The Association was constituted on 9th July 1976 for the purpose of providing the sole representation of manufacturers who at different levels of industrial output, are engaged in the construction of plant and equipment for the maintenance, repair, servicing and overhauls of the means of transport. The aims and purposes of the Association are as follows:

a) to unite on a national level manufacturers of plant and equipment for auto repair shops, auto electricians, body repairers, service stations, tyre specialists, engine reconditioners and specialised centres for the servicing of the means of transport, in a single organisation capable of representing and safeguarding the professional interests of the industry in the technical, informative, economic and promotional sectors;

b) to represent its members jointly or individually for the purpose of promoting the recognition and valorisation of their professional activities with public authorities, private enterprises and organisations in Italy and abroad;

c) to undertake all possible measures calculated to harmonise and facilitate the activities of the industry and to promote collaboration between members for the purpose of better organising and safeguarding the market;

d) to pursue the further qualification of the industry by encouraging constant technological progress and by establishing working standards and where applicable, a Trade Mark or associative emblem intended as a visible indication of assurance to users in general as to the observance of approved working standards and techniques;

e) to conduct and develop technical surveys, marketing research and any other useful activity that may be of value directly or indirectly to the industry either in the national or international field;

f) to promote and follow up every possible initiative, including trade exhibitions, publications etc., calculated to enhance the prestige and potential of the industry on internal and foreign markets, including the fostering of exports;

g) to institute and progress contacts for the purpose of improving and extending collaboration with other associations, authorities and similar organisations interested in the automotive sector, with the object of strengthening the industry by cultivating better public relations;

h) to guarantee assistance and collaboration to members in every possible manner within the scope of the Association, as well as undertaking all those activities of common interest to the industry that may be decided by the General Assembly or by those statutory organs acting on its behalf;

i) to entrust to reputable bodies or experts, specific survey and market research of interest to the industry in the technical and commercial fields.

Membership is open to:

a) as "Effective Members", those limited liability, limited partnership and individual directly concerned in the development and/or manufacturing in the local territory of plant and equipment for maintenance, repair, servicing and overhauls of the means of transport, further providing the distribution of the products with a sufficient technical, productive and commercial organisation;

b) as "Adhering Members", those trade association, limited liability, limited partnership or individual companies which activity is directly concerned within the specific trade.