When it comes to preparing for the future, one of the best opportunities to learn so much under one roof will be at the unmissable 2024 Collision Repair Expo where a strong educational focus hopes to inspire and energise repair businesses in a diverse range of areas.
The 2024 Collision Repair Expo launched with the special theme ‘The Future is Here’ and plans for the April event have followed up this focus with a range of educational opportunities not only making this future accessible but offering practical solutions that can make real differences to repair businesses.
The ADAS Technology Zone will showcase ADAS calibration demonstrations and answer important questions about this emerging and crucial component of automotive repair.
Another Expo highlight for 2024 is the Expo Electrified Zone, which will offer unique opportunities to learn about EV and hybrid service and repair with hands-on and practical demonstrations, including live testing of EV motors and generators.
Expo training will be about a lot more than just technology, with a wide range of sessions including international experts on how you can improve your businesses as well as special insights on recruitment.
Presented by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association the exhibition will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre across April 11-13.
Take a bold step into the world of ADAS
If 2024 is the year when collision repair workshops plan to take the bold step into ADAS calibration, then there is one more reason to make the Collision Repair Expo an unmissable event.
The AAAA has added a new ADAS Technology Zone, exploring Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and the skills needed for ADAS calibrations as part of its learning experience at the major April event.
The zone will showcase the latest ADAS equipment and calibration techniques from suppliers, provide ADAS calibration demonstrations, training and specialist advice focused on best practice. The zone is tailored specifically for collision repairers, automotive repairers and those working in vehicle modification.
The ADAS Technology Zone has been created by the AAAA in partnership with a leader in the field ADAS Solutions Australia.
AAAA director of membership, marketing and events Tiffany Conway says the zone will be a valuable new feature at an Expo focussed on the future.
“The ADAS Technology Zone will address the important questions repairers and modifiers have about incorporating ADAS calibration into their service offering, either in-house or outsourced to a business partner, and the business implications of both options,” Conway says.
“This Zone will be the most comprehensive opportunity for attendees to get-up-close-and-personal with ADAS equipment, learn what’s best for their business, and get all the answers they need from ADAS industry experts.
“The AAAA is very proud to be partnering with ADAS Solutions Australia to bring this vitally important subject matter to life. Together, we will provide attendees with equipment demonstrations, peer networking opportunities, and access to ADAS calibration experts, to help attendees to better understand and navigate the complexities of ADAS calibration.”
ADAS Solutions Australia are industry leaders in ADAS technology, equipment, and training; utilising a variety of ADAS equipment to educate and also provide calibration services.
“Almost every passenger vehicle sold in Australia today has some form of ADAS,” ADAS Solutions Australia director, Adrian Parkes says.
“As such, it is vitally important that the automotive and collision repair industry understands the systems and components commonly used by manufacturers, and what these systems and components are designed to do, as well as the repair requirements and processes of the ADAS’ commonly found on passenger vehicles today.
“Covering ADAS fundamentals, components, calibration and providing live demonstrations with ADAS technicians, we will provide attendees with the chance to improve their knowledge base, ask questions and discuss real world issues and scenarios they face in the industry,” Parkes says.
The ADAS Technology Zone builds on the 2022 Expos’ Workshop of the Future concept, by providing a dedicated space which focuses on this rapidly growing segment of the market.
The Expos are packed with additional training opportunities, including an exclusive Collision Repair Training Program with leading international experts Dirk Fuchs and Robert Snook and a comprehensive Business Education Program.
Expert insights
The big names are lining up at the collision industry’s biggest expo, making for even more reasons not to miss the April event.
The three-day event will deliver a comprehensive, free-to-trade, Business Education Program.
Auto Care Association president and CEO, Bill Hanvey, is the latest addition to headline the array of experts-leading the business education program at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo & Collision Repair Expo in Melbourne.
Hanvey, highly sought after globally for his industry knowledge and insights – will speak exclusively to attendees on the important topics of global aftermarket trends, right to repair, and skills shortages.
“Education is a crucial mechanism to ensure our industry is sustainable and continues to grow. I am looking forward to contributing my insights and knowledge to the comprehensive education program being offered at the Expo, and to once again meet with many Australian and international industry leaders at Expo,” Hanvey says.
Joining the list of speakers at the exclusive Business Education Program will be a list of automotive leaders who steer many of Australia’s major automotive organisations. They include Wayne Bryant, CEO Automotive Division of GPC; Steve Drummy, EGM Trade at BAPCOR; Lesley Yates, Director Government Relations and Advocacy at AAAA; Adam Gillick, Group Marketing Manager at Pedders; Adam Pay, CEO of mycar Tyre & Auto; Bradley Gannon, CEO Automotive of Capricorn Society and Stuart Charity, CEO of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association.
The new line-up adds to the announcement of special guests Dirk Fuchs from the US who will provide EV systems and EV workshop fit-out training Leading consultant Robert Snook will also bring his industry experience to the business program.
