A partnership between the UK's Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation and the USA's Auto Care Association is hoped to deliver shared best practice and collaboration in tackling the crucial issues faced by independent repairers and suppliers.

Both organisations have concerns over maintaining motorists' freedom of choice when it comes to vehicle repair, particularly as carmakers increasingly show interest in 'owning' the customer and they see the development of connected cars and electric powertrains as opportunities to keep motorists within their own networks for longer.

The IAAF's chief executive Mark Field and immediate past president Richard Welland met with Auto Care Association president and chief executive Bill Hanvey at automotive expo AAPEX in Las Vegas and agreed to share best practice and consult more widely on common aims affecting their sectors and memberships.

The Auto Care Association is the voice of the $470billion+ United States auto care industry, serving the entire supply chain of the automotive aftermarket, and it provides advocacy, educational, networking, technology, market intelligence and communications resources.

Hanvey said: “I am looking forward to increased collaboration with IAAF and its members. Our two federations are on similar journeys and share many common goals, particularly around Right to Repair and ensuring choice for millions of motorists globally.”

Mark Field, IAAF Chief Executive, added: “A huge thank you to Bill and the Auto Care team for hosting IAAF at AAPEX. Our federations and aftermarkets face very similar challenges and opportunities and are united in our drive to ensure competitive choice and value for members and motorists. 

“It’s also essential, as a growing Federation, that IAAF continues to develop and look at new practices in relation to member engagement and lobbying. Our new partnership with Auto Care will help strengthen IAAF’s offering to members.”

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