LAS VEGAS – Buyer attendance at the 2014 Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) in Las Vegas increased in key target buyer categories identified by the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo(AAPEX), with independent repair garages leading the way with the largest growth at 12 percent, according to show organizers. Attendance also increased in AAPEX’s target buyer categories of auto retailers, warehouse distributors (WD), heavy-duty truck and tool and equipment dealers. AAPEX and the SEMA Show make up AAIW. AAPEX took place Nov. 4-6, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas.

Additional highlights from this year’s event include:
• The number of domestic buyers was up more than 2,000 from last year for a total of 46,267 for AAIW.

• International buyers grew to 15,243. Exhibitors and buyers attended from 141 foreign countries.

• AAPEX exhibitors totaled 2,364 with 5,343 booths. This year, AAPEX had 580 new exhibitors.

• Education and professional development continued to expand this year with 3,348 industry professionals attending 50 sessions offered through AAPEXedu.

“AAPEX 2014 was one of the best, if not the best AAPEX ever, for so many reasons,” said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “From the quantity and quality of key attendees and record participation at education sessions, to hitting a homerun with the new general session featuring Steve Forbes and other successful activities, the AAPEX experience was an industry-wide win. We are already working on exciting new plans and enhancements for AAPEX 2015.”

“This year’s heightened energy level and positive feedback regarding the outstanding quality of educational and business meetings and the number of genuine new-business leads demonstrates that AAPEX 2014 was a valuable catalyst to help attendees and exhibitors alike in growing their business,” said Bill Long, president and chief operating officer of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association. “The AAPEXedu sessions were expanded to meet the increasing need of education and technical training within our industry. Most notable was the Service Professionals Program, sponsored by MAHLE Service Solutions, which included ‘in-booth’ demonstrations on the latest products, services and repair techniques by full service aftermarket suppliers.”

AAPEX 2015 dates are: Education – Monday, Nov. 2 through Thursday, Nov. 5; Exhibits – Tuesday, Nov. 3 through Nov. 5, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas. For more information, visit www.aapexshow.comor e-mail: [email protected].