Recognizing Compassion, Leadership & Community Impact

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), a 501(c)(3) organization supporting individuals and families in the aftermarket during times of great hardship, is pleased to announce that applications for the AACF Humanitarian Award are now open. Submissions will be accepted through March 1, 2026.

AACF invites our Aftermarket industry to celebrate the individuals, groups, companies, and associations whose generosity and compassion leave a lasting impact. Across the Aftermarket, many quietly lift others up, give selflessly, and lead with heart.

Now, in its second year, the AACF Humanitarian Award, generously sponsored by NEXUS North America, the American regional structure of NEXUS Automotive International, was created to honor individuals, companies, associations, or groups within the entire Aftermarket who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to humanitarian service. Nominees exemplify kindness, leadership, and a commitment to improving the lives of others, whether through local outreach, national initiatives, or global community support.

“The AACF Humanitarian Award represents the very best of who we are as an industry,” said Jon Owens, President of the AACF Board. “It recognizes those who lead with empathy, step up when others are in need, and create meaningful change. We are proud to honor and thank those whose actions remind us that caring for one another is at the heart of our Aftermarket community." AACF expresses its sincere appreciation to NEXUS Automotive International and NEXUS North America for their continued partnership and support of this meaningful award.

This year, the AACF Humanitarian Award recipient will be announced live on stage at the MEMA Vision Conference on April 15th, offering a national platform to highlight their extraordinary contributions to the industry and the communities they serve.

Individuals and organizations across the Aftermarket are encouraged to submit nominations for those who embody compassion, service, and a commitment to bettering the lives of others.

“NEXUS Automotive International and NEXUS North America are deeply committed to this initiative. Since the company’s founding 11 years ago, human capital has been our cornerstone. This award reflects our firm conviction that the Automotive Aftermarket thrives thanks to the dedication of its women and men—all of whom deserve our unwavering support,” said Thierry Mugnier, NEXUS Founding partner, Chief Financial & Innovation Officer.

Nomination Deadline: March 1, 2026

How to Submit a Nomination: https://www.aftermarketcharity.org/humanitarianhero

For more information about AACF or the Humanitarian Award contact Misty Walker, Misty@AftermarketCharity.org.

About the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation. (AACF)

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has been helping aftermarket families turn tragedy into triumph since 1959. Like the industry, AACF is driven by passion and devoted to family. It's tough to ask for help, but when someone in the aftermarket family faces profound circumstances, AACF is there when it seems like there's nowhere else to turn. As a nonprofit, this is accomplished through the support of generous donors, awareness partners and dedicated volunteers.

To learn more, contact us at www.AftermarketCharity.org.

About NEXUS Automotive International

Established in 2014 by CEO Gaël Escribe, NEXUS Automotive International, the Automotive Aftermarket (AA) company, is shaping the future of the automotive aftermarket.

Thanks to an entrepreneurial, innovative and agile mindset, N! disrupts the industry, bringing innovative solutions for a more sustainable, digital and connected mobility. At the same time, it supports its community of more than 475 members in 145 countries, allied with 92 global suppliers, by providing services to accelerate their growth.

N! is offering new approaches and new ideas for a connected, global and consolidated world of tomorrow to accelerate the success of car and heavy-duty spare parts and services distributors and manufacturers, through 16 regional structures that connect them.

NEXUS’ consolidated turnover was more than 53 billion euros in 2025.

More information: NEXUS Automotive International

About NEXUS North America

Established in 2015, NEXUS North America is a regional NEXUS entity with Distributor Members located in USA, Canada and Mexico. The Members within NEXUS North America are APA/TruStar, APSG – ProntoNetwork & Federated, VIPAR Heavy Duty/Power Heavy Duty, Advance Auto Parts, CDO - Refaccionaría California and Uni-Select.

More information: NEXUS North America

Tagged: Humanitarian Leadership

AACF Invites Nominations for the Humanitarian Award Sponsored by NEXUS North America