Rep. Knollenberg, Automotive Suppliers to Discuss Counterfeit Parts at Washington Automotive Press Association Luncheon

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Sept. 8 -- Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-Mich.) and representatives of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) will discuss the issue of counterfeit automotive parts and its ramifications for American manufacturers and consumers at the Washington Automotive Press Association luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 15.

Speakers from the association will be Brian Duggan, MEMA director of international affairs, and Brent Snelson, general director, marketing services, General Motors Service and Parts Organization.

"Intellectual property and brand reputation are some of the greatest assets automotive products manufacturers have today. American suppliers are being hurt badly by counterfeiters who steal their intellectual property and ruin the brand reputations of some very good companies by pushing fake goods on the market," said Duggan. "Many automotive products are required to meet federal safety standards. Counterfeit brakes, lighting, belts, windshields and other products create a major safety risk to unknowing consumers," he added.

MEMA has made fighting parts counterfeiting one of its highest priorities Duggan said. He will discuss the scope of this challenge and the ramifications for American manufacturers and consumers at the Sept. 15 luncheon, and Snelson will relate how this issue has affected his company. Congressman Knollenberg will follow with a discussion of a bill he introduced that strengthens the criminal penalties for auto parts counterfeiting.

MEMA (http://www.mema.org/ ) exclusively serves the aftermarket and original equipment automotive and heavy duty product manufacturing industry. MEMA supports its members through its three market segment associations: Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA).