The CEO, Tim Cook, restated the point in a recent interview with Bloomberg: for the first time Apple’s leading figure spoke about the company’s projects in the automotive field. In fact Mr. Cook depicted the industry in the following terms: “We view it as the mother of all AI projects and probably the most challenging to work on”.

Digitization and computer security are the challenges facing the automotive world over the next three years. According to a study by Frost & Sullivan and Irdeto, investments in this field are expected to be in the region of $ 82 billion

The European Commission's proposals on revision of the homologation process for motor vehicles and on the connected car and access to technical data are in the process of being approved. Two measures of utmost interest for the car repair industry, given the numerous and heavy implications that could arise for the after-sale sector.
 

It seemed almost impossible, but garage equipment is still evolving, with car diagnostics on the front line: more user-friendly hardware and software, the internet as a stable background to retrieve information and updates in almost real time. At the same time, where software is less essential there are talks of quick maintenance service and ergonomics
 

Multi-brand offers continue to simplify and speed up repair, while the proper awareness towards the value of a circular economy brings the virtuous process behind reconditioned spare parts to the fore

Vintage car collecting is a growing phenomenon in recent years, which brings with it a growing demand for restoration and maintenance. An attractive and wealthy market, in which services and spare parts, however, will need to be more and more specialized.

78,000 lives saved, 1,800 vehicles tested, 630 safety ratings, investments for 160 million euro. Result: safer cars than ever before. And from next year impact tests on cyclists.
 

The first few models could be unveiled already as early as the end of this year thanks to projects financed by innovative companies. The automotive sector though, has no intention of taking a back seat and is trying to get into this business. But for now unsuitable infrastructures, safety risks and the absence of dedicated regulations are clipping the wings of these “flying machines”.

The European Garage Equipment Association has recently decided to create a specific working group with the aim of defining a product standard for the suspension tests equipment, trying to identify a viable and cost-effective solution for anyone in Europe and around the world who wants to introduce this test in their periodic vehicle inspection checks.

At Autopromotec 2017, entrepreneurs and industry experts debated, during the International Aftermarket Meeting, over which strategies must be adopted to revamp the after-sales service segment. Hyper-technological and hyper-connected vehicles require increasingly qualified specialists and cutting-edge tools to cater to new customer needs.

The aftermarket industry is evolving and to keep pace with the changes taking place in the automotive world, component makers, spare parts dealers and distributors are all focusing on technological innovation. Yet, teamwork is essential if the fourth industrial revolution is to be governed successfully. According to Mauro Severi, President of AICA “Innovation is a mutual effort. This is why we are in the running to become, with Germany, the only true 4.0 factory in Europe”
 

Autopromotec recently became the stage for lively debates on telematics, vehicle control and data flow during the conference: "Vehicle information: access denied ?!". Industry associations focused on the importance of ensuring direct access to vehicle diagnostic data and the risks facing the entire industry.