Epicor Announches ‘Thousands Of Reasons’ AAPEX Giveaway
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By Counterman
The
link hidden, please login to view is encouraging industry supporters to participate in its promotional campaign, which combines its ongoing 1969 Pontiac Firebird sweepstakes with a limited-time April giveaway. Throughout April, entrants in the Firebird sweepstakes are automatically entered for a chance to win an Advance Professional Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit with Stand. April promotion and giveaway details
The promotion includes an added incentive: 30% more entries into the Firebird sweepstakes during the campaign period. The flash giveaway winner for the Solo Stove will be selected in early May.
1969 Pontiac Firebird grand-prize specifications
The featured grand prize is a restored 1969 Pontiac Firebird finished in Champagne Gold Metallic. It includes a 350-cubic-inch V-8 engine, TH350 automatic transmission, dual exhaust, front power disc brakes, 17-inch Yokohama tires and an updated air conditioning system using R134a refrigerant.
Mission and entry information
AACF noted that the April promotion is designed to increase engagement while continuing to raise awareness and support for the foundation’s mission. Participants can enter the sweepstakes online, with proceeds supporting AACF’s efforts to provide financial assistance to automotive aftermarket professionals and their families in times of need.
For more information or to enter, visit www.aftermarketcharity.org or
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By Counterman
Six in 10 automotive businesses expect demand for aftermarket parts and services to grow this year. That’s according to
link hidden, please login to view by the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo ( link hidden, please login to view). Open-ended commentary points to higher new vehicle prices, which are causing consumers to hang onto their existing vehicles longer, as the driving force for rising demand in the aftermarket. “The price of new cars is high, so people are purchasing, repairing and maintaining older vehicles,” wrote one respondent. “People are keeping their cars for longer periods of time,” noted another. “Price of new cars justifies repairs on older vehicles,” noted a third.
One caveat to that finding is that price sensitivity shows up in the aftermarket, too. The majority (53%) have observed more interest in lower-cost parts and services. However, customer motivation appears to be focused on value, rather than pure cost savings. Respondents said quality (34%) was the top influence of buying preference, followed by price (25%) and availability (20%).
Perhaps as a consequence, respondents said their business’s sales expectations for this year are flat, compared to sales performance the year prior. This reinforces the aftermarket’s reputation for stability no matter what’s happening with the economy.
Uncertainty is the Top Challenge
Respondents identified the top challenge as “uncertainty” (45%), which was a recurring theme throughout the findings. Many aftermarket businesses are engrossed in supply chain diversification initiatives, carrying higher inventory levels, and struggling to find skilled labor.
Among the other key findings are the following:
Customer service is the top AI initiative. About one-fifth (21%) of respondents have implemented enterprise-grade AI tools and another 20% are in the planning stages. Of those implementing enterprise AI, the top areas of AI investment are customer service (60%), inventory management (42%) and product development (36%). Supply chain diversification. 70% of respondents have completed diversifying their suppliers (6%), are in the planning stages (18%), or have plans in progress (46%). Inventories are on the rise. 38% of respondents are managing higher inventories of parts, compared to 20% who say they are managing fewer parts. Electric vehicle (EV) investments. More respondents (26%) said they will invest less in the EV segment, compared to 17% who will invest more. Another 27% said they will invest about the same as last year. Notably, the largest share of respondents (29%) remains uncertain about EV investments. Solving the Skilled Labor Shortage
Attracting skilled talent ranked second on the list of the top three challenges. Repair shops struggle with this because automotive technicians are retiring faster than the industry can replace them. The problem is compounded by the fact that demand for repair and maintenance services is rising.
When asked about the steps their business is taking to address the shortage, respondents pointed to an array of enticements. These include offering more training (30%), boosting compensation (27%) and improving benefits (22%), among other steps.
However, 25% of respondents aren’t taking any of those actions. In open-ended comments, respondents offered a variety of answers ranging from hiring retired people part-time to employing temporary help. One respondent commented [that we] “just stopped looking for help.”
It’s important to note that it’s not just repair shops that need skilled labor in the aftermarket. Respondents who work in manufacturing comprised the second largest demographic in this survey, following repair shops.
One manufacturing respondent wrote in to offer a solution, calling for “a national apprenticeship program that is deeply integrated into the manufacturing sector.” That person later added that technical institutes should synchronize their curricula with the “real-time needs of the factory floor.”
