RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Steve Handschuh, president and COO of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), discussed the growing automotive aftermarket in China at the AASA China Aftermarket Forum (CAF) inaugural Breakfast and Briefing, which was held Dec. 8, at the Kerry Hotel during Automechanika Shanghai.

“Automotive aftermarket companies, including members of the AASA China Aftermarket Forum (CAF), make significant contributions to the economy of the People’s Republic of China,” Handschuh noted. “The Chinese aftermarket is obviously an important market with strong growth prospects, stronger growth opportunities than OE in the near term.”

Handschuh noted that the country’s large and growing vehicle parc will need servicing. “This is creating strong aftermarket growth,” Handschuh said. “Aftermarket growth in China for our CAF members is estimated to have averaged approximately 30 percent over the last seven quarters.”

He added that the outlook for China’s aftermarket is strong. “According to surveys of our China Aftermarket Forum members, suppliers’ expectations for next year are very positive – 29 percent for the passenger vehicle aftermarket and 18 percent for the commercial vehicle aftermarket.”

Handschuh explained that the future growth of the Chinese vehicle parc provides good prospects for the aftermarket. “China’s parc will age, expanding the need for aftermarket parts,” he said. “As the Chinese market matures, so will its need for a healthy independent aftermarket.”

According to Handschuh, a healthy independent aftermarket in China will bring significant benefits:

• A larger, more competitive market
• Local employment
• Increased consumer choice

“The members of AASA China Aftermarket Forum represent the global, full service automotive aftermarket suppliers, who stand behind the products they manufacture,” Handschuh said. Products from CAF members offer higher quality, increased safety, protection of the environment and better value, he noted.

The AASA China Aftermarket Forum Breakfast and Briefing was sponsored by Ernst & Young and Polk.

The AASA China Aftermarket Forum includes representatives of top international automotive aftermarket suppliers who manage their respective companies operations in the People’s Republic of China. The Forum meets quarterly in Shanghai and its key initiatives include:

• The quarterly “How’s Business” member trends survey
• Market research
• Customer/distribution chain
• Trade show evaluations and coordination
• Anti-counterfeiting
• Aftermarket career image
• Remanufacturing
• Employee retention

About CAF

The China Aftermarket Forum (CAF) is a peer group comprised of members of AASA with operations in the People’s Republic of China. The mission of the CAF is to support the growth of its members’ business within the Chinese automotive aftermarket. The CAF accomplishes this mission through offering opportunities to meet with peers and other selected constituencies, facilitating collaboration among the members, and representing member interests via coordinated member participation in relevant industry groups. For more information, visit www.aftermarketsuppliers.org/CAF.

About AASA

AASA (www.aftermarketsuppliers.org) exclusively serves suppliers 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. AASA is an affiliate association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “AASA, The Voice for the Automotive Aftermarket Supplier Industry”