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Vol. 23 No. 1 2024

The value of measuring air flow in the engine Challenges to incorporate EV in Central America

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Aftermarket International Vol. 23 No 1 2023 I 1

AFTERMARKET

OUT FRONT

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

It is a periodical publication owned by Latin Press, Inc.

Welcome to 2024

Produced and distributed for Latin Press, Inc. by Latin Press Colombia and Latin Press USA

Y

es, a new year is upon us. And another year of informing our readership of technical information, important news and other goodies for the international auto aftermarket.

To begin, while we are primarily a digital edition, we do have print copies for tradeshows. Included is our own event, AutoAmericas www.autoamericas.show/en/ AutoAmericas will be in Miami March 7-8 this year, and attendees come primarily from Latin America and South FL. AFTERMARKET INTERNATIONAL continues to evolve with the times…becoming digital, expanding our publishing schedule to quarterly, exhibiting at AAPEX for the first time in 2023, having a weekly enewsletter and now our own show. Thanks readers and advertisers alike for your support of all we do!

GENERAL MANAGEMENT Max Jaramillo / Manuela Jaramillo EDITOR IN-CHIEF Duván Chaverra dchaverra@aftermarketinternational.com EDITOR Federico Duarte fduarte@aftermarketinternational.com PROJECT MANAGER Andrés Caballero acaballero@aftermarketinternational.com PUBLISHER Brad Glazer bglazer@aftermar ketinternational.com

I want to give particular thanks to the Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA), especially Joe Kripli and Tom Jackson, for their support of AutoAmericas. https://apra.org

ACCOUNT MANAGERS MÉXICO Sandra Camacho scamacho@aftermarketinternational.com

Included in this issue are profiles of exhibitors. We also have three technical features as well: • Parts for Electric Motors • News in Processes and Materials for Tires • Nanotechnology for Brake Discs

COLOMBIA Fabio Giraldo fgiraldo@aftermarketinternational.com DATABASE MANAGER Maria Eugenia Rave mrave@aftermarketinternational.com

Recently I was asked this question. How many passenger cars exist worldwide?

Wow, so basic but I really had to think about it. So rather then guess and maybe guess wrong I did some research. Here you go, both total vehicles. Percent of world total and per thousand population:

PRODUCTION MANAGER Fabio Franco ffranco@aftermarketinternational.com

Asia/Oceania: 543 million 36.8%of world total

.14 per thousand population

LAYOUT AND DESIGN Jhonnatan Martínez jmartinez@aftermarketinternational.com

Europe: 413 million 28.3% of world total

.52 per thousand population

FRONT PAGE Canva - ollo

North America: 358 million 24.3% of world total

.71 per thousand population

South America: 84 million

5.7% of world total

.21 per thousand population

Middle East: 50 million

3.4% of world total

.19 per thousand population

Africa: 26 million

1.8% of world total

.06 per thousand population

OFFICE PHONES: Latin Press USA Miami, USATel +1 [305] 285 3133 Latin Press Mexico Ciudad de México Tel +52 [55] 4170 8330

TOTAL 1.474 BILLION There are about .39 motor vehicles in the world per thousand population

Latin Press Colombia Bogotá, Colombia Tel +57 [601] 381 9215

Hope you find this interesting!

São Paulo, Brazil Tel +55 [11] 3042 2103

Brad Glazer, publisher Aftermarket International

The opinions expressed by the authors of the articles in this journal do not commit the publishing house.

Printed by Panamericana Formas e Impresos S.A. Acting only as printer Printed in Colombia ISSN 2834-8885

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Aftermarket International Vol. 23 No 1 2023 I 3

Comments from the Editor

Back to the ring This 2024 started at full speed. And it is not a common place. Different companies in the industry made changes to their boards of directors since January 1 of this year, and with it new projects for the region promoted with renewed vigor.

In Mexico, where the National Auto Parts Industry (INA) estimates production for this year close to 125,000 million dollars, which would be equivalent to a growth of 3.1% compared to 2023, the first stones of a new plant of Chinese origin specialized in aluminum components and auto parts just started in the first month of 2024.

In the municipality of Villa de Reyes, San Luis Potosí, the company Unison Shanghai invested 400 million dollars in a factory located in the WTC Industrial Park. It is something striking and sheds light on a new growing stage in terms of investment, because although Mexico has stood out for its export profile with 87% of production directed abroad, of the 35 countries that registered foreign direct investment in the auto parts sector from 2006 to November 2023, China accounted for only 4% of the total.

In this case, the plant plans to produce different products: from bumpers and front subframes to instrument panel frames, battery trays, among other aluminum auto parts for electric vehicles.

These types of vehicles are beginning to move the needle, in a new phase of the industry, although several barriers still persist in our region to keep pace at the forefront in incorporating this type of cars into the market, with their respective spare parts.

In this issue, Francisco Herdocia, vice president of Imex, sheds light on this. So do Ramco Automotive engineers with their text about the operation, most common failures and solutions of the mass air flow (MAF) sensor.

Both topics are representative for the sector: one from the technical side and the other about a trend that is galloping at an increasing pace to which Latin America must prepare in order not to be left behind. On the other hand, the two collaborations come from two brands present at the event where you may be reading this text: AutoAméricas.

More than 40 brands will be sharing not only their products, but also experiences and projects through their representatives in each booth located throughout the 4,518 square meters of the MACC. The exchange of business and ideas among those present is an opportunity to strengthen perspectives on what the sector can represent this year.

A profitable return to the ring.

Federico Duarte Editor

4 I Aftermarket International Vol. 23 No 1 2023

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IN THIS ISSUE/ VOL. 23 No. 1 Febraury 2024

Fe at ure s 8/MAF sensor operation, common failures and solutions

8

12/AutoAméricas exhibits stories to highlight from the industry

28/An associated entrepreneur

ONLINE DIGITAL EDITION

28

Find information, contacts, links to industry associations, free literature from businesses that advertise in the publication, events, and downloadable issue archives dating to 2007 at aftermarketinternational.com

De p a rt me nt s

For advertising, contact Brad Glazer at 216 233-6943 bglazer@aftermarketinternational.com

3/Out Front 34/Business News 37/Industry News

Andrés Caballero +1 [305] 285 3133 Ext. 94 acaballero@aftermarketinternational.com

40/Trade Shows

ADVERTISER'S INDEX Advertiser

Page

Anunciante

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Arnott Air Suspension Products

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Automann USA, Inc.

Arnott Air Suspension Products

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Melling Engine Parts

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Arnott Air Suspension Products

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SIDEM

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Speed Autoteile

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Autoaméricas

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Aftermarket International Vol. 23 No 1 2024 I 5

MAF sensor operation, common failures and solutions

By Ramco Automotive Technical Support

I

n In this article you will learn what this type of sensor is, how it works, the most common failures and answers to them.

The Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor is responsible for measuring the amount of air entering the engine. The information travels to the Power Train Control Module (known as PCM) through a cable that carries a variable voltage signal depending on the flow.

The modern automotive electronic injection system for diesel or gasoline engines is controlled by a computer. It needs the information provided by the different sensors to do its job.

6 I Aftermarket International Vol. 23 No 1 2024

What is the MAF sensor for?

The mass air flow sensor has an important significance in engine operation. This sensor is responsible for measuring the air flow drawn by the engine at all times. It then communicates this information to the computer, transforming it into an electrical signal.

The PCM must know exactly the volume of air in order to calculate the engine load or the amount of work it performs.

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Depending on the amount of air that the engine receives, the temperature will be reduced due to the cooling caused by the air flow. The more air that enters, the greater the cooling.

As it is necessary for the platinum wire to maintain a constant temperature, it requires a greater electrical current.

The current that the cable needs is processed by the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). This way, the electronic system knows how much the hot wire cools down. The ECU will increase the electrical current in order to heat the platinum wire.

So the MAF sensor transforms the amount of incoming air into an electrical voltage signal. In this way, the computer calculates the amount of fuel that should be injected, when to turn on the cylinder and when to change gears in the transmission.

When this occurs, the same ECU is responsible for sending a signal to the PCM that indicates increased voltage. The more air entering the engine, the greater the voltage signal that reaches the PCM. Platinum wire tends to cool according to the temperature of the air and not only the amount of air that enters. Therefore, there is also a temperature sensor that checks the intake air temperature. Finally, the ECU calculates these and other data, including atmospheric pressure, thus knowing perfectly and instantly how much oxygen enters the engine.

MAF Sensor Location The mass air flow sensor is located on most cars before the intake manifold and just after the air filter. It is common to find screwed into the monoblock, in Chrysler cars it is located in the plenum or in the intake manifold. So it is located in the duct through which the air enters, between the throttle body and the air filter, measuring the amount of air that is entering the engine.

Mass air flow sensor operation Once the engine starts running, the sensor wire heats up, reaching up to 200 ºC, a temperature that must be kept at a constant value.

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Aftermarket International Vol. 23 No 1 2024 I 7

In this case, you can apply an anti-sulfating cleaner to the terminals.

• Inspect the sensor cables that go to the computer for damage; if necessary, replace them.

• Verify that the sensor itself is free of dirt such as leaves, insects, dust, etc. In this case you should clean it, but do not blow on it or touch it. How to clean the MAF sensor is explained below.

