AASA Names Jay Burkhart Executive Director of Its China Aftermarket Office

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), announced today that Jay Burkhart, AASA vice president and chief strategy officer, has been named executive director of the association’s new China Aftermarket Office.

“Jay’s formal appointment to this role is an integral part of the association’s long-term commitment to advancing its members’ business interests in the growing aftermarket in China,” said Bill Long, AASA president and chief operating officer. “His global aftermarket background with extensive, hands-on commercial experience in commercial markets, including China, will be invaluable.”

Burkhart will be based at MEMA’s global headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C., and will provide strategic guidance and global aftermarket direction to Dr. Yilong Chen, managing director of the new MEMA China Center in Shanghai, also the location of the AASA China Aftermarket Office. Burkhart recently joined AASA after 16 years with Federal Mogul, including the role of senior vice president, global aftermarket. He also previously served as vice president of global marketing at Tenneco Inc.

“The addition of Jay’s direction as a seasoned global aftermarket executive further enhances the AASA’s member resources available in China,” said Chen. “I look forward to collaborating with Jay to develop the AASA strategic platform for growth in members’ businesses here in China.”

“Our members in both the U.S. and in China have asked AASA for enhanced support regarding the China aftermarket,” said Bill Hanvey, AASA senior vice president. “With Jay’s global strategic direction and Dr. Chen’s industry profile in China, AASA can provide unmatched support for those currently doing business in China while also offering insight to those U.S. members who are interested in learning more about China’s aftermarket and developing a business plan for this rapidly growing opportunity.” 

Next steps for AASA’s strategy to serve its members in China will be outlined at the June meeting of the AASA China Aftermarket Forum (CAF), the only aftermarket executives’ council of its kind in China. 

About the AASA China Aftermarket Forum

The AASA China Aftermarket Forum (CAF) is a peer group comprised of members of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association with operations in the People’s Republic of China. Its mission is to support the growth of member companies’ business within the Chinese automotive aftermarket. The CAF accomplishes this mission through offering opportunities to meet with peers and other selected constituencies, facilitating collaboration among the members, and representing member interests via coordinated member participation in relevant industry groups

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”