Hot global markets: Connecting with international buyers

Jan. 1, 2020

International buyers are sourcing aftermarket products from North American suppliers for higher product quality, according to a recent roundtable discussion.

Dab Pike

As reported in last’s month’s column, international buyers are sourcing aftermarket products from North American suppliers for higher product quality. This trend was reported during the “How’s Global Business” roundtable discussion by the Board of Governors of the Overseas Automotive Council (OAC) of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA).

News items from around the world indicate the new “global hot spots” for motor vehicle products. Consider these recent items:

India: This growing marketplace for motor vehicles is attracting OEMs from around the world. Most recently, Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co. announced plans to manufacture engines in India for a new range of small cars, a first for the allied companies. Ford Motor Co. has introduced its EcoSport compact SUV in India, an effort to tap into the country’s hot SUV market.
United Arab Emirates: Recent reports in the “Arabian Gazette” put the UAE’s automotive industry as the fifth-largest in the world by automobile production and the sixth-largest by export volume.
BRIC: In a recent interview, Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn said that the global auto market will go "from record to record" on demand in emerging markets. In particular, he pointed out Brazil, Russia, India and China, known as BRIC. The economic slowdowns in these economies are only temporary, and the ratio of cars per inhabitants will continue to rise.
China: In June, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers reported sales of cars, minivans and SUVs rose 9 percent to 1.4 million units. May’s increase compares to year-over-year gains of 13 percent in both March and April.

So, how can U.S. auto parts manufacturers and global buyers in the world’s hottest auto parts markets connect?

One great resource is the Overseas Automotive Council (OAC) of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), which has helped North American suppliers build global relationships since 1923. OAC supports AASA’s efforts as event co-owner in promoting the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), slated for Tuesday, Nov. 5, through Thursday, Nov. 7, in Las Vegas. AAPEX is the connection to global aftermarket industry leaders, and both AASA and OAC provide services, private meeting spaces and amenities to members at their respective Member Centers during AAPEX.

The annual OAC Global Reception on the evening of AAPEX’s opening day has a well-deserved reputation as the global networking event during AAPEX. Attendees rely on this event to meet new customers and to enhance their relationships with existing customers and guests.

For the 2013 event on Nov. 5, OAC has “busted out of the ballroom” venue and is taking the annual reception outside at The Mirage. Attendees can network with top-level international buyers and leading North American manufacturers under the stars in Las Vegas.

Details about attending and promoting products and services at the 2013 OAC International Reception are available at the OAC website, www.oac-intl.org.

Dan Pike is the vice president of membership and member services at the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and group executive of AASA’s international aftermarket council, the Overseas Automotive Council (OAC).

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 cars and trucks. OAC has more than 350 members in more than 40 countries. More information is available through its website, www.oac-intl.org.

AASA (www.aftermarketsuppliers.org) exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products. It 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.

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About the Author

Dab Pike | Vice President, membership, member services at AASA

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.