LAS VEGAS — The Auto International Association (AIA) presented its 2004 Industry Awards in Las Vegas last Tuesday during AAPEX. Mike Brown, president of Olympus Imported Auto Parts Corp., and vice-chairman of AIA, announced the winners and made the award presentations.

Now in its 16th year, the awards program recognizes manufacturers and marketers for excellence in developing high-quality products and innovative marketing programs for import cars or trucks – ranging from products that enhance performance, appearance or convenience, to the cataloging, merchandising and advertising that create awareness and fuel demand.

A slate of 74 entries, representing 36 companies, vied for the six coveted AIA Industry awards, making this year’s field even bigger and more diverse than 2003’s competition. “This year’s entries represent the best of what is new and exciting in the marketplace,” said Brown. “With many great entries, it is hard to select only one winner in each category.”

An expert panel of judges made their winning selections, based on several award criteria.

The winners are:

• Best New Product for Import Cars or Trucks: Battery Alert/The Battery Failure Warning System, by Bright Solutions.

• Best New Performance Product or Accessory for Import Cars or Trucks: Typhoon, Subaru WRX Intake System, by K&N Engineering, Inc.

• Best Merchandising/Advertising of a Product for Import Cars or Trucks: “Boost Your Sound System” Promotion, by Ansa Automotive Parts Distributors, Inc.

• Best New Packaging of a Product for Import Cars or Trucks: Performance Packaging/Altima Head Lamp Assembly, by Maxzone Auto Parts Corporation.

• Best New Catalog of a Product Line for Import Cars or Trucks: Bosch Premium Oxygen Sensors Catalog, by the Robert Bosch Corporation.

• Best Web site Presentation of a Product Line for Import Cars or Trucks: www.densoiridium.com, by Denso Sales California, Inc.

Also at AAPEX last week, AIA hosted its sixth-annual networking luncheon to honor the winners of this year’s AIA People Awards. More than 300 attendees helped to congratulate the winners, and also learned about the scope of AIA initiatives and its various programs and services that make the AIA segment the premiere passport to expanded North American aftermarket opportunities.

Marty Gold, AIA chairman, and co-owner of S-G Imported Car Parts, Inc., kicked off the luncheon presentation with a warm welcome, and recognized the AIA Product Award winners, which were announced on Tuesday at a special ceremony. He also provided an overview of AIA’s initiatives, including a focus on professional education and training, certification tests and targeted seminar programs held during pre-show hours at AAPEX, and noted the group’s impressive membership gains in the past year. Before AIA became an AAIA segment, AIA had 92 members. That number grew to 152 last year and the AIA segment hit a record 180 members in 2004.

Chairman Gold also honored AAIA liaison Lee Kadrich with a special engraved mantel clock for his tireless contributions to AIA’s growth and advancement.

Gold then announced these winners of the prestigious AIA People Awards:

– Young Executive of the Year – Todd Patkin, Autopart International, Inc.;

– AIA Lifetime Achievement Award – Joe Bagwell, Beck/Arnley;

– Person of the Year – Gary Garberg, Meyer’s Auto Parts; and

– Hall of Fame – Karl Flicker, Hansa Products and Olympic Imported Parts.

_______________________________________

Click here to view the rest of today’s headlines.