AAAE: 4WD after-marketers to feature heavily

AUSTRALIA’S booming four-wheel drive aftermarket is set to again take centre stage at the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Expo (AAAE) at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre this April 11-13.

With more participants in the 4WD sector than ever, the array of suppliers to feature in the AAAE’s 4WD Innovation Zone has likewise grown, with the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) 4WD Industry Council Chair, Emma Laukens, saying the opportunity will greatly benefit the market’s more than 2100 businesses.

“There are more than 5.5 million 4WDs on the roads in Australia, presenting fantastic opportunities for our country’s more than 2100 businesses servicing the 4WD aftermarket to expand their ranges, improve the quality of their parts and accessories, and invest heavily in everything from production to promotion,” she said.

“At the 4WD Innovation Zone, show attendees will be able to see new products first, with many leading companies using the Expo to launch or provide sneak peeks of their latest offerings.

“With the 4WD industry continuing to see strong growth and representing a large part of Australia’s automotive manufacturing and ingenuity, the opportunities in this space for members of the aftermarket is huge – we look forward to seeing the 4WD Innovation Zone provide show goers with unique opportunities to do business in this exciting industry sector.”

Co-located with the Collision Repair Expo – itself a part of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Expo – the 4WD Innovation Zone will showcase the latest in 4WD parts, products, accessories, and equipment from leading brands.

AAAA chief executive officer Stuart Charity said that much like in 2023, revenue from the 4WD parts and accessories sector is expected to continue delivering “outstanding growth” in the year ahead.

“The Auto Aftermarket Expo aims to educate and inspire our industry members with the latest in equipment, technology and training, and the 4WD Innovation Zone is set to do just that,” he said.

“This dedicated zone will bring together manufacturers, resellers, and retailers to share, promote, network, and sell their latest technology, products, tools, and equipment in a unique and industry specific B2B environment.

“The 4WD aftermarket sector generates $6b in revenue from the manufacture, distribution and sales of parts and accessories each year and with this sector continuing to be one of high confidence, the 4WD Innovation Zone will truly be an exciting space at the Expo and one which will deliver important opportunities for our members.”

The 4WD Innovation Zone is complemented at the Expo by what Mr Charity says is a host of other exciting, and valuable features.

Training will be central to the Expo, with exclusive training sessions from international experts educating visitors on business, vehicles diagnostics, EV collision repair and EV workshop setup, plus a dedicated Expo Electrified Zone and ADAS Technology Zone.

Also on offer will be incredible networking opportunities, celebrity appearances and competitions, the Australian Auto Aftermarket Awards Banquet and Breakfast, and 400 leading brands showcasing the very latest in vehicle repair and servicing equipment, technology, parts, and accessories.

The Auto Aftermarket Expo takes place April 11-13 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition.