The Aftermarket Telematics Challenge, sponsored by the Auto Care Association, is now open for 2014 and accepting applications from makers of auto care products that offer the benefits of a connected vehicle from an auto care solution. The annual competition recognizes the winner with $10,000 of scholarships in their name. Scholarships are awarded by the GAAS scholarship fund to students preparing for an automotive career in the fields of technology or telematics.
The deadline for applications is Friday, Oct. 3, and the winner will be recognized at AAPEX, Nov. 4-6 in Las Vegas.
“The auto care industry has always responded to changing vehicle technology with innovative solutions and products to address consumers’ needs,” said Scott Luckett, chief information officer, Auto Care Association. “In the case of telematics, consumers want a choice in what information is available from their vehicle and who it is sent to. Today, innovative products are available to bring in, plug in or beam in the safety and convenience of telematics without the need to buy a new vehicle. The Telematics Challenge is intended to identify the best examples of telematics, making use of technology that was not embedded by the vehicle manufacturer.”
Products and solutions must be in production and commercially available at the time of application. Aftermarket telematics solutions include those that plug in to the J-1962 OBDII interface, make use of a smartphone application or a hybrid solution. Applicants must submit a demonstration of the product, a description of the functions and features and an explanation of how the product serves the interests of the consumer and the independent vehicle service industry. Key features of interest to the auto care industry are remote diagnostics, vehicle condition management and periodic maintenance reminders.
Previous winners of the Aftermarket Telematics Challenge were Delphi Product & Service Solutions for their Connected Vehicle Solution and Verizon Telematics for their In-Drive telematics solution.
Complete rules and an application are available at www.autocare.org/telematics.