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By Counterman
The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) announced that registration is now open for AAPEX 2025. The annual event brings together buyers and sellers from every segment of the $2.3 trillion global aftermarket. AAPEX 2025 will take place at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, from Nov. 4–6, 2025.
“For 30 years, AAPEX has attracted tens of thousands of global attendees and exhibitors who come to see the newest products, cutting-edge technologies and the best business—and hands-on training the aftermarket has to offer,” said President of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Paul McCarthy. “Yet every year when we ask participants why they attend, the top answer is consistently ‘for the networking’ because AAPEX is where business gets done.”
AAPEX 2025 Theme: Ready for Every Shift
The theme for AAPEX 2025 is “Ready for every shift.” This message highlights the resilience of the aftermarket supply chain. Attendees will hear more about this during the keynote breakfast, headlined by Hockey Legend Wayne Gretzky. Known for rising above physical disadvantages, Gretzky succeeded by thinking strategically. His story fits well with the event’s message of adaptability and change.
Industry Collaboration Drives Event Excellence
AAPEX is co-produced by MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and the Auto Care Association. These organizations listen to industry feedback and implement annual improvements. Their efforts ensure AAPEX 2025 continues to meet attendee and exhibitor needs.
AAPEX 2025 Offers Unmatched Global Reach
Attendees can expect more than 2,700 global exhibitors and 5,500 booths. Exhibitors will include manufacturers, remanufacturers, tool and equipment makers, sourcing companies, warehouses, and service shops. These companies represent every corner of the aftermarket—from collision to tires.
More than 45,000 professionals from over 128 countries will attend. They range from senior executives to entry-level technicians. Attendees value the exclusive hands-on learning and global networking opportunities.
AAPEX 2025 Features Record-Breaking Training Sessions
AAPEX 2025 will offer its largest selection of training sessions ever. The event has already confirmed over 75 sessions. Presenters include WorldPac and NAPA Auto Parts, among others. Many exhibitors will also host technical sessions at their booths.
These sessions offer invaluable development for professionals at all career stages. Topics will cover everything from technical skills to business operations.
Joe’s Garage Returns with New Highlights
Joe’s Garage remains a major attraction at AAPEX. The space includes 10 operational service bays for real-world training. Throughout AAPEX 2025, attendees can join dozens of educational sessions and view 27 product demonstrations.
The demonstrations will showcase innovations in automotive service and repair. These live demos offer technicians valuable insights into new tools and processes.
New Student Competition Debuts
To help address the U.S. technician shortage, AAPEX continues supporting vocational and trade students. This year, AAPEX 2025 adds a competitive student event. Teams will race to disassemble and reassemble an engine inside Joe’s Garage.
This high-energy challenge highlights emerging talent and promotes careers in the aftermarket industry.
Enhanced Networking at AAPEX 2025
Based on attendee feedback, AAPEX 2025 introduces new networking experiences. A live band will play throughout the show. Daily “booth crawls” will encourage exploration of interactive exhibits.
Attendees can relax in expanded seating areas on the second floor. The reimagined “Beers & Gears” reception will return to Joe’s Garage on November 4, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
“I’ve had the good fortune of being part of the automotive aftermarket for the better part of 40 years,” said Auto Care Association President and CEO Bill Hanvey. “One of the most remarkable aspects of AAPEX is that despite the magnitude of the market, this show is a bit like a homecoming every year – people genuinely enjoy reuniting and exploring how different parts of the market are addressing our current challenges.”
Register Now and Reserve Your Hotel
Interested attendees can register online. The AAPEX 2025 registration fee is $50 until June 27, 2025. After that, it rises to $75 through September 26, and $100 after.
Training sessions cost $150 each. A discounted package of five sessions is available for $400.
Qualified trade students and media may register for free. AAPEX encourages attendees to book hotels early through onPeak, the official housing partner. Shuttle services will be available for convenience.
Need Help? Here Are Key Contacts
New attendees should check the AAPEX FAQ section online. The site also offers photos and videos from previous events.
For specific inquiries, contact:
Registration: Kelly Denman – [email protected]
Sponsorship: Chris Kalousek – [email protected]
Training: Kelly Denman – [email protected]
Students: [email protected]
Media: Frank Strong – [email protected]
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By Counterman
Advance Auto Parts announced it has completed the store closure phase of its transformation plan and is entering its next phase of returning to growth. The company said optimization of the retail footprint was key to Advance’s broader transformation plan to reposition the company for long-term success. Now, more than 75% of the company’s stores are in markets where the company has the No. 1 or No. 2 position based on store density, strengthening its presence in strategic communities.
With that phase complete, Advance said it now expects to open 30 new locations in the United States in 2025 and at least an additional 100 new locations through 2027, including larger “market hubs.”
Since the beginning of this year,
link hidden, please login to view has opened six new stores in Florida, New Jersey, Tennessee and Virginia. Over the next several months, the company said it expects to open additional stores to serve customers across communities in Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin. Advance added it is also continuing the expansion of market hubs with new openings soon in the Midwest. These larger stores will increase availability of parts by placing approximately 75,000 to 85,000 SKUs closer to customers and other local Advance stores, as well as improve Advance’s speed of service with same-day delivery of parts. By comparison, typical Advance stores carry between 20,000 to 25,000 SKUs.