• Sometimes it is necessary to completely change the sensor; for example, when the platinum wire is broken.

MAF sensor type There are different types of air flow sensor, the most common and newest is the Mass Air Flow sensor. This article is dedicated to explaining the operation of this type of sensor. However, the different systems that exist are mentioned below: Flap air flow sensor It is based on the presence of a probe fin that is located inside a calibrated duct, just after the air filter. It opposes the entry of air due to a spring or torsion spring. The magnitude with which the vane rotates is measured by a rheostat, in turn, this information is transmitted to the engine ECU. Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor It is a piezoelectric sensor that changes pressure fluctuations into electrical signals. The information is transmitted to the engine ECU to take control.

How to test the sensor?

To test the mass flow sensor you must have a multimeter or multimeter. This MAF sensor test can be broken down into three steps.

Mass air flow sensor This system records the change in air flow on a hot wire located at the inlet. It is also known as a hot wire sensor.

It is the most current and the one most used by vehicle injection systems.

First step First you must prick the power terminal with one of the tips of the multimeter and the end of the dough with the other tip.

This way you check if the sensor is receiving power. Set the sensor tester to the Volts option to measure voltage.

Common failures When there are failures in the MAF sensor, the following warning symptoms occur:

Generally, the voltage will be below 5V and will never receive a voltage higher than that of the battery. If the multimeter registers a value within this range, it moves on to the next test.

• The engine may shut down.

• The Check Engine light comes on.

• When scanning, you obtain reports of the failure codes.

Second step Now you must check that the circuit has ground. Before proceeding, place the multimeter in the continuity position.

Bring both metal tips of the tester together and make sure it beeps.

Solutions to the most common failures If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is recommended that you do the following: • Check that the harness is not rusted, broken or sulfated.

8 I Aftermarket International Vol. 23 No 1 2024

With one tip of the meter, prick the ground terminal of the sensor and place the other on some metal part that is nearby.

The device should beep if the dough is correct. aftermarketinternationalcom

Third step The last test that can be performed is to measure the signal. This time it is necessary to start the car and ask someone else for help. Place the multimeter again in the voltage position, prick the signal terminal with one end and the ground with the other.

If the display indicates any voltage value, ask your helper to accelerate the engine slowly. If everything is fine, the signal should

increase as the engine speed increases.

The MAF is a sealed device from which a signal goes to the PCM. It is precisely this signal that is important when testing the sensor. It is necessary to check that a voltage appropriate to the volume of air entering the engine under different load conditions is being generated by the signal cable. The specific voltage data that each motor condition has is not always described in the manufacturer's manual.

How to clean the sensor?

To clean the MAF Sensor it must be removed from its place, depending on the car model it is necessary to remove some screws or staples. The air filter housing may also need to be removed.

You cannot forget to unplug the connector that has the sensor.

The sensor must be removed very carefully and not touch it directly with your hand since it is very fragile. If the platinum wire should break, then you must buy a completely new one.

When you have the sensor out, do a visual check. Check that the thread is not broken, since in this case there is no cleaning involved. If everything is in place then you can use an anti-sulfation spray to clean electrical contacts that is available at any spare parts store.

Apply the liquid over the entire wire and you will see how the thread turns gray.

Remember not to touch it with your hand.

It doesn't hurt to take advantage of wiping a clean cloth inside the air pipe, it may have dust, oil particles or leaf residue, etc. Assemble everything in its place and don't forget to reconnect the sensor.

aftermarketinternational.com

Aftermarket International Vol. 23 No 1 2024 I 9

AutoAméricas exhibits stories to highlight from the industry

T

he Miami Airport Convention Center (MACC) reopens its doors to welcome the more than 40 brands that will cover the exhibition floor of the second version of AutoAméricas throughout the 4,518 square meters of the venue.

The booths of the exhibitors present at the first edition of AutoAméricas had not finished being dismantled when the second version of the new Expo and Congress for the international auto parts industry in Latin America, the Caribbean and South Florida was already announced.

March 7 and 8, 2024 were set as the dates for a new meeting at the MACC in Miami, where in 2023 more than 600 attendees found a wide range of solutions in their path: from compressors for automotive air conditioning, refrigerants , antifreeze, lubricants and engine additives to mechanical parts for suspension, brake pads, clutches, timing kits, among many others.

is the extensive knowledge of the product, the diversity of stock, the quality of the price-value relationship and specialized customer.

AM WorldWide AM Worldwide is a company established in the United States, dedicated to the export of radiators and their spare parts, focused on the Latin American market. The main distinctive capacity of the company

Its mission is to market highquality radiators and plastic tanks, guaranteeing an efficient delivery service, along with experienced human talent committed to excellence, to satisfy its distributor partners in Latin America and generate value in the automotive market.

The number of brands present has increased significantly for this year, which expands the panorama of visitors and the possibility of expanding business throughout the region. Below, we present a brief review of most of them, which had confirmed their presence at the close of this issue.

10 I Aftermarket International Vol. 23 No 1 2024

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American Black American Black is a brand of premium brake parts “designed for whom safety and quality is very important,” as the company maintains on its website. This ensures that it is the ideal replacement for those who do not have enough money to buy the original part.

APRA The Association of Automotive Parts Remanufacturers (APRA) was founded on October 24, 1941 by R. A. Van Alen and Harry Lester in Los Angeles. At the

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Brake Pads constitute their premium product. It is designed with a formula of British origin to replace the vehicle's original pads as it is manufactured under strict quality standards (OEM) providing excellent braking power, noise and dust reduction, rapid recovery from wear and long life.

noise and vibration and providing excellent performance.

Meanwhile, their Premium Brake Shoes are high-quality replacement parts designed to help resist corrosion and reduce premature wear, while reducing

They are certified by ISO/TS 16949, ISO14001, ISO9001 and the Automotive Manufacturers Equipment Compliance Agency (AMECA).

association's first convention in 1947, Harry Lester was still president and attendance was approximately 50 people.

Over the past 75 years, membership has grown to around 1,000 member companies worldwide. Convention attendance exceeds 2,000 people with more than 150 exhibit booths.

depends on a strong focus on members, quality service and continuous improvement by volunteers and staff members who show integrity, interest and initiative,” the Association adds.

In the Association, “people make the difference,” it indicates. “Success

Finally, your brake rotors are manufactured to original equipment specifications with high-tech equipment to deliver proven performance, effective stopping power, and heat dissipation.

For nearly ten years, its president has been Joe Kripli, who has more than 30 years of experience in multi-component remanufacturing processes, sales and marketing, and project launches.

Aftermarket International Vol. 23 No 1 2024 I 11

that represents and defends the social, commercial and technical interests of the automotive sector and its parts in Colombia, with nearly half a century of existence.

Asopartes The Association of the Automotive Sector and its Parts (Asopartes) is a non-profit union entity with a tradition

As its president, Carlos Andrés Pineda, maintains, the association emerged in an almost “informal” way in Medellín and from there it expanded to the entire country. Today it has seven branches in

timing coverage on aftermarket kits for Florida, Georgia, the Caribbean Islands and all of Latin America.

CIC USA Corp CIC USA CORP is an American automotive parts company, which claims to offer the most complete

DAI The company emerged in 1981 as part of a strategic alliance and a thought

Diamond Power Diamond Automotive SA de CV and its Diamond Power brand were born 20 years ago in order to take advantage of the knowledge for the motor market in Mexico and import spare parts with high quality standards at a lower price

the main cities of Colombia.

Currently, it has more than 54,000 companies formally registered with chambers of commerce; nearly 40,000 associated with the automobile sector and approximately 14,000 with the motorcycle sector. The Association brings together around 500 affiliated companies, with around 2,000 business establishments represented.

controls to achieve the best status as an exporter.

Throughout its history, the company has focused on the demands of the Latin American market. Based on its previous experience, it develops new strategies to increase all types of

All products are assembled in the USA. Components are manufactured in Taiwan, Pakistan, USA and China.

The company opened a distribution network to different countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

to conquer the spare parts market for Mexico, the United States and Latin America.

and suspension parts, in rubber and polyurethane for the automotive and heavy equipment market.

The corporate offices are located in Mexico City, where they have just over 300 employees. Its specialty is the manufacturing and marketing of engine mounts, shock absorber bases

For this year, the company's prospects are based on continuing strong growth in Mexico and Latin America, covering the automotive and heavy equipment line and reaching other Caribbean markets.

than those available in the market.

According to the company, Diamond Power is recognized as one of the brands with the greatest participation in the Mexican market in terms of engine spare parts.

According to the company, the brand was quickly accepted as it had applications for Asian, American and European engines. Distribution began in the city of Monterrey, expanding operations throughout the republic with distribution centers both in this city and in Torreón, Puebla, Guadalajara and the central Distribution Center in the city of Querétaro, in addition to having the opening of a new CEDIS in Mexico City.

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In 2011, the project began to enter the US market, as well as significantly increase the presence of the brand in Latin countries from a distribution center located in the city of Miami.

This is dedicated solely to the export of products to Latin America. aftermarketinternationalcom

The company seeks to make DNJ the name brand that can be trusted, under the commitment to keep the customer up to date with all new parts that are for late model applications.

DNJ Engine Components DNJ Engine Components, with over 35 years of experience, has become a full line supplier of domestic and Japanese engine parts for all cars and trucks and offers listings for all engines.

