Automotive Parts Associates kicks off 35th annual conference with awards

Automotive Parts Associates (APA) kicked off its 35th annual conference in Orlando today by recognizing vendors from the aftermarket who provided exceptional goods, services and support to APA’s shareholders during the past year.

The Headquarters Manufacturer of Choice Award for 2016 was given to KYB. The award recognizes KYB for having the fastest turnaround time from application of part to product availability, ease of doing business and responsiveness to member and APA headquarters needs.

ZF Sachs was recipient of the Marketing Partner Award. ZF continually supports and sponsors the APA initiatives and promotions.

The APA shareholders awarded The Professionals’ Choice Vendor of the Year to AMS Automotive for their product categories and superior cataloging.

Centric Parts won Approved Vendor of the Year and Denso won Preferred Vendor of the Year. The Vendor of the Year awards are voted on by APA’s shareholders and take fill, service and product quality into consideration.

This year’s Cornerstone Award went to Federal Mogul and acknowledges Federal Mogul for being instrumental in the growth and success of APA.

The Distinguished OE Partner award was presented to Bosch, a manufacturer that is an industry leader in the automotive aftermarket that has successfully brought its OE products into the automotive aftermarket and provided APA with the highest quality products.

APA recognized shareholder Shewmaker Auto Parts for their longevity and dedication to the aftermarket and the APA group. In 2016, they are celebrating 60 years in business in Buffalo, Mo. APA also recognized Gene Bochinski with the Outgoing Board Member Award.

“APA truly appreciates the vendor community that works day in and day out with its shareholders and their customers. That relationship is an important part of the mutual success we have with them. We look forward to the continued growth with our vendor partners,” said Gary Martin, president and CEO of APA.