Welcome to the Auto Care Association’s Advocacy Center – a one-stop shop for auto care stakeholders who wish to become more active in public policy.
The Auto Care Association serves members in a variety of important ways, each designed to help them maintain their position as innovative and impactful businesses. Our government affairs department represents the industry’s complex set of interests before federal and state legislators and regulators, and advocates for policies that are favorable to our member businesses.
Finding your legislators to write about an important issue or supporting the industry’s political action committee, ACPAC, has never been easier. We are constantly updating the website to include the most relevant issues, events and features, so be sure to check back frequently!
The COVID-19 pandemic has put the immediate welfare of businesses across our country into the hands of federal and state lawmakers. Now more than ever, it is critical for our industry to be fully engaged in all three components of advocacy: grassroots, lobbying, and pac. Read the 2019 Auto Care Advocacy Report to learn more about what our accomplishments were this past year and how you can get involved today.
The Auto Care Association is working tirelessly on the Federal, State and local level to educate officials on how COVID-19 impacts the auto care industry and why our supply chain should be considered “essential” and remain open for business during this pandemic. We have drafted summaries of current federal and state response efforts as well as joint advocacy letters that the Auto Care Association has signed onto with other trade associations impacted by COVID-19. We continue to update our resources according to the latest related government guidance and legislation.
Wireless technology and data collection are quickly becoming integral parts of today’s “connected” vehicles. These innovations have the potential to provide motorists with access to a wide range of entertainment and information services, as well as safety benefits and improved repair and maintenance. However, there are important concerns that must be addressed. For instance, who owns the vehicle data? Does the manufacturer or driver control the data? How are manufacturers using the data? Are vehicle owners made aware of data sharing when they purchase the vehicle?
The $392 billion auto care industry relies on a complex, international supply chain that ensures American drivers can obtain quality, affordable and prompt vehicle parts and service. Therefore, while the industry recognizes the need to protect U.S. manufacturing and jobs, trade barriers that inhibit the ability of domestic companies to import finished goods, components and raw materials have a negative effect on both business and the motoring public.
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"ACPAC is our voice within the halls of government and to the power politics that shape our industry in this country. No single person or company could fortify against the clear and evolving dangers we face. You can lose your business overnight, whether to OEM's anti-competitive agenda, crippling trade and tax policy, or obstructive and competition defeating-technological initiatives. ACPAC has our seat at the table and the resources to speak forcefully on our behalf."
- Brian S. Cohn, President, Multi Parts
"Competitive industries far outspend us in D.C. lobbing against us. We must come together as an industry and support ACPAC to protect our interests and have our voices heard."
- Cliff Hovis, President, Hovis Auto & Truck Supply
"I contribute to ACPAC to ensure long-term viability and success of our business and our industry. The Auto Care Association provides outstanding support with federal, state and local governments. My ACPAC contribution supports their efforts and ensures our voice is heard."
- Mike Boyer, President, tascosalesreps
"I support ACPAC because it provides the most efficient means to get involved in the political process on issues important to our industry, from blocking onerous laws to securing advantageous legislative and regulatory changes, Auto Care is making a real difference for Hopkins and our customers. ACPAC ensures our continued livelihood and the health of our company, customers and the industry."
- Brad Kraft, President and CEO, Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation
"I donate annually to ACPAC because I want to invest in the future of this industry and ensure that we are well-represented on important issues that could disrupt how we do business. I plan on having a long career in the auto care industry and it is critical that we have a voice in the electoral process. ACPAC is our voice."
- Danielle Sonnefeld, VP of Business Development, N.A. Williams
"In the political and regulatory environment that we live in, the auto care industry requires outstanding representation. Those initiating and making our laws need to be aware of the economic reality of the auto and truck aftermarket industries. We keep America running and employ millions of people (aka VOTERS) throughout the supply chain. Our efforts through ACPAC give us a voice in Washington D.C."
- John R. Washbish, President and CEO, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc.