ACES & PIES Version 8.0: What’s New and Why It Matters

In the automotive aftermarket world, two data standards power everything from fitment accuracy to product detail consistency — ACES (Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard) and PIES (Product Information Exchange Standard). Together, they define:

• Which vehicles a part fits (that’s ACES), and
  
• What that part is — its features, specifications, packaging, and images (PIES) .
  

Both standards are maintained by the Auto Care Association, which also manages the underlying reference databases that fuel them. These databases include VCdb (vehicle configurations), PCdb (part classifications), Qdb (qualifiers), PAdb (product attributes), and the Brand Table — the foundations of accurate automotive catalog data .

In March 2026, a major update — ACES 5.0 and PIES 8.0 — becomes the official industry standard. This release isn’t just a technical bump in version numbers; it reflects a significant evolution in how automotive parts data is structured, communicated, and validated. Here’s what’s new — and why it matters.

🔧 What’s New in PIES 8.0

While both ACES and PIES are receiving important upgrades, PIES 8.0 brings key changes focused on product information quality and digital asset management:

1. File Hashing for Digital Assets

PIES 8.0 introduces file hashes for digital assets — essentially a fingerprint for files like images, spec sheets, and installation diagrams. This lets systems verify that the exact file being referenced hasn’t changed or been corrupted, enhancing data integrity across exchanges. Alongside this, assets can now have a defined order or sequence, making it easier to control how images or documents are presented to customers or trading partners .

2. Multiple Packages for a Single Item

Another important update allows a product to be communicated as being packed in multiple packages even at the same pack level. This matters for parts that ship as kits or in multiple boxes — for example, brake kits with separate rotor and pad packages or multi-piece assemblies. Suppliers can now clearly define how these components are packaged and shipped, improving accuracy in logistics and ecommerce platforms .

Together, these PIES 8.0 enhancements make product data richer, more reliable, and more useful for both human and machine processing.

🔍 What’s New in ACES 5.0

Alongside PIES, ACES 5.0 upgrades how fitment and application information is communicated:

1. Advanced Digital Asset Support in ACES

ACES has long focused on fitment data, but version 5.0 modernizes support for digital assets in the application segments — allowing multiple digital assets per application and richer descriptive details. This means catalog files can communicate more visual and informational content along with fitment data, improving how parts are understood downstream .

2. Multilingual Support for Labels and Qualifiers

ACES 5.0 now supports multiple languages for MFRLabels and qualifier parameters — critical for global catalogs or multilingual markets. For example, parts sold internationally can carry localized descriptions and qualifiers (like trim levels or configurations) without needing separate files per language. This makes catalogs more accessible and more accurate for diverse audiences .

3. Schema and Structure Improvements

The 5.0 update also includes renaming and removal of some XML elements and attributes, enhancing clarity and consistency in how fitment data is structured. This streamlines validation and helps prevent common errors during file processing by trading partners — a meaningful benefit for data teams managing large catalogs .

📈 Why These Updates Matter to Your Business

So why should manufacturers, distributors, and ecommerce managers care about ACES 5.0 and PIES 8.0? The benefits extend well beyond version numbers:

✅ Better Data Accuracy and Consistency

Updating to the latest standards reduces common catalog errors such as mismatched fitments, incorrect packaging information, or missing product details. This leads directly to fewer returns, better search accuracy, and increased buyer confidence.

✅ More Powerful Digital Asset Management

With richer digital asset support, brands can include product photos, spec sheets, installation guides, and even multilingual descriptions directly in the data feed. This enriches marketplace listings and enhances customer experience on ecommerce platforms.

✅ Improved Trading Partner Compliance

Distributors and large retailers increasingly demand compliance with the newest ACES/PIES standards. Using outdated versions can result in file rejections, delayed catalog updates, and lost visibility in key sales channels.

✅ Future-Ready Catalogs

With the rise of EVs, advanced drivetrains, and complex part configurations, data standards need to keep pace. The 8.0/5.0 updates reflect this by enabling more structured and flexible data — so your catalog isn’t left behind as vehicle technologies evolve.

📅 Timeline and Adoption

While ACES 5.0 and PIES 8.0 began industry review in April 2025, the official rollout is set for March 26, 2026. Businesses should start preparing now to test, validate, and update their catalog workflows before this deadline to ensure seamless transition and continued marketplace visibility .

✔ Final Takeaway

ACES and PIES aren’t just files — they are the foundation of the automotive aftermarket catalog ecosystem. With version 8.0 and 5.0, those foundations get stronger, richer, and more flexible. Whether you’re a manufacturer preparing to launch new parts, a distributor managing thousands of SKUs, or an ecommerce team optimizing online listings, these updates matter — and updating ahead of time will help you stay competitive, compliant, and customer-ready.