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MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers to Present DEI Awards at AAPEX
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By WiperTech008
Xiaomi SU7's Rapid Rise — What It Means for EV Parts Suppliers
Xiaomi’s entry into the EV market with the SU7 has made waves — not only with its sleek design and performance specs, but also with the speed of market acceptance. Over 15,000 confirmed orders in 24 hours for the SU7 Ultra signal strong demand and fast production ramp-up.
For auto parts suppliers, this raises key questions:
How will tech-driven automakers like Xiaomi reshape traditional sourcing models?
What role will flexible, high-speed supply chains play in supporting brands with consumer electronics DNA?
Are current EV component standards (motors, braking systems, wiper systems, etc.) ready for this new wave of players?
We’re seeing increasing demand for smart, integrated, and high-reliability parts. What challenges and opportunities do you see as EV tech companies enter the auto space?
Let’s discuss how our industry can stay ahead.
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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
MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association (MEMA) announced the retirement of its esteemed president and CEO, Bill Long, to be effective January 3, 2026. Under Bill Long’s visionary leadership, MEMA has seen significant growth and transformative changes that have solidified its position as a leading association in the industry.
“Throughout his tenure, Bill Long has been instrumental in fostering innovation, advocating for industry interests and strengthening
link hidden, please login to view role in shaping the future of motor and equipment manufacturing through some of the most challenging and transformative times in automotive history. His leadership, dedication and expertise have earned him widespread respect and admiration from colleagues and industry partners alike during his more than 40-year career,” said MEMA Chairman Kurk Wilks, president and CEO of MANN+HUMMEL.
In conjunction with Bill Long’s retirement, the link hidden, please login to view Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul McCarthy as the new president and CEO, effective January 3, 2026. Paul McCarthy brings a wealth of industry experience and a deep commitment to advancing MEMA’s mission. With his remarkable leadership skills and extensive industry knowledge, the MEMA Board is confident that in Paul McCarthy, they have selected the right leader to drive the association forward and take it to another level, building upon the strong foundation laid by Bill Long.
Paul McCarthy has been an integral part of MEMA’s leadership team, contributing significantly to its success as MEMA’s senior vice president of strategy and president of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. In his almost three decades in our industry, he has extensive experience in all of MEMA’s member segments: original equipment, commercial vehicles and the aftermarket. His vision for MEMA will enhance our value of member-centricity and our objectives of a powerful supplier voice, strong industry advocacy, innovation and excellence.
“I am deeply honored to have served as MEMA’s president and CEO and am proud of what we have achieved together,” said Bill Long. “I have full confidence in Paul McCarthy’s ability to lead MEMA into a bright and successful future.”
Paul McCarthy added, “I am excited to take on this new role, champion the supplier industry I am so passionate about and lead the talented team at MEMA. Together, we will serve our members and drive a growing, profitable, innovative and influential vehicle supplier community. We seek to be an association that is vital to our members’ success, protects suppliers and helps our members see the road ahead in a time of change.”
As MEMA embarks on this new chapter, the MEMA board extends its heartfelt gratitude to Bill Long for his exceptional service and contributions to the vehicle supplier community during his 13-year tenure at MEMA and his six years as president and CEO, and we look forward to the dynamic strategic vision of Paul McCarthy to lead us forward. The post
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By Counterman
A Grand Kickoff in National Harbor, Maryland
The sun glinted off the bay as thousands of automotive aftermarket professionals gathered at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center for the
link hidden, please login to view (The Group) National Conference in National Harbor, Maryland. The event drew 442 member partners with more than 4,600 one-on-one meetings scheduled throughout the week.
Leaning into the conference’s theme, “We the People,” attendees were treated to inspiring appearances from unexpected guests, historical reenactors portraying Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt. The two “former presidents” entertained the crowd with tales of America’s founding and the importance of fair business practices. Their appearance was followed by a performance from a troupe of “newsies” advocating for national Right to Repair legislation.
Following the lively kickoff, attendees enjoyed dinner, drinks and the opportunity to explore 150 booths hosted by select vendor partners. The event set the stage for several days of meetings and deal-making.
