The main event

The main event

Motorsport

The build up to the 2011 Australian Automotive Aftermarket Expo continues as a range of activities are finalised to make this show, to be held from Thursday 12 May to Saturday 14 May.

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) produces the Expo every two years for the service and repair sector with the assistance of a committed group of industry leaders. AAAA executive director Stuart Charity says the Expo guarantees a star studded display of products and technologies.

Choice of Repairer seminar

"In addition, there is a comprehensive program of special events designed to profit your business. An important innovation at the Expo this year is the introduction of Choice of Repairer Seminars,” says Stuart Charity.

"The AAAA launched the Choice of Repairer campaign in Australia in April 2009 to protect choice and competition in vehicle repair, servicing, replacement parts and accessories sector by eliminating any technical or legal barriers that impact on consumers' right to have their vehicle serviced, maintained and repaired at competitive prices in the workshop of their choice. Similar campaigns are progressing in Europe and the United States and we communicate with those organisations to leverage from each others' experience," he says.

"Choice of Repairer is critical to the future of the aftermarket as vehicles become increasingly complex.”

The Choice of Repairer Seminar is free and will attract large numbers. Pre-booking is essential and seats can be reserved by booking for the seminar when pre-registering for an Expo entry pass at www.aftermarketexpo.com.au. Seminar times are:
• Friday 13 May - 5.00 to 6.00 pm
• Saturday 14 May - 10.00 to 11.00 am

Industry events timed for Expo

Stuart Charity said as the Expo grows from strength to strength, an important visitor benefit is the expanding list of events scheduled to coincide with the show. "The Expo is now a hub for a range of activities tailored for learning and networking," he says.

Among the events co-located with the Expo are:

Wednesday 11 May
• 6.30 pm - International Networking Reception: A networking event will be held to host international delegations visiting the Expo. Among this group will be buying groups from around the world. This is an opportunity for businesses to meet potential customers and get an update on export opportunities.

Thursday 12 May
• 7.45 am - AAAA Best New Products Awards Breakfast:  Expo opening morning will have a flying start with TV motorsport commentator Neil Crompton as master of ceremonies for this Awards presentation. A prominent display of award entries and winners will located in the centre of the Expo.
• 7.00 pm - AAAA Awards to Industry Banquet: The Awards continue in the evening with the industry's biggest event featuring awards recognising contributions to the automotive aftermarket industry by individuals and businesses. TV sports commentator Nicole Livingstone is the master of ceremonies. This dinner offers entertainment from Troupe de Jour group and a networking opportunity with over 600 industry leaders in attendance.

Friday 13 May
• 6.30 pm - Performance Industry Networking Evening: This will be the must attend event for the performance sector of the industry when the Performance Racing and Tuning Council hosts the largest performance industry sector event of the year.

Dyno demonstration display

Exhibitors are making significant investment in their Expo displays to bring state of the art technologies to workshop owners and managers. "There will be many live demonstrations running during the Expo, so you can actually see how new products can give your workshop a competitive edge" says Stuart Charity.

Among the special sections will be a Dynamometer Demonstration Display featuring the latest machines from Dyno Dynamics and Mainline Automotive Equipment.

Dyno Dynamics will introduce a new model based on recent research with workshop owners. Managing Director Alan Evans said most workshops want a dynamometer for diagnostic work and to reduce insurance costs and other risks associated with test driving customers' vehicles.

"Our study showed that workshops owners want a machine to do a range of basic tuning and emissions tasks. Our response to that input will be the launch a new under $30K (AUD) machine at the Expo. It has both high quality machinery and software at a price enabling many more businesses to profit from offering dyno services," he says.

Feature car displays

No Expo would be complete without displays of top performance and show cars. This year there are Feature Car Displays along the venue concourse and in two locations inside the Expo providing more space for a wide range of stunningly prepared vehicles.

The International Showcase will present a broad array of new international products from the USA, China, Taiwan and Thailand.

Stuart Charity says all the exhibitors and companies contributing to the Expo are determined to make it the biggest and best so far. "These organisations are putting the latest Australian and international products and technology on display for the benefit of Australia's automotive aftermarket industry," he says.

 

 

 

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