Home / Networking and Development / Awards and Scholarships / Auto Care Marketing and Communications Awards

Auto Care Marketing and Communications Awards

The Auto Care Marketing and Communications Awards are formerly known as the Women in Auto Care Automotive Communications Awards. Read the full announcement. 

Auto Care Marketing and Communications AwardThe Auto Care Marketing and Communications Awards are the premier recognition for marcomm and advertising campaigns within the industry. The awards recognize companies and agencies that run outstanding advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns in the automotive aftermarket throughout the past year. The marketing and communications awards cover several business-to-consumer and business-to-business categories. Campaigns must have launched between January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024 and companies may submit for as many categories as they see fit. Applying companies must be an Auto Care Association member. The fee is $149 per entry.

The deadline has been extended to January 22, 2025 as a courtesy through the holidays. Upon purchasing your entries, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to upload supporting documentation.

How recipients are recognized:

  • Special commemorative plaque and custom digital graphics;
  • Featured in press releases and aftermarket media;
  • Recognition during new Auto Care Connect Awards Ceremony this May in Phoenix to an audience of nearly 1,000 executives
  • Highlighted on Auto Care social media channels to tens of thousands of followers;
  • Exclusive Auto Care Insider Magazine interview;
  • Blogs, podcasts, AAPEX and more!

Submissions for 2024 are now closed

Winners will be awarded at Auto Care Connect.

Jump To:

Award Categories Previous Winners

 

 

 What needs to be submitted?

The title of your entry, a description of your entry, and a description of your campaign, including the timeframe it took place, goals, strategy (including placement/distribution strategy) and results. Include links or attach your campaign elements for judges to view. There is no limit to the format of content that can be submitted. There is no word count limit. 

 What are the criteria?

Criteria include: design creativity, message clarity, brand integration, overall execution, distribution strategy, and campaign results. Trending tactics and marketing, advertising and communications best practices are also considered.

 Who are the judges?

Judges are the Auto Care Association marketing and communications committee as well as various best-in-class marketers and communicators throughout the aftermarket supply chain.

    Award CategoriesAward Categories

    business-to-Business

    CATEGORYDESCRIPTION
    BB1Best ad campaignAd can be for any audience: manufacturer, distribution, retail, technician or repair. Include a brief description, placement strategy, and analytics/results along with a copy of the ad.   Add in placement strategy.
    BB4Training communicationsIncludes any marketing/communications with the purpose of obtaining training/continuing education. Include images, analytics, strategy, and/or goals.
    BB5Digital Content - Article/Blog/Newsletter/eMagazineInclude image of or link to newsletter along with the purpose and audience for the digital content. Include strategy and analytics.
    BB8Logo design/usageExplain reasoning for logo decisions, and before and after if applicable. Include subtleties or implied content if applicable.
    BB9Website DesignInclude website before/after and analytics showing success of new website. Include goals, unique tools, and functionality.
    BB10Promotional Goods, Gear, Marketing and Collateral, Special Promotions or Promotional EventInclude images, strategy, and goals of promotion, including measurables.
    BB12PackagingExplain strategy behind decisions and include images of product packaging.
    BB13Social media campaignPlease include screenshots of the effort along with a campaign description, timeframe, strategy, and analytics.
    BB14Trade show boothInclude images, description, strategy, and any unique and interesting elements of the booth.
    BB15App for a mobile devicePlease include screenshots of the effort along with a description, goal, and analytics.
    BB16Use of Online VideoInclude link to video, placement, strategy, goals, and analytics.
    BB18Best 360-degree marketing campaignShare your integrated strategy including (but not limited to) print, digital, social, content, promotions, SEO, and more. Include the materials/screenshots and brief description of the campaign and analytics.
    BB19Best campaign embracing diversity, equity, and inclusionPlease provide a brief description of the campaign along with any supporting materials used in the campaign. Include images, analytics, strategy, and/or goals.
    BB20NEW - Innovative Usage of Artificial IntelligenceShare how you used AI to enhance a marcomm campaign. Include goal, tool used, supporting materials, and results.

    Business-to-consumer

    CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
    BC3Digital Ad CampaignInclude links or photos to any digital/web based ad campaign (any platform) along with brief description of the campaign and analytics/results.
    BC4Direct mail piece, brochure, booklet, handoutInclude a brief description and any analytics/results along with a copy of the piece.
    BC5Digital Content - Article/ Blog/ Newsletter/ eMagazineInclude where the content piece was published and any analytics/results. Include purpose and goals of piece.
    BC6Use of Online VideoVideo can be on any online platform for any purpose. Include link to video along with brief description of campaign along with any analytics results.
    BC7Repair facility/store customer promotion Includes promotional events or marketing materials. Include images, strategy, goals and any measurables.
    BC8Consumer/ community eventInclude goals of event and how those goals were accomplished. Include analytics such as how many in attendance, how was it promoted, what was its purpose?
    BC9Mass Media (Billboard, TV, Radio, Podcast, Print Ad)Include images, goals, strategy, placement, reach and any other pertinent analytics.
    BC11Website DesignInclude website before/after. Analytics showing success of new website. What were the goals of the new site, why was it needed? Any interesting tools or functionality?
    BC12Social media campaignPlease include screenshots of the effort along with a campaign description, timeframe, strategy, and analytics.
    BC14App for a mobile devicePlease include screenshots of the effort along with a campaign description, goal, and analytics.
    BC15Media outreach to non-English-speaking audiencesIncludes any marketing/communications tactics tailored to non-english speaking audiences.  Include images, analytics, strategy and/or goals.
    BC17Outreach to female audienceIncludes any marketing/communications tailored to female audiences.  Include images, analytics, strategy and/or goals.
    BC18Co-op advertisingHighlighting a marketing partnership such as a repair shop partnering w/ a manufacturer or distributor. Provide supporting materials and any results/analytics.
    BC19Merchandising 
    (point of purchase, displays, on/off shelf merchandising)    		Includes point of purchase, displays, on/off shelf merchandising.  Please include images, strategy and any results measured from effort.
    BC20Best 360 degree marketing campaignShare your integrated strategy including (but not limited to) print, digital, social, content, promotions, SEO and more. Include the materials/screenshots and brief description of the campaign and analytics.
    BC21Best campaign embracing diversity, equity, and inclusionPlease provide a brief description of the campaign along with any supporting materials used in the campaign. Include images, analytics, strategy and/or goals.
    BC22NEW - Innovative Usage of Artificial IntelligenceShare how you used AI to enhance a marcomm campaign. Include goal, tool used, supporting materials and results.
    BC23NEW - Best Use of Influencer MarketingShare how you utilized an influencer relationship in a marcomm campaign to reach your goals. Include supporting materials and results.
    BC24NEW - Sustainability and Environmental MessagingShare how you highlighted sustainability in a marcomm campaign. Include goals and supporting materials showcasing the campaign.

