The Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association (OESAA) will cease operations at the end of 2024.
The industry body, which launched in 2013, was established to highlight disparities in parts quality across 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.
OESAA achievements
During its time, OESAA curated the AutoInform events series, 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 Birmingham and Mechanex.
During the first COVID-19 lockdown, members collaborated to create and distribute 3,000 ‘Back on Track’ packs to help independent workshops manage restrictions. 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, the OESAA Academy Live roadshow has been travelling 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.
Proud of OESAA
OESAA Chairman, Nigel Morgan, spearheaded the creation of the organisation and delivered 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.”
