The best and brightest of the automotive aftermarket industry were celebrated and formally recognised in two incredible awards events at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo

The Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards Banquet, presented by Platinum sponsor Burson Auto Parts, is the aftermarket’s most prestigious national awards event, and took place on the Thursday evening of the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo in the spectacular Melbourne Room at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The aftermarket industry’s night of nights was a major highlight of the Expo, with nearly 700 industry guests coming together to celebrate and recognise excellence in the automotive aftermarket industry across a wide range of award categories.
Three new awards were also introduced this year: the Automotive Sustainability Business Award, the Automotive Education Excellence Award, and the Women At The Wheel award.
The evening also marked the opportunity to honour a number of worthy individuals: Anthony Kittel from REDARC Electronics received the Outstanding Service To Industry award, Lex Gelmi from Pedders Suspension and Brakes was awarded the Kim Aunger Young Achiever Award, while Margaret Dymond of the Penrite Oil Company, and Jeff Smit of The Automotive Technician became worthy inductees into the AAAA Hall of Fame.
The memorable evening was hosted by sports personality Russell Robertson, and TV presenter Neroli Meadows, with the evening’s soundtrack provided by DJ Emma Peters, adding to the buzzing atmosphere in the room.
“The awards dinner was a truly special night that reinforces my admiration for this incredible industry,” Australian Auto Aftermarket Association (AAAA) Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, said.
“The vibe was electric, and importantly we were able to celebrate and reward those achieving great things in our industry.
“Congratulations to all our award winners at the Gala, and the Innovation Awards Breakfast. It is inspirational for all of us.”
The Auto Aftermarket Innovation Awards breakfast, sponsored by Ryco, was held before the opening of the Expo on Thursday the 11th of April, and saw nearly 300 guests treated to an inspirational morning where the companies producing the most innovative products, services and campaigns in the industry were recognised.

The 2024 Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards’ Honour Roll is as follows.

EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Kim Aunger Young Achiever – Lex Gelmi, Pedders Suspension and Brakes
Outstanding Service to Industry – Anthony Kittel, REDARC Electronics
Hall of Fame Inductee – Margaret Dymond, Penrite Oil Company
Hall of Fame Inductee – Jeff Smit, The Automotive Technician
Terry Mahoney Excellence in Marketing – Nulon Products Australia
Excellence in Manufacturing – FMP Group
Excellence in Export – REDARC Electronics
Excellence in Employee Engagement and Wellbeing Award – Repco Authorised Service
Automotive Education Excellence Award (New award) – Clinton Brett, Diesel Help Australia
Women at the Wheel (New award) – Priscilla Robb
Excellence in Repair and Service – Chain – Maryborough Service Centre (Repco Authorised Service) – Daryn, Petrina and Dana Brims
Excellence in Repair and Service – Independent Workshop – Radical Automotive, Cody McKay

2024 AUSTRALIAN AUTO AFTERMARKET INNOVATION AWARDS
Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product (4WD) – Zeder Corporation – Upgraded Front Steering Knuckle Kit
Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product (Accessories) – Brown and Watson International – IDC25X DC to DC Charger
Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product (Electrical) – REDARC Electronics – TVMS Rogue
Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product (Parts) – FMP Group – General CT Rotors
Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product (Performance) – Garrett Advanced Motion – Garrett G-Smart Module
Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product (Tools and Equipment) – CoolDrive Auto Parts – Powerduction 37LG
Most Innovative Community Impact Program – mycar Tyre and Auto
Most Innovative Marketing Campaign – mycar Tyre and Auto
Most Innovative E-Commerce Solution – Zeder Corporation
Automotive Business Sustainability Award (New award) – REDARC Electronics

2024 AUSTRALIAN AUTO AFTERMARKET EXPO STAND AWARDS

Best Stand 36 sq metres or under – Megabus
Best Stand Over 36 sq metres – Brembo