The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) was founded in 1904. MEMA represents more than 1,000 companies that manufacture motor vehicle components and systems for the original equipment and aftermarket segments of the light vehicle and heavy-duty motor vehicle manufacturing industry in the United States. Motor vehicle component manufacturers are the largest employer of manufacturing jobs in the U.S., contributing nearly 3 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product. Motor vehicle parts suppliers generate a total direct and indirect employment impact of 4.26 million jobs, up nearly 18 percent since 2012. MEMA is the parent organization of four affiliate associations: the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association, the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association, the Association for Sustainable Manufacturing, and the Original Equipment Suppliers Association. The motor vehicle component manufacturing industry in the U.S. has experienced robust growth due to an increase in demand and vehicle sales. The stability and highly integrated North American supply chain has also been particularly beneficial to suppliers, contributing to growth in both jobs and investments in the United States. Many suppliers located in the U.S. import and export vehicle parts and components within the North American market. Depending on supply chain logistics, parts are often exported to be combined with other parts, then imported back to the U.S. for final vehicle assembly.
History 1904 – Leading industry companies joined together to form Automotive Parts and Accessories Association (APAA) 1914 – the name 'Automotive Parts and Accessories Association (APAA)' was then changed into 'Motor Accessories & Manufacturers Association (MAMA)' 1933 – MAMA co-sponsors the first Automotive Service Industries Show, forerunner of AAIW and Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo 1953 – the association later changed its name again to the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) to reflect its expanding role in representing both aftermarket and original equipment suppliers. 1960 – MEMA opens an office in Washington, D.C. 1970s – MEMA establishes the first of its many councils, serving as valuable forums for active industry executives 1983 – MEMA forms the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association 1987 – MEMA establishes the Japan Automotive Advisory Group, supporting suppliers doing business in Japan 1992 – MEMA helps form the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week 1998 – MEMA's Original Equipment Suppliers Association forms 2002 – MEMA establishes the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association, exclusively serving aftermarket product manufacturers 2010 – MEMA establishes its Political Action Committee 2011 – MEMA establishes the Association for Sustainable Manufacturing 2015 – MEMA celebrates 110 years serving its more than 1,000 members
Divisions
Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association
The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) is the light vehicle aftermarket division of MEMA. AASA exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products, an important part of the automotive parts manufacturing industry which supports 871,000 American jobs. The U.S. aftermarket includes the manufacturing, distribution, retail, and installation of all vehicle parts, chemicals, tools, equipment, technologies, and accessories. Most aftermarket repair work takes place in a vehicle manufacturer’s dealership service facility or an independent repair shop, which includes national service chains. Once a new vehicle is sold, it becomes part of the aftermarket. Additionally, a “do-it-yourself” market exists – individuals who perform their own vehicle maintenance. AASA manages several councils and committees that oversee policy issues affecting the many different sects of the aftermarket industry, including brake manufacturing, intellectual property and mobility technology. AASA supports aftermarket suppliers and their drive to move business forward by providing industry analysis and strategic insights for business planning, engaging in meaningful government advocacy initiatives, organizing international and domestic professional conferences and peer councils, and conducting global outreach in growing markets. The division also manages several events throughout the year, the largest being the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Co-owned by AASA and the Auto Care Association, the expo is the largest annual trade show for automotive aftermarket industry professionals, featuring more than 2,500 exhibiting companies who offer the latest products, services and automotive technologies. Paul McCarthy serves as AASA’s president and COO.
Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association
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