Q: Did your members face any challenges during the COVID? Elaborate.

Charity: As the pandemic started to impact Australia in February, our members initially faced the uncertainties of the virus itself and how that would affect their businesses, customers, employees, and the economy. State and Territory Governments then started imposing various levels of restrictions on people movement and trade. This affected (to varying degrees) large portions of manufacturing, distribution, retail, and automotive service and repair across the country.

Our members then faced the challenge of interpreting hastily constructed and not always coherent new regulations and sought answers to whether they could remain open, and if so to what degree.

Businesses also had to navigate the various Government assistance options available, make difficult decisions around staff, faced the loss of revenue and customers and worried about the short-term survival of their businesses.

Following a national lockdown from March through to May, Australia regained control of infection numbers, and once restrictions started easing businesses exhibited substantial recoveries. However, the state of Victoria (the second largest in Australia) was hit with a second, much larger COVID-19 wave in June. The Victorian Government responded by imposing a hard lockdown of metropolitan Melbourne which ran from July until the end of October. It is only now that restrictions are slowly being wound back, that Melbourne based businesses can start their process of recovery.

Q: What are the learnings for AAAA from the pandemic and how the association supported its members during this time?

Charity: We were proactive in our approach to the pandemic, but of course no one was fully prepared for how events would turn out and the scale of the impact on our economy.

As the first wave hit, we received an unprecedented influx of members and the broader industry who turned to the AAAA seeking information and assistance. Our primary role was to influence and interpret Government regulations and support offerings and provide clear and timely information to our members. Regular, accurate updates assisted our members in making the best decisions and receiving the Government support they needed.

Due to the high level of demand for this information, we had to adapt and further strengthen our communication methods quickly. We added online webinars to our repertoire of communication channels to provide information to as many people as possible. Webinars provided the additional benefit of allowing direct, live member Q&A sessions.

Members had direct access to our advocacy team during the crisis, and the team were inundated with individual requests and queries asking for advice concerning the pandemic, the Government response and their particular situation.

We were successful in lobbying Government to classify automotive repair as an essential service. As a result, the majority of our industry stayed open throughout the year, and we have lost very few staff from the industry, which is a remarkable achievement.

The innovation that was displayed right across the sector was inspiring-mechanical workshops implemented contactless drop-off and pick up systems, adopted SMS and digital communications to inform their customers that they were still open and implemented a range of process changes to ensure the safety of their staff and customers.

Our parts supply chains had to deal with working from home arrangements, scaled back staffing in distribution centres and a whole range of logistical challenges to ensure the trade had the right part, at the right time for the right price.

Automotive retailing also held up remarkably well right throughout the year as people with disposable income and extra time worked on their cars.

We also learned how resilient our industry is. Despite the challenges, we saw incredible resolve, determination and support across the industry and ‘being in this together’ unified everyone toward common goals, putting aside competitive rivalries for the greater good.

Q: How are online sales in the automotive parts retail segment evolving in Australia?

Charity: While online sales of automotive parts and accessories have grown over the past five years due to the strong consumer uptake of online shopping in general, they still make up less than five percent of the overall market. The diversity of the Australian car parc and the need to ensure parts meet exact specifications means that many consumers and trade customers still buy from traditional bricks-and-mortar retailers and resellers. Having said that, outside of the online marketplaces such as e-Bay, the majority of online sales are through the large traditional retail groups such as Supercheap Auto, Bapcor (Autobarn/AutoPro) and GPC (Repco/Sparesbox). While Amazon attempted a major push into online retailing of automotive parts and accessories several years back, they have not been able to gain significant market share from the established online retailers.

Q: What is the role played by AAAA whenever issues crop between nations on Tariff etc.? Is there any impact on imports of aftermarket products from China?

Charity: We take a proactive approach to address any tariff issues that arise from time to time that have the potential to impact on our membership. An example of this was in 2019 when the Trump administration was considering imposing a Tariff of 25 percent on automotive products exported into the USA based on national security grounds (section 232). The USA is our largest export market.