AAAA CEO, Stuart Charity says the tailored program sessions to equip attendees with the insights they need to best prepare their business for the future, amidst a rapidly evolving industry and economic landscape.
“It is our goal to provide trade visitors to the Expos with the tools and knowledge they need to make well-informed decisions for their businesses. We couldn’t be more excited to be delivering this all-encompassing program, which will help visitors increase their business profitability, understand future trends, and take advantage of workplace efficiencies,”
Session topics will include global aftermarket trends, local area marketing, right to repair, demonstrating the motor vehicle information scheme, finding and keeping great employees amidst a skills shortage, preparing your workshop for electrification, improving work life balance and increasing business profitability.
Expo adds to its ‘Electrifying’ opportunities
For any repair business tentative about the big move into the world of EV repairs and maintenance, this year’s expo offers the ideal place to take the first step.
The ‘Expo Electrified’ feature zone at April’s Collision Repair Expo will ensure attendees can get up close to EV/Hybrid service and repair on a whole new scale.
The exciting new Expo Electrified Zone will offer unique opportunities to learn about EV and hybrid service and repair with hands-on and practical demonstrations including live testing of EV motors and generators, all delivered by the experts from The Automotive Technician’s (TaT) EV & Hybrid Network.
The expo co-located with the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo is free to attend and the only comprehensive trade show for the nation’s automotive repair and service industry.
Designed to give attendees exposure to the latest in EV technology and techniques, the Zone will also feature the latest in EV tools and workshop equipment, EV Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and display a Ford F-150 Lightning EV, provided by the Auto Innovation Centre (AIC).
“The value of getting ready for the EV evolution has never been clearer, and excitement around this new and rapidly evolving technology is building quickly,” AAAA Director of membership, marketing and events, Tiffany Conway says.
“As such, we are very excited to offer the Expo Electrified Zone to technicians and workshop owners wanting to get ahead of the curve, and seeking the chance to learn from awesome teachers and state-of-the-art equipment at Expo.”
TaT Technical Editor and Director, Jeff Smit, says Expo Electrified is a must for anyone looking to make sure they can best service their clients in this emerging space.
“Electrified vehicles are currently transforming from a trend to the mainstream, reshaping the roads and the way we can service our customers. We are excited to bring real hands-on component testing to the Expo Electrified Zone, giving an opportunity for you to carry out real tests on real EV and Hybrid motors,” Smit says.
Focused solely on EVs and Hybrids, Expo Electrified follows the popular Workshop of the Future feature area which ran at Expo in 2022.
“Such is the pace of technological advancement in the EV and Hybrid space, and with vehicles increasingly Hybrid or EV powered – accounting for seven percent of new car sales in 2023 – the time is right for this growing and dynamic field to have its own dedicated space at our Expo,” Conway says.
“Whether you want to learn about EVs and Hybrids for now or for the future, Expo Electrified is a great way to gear up for effective and safe service and repair of these vehicles in your workshop.”
Preparing for the future with Fuchs
How workshops can be best prepared to repair electric and hybrid vehicles safely and efficiently, along with vital insights into key business management challenges such as attracting and keeping staff and opening business revenue streams will all be on the agenda.
U.S based Dirk Fuchs is a renowned expert and speaker in Hybrid and EV technology and Founder and CEO of Electric Mobility Consulting, created to meet the high demand for in-depth technical information.
With more than 20 years of automotive experience Dirk’s impressive resume includes technical training roles in Volkswagen and ZF in Germany, before serving as ZF North American Training Manager, and most recently as Director, Technical Programs and Services at I-CAR.
Three free sessions will cover some of the key avenues of preparing workshops for EVs: Prepare your Workshop for Electrification; EV Battery Handling and Service in Collision Repair; EV System Repair and Component Replacement.
In addition, Fuchs will host a special ticketed event; a half-day training program titled ‘Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Awareness’ that features a fantastic overview of EV system principles, high voltage electric system hazards and safe EV working.
This session will be in high demand and ticket prices are great value.
Interactive
Another highlight for repairers is the Lowbake Spray Booth back in 2024.
This interactive crowd favourite allows visitors to see the latest techniques, paints and technology being used via live demonstrations by the major refinish companies.
All under one roof
The combined Expos will showcase more than 400 leading brands plus international exhibitors and guests showcasing the latest equipment, technology, parts, and accessories, and this new zone further ensures the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo and Collision Repair Expo are ‘not to be missed.’
To find out more about the ADAS Technology Zone, Expo Electrified Zone or to register for the Business Education Program, or any other training and features of the Expo, and to get your free tickets,visit www.collisionrepair.com.au
The Collision Repair Expo is free-to-attend for all members of the automotive trade, register at the website.
The Expo will take place 11 – 13 April 2024 at the Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre.