In the Opening Session held Tuesday morning in the Venetian Ballroom, Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association (ACA), told the packed room that Right to Repair was delayed again for the seventh time.
Hanvey said automakers called compliance to the law "impossible" and encouraged the aftermarket to continue to "apply the pressure for next year," saying the fight will go to Maine. A law approved in Massachusetts in 2020 has been held up by legal challenges.
"This is a consumer choice issue, and we'll make sure the vehicle owners' needs are met," said Hanvey. "Be prepared to activate your employees and customers in this new Congress."
He also called on shops to be more proactive, recommending they choose a dedicated ambassador for their companies for the purpose of interacting with legislators on behalf of the industry and their customers.
"Send a letter to your legislators. Vote early, vote often, do it now," said Hanvey. "As we work through the legislative side of Right to Repair, we're also working on the technical side. AAPEX isn't just parts, it's a partnership."
Paul McCarthy, president and chief operating officer of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), spoke alongside Hanvey, reiterating the importance of full industry involvement.
"Let your voice be directed to those issues that matter most to you. Speak up to your legislator," McCarthy said. "You are the businesspeople who are creating our future."
The session then turned into a town hall-style panel with political pundits Karl Rove and James Carville speaking about the upcoming elections and the potential outcomes.
The two pundits, on opposite sides of the political spectrum, agreed on several things about the upcoming election and where the country may be headed.
In a lighter moment, Carville thanked the audience for the backup camera. He quipped that it was the most significant advancement he had personally benefited from.
Rove and Carville both spoke about MAGA and Trump. Carville says MAGA was there before Trump and will be there after. While Rove believes Trump will not get reelected because he can only run for one more term. He thinks the country wants to look forward, not back.
Rove noted that the country seems to be returning to the late 19th and early 20th century in media, where everything has been divided and diversified to feed each group.
With the elections about a week away, Rove and Carville said getting involved with your local representatives is essential. Carville recommended that businesspeople find a PAC that suits their specific needs and give them money. Ultimately, change will happen for the group that is the most involved.
The session wrapped up with the announcement of the AAPEX Service Award Winners:
- Service Advisor of the Year, Ray Christensen, J&L Automotive, Alpine, UT
- Tech of the Year, Brandon Sadler, American Pride Automotive, Williamsburg, VA
- Shop Owner of the Year, Donnie Hudson, Kristi Hudson and Frank Hudson of Troy, MI.
