Helping your business succeed is important to the CAWA. Understanding the fee issues specific to the Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Act of 2016 can be time-consuming and we want to help you get the information you need in a timely and understandable way. This guide will help you better understand the fee obligations for dealers, manufacturers, importers, and purchasers of lead-acid batteries in California. For the purposes of this guide, a dealer of lead-acid batteries is referred to as a retailer. See this link for further information: http://www.boe.ca.gov/industry/lead-acid_battery_fees.html

CAWA's President & CEO and the legislative team met with the BAR Director and his key executive staff to discuss two issues of importance to the Association. The first issue was telematics and its impact on the industry, as well as, the motoring public. Of key, was the discussion of the vehicle owner owning the data in the vehicle. The second issue was the warranty rights (Magnusson - Moss Warranty Act) of the public as it relates to what replacement parts are used and where their vehicles are serviced. 

As a result of the meeting, CAWA's national partner in Aaron Lowe of the Auto Care Association will make a presentation to the BAR Advisory Group in April regarding telematics and CAWA will pursue a partnership with the BAR to educate the public about their warranty rights. For more information, contact CAWA's Director of Government Affairs, Jennifer Zins at [email protected] or 916.871.0603.

See this video for more information or contact CAWA's Director of Government Affairs, Jennifer Zins at [email protected] or 916.871.0603. Click here to view.
 

Although there are no industry specific bills proposed in the 2017 Arizona legislative session, CAWA is vigilant through its legislative advocate, Stuart Goodman based in Phoenix. See the enclosed report of legislative proposals in the process ( here).  Another member benefit.

 

CAWA Chair of the Board, Michael Antonelli of Vantage Marketing Global, has appointed Tom Skov of the Genuine Parts Company - NAPA to the Association's Board of Directors. When Chair Antonelli announced the appointment he commented that "the Genuine Parts Company - NAPA has been a member and major supporter of CAWA for some time. Thus, we are pleased to welcome Mr. Skov as their representative to our Association's leadership". Mr. Skov will attend the leadership meeting in June. See the complete press release here.

CAWA Chair of the Board, Michael Antonelli of Vantage Marketing Global, has appointed Don Keeling of Sunsong North America and Erick Esparza of Idemitsu Lubricants to the Association's Manufacturers' Advisory Council (MAC). When Chair Antonelli announced the appointments he commented: "Mr. Keeling and Mr. Esparza are welcomed additions to the Association's leadership and we are pleased they have stepped forward and volunteered their service. Also, we are further pleased they will join our leadership team and get more involved with CAWA". They will attend their first leadership meeting in June. See the full press release here.

Beyond the conduct of Association business, the CAWA June 22-23 leadership meeting in San Diego will include presentations by the following individuals: 

• Bill Long, President & COO, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association 
• Jim Dykstra, Director, Innova Telematics Solutions at Innova Electronics Corporation, and
• Mike Kealey, Dorman Products.  

Watch for registration materials to be distributed in May. All CAWA members, prospects and friends are invited to participate in leadership meetings. For more information see [email protected] or call 800.332.2292. Another member benefit.

These companies are financial supporters of the more than 70 automotive manufacturing companies that support CAWA's government affairs program. We want to recognize their support and thank them. For a complete list of companies see http://www.cawa.org

CAWA participated in the NAPA Distribution Center customer appreciation event held at Bill McAnally Racing facility this month. Many members were seen and issues of discussion fell around the new battery bill requirements set for an April 1, 2017 compliance date. 

CAWA representatives will also be attending the Levin's Auto Supply and the National Performance Warehouse customer events next month. Should you be interested in having CAWA at your company's event, contact [email protected] or call 800.332.2292.

As domestic nameplates fell in number and share of vehicles in operation (VIO) between 2005 and 2015, foreign nameplate cars and light trucks were recording a much different performance. Foreign nameplates increased 18 million between 2005 and 2010, expanding their VIO share by one-fifth. The situation was even more dynamic from 2010 to 2015. The number of foreign nameplates on the road soared 23 million, generating all of the increase in the nation's light vehicle population during those five years. This trend continued through 2016. The dramatic surge in foreign nameplate VIO is having a significant impact on aftermarket product volume and mix. Click here for details. Source: iReports

The career fair will be held Saturday, April 15th at the LKQ/Keystone facility in Phoenix. It is conducted by the I-CAR Phoenix Committee, ASA of Arizona, and the Collision Repair Foundation. They expect 200-300 greater Phoenix area high school & college collision and mechanical students to be attending. CAWA supports these type of career fairs and will be promoting its industry specific job board and scholarship program to those in attendance. For more information, contact [email protected]. Another member benefit.

Interested in receiving a scholarship from the Association for your employees, children, family members and others who would be welcomed into the auto care industry? Applying is easy! The online application process allows students interested in aftermarket careers to submit one application each year online at www.automotivescholarships.com and receive consideration for several scholarships. For more information, see www.cawa.org or contact CAWA Member Services at [email protected] or 800.332.2292. Another member benefit.