Leadership Champions Unity and Innovation
Jeff Koviak, CEO of
link hidden, please login to view, underscored the need for collaboration in today’s market. “Now more than ever is a time for shared innovation and collaboration,” Koviak said. “Organizations and people should be looking for creative, mutual opportunities for growth.”
JC Washbish, president and CEO of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, added that agility remains a key strength for the independent aftermarket.
“One thing that makes us unique in the independent aftermarket is that we are so nimble and agile and we can react quickly,” Washbish said. “That’s why we’re here this week. Let’s work together and continue to execute on what has made us successful.”
That flexibility is increasingly important as industry leaders gather just miles from Washington, D.C., amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
Strength in Numbers and the Power of Partnership
“It pulls us together as a team. We never want any of our members to feel like they’re fighting anything alone,” said Sue Godschalk, CEO of Federated Auto Parts. “We are so much more effective in numbers. We are always eager to share, and we want people to know that we’ve got your best interests at heart, and we’re here for you.”
Robert Roos, president and CEO of the Pronto Network, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the power of collaboration in a highly competitive marketplace.
“We compete with the Big Four retailers, and those guys are tremendous competitors — very good at what they do,” Roos said. “That just requires us to be better at what we do. The more we can bring groups together, whether through mergers, [or] partnerships like our joint venture with APSG, Federated and The Alliance, it’s critical for us to work together, buy together and sell together.”
The Group’s National Conference runs through May 1, with deals expected to be struck until the final booth closes. Koviak added that while the event ends this week, the follow-up work and opportunity will continue long afterward.
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By Counterman
Research by Carfax shows the used car market surging in both value and volume. The automotive aftermarket is positioned to benefit significantly—and among those who understand it best is
link hidden, please login to view, president of link hidden, please login to view (APA). In an industry where profitability is boosted by the number of repairable vehicles on the road, the recent upswing in used car sales is providing tailwinds that aftermarket businesses are ready to ride. “An increase in used car sales as well as an increased valuation of those cars both have huge benefits for our business,” Tucker explains. “With more vehicles on the road in that sweet spot of being 4-12 years old, our opportunity for selling parts increases exponentially.”
That “sweet spot” Tucker refers to is the prime range for aftermarket demand. These vehicles are typically out of warranty, increasingly in need of maintenance and repair, and owned by drivers more likely to invest in keeping them roadworthy—especially when used car values are holding strong. It’s a powerful combination that leads to increased part sales, especially in high-failure-rate categories.
Data is the Differentiator
According to Tucker, the key to capitalizing on this growing opportunity lies in one word: data.
“Keeping track of what we need to have on the shelf to service this aging car parc is the number one driver in capitalizing on servicing these vehicles,” he says. “Also understanding how the types of repairs change as the vehicle ages is important. Here again, data is the driver to success.”
From stocking the right parts for the right model years to understanding when customers shift from premium to value-tier products, every decision aftermarket businesses make should be rooted in understanding vehicle age trends and consumer vehicle repair behavior. “Understanding the brands and price points that change as the vehicle ages also must be top of mind,” he adds.
Growth For Established Players
With used car sales rising sharply, some might foresee a flood of new players entering the aftermarket to capitalize on that replacement parts demand. But Tucker doesn’t see it playing out that way.
“Having an aging car parc also means expanding your inventory in order to cover those additional model years adequately,” he says. “Having inventory dollars invested in the right places is not something that happens overnight, and so new entrants into this space are few and far between.”
Instead, he anticipates new investments going into existing aftermarket businesses. The industry’s resilience—especially during economic uncertainty—continues to attract capital. “I won’t ever say we are recession-proof as an industry, but we are recession-resistant,” Tucker notes. “Our space has proven to be an attractive one for investors and I don’t see that changing.”
Vehicle Categories for Strong Sales
While aging vehicles generally mean more part sales overall, Tucker is quick to point out that those sales fluctuate based on a variety of factors: vehicle miles driven, car parc composition and failure rates.
“When you take all of those into account, we see categories such as brakes, ride control and chassis all having exponential growth,” he says. “Anything the vehicle must have to start, run and stop effectively are all areas of strong growth.”
And as used car values rise, owners are more inclined to authorize discretionary repairs, reversing a trend often seen in older vehicles. “We will also see more of those discretionary repairs come into play on older vehicles as their value holds strong and steady,” Tucker adds.
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