The company stocks more than 14,000 part numbers at each branch location nationwide to help to serve their customers more efficiently, along with a free 800 number at each location for easy ordering.

gasoline and diesel parts in Latin America.

Ebiten Parts Ebiten S.A. is a Uruguayan company dedicated to the marketing of engine,

“Basically our job is to consolidate products in China and export directly under our name from China to any part of Latin America,” explains Leandro Gazzano, from the Sales management for Latin America.

Its main products are engine bearings,

rotors, filters and steering/suspension.

Ecobrex Ecobrex is an American brand located in Texas, which supplies automotive spare parts internationally. The company maintains that it adheres to international safety standards and certifications by producing premium eco-friendly brake pads, disc

Enginemach Enginemach has 18 years of experience selling vehicle engine parts in the United aftermarketinternational.com

“Ecobrex offers superior customer service, a distributor program, flexible pricing, personalized marketing and global deliveries,” the company says.

It sets standards and trends in the highly dynamic automotive parts industry, “always staying one step ahead of the competition.”

“Using

the

latest

cutting-edge

States, Asia, Europe and Latin America.

According to the company, the manufacturing of each piece has the most rigorous quality standards, at a highly competitive price and covering a wide range of applications to satisfy the needs of its customers.

From its distribution center in Miami,

DNJ engine components catalog and information are also available online, with new part numbers added regularly to keep you competitive in the market.

“We are proud to say that we have chosen to partner with manufacturers certified with ISO9001, ISO9002 and with the prestigious QS9000 certificate,” says the company, which also maintains that all DNJ engine components meet or exceed O.E. Quality.

piston rings, engine pistons and engine gaskets.

Added to this are oil pumps, water pumps, hydraulic pumps, brake pumps, sensors and suspension.

Its main markets are Venezuela, Colombia and Mexico.

technologies, impeccable design processes and precision, Ecobrex prides itself on supplying products that adhere to the highest standards, ensuring both quality and safety,” the company states.

Its mission, the company highlights, is to deliver precision and maximum quality products, guaranteeing safety and durability, and to provide affordable solutions through innovative manufacturing processes and innovation in distribution networks.

Florida, it distributes to the entire North American market and also exports to Latin America.

Its vision is to become the main reference in auto parts thanks to its quality, quantity of applications, price, support and accessibility from any place where there is a need to repair an engine.

Aftermarket International Vol. 23 No 1 2024 I 13

Epicor Since 1972, Epicor has equipped hardworking companies with business solutions that keep the world turning. This is according to the company's Public Relations Lead for the Americas, Stephanie Butler.

GFX Auto After attending George Washington University, GFX President Fanny Hanono joined her father in 1988 to help run his automotive business, Carfel, Inc. Fanny quickly streamlined operations to focus on a transmission parts business.

More robust and vertically integrated automatic.

GJ Parts and More This family business, located in Miami, started as GJ Parts in 2003, 20 years ago. However, it comes from a very long history in the auto parts business

“The company was one of the first providers of business solutions developed specifically for automotive aftermarket companies,” she maintains. In 1982, the company introduced the industry's first electronic catalog, delivering content for millions of parts, from hundreds of suppliers, directly to the counters of dealers and workers.

Epicor is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and has offices around the world

At the time there was skepticism about whether the use of automatic transmissions would gain popularity around the world. After Fanny was named president, the company became an industry-leading multi-million dollar operation. Carfel's success attracted the interest and attention of numerous corporations. In 2001, SPX Corporation acquired Carfel and incorporated it into the SPX Filtran Aftermarket division.

with 4,300 employees. The company offers solutions to help franchise dealers take advantage of all aftersales opportunities throughout the life cycle of each vehicle, regardless of make or model.

Epicor's vision is to become the leading provider of data and insights across digital data networks in the industries it serves, and that vision is underway within the automotive aftermarket.

and manufacture of automatic transmission kits and components.

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, the company employs more than 100 people worldwide in its engineering, product development, manufacturing, testing and distribution facilities.

Today, the company presents itself as a leader in the design

Currently, GFX occupies more than 100,000 square feet of space in multiple buildings in three countries. GFX also operates manufacturing, office, warehouse and distribution facilities in the Netherlands with a manufacturing plant in China.

with more than 25 years of experience in the spare parts market, wholesale and export.

The company is an authorized distributor of important brands in the Aftermarket, although it also manufactures its own products. It works directly with factories in China and Japan to provide its customers with the "hard to find parts" in their markets, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“This has made a difference in our service, especially in the Refrigeration line,” the company maintains on its website.

“We are also very proud to have great suppliers and work with partners where we can provide different parts for our customers. Our main focus is that our customers find GJ Parts a onestop shop for most of their auto parts needs,” it notes.

14 I Aftermarket International Vol. 23 No 1 2024

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Golden Friction Golden Friction presents itself as a 100% Mexican company, located in the state of San Luis Potosí. He has more than two decades of experience in the auto parts market.

The company points out that it offers the best products with the highest quality certified by ISO 9001:2015 and the best applied technology, supported by the production and quality standards of the BF Goodrich and SAE J840, to satisfy the requirements of its customers.

According to the company, the brake system and clutch system are developed there, formulated by the FMSI, making one feel the confidence and security of

just-in-time delivery. It focuses on parts from highly recognized approved brands for Japanese and Korean cars.

Imex Service Imex Service is a leading automotive parts distributor group founded in 1981.

It stocks commonly worn parts to offer

In turn, it stores spare parts for suspension/steering, brakes, engine, clutches, cooling and filters.

“We are confident that, with more than four decades of experience, we can

based in Miami, is a representative of large wholesalers in India, China and Turkey.

Isso Enterprise This company founded in 1985, and

Magic Motor Sport The company was founded in 1996 by the Skutkiewicz brothers in Poland.

The first MMS team was made up of a group of mechanics, engineers and software developers who provided Technical Support to the racing and rally teams. aftermarketinternational.com

It offers the complete line of bumperto-bumper cars for all Suzuki brands of Indian origin and Chevrolet of Chinese origin, as well as Volvo, Mercedes Benz

Their first headquarters was in Gdansk, Poland, where they initially only focused on high-performance racing products which over time led to the development of hardware and software solutions that interface with automotive electronics.

In 1999 their efforts began to bear fruit and their vehicles began to win awards in rallycross, rally and hillclimb throughout Europe. Little by little, MMS began to make a name for itself among the most influential companies in its sector.

having high-performance products.

The company emphasizes that, thanks to new technologies, it allows us to achieve levels of performance never seen before, dedicating itself to being at the forefront, and to the acquisition of new knowledge for the manufacture of the best products. In addition to guaranteeing products with specialized technical requirements, made in Mexico.

cover many of the needs of clients in the Caribbean and Latin America,” says the company, which highlights that its business is “to attend to counter sales and not waste valuable time searching for parts.” in the various markets.”

“Put our experience and inventory as an additional muscle to your strength,” says the company.

and Iveco from Turkey.

It currently has operations in Colombia, Venezuela, Uruguay, Mexico and soon in the Dominican Republic, mainly with the offer of these cars and some others.

In 2002 his first Automotive Electronics project was perfected: a dualclutch gearbox for A7 Rally cars.

In 2012 they received five stars for technical support thanks to the launch of their MMS Helpdesk. That same year, the company moved to Terrasini, Italy, where the team expanded in number and experience. In its new B&S (Research and Development) and Manufacturing laboratories, the company added Made in Italy quality workmanship to its products.

Aftermarket International Vol. 23 No 1 2024 I 15

company points out that it was gaining its place as the main supplier of automotive parts in Brazil.

MTE-Thomson The history of MTE-Thomson begins in 1957 with the name of MTE – Metalúrgica Termo-Eléctrica, along with the beginning of the automotive industry in Brazil.

With great dedication and effort, the

In 1975, through a Joint Venture with Thomson International Co., mass production of thermostats began on its production line. Since then it has established itself as a specialist in products for engine temperature control.

In 1990, MTE-THOMSON began research and development of ceramic technology applied to the

a single QS-certified factory to ensure consistent quality manufacturing,” the company maintains.

New York Brake Co Established in 2000, New York Brake Co. focuses on supplying high-quality brake products at competitive prices to the automotive aftermarket.

“From the beginning, we have purchased our brake pads and shoes from

Nordic Jones Since its founding in 1964, Nordic Jones Italy has distinguished itself by its ability to focus its efforts on manufacturing spare parts that provide perfect substitutes for original spare parts produced by leading automobile manufacturers, with particular expertise in chassis components.

According to the company, although it is a high-volume supplier, its inventory storage and order fulfillment systems allow it to handle orders of any size.

“Our Miami location is located and organized to provide a service never before available to the export market.

We can exchange your part numbers

“This choice has proven to be a winning competitive policy around the world, where Nordic Jones Italy now occupies a role and an identity that goes beyond a first-class supplier: it represents a true partner capable of guaranteeing competitive certainties,” says the director, Silvano Giorgio.

Giorgio highlights that the continuous growth of the company, which has successfully overcome even the most difficult times for the automotive market, makes Nordic Jones a leader in the sector in Italy and one of the most prominent players on the international scene thanks

16 I Aftermarket International Vol. 23 No 1 2024

automotive industry, becoming the only manufacturer in Latin America of PTC and NTC thermistors and oxygen sensors.

