NEWS
WHAT’S NEXT? Instinctually, mechanics problem-solve – it is central to the profession People come to us with an issue, and it is our job to fix it – to get their vehicle back on the road and to send the customer away happy.
Repco and SAPE Group have renewed their major partnerships of the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo and Collison Repair Expo respectively
The co-located and industry leading shows will be held by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre across April 11 – 13, 2024.
Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo David Fraser Group CEO, Capricorn Society Ltd
Our industry is certainly grappling with a problem that requires both a specific and an innovative response – the skills shortage. Capricorn recently surveyed more than 1,800 Capricorn Members across Australia and New Zealand in a bid to understand this problem in more detail. The result is the ‘Capricorn State of the Nation Special Report: The Skills Shortage,’ an entire report which focuses on this issue. More than half of Capricorn Members (51 percent) said finding good staff was their biggest challenge (up from 39 percent in 2022). Just 44 percent of Capricorn Members said they were adequately staffed. The lack of qualified staff was seen as the biggest challenge for the industry overall (61 percent, up from 50 percent in 2022). Unsurprisingly, Capricorn Members reported this shortage was having a big impact on their businesses with a backlog of jobs, increased pressure, longer hours, longer turnaround times and reduced productivity all common consequences. But it is not all doom and gloom. The report also revealed that Capricorn Members who have ever employed an apprentice rose from 64 percent in 2022 to 73 percent in 2023, helping secure the industry’s pipeline of talent. There are also other solutions we are yet to embrace, including sponsoring the immigration of skilled workers. While the skills shortage is an issue, we are all working to fix it – because that is what we do when we see a problem. You can dive into the report findings at cap.coop/son-23 Yours in cooperation, David Fraser Group CEO – Capricorn Society Ltd For more on Capricorn Society membership, visit www.capricorn.coop 6
MAJOR PARTNERS RENEW SUPPORT FOR LEADING EXPOS
The Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo is the nation’s most comprehensive exhibition for Australia’s $25B aftermarket industry, featuring the very latest vehicle servicing equipment, parts, accessories, plus unique training and business development opportunities. Repco’s significant partnership with the Expo reflects the scale and importance of this event for the automotive industry. “It is great to have Repco back as major sponsor for the Auto Aftermarket Expo, an event shaping up to be our best ever,” AAAA Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, said. “The Expo is a trade show run by the industry, for the industry, so having a company of Repco’s history and reputation support the event is a proud moment for the Expo and one we appreciate. “Our thanks to Amy Frangos and the entire team at Repco for their support – we look forward to April next year.” Repco is one of the largest auto parts and car accessories providers in Australia, with over 310 stores supplying quality parts and service to the automotive aftermarket. Repco’s Executive General Manager, Amy Frangos, was equally excited to continue the partnership for the 2024 Expo. “Repco is thrilled to once again partner with the AAAExpo as Major Sponsor,” Amy said. “The Expo is a unique and important event that brings our industry together in a way like no other event does. “For over 100 years Repco has proudly served the aftermarket industry, supplying the knowledge, service and parts that keep our industry moving. “As a proud Australian company we are happy to be associated with an event of this calibre, and to share what Repco offer to our passionate industry.”
Collison Repair Expo The Collision Repair Expo features the nation’s most comprehensive exhibition of body finishing materials, collision repair equipment, plus unique training and business development opportunities, all under one roof. Sydney Automotive Paints and Equipment Group’s sponsorship showcases the importance of
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine November 2023
Australia’s leading collision repair event, catering to an industry sector with combined annual revenue of $7.8 Billion. “We are thrilled to have Sydney Automotive Paints and Equipment (SAPE) continue their support of the 2024 Collision Repair Expo as major corporate sponsor,” AAAA Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, said. “SAPE are a large provider of refinish products and collision repair equipment and are well positioned to benefit from the passionate crowd of industry professionals during the show.” SAPE is a leading Australian distributor for Glasurit and Baslac paints for BASF Australia and also supplies a vast array of collision repair equipment and consumables to vehicle repair facilities around Australia. SAPE Managing Director, Paul McMartin, said he was excited to renew the Group’s relationship with the Expo. “Continuing our partnership with the 2024 Collision Repair Expo as Major Sponsor was important for SAPE,” Paul said. “It is a great opportunity to support an event that brings the industry together and really lifts us up. It is also a valuable tool for SAPE to share how our innovative equipment, technology, products and services make a difference to repairers face to face with Expo attendees.”
An unmissable event With huge exhibitor demand, the combined Expos will host over 400 of Australia’s leading brands across 21,000 sqm of floor space at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre alongside leading industry experts and more soon to be released features. With free entry available to all members of the automotive trade, the Expos are expected to see 9,000 visitors attend over the three-day event. Registrations are open now. For more information on Repco, visit www.repcotrade.com.au For more information on SAPE,visit www.sapegroup.com.au or visit their online superstore at shop.sape.com.au For more information on the 2024 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo, visit www.autoaftermarketexpo.com.au For more information on the Collision Repair Expo, visit www.collisionrepair.com.au
