Automotive Undercar Trade Organization Joins Forces With AAIA

BETHESDA, MD - Aug. 4, 2006 - The Automotive Undercar Trade Organization (AUTO) board of directors has voted to join forces with the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) as the newest segment of AAIA.

AUTO is a non-profit, member-driven trade association providing member benefits, information resources and value-added services to manufacturers, warehouses and service providers of the automotive aftermarket two-step industry.

"AUTO members will benefit greatly by operating under the AAIA umbrella," said Malcolm Sissmore, AUTO president and vice president of sales and marketing, Ultrafit Exhaust Systems. "AUTO will still be AUTO, only better, by leveraging the extensive resources and benefits offered by AAIA to achieve its objectives."

"AUTO will continue to maintain its own board of directors and traditional membership benefits and programs, including participating in Showpower and the "Face-2-Face Conference," Sissmore said.

"The formal coming together of AAIA and AUTO is another example of industry unity and consolidation to meet member needs," said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. "AUTO is a natural fit within AAIA's segment structure for many reasons. A number of AUTO members are also part of AAIA's membership, so the industry will again benefit by eliminating duplicate association dues. Of significant importance is that AUTO's repair shop members will bring insight into the creation and launch of the new Car Care Professionals Network (CCPN), formerly Independent Service Providers within AAIA."

About AAIA
AAIA is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose more than 8,000 member companies and affiliates manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, service, tools, equipment, materials and supplies. Through its membership, AAIA represents more than 100,000 repair shops, parts stores and distribution outlets.