Aftermarket wants high-tech R&D forum

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has proposed a research and development facility that would bring together its members with international car manufacturers to develop aftermarket parts for new cars.

Based on an idea already well established in the USA – the SEMA Garage in California – the 'Australian Automotive Innovation Lab' would put AAAA members in touch with overseas car companies for the development of appropriate parts for a new car ahead of its local launch.

According to a press release issued by the AAAA, this would ensure any new car launched into the local market receives the proper aftermarket support up-front. And parts developed by local companies, hand-in-glove with car manufacturers, could yield export business worth up to $1 billion a year. that would sustain the local automotive manufacturing industry after the closure of the remaining vehicle assembly plants here.

Local firms that are operating in the aftermarket industry – and which the AAAA claims have been 'globally recognised' – are building frontal protection, suspension components, roof racks, tow bars, side steps and performance parts.

Currently, says the AAAA, aftermarket firms have to send engineers overseas ahead of the local model launch. The Innovation Lab would be more cost-effective for the Aussie companies, and potentially more efficient for the global manufacturers.

"There are good reasons why we will need to modify global platform vehicles for Australian conditions," said AAAA Executive Director Stuart Charity.

"On the mix of urban and rural roads in Australia, vehicles require special purpose modifications to make them fit for purpose in terms of safety and performance. This is especially true for vehicles carrying heavy loads and/or towing.

"We also have world class companies manufacturing components for vehicle modification for defence, mining, rescue and emergency services. Businesses such as these would benefit from the Innovation Lab."

Run by the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA), which is America's equivalent to the AAAA, the SEMA Garage (pictured) is not to be confused with the SEMA show, held in Las Vegas each year.

"The Australian Innovation Lab would be modelled on the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Garage," says Charity.

"This Los Angeles, California based facility offers the USA automotive aftermarket companies access to expertise and equipment on a fee for service basis.

"The SEMA Garage has industry ownership and accountability, and has already been very supportive of AAAA in the establishment of an Australian Auto Innovation Lab," said Stuart Charity."

The feasibility study will be conducted by business consultancy Grant Thornton Australia, and is funded in equal parts by the AAAA, the Queensland government and a group of interested companies collectively labelled 'the Australian Automotive Innovation Lab Champions Club'. Queensland's involvement in the study reflects the state's 600 companies that manufacture automotive parts and employ 7500 workers.