By CRM staff
Toronto, Ontario — May 7, 2019 — Few people know Canada’s auto aftermarket as well as the Automotive Industries Association’s next chair, Jason Best. Named the AIA of Canada’s young leader of the year in 2017, the senior vice president of Spectra Premium Industries has carved a name for himself in the automotive industry over the past two decades. This week, Collision Repair caught up with the AIA of Canada’s upcoming chair to hear some of his insight on the changes affecting the automotive aftermarket and what he has in store for the collision community.
Collision Repair: As the upcoming chairman of the AIA of Canada, what do you have in store for the automotive and collision repair industry?
Jason Best: After five years of involvement with the AIA, I will have the honour of becoming AIA of Canada Chairman for 2019. We’re really at a crossroad in the automotive aftermarket. There’s consolidation, a lot of new players and changes in what’s being replaced on a vehicle. As an association, it’s our job to make sure that people understand what the changes or opportunities do to their everyday business model, how it impacts their everyday business model and how we can provide them information.
The industry association has to remain hyper-focused on how we’re going to communicate those challenges or opportunities and how we’re addressing those behind the scenes. At the same time, it must gather the voices of service providers like shop owners, who can provide us with the feedback on the quality of products, on the serviceability, the impacts of online pricing, the accessibility to vehicle data. They’re the heartbeat of what happens in the automotive aftermarket.
CR: What do you think is the most important aspect people in the automotive aftermarket industry need to stay on top of?
JB: The customer experience and journey have changed in terms of data accessibility. However, what has remained a clear constant is the fact that all our end customers want a quality part, delivered on time, at the right price. Our job is to facilitate this experience of replacing an automotive part or component in the most efficient and cost-effective method possible throughout the buying experience at all levels of distribution.
CR: What advice would you give to people in the automotive aftermarket industry in staying successful?
JB: Engage, collaborate and stay informed. As the market changes and adapts to newer trends the key for jobbers will be to integrate key changes into their service model and, more now than ever, to look for more data-orientated solutions and platforms that focus in facilitating the customer journey into a more seamless transaction.
CR: What do you see happening to the automotive aftermarket industry in the future?
JB:A lot of focus will be on data technology and its access, which will come to play a huge role in the aftermarket industry. The industry itself relies heavily on data. As the vehicle itself becomes more complex to repair, the need for a more solutions-type mind frame that focuses on how to access vehicle information, how to access data, how to perform repairs on more complex, connected vehicles with electric powertrains, assisted-driving, and self-driving technology.
A specialized workforce will need to be trained and hired based on these different skills, and the industry has to change its image to entice bright minds in joining the aftermarket.
The increasing weight of the online marketplace, compounded by the pressure of trade tariffs, has an impact on the supply chain from a price standpoint. Everybody has to watch how these will affect the aftermarket.
