Auto Care Association Introduces New Vehicle Service Experts Community, Repair Shop Resources

BETHESDA, Md. – May 6, 2026 – The Auto Care Association today unveiled the Vehicle Service Experts community as its newest auto care segment community to join the association. Formerly the Car Care Professionals Network (CCPN), the new Vehicle Service Experts community is part of a strategic evolution aligned with the association’s five-year plan to strengthen engagement, representation, and resources for independent repair shops. At its core, the Vehicle Service Experts community exists to represent, influence and serve as the voice of the independent repair shop owner, ensuring their voices help guide the future of the industry.

“Vehicle Service Experts is where the best minds in independent repair come together to lead the industry forward,” said Tara Topel, owner, Topel’s Service Center Inc. & Topel’s Towing and Repair, and chair, Vehicle Service Experts. “When successful shop owners share openly — with each other, with parts manufacturers, with distributors, with media, and with industry partners — we don’t just lift each other up, we shape the future of the entire automotive aftermarket. I am proud to be part of a community that is defining what advocacy and excellence look like at a global level.”

The Vehicle Service Experts Council is made up of some of the most respected and awarded independent shop owners across the United States. These leaders bring diverse perspectives from across the service landscape and are united by a shared belief that the industry grows stronger when shop owners lift one another through collaboration and shared knowledge.

Vehicle Service Experts Resource Hub
With the introduction of the new Vehicle Service Experts community comes the official launch of the Vehicle Service Experts Resource Hub, a new digital knowledge platform designed to support, connect and elevate independent repair shops across the automotive aftermarket. Designed as an evolving platform, it provides access to educational content, industry insights, and practical guidance across multiple formats, including articles, videos, and peer‑driven resources. The Resource Hub reflects the community’s commitment to scaling businesses, strengthening professional connections, and advancing innovation throughout the automotive aftermarket.

“We are incredibly excited to support Vehicle Service Experts and officially launch a resource designed to spotlight and support independent repair shops,” said Missy Stephens, manager, community engagement, Auto Care Association. “This community ensures shop owners are not only supported, but heard. Their experience, insight, and leadership are essential to the success of the aftermarket, and the Vehicle Service Experts Resource Hub gives them a platform to lead conversations, influence progress, and drive the industry forward.”

As the Vehicle Service Experts community continues to grow, the Resource Hub will evolve alongside it — expanding content, amplifying member voices, and strengthening relationships across manufacturers, distributors, media, and industry partners. Together, these efforts advance the shared vision of positioning Vehicle Service Experts as the go‑to resource for what matters most in the independent repair shop world.

For more information about the Vehicle Service Experts community and to explore the new Vehicle Service Resource Hub, visit autocare.org/vehicle-service-experts.