The Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) mechanical leaders met recently with their members of Congress and staff to discuss telematics and new-vehicle technologies. Members of ASA updated their representatives on the importance of these new technologies to independent automotive repairers and consumers and the efforts of the automotive industry to work together.

Attendees also heard from Bob Kreeb, division chief, Intelligent Technologies Research Division at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Kreeb outlined NHTSA’s work on telematics, connected vehicles and the ensuing security and privacy implications.

“The federal government has repeatedly called for industry input as they address these new technologies,” said ASA Chairman Donny Seyfer. “To that end, ASA is proud to lead the collaborative effort to assure workable solutions for independent repairers. We firmly believe this kind of collaborative rule-making is the most effective way to benefit all stakeholders.”

For those interested in the telematics discussion, ASA plans to host the third annual Technology & Telematics Forum at NACE | CARS 2016 in August. For more information on the program, visit http://www.naceexpo.com/page.cfm/Link=46/t=m/goSection=6.