After 11 years of championing genuine original equipment quality in the aftermarket, the Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association (OESAA) will cease operations at the end of 2024.
OESAA created waves when it launched in 2013, highlighting disparities in parts quality in the aftermarket. Several hard-hitting campaigns addressed this issue, before the organisation evolved to support independent workshop owners and technicians – both in the garage and in the training arena. More recently, it has helped to inspire the next generation of automotive experts.
Through various training initiatives, marketing campaigns, industry events and collaborations, OESAA and its dedicated network of OEMs have long campaigned to illustrate the integrity and professionalism of the sector.
What has OESAA achieved?
OESAA curated the popular series of AutoInform events, hosting several weekend-long seminars at the GTG training centres in Wolverhampton and Glasgow, where trainers from the members, along with independent industry experts, shared insights on industry best practices, diagnostics and new vehicle technologies. The organisation was also a regular exhibitor at major industry events, including Automechanika UK and Mechanex.
In a particularly significant and well received gesture, OESAA members collaborated to create and distribute 3,000 ‘Back on Track’ packs to help independent workshops manage restrictions during the first COVID lockdown. The pack included floor stickers, a hygiene hook, window stickers, A2 posters and a washable face mask.
This successful campaign was followed by the distribution of 4,000 ‘We’ve Got You Covered’ packs a year later, as workshops continued to provide a critical service to key workers. This pack included two OESAA branded refillable surface cleaner bottles, an anti-microbial key tray to support cleaner vehicle handovers, B-pillar stickers to seal and protect the vehicle after servicing, plus a pack of flyers containing safety-related information for workshops to give to customers.
During the last two years, OESAA has been taking its OESAA Academy Live roadshow to IMI-affiliated colleges around the UK. These events brought OEM suppliers and their training expertise to local independent workshops, as well as hundreds of students and apprentices as they look to forge a successful career in the automotive industry.
“I will be forever grateful”
OESAA Chairman, Nigel Morgan, spearheaded the creation of the organisation and, with its activities concluding, it is fitting that he should be the one to deliver the final words on its success: “We are immensely proud of the part OESAA played in elevating the standards of the industry, raising awareness about the benefits of OE-quality parts, and strengthening trust between suppliers, distributors and technicians.
“While OESAA will close, my hope is that our members will continue to independently advocate for premium solutions, support their customers and work in partnership with the next generation of automotive stars to ensure the aftermarket has a prosperous future.
“It has been a pleasure to work with so many talented groups of people and individuals. Without them, OESAA would not have made the impression it has, and I will be forever grateful to each and every one of them.”
Source: Tyretradenews
