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What to Expect at AAPEX 2024

Autosphere » Mechanical » What to Expect at AAPEX 2024
AAPEX returns to the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas from November 5-7. Credit: Huw Evans

With AAPEX 2024 almost upon us, what can shop owners and technicians expect from this year’s show?

Last year, OEMs, tool manufacturers, enthusiasts and members of the media from across the world focused on industry trends impacting the independent repair shop – like new tools and equipment, implementation of ADAS, safety features when it comes to EV repair and the importance of reviewing and updating your scan tools.

This year’s show promises more of what we’ve seen before as automotive aftermarket leaders prepare to showcase their recent tool offerings and share their industry insights to attendees looking for an opportunity to advance their skillset and know-how.

New Tools + Equipment

As with every year, show attendees can expect to see new tools and equipment designed to make their jobs easier. At the Bosch booth for instance, attendees will have the opportunity to see new offerings from Bosch Mobility Aftermarket, Robinair and OTC Tools.

The benefit of shows like AAPEX is that they allow customers to connect with their favorite brands and ask critical questions to the people behind the tool manufacturing. It’s a mutually beneficial opportunity to foster two-way communication between the manufacturers and distributors – including retailers’ program buying groups, etc. – and the end-user.

Attendees can also see new products at the New Product Showcase, an AAPEX staple that provides a snapshot of the new tools and equipment being highlighted at the show. The showcase is a great way for attendees to quickly see products from across many of the brands presenting at the show, including Bosch, which has submitted multiple products to include in the product showcase.

Commentary on Industry Trends

Industry trade shows like AAPEX are not only an opportunity for shop owners and technicians to see new product offerings from the brands they know, but also grant technicians the chance to receive firsthand insights on the trends shaping the industry.

While the introduction of new technologies in the automotive aftermarket is historically gradual, the increased focus on new vehicle technologies – including ADAS, hybrid and electric vehicles – has launched the automotive aftermarket into a hyperdrive state. We can expect to see a huge emphasis on these topic areas from many exhibitors at the show.

AAPEX stages focused on ADAS, EV, and sustainability will spotlight insights from influential industry leaders who are paving the way in these areas. These stages will serve as key focal points for important discussions on how these trends will impact repair shops, what safety equipment and training will be required, and more. Bosch will have a presence at all three stages, with experts providing valuable knowledge for show attendees at the following presentations.

  • Closing the Loop: On the Way to a Circular Automotive Aftermarket, presented by Dr. Peter Lukassen, Director Operational Sustainability, Bosch Mobility Aftermarket
  • Vision Positioning – How it’s Changed ADAS Calibration, presented by Scott McKinney, Senior Product Manager at Bosch Mobility Aftermarket.
  • Amp Up Your Expertise: EV & Hybrid Readiness, presented by Brittany Kearns, Project Manager for EV Service Concept NA at Bosch Mobility Aftermarket.

Of course, every industry trend affects each market differently. An independent repair shop in Southern California will have different needs than a shop in New England. That’s the beauty of AAPEX – attendees can approach industry leaders on the show floor, and ask direct questions during panel discussions to learn more about how a particular trend is impacting their specific business.

Diagnostics and ADAS is expected to be a big part of the show. Here, Scott McKinney, Senior Product Manager, Bosch Automotive Service Solutions, performs a live demo at Joe’s Garage with the Bosch ADAS DAS 3000 system. Credit: Huw Evans

Experiential and Storytelling Booths

Each booth at AAPEX, from global manufacturers to start-ups and regional tools companies, has a story to tell – whether it’s about how a new or established product line is solving a problem for shops and technicians, or about an industry trend that’s impacting independent repair shop owners and technicians.

Show attendees should take advantage of this by approaching each booth with curiosity and ask the company representatives questions including:

  • What problem is this new product solving?
  • How are your companies’ efforts going to impact my business?
  • Where can I go to learn more about these products/organization initiatives?

At the Bosch booth, our display will feature a variety of products and solutions to keep vehicles moving and operating at their best through engaging and experiential elements. Attendees interested in diving into specific topics are invited to connect with multiple product category leaders from across the company to share their industry expertise.

In addition to the AAPEX main booth, Joe’s Garage is a fantastic opportunity for attendees to see various products in action through scheduled demonstrations by manufacturers from across the industry. Bosch will continue its presence at Joe’s Garage with a variety of demos focused on ADAS recalibrations and visual repositioning, vehicle diagnostics and other solutions for service readiness.

Connecting with Likeminded Industry Professionals

More than anything, industry trade shows are great for shop owners, technicians, and industry leaders to connect with each other, share experiences and grow as a collective. The independent repair shop industry is full of enthusiastic people who do what they do because of their love of problem solving and connecting with community members.

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