Breadcrumbs
AASA’s Bill Long: Collaboration, Vision and Planning Vital to Success in the New Aftermarket Reality
AASA President and COO Bill Long addressed the new aftermarket realities, mega trends and where the industry goes from here at the annual MAPA Industry Day on Sept. 13 in Flint, Mich.
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – In the face of advanced technologies and increasingly complex vehicles, the automotive aftermarket needs new strategies for continued growth, AASA President and COO Bill Long told more than 150 aftermarket industry professionals attending the 64th annual Industry Day hosted by the Michigan Auto Parts Association (MAPA) in Flint, Mich.
“A new and different aftermarket isn’t coming, it’s here,” Long said, “The road ahead will require collaboration, a shared-vision and a plan for securing our future in the connected aftermarket.”
Long addressed the current state of the aftermarket and highlighted some of the new aftermarket realities impacting it: changing “do-it yourself” / “do-it-for-me” buying habits, autonomous vehicles and access to vehicle data. He concluded his comments with an industry outlook and roadmap for the future.
“At AASA, we see four clear steps forward to securing our futures,” Long explained. “First, we must be clear about what we want – access to the vehicle that offers motorists freedom of choice for vehicle repair and service parts, and access and use of parts and equipment-enabling software…necessary to allow motorists’ freedom of choice.”
Long’s address, “New Aftermarket Realities: Strategic Shifts and Where Do We Go from Here,” was presented at the MAPA Industry Day on Sept. 14. Copies are available upon request to media@mema.org.
The Michigan Automotive Parts Association represents automotive parts stores, warehouse distributors, service repair facilities and associates throughout Michigan. Founded in 1953, MAPA today represents more than 420 automotive aftermarket businesses in Michigan.
MEDIA CONTACT: Margaret Beck, 919-406-8828 or media@mema.org
About AASA
AASA (www.aftermarketsuppliers.org) 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”