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. 
The 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!
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 Categories
business-to-Business
| CATEGORY | DESCRIPTION | |
|---|---|---|
| BB1 | Best ad campaign | Ad 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. |
| BB4 | Training communications | Includes any marketing/communications with the purpose of obtaining training/continuing education. Include images, analytics, strategy, and/or goals. |
| BB5 | Digital Content - Article/Blog/Newsletter/eMagazine | Include image of or link to newsletter along with the purpose and audience for the digital content. Include strategy and analytics. |
| BB8 | Logo design/usage | Explain reasoning for logo decisions, and before and after if applicable. Include subtleties or implied content if applicable. |
| BB9 | Website Design | Include website before/after and analytics showing success of new website. Include goals, unique tools, and functionality. |
| BB10 | Promotional Goods, Gear, Marketing and Collateral, Special Promotions or Promotional Event | Include images, strategy, and goals of promotion, including measurables. |
| BB12 | Packaging | Explain strategy behind decisions and include images of product packaging. |
| BB13 | Social media campaign | Please include screenshots of the effort along with a campaign description, timeframe, strategy, and analytics. |
| BB14 | Trade show booth | Include images, description, strategy, and any unique and interesting elements of the booth. |
| BB15 | App for a mobile device | Please include screenshots of the effort along with a description, goal, and analytics. |
| BB16 | Use of Online Video | Include link to video, placement, strategy, goals, and analytics. |
| BB18 | Best 360-degree marketing campaign | Share 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. |
| BB19 | Best campaign embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion | Please provide a brief description of the campaign along with any supporting materials used in the campaign. Include images, analytics, strategy, and/or goals. |
| BB20 | NEW - Innovative Usage of Artificial Intelligence | Share how you used AI to enhance a marcomm campaign. Include goal, tool used, supporting materials, and results. |
Business-to-consumer
| CATEGORY | DESCRIPTION | |
|---|---|---|
| BC3 | Digital Ad Campaign | Include links or photos to any digital/web based ad campaign (any platform) along with brief description of the campaign and analytics/results. |
| BC4 | Direct mail piece, brochure, booklet, handout | Include a brief description and any analytics/results along with a copy of the piece. |
| BC5 | Digital Content - Article/ Blog/ Newsletter/ eMagazine | Include where the content piece was published and any analytics/results. Include purpose and goals of piece. |
| BC6 | Use of Online Video | Video can be on any online platform for any purpose. Include link to video along with brief description of campaign along with any analytics results. |
| BC7 | Repair facility/store customer promotion | Includes promotional events or marketing materials. Include images, strategy, goals and any measurables. |
| BC8 | Consumer/ community event | Include 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? |
| BC9 | Mass Media (Billboard, TV, Radio, Podcast, Print Ad) | Include images, goals, strategy, placement, reach and any other pertinent analytics. |
| BC11 | Website Design | Include 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? |
| BC12 | Social media campaign | Please include screenshots of the effort along with a campaign description, timeframe, strategy, and analytics. |
| BC14 | App for a mobile device | Please include screenshots of the effort along with a campaign description, goal, and analytics. |
| BC15 | Media outreach to non-English-speaking audiences | Includes any marketing/communications tactics tailored to non-english speaking audiences. Include images, analytics, strategy and/or goals. |
| BC17 | Outreach to female audience | Includes any marketing/communications tailored to female audiences. Include images, analytics, strategy and/or goals. |
| BC18 | Co-op advertising | Highlighting a marketing partnership such as a repair shop partnering w/ a manufacturer or distributor. Provide supporting materials and any results/analytics. |
| BC19 | Merchandising (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. |
| BC20 | Best 360 degree marketing campaign | Share 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. |
| BC21 | Best campaign embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion | Please provide a brief description of the campaign along with any supporting materials used in the campaign. Include images, analytics, strategy and/or goals. |
