Organization Profile of Automotive Industry Development Alliance (AIDA)

Automotive Industry Development Alliance

 (AIDA)

Organization Profile

Introduction

Automotive Industry development Alliance (AIDA) is an alliance of automotive industry stakeholders, automotive associations, automotive aftermarket and member and affiliates manufacture, distributors of motor vehicle parts, accessories, service, tool, equipment, materials and supplies. AIDA was formed in 2009 from the consolidation of Automotive Parts dealers, Automotive Accessories and the Automotive Service Industry players. The AIDA is an interest industrial grouping of the trading, commercial and other companies which make up the Ugandan automotive industry and allied industries.  AIDA intends to work in partnership with various automotive industry players, companies, car manufacturers, agents, suppliers, businesses, districts, government, local government, authorities, tertiary and education institutions, associations, national and international organizations, to provide a forum of sharing ideas, discuss issues and devise solutions to the automotive industry.  AIDA is established to help integrate, network and develop the Ugandan Automotive Industry to standard levels by addressing issues and challenges facing the Automotive Industry in Uganda.

Why it exists

Despite a fragmented sector, the industry needs integration accompanied with research, design and development base. Given this situation it is clear that the industry needs an organization to represent the interests of the industry stakeholders and member companies, to act as the voice both at home and abroad of this important branch of the national economy, and to maintain the high standards of the industry as a whole. It was for these reasons that the AIDA is formed.

Aims

The main aims of AIDA are summarized as follows:

·         to present the automotive industry as an integrated sector

• to develop the Ugandan automotive industry as a specific branch of the national economy
• to promote the interests of the automotive industry in Uganda and abroad in all appropriate places and at all levels
• to develop collaboration amongst its members and observers in technical, production and commercial fields
• to establish mutually important contacts and cooperation with partners which are not members of AIDA
• to promote cooperation between the Uganda automotive industry and foreign partners

Purpose

To advance, serve and protect the collective interests of its members in the motor vehicle aftermarket.

Mission Statement

To promote the advancement of the automotive industry through education, representation and member services in order to maintain a high standard of professionalism while protecting the safety and satisfaction of the motoring public.

Vision:

AIDA’s vision is based on the following objectives;

Objectives of AIDA 

• to present the automotive industry as an integrated sector
• to develop the Ugandan automotive industry as a specific branch of the national economy
• to promote the interests of the automotive industry in Uganda and abroad in all appropriate places and at all levels
• to develop collaboration amongst its members and observers in technical, production and commercial fields
• to establish mutually important contacts and cooperation with partners which are not members of AIDA
• to promote cooperation between the Uganda automotive industry and foreign partners
• Encourage, promote and protect the interest of the Automotive Industry players in Uganda.
• Network and bring together all players and sub-sectors of the automotive industry.
• Consider and support any proposed legislation or other measures affecting the industry and to cooperate with and make representations to any Government Department and any Municipal or other Local Authority for the purpose of furthering or safeguarding the interests of the Automotive Industry and of benefiting road users in Uganda.
• Disseminate information on matters affecting the Automotive Industry in general and to that effect, collect, compile, collate and thereafter disseminate such information in the form of reports and/or statistics to its Members.
• Act and be a medium of communication for its Members for the furtherance and promotion of their mutual interests.
• Assist and advise members who may be engaged in promoting any principle considered by the Alliance to be for the benefit of the Automotive Industry or in resisting any action or proposal considered by the Alliance to be against the best interests of the Automotive Industry.
• Promote and encourage the formulation of trade tests and standards in skilled and semi-skilled occupations in the Automotive Industry and assist in the provisions of training to enable workers to achieve such standards.
• Promote, encourage, and provide means for mutual consultation and cooperation between Members in dealing with industrial problems.
• Assist and advise Members in regard to any matter connected with industrial relations and generally promote, foster and protect the interests of Members.

Overview of the Automotive Industry and Motor Vehicle Aftermarket

The motor vehicle aftermarket is a significant sector of the Ugandan economy employing millions of people. This industry encompasses all products and services purchased for light and heavy duty vehicles after the original sale including replacement parts, accessories, lubricants, appearance products, tires, collision repairs, service repairs as well as the tools and equipment necessary to make the repair. Overall aftermarket sales represent a reasonable percentage of the national economy. The automotive industry is a highly diversified sector that comprises of motor country agents, suppliers, dealers, retailers, aftermarket parts dealers, automotive engineers, motor mechanics, auto electricians, spray painters or body repairers, fuel retailers, environmental and transport safety groups, and trade unions. The top Auto-making Nations for Uganda are; Japan, Germany, India, China and Britain are the top five automobile supplier nations in Uganda.  

