‘Industry Week’ kicks off in Las Vegas

More than 162,000 automotive aftermarket professionals from nearly 135 countries are expected to walk the aisles of the annual Automotive Aftermarket Parts Exhibition (AAPEX) at the Sands Exhibition Center in Las Vegas this week.

The annual hard parts show opened this morning as one of the two foundational pillars of what has become known as Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW).

The other (and larger) pillar is the Specialty Equipment Manufacturing Association (SEMA) show held across town at the Las Vegas Convention Center. It specializes in the glitzier accessories market which draws car enthusiasts of all persuasions.

AAPEX, represents the $740 billion global automotive aftermarket industry, features more than 2,500 exhibiting companies, 5,500 booths, 50 AAPEXedu sessions and approximately 47,000 targeted buyers.

It is co-owned by the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA).

AAPEX runs through Thursday, Nov. 1.