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Import Product and Marketing Awards

award submissions

Entries are being accepted for the 2024 awards program

Submit an Entry

The Import Product and Marketing Awards recognizes innovative products and marketing programs designed to serve the import aftermarket.

The program features various categories and is an opportunity for all AAPEX exhibitors to gain visibility and recognition of product and marketing concepts for import nameplate vehicles.

Recognition of Award Winners

Showcased at the Import Product awards ceremony during AAPEX
Exposure and coverage in industry press releases, AAPEX Express and during the Fabulous Networking Reception
Featured in award winners' video played during the Import Vehicle Community Luncheon
Highlighted in industry publications and on the Auto Care Association's website

award categories and criteria

Category 1
Best Overall Aftermarket Product or Product Line for Import Vehicles

Commercial success and widely distributed; should mark high in all these areas:

Market demand
Profit potential for the distribution chain
Presentation and packaging

Category 2
Best New Product or Product Line for Import Vehicles

Innovation and ingenuity in design
Market need and appeal
Launched between AAPEX 2023 and AAPEX 2024

Category 3
Best Functional Fluid for Import Vehicles

Packaging and presentation
Market demand
Profit potential for distribution chain
Approvals and/or certifications
Uniqueness

** Category 4 NEW **
Best Repair Solution or Tool for Import Vehicles

Innovation and ingenuity in design
Impact for technicians/consumers
Functionality
Design and presentation

Category 5
Best Problem-Solver for Import Vehicles

Automotive products are sometimes prone to premature failure. Solutions to those failures can be found in products manufactured or remanufactured by the auto care industry.

Innovation and ingenuity in design
Shows consumer need
Functionality
Ease of installation information/instructions

Category 6
Best Packaging of a Product or Product Line for Import Vehicles

Design and presentation
Ease to open and reclose packaging
Packaging quality, sufficient strength to protect product and prevent package degradation
Product identification and labeling to verify contents

Category 7
Best Merchandising, Advertising or Electronic Media Campaign of a Product or Product Line for Import Vehicles

Relevance of advertising platform for campaign strategy
Effectiveness of brand messaging
Design, presentation, structure and ease of navigation
Concept and message relevance on the market

Category 8
Best Product Lookup for Import Vehicles

Category can include product catalogs and various lookup and search tools across different mediums and formats, such as print, online, and mobile.

Design and overall appeal
Overall layout and organization
Comprehensiveness
Useability
Up-to-date coverage
Use of cutting-edge technology

** Category 9 NEW **
Best Training Initiative or Program for Import Vehicles

Focuses on critical skill development at the shop level
Ensures comprehensive and effective knowledge transfer
Significantly enhances installer skillsets
Maximizes efficient use of technician time and resources
Features engaging and knowledgeable instructors
Utilizes advanced presentation techniques, tools, and technology

eligibility and entry fees

All AAPEX exhibitors are invited to submit their products for consideration in the Import Product and Marketing Awards Program showcases. Entries must be designed to fit import nameplate vehicles or electric vehicles, including parts manufactured both domestically and internationally.

The same product may be entered into multiple categories. Multiple products (from the same company) may be entered into the same category.

5 or more entries Import Vehicle Community sponsor fee Import Vehicle Community member fee Standard entry fee Late entry fee: Oct. 26 - Oct. 31

entry fee for 5 or more entries

Early-Bird (by Aug. 31): $175

Standard (after Aug. 31): $200

entry fee for Import Vehicle Community sponsors

Early-Bird (by Aug. 31): $200

Standard (after Aug. 31): $225

entry fee for Import Vehicle Community members

Early-Bird (by Aug. 31): $250

Standard (after Aug. 31): $275

Regular entry fee

Early-Bird (by Aug. 31): $275

Standard (after Aug. 31): $300

Late entry fee: Oct. 26 - Oct. 31

$400 per entry

"For over two decades, our clients have benefited from participating in the Import Product and Marketing Awards, gaining increased recognition and attention from customers and prospects. By entering the awards program, companies demonstrate their commitment to the product, benefiting both the company and its distribution partners.

Additionally, it serves as a well-deserved acknowledgment for the engineers, product managers, and marketing and sales team members who have contributed to the product's success."

-Sue Spencer, Media Manager, Barolin + Spencer Marketing Communications