From Model T to Model Y, this local icon has helped drive Australia’s automotive journey for more than 100 years

Australia forged some of its greatest brands around a century ago.
QANTAS took flight in the 1920s when three visionary flyers used their Avro biplane for scheduled flights in Queensland.
And in 1932, a young Reginald Murray was struck by the idea of a new type of riding boot, one made from a single piece of leather, while he was camping in the Flinders Ranges. That moment gave us RM Williams.
It was a similar story for Geoffrey Russell in 1922. Like many at the time, he watched motorised cars steadily replace horses on Melbourne’s streets.
But unlike many, he figured these new machines would eventually need replacement parts, so he started an automotive grinding business from a tin shed in Collingwood.
Under the name Replacement Parts Company, Repco was born, which today comprises more than 400 stores across Australia and New Zealand.

Supporting Australia and New Zealand
Back when Repco began, around 110,000 motor vehicles powered along roads in Australia and New Zealand. Today, that number is closer to 25 million.
Supporting Australasia’s national fleet of cars, trucks and machinery is a critical task.
“Repco earned its place by always being at the ready for vehicle owners and automotive businesses,” said Wayne Bryant, Chief Merchandise and Growth Officer at GPC Asia Pacific, Repco’s parent company.
“Yes, we offer more than 450,000 automotive parts, accessories and equipment lines from the best brands. And we employ over 8,000 passionate people in more than 400 stores across Australia and New Zealand.
“But just as it was for Geoffrey Russell, these numbers only come from knowing exactly what our customers need and want.”
Those customer requirements are broad. In the case of car owners, it can range from affordable DIY servicing items to accessories and niche performance parts for enthusiasts. For automotive repair businesses, it is a whole lot more.
“Repco directs a lot of its focus to supporting Australasia’s community of service and repair workshops,” Wayne said.
“These hardworking businesses keep our national fleets moving, which is why we always strive to go the extra mile to offer the right parts, consumables, tools and equipment they need.”
Cars and SUVs made up around three-quarters of Australasia’s new-vehicle sales last year, reflecting the passenger vehicle focus of many local service and repair workshops. But they aren’t the only machines that need the right backing.
“Light trucks are the backbone of many local businesses, as are fleets and machines for earthmoving and agriculture. Repco covers them, too,” Wayne said.
That support isn’t just about stocking the right components for quick workshop supply. It is also about helping the service and repair industry support their own customers.
“We are more than a parts provider,” Wayne said.
“We dedicate significant resources to help our workshop customers create business efficiencies that help them sustain and grow.
“We do this at various points in our supply relationships using digital solutions, intelligent inventory management, automated stock replenishment and integrated workshop management systems.”
Repco’s suite of digital workshop solutions is extensive. It includes:
• NAVIGATOR PRO for fast and accurate parts identification, as well as 24/7 ordering
• SMARTQUOTE to convert workshop enquiries into customers with 30-second quoting
• AUTOPEDIA for the repair, service and diagnostic data for modern vehicles
• AUTOTECH seminars and webinars for up-to-date product training
“Service and repair businesses need a partner who knows what matters in a busy workshop. This philosophy helps guide how we structure our business,” Wayne said.
“Whether your workshop is dedicated to mechanical servicing and repairs, electrical, cooling or restoration, we’ve got the products, equipment and know-how you need.
“And we also make sure we’re available. Most of our stores are open seven days a week.”

A trusted name
Scan Repco’s online store or the shelves at any of its branches and its mix of familiar and trusted brands helps account for its popularity, success and longevity.
Part of Repco’s enduring fame can be traced back to its earlier years as a local component manufacturer.
The company states that its “high-water mark” during this phase occurred when it created the power behind what it describes as “Formula One’s most important racer, and Australia’s most important car.”
“Sir Jack Brabham was the only F1 driver to secure the Driver’s World Championship in a car of his own construction,” Wayne said.
“That F1 car was the Repco-Brabham BT19, which was powered by an Australian-developed-and-built engine.”
The Repco RB620 3.0-litre V8 engine was a stroke of Aussie genius. Designed by local engineering ace Phil Irving and built by Repco in Melbourne, it proved to be pivotal in Jack Brabham’s record-setting 1966 F1 campaign.
He secured both World Championships, for Drivers and Constructors, a feat that’s never been repeated.
“We’re celebrating the 60th anniversary of this incredible achievement this year, and our team is thrilled to share this special moment with everyone at this year’s AAAExpo,” Wayne said.
“The Repco-Brabham BT19 F1 car is a source of deep pride for many Australians and New Zealanders, including everyone at Repco. It’s the perfect symbol of local capability.”
Repco continues to play a pivotal role in motorsport across Australia and New Zealand.
The long-standing brand is the naming rights sponsor of the Repco Supercars Championship, its marquee endurance race, the annual Repco Bathurst 1000, and the Repco NextGen NZ Championship.
“These are cornerstones of our shared sporting culture. Supporting them is important,” Wayne said.
Wayne and his team take the same approach with the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (AAAExpo).
“The theme of this year’s event is Driving What’s Next, and it’s exactly what our industry must continue to focus on,” Wayne said.
“A quick glance in traffic will tell you that vehicles are changing at an ever-growing rate.
“Electric vehicles and their related technologies have already made their mark on local owners and fleets. It’s our role to help support these owners and the workshops that support them.”
Australasia’s rapidly evolving automotive aftermarket reflects its equally fast-changing car parc.
Repco continues to invest in the changes needed to maintain its leading support while retaining its legacy of know-how and the hallmarks that make it one of Australasia’s trusted brands.
“RM Williams have kept their processes current while maintaining their instantly recognisable style and quality. QANTAS and Air New Zealand use technologically advanced fleets but we all recognise the enduring meaning of the Flying Kangaroo and koru,” Wayne said.
“Repco pursues a similar balance. Our in-store and online services, advanced distribution centres and back-of-house technologies ensure we deliver everything our customers need, all while living up to the reliability, dependability and trust that Repco established from day one, more than a century ago.”

For more information, visit www.repcotrade.com.au