The Auto Aftermarket Expo returns to Sydney from 11 to 13 April 2013 with an exhibition hall full of state of the art vehicle repair and servicing equipment, replacement parts, tools and accessories plus a busy program of industry events offered by keen supporting organisations and host - the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA).

Held at the Sydney Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour, this trade only show focuses on helping workshop owners and managers boost their businesses. "The service and repair industry is undergoing rapid change," said AAAA Executive Director Stuart Charity.

"Every issue of every industry magazine reports on those changes and the challenges they bring. The Expo is designed to bring together as many solutions for these challenges as possible in one place at one time," he said.

Exhibitors present leading edge . . .

The stars of the Auto Aftermarket Expo will always be the exhibitors. "The Expo is held only every two years which means exhibitors' displays are not repetitive year after year. For every Expo, they display fresh product and demonstrate the latest technologies," said Stuart Charity.

. . . Parts and accessories . . .

Australian automotive cooling technologies manufacturer Davies Craig Pty Ltd will launch the EWP®150 (150 l/min) lightweight aluminium Electric Water Pump at the 2013 AAAA Expo. Sales and Marketing Manager, John Benson said the EWP®150 opens a new chapter in the 40 year history of Davies Craig.

"Following the successful launch of our EWP®115 nylon/glass and alloy models at the 2009 AAAA Expo, we have continued to research, test and develop a new high performance product that offers increased volume," he said. "The EWP®150 is compact, weighs just over 1kg and is designed for remote engine fitment across a wide variety of engines. It has AN-16 internal inlet and outlet threads for neat, tight, braided radiator hose fittings if required.

"Combined with another product being launched at the Expo, the EWP/Fan Digital Controller, the water pump continues to run after engine shut down to eliminate ‘heat soak’ and extending engine life. We will demonstrate these innovations on our Expo Stand," he said.

Light commercial vehicle parts specialist First Auto Parts Plus will feature their extensive range of parts for European vans on the Expo stand. Their specialist van catalogue extends from complete drive trains - engines, turbo chargers, gearboxes and clutches - to electrical items.

Full size working displays of the Tuff Tonneaus range - including the new BakFlip Tri Fold Lid will feature on their stand. National sales manager Brian Hamill said other new lines such as central locking hard lids and clip-on, non-body drill soft tonneaus covers will be on show.

Prolec will introduce its new agency lines, including circuit breakers from Mechanical Products and relays from Song Chuan on its display. Marketing manager Corey Gorander said visitors can meet and learn from the specialist product managers for their key electrical products brands on their stand.

The V8 Supercar series attracts high end technology companies and the Aznew Injector Services business will promote its links with V8 Supercar Dunlop Series driver Andrew Jones, who will make guest appearances and sign posters on the stand. General manager Simon Richards said Aznew will launch a comprehensive diesel injector program at the Expo.

. . . tools and equipment  . . .

Australian producer Durst Industries will exhibit a range of hand held component testers and commercial test benches automotive diagnostic work, and battery charging equipment. The innovative SmartWasher line of parts washers will also be featured on the stand.

Another proudly Australian owned supplier introducing new product at the Expo will be Macnaught Pty Ltd, maker of quality lubrication and fluid transfer equipment, including grease pumps and guns, oil pumps and guns, fuel pumps, hose reels and flow meters. Dick Johnson will join the Macnaught team on the stand on Thursday 11 April to sign autographs. Continuing the racing theme, there will be a racing simulator on the stand for visitors to test their skills - and it will be given away as a prize after the show.

UK based diagnostic tool and technical support company Autologic will demonstrate their capability for Australian independent workshop operators across a wide range of European vehicle brands.

The workspace and storage systems that we dream about will be exhibited by BAC Systems Pty Ltd. With a wide range of modules available, the company provides customisable workstations and storage systems that can save time, space and protect your tools. An Australian manufacturer, BAC Systems provides full service design and installation if required.
 
. . . management systems . . .

Live demonstrations of business software solutions will be provided by Markinson. Designed for aftermarket manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and workshops, the product range includes MomentumPro™ Enterprise Management and Shopkeeper™ Retail Management, in addition to Business Intelligence, CRM and Business Process Management solutions.

Expo highlights

Stuart Charity said as the show draws near, more Expo highlights are being finalised by exhibitors and the organising committee. "While the Expo has a tried and proven formula, we take a fresh approach with each show and integrate news ideas often gleaned from the visitor exit surveys we do at each Expo," he said.

"An innovation this year will be the Expo Happy Hour sponsored by Gates Australia. Expo visitors and exhibitors will be offered complimentary heavy and light beer for a one hour networking session in the two Expo cafés on Friday 12 April from 5 to 6 pm. We will also stream live coverage of NRL matches inside the Exhibition Halls on Friday evening so visitors can keep up to date on the scores without having to leave the Expo.

"One of the busiest attractions at the Expo will be the Seminar series. Bookings are essential and we encourage visitors to check out the program and make their reservations now," said Stuart Charity. CLICK HERE to make your booking.

The Expo has also become a hub for industry activity and events hosted by supporting associations and exhibitors include "by invitation" events:
• Motor Traders Association of New Zealand Networking Function.
• Repco Training Day
• Automotive Brands Networking Function
• ABS Auto Networking Function.
• TJM Networking Function.
• Major corporate sponsor Tenneco Networking Function.

In addition, the AAAA is hosting a number of key events:

• Welcome Reception for International visitors sponsored by New South Wales Trade and Investment - by invitation only Wednesday 10 April 6.00 to 8.00 pm

• Best New Products Awards Breakfast supported by major sponsor Hella Australia - Thursday 11 April 7.45 to 9.30 am - bookings essential T: 03 9545 3333.

• Awards to Industry Banquet - Thursday 11 April 7.00 to 11.00 pm. This gala occasion is supported by Platinum Sponsor Dayco Australia, Gold Sponsor Burson Automotive, Silver Sponsor Premier Auto Trade, and Bronze Sponsor Hella Australia - bookings essential T: 03 9545 3333.

• Performance Racing and Tuning Council Meeting - Friday 12 April 5.00 to 6.00 pm - by invitation.