| BC22 | NEW - Innovative Usage of Artificial Intelligence | Share how you used AI to enhance a marcomm campaign. Include goal, tool used, supporting materials and results. |
| BC23 | NEW - Best Use of Influencer Marketing | Share how you utilized an influencer relationship in a marcomm campaign to reach your goals. Include supporting materials and results. |
| BC24 | NEW - Sustainability and Environmental Messaging | Share how you highlighted sustainability in a marcomm campaign. Include goals and supporting materials showcasing the campaign. |
2023 Award Winners
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 winners
Business-to-Business
Category: Best Ad Campaign to Technician/Repair Audience
Company: Robert Bosch, LLC
Submission: Solutions for Every Job- Bosch Diagnostics Campaign
Category: Best Ad to Either Distribution/ Retail or Technician/ Repair Audience
Company: Centric Parts
Submission: Centric On The Go Ad
Category: Training Communications
Company: Advance Auto Parts
Submission: 2022 Supplier & Training EXPO
Category: Article/ Blog/ Content Piece – Technical
Company: MANN+HUMMEL Puralator
Submission: Why Full Synthetic Media is Important
Category: Article/ Blog/ Content Piece - General Market/Special Interest
Company: Mevotech
Submission: Mevotech Blog
Category: Newsletter
Company: The Graphics Company
Submission: Monroe Branded Newsletter
Category: Logo Design/ Usage
Company: University of the Aftermarket
Submission: University of the Aftermarket Coffee Club Logo
Category: Website
Company: CRP
Submission: CRP Automotive Website
Category: Promotional Goods, Gear, Marketing Collateral
Company: Traction Factory
Submission: Slip Joint Needle Nose Pliers Launch
Category: Special Promotion and/or Promotional Event
Company: Robert Bosch, LLC
Submission: BOSCH [SCAN] Venture Promotional Contest
Category: Packaging
Company: Continental Corporation
Submission: ATE Brake Fluid Packaging
Category: Social Media Campaign
Company: MBE Group LLC
Submission: Brake Fluid Launch
Category: Trade Show Booth
Company: Stryten Energy
Submission: Stryten Energy 2021 AAPEX Booth
Category: Best App for Mobile Device
Company: Auto Care Alliance
Submission: MWACA Mobile App
Category: Use of video – Technical
Company: AutoNetTV Media, Inc.
Submission: Sensata Brake Force Sensor
Category: Use of Video - General Market/Special Interest
Company: Traction Factory
Submission: Snappy Holidays Digital Content
Category: Best 360-Degree Marketing Campaign
Company: Robert Bosch, LLC
Submission: Solutions for Every Job- Bosch Diagnostics Campaign
Category: Best Campaign Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Company: MOTOR Information System
Submission:2022 MOTOR DEI Strategy
Business-to-Consumer
Category: Television Commercial
Company: AutoZone, Inc
Commercial: Frustration Fix Finder
Category: Print ad
Company: PUSH 22
Submission: Meet the Pros (of Pep Boys)
Category: Digital Display Ad
Company: Standard Motor Products
Submission:
Category: Direct Mail Piece, Brochure, Booklets, Handout
Company: Dorman Products, Inc
Submission: OE Fix Guide Vol 3
Category: Article/ Blog/ Content Piece
Company: The Graphics Company
Submission: Wagner- How to Select the Right Brake Pad Video & Online Quiz
Category: Video
Company: MANN+HUMMEL Purolator
Submission: Purolator Brand Repositioning Video
Category: Repair Facility/Store Customer Promotion
Company: Advance Auto Parts
Submission:TechNet Brakes for Breasts Campaign
Category: Consumer/ Community event
Company: Advance Auto Parts
Submission: Advancing our Roads by Advance Auto Parts
Category: Best Billboard
Company: Clarios
Submission: Clarios xEV Streetcar Branding
Category: Website
Company: RepairPal
Submission: RepairPal.com
Category: Social Media Campaign
Company: PUSH 22
Submission: Meet the Pros (of Pep Boys)
Category: App for Mobile Device
Company: PUSH 22
Submission: Pep Boys Smart Service
Category: Media Outreach to Non-English Speaking Audiences
Company: PUSH 22
Submission: Pep Boys Spanish Speaking Website
Category: Radio or Podcast
Company: AutoZone, Inc
Submission: AutoZone Fix Finder Services
Category: Media Outreach to Female Audience
Company: Remarkable Results Radio
Submission: Tracy Capriotto, Director of Content/Producer
Category: Co-op advertising (Repair Shop Partnered with Manufacturer/ Distributor to Market)
Company: Genuine Parts/NAPA AutoCare
Submission: NAPA AutoCare & AAA 100% Co-Op
Sign Offer
Category: Merchandising (Point of Purchase, Displays, on/off shelf)
Company: MANN+HUMMEL Purolator
Submission: Display: Purolator BOSS Premium Cabin Air Filters with Febreze Freshener
Category: Best 360 Degree Marketing Campaign
Company: PUSH 22
Submission: Pep Boys NHRA
Business-to-Business
Category: Best Ad Campaign to Distribution/ Retail Audience
Company: NAPA AutoCare
Submission: NAPA T&E Virtual Product Show
Category: Best Ad Campaign to Technician/Repair Audience
Company: DRiV, Inc.
