Vehicle repair costs continue to climb – increasing pressure on consumers, insurers, repairers, and the broader collision repair ecosystem

AI can simplify searches, summarize large amounts of data, and retrieve technical bulletins, but it’s limited by training data and can’t make a diagnosis

2026 Voice of the Technician survey finds “77% of automotive technicians agree that higher pay is the biggest issue the industry needs to address”

The automotive aftermarket’s gravitas on this issue is commonly overlooked by publications outside the amazing aftermarket trade media

A post-show survey of AAPEX 2025 attendees conducted in December found 68% had already decided to return to AAPEX 2026

AAPEX welcomes pitches for thoughtful, insightful and even provocative posts that inform the automotive aftermarket

87% of the 5,500 U.S. auto technicians surveyed by WrenchWay and ASE say proper shop equipment and paid vacation are “must-have” employee benefits,

Demand for repair work is outpacing the supply of auto technicians; without a course correction, waiting time for service will grow, the cost will rise, and shops that are unable to recruit technicians may close

53% of aftermarket professionals polled say they have observed demand for lower-cost parts and services grow, yet quality is still the “top influence” for customer preference, suggesting many buyers are shopping for value

AAPEX 2025 attendees point to supply chain disruptions, tariffs, and attracting qualified employees; meanwhile, exhibitors worry about attracting customers, tariffs and market positioning