Auto Care Association

What Auto Care Association does

The Auto Care Association is a non-profit trade association headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, representing the U.S. automotive aftermarket supply chain. Founded in 1999 with institutional roots extending over a century through predecessor entities (AWDA was established in 1947), the association serves over 600 member companies across 12 distinct industry communities, including manufacturers, warehouse distributors, jobbers, retailers, service chains, manufacturers' representatives, and independent repair shops. Its core product is a portfolio of proprietary data standards — ACES (Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard) and PIES (Product Information Exchange Standard) — implemented in standardized machine-readable XML, and supported by five subscription databases (VCdb, Qdb, PCdb, PAdb, Brand Table) covering the USA, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, and Chile. Complementary standards include iShop for shop-management integration, Internet Parts Ordering (IPO), and Super Spec.

The association generates revenue through four streams: (i) annual membership dues scaled by each member's global revenues; (ii) trade show booth and registration fees, anchored by co-ownership of AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo) with MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, the largest aftermarket trade show in North America; (iii) data standards subscription fees; and (iv) ancillary event, research, and education revenues from Auto Care Connect, HDAW, the AWDA Business Conference, the Legislative Summit, and the annual Auto Care Factbook. Beyond standards and events, the association delivers member-facing digital products including TrendLens (interactive industry indicator platform), Demand Index (point-of-sale hard-parts performance data), the Digital Hub, Auto Care VIP member portal, a Tariff Calculator, and Auto Care Assist (an AI-powered knowledge assistant).

The association's strategic positioning combines data-standards stewardship, political advocacy (notably the REPAIR Act), and ecosystem development through its communities (YANG, Women in Auto Care, ACPN) and consumer-facing programs (Car Care Month with AAA, NAPA, and ASE). It is governed by a board of directors, has no parent organization or external equity owner, and operates as an independent industry body.

Name

Auto Care Association

Legal name

Auto Care Association

Website

https://autocare.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

The Auto Care Association is a non-profit trade association serving 600+ member companies across the U.S. automotive aftermarket supply chain, providing proprietary data standards (ACES, PIES), subscription databases, flagship trade events including AAPEX, market intelligence, and government advocacy on right-to-repair.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automotive Aftermarket Trade Association

NAICS

Motor Vehicle Parts (Used) Merchant Wholesalers (42314), Automotive Parts and Accessories Retailers (44133), Automobile Dealers (4411), Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers (441)

SIC

Wholesale-Motor Vehicle Supplies & New Parts (5013), Retail-Auto Dealers & Gasoline Stations (5500), Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714)

akta.pro primary industry

Automotive Parts, Tools & Accessories Marketplaces (CRAFABAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Automotive Parts, Tires & Workshop Supplies Marketplaces (CRAFAHAD)

Keywords

• Automotive aftermarket standards
• Industry data exchange
• Trade association services
• Automotive parts cataloging
• Aftermarket advocacy representation

Headquarters

HQ city

Bethesda

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership dues assessed based on member company's annual global revenues. Members gain access to advocacy representation, market intelligence, trade events, workforce development, and data standards.
2. Data Standards Subscriptions: Subscriptions for ACES, PIES, and VCdb data standards packages used by aftermarket companies for product information management and cataloging.
3. Conference and Event Fees: Registration and participation fees for AWDA Conference, AAPEX trade show, Auto Care Connect, Leadership Days, and other industry events. AWDA Conference fees range from $425 for primary delegates to $1,300 for suppliers/manufacturers.
4. Trade Show Booth Fees: Booth rental fees for AAPEX trade show. Member manufacturers receive 43% discount on standard booth rates, resulting in $1,500 savings per 10'x10' booth.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Auto Care Association is a non-profit trade association that provides industry data standards (ACES, PIES), subscription databases (VCdb, Qdb, PCdb, PAdb, Brand Table), trade shows (AAPEX, HDAW), conferences, market intelligence publications (Auto Care Factbook), advocacy representation, and professional development programs for the automotive aftermarket supply chain. Its core deliverables are proprietary XML-based data standards and relational databases that enable standardized product fitment and information exchange among manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and independent repair shops.

