In March 2020, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) celebrated its 40th year serving and protecting the automotive aftermarket industry.
As the only independent, national, member-owned organisation representing the Australian automotive aftermarket, the AAAA has had a wide-reaching and definitive impact on the industry, AAAA members and their customers.
In 1980, the AAAA was founded by a group of businesses that became concerned with regulatory developments in Australia and their impact on the automotive aftermarket. Putting aside competitive pressures, they came together as the ‘Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association’ to better serve and protect the industry.
The Association was setup as a not-for-profit organisation, operating under the direction of an Executive Director and Board of respected industry representatives. They used their deep experience, underpinned by an inspiring vision and purpose, to pave the way to a prosperous future for the automotive aftermarket.
“This year is a special milestone for the AAAA and one we are very proud of. For 40 years, and through the support of our members, we have acted in the best interest of the industry and continuously affected positive change. As an association, we can hold our head high and be proud of our achievements,” said Stuart Charity, CEO of the AAAA.
From humble beginnings under the leadership and vision of founding Executive Director and President Graham Rose, the industry has seen huge changes across four decades. The AAAA has championed and positively resolved many issues facing the industry.
Legalising extractors, eye level brake lights and trolley jacks were some of the first major undertakings of the AAAA in those formative years. Through the 80’s and into the 90’s, the introduction of fuel injection and rise of Japanese and European vehicles required market adaption and regulatory support. In more recent times, the burgeoning 4WD modification market and performance scenes have generated growth in the industry, and at the same time, created their own set of challenges and opportunities.
The AAAA has also long championed arguably the aftermarket industry’s largest issue of modern times; mandatory data sharing. It was only last year that the Government officially announced that Mandatory Data Sharing would become law. This was a milestone moment for the Association after so many years of work. Not only was this result fantastic for the AAAA, but the process of working side-by-side with members to achieve this success was testament to the passion, dedication and teamwork of all involved.
“Although we are proud of the past and have learned some important lessons over the course of 40 years, the AAAA continues to look forward. As time has marched on, the AAAA has grown and evolved as an organisation. The world today is more complex and fast paced, and we have to continually adapt to ensure we have the strength, knowledge and resources to effectively represent our members, their customers and the broader industry.
“The automotive aftermarket can be assured we will continue to be here for them, in their corner, as we always have been. We look forward to collaborating with members to help them be prepared for what the future holds,” said Stuart.