ACA hosts auto care summit in Shanghai

SHANGHAI (Dec. 12, 2014) — The Auto Care Association (ACA) co-hosted the 2014 Global Auto Care Summit (GACS) this week in Shanghai.

The ACA said the GACS was an invitation-only gathering of senior association, industry and government executives from around the world to share, learn, debate and prepare for the future of global auto care industry.

Topics discussed included the state of the global auto care industry and common challenges and opportunities for cooperation, the association said, with key industry executives representing the U.S., China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Turkey, India and Canada.

Bethesda, Md.-based ACA co-hosted the event with the China Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association (CAMRA), a national association with headquarters in Beijing and branch offices in several Chinese provinces. The ACA said it hosted a seven-person delegation of officials from CAMRA at their headquarters in Bethesda in May to discuss collaboration efforts and plan for the GACS.

“Auto Care Association members can play a large role in the development of emerging auto care industries around the world, and we are committed to identifying and promoting business opportunities for our members globally,” said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO, Auto Care Association.

“We look forward to working with CAMRA and our other international partners on various global initiatives to advance our members' interests.”

The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, an ACA member, also participated in the GACS to announce the creation of the China Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance (CAAPA).