Every year, AAPEX brings together the aftermarket players. Several thousand exhibitors take part in the event to introduce their latest products. This year again, Klaxcar France was present in Las Vegas!
AAPEX: the main event of the automotive aftermarket industry
AAPEX is a showcase aimed at professionals, bringing together sellers and buyers of the automotive aftermarket. For many, the show is an opportunity to get to know the latest innovations and technologies in the sector while extending their network with new contacts. Year after year, the event is growing in popularity with engine builders, wholesale buyers, dealers, distributors and other auto parts retailers.
AAPEX gives each participant the opportunity to meet current and potential suppliers. Three days full of discoveries and meetings to remain at the heart of an industry that is increasingly competitive and resolutely future-oriented.
AAPEX 2021: What's going on for this new edition?
The 2021 edition of AAPEX was held from Tuesday 2 to Thursday 4 November 2021 in Las Vegas. After a difficult economic year marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, the organizers wanted to hit hard and make an impact with a more immersive experience. The 2020 edition was virtual: in 2021, the time has come to be back on the field.
One of the new features for AAPEX 2021 is linked to the health context and its consequences. The 2021 edition was held physically, but compliance with the health protocol was one of the top priorities with reinforced prevention and protection measures. Participants shared some good practices to better manage the effects of the pandemic on the supply chain.
The originality of AAPEX, and the 2021 edition has proved it, is to go beyond the traditional view of the show. The automotive market is innovating, and so is AAPEX. In 2021, the innovations of the sector are clearly present and must be shared with as many people as possible. Thus, exhibitors got to enjoy new ways of communicating and connecting with participants. Spaces dedicated to new technologies, including robotics, were created.
This is the case of Joe's Garage, a reconstructed life-size workshop where live quick demos showcase hands-on experience and blend with expert services and advice. This section of the show was installed on the first level within the Repair Shop HQ. The Expanded Tool and Equipment section was on the same floor, as well as a section dedicated to Mobile Heal Transfer, Heating & Air Conditioning in a significantly improved and modernized 2021 version. One floor higher, participants were able to discover other spaces specially designed for traders, workshop owners, mechanics and technical advisors.
As far as training and learning are concerned, the show was not to be outdone with sessions devoted to various key aspects of the sector (technical, leadership, management, etc.). The training sessions were held in four rooms by renowned experts such as John Thornton and Mike Reynolds.
Klaxcar was present on booth A5630
As an international aftermarket player for more than 25 years, Klaxcar participates every year in the most important shows of the global automotive market, such as Automechanika Frankfurt, Equip Auto Paris, and of course AAPEX. 2020 was unfortunately an exception, due to the health situation. More determined than ever to share their know-how and passion for the sector, Fabrice Podevin, our Commercial Director, and Ricardo Duran, our Deputy Commercial Director, were able to make the trip again this year. This major event that attracts American visitors from all over the continent allowed us, once again, to present our unique offer.
On booth A5630 of the show, we shared our story with many participants interested in the evolution of a small family business in Île-de-France into a recognized player in the global industry. Today, Klaxcar is present in 85 countries with nearly 10,000 references in more than 30 product ranges and makes customer relations one of its priorities. Every day, we are in contact with professionals from all over the world. This new participation in AAPEX has made it possible to diversify our approach, our expectations and our needs.
Our development prospects in North America and Latin America
By going to Las Vegas for AAPEX 2021, we were able to meet many prospects for the North American market (USA and Canada). The show was also an opportunity to get to know our customers from Central and South America better. For Klaxcar, Latin America stands for a growing market for the future. In recent years, our sales team has multiplied partnerships with various countries in this region of the world. From Costa Rica to Uruguay and Venezuela, we have opened many Klaxcar stores with our partners... and plan to open many more very soon!
Our presence at AAPEX 2021 was a success. Our booth A5630 has attracted many visitors and we are already looking forward to renewing the experience in 2022... We'll be back @ Las Vegas!
