NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release      
AAIA-7-06

For more information, contact:
Rich White
301-654-6664, ext. 1030
E-mail: rich.white@aftermarket.org

Alfred L. Gaspar Receives Distinguished Service Citation Award
From Automotive Hall of Fame

BETHESDA, MD – Feb. 13, 2006 – Alfred L. Gaspar, former president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), was awarded the Distinguished Service Citation Award from the Automotive Hall of Fame. The honor was awarded during a special luncheon awards ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 12 at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Founded in 1939, the Automotive Hall of Fame is an organization dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievement in the automotive and related industries, preserving automotive heritage and educating future generations of industry participants. The Distinguished Citation Award is the Automotive Hall of Fame's oldest recognition. Initiated in 1940, this award recognizes an individual who has significantly improved the industry or their respective organizations. Recipients are currently employed in the industry or recently retired.

Gaspar served as president and CEO of AAIA from 2000 until 2004, and defined his role as a leader in the automotive aftermarket industry through 40 years of service. Gaspar was appointed president and CEO of the Automotive Parts and Accessories Association (APAA) in 1994. Immediately after graduation from San Jose College in California, Gaspar began a 14-year term with Standard Oil Corporation in San Francisco. Gaspar's career included assignments with Exxon Corporation, Wynn Oil Company, Bardahl Manufacturing Corporation and McKay Chemical Company, where he served as executive vice president of the Blue Coral, Inc. subsidiary.

"The AAIA board of directors and professional staff are proud to see that the many contributions Al has made to the aftermarket industry have been recognized by the Hall of Fame," said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. "He is an industry icon, and one of the most respected and revered individuals in the business. We are thrilled to see him receive such an honor from such a distinguished organization."

About AAIA

AAIA is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose 8,243 member companies and affiliates manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, service, tools, equipment, materials and supplies. Through its membership, AAIA represents more than 100,000 repair shops, parts stores and distribution outlets.