The Auto Care Association formalized its long-standing relationship with Turkey’s Association of Automotive Parts and Components Manufacturers (TAYSAD) on May 29, 2015. TAYSAD President Dr. Mehmet Dudaroğlu and Arlene Davis of the Auto Care Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the sixth annual TAYSAD Aftermarket Conference in Istanbul.
This year’s conference program included presentations on aftermarket issues and trends in Europe, China and the United States. A small delegation of Auto Care Association staff and members participated in the conference, including a panel moderated by Davis on the U.S. auto care industry supply chain, with Sheila Andrews of the Auto Care Association, Isaac Mishael of National Auto Parts Warehouse and Mike Mohler of National Pronto Association as panelists.
While in Turkey, the Auto Care Association delegation networked with leading industry officials to discuss opportunities for increasing U.S. auto parts exports to Turkey, and to connect Turkish suppliers with U.S. companies. They also met with a number of Turkish companies through one-on-one meetings and factory visits. This is the second year the Auto Care Association has participated in the TAYSAD Aftermarket Conference.
“Auto Care Association members can play a large role in the development of emerging auto care industries around the world, and we are committed to identifying and promoting business opportunities for our members globally,” said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “We are thrilled that some key members were able to join us on this trip and we look forward to working with TAYSAD and our other international partners on various global initiatives to advance our members’ interests.”
Turkey’s position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and Turkey’s Customs Union agreement with the EU make it an ideal location to penetrate markets in the region. The Turkish automotive parts/service equipment industry has expanded as Turkish automotive production and imports have increased. In 2014, U.S. exports of auto parts to Turkey increased by 51 percent compared to the year before. A total of nearly 1.2 million vehicles were produced in Turkey in 2013. With a cluster of car makers and parts suppliers, the Turkish automotive sector has become an integral part of the global network of production bases, exporting nearly $20 billion worth of motor vehicles and components in 2013.
