AAAA News

The automotive aftermarket industry’s leading businesses, products and individuals have been recognised at two major industry awards events held during the 2026 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo in Melbourne.

The Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards Banquet, proudly sponsored by Burson Auto Parts, brought together hundreds of industry leaders on Thursday evening at Crown Palladium to celebrate outstanding achievement across the automotive aftermarket sector.

A highlight of the industry calendar, the Awards Banquet recognised excellence across manufacturing, exports, business leadership, workplace culture, education and community impact, while also celebrating individuals making a significant contribution to the future of the industry.

The evening also provided an opportunity to honour several outstanding individuals for their contribution and leadership within the industry. John Blanchard Junior from CoolDrive Auto Parts received the prestigious Outstanding Service to Industry Award, while Doug Steindl from Zeder Corporation was recognised with the Kim Aunger Young Achiever Award. Chelsea Lawson was awarded the Women at the Wheel Award, and Clint Flower received the Automotive Education Excellence Award.

Stuart Charity was also honoured by his peers for his 20 years service to the industry as the CEO of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association.

Three respected industry leaders were also inducted into the AAAA Hall of Fame in recognition of their outstanding long-term contribution to the automotive aftermarket industry. Steve Broad, Shayne Quaile and Allan Gray OAM were acknowledged for their dedication, leadership and lasting impact on the industry over many years.

“The Awards events are always one of the most rewarding parts of the Expo because they shine a spotlight on the incredible talent, innovation and commitment across our industry,” said Stuart Charity, CEO of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association.

“From groundbreaking new products and outstanding business initiatives, through to recognising individuals making a real impact, these awards reflect the strength and professionalism of the Australian automotive aftermarket industry.”

Earlier in the day, the Auto Aftermarket Innovation Awards Breakfast, sponsored by Ryco recognised the companies delivering the industry’s most innovative new products, programs and campaigns, welcoming industry guests ahead of the official opening of the Expo.

Together, the Awards events form an integral part of the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo and Collision Repair Expo experience — not only bringing the industry together to connect, learn and do business, but also to celebrate the people, businesses and innovations driving the automotive aftermarket industry forward.

The Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo and Collision Repair Expo, proudly co-located at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, is Australia’s largest automotive industry event, bringing together more than 400 leading brands alongside extensive training, live demonstrations and networking opportunities across three action-packed days.

The 2026 Auto Aftermarket Industry Awards Honour Roll follows:

2026 Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards

Outstanding Service to Industry
John Blanchard Junior – CoolDrive Auto Parts

Kim Aunger Young Achiever Award
Doug Steindl – Zeder Corporation

AAAA Hall of Fame Inductee
Steve Broad

AAAA Hall of Fame Inductee
Shayne Quaile

AAAA Hall of Fame Inductee
Allan Gray OAM

Women at the Wheel Award
Chelsea Lawson

Automotive Education Excellence Award
Clint Flower

Terry Mahoney Excellence in Marketing Award
Don Kyatt Group – “The Customer is Still King” Campaign

Excellence in Manufacturing Award
REDARC Electronics

Excellence in Export Award
Don Kyatt Group

Excellence in Employee Engagement & Wellbeing Award
Zeder Corporation – Workforce Reform Program

Excellence in Repair & Service – Chain Award
JAX Tyres & Auto

2026 Australian Auto Aftermarket Innovation Awards

Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product – Four Wheel Drive
Cruisemaster – Body Control System

Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product – General Parts & Accessories
Brown and Watson International – Intelli IQ Smart Relays

Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product – Electrical
FMP Group – Bendix Ultimate Tow+ Portable Electric Brake Controller

Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product – Performance
Valvoline – Restore and Protect Engine Oil

Most Innovative New Servicing Product – Tools & Equipment
Logicar – THINKTOOL Expert 399

Automotive Business Sustainability Award
REDARC Electronics

Most Innovative Community Impact Program
Fulcrum Suspensions – K’gari Clean Up 2025 Program

Most Innovative Marketing Campaign
Repco – Bringin’ the Bathurst Campaign

Most Innovative E-commerce Solution
Zeder Corporation

2026 Auto Aftermarket Expo Stand Awards

Best Stand 36 Square Metres and Under
Podium

Best Stand Over 36 Square Metres
CoolDrive Auto Parts

PHOTOS – Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards Banquet

PHOTOS – Auto Innovations Breakfast

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The Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo and Collision Repair Expo is free to attend for everyone in the automotive trade. Register now at www.aftermarketexpo.com.au