We were able to lobby for our Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to engage with their US State Department counterparts to advocate for Australia’s interests with the US Administration. This involved direct representations by Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister as well as our Ambassador to the USA to put the position that the products that the Australian industry supply into the USA complement rather than compete with US manufacturers. Ultimately the Trump administration did not proceed with the Tariff.

We have not experienced any issues with the import of aftermarket products from China other than some isolated supply issues earlier in the year as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 on China’s manufacturing sector.

Q: The connected vehicle is a boon for the users; how is it for the aftermarket industry?

Charity: Similar to other new technologies, connected vehicles present new opportunities for the aftermarket; however, at the same time, challenges have presented themselves. Over the years as vehicles include more and more electronics, both hardware and software, it has made it more difficult for independent service and repair workshops to access software updates and repair and service information from car manufacturers. This has a flow-on effect on their ability to compete with dealerships on fair and reasonable terms in servicing and repair of vehicles. We have campaigned for over ten years to have a law implemented that compels the manufacturers to share this data. In great news, a mandatory data sharing law will be introduced in Australia in 2021, which will force all car companies to share all repair and service information with all repairers on fair and reasonable commercial terms.

Despite the advances in the connected car, the fundamentals of vehicles have not changed. Components need service and repair, and vehicles remain open to all manner of modifications and customisation. In Australia, changing government regulations can impose challenges regarding the modification of vehicles; however, we have a constructive dialogue with regulators to ensure our members can continue to offer safe accessories and modifications for vehicle owners.

Q: What percentage of sales in Australia account for electric vehicles? What is the current EV parc? How does AAAA support its members in catering to the requirements of these new breed vehicles?

Charity: Electric vehicles continue to gain some popularity with sales volumes increasing year on year; however, they remain a tiny part of the Australian car parc. Electric vehicles account for only about 0.6 percent of the Australian market currently. Sentiment wise, consumers are more receptive towards owning an EV vehicle than five years ago. The main challenges we face are the lack of EV charging infrastructure and the vast distances involved in Australian road networks, as well as the price of EV’s compared to the equivalent internal combustion engine model. We don’t foresee any sizeable shift in the change to the car parc in relation to EV’s for at least another ten years.

At an AAAA-member support level, we are beginning to host information and training evenings that focus on EV safety and specific servicing requirements and monitor any changes in the car parc or Government regulations around EV’s that may have an impact on the industry.

Q: Can you briefly tell us about your initiatives in building professional skills to your members?

Charity: One of the core principles of the AAAA is to ensure member sustainability and foster member growth, with skills development an important component of this.

At Government level, we support and advocate for issues around skills and training. In Australia, there is a shortage of skilled labour, and our industry needs more apprentices to choose automotive as a career. Along with Government advocacy on these issues, we are increasing our work on strategies at an industry level to drive new apprenticeship levels and interest in what is a fantastic and diverse industry.

AAAA members are exposed to regular AAAA training and networking evenings, designed to educate and build skills of those in our industry. Our member webinars are often themed toward skills development with topics including local area marketing, cash flow and business efficiency.

We also provide business development tools and services to members. This includes access to our advocacy team, market research, including our Car Parc Data tool and Workshop Health Check, and hotlines for human resource and legal matters.

Q: Can you update on the “Automotive Innovation Labs” that AAAA established in Victoria and South Australia a couple of years ago?

Charity: The Auto Innovation Centre (AIC) is just about to celebrate its first birthday in Victoria, while the facility in South Australia is close to being opened. The Melbourne facility contains cutting-edge testing and scanning equipment, workshop facilities and other manufacturing and development capabilities for our industry to utilise, plus a fleet of new vehicles for product development.

The AIC is already the go-to facility for many Australian businesses seeking assistance with product development thanks to its unique capabilities. The AIC conducts regular Electronic Stability Control and Brake Testing to ensure products such as suspension and braking systems meet Australian Design Rules. 3D Scanning is another popular service offering, with a soon to be launched database of vehicle scan data available to subscribers. The AIC also hosts businesses that run training, networking and information evenings and the fully equipped workshop is used by companies for product fitting sessions using the AIC vehicle fleet.

