AICA, the Italian Association of Automotive Equipment Manufacturers, represents the industry professionals involved in the design, production and sales of plants, machinery and equipment for the assistance, maintenance and repair of means of transportation. This is an highly export-oriented sector that has achieved a worldwide leadership position thanks to its innovative products and the entrepreneurial abilities of many Italian SMEs which, in some cases, have reached multinational status.
The segment which manufactures machines for vehicle servicing is a niche and is a solid example of the excellence achieved by the national industry, its creativity, innovation, dynamism and production capacity, and serves as a prime example of the most advanced technology in the auto repair industry.
According to association estimates, in 2025 the sector exported products totaling 3,300 million Euros and the share designated for export represented 87,9% of the total turnover.
In addition to foreign markets, the domestic market continues to have a prominent role, and in 2025 absorbed 400 million Euros.
The association acts as a guide and link for its 64 member companies. Although these companies account for a third of the total number of producers in this industry, they represent over 80% of the total turnover and the total employees in the sector. The mission of AICA is to voice the demands of members by reconciling the different characteristics existing within a highly diversified industry made up of both companies with specialized small-scale capabilities and larger groups that have opened up sales and production branches in the countries of highest strategic interest.
To stay current with regulation and market specificities of the different production segments, the association divides its focus into twelve product groups:
- Diagnostic Tools
- Tyre service equipment
- Compressors
- Distillers
- Spray painting booths
- High pressure water cleaning equipment
- Suction systems
- Washing plants
- Machine tools
- Vehicle lifts
- Tyre mounting and demounting machinery
- Mobile air-conditioning systems
- ADAS calibration
The association has been actively monitoring the issue of standards, connectivity, access to proprietary software and platforms. At the same time, AICA has started an internationalization process which has already led to the establishment of a dense network of relationships. In recent years, then, AICA has contributed to ensuring that the digital revolution became the true protagonist of the sector.