RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Since its creation in 2002, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has assisted aftermarket suppliers both large and small in meeting the challenges of today’s competitive global marketplace.
AASA is one of three market segment associations under the umbrella of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), explained Paul Foley, AASA president.
“MEMA created its aftermarket association to exclusively serve aftermarket component manufacturers,” he said. “AASA’s members benefit from our association’s focus on the aftermarket and the resources of MEMA, the largest and oldest trade association of motor vehicle product manufacturers in North America.”
Since its inception, AASA has taken the lead in addressing the issues which affect the aftermarket. In 2003, AASA spearheaded an effort with other aftermarket associations to conduct the landmark excess inventory survey conducted by Northwood University’s Richard DeVos Graduate School of Management. AASA also has driven industry efforts to combat counterfeit parts and intellectual property rights violations and helped support MEMA’s efforts to remove onerous steel tariffs.
Most recently, the association has formed a coalition with other industry groups, the Aftermarket Data Trust (ADT). The group is currently conducting a study to research potential solutions to the industry’s challenges of inconsistent data (catalog and product attribute) and delivery methods.
“AASA works diligently on members’ behalf to identify issues affecting business and to seek solutions,” said Foley. “For example, our work through the Brand Protection Council has raised awareness of the public and elected officials on the issue of counterfeit parts. Counterfeiting costs American automotive suppliers approximately $12 billion in sales on a global basis annually,” he noted.
AASA also has formed two groups to increase the dialogue of its members in the aftermarket overseas. The European Aftermarket Forum and the China Aftermarket Forum, which meet quarterly in Brussels and Shanghai respectively, have both been well received my membership, according to Foley.
In addition to its efforts on top aftermarket issues, AASA also offers members valuable market research. AASA is the only publisher of the replacement rates of aftermarket components. Its annual publication, Replacement Rates of U.S. Automotive Parts, offers a pocket-sized guide to the U.S. light vehicle aftermarket for 83 service jobs and provides five years of trended data to help members estimate product life and market size.
AASA’s market research also includes annual compensation surveys (executive/sales force), quarterly market analysis newsletter and product line reporting (22 product lines).
The association’s publications feature the latest industry news and market research. The association produces a monthly e-newsletter and an annual aftermarket segment analysis, Automotive Aftermarket Status Report, which also includes the AASA membership directory.
AASA membership also entitles companies to significant discounts on trade shows such as Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), PAACE Automechanika Mexico and Automechanika Shanghai.
AASA also provides a voice for the aftermarket through MEMA’s Washington, DC, office. AASA members, as well as members of MEMA’s heavy-duty and original equipment suppliers groups, can meet face-to-face with elected officials and regulators in the association’s annual Legislative Summit.
For more information about AASA membership, contact Joe DePaulis, AASA director of membership, at [email protected] or 919-406-8807.
_______________________________________
