What the Aftermarket Needs to Know from CES 2026
Tue Feb 03 2026
CES 2026 didn’t just showcase concept cars, it rewired the roadmap for the entire aftermarket. We unpack how software-defined vehicles, AI-first platforms, connected cockpits, and autonomous fleets are transforming everyday service work into high-value, repeatable revenue. From NVIDIA-led AI toolkits and panoramic displays to lidar-heavy ADAS stacks and open-source software initiatives, we explain what matters now and where independent shops can lead.
Host Stacey Miller walks through practical moves you can make today: develop multi-OEM software diagnostics training, package safe OTA updates as maintenance, and stock subscription-ready hardware that enables future features. On the cabin side, learn how to turn connected cockpits and voice assistants into install bundles, protection plans, and 30-day digital tune-ups that keep customers loyal. For safety, we outline an ADAS calibration blueprint—facility standards, targets, documentation, and mobile service—that wins insurer trust and creates dependable fleet contracts.
Autonomy is closer than hype suggests, and with robotaxis and delivery pilots scaling, uptime-focused service models will be critical. We share how to prepare autonomy bays, manage compute thermal loads, and negotiate SLAs with mobility providers, then look beyond cars to the wider mobility ecosystem: two- and three-wheelers, smart trailers, and new charging accessories that add fresh margin. Open-source collaboration rounds out the trendline, lowering barriers to diagnostics and enabling a more transparent, repair-friendly landscape.
If you’re ready to turn CES headlines into a 12-month playbook, this conversation delivers the steps, tools, and language to get your team moving. Subscribe, share with a colleague who leads training or operations, and leave a review to tell us which opportunity you’ll tackle first.
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To learn more about the Auto Care Association visit autocare.org.
To learn more about our show and suggest future topics and guests, visit autocare.org/podcast
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CES 2026 didn’t just showcase concept cars, it rewired the roadmap for the entire aftermarket. We unpack how software-defined vehicles, AI-first platforms, connected cockpits, and autonomous fleets are transforming everyday service work into high-value, repeatable revenue. From NVIDIA-led AI toolkits and panoramic displays to lidar-heavy ADAS stacks and open-source software initiatives, we explain what matters now and where independent shops can lead. Host Stacey Miller walks through practical moves you can make today: develop multi-OEM software diagnostics training, package safe OTA updates as maintenance, and stock subscription-ready hardware that enables future features. On the cabin side, learn how to turn connected cockpits and voice assistants into install bundles, protection plans, and 30-day digital tune-ups that keep customers loyal. For safety, we outline an ADAS calibration blueprint—facility standards, targets, documentation, and mobile service—that wins insurer trust and creates dependable fleet contracts. Autonomy is closer than hype suggests, and with robotaxis and delivery pilots scaling, uptime-focused service models will be critical. We share how to prepare autonomy bays, manage compute thermal loads, and negotiate SLAs with mobility providers, then look beyond cars to the wider mobility ecosystem: two- and three-wheelers, smart trailers, and new charging accessories that add fresh margin. Open-source collaboration rounds out the trendline, lowering barriers to diagnostics and enabling a more transparent, repair-friendly landscape. If you’re ready to turn CES headlines into a 12-month playbook, this conversation delivers the steps, tools, and language to get your team moving. Subscribe, share with a colleague who leads training or operations, and leave a review to tell us which opportunity you’ll tackle first. Send us a text To learn more about the Auto Care Association visit autocare.org. To learn more about our show and suggest future topics and guests, visit autocare.org/podcast