AAPEX 2021 kicked off their in-person event with a keynote session on Tuesday, Nov. 2. Speakers Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association, and Paul T. McCarthy, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) focused their welcome address on latest advocacy issues and the critical need to support Right to Repair.
“We are in the midst of unprecedented change within our industry and society that is both immediate and long lasting,” Hanvey said. “There is no getting back to normal. These have been the best of times and the worst of times. And the one thing that these past 20 months have proven is that not only our industry is essential, but we are resilient.”
Through advocacy, both associations have rallied the voters of Massachusetts to approve the Right to Repair legislation ballot question by 75 percent, Hanvey said.
“But our work is hardly done,” he continued. “We can’t do it alone and we need your support.”
Although, many shops and retailers may have experienced record sales, the automotive industry still has many obstacles to overcome, especially as vehicles essentially become computers on wheels.
“As a result of grassroots advocacy efforts, we are about to have congressional sponsors of bipartisan federal legislation,” McCarthy noted.
The soon-to-be-introduced federal legislation will be based on principals that reinforce the automotive industry.
“Our proposed bill is balanced,” he added. “It seeks to safeguard our consumers and cyber security, retain a free competitive market, enhance economic equity, and, most of all, make sure that all vehicles on the road can be safely maintained.
This will be the most important piece of aftermarket federal legislation since the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act half a century ago. Now, is the time for our voice to be heard.”
Hanvey then directed the audience’s attention to a QR code displayed on a big screen next to the stage.
By scanning the QR code with a phone, individuals were able to send a prepopulated letter to their legislator, asking them to support Right to Repair for the automotive industry.
Before they concluded, the speakers proudly recognized the AAPEX Service and Repair Awards recipients in the audience.
Shop Owner of the year - Jamie and Eric Carlson, co-owners of Ervine’s Auto Repair and Grand Rapids Hybrid and EV, Grand Rapids, MI.
Technician of the Year - Matt Fanslow, lead diagnostician and shop manager, Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, MN.
Service Advisor of the Year - Brittany Schindler, service manager, Rod’s Japanese Auto Care, Bellingham, WA.
The AAPEX Service and Repair Awards recognize the essential services that automotive repair professionals provide to keep the 1.4 billion vehicles around the world on the road.
