First Program Group In China To Introduce Auto Value Brand To The Country

The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Inc. (The Alliance) has announced the hiring of three key executives who have joined the China Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance (CAAPA) team filling critical management roles.

Xiwen Zhang has been named general manager of CAAPA. Zhang has had a long and illustrious career in China’s auto aftermarket and was one of the influential executives behind the industry’s evolution. He led one of China’s most successful parts distributors, LongFeng Auto (now called Jiapei) since 1998 at the inception of the aftermarket’s development. He has extensive production and engineering experience from his time with FuJian SanMing Steel Co. Zhang is one of the most well-known and respected executives in China’s aftermarket and is well-positioned to guide CAAPA’s development, the Alliance noted.

Ming “Michael” Fang has accepted the position of information technology (IT) director. Fang started as a software programmer and has more than 15 years IT and consulting experience having worked in several large automotive industrial global P&IT transformation programs. His experience includes working with Internet startups as well as more than two years of overseas experience working in the U.S., Denmark, Thailand, Sweden and Japan. Most recently, he held various IT positions at Volvo (China) Investment Co. Ltd. CAAPA currently has significant IT initiatives in play and Fang will provide experienced leadership. He will work closely with Alliance USA to bring the best practices to China.

Hua “Elia” Wan has been hired to serve in the capacity of product/marketing director. Wan has been active in China’s automotive aftermarket for more than 16 years and has held management positions at all levels, including supply chain, marketing, logistics and warehouse management. She has deep and practical knowledge of automotive structures and component products in addition to marketing and operational capabilities. In her positions as supply chain and product operations director for LongFeng Auto and Jiapei, she acquired deep experience in working with automotive parts suppliers. She will work closely with Zhang and Alliance USA to implement CAAPA’s private label, marketing and strategic supplier programs.

According to Steven Ganster and John Washbish, the founders of CAAPA, “These additions to our team represent a watershed moment in our development. Following months of strategic planning and recruitment of members, we are now poised to leave our mark on the Chinese aftermarket. CAAPA now has 11 shareholder members with over 260 locations in eight provinces. With our new leadership in place and backed with the strategic guidance of the U.S.-based Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, we are a force to be reckoned with.”

Federated Auto Parts Distributors announced it is entering into a collaboration with the Association of Independent Oil Distributors (AIOD) – one it said will focus on mutual benefits for the respective members.

“Federated is constantly looking at ways to improve value for all constituents and this agreement provides that,” said Sue Godschalk, president of Federated. “This collaboration provides added volume and opportunities for our suppliers, new partners for our members, and added supply points and products for shop customers. We have enjoyed working closely with several AIOD members in the past and this agreement will expand and create further opportunities for both Federated and AIOD.”