Attendees from around the world were welcomed to the Virtual AAPEX Experience keynote session, “What to Expect on the Road Ahead,” where industry executives and leaders shared a consistent message: the automotive aftermarket continues to be resilient despite crisis.

Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association, and Paul T. McCarthy, president, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), opened the keynote session on Nov. 3, by outlining a positive outlook for the aftermarket.

“Compared to new vehicles, compared to most other retail sectors, the aftermarket sees much more stable demand. We are essential and we’re a great market to be in, rain or shine,” said McCarthy.

“The aftermarket is forecasted to grow 11.7% in 2021 and is on its way to a market size of $341 billion in 2023,” said Hanvey.

The two leaders also discussed their respective association roles on several issues, including contributing to diversity, attracting talent to the industry and fighting for a fair and level playing field on Your Car. Your Data. Your Choice.

The keynote session also included an esteemed panel of industry executives who shared their views on the outlook for the aftermarket in this time of uncertainty.

Greg Johnson, CEO, O’Reilly Auto Parts, noted that in his 39 years, he has seen the industry remain very consistent and resilient throughout various economic changes. “I remain very optimistic,” said Johnson. “The result of the softer car sales will help us; most people will continue to maintain their vehicles as opposed to buying new vehicles and I also see miles driven improving.”

From the manufacturer/supplier side, Duncan Gillis, CEO, BBB Industries, expects to see growth in aftermarket replacement parts. He said, “We are very bullish about 2021 … we’re fortunate that our industry is not like a lot of others. We are relatively recession resilient, and we need to take advantage of that. We’re in a great position, let’s go drive some business.”

When asked if the aftermarket will see permanent changes as the result of COVID-19, Sue Godschalk, president, Federated Auto Parts, noted that the e-commerce segment has largely outperformed the rest of the aftermarket recently as consumers are opting for more online delivery due to brick-and-mortar closures and to limit exposure to the virus. “I believe online ordering will continue to increase … I also think we’ll see more automation in the manufacturing and distribution centers and warehouses and I believe it’s going to continue to be hard to find workers,” said Godschalk.

Eric Sills, CEO, Standard Motor Products, said, “We’re a very stable industry, so even something as dramatic and unprecedented as this pandemic, I don’t think it’s going to cause any step wise permanent changes to our overall market and how business is done … There’s going to be some trends that either accelerate or decelerate, but no hard left turns as a result of this.”

Tom Greco, president and CEO, Advance Auto Parts, identified trends in the aftermarket that may have a mid-term impact for the foreseeable future, including that more people are repairing and maintaining their vehicles and more DIY, as well as the decline in people using mass transportation. “People will continue to order online and vehicle ownership is increasing in importance with people having more time to work on their cars,” said Greco.

Industry executives also weighed in on the growth in omnichannel and e-tailing and how the pandemic has challenged their leadership skills.

For the full discussion, the Keynote Session is available on the AAPEX website and on demand on the virtual platform until Dec. 5.

The Virtual AAPEX Experience, Nov. 3 – Nov. 5, serves as the hub of training, insights and connections for the more than $1 trillion global automotive aftermarket industry. It features instructor- and exhibitor-led training, product and equipment demos from industry suppliers, the New Product Showcase, and opportunities to connect one-on-one with exhibitors to talk products and conduct business. Training sessions and product and equipment demos will be available on demand on the virtual platform until Dec. 5. To register, visit Attendee registration.

AAPEX 2021 will return to the Sands Expo and Caesars Forum Conference Center in Las Vegas, Tuesday, Nov. 2 through Thursday, Nov. 4. All inquiries should be directed to W.T. Glasgow Inc., (708) 226-1300, billjr@aapexshow.com.

For additional information, visit the AAPEX 2020 FAQ page, https://www.aapexshow.com/faqs/.

Historically, AAPEX features approximately 2,500 exhibiting companies displaying their latest products, services and technologies that keep the world’s 1.3 billion vehicles on the road.

AAPEX buyers include automotive service and repair professionals, auto parts retailers, independent warehouse distributors, program groups, service chains, automotive dealers, fleet buyers and engine builders.

AAPEX is a trade-only event and is closed to the general public.

AAPEX is co-owned by the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). For more information, visit www.aapexshow.com or e-mail: info@aapexshow.com. On social media, follow AAPEX at #VirtualAAPEX.