The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) was founded in 1947 and is the oldest organized group of warehouse distributors and their respective suppliers of parts, accessories tools and other supplies for the automotive aftermarket. AWDA membership consists of more than 100 warehouse distributors, approximately 100 manufacturers, as well as affiliate, marketing association and manufacturer representatives. The distributors are engaged in the distribution of passenger car and light truck parts from the manufacturer, on to the jobber, and finally to dealers and service stations. The 200-plus members collectively represent many hundreds of facilities and thousands of employees.

On January 1, 2004, AWDA joined forces with the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose more than 20,000 member and affiliate companies manufacture, distribute, sell and install motor vehicle parts, accessories, services, tools, equipment, materials and supplies. Through its membership, AAIA represents more than 100,000 repair shops, parts stores and distribution outlets.

The role of the distributor does not end with the delivery of quality aftermarket parts. In today’s marketplace, distributors are expected to actively participate in the affairs of their business partners up and down the supply chain. Distributors’ unique position at the center of the chain allows them to observe and affect challenges and opportunities throughout the industry. From this vantage point, AWDA focuses on helping members face those challenges and opportunities now and in the years ahead. Through networking and educational programs, market research and communication tools, legislative and regulatory support, consumer education and much more, AWDA’s goals are centered on growth.