AASA Global Summit explores new trade challenges

More than 100 aftermarket professionals from around the world gathered in Coral Gables, Fla. on Feb. 7 to explore and discuss the latest shifts in the international aftermarket at the AASA Global Summit, presented by the Overseas Automotive Council (OAC).

The program opened with a “2020 Aftermarket Outlook,” presented by Paul McCarthy, AASA president & COO.

McCarthy highlighted the immense industry shifts that continue to affect the international aftermarket, including tariffs, USMCA, ADAS, electrification, distribution model shifts, vehicle data access, and more. The outlook’s key takeaway is that “industry uncertainty is the new certainty.”

Donna Wagner, MAAP, shared her insights on what exporters should expect as the world experiences a dramatic shift from an open trade environment to a closed border mindset. The session prompted attendees to rethink global trade and analyze “The World is Flat,” by Thomas Friedman.

In his session, “The Political & Social State of Latin America,” Eric Farnsworth, vice president of the Council of the Americas and Americas Society, provided deep insights on how the latest political and economic shifts in Latin America are leading to significant transformations in regional trade, development, and migration.

Robert Zhu, CEO of WONH Global Industries, manufacturer and distributor of TrakMotive branded products, discussed the rapidly changing distribution model in China. Mr. Zhu highlighted the immense opportunity for aftermarket expansion within the region’s vast network, which includes more than 340,000 distributors and 460,000 repair shops.

During the session, “Suppler Perspective: Global Supply Chain,” Eric Duvall, vice president pf supply chain management for DRiV, discussed how industry consolidation impacts all channels of supply chain, particularly in international markets. Duvall introduced the world to DRiV’s new AutoStore supply chain selection system.

David Wilbanks, Senior Vice President of Merchandising for O’Reilly Auto Parts, discussed the company’s recent purchase of Mayasa last year and its new addition to the team, Chip Carlson, Vice President of International Business Development. Carlson recently joined the OAC and plans to take an active role on the council.

The next AASA Global Summit, presented by the OAC, is set for Friday, Feb. 5 at the Hyatt Regency in Coral Gables, Fla. Program details will be announced later this year.

www.oac-intl.org