LAS VEGAS – Bob McKenna, president and CEO of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), yesterday announced the launch of a new MEMA-affiliated association, the Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA), which will exclusively serve motor vehicle component remanufacturers. McKenna made the announcement at the news conference hosted by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket affiliated association of MEMA just prior to the kick-off of AAPEX in Las Vegas. 
“MEMA is organizing MERA with the sole mission to help its members be more profitable, innovative and competitive on a global scale,” McKenna said at a news conference. “MERA will serve motor vehicle component remanufacturers as AASA and MEMA’s other affiliated associations serve their respective industries – the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) and the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA).”
McKenna noted that MERA’s purpose will be to advance the business interests of members supplying remanufactured motor vehicle components and related services by:
providing a forum to address issues of common interest serving as a resource for industry information and analysis promoting the interests of the global remanufacturing community serving as a voice and positive change agent for the industry.
“MERA will concentrate on five areas of strategic focus: representation of remanufacturers; legislative and regulatory advocacy; vital market research and analysis; technology and data leadership; and member engagement through collaboration, networking and education,” McKenna said.
The association’s immediate goals include appointment of a board of governors representing the leading remanufacturing companies and selection of a staff executive to direct day-to-day operations. Announcements regarding the MERA board and its executive will be made soon, the association said. Future association activities include the launch of its Web site and publication of a remanufacturing environmental and economic market research and analysis report.
