Autopromotec Show - Bologna: Important International Agreements Signed

US AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY TRADE GROUPS AGREE TO WORK WITH KEY ITALIAN ASSOCIATION

by Marty Bernstein
Marketing & Advertising Editor
The Auto Channel

One of the major accomplishments of the American delegation and automotive service industry representatives attending Autopromotec in Bologna, Italy, was the signing of ‘memorandums of understanding” between The Italian Automotive Service Equipment Manufacturers Association (AICA) and three US industry groups.

The three US automotive trade associations were MEMA, the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association; AAIA, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association; and ASA, the Automotive Service Association.

AICA’s Italian president, Giorgio Cometti, during the official signing in the American Delegation’s Space at the recently concluded show noted the impor-tance of cooperation and understanding between the groups, “There is significant importance and potential for the expansion of bilateral trade and investments in the auto industry sector between Italy and the United States.”

The agreement lists five areas of mutual cooperation that were signed and agreed to by Ron Pyle, president of ASA, Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of AAIA and Meredith C. Tunick, manager of international affairs, MEMA:

1. Exchange relevant market and technical information with a view to exploring the possibilities for increased trade and technological co-operation.

2. Assist visits of delegations between members of the associations and maximize possible assistance for furthering technical and busi-ness contacts

3. Assist with the participation in exhibitions, conferences and similar events in the respective nations aimed at expansion of business ties between the members.

4. Endeavor to meet as feasible to have exchanges of views for strengthening ties between the two nations.

5. Suggest any additions, alterations and modifications to improve trade, technical and economic ties between the groups.

The signing of the agreements took place in the American Delegation’s stand at Autopromotec, sponsored by ICE, the Italian Trade Commission, who was the key in bringing the various groups together.

In an interview following the signing, Ron Pyle of ASA, said, “This agree-ment of mutual understanding is very important to our membership. It will allow them access to new technologies and innovations that will help their businesses grow and prosper through international exposure and experiences.”