The Auto Care Association co-hosted the 2014 Global Auto Care Summit (GACS) last week in Shanghai, China. GACS is an invitation-only gathering of senior association, industry and government executives from around the world to share, learn, debate and prepare for the future of global auto care industry.
Participants discussed the state of the global auto care industry and common challenges and opportunities for cooperation. Key industry executives representing the U.S., China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Turkey, India and Canada discussed cooperation on various common issues, including trade barriers, standards, supply chain management and consumer education.
The Auto Care Association co-hosted the event with the China Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association (CAMRA). CAMRA is a national association with headquarters in Beijing and branch offices in Chinese provinces. CAMRA represents entities engaged in automotive repair, inspection, parts distribution and manufacturing. The Auto Care Association hosted a seven-person delegation of officials from CAMRA at their headquarters in Bethesda in May to discuss collaboration efforts and plan for the GACS.
“Auto Care Association members can play a large role in the development of emerging auto care industries around the world, and we are committed to identifying and promoting business opportunities for our members globally,” said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “We look forward to working with CAMRA and our other international partners on various global initiatives to advance our members’ interests.”
Five Auto Care Association executives -- Michael Barratt, Arlene Davis, Larry Northup, Taylor Mitchell and Andres Castrillon -- are in Shanghai this week to participate in the GACS and to visit member facilities in China, including Gates and Multi Parts Supply. The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, an Auto Care Association member, also participated in the GACS to announce the creation of the China Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance (CAAPA).
