LAS VEGAS — AAPEX attendees wishing to learn more about the fast-changing and growing import nameplate aftermarket, will have plenty of opportunities at this year’s AAPEX show. Attendees can attend a seminar that the Auto International Association (AIA) is offering on selling parts for import nameplates; visit a showcase of innovative products and marketing programs for imports; and stop by the AIA booth, which provides information on the new online AIA educational tool that can help counterpersons sell more import nameplate parts.
For a great discussion from the shop owners and car professionals on the front line about what they specifically want and need from their auto parts suppliers, plan to attend AIA’s popular seminar, “Selling Parts for Imports: Did You Ever Consider Listening to Your Customer? The Installer’s View,” on Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., in the Venetian Hotel, Marco Polo Rooms 705-706. In past years, this popular seminar has been driven by audience participation and it is encouraged throughout the session. You’ll learn about the key factors that influence vendor choice; ingredients for a productive relationship; and experiences and viewpoints from a variety of aftermarket professionals. There is no charge or registration required to attend.
Attendees seeking new products for the import nameplate aftermarket are invited to visit the AIA Product and Marketing Awards Display Area devoted exclusively to import vehicles, in the Upper Level lobby of the Sands Expo Center. This year, AIA will showcase a record number of entries offered in such categories as Best Overall Import Aftermarket Product; Best New Product for Import Cars or Trucks; Best Merchandising/Advertising of a Product for Import Cars or Trucks; as well as Best New Packaging; Best New Catalog; and Best Web Site Presentation of a Product Line, all for import cars or trucks. The awards will be presented Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 3 p.m. at the Display Area, and literature about the awards entries will be available there. Past AIA Awards recipients represent a who’s who of leading aftermarket suppliers for imports.
Stop by the AIA Booth, #9027, to learn more about an exciting new and unique online educational test tool that can help develop counterpersons’ skills and professionalism to sell more parts for imports. The new tests, offered at the import parts specialist and master’s level specialist levels, focus on helping counterpersons gain knowledge in their daily job functions, and to provide the right parts and diagnosis of repair issues for their customers. These new tests give the counter professional an easy-to-use, self-administered, open-book test format that they can take at their own pace, and that when completed, will give them an import vehicle knowledge base that makes them a more valued employee.
Developed by a team of knowledgeable and highly-experienced industry professionals, including the AIA Education Committee and Babcox Publications editors, the new tests have received high marks from industry experts. The University of the Aftermarket counts passage of the tests as meeting a prerequisite for its Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) designation. And, beginning next year, Counterman magazine will require Counter Professional of the Year applicants to have passed both tests. At AAPEX, import aftermarket veteran and AIA board member, Tony Perticari, will offer brief test demonstrations in the AIA Booth, to help attendees see how the tests might benefit their business.
To schedule a demo, click here to complete the appointment form. If you cannot visit the AIA Booth, visit the AIA Web site at www.aiaglobal.org and click “GO!” under the “Certification Exams” heading.
For more information, contact Lee Kadrich at 240-333-1050.
