Tough Times and Aftermarket Resiliency

The U.S. automotive aftermarket continued its strong growth through 2021 and is projected to hit the $400 billion milestone by 2025. For this information I wish to thank Shane Norton at S&P Global (formerly IHS Markit) for this update to our annual Channel Forecast of market size. READ MORE  

The Latest On U.S. – China Trade

The automotive aftermarket industry has been heavily impacted by the U.S.-China trade war. While it is important to develop a comprehensive strategy for the U.S.-China trade relationship that supports U.S. workers, the Section 301 tariffs have also caused severe economic harm to U.S. businesses struggling with supply chain uncertainty and U.S. consumers facing increased repair costs. READ MORE  

Our Finest Hour

As you may have heard, the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) is celebrating its 118th anniversary this year … and if you’re not familiar with us, MEMA is a trade association of over 1,000 vehicle parts and systems manufacturers and represents the largest sector of manufacturing jobs in the U.S. and 2.5% of U.S. GDP.  READ MORE  

In a Technology Tsunami, the Time Is Now to Step Up and Protect the Aftermarket’s Future

The auto care industry is in the midst of a technology tsunami. Current vehicles on the road today are software-driven computers on wheels, with nearly every aspect of the vehicle controlled by software. READ MORE  

How To Differentiate Your Auto Repair Shop From Your Competition

I want to take you through a quick visualization exercise. Imagine you are on a trip. You’ve been driving all day. You skipped lunch, it’s now late in the evening, and you’re really hungry. You’re coming up on the exit for Pleasantville, USA, and the next city is over 100 miles away. The time to get food is now. READ MORE  

Where are you going, what have you learned?

What’s the status quo? We’re back to normal, right? Schools have been in-person all year and families have resumed vacation travel. Since AAPEX 2021, I’ve attended two conferences and worked in the office about half the time. READ MORE  

ADAS Is Here and Growing … But There Are Headwinds

I attend many industry events every year, and the most-discussed topics and issues facing the aftermarket over the past two years are: Supply Chain Disruptions, Labor/Talent Recruitment & Retention, EVs & the Electrification of Tomorrow’s Vehicles, and Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS). READ MORE  

What Does AAPEX Have to Do with Right to Repair?

By Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association

As I receive the notification in my inbox for a THIRD delay in a decision regarding the Right to Repair court case the automakers filed against the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, it highlights how important it is for me to share with you what our industry is up against, and what to truly expect in the battle for maintenance and repair data.

READ MORE  

The Return to AAPEX

By Liz Goad, CMP, DES, director, Events & Meetings, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association

Our industry’s homecoming is fast approaching. The energy and excitement for coming together at AAPEX 2021 next week is very strong. In fact, the word, “joy” moved to the top of the list on the most recent… READ MORE  

State of Supply Chain Disruptions

By Angela Chiang, director, International Affairs, Auto Care Association

Companies of all different sizes and industries are experiencing significant supply chain disruptions as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to reveal supply chain vulnerabilities and have a staggering effect on the movement of goods worldwide. Each link in the supply chain is… READ MORE