MTA’s Adelaide 500 Event a Roaring Success

The MTA hosted a corporate trackside function in December to celebrate the return of the Adelaide 500 after the association’s members had been a driving force behind its revival.

Having the MTA front and centre of the Adelaide 500 reinforced its central role as an industry leader and the strength of the automotive body. It was equally an important opportunity to recognise the tireless efforts of members after two years of COVID-induced challenges.

With standing room only, representatives from across the automotive industry joined Premier Peter Malinauskas, Leader of the Opposition David Speirs and special guests to celebrate the return of the race to South Australia.

Throughout his address to members, Peter Malinauskas explained his own vision for the rapidly evolving automotive industry. He took questions from the floor and directly answered concerns. Thoughtprovoking topics included fuel and retail theft, which the Premier said he would raise with the Police Commissioner, and business and workshop preparedness for electric vehicles.

The MTA is committed to providing this direct and ongoing access to decision makers to ensure members can continue doing what they do best – running their business.

The overall four-day event was deemed a success by Adelaide 500 organisers, with more than 258,0000 fans attending to ultimately see a Holden win the race at its final Supercars event. This included the

MTA guests who received Friday admission as part of their ticket to the trackside function.

“Supercars and racing enthusiasts alike had been patiently waiting for the return of the Adelaide street circuit. It was a tremendous success and reinforced the critical, wider role the automotive industry plays in keeping South Australia moving,” said MTA CEO Darrell Jacobs.

“We know South Australians love their cars and motorcycles and having this permanent fixture now locked in until 2026 will help to shine a spotlight on the vehicle retail, service and repair industry.”

Darrell also took the opportunity to introduce himself for the first time at a large member event, outlining his commitment to the industry before he commenced as CEO in January.

“I look forward to representing the industry and working with governments to continue to make the automotive industry a vibrant, visible and viable one for many years to come,” he said at the time.

“Harnessing the passion and immense amount of knowledge that lies across the MTA membership and the industry is imperative to this.”

The MTA looks forward to hosting a similar trackside breakfast this year to build on the success of 2022 and highlight the best of the automotive industry with members and wider stakeholders.

Premier Recognises Important Role of the MTA

Premier Peter Malinauskas addressing the MTA Adelaide 500 Breakfast in December 2022.

The Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas thanked the MTA for its contribution to the state at the Adelaide 500 trackside function in front of MTA members and industry leaders.

The comments came as members celebrated the return of Supercars where the Premier said that motoring ran in the veins of South Australians.

“The Adelaide 500 is a symbol of the automotive industry and the MTA plays an important role in this,” the Premier said.

“It is more than just a hobby –it’s part of our cultural identity and the MTA is central to this and the thousands of automotive businesses and jobs across SA.”

The Adelaide 500 was an election pledge by the State Government where its commitment become a reality with more than 258,000 people attending the event over the December weekend.

MTA SA/NT Chair Frank Agostino thanked Premier Malinauskas for his support of the industry.

“We look forward to ongoing engagement to discuss how we can further assist and grow opportunities within our exciting industry,” he said.