The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) the US-based Auto Care Association (ACA) have finalised discussions and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Australian industry pavilion during the Automechanika exhibition held in Frankfurt.
AAAA executive director Stuart Charity says this MOU formalises the already strong relationship between the AAAA and the Auto Care Association.
“Our members will benefit through improved access to market research, education and technology initiatives by the highly professional team at the Auto Care Association,” says Charity.
The MOU will deliver streamlined registration to the premier aftermarket products exhibition in the USA – the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) to be held in Las Vegas from 4 to 6 November 2014.
“Our entire industry will benefit from the information sharing and support we receive from the ACA. Our close relationship has been valuable for the AAAA industry advocacy activities covering vehicle data sharing, warranties, telematics and the connected car,” he adds.
“The automotive industry is global. It is essential that industry associations around the world work collaboratively to ensure a continuing bright future for the aftermarket sector,” says Charity.
“The Auto Care Association has maintained a strong working relationship with our colleagues at the AAAA for many years,” says Kathleen Schmatz, Auto Care Association president and CEO.
Collaborate on common goals
The MOU provides a broad framework for cooperation between the AAAA and the ACA and formalises cross-promotional commitments for the 2014 AAPEX Show in the USA and the 2015 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo to be held in Melbourne from April16 to 18 .
The parties agree to promote international trade and investment between AAAA and ACA members, and build awareness of each other’s markets through education initiatives.
This includes continuing to work together toward common goals, such as exchanging information about activities and issues of mutual interest, through attendance at trade shows, international delegations, and fostering communication between each organisation’s staff and members.
Members of the AAAA can be manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, importers, mechanical repairers and modification services and retailers of automotive parts, accessories, tools and equipment as well as companies and consultants which service the automotive aftermarket industry.
The ACA is the voice of the US$300 billion US auto care industry — a national network of 500,000 independent manufacturers, distributors, parts stores and repair shops.
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