For those that are into telematics, and I mean really into telematics, the
Automotive Aftermarket Industry Assn. (AAIA) is hosting a contest just for you.
AAIA is planning its first Aftermarket Telematics Challenge to find the most innovative and commercially viable examples of vehicle connectivity technologies.
Submissions will be evaluated by an independent panel of judges who make their decisions based on:
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The value and relevance of the solution to the aftermarket parts and service channel;
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The use made of industry standards and best practices in the solution; and
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The economic viability of the solution and potential for commercial success.
Winners will receive $5,000 cash and a matching $5,000 contribution to the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium Scholarship fund. Winners will be announced at the AAPEX show, where the winning technology will be demonstrated during the AAPEX Learning Series seminar, Yes: The Aftermarket Can Do Telematics, on Thursday, Nov. 1 at The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.
Submissions must include a demonstration of a working model of the technology (prototype or better); a presentation describing the solution, features and solutions to common integration challenges; and a white paper documenting the business model and financial plan to commercialize the solution.
Entries must be submitted by Oct. 1.
“We want to smoke out some of the clever development work that is going on today in the areas of telematics and vehicle connectivity,” said Scott Luckett, AAIA chief information officer. “Solutions that make use of AAIA web services and other automotive standards will be scored higher. Technology that empowers consumers with an alternative to embedded OE telematics is what we’re going to identify. We want to celebrate the best and most innovative applications of technology to the connected vehicle challenge.”
You do not have to be an AAIA member to enter the contest. Submissions will remain confidential, the organization said, but the winner must demonstrate the technology at the AAPEX seminar.
Complete rules, applications and judging criteria are available at http://aftermarket.org/Technology/Telematics/Telematics-Challenge.aspx.
