by Amy Antenora
Managing Editor, aftermarketNews.com

Michigan Rep. Mike Rogers accepting the Joseph M. Magliochetti Industry Champion Award from MEMA.

Day two of the MEMA Legislative Summit began with an unexpected twist - a fire in the Rayburn Congressional building - where MEMA intended to start its day of lobbying. However, in true aftermarket fashion, MEMA members didn’t miss a beat. The attendees split up into 12 groups to meet in closed door sessions with representatives from the House and Senate.

More than 250 members of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) gathered this week in the nation’s capital to meet with legislators to discuss some of the most pressing issues impacting our industry today. MEMA’s Legislative Summit -- “Setting the Suppliers’ Agenda” -- kicked off Wednesday night with a reception and supplier fair in the Cannon House building on Capitol Hill. Representatives from more than 20 aftermarket companies were on hand to provide legislators with an up-close-and-personal view of what the automotive aftermarket contributes to the nation.

The main focus of the supplier fair was to inform legislators of the various technological advancements in automotive technology, particularly with regard to safety. Manufacturers such as Continental, TRW, ArvinMeritor, Eaton and Federal-Mogul displayed booths at the event highlighting recent safety technologies such as electronic stability control.

“The real objective is to showcase the technology,” said Brian Duggan, MEMA’s director, commercial and international affairs. “Customers are getting a lot of value in their vehicles today. And, our suppliers help to deliver trust to the consumer through the parts they manufacture. When it's all contained inside a vehicle, that can be taken for granted, but this gives the opportunity to really view each part.”

Continental Automotive Systems is among the leading companies bringing safety technology to the automotive industry. Director of Public Relations Jim Gill spoke to legislators about Continental's work to encourage automotive safety regulations via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Gill discussed the next generation of technologies -- including its “Active-Passive Integration Approach” -- designed to create total vehicle safety.

For Federal-Mogul, the supplier fair offered an opportunity to show legislators the various underhood and undercar parts that it is known for. The company used this chance to build more brand awareness and understanding, according to Michael Kraft, brand manager for Moog, Carter and Champion. “We’re trying to showcase the confidence we provide to consumers,” he said.

While many companies exhibiting at the supplier fair were promoting the industry’s advancements in safety technology, CARDONE Industries was on hand promoting another important issue -- the environment. As one of North America’s largest remanufacturers of automotive parts, CARDONE can speak firsthand about the massive impact remanufacturing can have on our environment.

CARDONE’s Director of Corporate Marketing Dil Kulathum explained that the remanufactured parts given a second life at the CARDONE facility are providing great environmental benefit when considering they could instead be in a landfill somewhere.

“Remanufactured parts have a place in protecting the environment,” said Kulathum.

On Thursday, about 100 MEMA members convened on Capitol Hill to make congressional visits and lobby for other critical industry issues such as anti-counterfeiting legislation, issues related to increased prices for steel and other raw material costs and health care reform.

Paul Neureiter, director for China at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, also took time to meet with Paul Foley, MEMA members. Neuwriter gave the group an update on relations with China with regard to anti-counterfeiting and IPR efforts.

The day concluded with a lunch meeting and award presentation. During the lunch meeting, MEMA President and CEO Bob McKenna spoke about the increasing relationship between the automotive aftermarket industry and the government and the importance of advancing the industry’s image. McKenna called the industry a “key cog” in the nation’s economy.

“It is apparent now more than ever before the role government will play in our industry,” said McKenna. “It is imperative the industry’s voice be heard and understood here on Capitol Hill.”

The lunch meeting also featured the presentation of the second annual Joseph M. Magliochetti Industry Champion Award. This year the award was presented to 8th district Michigan Rep. Mike Rogers.

MEMA established the Industry Champion award in 2004 in honor of Joe Magliochetti, who served as the chairman and CEO of Dana Corp. until his death in 2003. The award was created to recognize those who have worked diligently on behalf of automotive parts manufacturers in the U.S.

In addition to his role speaking out about the industry’s steel crisis, Rep. Mike Rogers also served as one of the original sponsors of the Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act of 2005. Rogers will also be the lead sponsor of the Intelligent Vehicle Technology legislation, which seeks to accelerate the deployment of advanced vehicle safety technologies into the U.S. market and to help reduce the number of traffic related injuries and fatalities. The legislation is slated for re-introduction this year.

Joe Magliochetti, Jr. presented this year’s award to Rogers. He spoke about his father’s strong leadership and advocacy roles, both at Dana and while serving as chairman of the MEMA board. He also commended Rogers for his leadership, converting support of the automotive industry into action on its behalf.

Rogers returned the compliment to MEMA members. “My hat is off to you,” said Rogers. “I can’t tell you how excited I am that you will increase your presence here. I’m just the voice. It’s you who makes this happen. I’m honored to have this award and look forward to working shoulder to shoulder with you,” he said.

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