MEMA Asks Congress to Audit Effectiveness of Current Process Between Automakers and Independent Aftermarket
In a letter delivered to Congressman Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.), the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) urged Congress to request a study from the General Accounting Office assessing the effectiveness of the current non-legislative voluntary system between the automakers and the independent repair industry on non-emissions related diagnostic, service and repair information. Rep. Stearns is chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. In addition to this news, MEMA yesterday announced that it has developed a position regarding the aftermarket industry’s “Right to Repair” issue, which was heard before a Congress subcommittee yesterday.
Congress Gives Automakers One More Chance to Share Data
Yesterday, scores of representatives from the automotive aftermarket along with representatives from the original equipment manufacturers turned up on Capitol Hill to attend a Congressional hearing on HR 2735 — the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act. If passed, HR 2735 would mandate that car manufacturers make available all service and repair information to independent service technicians. The hearing, which took place before the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection of the House and Energy Commerce Committee, is a major step forward for those who have been lobbying in support of the legislation.
AASA to Add Technician Resource to Web Site
As part of AASA’s efforts to support the right of the consumers to have their vehicles repaired wherever they choose, the association has announced it will post a list of manufacturing members’ technical hotlines and/or Web sites on its Web site — www.aftermarketsuppliers.org. This new section of the AASA Web site will function as an online reference point for installer technicians to contact manufacturers with repair questions.
Executive Interview with Paul Foley, Vice President, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA)
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Paul Foley, vice president of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), a market segment of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). Join us as Foley brings us up to speed on the rapid growth of AASA since its creation two years ago, as well as several industry initiatives AASA is currently focusing on.
Keith Kreft Awarded ETI Founder’s Award
Keith Kreft of Cupertino, Calif., was presented the Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI) Founder’s Award at the association’s recent board meeting. The Founder’s Award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and support of the Institute. It is ETI’s highest honor. Kreft is the 14th recipient of the award since it was established in 1985.