AAAE to showcase over 250 aftermarket suppliers

THE Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association will host the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (AAAE) in Melbourne from 7 to 9 April. This year’s event will be co-hosted with the Collison Repair Expo at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The AAAE is the only exhibition to showcase Australia’s $A25 billion aftermarket industry and this year’s theme of “The Workshop of the Future is Here” will showcase the latest vehicle repair- and servicing equipment, parts, tools and accessories, new technology and trends from hundreds of the country’s leading companies.

“We are excited to be able to move forward with our preparations for the Expo – an event run by the industry, for the industry. After a challenging couple of years for everyone, our industry is more excited than ever to come together to celebrate, learn, conduct business and network,” Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association CEO Stuart Charity said.

“The automotive industry in Australia is undergoing unprecedented change driven by the complexity of the car parc, changes in vehicle technology and the changing capabilities and needs of our workforce and customers. 

“Vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems, pass through technology, embedded telematics (‘connected car’), and hybrid and electric powertrains are on Australian roads today. These vehicles will need to be safely repaired and maintained anywhere in Australia,” he added.

Mr Charity said that the Expo had evolved to offer several new initiatives aimed at furthering value for exhibitors and attendees alike. 

This year’s event will feature a ‘Workshop of the Future Pavilion’ which will include a display of state-of-the-art equipment and technology as well as regular presentations from industry experts covering the very latest information on Workshop Management Systems, EV repair techniques, ADAS calibration and diagnostics and tooling including J2534 pass through technology.

The Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo will also incorporate an all-new 4WD Innovation Zone, which aims to showcase the many innovations and products available to the country’s booming four-wheel-drive sector. In particular, it will enable companies involved in 4WD modification, accessories and tuning to promote their businesses through a trade-only B2B platform.

“AAAE 2022 will bring together experts from across the industry to provide the very latest information and practical tips on how and when businesses will need to adapt to these changes,” Mr Charity explained.  

“The Expo aims to help visitors prepare for the future, to embrace and capitalise on the evolution of the industry, and the trends and technology that are rapidly developing,” he added. 

For the first time, the Expo will incorporate a standalone seminar stage on the show floor, which will deliver a free comprehensive training and education program and enable exhibitors to showcase their latest products, technology and service offerings to a targeted trade audience.

A modified and classic vehicle display will take over the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre concourse, the Expo also promising celebrity appearances, interactive displays and competitions.

“We are very excited to announce that Repco has thrown their support behind the show, taking out the Major Sponsor package for AAAE 2022, and we’d like to thank them for their outstanding support,” Mr Charity said.

“We can’t wait for April to open the doors and finally welcome our industry back together. We know visitors will have a fantastic time and arm themselves with the knowledge to thrive, ready for the exciting future that awaits,” he concluded.

The three-day event is expected to welcome over 10,000 visitors and will host over 250 exhibitions from Australia’s leading aftermarket brands.