Live updates from AAPEX

Stay on top of what’s happening at the biggest automotive aftermarket event of the year.

The team from AutoServiceWorld.com, CARS and Jobber News are coming at you live from AAPEX and SEMA all week long.

Check back in this space to see photos and news tidbits that we come across over Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week.

The AAPEX and SEMA shows are being held live and in person for the first time since 2019 and the industry is excited to be back together again.

But it’s not all the same. Masking is required at both shows, per local health regulations. AAPEX is further requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test result for entry.

The Canadian contingent is expected to be smaller. Furthermore, Canada Night was cancelled by the Automotive Industries Association of Canada.

According to show organizers, international registration, which typically accounts for 22 per cent of AAPEX registration, was down drastically compared to 2019. But that was expected given COVID-related protocols to enter the U.S. from other countries. Domestic registration, on the other hand, was on par with 2019.

Still, it is expected to be a busy week with plenty of news and insights coming out of the shows. Check this space daily for new updates.

Updates

• AAPEX kicked off the annual ticketed keynote session where the importance of right to repair was stressed. It was also revealed that four million people made their first-ever purchases in the aftermarket during COVID.
• NPD Group’s Nathan Shipley shared consumer insight data. Numbers show that while consumer purchases in the aftermarket are trending down from their pandemic-related highs, they’re still above 2019 levels.
• Mitchell 1’s Bill Haas talked about what shops need to do to prepare for EVs, especially when it comes to respecting electricity.
•  While there was no official Canada Night, Canadians who are in Las Vegas gathered at The Dorsey for some mingling.
• Joe’s Garage proved to be a hit. This setup added value to technicians attending the show by having a series of bays showing off what new tech, tools and business solutions are available to shops.
• In a preview of a forthcoming study from the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Supplier’s Association, it was revealed that electric vehicles will slowly grow to 2030 before taking off after that. The aftermarket is expected to grow at a 2 per cent pace through to 2045.
• During her speech for winning Female Shop Owner of the Year from the Women in Auto Care, Tara Topel, owner of Topel’s Service Center paid tribute to Bob Greenwood and credited his leadership and guidance and being keys to her success.