SYDNEY, Australia — Several major U.S. industry associations have offered their support for the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) in promoting its 2005 AAAA Trade Show.
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) has announced it will promote the show, as the event will provide AAIA members the opportunity to reach key buyers in the emerging Asian-Pacific markets. In addition, the Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA) has signed on as a co-sponsor of the event. The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association and a number of other U.S. aftermarket associations will also sponsor the event.
“We are encouraging suppliers of products in our remanufacturing industry to look at Australia as a potential market to export their products,” said Bill Gager, president of APRA. “There may also be opportunities to grow their business as a result of exhibiting or attending this every-other-year event. Australia is a major player in the Asia-Pacific automotive industry with four automakers — GM-Holden’s, Ford, Mitsubishi and Toyota.”
The bi-annual AAAA Trade Show was launched in Melbourne in 2003. The 2005 AAAA Trade Show will be held April 7-9, in the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Center. AAAA projects the 2005 show to be 90 percent larger than in 2003, with more than 350 exhibitors drawing some 10,000 qualified buyers from Australia, Asia-Pacific and other markets.
Adding to the show’s appeal is the recently signed U.S.-Australian Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which will make Australia an even more attractive market for U.S. aftermarket exporters, said AAIA. On the day Congress approves the FTA, Australia will drop its 5 percent – 10 percent tariffs on all motor vehicle parts, giving U.S. aftermarket producers a competitive edge over global competitors.
To learn more about AAAA and its 2005 show, go to: www.aaaa.com.au.
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