AAIA

Industry Web Page Takes the Mystery Out of Customer Requirements

Tampa, FL, May 6, 2008 – During the opening address at the National Catalog Managers Association (NCMA) Knowledge Exchange conference, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) unveiled a new Web page that presents the status of the leading data receivers in the aftermarket relative to the major technology standards.

The Standards Compliance Roadmap indicates whether an industry standard, such as ACES or PIES, is required, preferred, supported or under development by the leading automotive resellers. The conference began May 3 and concludes today, at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay in Tampa Bay, Fla.

45 Sponsors Support H.R. 2694

BETHESDA, Md., April 10, 2008 /PRNewswire - USNewswire/ -- Following the announcement of two new sponsors last week, the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) gained three more supporters this week; it was announced today by Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Reps. Richard Neal (D-MA), Carol Shea (D-NH) and Ike Skelton (D-MO) have joined a growing list of the bill's sponsors.

New Open Source Utility Converts Interchange Data to Industry Standard Format

March 12, 2008, Bethesda, MD -- The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) has released a free, open-source, software utility that converts part number interchange data into the Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES) format. The PIES Interchange Transformation Utility accepts interchange data in a flat file (spreadsheet) format and converts it to the latest version of (PIES) XML.

AAIA developed the transformation utility software to help manufacturers supply retailers and program groups with interchange data in the standard format. The major automotive chains have agreed to accept data in the industry-standard PIES version 6.1 XML format.

BETHESDA, MD, March 11, 2008 – Of the more than 850,000 automotive technicians working in the United States, eighteen outstanding individuals have qualified for the AAIA World Class Technician Award, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) announced today. Each of these professional technicians tested and obtained ASE certification in 22 specialty areas during the 2007 test administrated by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Meeting Set at AASA Vision Conference 2008 in Orlando

January 21, 2008, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) is establishing a Technicians Advisory Council to work cooperatively with the Car Care Professionals Network (CCPN) and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) at the AASA Vision Conference 2008, slated for Thursday, Feb. 29, through Saturday, March 1, at the Swan and Dolphin Resort, Orlando, Fla.

Survey Reveals Dramatic Behavior Changes

BETHESDA, MD – Nov. 7, 2007 – With gas prices heading for $4 a gallon, consumers are making dramatic changes in driving and vehicle care behavior to save money, according to results of a new study by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

Nearly six in 10 people surveyed claim their driving behavior has changed due to rising gas prices. One-third of motorists surveyed stated that they would made changes when the price of gasoline reached $3 a gallon, and another 32 percent would invoke driving behavior changes if prices reach $4 a gallon, according to the survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation.

BETHESDA, MD, Nov. 8, 2007 – The Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals (AMCP) has honored the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) with three top awards in their 2007 MarCom Awards competition. Among the more than 5,000 entries throughout the U.S. and several foreign countries, AAIA won the following:

* Platinum Award in Association Magazine category for Aftermarket Insider
* Gold Award in Magazine Design category for Aftermarket Insider
* Gold Award in Annual Report Design category for AAIA One Book

BETHESDA, MD, Oct. 24, 2007 – Brian France, chairman and CEO of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), will address the more than 1,000 attendees of AAIA’s Town Hall during AAPEX in Las Vegas. Hosted by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and sponsored by NASCAR Performance, the Town Hall will be held Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 7 a.m. in the Palazzo Ballroom in the Venetian Hotel.

Brian France will make remarks prior to the opening of the AAIA Town Hall program featuring Bob Schieffer, anchor of “Face the Nation” and CBS News chief Washington correspondent.

AAIA Hosts Special Education Session at AAPEX

BETHESDA, MD, Oct. 22, 2007 – Interested in learning if consumers are doing more maintenance because of higher gas prices, or whether protecting the environment is a motivator to take better care of their vehicle? All new survey results of consumer attitudes and behavior, as well as complete results of vehicle inspections during April and October Car Care Month events, will be part of a special education session hosted by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) during AAPEX.

The session will be held on Thursday, Nov. 1, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., in room 203 of the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

AAPEX is held during the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is reserved for automotive industry professionals. No other trade event or trade show offers as many qualified buyers and distributors from all segments of the automotive aftermarket.

AAPEX FEATURES
* Every major brand of replacement parts
* A huge tool & equipment section featuring more than 150 companies
* Suspension and front end products
* Engines, engine parts and fabricators
* Paint and body products
* Heat transfer and mobile air conditioning products and parts
* Leading suppliers of chemicals and lubricants
* NetZone Networking Program – allows exhibitors and buyer’s to network year round, and schedule appointments during AAPEX