Import Product and Marketing Awards
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
Best Overall 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
Best New Product or Product Line for Import Vehicles
- Innovation and ingenuity in design
- Market need and appeal
- Launched between AAPEX 2024 and AAPEX 2025
Best Functional Fluid for Import Vehicles
- Packaging and presentation
- Market demand
- Profit potential for distribution chain
- Approvals and/or certifications
- Uniqueness
- Environmental impact
- Impact on demand
Best Repair Solution or Tool for Import Vehicles
- Innovation and ingenuity in design
- Impact for technicians/consumers
- Functionality
- Design and presentation
Best Product Upgrade of 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
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
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
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
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.
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. 25 - Oct. 30
$400 per entry
Our 2024 Award Winners
Akebono Brake Corporation
Akebono Ultra Premium EURO Brake Pads
Part Number EUR1867
ROWE Motor Oil
ROWE SUNSPEED, 100% biosynthetic base, no mineral oils
Ferdinand Bilstein GmbH + Co. KG (febi bilstein)
AdBlue® - 3.5L Bottle
Part Number 171331
CRP Automotive
Rein Transfer Case Overhaul Kit
(Part No. RVK0004)
Standard Motor Products
Blue Streak® Upper Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid Kit for Honda 3.5L
ADVICS North America, Inc. Distributed by AISIN Aftermarket
ADVICS Ultra-Premium Brake Fluid
Best Merchandising, Advertising or Electronic Media Campaign of a Product or Product Line for Import Vehicles
Sidem nv
Sidem Car Movie
KYB Americas Corporation
KYB Parts Catalog App
Best Training Initiative or Program for Import Vehicles
Nissens North America
Nissens Experts
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
