MEYLE Fundraiser Raises Over $14,000 for Scholarships

A recent MEYLE fundraiser at AAPEX 2025 raised more than $14,000 for scholarships benefitting Northwood University students. The MEYLE fundraiser took place from Nov. 4-6 and highlighted collaboration between students and industry professionals.

MEYLE Fundraiser Strategy and Outcomes

Attendees used MEYLE German license plate stamping machines to create custom plates. This effort raised $9,171. MEYLE contributed an additional $5,000. These combined efforts emphasized the aftermarket focus on investing in future talent.

“This fundraiser is a powerful illustration of what makes the automotive aftermarket special, an industry that understands its long term strength depends on investing in the next generation,” said Dr. David Oventhal, division chair of the Center for Automotive and Mobility Studies and the Subaru of New England Professor of Automotive Strategy at Northwood University.

Industry and Academic Collaboration

The fundraiser served as a central feature of the MEYLE AAPEX booth and gave Northwood University students practical insights and direct industry engagement.

“My experience in the MEYLE booth introduced me to how dynamic and innovative the automotive industry truly is,” said Connor Bachteal, a finance graduate student.

Supporting Future Aftermarket Leaders

Funds raised at AAPEX will support scholarships for students who aim to build careers in the aftermarket. James O’Dell, director of aftermarket education at Northwood University, emphasized the importance of these efforts in developing sector talent.

“This fundraiser demonstrates how deeply the aftermarket sector invests in developing its future talent, through both scholarship support and experiential learning opportunities,” O’Dell noted.

Impact on Student Development

Student participation at AAPEX provided real-world industry exposure and created meaningful connections. Gabriel Cerda and Logan Wilmot are two students involved in the event. They shared gratitude for the opportunities to network and gather industry insights.

“Working in the MEYLE booth during AAPEX gave me the opportunity to network with industry professionals and share how Northwood has helped prepare me for a successful career,” said Wilmot.

MEYLE Commitment to Education

“Supporting the next generation of aftermarket leaders is core to MEYLE’s mission,” said Jason Pugh, CEO of MEYLE North America. The initiative at AAPEX reinforces the value of partnerships that support education, innovation and leadership in the aftermarket industry.