“Advance Auto Parts is on the path to accelerate store growth and focused on the fundamentals of selling auto parts,” said
link hidden, please login to view. “We are excited about what’s to come for Advance. Our team members are committed to providing the right parts and the right service for our PRO and DIY customers in their communities.” In addition to new store openings, Advance said it is creating a better customer experience. The company’s previously announced incremental capital expenditure plan includes additional investments in existing stores related to IT infrastructure, equipment, store repairs, and improved inventory and delivery. The company said it is also providing additional training to team members to enhance customer experience.
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By Counterman
In partnership with NAPA,
link hidden, please login to view the Babcox Media brand serving professional independent automotive shop owners, is seeking to recognize and celebrate the vital role of mentorship in the automotive service industry. The ShopOwner Mentorship Award sponsored by NAPA will honor exceptional automotive shop owners, service advisors and technicians who are actively investing in the future of their profession by mentoring the next generation of automotive professionals.
link hidden, please login to view are open now. “The automotive industry faces a significant skills gap,” said Emily Schneider, Senior Director of Marketing at NAPA. “Experienced professionals are critical to guiding and supporting young technicians and students entering the field. This award is our way of recognizing and celebrating those individuals who are making a real difference. We are excited to partner with proponents of industry partnerships – ShopOwner and Tomorrow’s Technician – to encourage ongoing mentorship programs.”
The Mentorship Award celebrates automotive professionals dedicated to mentoring and developing future technicians in-house as well as through partnerships with vocational and technical schools. It is open to automotive shops of all sizes and affiliations in the 50 United States, recognizing mentorship’s vital role in fostering talent and strengthening the industry.
Two nominees will be recognized each month in print, digital and video formats. One nominee will be named the 2025 winner, and will be recognized by NAPA and ShopOwner at a special event to be held later in the year.
“Many shop owners struggle to find good people at any time, let alone during an ongoing labor shortage,” said Doug Kaufman, editorial director of ShopOwner. “Even when they do find an ideal candidate, they don’t have any guarantee of a good fit. Instead of perpetuating a revolving door of transitory ‘jobs,’ we are looking to celebrate a commitment to building careers through training and mentoring.”
For more information about the award and nomination process or to enter, visit
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By Counterman
Parts Authority announced a leadership transition that will see its current CEO and co-founder, Randy Buller, moving into the role of Chairman of the Board, and the welcoming of Clark Hale as the company’s new CEO, effective March 3, 2025.
Buller, along with his co-founders, Yaron Rosenthal, David Wotman and Steve Yanofsky, helped transform a once New York-based family business with less than 10 locations into a leading nationally-recognized automotive warehouse distributor with nearly 300 locations in 23 states and Washington, D.C., the company said.
Using his financial background, entrepreneurial mindset and automotive industry expertise, Buller helped build the business by offering an unparalleled depth and breadth of brand name inventory to customers, focusing on customer service, investing heavily in technology, and valuing team member satisfaction and professional growth,
link hidden, please login to view explained. “Over the span of 40 years, Randy drafted and executed the Parts Authority roadmap for rapid growth through both organic growth and M&A. As he transitions to the role of Chairman, Randy will continue to be fully available in providing support to Parts Authority, just as he has since 1980,” the company added.
“I know this feels like a big change, but I am very positive and confident in the future of Parts Authority. I look forward to continuing to do what I love, with people I love, while taking a small step back in the day-to-day. I’m thrilled to be handing the reins to Clark and I am looking forward to working with him to drive Parts Authority’s future success,” said Buller. [A letter from Randy Buller is provided
link hidden, please login to view.] Parts Authority said Hale brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the company. He has been affiliated with Kohlberg & Company since 2019, and has also been serving as a member of the Parts Authority board of directors.
“I want to thank Randy and his co-founders for entrusting me with leading the future of Parts Authority. It is an honor to be following in their footsteps in continuing on the legacy and culture of such a great organization,” said Hale. “I am very excited to take on this important next step in Parts Authority’s growth and evolution. I am confident that with our team, we can continue to demonstrate and execute on our commitments to our customers and vendor partners as the leader in the industry.”
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By Counterman
DMA Industries won three awards at the 2025 O’Reilly Auto Parts Leadership Conference, the first time the company won three awards in a single year. It is the third straight year DMA has received recognition from O’Reilly Auto Parts. DMA won the following awards:
Supplier of the Year Sales & Service Excellence Supply Line “Being named Supplier of the Year is a tremendous honor that reflects the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of our entire team,” said John Treece, CEO of
link hidden, please login to view. “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to delivering excellence across every aspect of our business, from sales and customer service to operations and supply chain management.” “This milestone is not just a win for those of us who attended the event,” Treece added. “It’s a celebration of every member of the DMA team—from our sales and customer service teams to every individual in our distribution centers. Your dedication and attention to detail make accomplishments like this possible.”
link hidden, please login to viewextended its gratitude to its team for its contributions and to O’Reilly Auto Parts for the recognition. The company said it looks forward to building on this success and continuing to “Execute with Excellence” in 2025 and beyond. The post
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