“Today, after 200 million parts produced and more than 3,000 part numbers, MTE-Thomson has one of the most complete lines of temperature control and electronic injection to meet the needs of its OEM and aftermarket customers in more from 100 countries around the world,” the company points out.

with ours with unmatched efficiency,” he adds.

In recent years, the company has concentrated its product line to fit the cars and trucks found on the roads of the Caribbean, Central and South America, Mexico, and the US today.

Specializes in inventorying and distributing only ISO9000, QS9002, TS16949 and TUV certified brake pads and brake shoes that are formulated specifically for those markets.

to its efficiency, constructive vision and versatility.

The company has approximately 42 employees and collaborators. The headquarters are located in Brescia, Italy. Nordic Jones specializes in manufacturing suspension parts such as control arms, tie rod, tie rod end, ball joint and stabilizer link.

Nordic Jones sells its product 60% under its registered name and the remaining 40% under private label. The registered trademarks are SIR automotive parts and Wilbürk chassis parts. aftermarketinternationalcom

NY, Parts Authority has more than 250 locations throughout the Northeast, MidAtlantic, Midwest, Pacific Northwest and Southwest.

Parts Authority Founded in 1973, it is a leading national distributor of auto and truck parts to the auto parts industry in the United States serving customers in the commercial channel, including service centers, brokers, fleet and national accounts, as well as in the e-commerce channel.

Headquartered

in

Lake

Success,

Partsease Partsease is a technology platform for automotive spare parts and construction spare parts committed to providing integrated solutions as a

Porter Industries “We have been in business for 15 years,” says this company specialized in automotive electrical spare parts such as sensors, coils, modules, regulators, rectifiers, injectors, among others.

According to the company, it currently exports to more than 35 countries with aftermarketinternational.com

In recent years, Parts Authority has acquired more than a dozen companies as part of its expansion strategy.

Parts Authority's catalog of more than 3 million parts covers virtually every application on the road today and ensures its customers receive the parts they need when they need them.

to help find the right parts and brand for any application.

“At Parts Authority, we are known for the businesses we maintain. “We source original parts from OEM manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers of the highest quality,” says the company, which claims to have relationships with the best brands in the industry such as AC Delco, Motorcraft, Denso, Bosch, KYB, Monroe, Gates , Dorman and Exide, among others.

The company offers a team of trained and experienced counter professionals

“Building lasting relationships with our supplier partners and customers is what differentiates us from the competition,” highlights the organization.

product and service to its customers in the AM industry and construction industry.

is dedicated to building channels between larger suppliers and massive demands abroad.

Founded in 2020, with headquarter in Shanghai, China, Partsease has a strong network with domestic and overseas partners such as automobile manufacturers, fabricators, construction factories, logistics and technology suppliers. The company

With recent changes worldwide, the company ensures that its integrated B4B Partsease platform is a solution that offers innovation and creativity to its partners. “Our constant goal has been to help our partners grow and move on the right path to success,” it says.

immediate delivery from its inventories in Miami.

durable,” it highlights.

Through its social networks, the company provides constant information about the value of each piece it distributes.

In one of his publications, he highlights, for example, that injectors are parts that are part of the injection system, “a key element for the correct functioning of your car.”

“A leaking gasoline injector or too much fuel pressure means that it is mixing too much gasoline and causing failures.

Use ours, which are manufactured to be

In another post he highlights the importance of the electrical system for the operation of the vehicle.

“In such a way that if the control unit fails you will notice, because it is likely that the car will not start and you should immediately take it for inspection. If the fault is in the sensors we will see failures and possibly short circuits, but the system will work, only the damaged sensor must be replaced,” it points out, and then highlights his leadership in this area.

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and distributors of aftermarket products.

ProMax Auto Parts Today, ProMax is considered one of North America's leading manufacturers

automotive

It is a brand specializing in brake pads, brake shoes, discs, drums and chassis parts.

According to the company, its products are designed to the highest

and South America, interacting with many groups of people and international suppliers with whom it maintains a close commercial relationship.

QPS Electric Parts The company indicates that it offers the largest selection of alternators, starters and their respective parts, as well as electrical and universal products.

“We are importers and distributors of spare parts and electrical parts from globally recognized brands for all types of vehicles and heavy machinery,” says the company, according to which it has more than 1,500 partners, including international clients and suppliers.

To this end, it has commercial operations in Miami, USA, and in Central

Among the countries in which it has a presence are Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas,

conditioning systems in all vehicles, both foreign and domestic.

R & Y A/C Compressors Since 1989, R & Y A/C Compressors has provided quality automotive air conditioning parts and service.

This family-owned business specializes in automotive heating and air

The company manufactures and distributes a comprehensive line of replacement mobile climate control products. These include compressors, compressor kits, clutches, dryers/ accumulators, evaporators, condensers, radiators, hose assemblies, blower motors, heater cores, O-ring kits and seals, among others.

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standards to provide maximum safety in any situation, “whether cruising along the highway or in stop-and-go city traffic,” it indicates.

The company notes that its products offer superior performance in a wide range of driving conditions and weather.

Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curacao, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Dominican Republic, Peru, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Suriname, USA, Uruguay and Venezuela.

According to the company, it has warehouses of more than 40,000 square feet strategically located in Miami, with more than 30,000 different SKUs, which allows it to offer its customers a wide range of products with the highest quality.

“We are one of the largest aftermarket mobile climate control parts suppliers in the industry and one of the largest compressor remanufacturers in the world,” maintains the company, located “conveniently” in North Miami Beach, Florida.

“With multiple warehouses, we have the ability to quickly process and ship our customers' orders throughout the United States and to multiple countries,” it notes.

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the rest. “We have dryers or accumulators, as well as the expansion device for each brand and model,” it points out.

Ranshu Ranshu stocks over 300,000 compressors to suit vehicle applications from the 1960s to today. This is what the company maintains: “We carry new when they are available and remanufactured in

“At Ranshu we will do everything possible to ensure that your order is completed as quickly as possible,” says the company, ensuring that it is responsible for having all the parts in the catalog in stock so that there is no wait. Additionally, it indicates that orders are generally shipped the same day they are received.

to market high quality products, continually providing added value to its customers.

RTG Panamá RTG Panama Auto Parts Group is an auto parts distribution company with international coverage.

The purpose indicated by the company is

SIDEM More than 90 years ago in the town of Hounslow, west of Greater London in the United Kingdom, the company Standard Link Innovation Limited could barely envision a growing world beyond the River Thames. However, just one year after establishing itself as SIDEM, the main center of activity of this manufacturer specialized in the design and production of parts and suspension for the aftermarket had already moved to Antwerp, Belgium. aftermarketinternational.com

“We provide advice and support, in timely delivery times, maintaining an excellent long-term and mutually beneficial relationship, which allows us to support the development of our clients and thus stand out in the market as leaders in the auto parts sector,” points out this company domiciled in the Colón Free Zone, Panama.

It was 1934. That year, a production unit for spare parts for automobiles would be launched in parallel at a plant in Audergherm, on the outskirts of Brussels.

Thus began the story of a company that over time would stand out for the quality and range of products, manufactured in Europe, becoming known beyond borders and other continents.

At the beginning of this century, in 2001, the company opened a plant in Romania and increased its production capacity significantly. A decade later, in 2011, and with Gwen Verfaillie in charge, SIDEM moved to an automated distribution center in Gullegem, Belgium. The new headquarters reached 12,000 square m2 within a 27,000 m2 business park.

“In addition to the widest selection of automotive air conditioning parts, Ranshu provides excellent customer service and technical support to all of our customers,” it says.

“If you need help troubleshooting a problem, don't hesitate to call one of our technicians who has more than 20 years of experience in automotive air conditioning,” it reaffirms.

“At RTG we are characterized by promoting the following corporate values: honesty, responsibility, ethics and respect for the environment; In addition to this, RTG has an integrated, agile and modern organizational structure integrating various areas such as the administrative department, accounting, systems, advertising, warehouse, office, commercial and general management,” the company explains.

This expansion led to a further expansion of the SIDEM product range: suspension arms, ball joints, tie rods, axial joints, bushings, stabilizer links, strut mounts and steering rack bellows.

Today, for almost all vehicles (personal and light commercial), including European, Asian and domestic, SIDEM has the solution with 95% product coverage that translates into 9,000 references and more than 4 million parts available in inventory.

Since 2019, SIDEM has had a digital catalog where customers can search for steering and suspension parts.

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SSF SSF was founded in 1976 in South San Francisco, California, and focused on OEM parts for European vehicles. Today, its 350 employees serve customers in the United States and Latin America through nine locations via local delivery and overnight shipping.

Its online B2B portal, SSFautoparts.

com, provides access to thousands of parts for BMW/Mini, Mercedes, Porsche, Volkswagen, Audi, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo and Saab.

was a challenge for the entire automotive aftermarket due to its dependence on a global supply chain, commercial demand remained very strong for SSF.

The company's focus is purely on OE quality parts from trusted global manufacturers. Covers all major collision-free automotive categories such as brakes, ignition, lighting, fluids, filtration, engine, suspension, HVAC, and tools and equipment for late models up to the air-cooled engine period.

