CAWA’s Annual Dinner Gala a True Success

As the most attended event in its history, CAWA’s annual dinner gala proved to be very successful in raising funds for the Association’s scholarship programs. A record number of members were presented the 2024 officers of the Association, as well as, honoring past Chairs of the Board of Directors. Motorcar Parts of America was the event’s exclusive sponsor which enables more funds to be allocated to the scholarship fund. CAWA thanks all the financial contributors to this year’s fundraising effort.

2024 officers installed at the dinner were: Chair Tom Ogaz, Parts Authority; Vice-Chair Wayne Schaack, The Pronto Network; Treasurer Dan Hanson Jr., Hanson Distributing Company; Secretary Dave Simms, NAPA Auto Parts Lodi & Galt, and Immediate Past Chair Young Suhr Jr., APW Knox Seeman Warehouse.

Three Manufacturer Representatives have been Appointed to CAWA's 2024 Manufacturers' Advisory Council

Three manufacturer colleagues have been appointed to CAWA’s Manufacturers’ Advisory Council for 2024. 

They are:

• Erick Esparza of Mevotech
• Jimmy Ji of CTR America, and
• Zefang Zheng of ADD USA, Inc.

During the appointment process, Young Suhr Jr., Chair of the Board of Directors, commented: “I am looking forward to the service of these manufacturer representatives as they bring different perspectives to our industry. We appreciate their willingness to make a commitment to the industry and its trade association out West. CAWA looks forward to their participation and contributions in assisting the Association in achieving its goals as an effective and valuable automotive care industry organization”, continued Suhr.

See the complete press release here. 

Auto Care Association Shares Six Ways to Take Action for Right to Repair Awareness – CAWA Agrees!

The Auto Care Association’s Marketing and Communications committee is calling on the auto care industry to take action by making their voices heard in Washington. The association is urging industry-wide participation in spreading awareness about the importance of preserving Americans’ right to repair their vehicles and passing the REPAIR Act at the federal level.

The Auto Care Association makes participating in Right to Repair Awareness easy and accessible to everyone by offering six ways to take action right now. CAWA supports this effort.

EV Impact on Aftermarket “Many Years Away”

New analysis reports that the predictions of EVs dominating U.S. roads are “overblown. “Much has been discussed about the impact of Electric Vehicles (EVs) on the new car and light truck market. However, little has been mentioned about the consequences of EVs for the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) aftermarket.

In its most recent analysis, Lang Marketing reports that the predictions of EVs dominating U.S. roads are “overblown” and that their consequences for the ICE car and light truck aftermarket will be limited for many years. Four factors are critical to aftermarket product volume: the number of vehicles in operation (VIO), their use (annual mileage), the VIO’s age profile, and the number of vehicles in specific age groups. To project the consequences of EVs for the ICE aftermarket, it is necessary to examine the four factors driving aftermarket product volume.

Here are key takeaways from the study. Source: aftermarket MATTERS

Domestic BEV OEMs – Be Very Afraid

China is well-positioned to flood the BEV market with low-priced BEVs. But will it undercut US and European vehicle OEMs? Do you remember Solyndra? In 2009, Solyndra received a $535 million U.S. Department of Energy loan guarantee, the first recipient in President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus program, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Their solar panels were to be the flagship of a government funded move to renewable power. Then reality set in. Chinese solar panel producers flooded the market with low priced solar panels, and Solyndra could not compete. In its bankruptcy, US taxpayers took a $528 million loss on the loan. I tell the Solyndra story because I think it might be a case of “I’ve seen that movie before” as we are watching the global market for battery electric cars. Can China do to the battery electric vehicle market what they did to solar? I fear the answer is yes. Read more here. Source: aftermarketNews and Derek Kaufman

Top Shelf Merchant Accounts, Store Brand Prices

For over a decade, Superior Financial Systems has been a premier provider of merchant services for the Automotive Industry. Our partnerships with hundreds of businesses in automotive wholesale, parts, repair, and service among many others has gifted us a unique insider perspective that sets us above the rest. You have probably seen our name in the association newsletters, sharing important updates that impact your business and customers. We are here for you, and our team is ready for you to join our family.

We cover all the bases, from customized cost-saving merchant programs to gift cards and Wright Express/Voyager, all the way to fraud prevention and compliance mandates. We understand the unique demands of the automotive industry and strive to always meet those needs. As your partner in credit card acceptance, it is our job to make sure you are maximizing all the benefits a merchant account can offer.

Changing providers can be scary, we get it. As a thank you for trusting Superior Financial with your service needs, new merchants can select from one of these top shelf promotional offers, worth up to $500. See more details here.

Nevada Automotive Businesses Can Save Health Insurance Premium Dollars

Businesses with 2-50 employees can engage in collective buying power to access benefits and rates typically offered to Large Group employers. See CAWA’s Association Health plan here to save your Nevada business dollars in insurance premiums.