Nominations now open for 2025 PTEN Innovation Awards

Nov. 4, 2024
The PTEN Innovation Awards recognize the most innovative products introduced in the last year to the automotive aftermarket. Submit your new tool today!

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 annual PTEN Innovation Awards.

The prestigious awards program began in 1999 and has since been recognizing automotive tools and equipment that have significant importance in helping technicians diagnose and repair vehicles more easily and more efficiently, ultimately making automotive shops more productive.

To be nominated, each product must have been introduced or notably updated in the past year to the automotive aftermarket. With 27 categories to choose from, the awards cover every type of repair and tools used by technicians, including ADAS, brake service tools, inspection tools, lighting, tool storage, training, welding, and more.  

Each nominated product will be assessed by a panel of judges comprised of technicians and shop owners and will be scored based on five criteria:

  • Time savings
  • Task simplification 
  • Uniqueness
  • Level of improvement over a current tool
  •  Ease of use

The winners will be published in the September 2025 issues of PTEN and Professional Distributor and will be honored at PTEN’s annual Innovation Awards ceremony in Las Vegas at the AAPEX Show.

Additionally, all submissions will be eligible for PTEN’s People’s Choice Awards program, a program in which winners are selected by PTEN readers. The People's Choice winners will be published in the October issues of PTEN and Professional Distributor.

The complete list of categories, pricing information, and nomination form are available now. 

About the Author

Emily Markham | Editor | PTEN and Professional Distributor

Emily Markham is the editor of  Professional Tool & Equipment News (PTEN) and Professional Distributor magazines. She has been writing about the automotive aftermarket since 2019, after graduating from UW-La Crosse with a bachelor's degree in English. During her first three years with Endeavor Business Media's Vehicle Repair Group, Markham also wrote for Fleet Maintenance magazine. 

Sponsored Recommendations

Tesla service, repair, and diagnostics

Keep update-to-date on how to maintain your customer's Tesla vehicles.

Tool Review: Ascot Supply 3/4" Drive 600 ft-lbs Split Beam Torque Wrench, No. 168-00600

Reviewed by Eric Moore, manager at DeMary Truck in Columbus, Ohio.

Diagnosing an engine misfire

Recognizing a misfire is the easy part; the challenge is determining its cause.

The ‘Iron Giant’

This technician spent two and half years putting together his ‘giant’ of a toolbox setup.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Vehicle Service Pros, create an account today!