Q: What is your outlook for the growth of the aftermarket in the next five years?

Charity: We are very positive about the growth outlook in the aftermarket over the next five years as all the key drivers that we look at to assess future demand in our industry is positive. These include:

The fact that Australians are still very reluctant to use public transport like they did in the past which has driven up the price of second-hand cars as families buy a second or even third car to ensure they can get to where they need to be without relying on transport.

New car sales that had already experienced two consecutive years of month-on-month declines have been decimated this year. This will drive up the average age of vehicles meaning that a greater proportion of vehicles will and are being serviced in the independent aftermarket.

With many interstate borders still closed and international borders shut for the foreseeable future, we are seeing the return of the family road trip which has seen a massive boom in the sales of 4WD accessories and vehicle modification services.

To further support these market dynamics, the imminent introduction of a national mandatory data-sharing law will lay the foundation for further strengthening of the independent service and repair sector moving forward.

So while 2020 is a year that we’d all rather forget, we are experiencing strong demand for our products and services across all segments of the aftermarket and we are projecting this to be sustained over the next five years. (MT)

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French automotive major Renault Group has appointed Francois Provost as the new CEO of Renault S.A. and Chairman of Renault s.a.s., effective 31 July, for a term of four years. The move is part of the recommendation of the Renault Group Board of Directors, under the chairmanship of Jean-Dominique Senard.

Provost earlier held the position of Chief Procurement, Partnerships and Public Affairs Officer and comes with over two decades of experience within the Renault Group. The company stated he has strong international experience in both operational and strategic roles, an in-depth understanding of the sector’s challenges.

In his new role, he will be responsible to continue and accelerate the development of Renault Group, particularly internationally. Through partnerships, capitalise on its strategic agility and maintain high performance standards, in full respect of the company’s values.

Jean-Dominique Senard, said, "I am confident that François Provost will lead the Group with discernment and determination in an environment that demands both rigor in execution, strategic vision, and the ability to innovate. In this rapidly changing industry, his determination and sense of responsibility will be true assets to guide the teams and sustain our momentum. At Renault Group, there is no place for the status quo. Thanks to his expertise and knowledge of the company, we will be able to complete the implementation of our strategic plan, finalise the terms of the next one, and ensure its successful execution. I sincerely look forward to working with him. I would also like to warmly thank Duncan Minto for serving as interim during these past few days."

Francois Provost, said, “It is with pride and gratitude that I welcome my appointment. I would like to warmly thank my President, Jean-Dominique Senard, and the Board of Directors for the trust they have placed in me. I have a special thought for the teams across the Group who have supported me throughout these past 23 years. I will dedicate all my energy and passion to contributing – alongside our 100,000 employees, our dealers, suppliers and partners – to the development of our Group, one of the flagships of French industry for the past 127 years. Renault Group benefits from strong fundamentals, with committed teams, an outstanding range of products, strong brands, and an innovative organisational model. These will be invaluable assets as we accelerate our transformation in an increasingly demanding environment for our industry. You can count on my commitment and determination to write the next page of our history together.”

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In what may come as no surprise, United States President Donald Trump has announced 25 percent tariff and additional penalty for goods imported from India starting 1 August 2025.

The announcement was made by Trump on social media platform ‘Truth Social’, wherein he stated that ‘While India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country. Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE — ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST FIRST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. MAGA!’

Over the last few months, India has been trying to work with the United States government to reach a trade deal, but no concrete deal has been finalised as of yet.

Reacting to the announcement, the Indian government stated, ‘The government has taken note of a statement by the US President on bilateral trade.  The government is studying its implications. India and the US have been engaged in negotiations on concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement over the last few months. We remain committed to that objective. The government attaches the utmost importance to protecting and promoting the welfare of our farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs. The government will take all steps necessary to secure our national interest, as has been the case with other trade agreements including the latest Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the UK.’

At present, India’s top five exports to the United States include precious stones, metals & pearls (14.3%), electrical machinery & electronics (14%), pharmaceutical products (12.6%), machinery, mechanical appliances & parts (7.7%), mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation (6.1%).

While nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery parts; mineral fuel, oil; optic, photo, medical, surgical instruments; electric machinery; and pharamecutical products were the key imports for India from the USA.

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Delhi has prohibited fuel sales to petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles exceeding 10 years. The ban, enforced through automated Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at fuel stations and strict penalties, impacts over 6.2 million vehicles. With transport contributing 51 percent of Delhi’s pollution (as per CSE), the policy aims to reduce emissions but raises concerns over vehicle owners’ livelihoods.

The Indian Auto LPG Coalition (IAC), the nodal body for the promotion of Auto LPG in India, emphasises retrofitting older vehicles with cleaner fuels as an immediate, cost-effective solution. Auto LPG significantly cuts emissions without requiring premature scrapping of vehicles. The IAC urges the government to simplify and incentivise retrofitting, ensuring a smoother transition for affected citizens.

As Delhi balances environmental and economic priorities, promoting Auto LPG retrofitting could offer a sustainable path forward – reducing pollution while preserving mobility and livelihoods. This approach may also serve as a model for other Indian cities battling similar air quality challenges.

Suyash Gupta, Director General of Indian Auto LPG Coalition, said, “Delhi stands at a fundamental crossroad in its battle against the rising air pollution. The current ban, while bold, will disrupt the lives of millions unless we provide a viable alternative. By promoting retrofitment to Auto LPG, we can offer immediate relief to vehicle owners and the environment alike. Auto LPG retrofitment is a proven, affordable and scalable solution that can help Delhi achieve its clean air goals without forcing citizens to scrap their assets prematurely. The government’s support in incentivising and simplifying the retrofitment process will be crucial in making this transition both practical and impactful.”

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The United Kingdom has announced nearly GBP 6 billion in new investments and export wins tied to the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with significant implications for the automotive, aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors. The deal, signed during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to create over 2,200 jobs in the UK.

Under the FTA, India’s average tariff on UK products will drop from 15 percent to 3 percent, with specific cuts for key sectors. Automotive tariffs of up to 110 percent will be reduced to 10 percent under a quota system, while aerospace tariffs (previously as high as 11 percent) will be eliminated. Tariffs on electrical machinery will also fall, potentially halved or brought to zero, depending on product classification.

The UK government estimates the trade deal will increase UK exports to India by nearly 60 percent and raise bilateral trade by 39 percent by 2040, compared to current projections without the agreement.

British automotive, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing players are among the biggest beneficiaries:

Rolls-Royce and Airbus will begin delivery of aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce engines to Indian airlines as part of contracts worth around GBP 5 billion. The orders are expected to support jobs in Filton, Broughton, and Derby.

International Aerospace Manufacturing (IAMPL) — a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Hindustan Aeronautics — is investing GBP 30 million to expand its facility in Hosur, India.

Johnson Matthey will invest GBP 4 million in new plants at Taloja and Panki, supporting up to 20,000 jobs in India during construction, alongside over GBP 20 million in secured contracts for engineering and catalyst supply.

Wilson Power Solutions will invest GBP 21 million in Chennai to expand transformer manufacturing capacity.

Helical Tech is committing GBP 5.72 million in overseas direct investment (ODI) to expand its Pune facility as a global supply hub.

The agreement also unlocks procurement opportunities in India’s clean energy market and improves market access for UK manufacturers across sectors such as components, electrical machinery, and mobility technologies.

On the export front, UK companies such as Carbon Clean, Occuity, Aurionpro, DCube AI, and Kyzer Software are tapping into Indian demand for carbon capture, healthcare tech, AI, and fintech. Combined, their deals are set to contribute hundreds of millions in export value over the next five years.

Jonathan Reynolds, Business and Trade Secretary, UK, said, “The almost GBP 6 billion in new investment and export wins announced today will deliver thousands of jobs and shows the strength of our partnership with India.”

The FTA also paves the way for long-term collaboration in defence manufacturing, semiconductors, AI, quantum computing and other critical technologies.