Submission: Garage Gurus 2021 Spring Media Campaign Creative and Analytics
Category: Best Ad to Either Distribution/ Retail or Technician/ Repair Audience
Company: Snap-on Tools/ Traction Factory
Submission: PT338 Stubzilla
Category: Training Communications
Company: DRiV, Inc.
Submission: Walker Colorado Emissions Regulations Training Communications
Category: Article/ Blog/ Content Piece – Technical
Company: ADVICS & MBE Group
Submission: Best Technical Article
Category: Article/ Blog/ Content Piece - General Market/Special Interest
Company: Ziebart Corporation
Submission: Veteran Franchisee Spotlight
Category: Newsletter
Company: JohnDow Industries
Submission: EuroVent Newsletter
Category: Logo Design/ Usage
Company: Pep Boys
Submission: Pep Boys Centennial Rebrand
Category: Website
Company: DRiV, Inc.
Submission: Monroe.com Website Refresh
Category: Promotional Goods, Gear, Marketing Collateral
Company: BCA Bearings by NTN / Bower Bearings by NTN
Submission: BCA / Bower Summer Fun Promotion
Category: Special Promotion and/or Promotional Event
Company: MOTOR Information Systems
Submission: MOTOR Top 20 Awards
Category: Packaging
Company: Lumileds
Submission: Philips Upgrade Lighting Packaging
Category: Social Media Campaign
Company: GATES
Submission: PROTECT THE RIDE Vehicle Owner Education Campaign
Category: Best App for Mobile Device
Company: NAPA AutoCare
Submission: NAPA AutoCare Mobile App
Category: Use of video – Technical
Company: AutoNetTV Media, Inc.
Submission: Gates Modular Hoses
Category: Use of Video - General Market/Special Interest
Company: NAPA AutoCare
Submission: NAPA Apprenticeship Program Video
Category: Best 360-Degree Marketing Campaign
Company: Plews & Edelmann
Submission: Plews & Edelmann Elite Power Steering Program
Business-to-Consumer
Category: Television Commercial
Company: Pep Boys
Commercial: Pep Boys Celebrating 100 Years TV Spot
Category: Print ad
Company: NAPA AutoCare
Submission: INSIGHT Print Ad
Category: Digital Display Ad
Company: Pep Boys
Submission: Centennial Anthem
Category: Direct Mail Piece, Brochure, Booklets, Handout
Company: Snap-on Diagnostics / Traction Factory
Submission: Fast-Track Intelligent Diagnostics
Category: Article/ Blog/ Content Piece
Company: Endurance Warranty
Submission: What Does It Mean to Be ASE Certified?
Category: Video
Company: AutoNetTV Media, Inc.
Submission: Permatex Pro-Tips
Category: Consumer/ Community event
Company: Pep Boys
Submission: Pep Boys Road Trip Events
Category: Website
Company: Purolator Filters
Submission: New Website Award: Business-to-Consumer
Category: Social Media Campaign
Company: Idemitsu Lubricants America
Submission: Digital Brand Awareness Campaign
Category: Social media Campaign (Specifically for Independent Repair Shops)
Company: Schaeffler USA Inc.
Submission: REPXPERT Swag Bag Giveaway
Category: Radio or Podcast
Company: Ziebart Corporation
Submission: COVID-19's Impact on Transportation
Category: Co-op advertising (Repair Shop Partnered with Manufacturer/ Distributor to Market)
Company: NAPA AutoCare
Submission: NAPA PROimage Co-Op Offer
Category: Best 360 Degree Marketing Campaign
Company: Pep Boys
Submission: Pep Boys Centennial
Business-to-Business
Best Ad Campaign to Distribution/ Retail Audience: Continental
Best Ad Campaign to Technician/ Repair Audience: DRiV, Inc.
Best Ad (to Either Distribution/ Retail or Technician/Repair Audience): Raybestos
Training Communications: DRiV, Inc.
Article/ Blog/ Content Piece – Technical: DRiV, Inc.
