The AASA Global Summit Gathered the International Aftermarket Community to Explore Critical Industry Challenges and Opportunities

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – More than 100 aftermarket professionals from the U.S. and around the world gathered in Coral Gables, Fla. on Feb. 7 to explore and discuss the latest shifts in the international aftermarket at the AASA Global Summit, presented by the Overseas Automotive Council (OAC).

The exchange of ideas began at the Summit’s Welcome Reception on Feb. 6. The program opened the following day with the “2020 Aftermarket Outlook” presented by Paul McCarthy, AASA President & COO. McCarthy highlighted the immense industry shifts that continue to affect the international aftermarket, including tariffs, USMCA, ADAS, electrification, distribution model shifts, vehicle data access, and more. The outlook’s key takeaway is that “industry uncertainty is the new certainty.”

Donna Wagner, MAAP, shared her insights on what exporters should expect as the world experiences a dramatic shift from an open trade environment to a closed border mindset. The session prompted attendees to rethink global trade and analyze “The World is Flat,” by Thomas Friedman.

In his session, “The Political & Social State of Latin America,” Eric Farnsworth, Vice President, Council of the Americas and Americas Society, provided deep insights on how the latest political and economic shifts in Latin America are leading to significant transformations in regional trade, development, and migration.

Mr. Robert Zhu, CEO of WONH Global Industries, manufacturer and distributor of TrakMotive branded products, discussed the rapidly changing distribution model in China. Mr. Zhu highlighted the immense opportunity for aftermarket expansion within the region’s vast network, which includes more than 340,000 distributors and 460,000 repair shops.

During the session, “Suppler Perspective: Global Supply Chain,” Eric Duvall, Vice President Supply Chain Management, DRiV, discussed how industry consolidation impacts all channels of supply chain, particularly in international markets. Duvall introduced the world to DRiV’s new AutoStore supply chain selection system.

David Wilbanks, Senior Vice President of Merchandising for O’Reilly Auto Parts, discussed the company’s recent purchase of Mayasa last year and its new addition to the team, Chip Carlson, Vice President of International Business Development. Carlson recently joined the OAC and plans to take an active role on the council.

Photos from the 2020 AASA Global Summit be accessed here.

Presentations from the 2020 AASA Global Summit will be available to AASA Members in early March. The next AASA Global Summit, presented by the OAC, is set for Friday, Feb. 5 at the Hyatt Regency in Coral Gables, Fla. Program details will be announced later this year.

About AASA
AASA exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products, an important part of the automotive parts manufacturing industry which supports 871,000 American jobs. 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 OAC
Overseas Automotive Council (OAC) is the international aftermarket council of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), which is the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association. The Council promotes the sale in foreign markets of automotive and heavy duty products manufactured in North America. Those products include components, accessories, chemicals, hand and power tools, service maintenance and repair equipment, and paint and body supplies for both cars and trucks. OAC has more than 350 members in more than 40 countries. More information is available through its website, oac-intl.org.