BETHESDA, Md. – The Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN) and the Heavy Duty Distribution Association (HDDA) yesterday announced a collaborative agreement designed to strengthen the independent heavy-duty distributor aftermarket. The announcement was made at a press conference at the opening of Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week at The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas.
Leaders from the two organizations explained that while both groups will remain separate and distinct entities, they will share a number of benefits and programs by virtue of HDDA’s segment affiliation with the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). These include market research, public relations, communications, education, governance, publications and legislative and regulatory affairs.
The collaboration will be a major step in expanding AAIA’s involvement in the commercial vehicle aftermarket through a closer and stronger partnership with CVSN and its unique programs and initiatives, according to AAIA.
“AAIA is extremely pleased to work more closely with CVSN, which will help expand our association’s footprint in the overall motor vehicle aftermarket,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. “We have seen the recent benefits of collaborating on legislative issues, so this greater ‘coming together’ will be a real win-win.”
“CVSN shares common goals with HDDA and AAIA for the success of our industry segment through education, growing strategic relationships with our supplier partners and a strong activism to counter unfair competition and regulations that threaten us,” said Marc Karon, CVSN president and president, Total Truck Parts. “For the first time in 45 years, the independent heavy-duty aftermarket will speak with one strong voice.”
“CVSN has found that partnering with HDDA and AAIA has delivered positive results,” said Karon. “We have found true synergy in working together on projects like Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week and the CVSN Legislative Summit that have benefited our members and the industry.”
“The greater collaboration between CVSN and HDDA will leverage the economies of scale from greater access to the valuable resources at AAIA,” said Dave Scheer, HDDA chair and president and CEO, Inland Truck Parts. “This new ‘coming together’ will strengthen all three associations.
“The commercial vehicle industry faces short- and long-term challenges that will impact our ability to remain competitive and profitable, especially in the legislative and regulatory arena. By seizing the opportunity to join forces, we now speak with a single, more powerful and influential voice,” added Scheer.
