AAPEX Day 2 – The latest news from Las Vegas

Show opens with musical precision

The Chris Kase Band led attendees onto the show floor with rousing musical numbers and plenty of energy.

2019 on track for modest to flat growth, 2020 predicted to follow suit

Nathan Shipley of The NPD Group, offered insights into retail trends impacting the automotive aftermarket. He said the DIY retail market in 2019 should show somewhere between 0.0 to 1.0% growth over 2018 numbers, and all forecast models are predicting the same for next year.

Schaeffler highlights OE technology and concept ideas

A captivating exhibit at the Schaeffler booth offers a view of future and proposed technological advances that may or may not make it to aftermarket shelves.

NRS Brakes promises an end to brake pad failure due to corrosion

Montu Khokhar, CEO of NRS Brakes, shows the difference between galvanized brake pads and non-galvanized pads that are prone to rust and corrosion. “With galvanization, the steel will last longer than the friction material,” he said. “All the OEs are moving in that direction.” All NRS brake pads are made with galvanized steel. “We can guarantee that it will last the life of the pad,” Khokhar said.

“Spirits of Canada” reception closes Day 1 of AAPEX Show

Stephanie Andrews (at right)  greeted Canadians arriving at the annual “Spirits of Canada” reception in Las Vegas. The event, organized by several Canadian sales agencies, offers a relaxing end to what can be a stressful first day at AAPEX. Exhibitors and attendees alike shared conversation, laughs, and a refreshment or two.

Canada Night moves to Paris

The annual Canada Night celebration, long held at Caesar’s Palace, was held at the Paris hotel’s Concorde Ballroom. Organized and run by the Automotive Industries Association of Canada, it featured plenty of food and comfortable places to unwind with friends.

SEMA announced its Vehicles of the Year the evening before the official start of the 2019 SEMA Show. From left to right: Tim Martin, SEMA Chairman of the Board; Pat McArdle, RZR Product Planning Director; Chris Kersting, SEMA President and CEO; Mark Bosanac, Head of Mopar; Ian Avilla, Audi Senior Manager Accessories & Collection; Tim Herrick, GM Vice President Global Product Programs; Hugh Milne, Marketing Manager, Silverado; Todd Hoevener, Ford Director, Advanced Strategy & Planning; Mike Spagnola, SEMA VP of OEM and Product Development Programs; Wade Kawasaki, SEMA Immediate Past Chairman/Secretary.

SEMA exhibitors choose 2019 Cars of the Year

Exhibitors at this year’s Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show voted on the vehicles that represent the best business opportunities for the aftermarket in five categories.

This year’s winners are:

SEMA Car of the Year: Ford Mustang

SEMA Truck of the Year: Chevrolet Silverado

SEMA 4×4/SUV of the Year: Jeep Wrangler

SEMA Sport Compact of the Year: Audi RS 3

SEMA Powersports Vehicle of the Year: Polaris RZR

“The SEMA Show is where the newest and most innovative aftermarket products are seen first,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA Vice President of OEM and product development. “SEMA Show exhibitors are the innovators and experts who drive the $45 billion industry. Knowing what they believe are the best vehicles for accessorization helps to forecast trends.”

AISIN Group and ADVICS partner up

AISIN and ADVICS are sharing exhibit space at AAPEX as they announce a dramatic expansion of their partnership with a new sales relationship.

AISIN is now responsible for customer sales of ADVICS-branded brake products into the North American automotive Aftermarket, while ADVICS remains focused on product development and brand management.

Their collaborative exhibit space features two prominent areas: One asks the question, “What’s driving your car?” and it highlights engine-related products provided by AISIN, The other asks, “What’s stopping your car?” and features premium brake and safety-related parts provided by ADVICS.

Opening day of the show included a special appearance by Hattori Racing star Austin Hill.

Also new to the exhibit this year: two instructional videos will debut providing step-by-step procedures for installation of the WPT-190 electric water pump for Prius; and removal and installation of the SAT-018 transfer case shift actuator for Tacoma.

Brake Parts features “Experience Room” and Tech Garage

Brake Parts Inc.’s booth features the company’s new experience room as well as its Raybestos tech garage.

“Ever changing global and national landscapes require businesses to select vendors who can partner across all corporate and industry issues,” said Kristin Grons, marketing manager for BPI. “We’re excited for AAPEX attendees to visit our BPI booth to learn how we excel at manufacturing innovative, quality driven brake products with the flexibility to be adaptive to ever-changing business needs.”

The experience room is a comfortable setting for attendees to learn about the value-added benefits of partnering with BPI, which include: manufacturing, R&D and engineering; catalogue, training and technical support; and sales, field and marketing support.

Designed with the look and feel of an automotive shop, the tech garage is an area for attendees to meet with trainers and sales team members to learn more about how BPI brings a beneficial experience to the customer relationship. Visitors will have the opportunity to view Raybestos brake products, watch a video presentation, try out a brake noise board and more.

AAPEXedu features women’s panel

AAPEXedu assembled a panel of leading women in the automotive aftermarket to discuss how to innovate and spearhead change, as well as the opportunities and obstacles when taking on new challenges.

The session, “What Drives You? Women Leaders Discuss Avenues to Innovation in the Aftermarket,” shared key initiatives panelists have led during their careers and provide practical tips on implementing new ideas in the aftermarket.

Panelists were: Amy Antenora, editor of AMN; Amy Mattinat, president of Auto Craftsmen in Montpelier, Vermont; Laura Soave, executive vice president of marketing and merchandising for Icahn Automotive; and Jacki Lutz, global head of marketing communications and intelligence, aftermarket business for Sensata Technologies.