The UK currently imports GBP 11 billion in goods from India annually. With liberalised tariffs, the government expects significant cost savings for UK firms importing automotive and advanced manufacturing components, aiding domestic production and supporting supply chain resilience.

Shailesh Chandra, President, SIAM and Managing Director, Tata Passenger Vehicles & Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “The Indian automobile industry congratulates the Government of India for its tireless efforts in bringing the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to fruition. This landmark development marks a significant step forward in strengthening India’s global economic engagement, particularly with developed economies. As two major economies enter a new phase of partnership, SIAM appreciates the Government’s extensive stakeholder consultations throughout the negotiation process. Concluding this transformative agreement amid global trade uncertainties reflects India’s growing leadership in shaping modern trade and investment frameworks.”

The commitments made by the Government of India on automobile sector tariffs strike a thoughtful balance—addressing consumer interests while supporting the broader goals of Indian industry. We view this agreement as part of a wider strategic engagement and believe it opens new avenues for collaboration and opportunity with a key global partner. SIAM remains committed to working closely with the Government of India to ensure the benefits of the agreement translate into greater growth, global competitiveness, and technological progress for the Indian automotive industry,” added Chandra.

Shradha Suri Marwah, President, ACMA, said, “The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) welcomes the signing of the India-UK Comprehensive Trade Agreement as a landmark development in the bilateral relationship between the two nations. This agreement is poised to usher in a new era of economic cooperation, fostering greater market access, technology partnerships and value chain integration between the Indian and British automotive industries. The CETA is expected to benefit the Indian auto component sector through enhanced opportunities for exports, streamlined regulatory processes, particularly in key areas such as electric mobility, precision engineering and lightweight materials. Indian MSMEs, which form the backbone of our industry, stand to gain from the liberalised terms of trade and improved access to UK markets. We are hopeful that the agreement will also promote collaboration in R&D, skilling and innovation, especially in green and digital technologies – areas that are crucial for our sector’s long-term competitiveness and sustainability. ACMA congratulates the government of India and the United Kingdom for their vision and commitment in bringing this agreement to fruition. We look forward to working with our counterparts in the UK to realise the full potential of this partnership, and to strengthen our collective contribution to global automotive value chains.”

Dr Anish Shah, Group CEO and MD, Mahindra Group, said, “The landmark trade agreement between India and the UK marks a transformative moment in the global economic landscape. It’s not just a win for trade, but a blueprint for a modern, values-led partnership that puts innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth at the heart of global collaboration. At Mahindra, we believe deeply in the power of such cross-border partnerships to unlock economic potential, create high-quality jobs, and accelerate progress in future-facing sectors from green mobility and clean energy to digital technologies and advanced manufacturing. The UK-India Vision 2035 aligns closely with our own strategic priorities building resilient supply chains, investing in frontier technologies, and fostering a just transition to a low-carbon economy. As Indian industry becomes increasingly global in its footprint and ambition, we look forward to contributing meaningfully to this next chapter of UK-India cooperation.”

Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, said, “We are deeply inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat and his unwavering commitment to making India a global manufacturing and design powerhouse. The signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement is a pivotal moment—it opens new frontiers for Indian companies to take ‘Make in India’ to the world. We are particularly excited given the launch of new Norton vehicles this year, which will benefit from the strengthening of trade links between India and the UK. It energises our global ambitions and strengthens our resolve to build world-class products and brands.”

A spokesperson for JLR said: “We welcome this free trade agreement between the UK and India, which over time will deliver reduced tariff access to the Indian car market for JLR's luxury vehicles. India is an important market for our British built products and represents significant future growth opportunities.” 

Amit Kalyani, Vice-Chairman & Joint MD, Bharat Forge, said, “Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the historic India–UK deal signed yesterday! #IndiaUKFTA marks a breakthrough for India’s engineering and manufacturing industries, with zero-duty access on about 99% of tariff lines covering almost 100% of trade value. Indian manufacturers can now tap into the UK market with greater competitiveness, improving their global footprint. I’d like to extend my appreciation to Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal ji for his pivotal roles in facilitating this partnership. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this agreement on trade, investment, and economic growth in both the countries.”

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