What is Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard (ACES)

The Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard (or ACES) is a standard for sharing information on which car parts fit which vehicles. The Auto Care Association created it to make life easier for people selling auto parts online.

Instead of everyone using their own format, ACES gives the industry a shared way to describe fitment information (like the make, model, year, and what engine a specific part is compatible with). This helps sellers list parts accurately and makes it easier for customers to find the right fit the first time.

A brief history

The ACES standard was created by the Auto Care Association in the early 2000s because manufacturers and sellers were all describing fitment data in their own way (or not at all).

With vehicles becoming more complex and more companies selling online, the industry needed a unified standard to share data easily and accurately. ACES were introduced as a common standard format that everyone could use. Now, it’s the go-to way to share fitment information across the automotive industry, but especially online.

Good to know

ACES is not compulsory, but if you want your parts listed with major retailers or distributors, it’s the format they expect. The standard is maintained by the Auto Care Association, and you’ll need a license to access the official guidelines and vehicle database.

Know more

Frequently Asked Questions

Who uses ACES?
ACES is used by parts manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and marketplaces that sell automotive parts. It means that vehicle fitment data can be imported, shared, and displayed consistently.
What’s the difference between ACES and PIES?
ACES is for vehicle fitment data (what the part fits). PIES is a specific standard within ACES for product information (what the part is). It helps standardize information like product attributes, specifications, and pricing.
Do I need special software to use ACES?
Yes. ACES files are in XML format and typically require a product information management (PIM) system or aftermarket data management platform to generate, read, and update them.