The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association says the scale and strength of the aftermarket has seen it become the frontier of the industry.
AutoTalk was hosted by the AAAA for the launch of the 2019 Aftermarket and Body Repair Expo, an event which the association says has grown so big it offers exhibitor and workshop content relevant to every sector in the auto industry.
AAAA executive director Stuart Charity says the April 2019 expo, which will fill roughly 85% of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, is now one of the most important auto events.
“Brands like Ryco, Narva, Monroe, ARB, Penrite and Bendix are all invaluable for supplying and manufacturing for Australia’s vehicle fleet, employing thousands of engineers, technicians, designers, supply chain operators, sales and managerial staff, I think it’s fair to say we’re now the industry’s frontline,” Charity says.
Charity highlights one of the first directions former car factory workers went once finishing their time in Altona, Broadmeadows, Geelong, Elizabeth and Port Melbourne was to the aftermarket, where AAAA members employ over 40,000 people.
“In their place, the aftermarket has exploded, with lots of people moving out of Toyota, Ford and Holden manufacturing into start-ups and various other component and modification businesses, often designing suspension, or engine tuning, wheel and tyre products, motorsport or auto-electrical roles,” he says.
“There are scores of people designing and building 4WD recovery gear and accessories, camper trailers, – you name it, there’s an endless list of people the aftermarket directly benefits, even at the franchised dealership level.”
Charity also underscores the importance of the aftermarket in the new-car sector, often providing something of a lifeline to the franchised dealer network as well.
“Australia’s network of new car dealers also rely on the aftermarket,” he explains.
“When a dealer needs a 4WD accessory, oil or air filters they don’t have in stock, they know the Ryco equivalent at their local AutObarn or Bursons will meet or exceed OEM specification; the same goes for a TJM Bullbar, Monroe shock absorbers, a Century battery, or a Gates fan belt.”
“Without the aftermarket Australia’s motorists would grind to a halt, which I believe is part of the reason our expo has grown to the size it has, because people know these quality products support not only their vehicles but local employment,” he adds.
The 2019 Aftermarket and Collision Repair Expo, two events merged into one across April 4-6, will give over 400 exhibitors direct access to significant customer foot traffic, which Charity says is a strong sign for the increasingly-online consumer.
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