(AASA: Research Triangle Park, NC) -- The Marketing Executives Council (MEC) of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has just released “Independent Aftermarket Image: Quality Does Matter,” the second in its series of reports outlining the danger that low-quality, low-cost automotive aftermarket components pose to the entire independent aftermarket industry’s image and level of trust among consumers.

The AASA MEC was formed in 2003 as a collaborative effort for improving the image of the North American supplier base. Since its inception, its members have studied a growing trend among various channel partners offering lower-cost and often lower-performing aftermarket parts in an attempt to create more competitive pricing or to improve profit margins. Problems have surfaced with this practice at all levels within the supply chain.

The Council has issued two publications that highlight these problems. The most recent report, “Independent Aftermarket Image: Quality Does Matter,” raises an industrywide call to action to stem this tide before irreparable damage is done to the reputation of the entire automotive aftermarket.

The MEC report is available for free download at the AASA web site by clicking here.

 …