The full report is freely available for download (no registration required) on the AAPEX blog:
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By Counterman
Epicor presented its Automotive Champion Awards for 2026 during the Epicor Insights for Automotive 2026 conference, Feb. 9-11, at the Tradewinds Resort, St. Pete Beach, FL.
“Each award celebrates a customer who not only excels in their business but who consistently demonstrates what true partnership looks like: vision, innovation and a shared commitment to moving the industry forward,” explains Suellyn Sprague,
link hidden, please login to view’s VP/GM Auto. Automotive Champion Award for Vision: Prostock
Prostock’s journey with Epicor began long before 2008, when they were early adopters of the Epicor Eclipse for Auto platform. When it came time to evolve, Prostock became one of the earliest Vision customers – embracing the solution in 2008. For nearly two decades, they’ve continued to lean in, innovate and help shape what our automotive solutions can be, Epicor said.
Matt Franc accepted the award for Prostock.
From left: Rich Murr, chief customer and information officer, Matt Franc, Suellyn Sprague, Epicor VP/GM Auto. Automotive Champion Award for Eagle: Sutherland
Sutherland went live with Epicor’s Eagle for the Aftermarket in 2011, quickly embracing the system and proving themselves true innovators from day one. They were among the earliest adopters of Vision Pricing from MSC, helping validate and refine pricing methodologies that now benefit customers across the industry. Their strong integration with Uni‑Select and use of connected price updating exemplifies how to fully leverage the power of the
link hidden, please login to view ecosystem, the company said. Accepting the award for Sutherland were Brett Cozens, Brandon Knogler and Ryan Knogler.
“Insights is renowned for its comprehensive training sessions, hands-on experiences and opportunities for networking and learning from industry peers,” explains Sprague. “Attendees receive numerous opportunities to learn how business trends are driving transformation and gain inspiration to work smarter, engage better and decide faster.”
• Training Benefits: The conference offers a diverse range of training sessions tailored to various skill levels and job roles. Attendees can enhance their proficiency in Epicor solutions and gain insights into best practices for maximizing efficiency and productivity in shop workflows.
• Hands-on Experience: One of the most valuable aspects of the conference is the hands-on workshops and demonstrations. These interactive sessions provide attendees with practical experience in applying the latest tools, techniques and features of Epicor software. Such experiential learning opportunities can significantly accelerate a team’s ability to leverage the full potential of the platform, according to Epicor.
• Learning from Peers: Insights brings together professionals from diverse industries and backgrounds, creating a rich environment for knowledge sharing and collaboration. By attending sessions, engaging in discussions and networking with fellow attendees, attendees gain valuable insights, learn from real-world use cases and discover innovative solutions to common challenges.
Featured image (from left): Rich Murr, chief customer and information officer, Brett Cozens, Brandon Knogler, Ryan Knogler, Suellyn Sprague.
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view was honored with the Workplace Excellence Award from MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers at AAPEX 2025. The recognition highlights suppliers that show leadership, innovation and measurable progress in building a strong, sustainable workforce. Evaluation focused on three areas: strategy and leadership, innovative recruiting, and retention and engagement. “On behalf of MotoRad, I’m honored to accept this award,” said Matt Buchholz, CEO, MotoRad. “We work every day to build a place where people want to come to work, grow and serve this essential industry. This recognition belongs to our global team whose commitment to customers and to one another makes the difference.”
MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers presented the award on the AAPEX show floor in Las Vegas.
link hidden, please login to view’s submission cited a clear people strategy, new recruiting pipelines, skills development programs, frontline engagement, and data-driven retention results across regions.
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view link hidden, please login to viewtomotive Parts Associates (APA) participated in the 2025 AWDA Conference and Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) with its annual cocktail party on Nov. 4. The event, held at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, gathered over 200 shareholders, TruStar members and industry partners. This invite-only gathering facilitated networking and the exchange of ideas within the automotive aftermarket industry. Attendees engaged in discussions while surrounded by wax figures of celebrities and cultural icons. The event celebrated past successes and looked forward to continued growth and collaboration.
“We received a ton of great feedback on this year’s event, many people told us it was our best one yet and that we’ll have a hard time topping it next year,” said Steve Tucker,
link hidden, please login to view. “That’s the kind of challenge we like to hear. Each year, we aim to make this event even more memorable for our members, shareholders and partners. I would like to extend my appreciation to all who attended and to the APA HQ staff, especially Jan Larson, for making this year’s event such a success.” APA said it remains dedicated to fostering connections within its network to drive shared success and future growth.
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