What does the new year hold? We’re starting 2018 by getting the lowdown on the automotive aftermarket for the year ahead through the eyes and ears of aftermarket leaders.

Here’s our Q&A with Jim Holmquist, secretary of the Automotive Parts Associates board of directors.

CM: What’s your gut feeling about the outlook for 2018?

JH: I feel good about 2018. Automotive Parts Associates is working on creative branding initiatives and is launching a new website, which will push more online and traditional business to our members. We have a tighter focus on our goals for the year and we are willing to try new things in order to accomplish them. Our team is hungry and focused. I believe our members working together toward other objectives will be a great benefit and will make our group even stronger.

CM: What legislative/legal issues could have the most impact on the automotive aftermarket and/or your operation in 2018?

JH: The federal government has been threatening to restrict our rights to sell certain performance parts, but that doesn’t affect my business much. For me, the state of California has always had legislative/legal issues that are far worse than anything ever mandated by the federal government. Like usual, we will adapt and carry on just as our competitors will.

Editor’s note: This Q&A is part of the “Crystal Ball 2018” aftermarket forecast that appears in the January 2018 issue of Counterman.