It’s Not to Late to Join Your Colleagues at AAPEX - Register for CAWA’s Annual Dinner Gala | |
Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. will be the exclusive sponsor of its 2026 annual dinner gala in conjunction with the AAPEX and SEMA trade shows being held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The annual event is the highlight of the year for the Association and is dedicated to recognizing CAWA’s leadership and raising funds for the Association’s scholarship programs. The gala will be held at the Venetian Resort on Sunday evening November 1, 2026. To register for the event, click here.
Come and visit with friends and colleagues at the event to kick-off Industry Week for yet another year. CAWA will look forward to seeing you there.
“I am excited to once again have MPA sponsor the CAWA scholarship dinner. It is a privilege and a necessity to bring talented professionals to our industry. Funds raised for scholarships is our commitment to the industry and signifies the DNA of MPA. Quality Built to Last,” said Selwyn Joffe, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Motorcar Parts of America.
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California Legislative Update – October 2026
September 30, 2026 was Governor Newsom's deadline to act on bills passed this session, and he has now acted on every bill CAWA was tracking. Of the six tracked bills that reached his desk, five were signed – including CAWA-supported SB 1069 (CARB aftermarket conditional approvals) and SB 1392 (Leno's Law) – and one, AB 2253 (recycled-content claims), was vetoed. SB 1075, which CAWA opposed, died in committee in August. On the regulatory side, BAR's airbag and storage-fee rulemakings remain under review following the close of their August comment periods, and BAR's next Advisory Group (BAG) meeting is set for October 22.
Most of the newly signed laws take effect January 1, 2027, though several carry later operative dates noted below. With bill action complete, CAWA and Benchmark Advocacy will shift focus to implementation, including the CARB, CalRecycle, and BAR follow-up work these laws will require, and will report back as those processes begin. Additionally, CAWA will analyze potential proactive actions on behalf of the aftermarket automotive industry for the 2027 – 2028 legislative cycle. See the complete report here. Should you have any questions, contact CAWA’s California based Legislative Advocate, Ryan Pierini, at ryan@benchmarkadvocacy.com or 916.995.5323.
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CAWA Encouraged Governor Newsom to Sign a Major Reform for Aftermarket Part Approval Process
Governor Newsom has signed Senate Bill 1069 to expedite the review process for manufacturers seeking state approval for the sale of aftermarket parts. The legislation allows manufacturers of aftermarket vehicle or engine parts to obtain a conditional approval from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to sell, advertise, or install their products while awaiting a final Executive Order. If CARB does not act on a complete application within 30 days, the application is automatically deemed conditionally approved. Source: aftermarket MATTERS
| | | Italy Delegation Trip Strengthens CAWA’s Legislative Relationships | The recent California Italian Legislative Caucus (ICC) trip to Assisi and Florence provided CAWA’s representative, Legislative Advocate Ryan Pierini, a valuable opportunity to engage with legislators serving on committees that address issues important to the automotive aftermarket industry. Participants included Senator Dave Cortese (D–San Jose), Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee; Senator Lena Gonzalez (D–Long Beach), a member of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee and the Privacy, Digital Technologies and Consumer Protection Committee; Senator Suzette Valadares (R–Santa Clarita), Vice Chair of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee; and Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D–Whittier), Chair of the Assembly Insurance Committee, among other legislators. With 10 legislative members and only five private-sector representatives attending, the trip offered a unique setting for sustained conversations and relationship building. The time together allowed CAWA’s representative to discuss priorities affecting the aftermarket industry, strengthen connections with key policymakers, and reinforce CAWA’s role as a trusted industry resource. These relationships provide a valuable foundation for CAWA’s advocacy heading into the next legislative session. For additional information contact Ryan at ryan@benchmarkadvocacy.com or 916.995.5323. | | | |
What to Expect at AAPEX 2026
AAPEX returns to Las Vegas with a reorganized show floor, expanded training, new hands-on experiences, and more. READ MORE HERE. Source: Motor Age
| | | SB 54 Plastic Pollution Prevention & Packaging Producer Responsibility Act | |
On October 13, 2026, CalRecycle received Circular Action Alliance’s (CAA) producer responsibility plan under the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (the Act; Senate Bill 54, Allen, Chapter 75, Statutes of 2022).
The documents are now posted and can be found HERE.
Review Process:
Pursuant to 14 CCR 18980.6.1(b)((2), CalRecycle has 75 days to review the plan for compliance with the Act. CalRecycle shall respond with approval, disapproval, or conditional approval, as detailed in Public Resources Code 42051.2(b)(2).
| | | Tell Your Colleagues in Arizona - For All Automotive Businesses | |
CAWA Arizona Health Trust provides high quality, affordable employee benefits programs to employers in the automotive industry, headquartered in Arizona.