Article/Blog/Content Piece - General Market/Special Interest: EasyCare
Newsletter: DRiV, Inc.
Logo Design/Usage: GWC
Website: ADVICS/MBE Group
Promotional Goods, Gear, Marketing Collateral: Snap-On Tools/Traction Factory
pecial Promotion and/or Promotional Event: NAPA AutoCare
Trade Show Booth: Brake Parts/Raybestos
Best App for Mobile Device: KYB
Use of Video – Technical: DRiV, Inc.
Use of Video - General Market/Special Interest: Snap-On Tools/Traction Factory
Best 360-Degree Marketing Campaign: DRiV, Inc.
Business-to-Consumer
Television Commercial(s): AutoNetTV Media, Inc.
Print Ad: Pep Boys Marketing Team
Digital Display Ad: AutoNetTV Media, Inc.
Direct Mail Piece, Brochure, Booklets, Handout: AutoNetTV Media, Inc.
Article/Blog/Content Piece: DRiV, Inc.
Video: Topel’s Service Center
Repair Facility/Store Customer Promotion: NAPA AutoCare
Consumer/Community event: Pep Boys Marketing Team
Best Billboard: Pep Boys Marketing Team
Website: DRiV, Inc.
Website (Specifically for Independent Repair Shops): NAPA AutoCare
Social Media Campaign: Pep Boys Marketing Team
Social Media Campaign (Specifically for Independent Repair Shops): Robert Bosch LLC
Media Outreach to Non- English Speaking Audiences: Bosch + Bailey Lauerman
Radio or Podcast: Pep Boys Marketing Team
Outreach to Female Audience: Ziebart International Corporation
Co-Op Advertising (Repair Shop Partnered with Manufacturer/ Distributor to Market): Pep Boys Marketing Team
Merchandising (Point of Purchase, Displays, On/Off Shelf Merchandising): NAPA AutoCare
Best 360-Degree Marketing Campaign: Bosch + Bailey Lauerman
Business-to-Business
Ad Campaign to Distribution/Retail Audience: Purolator
Ad Campaign to Technician/Repair Audience: Cloyes/MBE Group
Ad – Best Use of Graphic: Cloyes/MBE Group
Ad – Best Use of Copy: Raybestos/Brake Parts Inc.
Training Materials: AutoNetTV Media, Inc.
Article/Blog/Content Piece - Technical: DRiV Incorporated
Article/Blog/Content Piece - General Market/Special Interest: Endeavor Business Media - PTEN Magazine
Logo Design/Usage: Traction Factory
Website: DRiV Incorporated Promotional Goods, Gear
Marketing Collateral: DRiV Incorporated
Special Promotion and/or Promotional Event: MAHLE Aftermarket
Packaging: Purolator
Social Media Campaign: Interstate Batteries and PACE
Tradeshow Booth: EasyCare
App for a Mobile Device: Robert Bosch LLC
Use of Video - Technical: WIX Filters and Wray Ward
Use of Video - General Market/Special Interest: MemberCare
Best 360-Degree Marketing Campaign: MOTOR Information Systems
Newsletter: DRiV Incorporated
Business-to-Consumer
Television Commercial: NAPA AutoCare
Print Ad - Best Use of Graphic: National Tire Distributors
Digital Display Ad - Best Use of Graphic: WIX Filters and Wray Ward
Digital Display Ad - Best Use of Copy: Robert Bosch LLC
Direct Mail Piece: Schaeffler Group USA Inc.
Article/Blog/Content Piece: DRiV Incorporated
Video: WIX Filters and Wray Ward
Special Promotions: Traction Factory
Consumer/Community Event: NAPA AutoCare
Posters and Signage: National Tire Distributors
Website: Traction Factory
Social Media Campaign: Pilot Automotive
Social Media Campaign – for Vehicle Service Shops: Robert Bosch LLC
Media Outreach to Non-English Speaking Audiences: BCA Bearings by NTN
Radio/Podcast/Community Outreach: Wrench Nation
Media Outreach to Female Audience: Pilot Automotive
Co-op Advertising (Repair Shop Partnered with Manufacturer/Distributor to Market): DRiV Incorporated
Merchandising - Point of Purchase, Displays, on/off Shelf Merchandising: Traction Factory
Best 360 Degree Marketing Campaign: Purolator
Print Ad - Best Use of Copy: Lumileds/MBE Group
