2017 Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Award Winners
The successful opening day of the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo concluded with 850 banquet guests cheering the winners of the industry’s most prestigious awards, with Pro Quip International Managing Director Martin Haines receiving the Outstanding Service to Industry Award and induction to the Hall of Fame.
The Outstanding Service to Industry Award is made to people who make valuable contributions to the aftermarket sector and to their community, and who display excellence in character, in business and in life.
Hosted by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), the Expo continues today and tomorrow at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. With the co-located Collision Repair Expo, this exhibition presents 437 company stands and a wide range of educational seminars during the remaining two days.
The Australian Auto Aftermarket Hall of Fame also welcomed Capricorn Society General Manager Frank O’Connor to its ranks and posthumously awarded the honour to Keith Richardson, formerly Kmart Tyre and Auto Service General Manager Merchandise and Marketing. The Hall of Fame honours auto aftermarket people whose creativity and accomplishments have contributed to the stature and development of the sector.
The Kim Aunger Young Achiever Award was created to recognise and encourage young talent in the aftermarket sector and the 2017 winner is Redranger General Manager Sales and Marketing Andrew Nolan.
Also recognised for excellence in marketing, manufacturing and export were aftermarket businesses at the forefront of the sector. The winners of Gold, Silver and Bronze awards included:
| Terry Mahoney Excellence in Marketing Under $10 million annual turnover | Bainbridge Technologies | Gold |
| Terry Mahoney Excellence in Marketing Under $10 million annual turnover | Prolec | Silver |
| Terry Mahoney Excellence in Marketing Under $10 million annual turnover | HPPLunds | Bronze |
| Terry Mahoney Excellence in Marketing Over $10 million annual turnover | Nulon Products Australia Pty Ltd | Gold |
| Terry Mahoney Excellence in Marketing Over $10 million annual turnover | GUD Automotive Pty Ltd | Silver |
| Terry Mahoney Excellence in Marketing Over $10 million annual turnover | Brown & Watson International Pty Ltd | Bronze |
| Excellence in Manufacturing Under $10 million annual turnover | IM Group | Gold |
| Excellence in Manufacturing Under $10 million annual turnover | FluidDrive Holdings Pty Ltd | Silver |
| Excellence in Manufacturing Over $10 million annual turnover | REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd | Gold |
| Excellence in Manufacturing Over $10 million annual turnover | Monroe Australia | Silver |
| Excellence in Manufacturing Over $10 million annual turnover | East Coast Bullbars | Bronze |
| Excellence in Export | Australian Clutch Services Pty Ltd | Gold |
| Excellence in Export | Fulcrum Suspensions Pty Ltd | Silver |
| Excellence in Export | Pedders Suspension | Bronze |
AAAA Executive Director Stuart Charity said the AAAA Board of Directors congratulate the Excellence Award winners and thank them for their contribution to the auto aftermarket. “The aim of these awards is to promote excellence, particularly in those areas of business that promote growth and sustainability for the aftermarket sector,” he said.
“The Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards stand alone in the sector as the only program recognising excellence in service and business skills. These Awards are run in tandem with the biennial Expo, so will next be presented in 2019,” said Stuart Charity.
Winners of the Best Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo stands were also announced at the Awards Banquet:
| Category | Winner |
| Best Expo Stand Under 36 sq metres | Big Ass Fans Australia |
| Best Expo Stand Over 36 sq metres | ZF Services Australia Pty Ltd |
| Best Shell Scheme | CTek Sweden AB |