RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) announces that Dr. Yilong Chen has joined its staff as managing director of the AASA China Center. AASA is the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association.
“Dr. Chen will represent AASA and its members as the association’s executive based in China,” said Bill Long, AASA president and chief operating officer. “He will develop relationships on AASA’s behalf with leaders of China’s government and industry, and share his extensive thought leadership on the region’s markets with members.”
“I am very pleased to be a part of AASA and share my first-hand knowledge and experience with the association’s automotive aftermarket supplier members,” Chen said.
Chen’s responsibilities include facilitating summits, forums and council meetings for the AASA membership and for the AASA China Aftermarket Forum, the association’s council for aftermarket executives who direct AASA member companies’ operations in China. He also will provide government officials consolidated information regarding the automotive aftermarket and North American aftermarket suppliers as that market continues to grow in the country. He will represent AASA and its members in other China-based industry groups. In addition, Chen will serve as a resource in advancing the business interests in Asia of HDMA and MERA members.
He has had an extensive career in the automotive industry, beginning at General Motors in 1984 where he pioneered robotics and CAD for concept car design. From 1995 to 1998, Chen was the chief scientist and director of technology development and partnership of GM’s China Operations, and assisted GM in successfully cooperating with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. (SAIC) for its Buick program in China. In 1998, he returned to GM’s U.S. operations where he continued technical collaboration and high level relation building with China, and also developed and managed technical collaboration with GM’s alliances (Fuji Heavy Industry, Suzuki and Isuzu) in Japan.
Chen received his Ph.D. in system and control from Washington University, St. Louis, Mo., in 1984 and has been recognized for his pioneering work in technology, receiving many awards and accolades. He is a past recipient of the prestigious GM President Council honor, which recognizes employees who represent the “Best of the Best” in terms of performance at all levels throughout GM. He also was honored with the GM McCuen Award, which provides recognition for extraordinary technical accomplishments and their economic impact to the company. Chen was elected a Fellow of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in 1999 for his outstanding technical contributions.