Over 80% of world car production is accounted by six major global groups (dominated by the USA and Japan). Consolidation in the commercial vehicle sector has gone even further, with five major groups dominating the global markets for trucks and buses.

Automotive Industry Issues in Uganda

-          Counterfeit spare parts

-          Substandard vehicle consumables

-          Unstable and Rising fuel prices

-          Inadequate road networks and poor roads

-          Traffic jam

-          Road safety

-          Auto regulations

-          Import and export issues

-          Insurance

-          Used cars

-          Vehicle and car transactions , transfers

-          etc.

Government

Representing Your Business Interests

AIDA's government affairs Dept will represent the automotive aftermarket and its interests before the government legislators and regulators to ensure that your concerns are recognized and understood by the country's decision-makers. AIDA will actively communicate with legislators and lobbies for government policies that are favorable to your business.

Cutting Through the Regulatory Issue

Industry players need to know  how government laws affect their businesses, and, more importantly, how to comply with them. AIDA will help you navigate the complicated world of government laws and regulations. Members will receive publications.

Education & Training

AIDA knows that with rapidly changing global and economic factors, social values and demographics, science and technology, legislative and regulatory environment, and industry competition and structure, its industry players have a great need for up-to-date information and education and training programs and tools. AIDA will rise to this challenge and provide the industry with resources and opportunities to enhance continuous learning.

AIDA Awards Program

AIDA will organize Awards, honoring automotive industry players, associations and aftermarket companies that continually invest in employee education and training. The award will be administered by AIDA Education Committee on behalf of the alliance, and will highlight and recognize companies that continually invest in employee education and training and to promote the value and benefit that this investment provides to the employees and their companies, and also the entire aftermarket industry.

Programs and Resources

Resources will include networking and conference events, market research reports and analyses, publications, websites, scholarships and partnerships with training institutions both local and international, all with the goal of providing continuous professional development opportunities. Taking advantage of these resources promotes business excellence by increasing productivity, facilitating better decision-making, heightening company loyalty, and enabling employees to enrich their lives and contribute toward business success. AIDA understands the value of education, training and professional development.

Market Intelligence

AIDA will strive to improve Strategic Intelligence and Market Insights. AIDA's market intelligence department will assess trends that are reshaping the industry, addressing the varied information needs of the industry. The in-depth and timely reports will help automotive industry players from all segments of the aftermarket strategically position their companies for the future.

Industry Indicators Report

The Industry Indicators Report will be a statistical compilation of key variables that are released by a variety of business and economic sources. AIDA’s market intelligence department will try to record this data, compare the new data to the previous, as well as to a given set of statistical parameters, and then identifies the impact to the business as favorable, or unfavorable. This report will be designed to provide insight into some of the key indicators affecting the automotive, aftermarket industry and your business.

Press Releases

When studies are taken, AIDA's Communications Department will issue press releases with sample statistics and analysis from the study.

Assisting Members with Research Needs

AIDA's market intelligence department will assist industry stakeholders and member companies with information about industry trends and provide timely responses to specific questions about the motor vehicle aftermarket. Opening International Markets The automotive aftermarket is a rapidly growing segment of the global economy. AIDA's international program will assist members seeking opportunities in the international market. AIDA will support international regulations and concerns that assist the industry's efforts to develop. The alliance will also work to break down economic trade barriers in countries where industry stakeholders are conducting business.

Automotive Industry Development Conference Expo

The growth of Uganda’s automotive industry especially its aftermarket has not been recently put into serious consideration and the industry resource have not matched with the huge increase in vehicles. And, while Japanese, Indian, Chinese, European and other foreign companies have for years increased their aftermarket presence in Uganda, the auto industry still offers opportunities for both local and foreign firms to exhibit and sponsor expos and forums to help build and shape the industry.

The annual Automotive Industry Development Conference and Expo will offer opportunities for aftermarket companies interested in planning their market entry or business expansion in Uganda’s growing aftermarket. The Expo will provide numerous educational, networking events and other opportunities for Ugandan suppliers, retailers, distributors and service providers, to network and establish new business relationships, and to promote their brands, products and services to potential Ugandan aftermarket business partners and customers. Trade shows and expos also will offer global exposure for Ugandan aftermarket products, and AIDA will promote key industry shows.

Researching International Markets

Through research reports prepared by AIDA's market research team, members will be informed about the latest aftermarket information around the globe. 

Core Organizational Values

LEADERSHIP

As the collective voice for the motor vehicle aftermarket Industry, AIDA will strive for visionary leadership and a unified industry. AIDA Will advocates for the greater good of its members while conducting business with the highest degree of integrity, focus on serving members, and commitment to excellence.

