RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK , NC – Steve Handschuh, president and COO of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the international association which exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products, released the following statement:

“AASA applauds the Bush administration for the creation of the inter-agency task force reviewing this country’s regulatory scheme with regard to imported products. In the wake of incidents involving unsafe p rod ucts from China, it is imperative that manufacturers work with government to insure the safety of all imports.

“As the leading representative for automotive aftermarket manufacturers, AASA stands ready to support Congress and the administration as we continue to examine product safety regulations and procedures as well as manufacturing best practices.

“AASA looks forward to working with the administration and Congress on sound initiatives in the weeks and months ahead.”

According to the Washington Post, the task force was created to a growing public outcry over the safety of imports. President Bush announced creation of a high-level inter-agency task force that will spend the next six months reviewing whether current U.S. regulations are strong enough to protect U.S. consumers from unsafe imported food and other products.

The task force is to be headed by Secretary of Health and Human Services, Michael Leavitt, and will examine current U.S. regulations and inspection practices and report back to the president with recommendations on improving import safety.

AASA is a recognized industry change agent – promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues and serving as a valued resource for members. A market segment association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), AASA is “The voice of the automotive aftermarket supplier industry.”

For more information, go to: www.aftermarketsuppliers.org.