AASA Vision Conference to Explore Global Sourcing in a Post-Trade War Environment

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The recent trade war environment has forced the automotive aftermarket to consider new strategies to maintaining successful global sourcing operations. At the AASA Vision Conference, set for March 26 in Rosemont, Ill., the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) will host a session featuring industry experts who will share timely insights on navigating global sourcing in the post-trade war environment.

In the session, “New Global Sourcing: Where Should We Be Post Trade War?,” Jeff Jorge, Principal and Firm Leader with Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, will lead a thoughtful discussion about the latest shifts in global sourcing as a result of recent trade wars and tariffs. Panelists will include Jay Burkhart, TRICO Group President, Selwyn Joffe, Motorcar Parts of America CEO, and Howard Laster, Continental Executive Director & General Manager.

“We’ve heard loud and clear from our members that disruptions to global sourcing is one of the most pressing issues facing our industry,” said Paul McCarthy, AASA President and COO. “We are extremely grateful to have this expert CEO panel share their perspectives on global sourcing and their reactions to Roland Berger’s newest study on the global supply chain. This is an important topic for our members business success, and we are looking forward to the engaging discussion at the AASA Vision Conference.”

The AASA Vision Conference will explore other important topics as well. Schwartz Advisors’ session “It All Starts with the Repair Shop” will review current technology opportunities that will drive aftermarket business at the service channel, and how that will flow back up the chain and determine which aftermarket suppliers win and lose. Brian Daugherty, Chief Technology Officer with MEMA, will join Mark Kaufman from The Ford Motor Company on stage to talk about the impact of vehicle electrification on replacement parts in “Electrification: Aftermarket Headwind or Tailwind?” And in the session, “Supply Chain Disruption,” Barry Neal, Partner with Roland Berger, will explore how global supply chains can adapt in an environment of trade wars and global shifts. The conference also will highlight the need for close industry collaboration through programming that includes insights from leading distributors and the presentation of the annual Channel Excellence Award.

AASA members attending the Conference also can take advantage of an additional benefit: attendance at the association council meetings held in conjunction with the event. Member conference participants can attend the AASA Intellectual Property Council (IPC), AASA Marketing Executives Council (MEC), and AASA AAPEX Event Committee (AAEC) meetings on March 25 and meetings for the AASA Technology Council (ATC) and the AASA Modern Industry eXpertise (MiX) Council on March 27. Council meeting attendance is limited to AASA members only; some limitations apply, and pre-registration is required. Contact info@aftermarketsuppliers.org for more information.

Additional information about the 2020 AASA Vision Conference can be accessed by visiting aasavision.com. This year’s event will focus on “Collaborating for a Vibrant Aftermarket Future” with sessions covering everything from emerging technologies & hybrid distribution to the global supply chain and how the industry can work together to succeed.

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”