SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California State Senate has passed and adopted a resolution recognizing the significant contributions the automotive aftermarket industry provides to motoring consumers and the state. The resolution was co-sponsored by the California Automotive Wholesalers’ Association (CAWA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA)
Authored by Assemblyman Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina), ACR 152 recognizes the considerable contributions of the automotive aftermarket to the state’s economy, transportation system and environmental stewardship, while also providing robust consumer choices for the transportation needs of Californians. The resolution also recognizes and supports the designation of April as National Car Care Month and encourages all citizens to participate in activities that promote proper vehicle maintenance.
"I’m pleased to author ACR 152 honoring the hard working men and women in the automotive aftermarket industry that provide consumers with low-cost, quality alternatives and options for their automotive maintenance and repair needs," said Hernandez. "In order to meet the challenges we face today over transportation emissions, we have to be more vigilant than ever before in the upkeep and maintenance of our vehicles. Through the passage of ACR 152, the legislature recognizes the automotive aftermarket’s role in keeping our vehicles well-maintained, which leads to lower tail pipe emissions and greenhouse gas reductions."
Commenting on the action, Rodney Pierini, CAWA president and CEO, said, "The passage of this legislative resolution by both houses of the legislature is a real honor for the automotive aftermarket industry, and we applaud Assemblyman Hernandez for his leadership in recognizing the aftermarket’s role in helping reduce emissions. While we in the aftermarket have known intuitively of the significant contributions the industry provides to consumers, the environment and the economy, it has now been recognized and acknowledged by the California legislature too."
The resolution, which has now been concurrently passed by both houses of the legislature, will provide policymakers with a better understanding and appreciation of the industry and what CAWA and AAIA members do each and every day to help consumers with vehicle maintenance, provide lower-cost, quality alternatives for their repair needs, and help the environment by keeping cars well maintained which leads to lower tailpipe emissions, the two associations noted.
"We all know the benefits of the national ‘Be Car Care Aware’ campaign and the designation of April as National Car Care Month, but it’s a significant step in the right direction that the California legislature now understands why educating the motoring public about the importance of vehicle safety and the environmental benefits facilitated by proper vehicle maintenance is so important," added Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO.
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