LAS VEGAS — AIAG has launched a partnership with the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) to help suppliers of specialized automotive parts increase their business with automakers.

During a seminar at the 2013 SEMA Show last week in Las Vegas, AIAG shared best practices for supplying the original equipment industry and detailed the critical performance expectations of the world’s top automotive manufacturers.

“The current capacity shortages among existing auto suppliers provide a unique window of opportunity for SEMA member companies to fill the gap and expand their book of business in the original equipment industry,” said J. Scot Sharland, executive director of AIAG. “AIAG appreciates the support of SEMA leadership in providing these companies a platform to better understand the industry quality standards, supply chain processes and responsible sourcing expectations of original equipment part suppliers.”

More than 100 companies attended the SEMA/AIAG seminar at the Las Vegas Convention Center — many of them interested in capitalizing on the need for other parts sources to accommodate robust demand in the auto sector. Every company in attendance received a complimentary one-year membership in AIAG, which provides companies with ongoing training and tools to learn and adopt best practices and standards for managing cost, quality and material throughout the automotive supply chain.

The partnership with SEMA extends AIAG’s efforts to engage with suppliers in the automotive supply chain and help them develop capacity and capability to support the needs of global automakers. Earlier this year, AIAG partnered with automotive manufacturing associations in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee to help their supplier members improve compliance with automaker performance expectations.

AIAG also extended its agreement with ProMexico, the government institution in charge of strengthening Mexico’s participation in the global economy, to help a large number of Mexican automotive suppliers meet global quality standards. ProMexico has agreed to expand the AIAG quality training program to more companies in 2014 and 2015.

More information about AIAG membership benefits is available at www.joinAIAG.org.