under the category of "Manufacturer Only". So what do you think the manufacturers could do to maintain some level of awareness of their products? Hmmm, monitor the car by GPS? See how many miles people keep their car? See what the public that does not keep up with maintenance and what do they avoid doing... and not by some guy with a clip board writing all this down while standing on a street corner? Could be... watch the cars by satellite. Could be... could be nothing at all.

 

Just some open thoughts on the matter... Although, I'm kind of looking forward to seeing how this Telematics is going to work on the open road with independent shops. Could be pretty cool.

 

Saw this on another forum and thought I would bring it here.

http://www.sae.org/mags/aei/11575

 

So what are your thoughts?