Safe, Secure, Standardized and Direct Access to Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Data on Display at AAPEX 2021

By Joe Register, vice president, Emerging Technologies, Auto Care Association

Our entire industry triumphed when we secured the Right to Repair vehicles in 2014. In 2020, the battle continued as the days of open access to the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port dwindled. Today, repair and diagnostic data is being transmitted… READ MORE  

AAPEX Shapes and Strengthens Our Collective Future Success

By Bill Long, president & CEO, Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA)

I’ve lost count of the number of years I’ve attended the show, going back to the days at McCormick Place in Chicago. 

But what is clear is the significant transformation of AAPEX that I’ve seen over the years… READ MORE  

Drivers Deserve the Decision on Where to Repair Their Vehicles – You Can Help Ensure It

By Aaron Lowe, AAP, senior vice president, Regulatory and Government Affairs, Auto Care Association

Up until recently, anyone wanting to repair a vehicle would simply plug into the vehicle’s on-board diagnostic port, located under the steering wheel, and download the fault codes from the in-vehicle modules. Armed with that diagnostic… READ MORE  

Young Leaders: The Building Blocks of the Future

By Ben Brucato, senior director of Engagement, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA)

Essential, resilient, adaptable and innovative are just a few of the terms used over the past 18 months to describe the automotive aftermarket industry. Thanks to hard working, dedicated and highly capable individuals, the industry has made it… READ MORE  

AWDA Conference Draws Warehouse Distributors to AAPEX

By Larry Northup, AAP, executive director, AWDA

Customers make AAPEX successful. Without people and companies to purchase the products on display, there would be no reason for exhibitors to attend the show.

Fortunately, AAPEX draws a huge number of buyers to Las Vegas each fall and among the most important… READ MORE  

From Ambition to Meaning: Finding Your Why in a World Filled with Who, What, When and Where

By Bill Nalu, president, Interstate Auto Care, Madison Heights, Mich.

The year was 1987- President Reagan spoke the words that were heard for generations to come: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” Dirty Dancing and Lethal Weapon were at the top of the box office chart, while WrestleMania 3 packed… READ MORE  

Trade and the Competitiveness Agenda – What’s Next for the Automotive Aftermarket

By Ann Wilson, senior vice president of Government Affairs, Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA)

President Biden based much of his White House campaign on an agenda to restore jobs and manufacturing in the U.S. Although few Americans officials disagree with the vision, there are wide differences on how to get… READ MORE