“We employed several key strategies to thrive during this period, such as additional inventory, new product lines, and expanded shipping and delivery services. Additionally, SSF embraced the export market during the pandemic by making key connections, adding Spanish-speaking sales professionals and adjusting our product offering to support these varied parking lots,” said Rodríguez.

According to Marketing Coordinator Carla Rodríguez, while the pandemic

and manufacturing of automotive rubber parts.

T-Alem It is an Italian-German company that, as it indicates, “was born 25 years ago to create value and contribute to the environment” through a highly resistant and durable formula in the composition

TrakMotive TrakMotive was established in 2006 as a marketing and distribution company of Wonh Industries. It has several distribution centers around the world. In the United States it has warehouses strategically located in California and North Carolina.

The company is confident in being the best option in the automotive industry by offering quality and durable products, with top quality materials, based on German technology, leaders in its category.

“We evaluate the quality of each of our pieces produced both at the beginning of the process that includes

The company specializes in CV axle shafts (shafts), and constant velocity joints (spikes) for light-duty vehicles, off-road vehicles and utility vehicles. It also offers cardan shafts (shaft-motor assembly).

Today, its CV axle shaft replacement program under the TrakMotive brand is the most sought after in the North American auto parts market and is sold in major retailers and distribution channels in the auto parts industry.

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the manufacturing of the raw material, until the final process with the finished product,” the company says.

“To this end, we have worked tirelessly to perfect our processes, and now, we have achieved 100% assembly consistency,” adds the company, which indicates that its plant located in Colombia, with German technology and Italian presses, is an intelligent automation benchmark for the automotive rubber auto parts industry.

For its part, Wonh is a manufacturer of the aftermarket, which offers high quality products, including the TrakMotive line: CV axle shafts (shafts), constant velocity joints (tips), constant velocity axles for off-road vehicles and utility, and cardan shafts (shaft-motor assembly).

The company ensures that all of its products are new and conform to the performance of the part specified by the original equipment manufacturer. aftermarketinternationalcom

guarantee excellent superior mechanical quality.

Tubex India For the last more than two decades, Tubex India has been catering to the requirements of double interlock type flexible metal hoses, corrugated hoses, flexible metal conduits and some special category hoses which, according to the company, are constructed of premium quality materials and, Therefore, they

“It all started in the year 1989.

Since then, we have been the leading manufacturer and exporter of High Temperature Hoses, High Pressure Hoses, Flexible Metal Hoses and Ducts (GI, SS, Cu, etc.), PVC Coated Ducts and some special categories,” the company points out.

Among others, it highlights hoses such as silicone hoses, Santoprene hoses,

in five sectors of the automotive world, ranging from cars, SUVs, trucks, buses to heavy duty vehicles.

TVA Automotive With seven offices in the United States, it has global coverage and offers extensive experience combined with international shipping capabilities. The team includes 15 consultants operating

Vulkan Group The Vulkan Group, which today includes Vulkan, founded in 1889, has its administrative headquarters in Herne, Germany.

Vulkan's business success story of more than 130 years is based, according to the company, on the balance between aftermarketinternational.com

“At TVA Automotive, our best feature is our international team of highly professional and knowledgeable people, who, through their hard work, passion and dedication, continually propel our company ahead of our competition,” says the company's CEO, Tony Díaz, in the presentation message published on the website.

which are developed from superior quality material, “resulting in longlasting performance, flexibility, abrasion resistivity and durability, so they have a wide use in industries.

The company is also a manufacturer of global quality rubber hoses (oil hoses, tanker hoses, neoprene hoses, etc.).

“Our efficient production method, adequate manufacturing infrastructure and customer satisfaction driven approach help us reach out to Indian and international clientele,” it notes.

“We are proud to be able to offer aftermarket products, for a wide variety of vehicles, that pass the most rigorous tests,” he adds.

And he concludes: “As an independent, privately owned company, our culture is largely based on building strong relationships over the years with worldrenowned brands with a wide range of high-quality automotive parts.

tradition and innovation. Vulkan is wholly owned by the Hackforth family in the fourth generation.

work better", it provides its clients with tailored solutions that help improve their systems both technically and economically.

With five production plants, more than 50 sales companies and around 1,400 employees in more than 18 locations worldwide, the Vulkan Group is one of the technological and market leaders in the field of marine, industrial and energy technology. , as well as in refrigeration and air conditioning technology.

Their customers' requirements for on-time delivery, quality, product safety and environmental friendliness at reduced costs are and continue to be a constantly growing challenge.

Under the motto "we make systems

Its objective is to offer benefits to the user from the development and production to the marketing of products and services.

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traditional aftermarket distributors, rebuilders and retail customers in the Automotive, Othermotive and Heavy Duty Fuel, Engine and Exhaust Sensors markets throughout the world.

According to the company, it serves leading OEMs, co-manufacturers,

“We are committed to supplying products manufactured to meet or exceed OEM standards and specifications,” notes the organization, which recognizes that this effort is supported by its internal manufacturing, product management and engineering staff to ensure maximum precision in the production of highest quality parts, vehicle applications and technical support.

Its manufacturing facilities maintain and respect ISO 9001/IATF16949 standards.

“While our products are based on sensors, fuel and ignition, our business revolves around our customers. Our experienced sales team covers the global market through direct sales and manufacturer agencies, developing longterm relationships of trust,” highlights the company, which has sales and distribution centers in the US, Mexico, the United Kingdom and China, as well as manufacturing facilities in Fruita and Grand Junction, CO; Pacific, Missouri; Palmito, Florida; and Changzhou, China.

Worldpac Worldpac was formed in 1995 as a result of several acquisitions of top tier importing companies spanning over 30 years of service in the import spare parts market.

Worldpac imports and distributes original equipment (OE) and quality

aftermarket automotive parts to independent service professionals.

“We offer more than 110,000 part numbers in a single source for 41 domestic and imported automobile lines,” says the company, which claims that its exclusive online catalog and fulfillment ordering software (speedDIAL) contains more than 7 million applications from multiple domestic and imported brands for virtually all makes and models of cars.

Worldpac maintains that it imports parts directly from the automotive

industry's most respected original equipment manufacturers. “Sourcing genuine parts from the original manufacturers ensures a precise fit and easy installation the first time, as well as quality that maintains the integrity of the vehicle,” it highlights.

“To enhance our offering of domestic and imported OEM products, we also offer products from the highest quality aftermarket suppliers. The fact is, when new cars hit the road, the replacement parts are in our system, ready for you to get them,” the company notes.

Walker Products Walker Products began serving the fuel system needs of the automotive industry in 1946. Today, the company is one of the largest privately held manufacturers of fuel system components and engine sensors.

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the client requires it.

Woodyard Wholesale Parts USA The company claims to be an authorized wholesale distributor for cars and trucks of very important brands in the Aftermarket, but it also manufactures individual packaging if

According to the organization, it works directly with the best aftermarket manufacturers from Europe, China, Korea, and companies in Japan to provide its customers with about 90% of their demands in their markets, focusing on the complete line of suspension Chassis for all types of vehicles in general in Latin America, South America, North America, the Caribbean including Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

engineering experience has led it to develop processes that allow new products to be designed and manufactured in the shortest time possible using the best materials.

Xtender Brake Parts In 2001, Xtender Automotive Group created International Motor Products, Inc. in Miami, Florida to supply brake parts with very high quality standards at competitive prices in the United States, Latin America, Central America and the Caribbean.

According to the company, its

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“These products are manufactured by highly qualified engineers and specialists using high-tech instruments to obtain excellent quality products with high levels of safety, durability and performance, shipped directly from our manufacturing plants to your facilities,” highlights the company, which recognizes having achieved exceptional results in tests carried out in Link &

This according to its president, Jaime Cabrera, has made a difference in the service.

“We are a mechanism between the customer and the manufacturer by making wholesale purchases directly from the manufacturer. Our focus is for our customers to find Woodyard Wholesale Parts a one-stop shop for most of their auto parts needs,” it highlights.

Greening testing laboratories certified

by AMECA Automotive Manufacturers Equipment Compliance Agency (US Standards).

“We are proud to be a regional member of the FMSI Friction Materials Standard Institute. Our manufacturing processes have received ISO9001 and ISO/TS 16949 certifications for the use of the appropriate selection and the best quality of raw materials from the United States, Canada and Germany under rigorous quality controls in the production process,” notes the company.

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Challenges Hindering the Adoption of Electric Cars in Central America and the Caribbean

By Francisco Herdocia*

I

n Central America and the Caribbean, there is still a lack of widespread knowledge about the benefits of electric cars, including their lower operating costs, lower environmental impact and better performance.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained significant traction worldwide as a sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

However, their adoption in Central America and the Caribbean has been notably slower compared to many other regions. Several factors could be contributing to this delay. Aside from the high vehicle cost, there is also high import duties and a lack of government incentives.

One of the most significant barriers to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in Central America and the Caribbean is the high import tax levied on these vehicles.

Although some countries, like Costa Rica, is working on possible incentives.

The high import duties on electric vehicles serve as a considerable deterrent to potential

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buyers. Consumers in these regions are pricesensitive, and the added cost of importing an electric car can be prohibitive, even when considering the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance.

Government and infrastructure limits Another major factor contributing to the slow adoption of electric cars in Central America and the Caribbean is the limited availability of government incentives.

