The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) is celebrating its 40th anniversary as part of the automotive aftermarket industry.
As the only independent, national, member-owned organisation representing the Australian automotive aftermarket, the AAAA has had a wide-reaching and definitive impact on the industry, its members and customers.
The association was founded in 1980 by a group of businesses that became concerned with regulatory developments in Australia and their impact on the automotive aftermarket, choosing to come together as the ‘Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association’ to better the industry. The body was set up as a not-for-profit organisation, operating under the direction of an executive director and board of respected industry representatives.
“This year is a special milestone for the AAAA and one we are very proud of,” said Stuart Charity, CEO of the AAAA. “For 40 years and through the support of our members, we have acted in the best interests of the industry and continuously affected positive change. As an association, we can hold our head high and be proud of our achievements.”
From beginnings under the leadership of founding Executive Director and President Graham Rose, the industry has seen huge changes across four decades. The AAAA said it has championed and positively resolved many issues facing the industry.
Legalising extractors, eye level brake lights and trolley jacks were some of the first major undertakings of the AAAA in those formative years. Through the 1980s and into the 1990s, the introduction of fuel injection and rise of Japanese and European vehicles required market adaption and regulatory support. In more recent times, the 4WD modification market and performance scenes have generated growth in the industry, and at the same time, created their own set of challenges and opportunities.
The AAAA has also long championed one of the aftermarket industry’s largest issues in recent times – mandatory data sharing. The association felt vindicated when the Australian government officially announced that it would become law last year – a milestone moment for the AAAA.
“Although we are proud of the past and have learned some important lessons over the course of 40 years, the AAAA continues to look forward,” said Charity. “As time has marched on, the AAAA has grown and evolved as an organisation. The world today is more complex and fast paced, and we have to continually adapt to ensure we have the strength, knowledge and resources to effectively represent our members, their customers and the broader industry.
“The automotive aftermarket can be assured we will continue to be here for them, in their corner, as we always have been. We look forward to collaborating with members to help them be prepared for what the future holds,” said Charity.