FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Jennifer Zins, 916-871-0603

SACRAMENTO, California - August  30, 2010 - The California Automotive Wholesalers' Association (CAWA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) have announced today that their co-sponsored legislative resolution that recognizes the significant contributions the automotive aftermarket industry provides to motoring consumers and the state has been passed by the California State Senate and has now been adopted by the full Legislature. 
  
Authored by Assemblyman Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina), ACR 152 recognizes the considerable contributions of the automotive aftermarket to the state's economy, transportation system, and environmental stewardship while also providing robust consumer choices for the transportation needs of Californians.  The resolution also recognizes and supports the designation of April as National Car Care Month and encourages all citizens to participate in activities that promote proper vehicle maintenance. 

"I'm pleased to author ACR 152 honoring the hard working men and women in the automotive aftermarket industry that provide consumers with low cost, quality alternatives and options for their automotive maintenance and repair needs," stated Assemblyman Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina).  "In order to meet the challenges we face today over transportation emissions we have to be more vigilant than ever before in the upkeep and maintenance of our vehicles.  Through the passage of ACR 152 the legislature recognizes the automotive aftermarket's role in keeping our vehicles well maintained which leads to lower tail pipe emissions and green house gas reductions."  continued Hernandez.  

"The passage of this legislative resolution by both Houses of the Legislature is a real honor for the automotive aftermarket industry and we applaud Assemblyman Hernandez for his leadership in recognizing the aftermarket's role in helping reduce emissions," stated Rodney K. Pierini, CAWA President & CEO.  "While we in the aftermarket have known intuitively of the significant contributions the industry provides to consumers, the environment and the economy, it has now been recognized and acknowledged by the California Legislature too."

The resolution which has now been concurrently passed by both Houses of the Legislature will provide policymakers with a better understanding and appreciation of the industry and what CAWA and AAIA members do each and every day to help consumers with vehicle maintenance, provide lower cost, quality alternatives for their repair needs, and help the environment by keeping cars well maintained which leads to lower tailpipe emissions. 

"We all know the benefits of the national "Be Car Care Aware" campaign and the designation of April as National Car Care Month, but it's a significant step in the right direction that the California legislature now understands why educating the motoring public about the importance of vehicle safety and the environmental benefits facilitated by proper vehicle maintenance is so important," stated Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA President & CEO.  

About CAWA - Founded in 1955, CAWA is a nonprofit trade organization representing automotive jobbers, warehouse distributors, retailers, manufacturers and manufacturers' representatives in California, Nevada and Arizona.  CAWA's mission is to provide communications, education, legislative and regulatory advocacy and group purchasing of services for its members while promoting the automotive aftermarket industry.

About AAIA - The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association is the $295 billion motor vehicle aftermarket industry's only vertically integrated trade association.  With over 24,000 dues-paying members, AAIA is the only aftermarket trade association in the United States that represents the shared interests of manufacturers, distributors, jobbers, retailers, service and repair shops, program groups, manufacturers' representatives, educators, publishers and specialized membership organizations.

To view the full text of ACR 152 click here.