However, in Central America and the Caribbean, government incentives for electric cars are few. The absence of such incentives not only fails to motivate consumers to make the switch to electric but also hinders the development of charging infrastructure and the growth of the electric vehicle market. aftermarketinternationalcom

That also leads us to the third factor. Since there are not many charging stations throughout these countries. An EV owner is limited to its home base surroundings. A reliable network of charging stations is key to ease concerns about range anxiety and to ensure that EV owners can charge their vehicles conveniently.

Central America and the Caribbean face challenges in developing widespread charging infrastructure due to factors such as limited financial resources and logistical difficulties.

While some countries in the region have made efforts to establish charging networks in urban areas, rural regions are often underserved or entirely lacking in charging infrastructure.

This makes electric cars less practical for consumers who may need to travel longer distances or lack access to home charging solutions.

Restricted models Furthermore, the variety of EV car models, available in Central America and the Caribbean, is significantly restricted compared to larger markets. Most local dealers do not bring too many EV options to entice their buyers. Limited model availability not only limits consumer choice but also affects the

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perception of electric cars in these countries. Consumers are more likely to consider EV if they have access to a diverse range of options that suit their preferences and needs.

In Central America and the Caribbean, there is still a lack of widespread knowledge about the benefits of electric cars, including their lower operating costs, reduced environmental impact, and improved performance.

The slow adoption of electric vehicles is somewhat contradictory considering the potential environmental benefits they offer. EVs produce fewer emissions and reduce air pollution, contributing to better air quality and mitigating climate change. Encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles would align with the region's long-term environmental goals.

Economic barriers Another issue could be income disparities and poverty.

Many consumers in these regions have limited disposable income. That makes affordable electric car options a limited financial option.

Furthermore, the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has strained household budgets, making it even more challenging for individuals and families to consider purchasing an electric vehicle, which often comes with a higher upfront cost.

Environmental Concerns and Sustainability Despite the challenges, there is growing recognition of the importance of sustainability and environmental conservation in Central America and the Caribbean. These regions are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

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From our company’s perspective, we believe is lack of prompt vehicle acceptance.

Conclusion The limited adoption of electric cars in Central America and the Caribbean can be attributed to a combination of factors, including high import duties, a lack of government incentives, inadequate charging infrastructure, limited model availability, low consumer awareness, economic challenges, and concerns about sustainability. To accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in these regions, it is crucial for governments, businesses, and stakeholders to work together to address these challenges.

Coincidently, this October, Honda and GM stopped a joint agreement. Their intentions were to build a joint system to supply affordable vehicles for North and South America. They blamed it on a slow production of Ultium batteries.

"After studying this for a year, we decided that this would be difficult as a business, so at the moment we are ending development of an affordable EV," said Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe in an interview with Bloomberg. "GM and Honda will search for a solution separately. This project itself has been canceled," Mibe said.

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Efforts should be made to reduce import duties on electric vehicles, introduce incentives to promote their purchase, invest in charging infrastructure, expand the availability of electric car models, and educate consumers about the benefits of electric mobility. By addressing these issues, Central America and the Caribbean can pave the way for a greener and more sustainable transportation future.

Not an easy task. But perhaps one day attainable. *Vicepresidente de Imex Service

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[PROFESSIONAL OF THE MONTH]

An associated entrepreneur

F

or nearly 25 years, Norvy Barreiro, founder and CEO of Netpartes, and current vice president of the Board of Directors of Asopartes Sectional Antioquia has forged a trajectory throughout the entire industry chain with multiple allies.

By Federico Duarte Garcés “There are resignations that are costly; however, over time, you say: 'It was good,'" says Norvy, who at the age of six decided to leave a fragmented home, as she herself points out, given the distance from her father who lived separately with her older brother, while she stayed with her mother and her three sisters (she, the middle one) in their house in Bogotá.

search of job opportunities with Norvy's sisters, who was 17 years old at the time.

Less than a week after settling in, she had already gotten her first job, which would put her definitively in the auto parts industry.

“Don't ask me why, because at six years old I wasn't aware of anything,” she warns after remembering that she then went to live with his aunt Lilia to Campoalegre, a town in Huila, half an hour away from Neiva, capital of this department in southwestern Colombia. “There I began to weave a path of independence and look for better opportunities.”

Since then, Norvy stood out for her passion for study that characterized her during her primary and high school years. “I only had one dream: to be a professional,” she says, indicating that, as a provincial resident, to access university she only saw one option: traveling to the country's capital.

Thus, a few days after graduating from school in his hometown, she left his aunt's house to settle in Bogotá, where his mother was. She had also traveled from here to there in 28 I Aftermarket International Vol. 23 No 1 2024

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PROFESSIONAL OF THE MONTH Learning and doing Norvy showed up with her older sister at a spare parts store that needed a saleswoman. At the beginning, the one designated to go to the interview was her sister, who was 18 years old, and thus avoided the calls that her mother had received for her continuous impulses during the vacations time when she visited her and accompanied her to work even as a younger.

However, it was precisely that energy, which stood out against her sister's discretion, that the business owner captured to hire Norvy. “None of you know about spare parts; I have to teach any of you, but you talk more,” he told her.

This is how she initially got the position to cover a maternity license. However, during the first six months, she sold twice as much as its replacement. From there here contract would be extended, and with her first savings and a loan from the company she would begin a degree in International Business at the Antonio Nariño University.

In this way, at night she learned a series of concepts that she put into practice during her work during the day, and vice versa. In addition, her knowledge of the world of spare parts expanded as clients arrived inquiring about the guarantee of different parts. Norvy did not hesitate to call one workshop or another to find out about the composition of that crankshaft or that piston, which allowed her to provide an effective and accurate response from a technical point of view.

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“That specialized me in providing solutions,” she points out about her role in filtering information that made her stand out in a subsequent company, an importer of spare parts, where she assumed the position of sales coordinator, corporate sales, returns and guarantees manager, and import manager.

“I am very relaxed about the issue of hierarchies,” says Norvy, who reaffirms her principles and precepts of life: “I always say that, if the person adds, they are welcome.” And in her case, by tracking merchandise from the source of origin to points of sale, she added more and more and obtained an even broader panorama of commercialization at all levels.

In this way, Norvy knew to whom the merchandise was sold, in which areas of the country, and now where it came from, as well as the entire logistics chain, to identify efficiency in savings and costs. Thus, while in class they talked to her about tariff subheadings, the next day she checked their application in the company.

“I was fascinated because I was absorbing a lot of experience and it was a magical thing to know what you were studying and what it really was. All of this prepared me for what I have today, for what I have been able to create independently today.”

The union of all parts There were a total of six and a half years in those companies belonging to the same family in which Norvy put his greatest

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PROFESSIONAL OF THE MONTH energy. Around 2006, her first daughter arrived and with them the health challenges, so availability was no longer the same and which would lead to separation from the company for which she worked.

“At that moment I felt and in fact experienced gender inequality. However, things happen for something, so now I am grateful for what happened. I think otherwise I would still be working there,” Norvy mentions.

Finally, the time came to undertake, encouraged by her ex-husband and associated with in-laws, she opened a workshop specializing in brakes, then a spare parts warehouse and finally a small spare parts importer, which became successive failures.

However, in 2010 she arrived in Medellín with her two daughters after having divorced and with a job offer from an Antioquia company to structure her wholesale sales channel.

Thus she managed to clean up his finances and pay some debts inherited from those unfortunate attempts to create a company, but she would also gain confidence to give free rein to his real dream today: Netpartes.

The inherited knowledge of portfolio management and sales with brands from different countries would lead her to offer purchasing management services, negotiation terms, import logistics, as well as after-sales service, including different alternatives of origin and brands of spare parts and accessories for automobiles and motorcycles aimed at Latin American markets.

“I don't come from a family that does business. So I didn't have that DNA or that dream. That was really an unfounded dream,” says Norvy, who points out: "That many years later worked thanks to self-confidence, a high sense of responsibility and dedication."

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PROFESSIONAL OF THE MONTH In short, she would become a bridge between different parts. Hence, it is difficult for her to find photos in which she is not accompanied by all the allies with whom she has built a network.

Over time, this management would lead her to join Asopartes, a non-profit association that represents and defends the social, commercial and technical interests of the automotive sector and its parts in Colombia. For a few months she would take over as executive director of the Antioquia section, and then become vice president of the Association's board of directors.

Committee at Asopartes and has traveled through different regions of the country extolling women with experience in the industry like her and promoting the first International Women's Forum of the Association that will take place at the Autopartes Fair to be held between the Next June 5 and 7 in Medellín.

“We are sowing with our eyes fixed on our objective with a gender focus within the Association,” comments Norvy, who in his wake has known how to resign to take more than a step forward in his training and projection, as well as that of all the parts that surround her and connect with her own trajectory.

For 7 years she has been between the presidency and the vice-presidency of the Antioquia sectional board and as a vocal member and substitute respectively of the national board, where she has been characterized by his “commitment, dedication and dedication in favor of the automotive industry” as It is cited by the recognition given as Asopartista of the year 2022 given within the framework of the Auto Parts Fair.

