AI & Business Services
Auto servicing is growing in complexity — and it’s not just what’s under the hood. Service operations industry-wide have become increasingly data intensive, leading AI in the automotive aftermarket to reach approximately $2.4B in 2024. That number is projected to grow at 23%+ CAGR through 2033, driven largely by three factors that will impact every part of the supply chain:
- Greater vehicle complexity (sensors, telematics, etc.)
- An explosion of vehicle and parts data requiring management
- Demand for faster service, lower costs, and better customer experience
Source: dataintelo.com
When aftermarket buyers look into AI solutions, it’s not in the abstract. It’s with a clear agenda to achieve faster workflows, fewer errors, and more profitability.
The Market Is Fast-Tracking Smarter Operations
AI adoption in the aftermarket is accelerating as repair shops, distributors, retailers, and service providers look for ways to improve efficiency, accuracy, and profitability throughout their business models. The highest-opportunity areas for AI’s integration into the aftermarket include:
- Predictive maintenance and diagnostics — AI can analyze vehicle sensor and service data to predict failures before they happen, improving repair access and speed.
- Inventory optimization and parts forecasting — AI enables demand forecasts for tens of thousands of SKUs, reduces stockouts by 20%-30%, and improves fill rates (worldmetrics.org).
- Shop management and workflow automation — A shop management system with embedded AI creates a “connected shop,” automating workflows for scheduling, estimates, billing, tech productivity, and more.
- Pricing intelligence and margin optimization — AI can dynamically adjust parts pricing in real time based on demand, competition, and substitution, increasing margins in highly competitive SKU environments.
- CRM, marketing automation, and customer engagement — AI helps shops improve conversion and customer retention with personalized service reminders, promotions, and communications — and less of a lift.
- Data platforms and automotive intelligence — AI is powering efficiencies across the industry’s “hidden infrastructure,” with solutions for vehicle, pricing, catalog, fitment, and market data platforms.
It’s easy to think of these as future needs when, in reality, they’re current priorities for businesses seeking to reduce friction, improve decision-making, and create the stronger experiences their customers want.
AAPEX Buyer Profile
The powerhouse companies driving the automotive aftermarket source products at AAPEX every year. Our exhibitors connect with the most qualified audience in the industry:
Top Retail Chains, including:
- AutoZone
- Advanced Auto Parts
- Genuine Parts Company/NAPA
- O’Reilly Auto Parts
- Uni-Select
- Pep Boys
- Walmart
Top 10 Warehouse Distributor Program Groups, including:
- Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance (Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper)
- Automotive Parts Associates
- Automotive Parts Service Group
- Federated Auto Parts
- The Pronto Network
91% of AAPEX attendees have decision-making authority.
33% of attendees represent businesses with $5 million+ annual revenue
Join the Companies Exhibiting in This Key Segment
AI Is Already Part of the Conversation at AAPEX 2026
This year’s programming will spotlight the growing role of AI in aftermarket operations with training sessions that acknowledge decision-makers are more than curious. They’re actively looking for practical solutions they can understand, benefit from, and implement quickly.
Planned sessions include:
Real Buyers. Real Demand. Real Opportunity.
Questions? Contact the AAPEX Exhibitor Services Team by email, or fill out the form below and one of our team members will contact you shortly.