Product overview

The Auto Care Association is a trade association representing the automotive aftermarket supply chain — manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and independent repair shops. Its core product offering consists of industry data standards (ACES®, PIES®) that provide standardized XML-based data exchange for vehicle fitment and product information across the entire supply chain, supported by five relational subscription databases (VCdb, Qdb, PCdb, PAdb, Brand Table). Additional standards include iShop® for shop management system integration, Internet Parts Ordering (IPO), and Super Spec. The association's digital platforms include TrendLens® (interactive market data), the Digital Hub (Factbook and documentation), Auto Care VIP (member portal for database management), a member-exclusive Tariff Calculator, and Auto Care Assist (knowledge assistant). Research products include the annual Auto Care Factbook and multiple specialized forecast reports. The association also organizes major trade events including AAPEX, the AWDA Business Conference, Auto Care Connect, and Legislative Summit, and supports professional development through the Leadership 2.0 program, YANG, Women in Auto Care, and advocacy for right to repair legislation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Auto Care: Primary brand name used for the Auto Care Association and its initiatives including Auto Care VIP, Auto Care Connect, Auto Care ON AIR Podcast, Auto Care Factbook, and Auto Care Academy.
• AAPEX
• ACES
• PIES
• TrendLens
• Demand Index

Products and services

• Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard (ACES®) The aftermarket industry data standard for managing and communicating product fitment data across the automotive supply chain using standardized machine-readable XML.
• Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES®) The aftermarket industry data standard using XML to enable suppliers to communicate product attributes, classifications, and brand data to trading partners.
• Vehicle Configuration Database (VCdb) A fully normalized relational database of vehicles and equipment used in conjunction with the ACES standard, covering light, medium, and heavy duty vehicles, powersports, off-highway and equipment configurations across North and South American markets.
• Qualifier Database (Qdb) A relational database of qualifier statements used with the ACES standard to codify fitment conditions such as 'requires original equipment' or 'not for models with sunroof.'
• Product Classification Database (PCdb) A relational product classification hierarchy used with the PIES, ACES, and IPO standards that standardizes product terminologies in a coded manner.
• Product Attribute Database (PAdb) A relational database of standardized product attributes used with the PIES standard, enabling suppliers to codify and communicate detailed product specifications.
• Brand Table A database of standardized brand names used across the ACES and PIES standards to codify and communicate brand identifiers consistently among trading partners.
• Integrated Shop Standard (iShop®) A set of computer interface standards using XML Web services that allows vehicle service equipment, management software, and inspection servers to communicate seamlessly in the service shop environment.
• Internet Parts Ordering (IPO) A data standard enabling the standardized online ordering and fulfillment communication of automotive parts between distributors, retailers, and repair shops.
• Super Spec A data standard tool used to specify and communicate detailed product specifications across the automotive aftermarket supply chain.
• TrendLens® An interactive data platform that curates current economic and industry indicator data for automotive aftermarket businesses, enabling members to analyze market trends and performance.
• Digital Hub A member-accessible digital platform providing the Auto Care Factbook, data standards documentation, and industry research publications.
• Auto Care VIP A member-exclusive portal for managing data standards subscriptions, requesting database changes, downloading published databases, accessing iShop materials, and registering for events.
• Tariff Calculator A member-exclusive tool that enables companies to calculate and analyze the impact of tariffs and trade policies on automotive parts and components.
• Auto Care Assist A member-only AI-powered knowledge assistant that provides conversational support for Auto Care Association information and resources.
• Demand Index A tool providing hard part and part performance data from point-of-sale transactions, enabling aftermarket companies to evaluate how their products are performing against the overall market.
• Auto Care Factbook The auto care industry's standard annual reference publication for tracking economic and industry indicators, featuring downloadable charts, tables, and graphs, with an extended industry forecast through 2029.
• AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo) An annual automotive aftermarket trade show co-owned by MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and the Auto Care Association, featuring over 100 training sessions and product demonstrations; the largest automotive aftermarket show in North America.
• Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) A trade show focused on the heavy duty aftermarket segment of the automotive aftermarket industry.
• AWDA Business Conference The annual Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association conference, Auto Care's largest business community event featuring pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings between premier suppliers and distributors, held in Las Vegas.
• Auto Care Connect The annual spring conference of the Auto Care Association bringing together industry professionals for networking, education, and business development.
• Legislative Summit An annual Washington, D.C. conference providing in-depth briefings on the industry's most pressing policy issues with face-to-face meetings with members of Congress and their staff.
• Women in Auto Care Leadership Conference An annual leadership conference connecting, empowering, and mentoring women within the auto care industry through networking, education, and career development opportunities.
• ACPN Knowledge Exchange Conference The annual conference of the Aftermarket Content Professionals Network, focused on education and professional development for automotive content management professionals.
• Leadership 2.0 Program The automotive aftermarket's premier postgraduate-style leadership and business skills education program designed to develop the next generation of auto care executives, offering 7.0 CEUs toward AAP and MAAP designations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Industry projected to grow from $516.6 billion (2025) to $664.3 billion (2028)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• MEMA Aftermarket SuppliersflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMEMA Aftermarket Suppliers is co-owner of AAPEX trade show alongside Auto Care Association. Both organizations collaborate on industry advocacy, market intelligence reports, and joint initiatives serving the automotive aftermarket supply chain. This partnership represents one of the most significant alliances in the aftermarket industry.
• PAMA (Professional Auto Maintenance Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPAMA partnership with AAPEX creates collaborative opportunities for automotive maintenance professionals within the aftermarket ecosystem. The partnership supports industry training, certification, and professional development initiatives.
• MEMA Aftermarket SupplierscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint research and market intelligence reports with MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, combining data and insights from both organizations to provide comprehensive aftermarket industry analysis.
• University of the Aftermarket FoundationcoreOthersUniversity of the Aftermarket Foundation provides funding for scholarships supporting workforce development in the automotive aftermarket. Auto Care Association supports and promotes these scholarship programs for students pursuing automotive industry careers.
• AAA (American Automobile Association)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual collaboration with AAA for Car Care Month (October), promoting vehicle maintenance awareness to consumers. Joint marketing and awareness campaign reaching millions of vehicle owners.
• NAPA (National Automotive Parts Association)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual collaboration with NAPA for Car Care Month (October), promoting vehicle maintenance awareness. Partnership leverages NAPA's retail distribution to reach consumers with Car Care Month messaging.
• ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerCollaboration with ASE for Car Care Month (October) promoting automotive service excellence and technician certification. Joint efforts to raise consumer awareness about vehicle maintenance and professional certification.
• SCRS (Society of Collision Repair Specialists)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with SCRS supporting the collision repair segment of the automotive aftermarket. Collaboration on advocacy, training, and industry standards for collision repair professionals.
• CCA (Certified Collision Repair)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with CCA supporting certification and professional development in the collision repair industry. Collaboration on industry standards and best practices.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• CAR Coalition: CAR (Coalition for Auto Repair) is an advocacy coalition supporting right-to-repair legislation alongside Auto Care Association. Emerging player in the same advocacy space with overlapping policy positions, but narrower scope (collision repair) and not a full-service trade association.

