Forum to Explore the Impact of Asian Auto Sector on Canadian Aftermarket (November 30, 2004)

The impact of the exploding influence of the Asian economy is the topic of the 9th Annual Automotive Aftermarket Forum being held in Toronto Wednesday.
Whether or not aftermarket companies in Canada are directly involved with Asian imports or exports, the impact of the Asian auto sector on the global aftermarket is profoundly affecting the Canadian automotive aftermarket industry.
The 9th Annual AIA Automotive Aftermarket Forum “The Asian Syndrome” will be held on December 1, 2004, at the Doubletree International Plaza Hotel in Toronto will delve into this issue.
The 2004 AIA Forum will look at the growing impact of Asia on the automotive aftermarket in Canada. By 2010, China expects to be producing seven million vehicles annually, which would make it the second-largest centre of production in the world behind the United States. Asian imports continue to increase in North America as does the amount of Asian parts in “North American” vehicles.
“The automotive industry is changing in order to survive and thrive in this new reality, the automotive aftermarket must do the same. Effective adaptation can only occur when you truly understand the data and trends,” says AIA President Ray Datt. “As an Association, it is our responsibility to present the facts, as well as the pros and cons to complex issues.”
The Asian Syndrome will provide a balance of fact and experience. Dennis DesRosiers (DesRosiers Automotive Consultants) and Ryan Robinson (PriceWaterhouseCoopers) will present the hard data on what is happening in the automotive sector in the Asia Pacific region, while Delphi President Product & Service Solutions, Frank Ordoez will talk about Delphi’s real experiences in this new market place.
Senior aftermarket executives from each sector and every level of the distribution chain will discuss the Asian influence in their sector. A government represent will also participate on the panel. AIA has confirmed the following panellists: Larry Jefferies (CARSTAR Automotive); Jacques Landreville (Uni-Select Inc); Dan Mancuso (Export Development Corporation); Gary O’Connor (Affinia); and Todd Sharman (Canadian Tire Corporation).