Distributor members of the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association  (AWDA), plan to make a colorful splash at this year’s AAPEX in Las Vegas, Nev. At the show opening on Tuesday morning, Oct. 30, all attending WD members of AWDA will be outfitted with bright orange shirts that feature the AWDA logo, as well as the logo of the program group or distributor organization to which they belong.



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“The intent is to dramatically illustrate the size and scope of the traditional aftermarket,” says 2011-12 AWDA chairman Bill Maggs, National Pronto Association. “Traditional warehouse distributors supply the lion’s share of parts to repair shops and account for a large percentage of all parts sold to and through the aftermarket.”



“Exhibitors are at AAPEX to see buyers – period,” says Arlene Davis, senior director, trade shows, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). “We are thrilled that the AWDA segment of AAIA has decided to so visibly highlight this substantial buyer segment and its tremendous support for our industry’s annual celebration: AAPEX.”  



This year, over 4,000 warehouse distributors are expected to attend AAPEX. Orange-clad AWDA members will make up sizeable percentage of those buyer registrants.



“Each orange shirt represents hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars in parts purchases and sales,” says Maggs. “It will be an orange tidal wave of potential sales for our manufacturing partners and, notably in this challenging economy, a message of success, progress and JOBS!”



For more information, contact Larry Northup, AWDA executive director, at 301-654-6664, or e-mail [email protected].

About AWDA

The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) was founded in 1947 and joined forces with AAIA in 2004. It is the oldest organized group of warehouse distributors and their respective suppliers of parts, accessories tools and other supplies for the automotive aftermarket. AWDA membership consists of approximately 250 warehouse distributors and more than 300 manufacturers, as well as jobbers, affiliates, marketing associations, manufacturer representatives and other companies that support traditional distribution of vehicle parts. The 600-plus members collectively represent many hundreds of facilities and thousands of employees.

About AAIA

AAIA is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose more than 23,000 members and affiliates manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, service, tools, equipment, materials and supplies. Through its membership, AAIA represents more than 100,000 repair shops, parts stores and distribution outlets.