RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Leaders of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and its original equipment market association, the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA), met with key executives of CLEPA and JAPIA, the associations representing automotive parts suppliers in Europe and Japan, for trilateral discussions of common issues and cooperation in the global automotive industry Jan. 15 in Detroit, Mich.
 
“As our members continue to operate in a global environment, it is critical for the trade associations to meet and discuss issues of common concern,” said Steve Handschuh, president and CEO of MEMA. “I was pleased that the participants could identify significant issues for immediate cooperation and joint efforts. We are committed to working with our colleagues from CLEPA and JAPIA for the betterment of all of our members and to serve as the strong voice for North American suppliers in the global industry.”
 
Issues discussed at the meeting ranged from efforts to promote intellectual property (IP) protection, remanufacturing, emerging environmental regulations and trade negotiations between the respective countries. The global industry leaders also identified topics for further discussion, including greater coordination of anti-counterfeiting efforts and strengthening regulatory harmonization.
 
The trilateral group plans to continue to work on these issues and other topics, and agreed to meet in six months to report progress.