AASA Vision Conference Workshop to Discuss Expanding Global Reach through Selling and Sourcing

January 16, 2008, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The member work session slated for Saturday, March 1, at the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Vision Conference will feature open discussions of “Global Selling and Sourcing.”

The AASA Vision Conference 2008 – slated for Thursday, Feb. 28, through Saturday, March 1, at the Swan and Dolphin Resort, Orlando, Fla. – will feature presentations, panel discussions and two additional Vision Workgroup sessions. The conference is exclusive to AASA member companies.

The “Global Selling and Sourcing” work session will be led by Jeff Brekke, president – North American aftermarket, The Gates Corp., and Jeff Stauffer, senior vice president – global group marketing, Affinia Group Inc. Discussion will focus on identifying potential solutions and initiatives supporting AASA members’ efforts to expand global aftermarket competitiveness.

The session also will feature member expert panelists covering such topics as:

* Methods of identifying opportunities by geographic area and car parc
* Emerging markets
* Global business etiquette
* International exporting opportunities, featuring a presentation by representatives of the Overseas Automotive Council (OAC), the global aftermarket division of MEMA and AASA

Sourcing discussion topics will include:

* Off-shoring versus out-sourcing
* Protecting intellectual property rights
* Managing customer perception
* Coping with current fluctuations
* Handling logisitics

The conference includes keynote addresses by by Peter Marks, chairman, president and CEO of Robert Bosch LLC, and Jeff Rachor, president and chief executive officer of Pep Boys Auto.

Other presentations will include:

* A panel discussion of the aftermarket’s global outlook presented and moderated by Ernst & Young;
* “Lessons Learned from Other Industries,” featuring a panel of noted industry leaders moderated by SAS Institute Inc.
* The Technology Forum: “The Impact of Automotive Technology on the Aftermarket,” led by Neil De Koker, president of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) with a panel of experts
* Member Spotlights: brief presentation on a variety of aftermarket key issues by select AASA member companies

The other two Vision Workgroup sessions and facilitators include:

* “Education/Training” – “Mac” McGovern, KYB; Doug Viedler, Delphi Corp.
* “Cataloging a Better Way” and “Collaborative Purchasing for Indirect Items.” – Dil Kulathum, CARDONE Industries, and Susan Ulrey, Tenneco

Early bird discounts save members $100 off the regular registration fees, and all member company attendees can take advantage of the discount. The first registrant from a member company will pay $595 ($100 off the regular $695 fee) and each addition attendee will pay $495 ($100 off the regular $595 fee for each).

Members have two options for registration: complete the online registration form or download the fax-back form, both available online at the AASA Vision Conference Web site, www.aasavision.org. Hotel reservations must be made separately at the AASA Vision Conference Web site.

The AASA Vision Conference activities begin on Thursday, Feb. 28, with meetings of AASA councils and the Board of Governors. The conference opens at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 29, and continues through 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 1.

About AASA

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. AASA is a market segment association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “AASA, Leadership in the Global Automotive Aftermarket”

Source: MEMA

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