Auto One promotes itself as “Australia’s leading independently owned and operated company in the automotive parts and accessories aftermarket”

Commencing operations in 1988, Auto One today supports more than 120 independent stores nationwide.
The group positions itself as a solutions provider for independent businesses across the automotive aftermarket, operating a full-service franchise option under the Auto One banner, an extensive buying group model under the A1 Autoparts brand, or a more basic wholesale and distribution service for non-member stores.
The group also operates distribution centres that service both East coast and West coast markets.
Featuring more than 150 industry leading brands and delivering in excess of 100,000 products every month, Auto One explains that its extensive distribution model delivers lower pricing through volume consolidation and weekly promotional deals, while requiring no minimum order quantities. Both same day and online ordering are available along with daily deliveries (twice daily in selected metro markets).

A National celebration
The Group’s National Conference is a much-anticipated annual celebration and was held recently.
The event brings together member store owners, key supplier partners, and the national support team across three action packed days of business sessions, trade show, and networking events.
Held at RACV Royal Pines Resort, Queensland, the event highlighted a hotly contested charity golf day, informative business sessions including keynote speaker and automotive industry expert, John Cadogan, coupled with the annual trade show and Gala Awards Dinner.
The unique ‘speed dating’ format of the Auto One trade show again proved to be a major hit with both members and suppliers, with some outstanding deals on offer and an exciting array of new products showcased.

“Time together at the trade show is crucial for both members and supplier partners, particularly in the current climate of challenging market conditions and it was heartening to see the level of collaboration and ideas explored to maximise future sales opportunities,” Auto One Managing Director, Mark Garwood, said.
During his National Conference opening address, Auto One Group Chairman, Stephen Kulmar, gave an excellent overview of the key influences impacting customer behaviour and the changing shape of the market.
“Our brands have built a strong reputation for great service and advise over the past 36 years,” Stephen said.
“This is particularly important to our core audience of automotive enthusiasts.
“The automotive aftermarket is resilient but only those who adapt will thrive.”
The Group also used its Conference to share key business and sector trends, presenting a positive outlook for the future underpinned by strong ongoing industry fundamentals.
In his business overview, Mark Garwood revealed, “the past four years have seen significant sales growth across the Auto One group network of stores.”
He went on to highlight that this achievement was celebrated by a record year of rebate returns to the Group’s loyal member owners. Mark also took the opportunity to pass on a heartfelt thank you to supplier partners for their strong ongoing support.

Exciting plans ahead
During the Conference’s business sessions, Auto One announced the re-platform of its Auto One website and exciting plans to significantly grow its online range offering and improve its customer experience in the coming 12 months.
The company also outlined the delivery of a new national customer loyalty program, to be launched under the Auto One brand in mid-2025. The brand is positioned to attract car enthusiasts, and the new program will focus heavily on the power of connection with its loyal customer base.
With the accelerated integration of accredited ERP platforms in 2024 and 2025, the Group also announced that it will be in a position to substantially improve both member and supplier partner insights going forward.
Reporting enhancements were highlighted as a key opportunity to deliver a greater understanding of customer behaviour, performance benchmarking, and growth drivers to both members and business partners.

Recognising its best
The final evening Gala Awards Dinner also gave the Group the opportunity to recognise outstanding performance across its network of stores and suppliers.
At this dinner, the group announced and congratulated the winners of both its Auto One large and small store National Store of the Year – Auto One Port Augusta (SA) and Auto One Newcomb (VIC). In addition, A1 Autoparts Campbelltown (NSW) was crowned the A1 Autoparts National Store of the Year.
Wesfil won the National Supplier of the Year for the third year running, highlighting the deep and sustained support received by member stores across an extended number of years.

A charitable commitment
In August of this year Auto One was proud to formalise its support of Black Dog Institute, a partnership which was further solidified at the Annual Conference with almost $45,000 raised over the event in support of the landmark partnership.
The funding will help to raise awareness and highlight the significance of mental health and wellbeing in male dominated industries.
“Black Dog Institute is proud to partner with Auto One who are committed to breaking down stigma and encouraging people to reach out for help with their mental health,” Black Dog Institute Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, Francine Poisson, said.  
Mark said Auto One is thrilled to be able to partner with Black Dog Institute. The Group also launched its national donation program in August this year, with donations to the Institute from every Auto One and A1 Auto Parts battery sold across Australia.
“Our battery donation program is just one example of how we are committed to better mental health for all Australians,” Mark said.
“Alongside annual fundraising and community events, the Auto One group has come together, building a sense of purpose, understanding and knowledge to support one another both in the workplace and in the workshops that we service.

For more information, visit; www.autoone.com.au