LAS VEGAS – January 22, 2026 – The PAMA AAPEX partnership will expand the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo in 2026 by bringing quick lube operators from the International Fast Lube Expo (iFlex) into the show. Branded as iFlex @AAPEX, the partnership reflects growing opportunities for preventative maintenance within the automotive aftermarket.
Historically, iFlex exhibitors participated in The Car Wash Show, which primarily serves independent and franchise car wash operators. However, the quick lube sector has increasingly aligned with the automotive aftermarket as vehicle age, maintenance complexity, and consumer demand continue to rise.
“The quick lube industry is best served by aligning iFlex with the automotive aftermarket,” said Jenn Bochnowski, vice president of the board of directors at the Preventive Automotive Maintenance Association (PAMA). “More than just a trade show, AAPEX provides education, networking, and access to suppliers that help operators grow.”
What the PAMA AAPEX partnership means for quick lube operators
The PAMA AAPEX partnership connects quick lube businesses with a supplier base already embedded in the aftermarket. Many brands relied on by quick lube operators are long-standing AAPEX exhibitors, including Mobil 1™, Shell, and Valvoline.
AAPEX typically hosts around 2,500 exhibitors each year, representing manufacturers, distributors, and service providers across the automotive supply chain. As a result, quick lube operators gain access to a broader range of potential business partners in a single setting.
“AAPEX has earned a reputation for networking that leads to business,” said Mark Bogdansky, vice president of trade shows and community engagement at the Auto Care Association. “The participation of quick lube operators adds value to the show’s exhibitor mix.”
Why the PAMA AAPEX partnership aligns with aftermarket growth
Meanwhile, the U.S. vehicle fleet continues to age. The average age of cars and light trucks on American roads has reached 12.8 years. Older vehicles require more frequent preventative maintenance, creating expanded service opportunities for quick lube operators beyond oil changes.
For example, many locations now offer fluid exchanges, filter replacements, and basic inspections. Similarly, consumers increasingly view quick lube centers as convenient maintenance providers rather than single-service stops.
“If a vehicle is already on a lift, it makes sense to perform additional preventative maintenance,” Bochnowski said. “That helps consumers keep vehicles operating safely and efficiently.”
How the PAMA AAPEX partnership fits current M&A activity
The PAMA AAPEX partnership arrives during a buoyant period for the quick lube market. PAMA represents approximately 170 member organizations, ranging from single-location operators to national chains with thousands of sites.
Between 2020 and 2024, there were 48 recorded quick lube acquisitions, according to Aftermarket Matters. The pace continued in 2025, when Valvoline completed its $625 million acquisition of Breeze Autocare. The Federal Trade Commission required the divestiture of 45 locations before approving the deal.
“There’s significant private capital flowing into the automotive aftermarket,” said Liz Goad, vice president of events at MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. “The market is widely viewed as recession-resistant.”
Preventative maintenance opportunity expands at AAPEX
AAPEX recently reorganized its exhibit halls by product category, including a dedicated oil, lubrication, wax, and chemicals section. As a result, quick lube operators attending iFlex @ AAPEX will find a concentrated group of relevant suppliers without navigating the full 550,000-square-foot show floor.
According to the 2026 Auto Care Factbook, quick lube businesses accounted for 5.1% of the overall collision and parts market in 2024. Meanwhile, total U.S. automotive aftermarket spending reached $435 billion in 2025 and is forecast to exceed $500 billion by 2028.
With iFlex @ AAPEX launching in 2026, the partnership reflects how the quick lube industry is evolving—moving beyond oil changes and deeper into the broader automotive aftermarket.
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