On April 8, the Secretary of Communications and Transportation of the United States of Mexico, issued a new agreement (Spanish / Unofficial English translation) clarifying the essential activities under the COVID-19 National Health Emergency previously published on March 31, (Spanish / Unofficial English translation provided by the National Association of Manufacturers).
The new agreement recognizes auto-repair and auto supply as essential businesses under Section B, Sub Section III (I):
The essential activities included in the Health Emergency Agreement are within the scope of the Secretary of Communications and Transportation, are the following:
III. (i) Vehicle fleet maintenance services, supply of spare parts and related services.
The Auto Care Association is recommending member employers to provide a letter to employees stating their essential status and refer to the April 8, 2020 agreement (mentioned above). The letter should include details on the essential business: the name of the employee, a phone number, name of the business, address of the business and a point of contact at the business for verification purposes.
The Auto Care Association has been working with its partner associations in Mexico, including the Association of Representatives, Importers and Distributors of Spare Parts and Accessories for automobiles (ARIDRA) and the National Industry of Auto Parts (INA), to exchange timely information and support their actions before the Mexican government. In addition, Auto Care is working with Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) on these efforts. The associations also have been in contact with the U.S. Department of Commerce and Embassy of Mexico to advocate on behalf of the aftermarket industry.
