The Automotive Undercar Trade Organization (AUTO) has joined the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) as its newest segment.
``AUTO members will benefit greatly by operating under the AAIA umbrella,'' said Malcolm Sissmore, AUTO president and vice president of sales and marketing for Ultrafit Exhaust Systems. ``AUTO will still be AUTO, only better, by leveraging the extensive resources and benefits offered by AAIA to achieve its objectives.''
Mr. Sissmore said the non-profit trade group will maintain its own board as well as membership benefits and programs to manufacturers, warehouses and service providers in the automotive aftermarket.
The partnership of AUTO and AAIA-which represents more than 100,000 repair shops, parts stores and distribution outlets-is an example of industry unity and consolidation in order to meet members needs, said AAIA President and CEO Kathleen Schmatz.