BETHESDA, Md. – The Auto International Association (AIA), a segment of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), will host a series of “Global Market Updates” during AAPEX next week in Las Vegas. The new series is a result of recent strategic planning by the AIA Executive Leadership Council, which resulted in a decision to expand AIA’s focus to include identifying and promoting both import and export trade opportunities for AAIA members. AIA had previously been known as the import segment of AAIA.
 
During AAPEX 2013, AIA has organized three Global Market Update sessions highlighting import and export opportunities for AAIA members in the following markets:
 
· India: Presented by the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) in the AAPEX Press Conference Room, Sands Expo Center, Room 304, at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
· Colombia: Presented by the U.S. Commercial Service in the AAPEX Press Conference Room, Sands Expo Center, Room 304, at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5
· Australia: To be presented by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) in the AAPEX Press Conference Room, Sands Expo Center, Room 304, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6.
 
In addition to the Global Market Update series, AIA also is adding a new export-focused session to the AAPEX Learning Forum. The session, entitled “Best Export Opportunities for U.S. Auto Parts,” will be conducted by the U.S. Commercial Service and will provide an overview of U.S. government export assistance programs and key export opportunities for U.S. auto parts manufacturers. Auto industry experts from the Commercial Service will discuss how companies can start or increase international sales and highlight current key markets where export opportunities exist. This session will be held from 2-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6 in Marco Polo Room 704.
 
“AIA is committed to providing its membership with the tools to successfully import to and export from the North American marketplace,” said Steve Bearden, AIA chairman. “While we will continue our commitment to promoting the import side of the auto care industry, we now hope to duplicate that success on the export side and to become the engine behind AAIA’s promotion of international trade opportunities for its members.”