LAS VEGAS. While both groups will remain separate entities, the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN) and the Heavy Duty Distribution Assn. (HDDA) have reached agreement to share programs and benefits for members.

The collaboration was announced this week at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week in Las Vegas.

Taking advantage of HDDA’s segment affiliation with the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Assn. (AAIA), the two groups will collaborate on market research, public relations, communications, education, governance, publications, and legislative and regulatory affairs, the groups said.

“AAIA is extremely pleased to work more closely with CVSN, which will help expand our association’s footprint in the overall motor vehicle aftermarket,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president & CEO. “We have seen the recent benefits of collaborating on legislative issues so this greater ‘coming together’ will be a real win-win.”

“CVSN shares common goals with HDDA and AAIA for the success of our industry segment through education, growing strategic relationships with our supplier partners, and a strong activism to counter unfair competition and regulations that threaten us,” said Marc Karon, CVSN president and president of Total Truck Parts. “For the first time in 45 years, the independent heavy duty aftermarket will speak with one strong voice.”

According to Karon, CVSN has found that working with HDDA and AAIA on projects such as Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week and the CVSN Legislative Summit has provided many benefits to members and by extending that relationship additional opportunities should present themselves.

“The greater collaboration between CVSN and HDDA will leverage the economies of scale from greater access to the valuable resources at AAIA,” said Dave Scheer, HDDA chair and president and CEO, Inland Truck Parts. “This new ‘coming together’ will strengthen all three associations.”