She currently leads the Women's

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[BUSINESS NEWS] AROUND THE INDUSTRY

Aftermarket to grow by USD 164.58 billion from 2022 to 2027: Technavio International. The automotive aftermarket is estimated to grow by $164.58 billion from 2022 to 2027, with a CAGR of 6.26%. This was noted in the most recent report by the research firm Technavio.

According to it, the automotive aftermarket is fragmented due to the presence of many global and regional companies.

"This increase is prominently shaping the growth trajectory of the market, specifically for spare parts, repair services, brakes, suspension systems, exhaust systems, lighting, electronics, diagnostic tools, fluids, air conditioning, and engine components," it said.

The technology advisory firm also indicates that the automotive parts and components market is experiencing substantial growth due to the increased demand for vehicle parts.

"The shift towards online platforms to purchase these automotive products means a growing consumer preference for convenient, accessible and varied options, showing the significant impact of digital retail on this industry," he adds.

"This increase is primarily due to the automotive aftermarket sector, which encompasses maintenance, highperformance parts, tuning, customization, body/exterior and interior components, tires, wheels, batteries, filters, and lubricants," Technavio said.

Finally, it underlines that the automotive aftermarket and components is facing a challenge amidst the emerging trend of the aftermarket e-retail.

The growing inclination towards improving vehicle performance, aesthetics and durability is contributing significantly to the expansion of this market, emphasizing consumer preferences for reliable and customized automotive solutions.

"This evolution affects the market dynamics for transmission parts, steering components, fuel system parts, cooling system components, gaskets, seals, tools and special equipment. The challenge lies in adapting traditional retail strategies to the digital landscape seamlessly while ensuring an optimized customer experience," he concludes.

It also highlights that the predominant trend in the automotive aftermarket is the growing popularity of e-retail parts.

INA forecasts auto parts production close to $125.5 billion by 2024 mentioned that, with data from January to October of last year, the production of components in Mexico maintained the forecast of US$121,716 million for the end of 2023. This translates to an increase of around 17% compared to 2022. The final figures will be released in March this year.

Mexico. The National Auto Parts Industry (INA) estimates that production for 2024 will amount to about 125,500 million dollars, which would represent a growth of 3.1% compared to what was recorded in 2023.

In this regard, Armando Cortés Galicia, director general of the INA,

The director emphasized the export profile of the auto parts industry, since 87% of the production is sold abroad and 13% is destined for the domestic market.

He also explained that, of the 35 countries that registered foreign direct investment in the auto parts sector in Mexico from 2006 to November 2023, China accounted for only 4% of the total, excluding Taiwan and Hong Kong.

In

addition,

32 I Aftermarket International Vol. 23 No 1 2024

he

explained

the

importance of the United States as Mexico's trading partner and main destination for its auto parts exports, as a result of existing agreements such as the USMCA, which promote regional exchange and offer an attraction for countries seeking to invest in North America motivated by nearshoring and the production of new components for electromobility.

The director mentioned that the National Registry of Foreign Investments shows the investment of 33 companies of Chinese origin in the auto parts sector in Mexico from 2006 to November 2023, which generated an estimated value of exports to the United States of US$1,083 million in 2023, representing just 1.17% of the forecast of total exports of auto parts from Mexico to the U.S. during the past year. aftermarketinternationalcom

"I see a big development for the U.S. and Latin American market" Latin America. Since December 13, Abner Dominguez has been the new Regional Sales Manager for the Western United States of Walker Products. The company will be present at AutoAméricas from March 7 to 8 in Miami as a corporate sponsor.

Nuevo León approves incentives for Tesla's gigafactory

Although he was born in the state of San Marcos de Guatemala, near the border with Mexico, Abner has lived in the United States since he was ten years old. There he completed his primary and secondary education.

Mexico. The Economic Development Council of the State of Nuevo León approved incentives for the construction of Tesla's gigafactory in the municipality of Santa Catarina.

After finishing his studies, Abner decided to take a year off, in which he started working in construction with his father. One of the projects they were working on was the home of Michael Weaver (RIP), then president of Walker Products, one of the largest manufacturers of fuel system components and engine management devices for the automotive aftermarket since 1946.

The incentives, which total 2,627 million pesos, are equivalent to just 3.37% of the investment that Tesla alone will make, not counting its more than 30 suppliers that are already or will arrive in the state due to nearshoring.

Mr. Weaver asked him if he was interested in learning about the automotive industry. Abner opened up to him that, despite his fondness for cars, he didn't really know anything about it. However, when asked to work in the company, he immediately accepted with the intention of learning. He was about 20 years old.

"If it doesn't work out, at least I'll learn how to have good relationships with people; good friends, people who can have a positive impact on my life," he says, before mentioning different leaders such as the company's current CEO, Grant Kitching, as well as colleagues at work, in charge of the export area for Latin America, such as Alejandro Hernández and Ruben Yaver.

"For the past five years, Abner has been an instrumental force in our journey of growth and success since joining Walker Products in 2018. His exceptional dedication and remarkable contributions have played a pivotal role in expanding our business and enhancing our brand presence in Mexico and Central America," the company said in a recent statement.

"Abner's strategic initiatives have not only boosted our position in the market but have also fostered meaningful connections with our valued customers," the company added, highlighting its commitment to providing "exceptional" service and results, which it said "has contributed significantly to the success of our operations in existing markets and opened doors to exciting new opportunities."

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"The arrival of Tesla confirms Nuevo León as the next regional hub for electromobility in Latin America," said Governor Samuel Garcia.

Incentives authorized by the Council for basic infrastructure and to support the creation of new jobs through a reduction in the Payroll Tax include the construction of roads and bridges to improve connectivity in the area, as well as the expansion of the drinking and treated water network. In addition, there is support for the training of local workers.

"Tesla marks a before and after in the state's economic development," said Iván Rivas, state secretary of economy.

"For example, the gigafactory in Nevada generated an economic spillover 28 times greater than public investment, while in California 120 supply chain jobs were created for every 100 Tesla jobs," he said.

"Thus, in Nuevo Leon there would be 12,000 new direct jobs related to Tesla, almost 15% of the jobs created each year in the state," he added.

Tesla's new factory will be located in a strategic geographic area where key highways converge, such as the Monterrey-Saltillo Highway (both the 40 Libre and the 40D toll road) and the Monterrey Peripheral Ring (100).

Aftermarket International Vol. 23 No 1 2024 I 33

[SUPPLIER NEWS] AROUND THE AFTERMARKET INDUSTRY

Mopar Expands PDC Capacity Due to Auto Parts Demand

Scott Robertson, New Vice President of Business Development, Multi Parts United States.

Scott Robertson, a 25-year veteran of the automotive and heavyduty industries, joined Multi Parts (MPS) as Vice President of Product and Business Development.

Robertson began his career in the automotive industry in 1998, while attending the University of Pittsburgh, with a co-op assignment at Toyota Motor Manufacturing.

Mexico. In order to better serve Stellantis customers, Mopar Mexico expanded the capacity of its Parts Distribution Center (PDC).

This Center is responsible for storing and distributing parts and accessories to distributors of all Stellantis brands nationwide in a quick and timely manner.

It has more than 50,000 part numbers available for shipments throughout Mexico and supports other warehouses in the United States and Canada, in addition to having a daily shipping capacity of 24,000 pieces.

In addition, within the PDC are Mopar accessories, which are designed by the same engineers who designed the vehicles of the Stellantis group, so they are original parts that increase the performance of the brand's cars and at the same time allow them to retain their warranty.

From its conception, this PDC was designed to achieve the highest quality standards in logistics to meet the times that customers and distributors require.

In a market where having the parts quickly can be the differentiator between the customer choosing to buy one brand or another, according to the company, the PDC allows the consumer to offer agile response times that exceed their expectations.

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After graduating, Scott spent five years in the electronics division of Visteon, a large top-tier automaker. In 2006, he transitioned into the heavyduty vehicle market, holding multiple leadership positions at Grote Industries, where he defined new product strategies that resulted in significant sales growth in North America and Europe.

Most recently, Scott spent 12 years at Motor Coach Industries and NFI Group holding various senior sales, marketing and operations positions within the aftermarket parts and services business.

In his new role at Multi Parts, Robertson will have direct responsibility for Sales, Product Engineering, Product Management and Product Innovation and will report directly to Brian Cohn, CEO of MPS. "We are proud to add someone with Scott's experience and caliber to our executive team here at MPS," Cohn said.

"Organizing key business functions under a single leader will increase our ability to design complete solutions for the customers we serve. Scott will play a pivotal role in MPS's strategic growth within our core automotive market and adjacent markets."

"I'm excited to return to my automotive roots and bring my expertise in the heavy-duty vehicle, transit and construction aftermarket to MPS," said Robertson.

"MPS has a reputation for providing high-quality turnkey solutions in the aftermarket supply chain and I am excited to work with Brian, the executive team and our partners at Radial Equity Partners to take Multi Parts to the next level."

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ZKW invests $108 million in the expansion of its factory in Mexico

Mexico. The ZKW Group, a specialist in lighting systems, expands its international presence with investments in its production plant in Silao, Mexico.

€100 million. ZKW currently employs 1,658 people in Mexico and produces lighting systems for the American and Mexican automotive markets.

The company celebrated the official opening of the third phase of the expansion of the Mexican facility on Nov. 29, adding an additional 15,700 square meters (168,000 square feet).

