AAIA Hosts Malaysian Automotive Delegation

AAIA Hosts Malaysian Automotive Delegation

During the half-day meeting, AAIA staff provided an overview of its various programs and initiatives and its expanding role in helping its members compete in the global marketplace.

 

BETHESDA, Md. – The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) hosted leaders from the Malaysian Automotive Institute (MAI), the Malaysian Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and the Embassy of Malaysia this week at the AAIA office in Bethesda, Md. Discussions covered challenges facing the global auto care industry and potential opportunities for mutual cooperation to promote opportunities for AAIA members in the Malaysian market.

During the half-day meeting, AAIA staff provided an overview of its various programs and initiatives and its expanding role in helping its members compete in the global marketplace. As a result of the meeting, AAIA and MAI have agreed to work together on several initiatives aimed at developing the Malaysian aftermarket and making it easier for AAIA members to do business there.

MAI is the agency within MITI that coordinates the development of the Malaysian automotive industry. The Malaysian government has recently announced a New Automotive Policy for 2014 that includes an emphasis on developing the Malaysian aftermarket. Specific areas identified for continued cooperation include:

•Creating a consumer education campaign similar to the “Be Car Care Aware” campaign;

•Collecting valuable market intelligence on the Malaysian automotive market for distribution to AAIA members interested in doing business there; and

•Exploring standards development in e-commerce and technology to help lower the cost of doing business and eliminate a barrier to international trade with Malaysia.

“AAIA members operate in a competitive global marketplace, so we are always looking for ways to help identify new business partners and markets for our members’ products and services,” said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO, AAIA. “An effective way to do that is to work with international partners like MAI to identify areas for mutual cooperation to the benefit of our membership.”

“We are seriously looking to develop our aftermarket and transform it to international standards,” said Madani Sahari, CEO, MAI. “We believe that the adoption of existing good practices such as those in the U.S. would benefit Malaysia and henceforth bring positive changes faster. We look forward to collaborating with AAIA for the mutual benefit of both nations.”

You May Also Like

Auto Care Association Leaders Visit Northwood University

Auto Care President and CEO Bill Hanvey was the guest lecturer for several Northwood automotive aftermarket courses at its Midland campus.

Bill Hanvey Auto Care Northwood

Photo caption: Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association (pictured on the right), teaches an automotive aftermarket course during a recent visit to Northwood University in Midland, Michigan.

Leaders from the Auto Care Association recently visited Northwood University to meet with students enrolled in automotive aftermarket courses.

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Achieves UAF Gold Lifetime Trustee Status

The designation goes to “outstanding donors who significantly support the UAF’s mission.”

MEMA UAF Gold Lifetime Trustee
ASE Ed. Foundation, Auto Dealer Associations Tackle Tech Shortage

Three student competitions are currently scheduled for 2024, with more being planned.

ASE Education Foundation Auto Dealers
Northwood U Announces 2024 Class of 20 Under 40 Honorees

The program recognizes NU alumni who are ambitious professionals doing great things in their careers, organizations or communities.

Northwood University 20 Under 40
Two NexaMotion Units Expand Product Offerings, Open New Locations

Transtar Industries and C&M Auto Parts are expanding.

NexaMotion Expanding

Other Posts

GPC Reports 2023 Results, Announces Global Restructuring Program

The restructuring includes a voluntary retirement offer in the United States.

Kalitta Motorsports, Dayco Announce Partnership, Distributor Agreement

Dayco will have branding on J.R. Todd’s DHL GR Supra funny car, and Kalitta is the exclusive at-track distributor of Dayco 11-mm racing blower belts for nitro engines.

Dayco Kalitta
AutoPartSource/Momentum USA Receives O’Reilly’s Sales & Service Award

This is the second year in a row that O’Reilly has honored AutoPartSource/Momentum USA with the award.

Momentum USA OReilly