CONNECT ION

As the representative auto industry trade association, AIDA will strive to deliver long-term business success by connecting members throughout the entire supply chain. AIDA will provide a forum to foster and promote communication and interaction among members of all sizes and business functions. The alliance will connect member needs to a valuable portfolio of solutions, services, programs and resources.

Empowerment

As the leading knowledge provider and advocate, AIDA will empower the industry stake holders and members to compete and prosper, just as it will empower consumers to make informed decisions about choosing the independent aftermarket for vehicle parts, service and repair.

           Activities:

• Periodical Meetings.
• Studies, Analysis and Compilation of Automotive Industry
• Annual Dialogue with Government Agencies.
• Conferences, Workshops and Seminars
• Semi-Annual Press Conferences.
• Raise issues and resolve problems with relevant Governmental Agencies on matters relating to the Automotive Industry which affect the interest and business of Members.
• Sponsor Technical Seminars.
• PR with Government Agencies.
• Annual Auto Galleries and Motor Shows.
• Periodical Newsletter
• etc

Automotive Industry Key Sub-sectors are;

§         Automotive Component Remanufacturers:

These are component remanufacturers involved in both the remanufacture of safety components, spares, radiators, etc. They will be encouraged to unite to ensure that members meet the standards and codes of the motor industry.

§         Engine Remanufacturers:

These are skilled stuff in the automotive engineering operations required to repair and overhaul all components of the modern petrol and diesel engines on our roads second–hand engines are available on the market, however, it will be recommended that engines are purchased from reputable group members as engines purchased from other sources will lead to premature engine failure. Some engines may also not always be compatible to local conditions. This group’s members will be encouraged to supply the finest components.

§         Motor Industry Workshops/ Garage services:

The motoring public has become increasingly educated and discerning when it comes to servicing and repairing their vehicle. The demand for quality services and parts has became a pre-requisite by the consumer at any vehicle repair stations. These will need a national collective body to represent and promote them.

§         Motorcycle Dealers:

Motorcycles dealers need a collective voice to protect and further the interest of the motorcycle sales, and services industry. There is also a need for a single collective voice for motorcycle drivers (Boda bodas) as they are multiple existing associations which seem not to serve their members adequately.

§         Motor parts & Equipment:

These will include the motor vehicle aftermarket, motor parts and equipment wholesalers, retailers and independent parts traders in the replacement motor parts industry. Their collective body or division department, will help, promote them and protect the consumers.

§         Automobile dealers:

These are businessmen who own and operate new vehicle franchise motor dealerships and used car outlets/bonds. Their national body to represent them and enhance the image of the motor business, facilitate interface between dealers and the motor manufacturers who supply them, build relationships between dealers and their customers, and collect relevant issues facing its members.

§         Towing Vehicles:

These are people involved in breakdown services in the auto industry and they need a collective body to set standards and promote their sub sector.

§         Vehicle Testing sub-sector:

These are vehicle testing stations involved in the testing and issuing of road worthy approvals. Their collective group/body will ensure that all members meet the required standards and criteria.

§         Diesel fuel injection sub-sector:

This is a specialized diesel fuel injection sector of the motor industry, more specifically the repair and reconditioning of diesel fuel pumps for both passenger and commercial vehicles. A number of them are also involved in supply, installation and maintenance of turbo-chargers.

§         Motor & Body repairers:

This is an important constituent of the motor industry which deals with accidents / collision repair industry. They represent the repair markets and need to have standards collectively.

§         Petroleum Retailers:

This is also an important sub-sector in the automotive industry in Uganda. It consists of members involved in the petroleum retail industry and petrol stations. They also need to create sustainable environments and make fuel retailing a sound business of choice.

§         Vehicle and Body builders:

These are professional vehicle body builders who manufacture,

                                i.            Commercial vehicle body applications tanker, coal, refrigerated, trucks and trailers.

                              ii.            Bus bodies – commuter and tourist type.

                            iii.            Specialized vehicle body applications – ambulances, armored vehicles, pick–ups and off-road vehicle it would be a good business practice to have a collective voice for this sub-sector.

§         Tyre Dealers and fitment centres:

These are important and distributors of major tyre brands in Uganda. They also represent tyre dealers.

-       Motor Associations

-       Transporters Associations

-       Taxi Operators Associations

-       Car Agents

-       Motor sport Associations

Core Values

AIDA will conduct its business in a manner that reflects the following core values:

·         Integrity

·         Ethics

·         Professionalism

·         Adaptability