Starting in 2025, the Silao plant will begin manufacturing headlights and center lights for VW and GM. North America is a key market for ZKW, which is projected to account for around 30% of its sales and potentially become the world's second-largest market by 2028, the company said.

At the same time, ZKW held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new expansion, which is expected to add approximately 7,000 square meters (75,000 square feet) of production space and create 1,100 new jobs by 2025.

Wilhelm Steger, Managing Director of ZKW Group GmbH, highlighted the importance of this expansion for the NAFTA economic region. "With the expansion, we are increasing production capacities and creating around 2,000 new jobs to manufacture innovative lighting systems for customers in the strategically important NAFTA economic region," he said.

The company is investing more than $100 million (US$108 million) in this third phase of expansion in Silao.

Since 2016, ZKW has been producing headlights for car manufacturers such as BMW, Ford Lincoln, General Motors, Mercedes Benz, Nissan Infiniti, Volkswagen and Volvo in Silao.

With expansions underway and planned until 2025, the company's total investment in the Silao site exceeds

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"The long-term goal is to further strengthen ZKW's growth strategy, especially for the USMCA market. By 2026, ZKW Mexico plans to produce around 4.5 million headlamps per year with up to 4,000 employees," said Dominique Boulegue, Plant General Manager at ZKW Mexico.

ZKW Mexico uses advanced technologies and machines, including plastic injection molding systems, paint and hardcoating systems, anti-fog machines, and metal vapor deposition, to produce headlights and complete components. The third expansion will increase the plant's capacity by 1.2 million lighthouses.

The company continues to recruit specialists for the new positions created by this expansion.

The inauguration ceremony and laying of the first stone of the new stage were attended by prominent figures in politics and business; among them, Governor Diego Sinhue Rodríguez Vallejo, business consultant Nella Hengstler, business delegate Ramón Alfaro, Silao Mayor Carlos García Villaseñor, Steger, Boulegue and other distinguished guests.

Aftermarket International Vol. 23 No 1 2024 I 35

[TRADE SHOWS] AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET PLACES TO BE

Expopartes Cúcuta left close to US$10 million in future business

Colombia. The first Expopartes Trade Show in Cúcuta, organized by the Association of the Automotive Sector and its Parts (Asopartes), was successfully held on November 16 and 17.

executive president of Canidra Venezuela, Roger Flores; the executive president of the Colombian-Venezuelan Chamber, Juan Gabriel Pérez Chaustre, and the executive president of Asopartes, Carlos Andrés Pineda.

The event, which had the support of the Government of Norte de Santander and the Chamber of Commerce of this city on the border with Venezuela, brought together more than 1,200 visitors and 47 exhibitors.

The focus on female leadership in the automotive industry also took place during the event, demonstrating Asopartes' commitment to gender equality. The panel "Female Leadership in the Automotive Sector" brought together four distinguished women entrepreneurs: Mildred Vera from Casa Diesel, Distriparts Colombia; Martha Lilia Martinez of Troques y Cajas; Esperanza de Borrero from Racores y Manhoses de Colombia, and Araminta Hernández from Rectificadora Hernández – Diesel Technical Laboratory.

The executive president of Asopartes, Carlos Andrés Pineda Osorio, highlighted that the sample leaves close to US$10 million in future business. "This achievement has been achieved thanks to trust, time, the solid commercial structure and the remarkable influx of people who visited us," he said.

The exhibition served to satisfy the need of Colombian and Venezuelan entrepreneurs to obtain parts, parts and other products for vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, lastmile mobility solutions, heavy and light transport, and intermunicipal transport.

During the two days of the event, an academic agenda was developed that addressed topics such as the relevance of the automotive sector in the binational dynamics, the strengths and challenges of the ColombianVenezuelan automotive sector, and female leadership in the automotive sector.

Two important discussions were highlighted. The first was entitled "Relevance of the automotive sector in the binational dynamics, potentialities and perspectives", with the participation of the Deputy Director of Management and Investigation of the Police, Major Óscar Eduardo Gómez, and the leader of economic studies of the Chamber of Commerce of Cúcuta, Isabel Ramírez.

The second discussion, "Binational Business Sector: Colombian-Venezuelan Automotive Sector; Strengths, Challenges and Difficulties" was attended by the

36 I Aftermarket International Vol. 23 No 1 2024

The activity was hosted by Norvy Yilena Barreiro, manager of Netpartes, and Shirley Contreras Salazar, executive director of Asopartes Seccional Norte de Santander.

"It was a very nice activity with many teachings and with women full of courage, women with companies with more than 40 years in the auto parts market," said Pineda Osorio.

Likewise, several technical talks were carried out that enriched the knowledge of the participants. Among them, the director of the Mechanical Engineering Program of the ECCI University, Geovanny Muñoz, offered one on technical and professional training in the automotive sector, addressing issues such as vehicle maintenance and commercialization of auto parts.

The companies Autovenz and Inversiones Duque also contributed with talks. Autovenz gave a lecture on distribution kits and engine mounts, while Inversiones Duque addressed the stopping and analysis of sensor and actuator failures in automotive systems.

The trade show was an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and growth of the automotive industry in the region. aftermarketinternationalcom

[TRADE SHOWS] AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET PLACES TO BE

INA Announces International Aftermarket Summit

Mexico. The National Auto Parts Industry (INA), in collaboration with the National Association of Representatives, Importers and Distributors of Automotive Parts and Accessories (ARIDRA), announced the first edition of the International Aftermarket Summit (IAS).

This forum on innovation, digital solutions and aftermarket trends will be organized in coordination with Messe Frankfurt and the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) on July 9 and 10, 2024 at the Citibanamex Center in Mexico City.

Francisco González Díaz, executive president of the INA, explained that "it is important that we look at e-commerce as a strategic channel for our industry [...] In fact, the global auto parts aftermarket e-commerce market was valued at close to $77 billion in 2022. But what's interesting is that it's projected to triple to $239 billion by 2029."

"Taking advantage of the alliance between INA and Mercado Libre, we chose this platform as an ally for the IAS, since it is the most important e-commerce platform in Latin America, with which we will enhance the role of the auto parts industry in Mexico, bringing greater development to the country and further consolidating our leadership worldwide," said Francisco González.

For his part, the President of ARIDRA, Antonio López, reiterated that the unity that exists between INA and

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his association strengthens the aftermarket industry by boosting the country's supply chain, so its alliance with Mercado Libre will further enhance the development of the sector in Mexico.

Likewise, Bridget Ferris, Director of INA PAACE Automechanika Mexico and Vice President of Mobility and Logistics Fairs at Messe Frankfurt, explained the impact of this event to connect buyers with new tools, equipment and technology in the automotive market, in addition to highlighting the delivery vehicle segment or "Last Mile", which experienced significant growth in recent years.

In addition, the director mentioned that during the last edition there was a record attendance of more than 27 thousand attendees from 39 countries and more than 500 national and international exhibitors, who also participated in the technical training program that was carried out.

Finally, the Head of Mercado Libre's Auto Parts Category, Amelie Mossberg, highlighted the importance of automotive components for the platform, as it is the fourth largest category in sales and informed that the alliance established with INA and ARIDRA will also include the publication of periodic bulletins in conjunction with the INA, which will be issued to Mexican companies in the sector under the title "News Garage".

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[TRADE SHOWS] AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET PLACES TO BE

Automechanika Shanghai 2023 breaks all-time record

International. The 18th edition of Automechanika Shanghai, which took place from November 29 to December 2, 2023, saw an overwhelming increase in participation on its return to the host city.

valuable opportunities to gain interesting perspectives on foreign markets, while international attendees were able to develop a comprehensive understanding of the domestic automotive industry.

In terms of participation, the influx of visitors to the fairgrounds surpassed the historical record of the previous 15th edition, growing by 16% to reach a total of 185,284. Internationalism grew by 19% with players representing 177 countries and regions including Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (among the most represented).

In the same way, the activities in the showroom, as well as the side events, fostered a sense of collaboration as well as a shared vision for a sustainable and connected future.

Attendees praised the fair's emphasis on innovation, not only in terms of innovative developments, but also in upgrades to traditional solutions, which have a constant presence in the market.

The 2023 edition of Automechanika Shanghai proved to be supremely dynamic, as all areas of the automotive supply chain came together for marketing, trade, knowledge sharing, and education. Participants praised the resources that were used to connect domestic and foreign buyers and suppliers, with the ultimate goal of building networks in the international business environment.

In this sense, the networking opportunities organized and the tours of exhibitions, among other services, were the favorites of the public. Local participants had

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For example, the Innovation4Mobility Showcase delved into key supply chain sectors; Four exhibition areas included the main stage of Innovation4Mobility, the future mobility area, the green repair area, and the customization x technology area.

The concept revolved around the interaction between digitalization, connectivity, sustainability, new energies and after-sales services, stemming from the growing demand for new mobility and environmental protection solutions in the automotive industry.

Further amplifying these trends, the concurrent parallel program saw a total of 77 side events over the course of four days. One of the crowd favorites was the debuting International Automotive Industry Conference 2023 presented by Automechanika Shanghai.

The lecture series (which includes a keynote lecture and five related events) covered major forecasts, policy updates, and global automotive opportunities heading into 2024 and beyond.

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