I’ve just landed back from a whirlwind trip to the US for SEMA and AAPEX. The jet lag is real, but I’m returning with an energy and sense of pride

Every year, we go to these global events to represent the Australian aftermarket. We network, we learn, and we see the latest and greatest. However, in meeting after meeting, from formal sit-downs with our international colleagues to casual chats on the show floor, it became crystal clear: Australia is genuinely a world aftermarket leader.
We’re not just keeping up; in many crucial areas, we are setting the pace. The most obvious example is our Right to Repair (R2R) legislation. Following a long, hard-fought battle, we championed and helped create the world’s only federally implemented R2R automotive law – the Motor Vehicle Information Sharing Scheme (MVIS) – in 2022.
When I sat down with our international aftermarket association colleagues at the ‘Associations in Motion Congress’ – a fantastic event hosted by Bill Hanvey and the Autocare Association team – the main topic was sharing strategies. Sharing the experiences of our law has other countries looking to our lead, using our framework as the blueprint for their own fights. This is a monumental achievement.
But our leadership doesn’t stop there. We’re also at the forefront of one of the most significant changes facing our workshops: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
These systems are no longer a novelty; they are fundamental to modern vehicle safety and are only becoming more complex. As an industry, we must be geared up. We need the training, equipment, and a clear direction on how these systems are repaired and maintained safely.
That is why I was so proud to discuss the AAAA’s national ADAS Industry Code of Conduct. This first-of-its-kind document sets a clear, professional standard for repairers and provides the guidance our industry was crying out for. Again, our international peers were taking notes. They see the challenge coming, and we are one of the only countries to meet it head-on with a unified, national strategy.
This trip wasn’t just about us talking. We were also listening. We saw interesting new statistics confirming a noticeable slowdown in EV uptake in the US market. This doesn’t mean the transition is stopping, but it shows the road to electrification will have twists and turns, reinforcing our belief that the internal combustion engine together with hybrid vehicles will be a core part of our aftermarket for decades to come.
It is an incredible feeling to know our work here is having a global impact. We are a small, passionate team at the AAAA, who are laser focused on delivering tangible benefits for our members and the wider industry. And we will never stop that fight, because there is so much more to accomplish.

Bringing the world to our backyard
This spirit of ‘driving what’s next’ is what we will be celebrating at our very own Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (AAAExpo) and the co-located Collision Repair Expo (CRE). I am happy to announce that registrations for the 2026 Expo are NOW OPEN!
If you work in the automotive industry, you can now register for FREE and secure your ticket to the largest and most important automotive industry event in the country.
This isn’t just a local show. We will have a huge international contingent joining us, flying in from across the globe to see what our aftermarket has to offer. The spectacle, technology, and sheer scale of the show floor – the atmosphere is like nothing else.
This event is for everyone. Whether you are a mechanic in a small workshop focusing on service and repair; if you sell parts and accessories as a retailer or distributor; if you repair and refinish vehicles; or you work in management, marketing, sales, or the 4WD sector, there is something here for you.
Nowhere else can you connect with so many businesses and brands under one roof. You will see the latest tools, technology, and equipment that will define your business for the next decade.
Importantly, you will have the opportunity to train and learn from world-class trainers via separate, ticketed sessions. We are putting significant effort into our training programs, with dedicated sessions on advanced diagnostics, EV servicing, ADAS calibration, business management, and much more.
This is the industry’s go to event. Register today. But don’t just register yourself – encourage your colleagues, staff, and industry network to join you. This is our chance to come together, learn, and celebrate the industry we have all built.
Finally, as this incredible year draws to a close, I want to say thank you. On behalf of the entire AAAA and AIC team, and the AAAA Board, thank you for your support, your passion, and your membership this year.
We wish you all a safe, happy, and restful Christmas break and a prosperous start to the New Year.