Motor & Equipment Manufacturers AssociationTranslation site

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association, now officially branded as MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, is the largest and longest-serving trade association representing vehicle component manufacturers in North America. With roots dating back to 1904, MEMA has evolved alongside the automotive industry to become a central advocate, resource hub, and policy leader for suppliers across the original equipment (OE) and aftermarket segments.

Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA)

1. Historical Evolution and Institutional Background

MEMA was founded in 1904 at the Hollenden Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio, under the name Motor and Accessories Manufacturers Association (MAMA), initially focused on representing aftermarket suppliers and addressing product quality and safety issues .

In 1932, the association changed its name to the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) to reflect its expanded role in representing both aftermarket and original equipment suppliers .

Key milestones in its development include:

• 1960: Established a presence in Washington, D.C., to enhance advocacy and influence on legislative matters .
• 1984: Opened an office in Japan, becoming the first auto parts association with an international office .
• 1992: Spearheaded the consolidation of multiple automotive aftermarket trade shows, leading to the launch of the first Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) in Las Vegas .
• 2023: Underwent a major restructuring, adopting the name MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association and consolidating its four former divisions into two core groups: MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers, alongside the MEMA Center for Sustainability .

2. Membership and Industry Representation

MEMA serves as the unified voice for over 1,000 member companies that manufacture motor vehicle components and systems for both the original equipment and aftermarket segments of the light vehicle and heavy-duty motor vehicle industries in the United States .

According to industry data, motor vehicle parts manufacturers are the nation’s largest manufacturing sector, directly employing more than 871,000 U.S. workers, with a total direct and indirect employment impact of 4.26 million jobs (up 18% since 2012) . Member companies operate nearly 12,000 U.S. plant locations and support 783,000 workers, contributing nearly 3% of U.S. gross domestic product .

MEMA also oversees four specialized affiliate associations tailored to specific industry segments:

• Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA): The only association exclusively serving the business needs of aftermarket product manufacturers .
• Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA): Focused on the heavy-duty vehicle sector, formed in 1983 .
• Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA): Dedicated to the needs of OEM suppliers, created in 1998 .
• Association for Sustainable Manufacturing (MERA): Emphasizing sustainability in manufacturing, introduced in 2011 .

3. Core Mission and Strategic Focus Areas

MEMA’s mission is to foster a competitive, innovative, and sustainable vehicle supplier industry by advocating for member interests, shaping public policy, and providing critical resources. Its work spans three core pillars:

3.1 Policy Advocacy and Regulatory Leadership

MEMA works at state, federal, and international levels to ensure public policies support the development of advanced, transformative technologies that enable safer, smarter, and more efficient vehicles . It has been instrumental in shaping landmark legislation, including:

• The National Motor Vehicle Safety Act (1966)
• The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (1977)
• Key provisions of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) benefiting suppliers (2019)
• Policies related to fuel efficiency, emissions control, chemical safety, labor laws, sustainability practices, and tariff regulations

In 2010, MEMA established its Political Action Committee to further amplify its advocacy efforts . During the 2020 pandemic, the association played a pivotal role in leading suppliers through the shutdown and restart of OEM production .

3.2 Industry Support and Resource Sharing

The 2023 restructuring aimed to simplify membership, enhance resource sharing, and address industry-wide trends more effectively . MEMA provides members with access to leadership programming, market intelligence, and networking opportunities, while its International G7 initiative (formed in 2016) fosters collaboration across key automotive markets including India, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Europe, and the U.S. .

3.3 Sustainability and Future Mobility

MEMA’s Center for Sustainability, established as part of the 2023 restructure, focuses on advancing sustainable manufacturing practices across the industry . The association also supports the transition to next-generation vehicle technologies, including electric and autonomous vehicles, by aligning member capabilities with evolving market demands.

4. Organizational Structure and Operations

MEMA is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., and Japan . It is classified as a 501(c)(6) business league under U.S. tax law, employing 65 individuals as of December 2022 . In the 2022 fiscal year, the association generated $16.2 million in total revenue (with 1.2% average annual growth over 8 years) and $15.8 million in expenses . Since 2014, MEMA has awarded 24 individual grants totaling $438,000 to support industry initiatives .

5. Industry Impact and Future Outlook

MEMA’s work has been central to the growth and stability of the North American automotive supply chain. The highly integrated North American supply chain has driven robust growth in jobs and investments, with many U.S.-based suppliers importing and exporting parts within the region to support final vehicle assembly .