AASA Overseas Automotive Council to Join Auto Care Association on Peru Trade Mission

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The Overseas Automotive Council (OAC) of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) will join the Auto Care Association on a trade mission to Peru, slated for Tuesday through Thursday, May 17-19.

The trade mission is supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) to help the automotive industry increase U.S. auto parts exports to free trade agreement partners in Central and South America. Companies that participate in the trade mission will have the opportunity to gain global market information directly from in-country sources and to participate in face-to-face meetings with local aftermarket industry executives pre-screened to match trade mission executives’ business needs.

“The OAC has a long tradition of promoting exporting and sales of U.S. aftermarket products internationally,” said Bill Long, AASA president and COO. “Global markets account for an increasing portion of our members’ growth, revenue, and profits, and AASA and OAC are committed to advancing members’ business interests around the world.”

“We are very excited about our trade mission program to Latin America and we are thrilled to have OAC join us in Peru,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “The developing automotive market in Latin America holds tremendous export, business development and job creation opportunities for U.S. companies, and these missions will play a central role in helping our members enter and develop market share in key export markets.”

“This is the beginning of a great collaboration among AASA, OAC and the Auto Care Association,” said Ben Brucato, OAC executive director. “OAC will be collaborating in future events and trade missions, all with the common goal of promoting the export of U.S. aftermarket products and services.”

Participation in the Peru trade mission is open to members and non-members of the associations. Qualifying manufacturers will receive personalized business-to-business meetings through the U.S. Commercial Service's Gold Key Matchmaking Service and a reimbursement for a portion of the trade mission cost.

Members of OAC and AASA can register at www.autocare.org/trade-missions.

For more information about the OAC, its programs and initiatives, contact Ben Brucato:bbrucato@aasa.mema.org. 

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 the AASA Overseas Automotive Council

The AASA Overseas Automotive Council (OAC) 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 Web site, www.oac-intl.org.