WASHINGTON, D.C. – A delegation representing the Chinese government was in Washington, D.C., yesterday for discussions on the advantages that a strong, independent automotive aftermarket can have on the country’s economy and consumers.
 
The visiting delegation included representatives from China’s Ministry of Transport, Department of Market System Development, the China Automotive Technology & Research Center and the Department of Legislative Affairs for Industry.
 
U.S. participants include representatives of Honeywell, the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and its light vehicle aftermarket division, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and the Auto Care Association. Discussions were held at the MEMA Washington, D.C., office.
 
Topics covered with the Chinese delegation included: the structure, participants and terms used in the automotive aftermarket, the benefits to the economy and the consumer of a strong independent system and the need for open access to parts and diagnostic information.
 
The meeting began yesterday morning with welcome addresses from Steve Handschuh, president and CEO of MEMA, and Dan Yaung, general manager of the North American aftermarket, Honeywell. Bill Hanvey, AASA vice president, presented the structure of the North American aftermarket to the delegation emphasizing the opportunity for jobs creation and consumer choice with an open aftermarket environment. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce also were in attendance.