Registrations are running ahead of last year's for the 2003 Aftermarket Legislative Summit, scheduled for Feb. 25 and 26 in Washington, D.C.,
according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Assn. (AAIA), sponsor of the event.
Two highly visible and controversial issues: The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act and asbestos litigation reform, are fueling aftermarket company support and interest for the summit, said Alfred L. Gaspar, AAIA president and CEO.
"This year, we see a growing sense of appreciation by members of the very real benefits of getting directly involved in the legislative process," Gaspar said.
"The Legislative Summit is a full-court press to score on issues critical to our industry's overall future health and for individual businesses as well," Gaspar said. "This is the aftermarket's opportunity to make a direct statement to legislators about the economic and political strength of our industry."
Co-sponsors of the summit include: Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Assns., Automotive Warehouse Distributors Assn., Coalition for Auto Repair Equality, Heavy Duty Distribution Assn., Service Station Dealers of America and Tire Industry Assn.
For more information and to register for the Legislative Summit call (301) 986-1500, or register online at www.aftermarket.org.
The AAIA is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose members manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials and supplies. The organization is made up of manufacturers, distributors, jobbers, wholesalers, retailers, manufacturer's representatives and other companies doing business in the automotive aftermarket.