‘How Does a Car Work?’AAAA Women Event Empowers, Educates and Connects
More than 60 women from across the automotive industry gathered at the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) headquarters this week for a sold-out event designed to demystify the workings of a car — and build confidence across every corner of the aftermarket.
Hosted by AAAA Women, the event ‘How Does a Car Work?’ combined relaxed networking with hands-on education, creating a warm, welcoming space where attendees could ask questions, get clarity, and learn the fundamentals of vehicle operation — no prior knowledge required.
Guided by Luke Truskinger, Managing Director of the Auto Innovation Centre (AIC), the interactive session walked through how vehicles turn fuel or electricity into forward motion. Luke used plain language, engaging visuals, and real-world examples to explain the basics of internal combustion and the role of key components like the crankshaft, camshaft, pistons, valves, and hybrid motors.
“This wasn’t just a technical workshop — it was an empowering night,” said Ange Wall, AAAA Women Steering Committee member and MC for the event. “So many women told us they’d been nodding through car talk for years. Now they feel more equipped to join the conversation — and that’s what this is all about.”
Attendees came from all parts of the aftermarket: parts interpreters, merchandisers, auto service advisors, marketers, product managers, and head office staff — all with a shared interest in understanding the technical side of the vehicles they support every day.
“This is about giving women across the aftermarket industry the language and confidence to be heard,” said Lesley Yates, AAAA Women Committee Member and Director of Government Relations at the AAAA. “Whether you’re working front of house or in head office, understanding how the mechanical systems work — even just the basics — makes a real difference. It gives you the confidence to speak up, ask questions, be part of the conversation and be more effective in your role.”
Attendees learned how energy from fuel or electricity becomes momentum, the fundamentals of internal combustion and hybrid power, the role of components like pistons, camshafts, crankshafts, valves and more, common mechanical terms explained in plain English, and how to confidently talk about vehicle issues with colleagues, customers, or suppliers.
Held in AAAA’s dedicated training space, the AIC workshop was transformed into a learning lab, while the upstairs space buzzed with connection over drinks and snacks. Photos from the evening captured the energy of the crowd — from note-taking and curious questions to moments of shared laughter.
“This was the first time I felt like I could ask the ‘dumb questions’ — and they weren’t dumb at all,” said one participant. “I finally understand how all the moving parts work together! Now I don’t just sell the parts — I get why it matters.”
A Growing Movement
The event is part of a broader slate of AAAA Women initiatives aimed at connecting, educating, and celebrating the women who power Australia’s $58B aftermarket industry. With Connection Circles, national networking events, and potential future tailored sessions, AAAA Women is creating a vibrant and visible community of support and shared growth.
Following the success of How Does a Car Work?, the team is already exploring follow-up sessions and new topics based on attendee feedback — including future events in Sydney and a repeat of this session in 2026.
FULL EVENT IMAGE DATABASE – HERE
