A creative and high-impact scholarship fundraiser hosted by MEYLE earlier this month at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas helped raise over $14,000 for future automotive aftermarket leaders at Northwood University.
Attendees were invited to use MEYLE’s German license plate stamping machines to create custom plates in exchange for a donation benefiting Northwood University students. Plate purchases raised $9,171 and MEYLE strengthened the effort with a $5,000 matching contribution.
“This fundraiser is a powerful illustration of what makes the automotive aftermarket special — an industry that understands its long-term strength depends on investing in the next generation,” said Dr. David Oventhal, division chair of the Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies and the Subaru of New England Professor of Automotive Strategy at Northwood University. “Our students saw firsthand how companies like MEYLE champion education, innovation, and leadership development. We are deeply grateful for this partnership.”
The fundraiser was a centerpiece of MEYLE’s booth, where Northwood students worked alongside industry professionals at AAPEX, a premier industry event representing the $2.3 trillion global automotive aftermarket industry, Nov. 4-6, 2025, at The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.
“My experience in the MEYLE booth introduced me to how dynamic and innovative the automotive industry truly is,” stated Connor Bachteal, of Benton Harbor, Michigan. “As a finance graduate student exploring automotive, I gained invaluable insight into what my professional journey can look like; this truly wouldn’t have been possible without companies like Northwood and MEYLE, who are dedicated to students.”
This collaboration underscores the strong relationship between MEYLE and Northwood University, the nation’s premier institution for aftermarket business education.
“The sheer amount of connections, meaningful conversations, and industry exposure I gained at AAPEX have provided immense pathways for my career after I graduate from Northwood,” said Gabriel Cerda, a student from Westland, Michigan.
“Supporting the next generation of aftermarket leaders is core to MEYLE’s mission,” said Jason Pugh, CEO of MEYLE North America. “Seeing students engage directly with industry professionals at AAPEX reaffirmed why partnerships like ours with Northwood University matter. These future leaders bring energy, curiosity, and fresh thinking to the aftermarket, and we’re proud to play a role in helping them build meaningful careers.”
James O’Dell, director of aftermarket education at Northwood University, explained the funds raised at AAPEX will support scholarship opportunities for students who are passionate about building careers in the aftermarket.
“This fundraiser demonstrates how deeply the aftermarket sector invests in developing its future talent, through both scholarship support and experiential learning opportunities,” O’Dell added. “Our students who were able to support MEYLE’s booth during AAPEX had a unique platform to share insights about their academic programs and career interests. Their presence helped highlight Northwood’s strong reputation for preparing workplace-ready professionals with both business acumen and industry-specific experience.”’
Logan Wilmot, aftermarket vice chair for the Northwood University International Auto Show and finance chair of the Northwood University Aftermarket Club, was grateful for the chance to connect classroom learning with real-world industry needs.
“Working in the MEYLE booth during AAPEX gave me the opportunity to network with industry professionals and share how Northwood has helped prepare me for a successful career in the automotive industry,” added Wilmot, who came to Northwood from Oxford, Michigan. “MEYLE’s generosity will give future students the opportunity to worry less about the financial constraints that college brings.”
