In an opinion piece published by Ward’s Auto, Bill Hanvey, CEO, Auto Care Association, says a key to solving the auto technician shortage is to change the perception of the job, compensation and career prospects.

AAPEX has extended the deadline for its all-new Student Engine Assembly Competition to September 15, 2025. The competition is a timed event where teams of vocational students will race to disassemble and reassemble a Chevy 350 engine.

While many associate the automotive aftermarket with service and repair shops, that’s often the last stop along an intricate and lengthy supply chain. That supply chain includes U.S.-based manufacturers, remanufacturers, distributors, retailers, independent repair shops, technology providers and fleet managers. 

The 2025 AAPEX media guide includes facts and statistics about the show and also about the economic impact of the automotive aftermarket.

The top reasons attendees say they come to AAPEX are to find new products and innovations (65%); find new suppliers (58%); and maintain existing relationships (54%).

AAPEX attracts a “Who’s Who” list of the aftermarket. Here is a sample of brands registered to exhibit or attend AAPEX 2025 to date.

Here’s a list of auto tech scholarships from: 1. University of the Aftermarket Foundation 2. Autel 3. Northwood University and Women In Automotive 4. Department of Labor 5. CNCDA Foundation and AAG 6. Ford Philanthropy

Auto aftermarket roundup: 1. Consumers are buying up used EVs at a discount, 2. EVs are a billion-dollar opportunity, 3. EV repairs are less frequent but have higher margins, 4. EV owners struggle to find repair and maintenance options

The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) has released the exhibitor floor plan and full show schedule for its annual event this fall.

“Automotive and tire manufacturers predict that their top workforce-related challenge over the next year will be change management (37%), ensuring employees and departments effectively adopt new technology and processes.