A strong showing by international buyers is anticipated at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) this year based on promotional reports from U.S. Department of Commerce commercial specialists in a number of foreign countries, according to AAPEX organizers. AAPEX is slated for Nov. 3, through Nov. 5, at the Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas, Nev.

AAPEX is certified as part of the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) International Buyer Program. Show management and co-sponsoring associations have worked extensively with DOC commercial specialists at U.S. consulate offices in other countries to promote international buyer attendance at AAPEX — the world’s largest annual business-to-business event for the automotive aftermarket industry.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the AAPEX ROI for our exhibitors, we have worked hard this year to make the 2009 event the most cost effective venue in North America to meet with offshore buyers and distributors,” says Steve Handschuh, president & COO of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA.) “We are seeing a growth in interest from potential international attendees, which will help our exhibitors reach new markets for their quality, North American aftermarket products.”

AAPEX draws buyers from virtually every industry segment throughout North America and more than 150 other countries including manufacturers, wholesalers, warehouse distributors, jobbers, retailers, independent service providers, technicians, parts stores, manufacturers’ reps, exporters, importers and packagers.

“The International Buyers Program is one of the best kept secrets about AAPEX, yet one of the most effective strategies to draw large numbers and delegations of qualified international buyers to our trade show,” says Kathleen Schmatz, president & CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA.)

The AAPEX Web site includes a list of exhibitors, and buyers can also use the Web site to find products, network with exhibitors and view the latest educational offerings.

AAPEX is jointly sponsored by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) is the annual business-to-business trade show representing the global automotive aftermarket, held at the Sands Expo Center during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week in conjunction with the SEMA Show. AAPEX is jointly sponsored by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the affiliate association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA).