BETHESDA, MD — AAIA executives have taken the “Be Car Care Aware” message abroad in the hopes that European aftermarket associations will take on the campaign.
Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO, and Al Gaspar, AAIA president emeritus, were in Lisbon, Portugal, earlier this month to educate representatives of Europe’s premier aftermarket associations about the “Be Car Care Aware” campaign, the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act and AAIA’s technology industry standards.
The presentation took place at the General Assembly of the International Federation of Automotive Aftermarket Distributors (FIGIEFA). FIGIEFA represents 27 European aftermarket associations in 21 nations. AAIA is an associate member.
The European and American leaders exchanged views on FIGIEFA’s progress in pressing for implementation of vehicle repair information accessibility. Attendees also reviewed other pro-aftermarket changes made in late 2002 to the European Union’s (EU) Block Exemption Regulation governing ties between automakers and their dealers.
“Information prepared by FIGIEFA on complying with the new EU product liability and safety directives will assist AAIA in educating exporters and their European representatives on these requirements,” said Schmatz. During the ceremonies, Gaspar was presented with the Lifetime Achievement award from Hartmut Rohl, FIGIEFA president. The award was given to Gaspar for “building friendship between the North American and European independent aftermarkets.”
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