Autocare 2025 focuses on training, repair readiness and industry standards

Autocare 2025 brought together automotive professionals from across Australia for two days of training, technical insights and industry discussion at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on June 20-21.

Hosted by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), the event included business and technical training programs, a trade show with more than 120 exhibitors, and the launch of a new national ADAS Industry Code of Conduct.

Autocare 2025 was supported by mycar Tyre & Auto as Platinum Partner, with Supercheap Auto Trade and Brembo as Diamond Partners.

The Workshop Management Program, supported by Megabus, included presentations from business owners and industry leaders on topics such as staffing, productivity, EV servicing, marketing, business risk, and the all-makes repair model. There was also discussion around using the Motor Vehicle Information Scheme (MVIS) to support diagnostics and repairs.

The Technical Training Program, presented with Auto-Tech, featured U.S. and Australian trainers delivering sessions on advanced diagnostics, EV repair, ADAS, oscilloscope use, J2534 programming, diesel systems, and network troubleshooting.

Ahead of the main event, two additional training sessions were held on Thursday, presented by Brandon Steckler and Keith Perkins, and sponsored by Autel. Topics included ignition waveform analysis and ADAS calibration.

The trade show included equipment demonstrations and product launches on the Product Showcase Stage, supported by Abrasive Stocks. The show floor also hosted a networking function sponsored by AusGarage, while Capricorn supported daily networking over lunch.

One of the key announcements at Autocare was the launch of the ADAS Industry Code of Conduct by the AAAA and the Automotive Repairers Council of Australia (ARCA). The code provides guidance for workshops on ADAS calibration following repairs or modifications, including decision-making tools and documentation templates.

The event also hosted the National Light Vehicle Modifications Summit, sponsored by Lovells, which provided a platform for discussions between regulators and industry stakeholders on topics such as VSB 14, GCM/GVM upgrades, electric vehicles and safety regulations.

The Flying Spanners competition, backed by Supercheap Auto Trade, returned as a skills challenge for apprentices, with teams competing in timed technical tasks.

AAAA chief executive Stuart Charity said Autocare 2025 provided a space for automotive professionals to develop skills and gain insights into emerging industry trends.

“From technical and business education to the trade show and new initiatives like the ADAS code, Autocare supports the ongoing development of our sector,” he said.

More information about Autocare 2025, including highlights and resources, is available at www.autocare.org.au.