Editor’s Notes: T&E Market Optimism Reflected at AAPEX

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Editor’s Notes: T&E Market Optimism Reflected at AAPEX

Jennifer Clements
By Jennifer Clements
Jennifer Clements joined Babcox Media in 1997, spending most of her career developing and producing automotive aftermarket publications, and serving as editor of TechShop — Equipment, Tools and Supplies since its founding in 2000. Jennifer is currently group editor for AutoSuccess and Professional Carwashing & Detailing. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism.
Published:

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There are many reasons to be ­optimistic about the aftermarket, and especially the Tool & Equipment segment. Our $9.6 billion industry is growing at a rate of 4.3%, with the number of vehicles in operation — 240 million — creating a steady demand for service work.

According to Babcox Media and AAIA research, 97% of technicians bought a hand tool in the past 12 months; 73% of shops purchased electronic diagnostic equipment in the past 12 months. The changing vehicle marketplace, along with advancements in technology ­require shops and techs to continually invest in new tools and equipment. 

Attendees of the 2011 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) were able to see many of these new tools and equipment up close. The entire AAPEX event featured a total of 2,292 exhibitors, 230 more than last year, and filled both floors of the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas with 4,984 booths, 540 more than last year.

At AAPEX, AAIA produced the Shop of Tomorrow to showcase an innovative approach to vehicle service using ­connected technology. In the Shop of Tomorrow, management and service information systems communicated with equipment in the back shop. New this year, the shop also communicated with a cloud-based telematics service and an automotive ­service smartphone app.

The tools and equipment in the Shop of Tomorrow included diagnostic and service information delivered from the cloud by ALLDATA; a plug-in telematics device and cloud-based services powered by Carma Systems; and alignment and service solutions by Hunter Engineering.

The Tool & Equipment section of AAPEX saw a big ­increase in both exhibitors and attendees.

“As a vender I noticed a steady amount of traffic with a mix of users and buyers,” said Luke Tucker, sales manager, E-Z Red. “We were always busy, and the new products were a big hit. It is always great to see everyone in the industry under the same roof.”

Consider TechShop your print and online trade show for when you can’t be there in person. We bring you the new tools and equipment information you need to run your shop of today, tomorrow and beyond. 

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Several States Declare April As ‘Car Care Month’

Several governors across the country have declared April as Car Care Month in their respective states, urging their residents to be car care aware and perform the service necessary to ensure their vehicles are operating in a safe, efficient and clean manner.

TechShop Staff Writers
By TechShop Staff Writers
Published:

Several governors across the country have declared April as Car Care Month in their respective states, urging their residents to be car care aware and perform the service necessary to ensure their vehicles are operating in a safe, efficient and clean manner.
The following governors have issued official state proclamations that April is Car Care Month: Gov. Robert Bentley of Alabama, Gov. John Hickenlooper of Colorado, Gov. Pat Quinn of Illinois, Gov. Rick Snyder of Michigan, Gov. Susana Martinez of New Mexico, Gov. John A. Kitzhaber, M.D. of Oregon, Gov. Nikki R. Haley of South Carolina, Gov. Bill Haslam of Tennessee, Gov. Peter Shumlin of Vermont and Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin of West Virginia.
“We want to thank these governors for officially proclaiming April as Car Care Month,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Car Care Month provides a unique opportunity for the auto care industry and the government to educate car owners on the importance of proper vehicle care. Motor vehicle safety continues to be a major focus for state legislatures and regulatory agencies across the country, so we commend each of the governors for making these important proclamations.”
Spring is the perfect time for motorists to make sure their vehicles are running reliably after a rough winter and before the summer driving season begins. Many independent repair shops and community organizations throughout the country will conduct car care events during April. These events have revealed that three out of four vehicles inspected are in need of some type of maintenance or repair.
The non-profit Car Care Council offers many free tools on its website to help consumers drive smart, save money and be more environmentally friendly, including the popular 60-page Car Care Guide and a custom service schedule and email reminder service.
“By following a service schedule and performing preventative vehicle maintenance, motorists can ensure that their vehicles are safe and dependable. Plus, auto care can help save money in many ways, including reducing fuel consumption and extending vehicle life,” continued White. “We encourage all car owners across the country to get their vehicles inspected this April.”

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