Industry Advocacy

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) Congratulates the Federal Government on its National Innovation & Science Agenda (NISA) Initiative.

AAAA Executive Director Stuart Charity said the Association’s manufacturing and exporting members welcome the policy and its practical initiatives, such as the Incubator Support and Innovations Connections Programs.

“We look forward to working with relevant agencies to progress some important automotive innovation projects we have developed to ensure Australia’s automotive manufacturing sector remains alive after the car makers close in 2017,” he said.

“One of those AAAA visions is a purpose built and professionally managed Automotive Innovation Hub to facilitate research and product development in the sector.

“The facility would act as an incubator providing technical skills and equipment required to help automotive businesses get their product concepts off the drawing board and into the market.

“AAAA met with Minister for industry, Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne last week to discuss this and other proposals. The Special Equipment Market Association (SEMA) of the USA has such a facility. It has helped bring many bright ideas successfully to market, which in turn creates new jobs.

“There is serious and significant potential for Australia’s automotive aftermarket sector to be leveraged to help maintain employment and investment in both OEM component and aftermarket parts and accessories manufacturing. There is huge export growth potential for these market segments.

“The AAAA has progressed its own growth policies and only last week launched its Australian Automotive Products Manufacturers & Exporters Council. The Council’s aims are to advocate for sound progressive Government policy and industry collaboration.

“We recognise that the way forward is through innovation seeded by research and industry cooperation. This Federal Government NISA initiative creates openings that previously did not exist,” said Stuart Charity.