Groups may choose from several medical plan options underwritten by BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona. Ancillary benefits include mandatory $15K Life/AD&D through Equitable, dental coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona and vision coverage through VSP. Participating groups must have a minimum of 2 employees enrolled in the plan.
The team at DiMartino Associates will gladly work with your current broker to provide more information on the CAWA Arizona Health Trust program, including the process for requesting a proposal.
For more information, contact the team at DiMartino Associates:
Phone: 206-623-2430
CAWA Quotes: cawaquotes@dimarinc.com
General Information: cawa@dimarinc.com
| | | ADAS Complexity Reshapes Aftermarket Product Strategy | Aftermarket executives should consider how calibration requirements affect product strategy, technical support and the ability to deliver complete repair solutions. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are creating opportunities across the automotive aftermarket, but they also introduce new complexity for manufacturers, suppliers and distributors. As these technologies become a larger part of vehicle service and repair, industry executives should consider how calibration requirements affect product strategy, technical support and the ability to deliver complete repair solutions. See complete article here. Source: aftermarket NEWS | | | What to Consider Before Using AI Tool to Record Workplace Meetings | "Do I need to obtain employee consent to record or transcribe a workplace conversation or meeting, including when using an AI notetaking tool?" See article here. Source: Our friends at the California Chamber of Commerce | | | Littler is Pleased to Share the Results of Their 2026 Labor Survey Report | |
The report examines how AI, multigenerational workforces, communication challenges and other pressing issues are impacting labor relations strategies.
Key findings include:
Fewer than 10% of employers feel “very prepared” for AI’s impact on labor relations. This comes as most respondents (87%) expect unions to use employee fears about AI displacing or changing jobs to fuel organizing interest over the next 12 months.
Only 29% of employers have updated their labor relations strategies since the start of 2025. Over that same period, 30% of employers saw employees become more vocal or disruptive on social media and 24% saw the same in public forums. Additionally, fewer than half of employers’ labor relations plans address business and operational changes that carry workforce impacts (47%), communications and media strategy (42%) and AI strategy (32%).
Employers are investing in employee engagement strategies and are attuned to the challenges of managing a multigenerational workforce. The vast majority of respondents (96%) say their organizations have focused on improving engagement with employees over the past year and 87% are tailoring their communication and engagement approaches to the preferences and styles of a multigenerational workforce.
See the full report HERE. Source: Littler
| | | EV Market Share Increases in 47 States, ICE Vehicle Sales Drop in Q2 | This report features a breakdown of light-duty market share by powertrain and an analysis of registered EVs and charging infrastructure. READ MORE. Source: aftermarket MATTERS | | | Looking for a Cocktail Server or a Lumberjack or an Automotive Professional? | |
Tell your company’s HR Department (or the person in charge of hiring your associates) that CAWA has an industry specific job board. We created the job board and participate in conjunction with the Auto Care Association, MEMA, SEMA and ASA to name a few national associations. So, your job opening would be viewed by a great number of candidates given the exposure, through not only CAWA distribution, but the other industry association’s communications vehicles, as well.
See https://www.cawa.org/Jobs for details.
| | | 2027 Tax Rate Information – Unemployment Insurance | |
Your 2027 Notice of Contribution Rates and Statement of Unemployment Insurance (UI) Reserve Account (DE 2088) will be mailed by December 31, 2026.
What you need to do.
- Review your DE 2088. Check your 2027 tax rates and UI Reserve Account activity.
- Update your payroll records. Enter your new rates in your payroll tax software. If you use an employer representative or payroll agent, give them your new rates. This will help make sure you pay the correct amount. Your DE 2088 will also tell you if you are subject to Employment Training Tax (ETT).
- Review your UI Reserve Account. Check the itemized account activity and information about your right to protest.
2027 taxable wage limits and ETT rate:
- The UI taxable wage limit is $7,000 per employee.
- The ETT taxable wage limit is $7,000 per employee.
- The ETT rate will remain 0.1 percent (.001).
Why it is important to use the correct rate.
- A rate that is too high may cause you to overpay.
- A rate that is too low may result in an assessment and penalties.
For more information, see the Explanation of the Notice of Contribution Rates and Statement of UI Reserve Account (DE 2088) for the Period Shown on Your DE 2088 (DE 2088C).
To get your specific tax rate, change your address, or update your agent, visit e-Services for Business: https://eddservices.edd.ca.gov.
| | | CalChamber Final Status Report on Major Legislation for Business | Here is a recap of the final status of CalChamber priority bills at the end of the 2026 legislative session. Source: CalChamber | | | Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved | | | | |
