LAS VEGAS (Nov. 12, 2015) — Aftermarket brakes and components maker Centric Parts executive Steve Hughes was named the Peter Klotz Person of the Year by the Auto International Association (AIA) during the AAPEX Show in Las Vegas on Nov. 4.
Mr. Hughes is Centric Parts' vice president of governmental affairs/logistics/supplier development, In selecting him for the honor, the AIA board recognized his contributions to the entire automotive aftermarket and, according to Centric Parts, http://www.centricparts.com “in particular how instrumental he was in assisting the industry by closely monitoring labor negotiations earlier this year at West Coast ports and helping collect key industry data on the negative impact of the related slowdowns on the industry as a whole.”
In addition to his work at Centric, the company said Mr. Hughes has been deeply committed to the entire international automotive community in its efforts to promote free and fair trade. He has been an active volunteer member of several industry associations and has organized and led several industry coalitions to provide input on anti-dumping investigations, including providing in-person testimony before the International Trade Commission.
Most recently, Mr. Hughes was appointed to the Department of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative Industry Trade Advisory Committee for the automotive industry (ITAC2). In that capacity, he works with the other members of ITAC2 to provide trade policy and technical advice, information and recommendations to the Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative regarding trade barriers, negotiation of trade agreements and implementation of existing trade agreements.
ITAC2 also performs other advisory functions relevant to the development of U.S. trade policy as may be requested by the Secretary and the USTR, or their designees.
In addition to his service with ITAC, Mr. Hughes is a contributing member of several other industry and governmental affairs organizations that include:
• Auto Care Association (Governmental Affairs Committee);
• Brake Manufacturers Council (BMC Council member);
• Motor Equipment Manufacturers Association (Governmental Affairs Committee);
• CAWA (Manufacturers Advisory Council and Public Affairs Committee); and
Centric Parts manufactures and supplies aftermarket brake and chassis components for passenger vehicles, light and medium duty trucks, fleet vehicles, high performance vehicles and race cars under the Centric, C-Tek, Posi Quiet, Fleet Performance and StopTech labels. Through its StopTech and Qualis Automotive divisions, the company also supplies components and systems to OEM and private label customers.