At the dinner in the Rio Suites Hotel in Las Vegas on Nov. 2, Samuelson cited some major changes in the automotive industry that directly affect the aftermarket, such as a decrease in new car purchases, a more sophisticated and empowered customer, the fact that cars today last longer and need fewer repairs and the proliferation of extended warranties offered by dealerships in an attempt to keep their customers from looking to the aftermarket.

Some promising factors for the aftermarket that Samuelson discussed include the growth of do-it-for-me (DIFM) customers over do-it-yourself (DIY) customers, which has occurred primarily due to the complexity of today's vehicles, and the fact that there are more cars up to 10 years old on the road today, providing prime opportunities for the aftermarket to sell parts for those older vehicles.

Samuelson also said the aftermarket should start to look at car dealers selling OE parts as potential customers rather than as the competition.  "Right now, the OEs are becoming much more aggressive in the aftermarket," he said.  "We need to view them as potential customers and grow that aspect of our businesses."

Other "survival tactics" for aftermarket parts distributors, Samuelson said, included becoming more active in political affairs, especially in regard to the Right to Repair Act; developing specific hybrid training for installers; and becoming better marketers of their businesses.

"We're fortunate to be in an industry that is needed," Samuelson said.  "We can take control of our destiny and determine our future.  This is a great industry with many hard-working people, and we really do help keep America running."

The dinner was sponsored Motorcar Parts of America (MPA), and Selwyn Joffe, MPA's CEO, was in attendance.

Incoming 2009 officers of the CAWA Board announced at the dinner were Chair David Finley of Finley Industries, Vice Chair Tim Gerrity of General Auto Parts, Treasurer Mary Davis of NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Inc., Secretary Steve Sharp of WORLDPAC, and Past Chair Pat Winters of CARQUEST.

Past chairs of the board participating in the traditional red vest ceremony included Tom Wilson (1988), Ron Decker (1990), Mort Schwartz (1994), Ernie Smith (1995), Jim Klassen (1996), Mike Morris (1998), Bill Borders (1999), Chuck Herr (2001), Gary Mueller (2002), Robert Terrill (2003), Lyle Burgess (2005), Bart Scott (2007), and Winters, who received the red vest this year.

"Tonight represents the largest number of red vest recipients ever in one location," CAWA CEO Rodney Pierini said.  "These men have dedicated themselves to CAWA, served the organization well, and deserve this recognition as being leaders in the aftermarket."

All of the proceeds from the dinner went to the CAWA scholarship fund.

Selwyn Joffe (l.), CEO of Motorcar Parts of America (MPA), and keynote speaker Larry Samuelson, president of U.S. Automotive Parts Group, enjoy the cocktail reception before CAWA's annual membership dinner in Las Vegas.

From l., Akebono is represented at the CAWA annual membership dinner by Ken Selinger, director of marketing and product development; National Sales Manager Bob Leone; Borise Cota, western regional sales manager; and General Manager Steve Murakami.