Steve Hughes to Represent Auto Care and MEMA on National Shipper Advisory Committee

The Auto Care Association and the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) have selected Steve Hughes to serve on the Federal Maritime Commission’s National Shipper Advisory Committee. The charter of the newly formed committee is to advise the Commission on policies relating to the competitiveness, reliability, integrity, and fairness of the international ocean freight delivery system. The committee will be comprised of 12 representatives of entities who export cargo and 12 representatives of entities who import cargo.

This partnership with Hughes will provide representation of the views of automotive and commercial vehicle suppliers. Hughes has more than 45 years of experience as a supply chain professional, with extensive experience in ocean shipping. He is recognized throughout the automotive industry as a leading authority on international ocean freight, where he continues to advise and educate industry executives on ocean shipping issues. 

In a joint statement, MEMA President & CEO Bill Long and Auto Care President & CEO Bill Hanvey said, “Automotive vehicle suppliers represented by MEMA and Auto Care imported $76.4 billion through U.S. ports during 2019. Many of these goods were subject to further value-added manufacturing in this country. Furthermore, exports through the nation’s ports in 2019 totaled $21 billion. The ability of our ports to function is essential to our nation’s economy. Mr. Hughes’ representation on this committee is vital to our industry and the future of manufacturing in the U.S.”

Since 1904, MEMA has represented the interests of automotive and commercial vehicle suppliers.[1] The vehicle supplier industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the United States, directly employing more than 907,000 people in all 50 states and generating 2.4 percent of U.S. GDP.[2]  Across the entire range of new vehicle innovation—from autonomous to zero-emissions technologies—vehicle suppliers are leading the way. Our member companies conceive, design and manufacture the original equipment systems and technologies that make up two-thirds of the value in every vehicle. Member companies also supply the aftermarket with the parts that keep millions of vehicles on the road, fueling international commerce and society’s need for transportation. And all of our members’ work is done with a focus on public safety and the environment.

The Auto Care Association is the voice of the $380 billion[3] plus auto care industry, representing nearly 3,000 global member companies dedicated to helping vehicles last longer, perform better and keeping drivers safe. The 534,000 businesses[4] in the auto care industry form a coast-to-coast network of independent automotive aftermarket manufacturers, distributors, repair shops, retailers, and service providers small and large. Our industry’s integrated grid of companies and organizations employs nearly 4.5 million[5] workers and provides quality parts, products and vehicle service and repair for all 290 million[6] vehicles on the road today.

[1] MEMA represents its members through four divisions: Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA); Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA); MERA – The Association for Sustainable Manufacturing; and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA).

[2]  MEMA U.S. Labor and Economic Impact of Vehicle Supplier Industry, February 2021.  

[3]2022 Digital Auto Care Factbook: 31st Edition (“2022 Factbook”), https://digital.autocare.org/2022factbook/ at 16.

[4] Includes Auto Care service and retail outlets and manufacturing establishments, 2022 Factbook at 20, 98.

[5]2022 Factbook at 4.

[6]2022 Factbook at 83.