Genuine Parts Company / NAPA to Share Business Insights with Suppliers at the AASA Vision Conference

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) announced Genuine Parts Company / NAPA as the AASA Vision Conference Customer Spotlight speaker. Scott Sonnemaker, Group President, North American Automotive, will speak openly with suppliers about the future of the aftermarket industry and share his thoughts on 2020 becoming a pivotal year for collaborating with suppliers. The Vision Conference will take place on March 26 in Rosemont, Ill.

Joining GPC in February 2019 as Group President of North American Automotive, Sonnemaker has responsibility for all aspects of the automotive business in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Sonnemaker formerly served as Senior Vice President of International Foodservice Operations at SYSCO. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Chief Customer Officer of the company.

“2020 is shaping up to be a big year for embracing change and developing strategies as the ‘fog’ of electrification, ride sharing, and automation lifts and the landscape starts to take shape,” said Sonnemaker. “GPC and NAPA are proud of their 92-year history of supporting and developing the automobile aftermarket industry and are ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow. I am excited to join the 2020 Vision Conference to share more.”

“The current aftermarket business landscape is being continually reshaped by technology transformation and increasing global uncertainty,” said Paul McCarthy, AASA President & COO. “This underscores the need for even greater communication and collaboration between suppliers and our channel partners. Scott Sonnemaker and the Genuine Parts Company’s presence at the AASA Vision Conference will help suppliers gather critical strategic insights and enhance meaningful relationships.”

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 challenges and opportunities that will drive aftermarket business at the service channel. Brian Daugherty, Chief Technology Officer with MEMA, will join Mark Haufman, The Ford Motor Company, on stage to talk about the impact of vehicle technologies 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”