    2023 Award Winners

    Business-to-Business

    Category: App for a Mobile Device

    Company: Plews & Edelmann

    Submission: Elite Sales App

    Category: Use of Video- General Market/Special Interest

    Company: Robert Bosch

    Submission: Reputation is EVERYTHING Campaign

    Category: Article/Blog/Content Piece (General Market/Special Interest)

    Company: Mevotech

    Submission: Mevotech Blog

    Category: Article/Blog/Content Piece

    Company:NAPA Auto Care

    Submission: Tech’s Edge Newsletters

    Category: Newsletter

    Company: Standard Motor Products

    Submission: SMP Connection

    Category: Training Communications

    Company: Gabriel Ride Control

    Submission: Gabriel Spring Training Event, Video-based Training Program & Field Training

    Category: Best 360 Degree Marketing Campaign

    Company: Robert Bosch

    Submission: Bosch Diagnostics- ADAS Campaign

    Category: Best Ad Campaign to Technician/Repair Audience

    Company: Robert Bosch

    Submission: Bosch Diagnostics- ADAS Campaign

    Category: Best Campaign Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    Company: RepairPal

    Submission: Coffee with Kathleen ft. Christopher Lovelady

    Category: Logo Design Usage

    Company: dott.(r) and LetterShop

    Submission: Driving “Diversity of Thought”

    Category: Packaging

    Company: NAPA Auto Care

    Submission: NAPA Auto Care Gold Certified Kit

    Category: Promotional Goods, Gear, Marketing and Collateral

    Company: BCA Bearings by NTN/Bower Bearings by NTN

    Submission: BCA/Bower Summer Cruisin’ Promotion

    Category: Social Media Campaign

    Company: MOTOR Information Systems

    Submission: Employee Recruitment for Diversity

    Category: Trade Show

    Company: Advance Auto Parts

    Submission: ‘Experience the Difference’- Advance Professional Booth Exhibit

    Category: Special Promotion and/or Promotional Event

    Company: Gabriel Ride Control

    Submission: Gabriel Spring Training Event

    Category:Use of a Video

    Company: DRiV, Inc.

    Submission: MOOG® High Utilization Hub Assemblies Video

    Category: Website

    Company: Mevotech

    Submission: Mevotech Website

    Business-to-Consumer

    Category: Best Website (Independent Repair Shops)

    Company: Autoshop Solutions

    Submission: Euro Clinic Website

    Category: Media Outreach to Female Audience

    Company: AutoZone, Inc. & Havas Annex Chicago

    Submission: The Car Mom

    Category: Media Outreach to Non-English Speaking Audiences

    Company: DRiV, Inc.

    Submission: MOOG® Street Sheet in Spanish

    Category: Article/Blog/Content Piece

    Company: DRiV, Inc.

    Submission: Can You Drive With a Blown Head Gasket?

    Category: Consumer/Community Event

    Company: Reno Sparks NAPA Elite Business Development Group- Shari Pheasant

    Submission: NAPA Day at the Discovery

    Category: Digital Display Ad

    Company: Armorlite and MBE Group

    Submission: “Tough As” Campaign

    Category: Repair Facility/Store Customer Promotion

    Company: Advance Auto Parts

    Submission: TechNet Brakes for Breasts

    Category: Video

    Company: AutoZone, Inc. & Havas Annex Chicago

    Submission: How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

    Category: Best 360 Degree Marketing Campaign

    Company: Robert Bosch

    Submission: Night Vision Has Evolved: Wiper Campaign

    Category: Best Campaign Embracing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

    Company: Advance Auto Parts

    Submission: Advance GOES BLUE for Autism Awareness

    Category: Co-op Advertising (Repair Shop partnered with Mfg/Dist)

    Company: Reno Sparks NAPA Elite Business Development Group- Shari Pheasant

    Submission: NAPA Auto Care Center at the Discovery

    Category: Direct Mail Piece, Brochure, Booklet, Handout

    Company: Dorman Products

    Submission: OE Fix Guide Vol. 4

    Category: Radio or Podcast

    Company: AutoZone, Inc. & Havas Annex Chicago

    Submission: Interrupted Jingle

    Category: Social Media Campaign

    Company: AutoZone, Inc. & Havas Annex Chicago

    Submission: How-To Cutdowns

    Category: Print Ad

    Company: Champion Auto/Conceptual Minds

    Submission: Best Automotive Print Ad 2023

    Past winnersPast winners



    for questions for questions

    Stacey Miller ACA Headshot
     Stacey Miller
    Vice President Communications