AASA and MERA Laud Michigan Gov. Snyder’s Veto of HB 4344

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and the Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA) today applaud Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder for his veto of HB 4344, “The Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act,” citing concerns about the measure’s negative impact on the automotive aftermarket industry. AASA and MERA are divisions of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA).

In his letter to Michigan legislators, Snyder said, “I am unable to sign this bill because it overreaches in the limitation of aftermarket parts negatively impacting consumers and creating the potential for negative consequences for Michigan's automotive industry.”

“We commend Governor Snyder for this veto, which ensures motorists’ freedom of choice about their vehicle’s service and repair,” said Bill Long, AASA president and chief operating officer. “This is a major victory for our members, who spoke out against this measure and the harmful impact it would have had on the jobs and economic contributions that the full service aftermarket suppliers make to Michigan’s economy.”

“Governor Snyder’s action today preserves consumer choice and ensures robust and open competition in Michigan’s automotive service and repair sector,” said John Chalifoux, MERA president and chief operating officer. “I am proud of our members who effectively voiced their concerns about the bill’s potential to impede competition and limit access to high quality remanufactured parts for Michigan drivers.”

Snyder’s letter announcing the veto noted the important contributions of the aftermarket and remanufacturing to Michigan’s economy. “As Michigan continues its comeback and continues to be a leader in promoting new technology in the automotive industry, it is imperative that we ensure all components of that industry can remain strong, including Michigan's robust aftermarket parts industry.”

The full text of the governor’s letter is available here.

About AASA

AASA (www.aftermarketsuppliers.org) exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products which support 710,000 employees in the United States. AASA is a recognized industry change agent – promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues and serving as a valued resource for members. AASA is the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “AASA, The Voice for the Automotive Aftermarket Supplier Industry”

About MERA

The Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA) is the remanufacturing and sustainability division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), which has been advocating on behalf of the motor vehicle supplier industry since 1904. At MERA, our mission is to advance the remanufacturing industry and the business interests of our members. Our network of remanufacturers, suppliers and professional services firms promotes the environmental, economic and product performance benefits of remanufactured goods. To learn more, visit www.MERA.org.

About MEMA

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) represents vehicle suppliers that manufacture and remanufacture components and systems for use in passenger cars and heavy trucks providing original equipment (OE) to new vehicles as well as aftermarket parts to service, maintain and repair over 256 million vehicles on the road today.  Suppliers are the largest employers of manufacturing jobs in the U.S. directly employing over 734,000 Americans with a total employment impact of 3.6 million jobs. Our members lead the way in developing advanced, transformative technologies that enable safer, smarter and more efficient vehicles, all within a rapidly growing global marketplace with increased regulatory and customer demands. Ultimately, about two‐thirds of the value of today’s vehicles come from suppliers. MEMA represents vehicle suppliers through the following four divisions: Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA) and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA).  For more information on the motor vehicle component supplier industry, visit www.mema.org.