Engines keep evolving; our service model must evolve faster. From the AAPEX floor in Las Vegas, we sit down with leaders shaping the next decade of repair to unpack a simple truth: customers don’t care which channel fixes their vehicles—they care that someone skilled, trusted, and nearby can. That’s why collaboration between OEMs and the independent aftermarket is no longer optional. We dive into how Alliant Power leverages deep diesel expertise to prepare for hydrogen and EV powertrains, and why right to repair, shared training, and co-competition protect brands while keeping vehicles on the road.
We also spotlight Pacer Dynamics, a Canadian brand with manufacturing roots in China, showing how local presence, transparent logistics, and flexible financial terms reduce risk for distributors and shops. When credit tightens and inventories get stuck, a vertically integrated supply chain, with visibility from casting to container, can make all the difference. We explore EV-specific rotor demands, coatings, and heavy-duty requirements, plus how private label programs align with faster cataloging and early part-number readiness.
The conversation turns practical on workforce: the technician shortage won’t solve itself. You’ll hear about a free, community-built curriculum for middle and high school clubs and a one-year apprenticeship that any shop can adopt. The plan includes funding pointers, school outreach, and even AI-assisted templates so a two-bay garage can launch a program tailored to its city. If the industry wants capacity tomorrow, we need to welcome students into bays today.
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