AAPEX and the SEMA Show are underway in Las Vegas as part of Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week and the Auto Service World team is there.
In what promises to be an exciting and busy week as always, the team will keep this page updated with news, information and other notes as we come across them. Many companies are unveiling new products, making announcements and otherwise showing off their latest tools, technology and services for the auto care industry.
Many training sessions are scheduled for pros of all stripes, from solving vehicle issues, diagnosis strategies, selling strategies for service advisors and management advice for owners. You can check out our preview of both shows for some of the highlights of what’s taking place.
We’ll update as best we can here on this page — it’s a busy time with a lot happening so there may be delays.
You can also head to our Instagram page. Give us a follow there for more highlights straight to your feed.
Tuesday, Nov. 5
After last night’s opening reception, AAPEX’s opening day started off with the morning keynote. Bill Hanvey, president of Auto Care Association, and Paul McCarthy, president of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, kicked things off with an industry update and another push for right to repair support.
NFL broadcaster Erin Andrews took part in a Q&A about how she got into broadcasting, being a woman in a male-dominated field — “If you’re a woman in this industry, you have to love it.”
Andrews then hosted a panel discussion with Ashlee Arnold, vice president, Arnold Oil Company, Brad Beckham, CEO, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Randy Breaux, group president, GPC North America, Philip Daniele, president and CEO, AutoZone and Shane O’Kelly, president and CEO, Advance Auto Parts.
They talked about lessons learned, insights on how to be successful, the importance of putting customers first, dealing with change and more.
“This industry has changed and it’s incumbent on us to change,” said Daniele.
”The pace of change will never be slower than it is today,” O’Kelly, adding that change requires telling the people who are executing change and are impacted by it the why behind the change.
Breaux noted the opportunities AI brings, calling it another tool in the workshop.
Once the clock hit 9 a.m., the doors opened and attendees hit the show floor.
Tood Campau from S&P Global Mobility gave his annual chat on aftermarket trends, covering everything from buyer ethnicity trends, new vehicle inventories, prices, EV trends and more.
A joint forecast looking at EVs and another at e-commerce in the aftermarket were released during the show.
Canada Night was once again held but at a new location: Outside on the Palazzo pool deck. The industry gathered to celebrate, network and hangout.
Wednesday, Nov. 6
The day started off with two big events. The MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers hosted its media and member breakfast and Women in Auto Care held its annual breakfast.
At the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, the morning after the U.S. election, politics was a hot topic. Ann Wilson, its head of government relations, noted that vehicle repair costs are tied to concerns over cost of living — and all that ties into right to repair. President Paul McCarthy noted other issues like tariff evasion and further discussed right to repair.
Nathan Shipley from Circana took to the stage for the second general session for his annual Aftermarket Outlook presentation. One item he highlighted was to pay attention to work from home rules from companies and how it may impact leisure travel.
The Women in Auto Care held its awards reception where recognition was given to top women in the auto care industry. Julie Holmes, CEO of Virginia Tire and Auto, won the Women Shop of the Year. RepairPal’s Sheila Sarkozi won the Outstanding Leadership Award. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Tina Hubbard, president and CEO of HDA Truck Pride.
Thursday night saw an 80s night themed party for the Young Automotive Newtowrking Group. Those under 40 from the aftermarket got together for the biggest meetup the group holds. YANG Mentors were also in attendance, partaking in food, music, dancing and good times.
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