Victor Reinz Reinzosil RTV Silicone Showcased At AAPEX, SEMA
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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
Schaeffler presented its e-mobility product range at the CTI Symposium in Berlin on Dec. 2-3. The company’s offerings include components, modules, systems and software for various powertrain configurations with electrification components. This modular product range consists of mechanical, electronic, and mechatronic components, including the fully-electric axle drive EMR4.
Market Impact
Schaeffler’s new range extender module for range extender electric vehicles (REEVs) was a key exhibit, catering to the growing demand in China and the U.S. This compact module integrates easily, covering all power generation requirements for REEVs, the company said.
Thomas Stierle, CEO E-Mobility at Schaeffler AG, said, “Thanks to its product range and innovative strength, Schaeffler is carving out a defining role in the e-mobility segment, because we really do cover everything, from mechanical components, modules and complete systems to solutions for modern vehicle electrical architectures with centralized software for the software-defined vehicle.”
Product Development
The CTI Symposium showcased Schaeffler’s solutions for vehicle topographies with electrification components, encompassing battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrids.
Schaeffler is also focusing on thermal management with PFAS-free refrigerants like propane and CO2, and the VoltShield-P insulation bearing to prevent electric motor damage from high-frequency currents.
Innovative Hardware and Software
Schaeffler provides application software and hardware like zone controllers and the High Performance Master Control Unit (HP MCU) for software-defined vehicles. The HP MCU, with the Aurix T4x micro-controller family and S32 SoC, serves as a central integration platform for powertrain functions.
Distribution Strategy
The compact range extender module, delivering up to 300 kW of continuous charging power, offers significant growth potential. Available for 400V or 800V architectures, it enhances REEV capabilities for long and short journeys. This technology supports towing capacities in pickups and addresses the popularity of REEVs in China and the U.S. The module’s compact design allows integration of an internal combustion engine and generator unit in electric vehicles, meeting diverse market needs.
Schaeffler said it continues to expand its e-mobility solutions with innovative hardware and software developments, addressing global market demands and advancing electric vehicle capabilities.
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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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By Counterman
The aftermarket is a people-driven business. It’s one of the biggest themes of the annual AAPEX show and, by extension, this season of
link hidden, please login to view. We’ve been traveling the country putting executives in the aftermarket to the test. In every episode, they go from the boardroom to the garage to fix up cars, using the same parts their company sells every day. “You see that high collaboration between suppliers or manufacturers, WDs and installers. It’s driven by the people of this industry,” says Stefan Feder, head of automotive aftermarket at
link hidden, please login to view. We begin this episode in Allentown, Pennsylvania. AUMOVIO is a new name in the automotive aftermarket, but not a new company. In April, Continental launched this rebrand of its automotive sector business. AUMOVIO comprises several brands, including ATE braking products, VDO blower motors and engine management systems, and Redi-Sensor TPMS products.
After chatting with Stefan about his career and AUMOVIO’s various brands and products, we head to the Lehigh Career and Technical Institute, where Stefan is joined by AUMOVIO technical trainer Doug Rennie. Doug gives the students tips on brake pad and rotor inspections, and where to use lubricating paste when putting them back together. From there, Stefan talks to the young future technicians about why they are needed in the automotive industry, and the AAPEX show’s place in the industry.
See what the students learned in this episode of My Road to AAPEX. And keep tuning in to the show throughout this fall, as we bring you more stories like this and continue heading down the road to the aftermarket’s biggest show in November.
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