by Michael Szudarek

Held earlier this week, The Automotive Testing Expo North America brought together companies from across the auto industry to showcase new strides the private sector is taking in the field of automotive testing. Marx Layne & Company was on-site at the expo to explore the new technologies and talk to many of  the companies that are working to make the auto industry safer while further changing how automakers operate.

The event, which is the only North American trade show for the automotive test and evaluation industry, featured more than 140,000 square feet of exhibition space at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan. More than 465 exhibitors were on hand for the biggest expo yet. Automotive testing is becoming a more prominent industry in the United States due to increasing concern regarding product recalls and other potential public relations pitfalls.

Event organizers were quick to highlight American companies for their innovative efforts in this field. New innovations in testing technology are poised to have a significant impact on the auto industry.

With the ability to have an effect on everything from product recalls to potential scandals similar to Diesel-gate, testing companies will play a large role in the future for automakers and parts manufacturers.

The expo took place alongside three autonomous vehicle conferences: the Autonomous Vehicle Safety Regulation World Congress, the Autonomous Vehicle Interior Design & Technology Symposium, and the Autonomous Vehicle Test & Development Symposium.

Further changing the face of the automotive industry, autonomous vehicles are adding an extra wrinkle in manufacturers plans.  Autonomous vehicles and connectivity are now important parts of any automaker’s future plans.

With the increase in automotive technology and testing comes the potential for more public relations pitfalls automakers will have to consider. As Fiat Chrysler experienced when a hacker was able to take over one of their connected vehicles, the potential risk associated with this technology is one that needs to be taken seriously.

Testing of any connected vehicle or technology will be a must for companies that want to maintain their reputation. The same goes for any recall connected to these vehicles. Communication will be required immediately, especially if the recall affects a part that has the potential to lead to hacking issues. Preventing hacking issues before they begin is going to be an issue of utmost importance for automakers as they expand in the field of autonomous and connected vehicles.

Learn more about Marx Layne’s Automotive Practice Group.