Aftermarket representatives meet in Japan for latest trends

In an effort to curb the effects of an impending recession and to develop ways to capture the attention of the target market, the Philippine Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (PAAIA) was in Japan recently to meet with their counterparts.

Held at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon, representatives of the Asia Pacific Aftermarket Network (APAN) and the PAAIA discussed the current market trends and new products which will be marketed for the country and the rest of Asia.

“It was a fruitful event and despite of the gloomy economic outlook, members of both parties are optimistic about doing business this year. The market now tends to customize and upgrade their current cars due to financial matters. More people are holding on to what they have and instead want to accessorize their cars,” says Sammy Liuson, Founding member of PAAIA.

“Our trip to Japan was an eye opener and it allowed the RP contingent an insight about how the performance parts makers develop new products and conduct their day to day operations,” states Atoy Llave, Founding member of PAAIA. The strategic APAN and PAAIA was made possible with the coordination of Shigehisa Debari and Masaaki Takizawa and Minoru Goko.