Direct peers

• Automotive Service Association (ASA): ASA is a trade association for mechanical and collision repair shops. Direct peer serving overlapping independent repair shop segment, with comparable member-driven advocacy, training, and industry standards offerings for the service side of the automotive aftermarket.
• Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association: HDMA represents manufacturers in the heavy-duty aftermarket segment and is a co-organizer of Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) alongside Auto Care Association. Direct peer serving overlapping heavy-duty aftermarket manufacturers and distributors with comparable trade show and advocacy offerings.
• SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association): SEMA is a leading automotive aftermarket trade association focused on specialty, performance, and customization parts. Direct peer in trade-association business model, member services, advocacy, and major trade show (SEMA Show) serving overlapping manufacturers and distributors in the automotive aftermarket.
• Tire Industry Association (TIA): TIA is a trade association representing tire manufacturers, retreaders, suppliers, and dealers. Direct peer in aftermarket trade-association model, with shared membership overlap (tire retailers and service shops) and comparable training, advocacy, and event revenue streams.
• MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers: MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers is the primary trade association for vehicle aftermarket suppliers in the U.S., co-owner of AAPEX alongside Auto Care Association. Direct peer with overlapping advocacy, market intelligence, and event portfolios serving the same automotive aftermarket supply chain.

Others

• Collision Repair Education Foundation: CREF is a non-profit foundation supporting collision repair education and workforce development. Adjacent organization with overlapping workforce development mission and partnership with Auto Care via SCRS, though narrower scope in collision repair only.
• University of the Aftermarket Foundation: UofAAF is a non-profit foundation providing scholarships and education for the automotive aftermarket. Adjacent organization partnered with Auto Care Association for workforce development and scholarships, but focuses on education funding rather than full trade association services.

Broad incumbents

• SAE International: SAE International is a broader engineering standards body covering automotive, aerospace, and commercial vehicle industries. Broad incumbent with overlapping technical standards activity (e.g., vehicle data and electrical standards) but operates across multiple industries rather than specializing in aftermarket.
• National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA): NADA represents franchised new-car dealers with significant advocacy, training, and data products. Broad incumbent in automotive industry associations with comparable association business model, though its dealer franchisee focus is distinct from Auto Care's independent aftermarket supply chain focus.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/autocareorg
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/AAIAssociation
• Facebookfacebook.com/autocareorg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/autocareorg

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Auto Care Association