Toronto, Ontario — August 29, 2019 —The AASA is going to be more frequently collaborating with Canada among other countries in order to continue combating concerns in the industry, according to recent head of the company, Paul McCarthy.
The company has already previously worked alongside AIA Canada to fight for consumer’s right-to-repair — a fight McCarthy describes as having “become tied with consumer choice.” McCarthy says that AASA has a “very good relationship” with AIA Canada.
“We are all trying to figure out these new frontiers of what the technology will bring to our industries and the challenges they’ll bring to our ability to service vehicles and the consumer’s right to repair,” he said.
McCarthy has been with AASA’s parent company MEMA since 2001, operating primarily in vice president roles before taking on the title of COO in June. He mentioned that his most difficult hurdle so far has been the air of change in the aftermarket industry.
“Business tends to do very well when the rules are firm. We’re entrepreneurs. We figure out how to succeed within the rules,” he said. “But it’s difficult when we don’t know what the rules will be tomorrow or next month.”
At the same time, however, McCarthy says he is optimistic overall concerning the future. As technology improves and changes, the aftermarket industry could see real growth provided it can keep up.
“We’re already starting to see that,” he said. “Think about all the lights in the dashboard. There are more all the time for new ADAS products. All of those involve multiple sensors. The aftermarket makes good money off sensors. They all need periodic maintenance or replacement. Our members that deal with ADAS are already struggling to meet demand.”
As for the new president’s thoughts on the increased prominence of EVs, McCarthy said AASA is changing its point of view to reflect the circumstances, to “move from a position of fear to determination, and from threat to opportunity.”
McCarthy does not see Canada/U.S. collaboration slowing down any time soon for the company.
“It just makes so much sense,” he said. “From a production standpoint, it is very important for North America to be integrated in order to compete with other regions around the world.”
