BETHESDA, Md. (July 2, 2015) — The Auto Care Association (ACA) has formalized its long-standing relationship with Turkey's Association of Automotive Parts and Components Manufacturers (TAYSAD).
TAYSAD President Dr. Mehmet Dudaroglu and the ACA's Arlene Davis met recently during the sixth annual TAYSAD Aftermarket Conference in Istanbul, Turkey, to finalize discussions between the groups and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). TAYSAD was established in 1978.
This year's conference program included presentations on aftermarket issues and trends in Turkey, Europe, China and the U.S., according to the ACA, which for the second year brought a small delegation of staff and members to the conference. Ms. Davis moderated a panel on the U.S. auto care industry supply chain, while Sheila Andrews of the ACA, Isaac Mishael of National Auto Parts Warehouse and Mike Mohler of National Pronto Association participated as panelists.
While in Turkey, the ACA said its delegation networked with leading industry officials to discuss opportunities for increasing U.S. auto parts exports to Turkey and to connect Turkish suppliers with U.S. companies. They also met with a number of Turkish companies through one-on-one meetings and factory visits.
“Auto Care Association members can play a large role in the development of emerging auto care industries around the world,” said ACA President and CEO Kathleen Schmatz, “and we are committed to identifying and promoting business opportunities for our members globally.
“We are thrilled that some key members were able to join us on this trip and we look forward to working with TAYSAD and our other international partners on various global initiatives to advance our members' interests.”
According to the ACA, Turkey stands at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and the country's Customs Union agreement with the European Union “make it an ideal location to penetrate markets in the region.” The Turkish automotive parts/service equipment industry has expanded as Turkish automotive production and imports have increased, the ACA said, noting that in 2014, U.S. exports of auto parts to Turkey increased by 51 percent compared to the year before.
Turkey also is a major manufacturer/supplier of autos and auto parts, with some 1,166,043 vehicles produced there in 2013. “With a cluster of car makers and parts suppliers, the Turkish automotive sector has become an integral part of the global network of production bases, exporting nearly $20 billion worth of motor vehicles and components in 2013,” said Bethesda-based ACA, which has more than 3,000 member companies.
They represent some 150,000 independent automotive businesses that manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials and supplies and perform vehicle service and repairs.