How a great relationship keeps delivering for our industry.
If the best relationships are those where the partners are equal, complement each other, and have a shared goal, then the relationship between the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) and Capricorn is a strong one.
This year, as Capricorn celebrates its fiftieth anniversary, we've been reflecting on the long and happy collaboration between our two organisations, and all we've achieved together.
AAAA Chief Executive Stuart Charity said the strong bond between the two organisations was primarily driven by two men, longtime former Capricorn general manager Frank O'Connor and current Capricorn Group CEO David Fraser.
"AAAA was formed in 1980 and Frank joined our board in 1991," Stuart said. "He was on the board for 10 years, including holding the positions of vice-president and president. He was president until shortly before he retired. He's a real character and an amazing guy."
"I joined AAAA in February 2006 and it became abundantly clear very quickly that the AAAA and Capricorn had an established relationship and a very rich history. We've worked very closely on a whole range of industry initiatives."
"The relationship only strengthened when David Fraser, who had been on our board when he was with Coventrys, came back to the industry as Capricorn's Automotive General Manager about a year after I started. The first thing he did was contact me and indicate that he was keen to run again for the board, and he was elected. David was on our board for 16 years in all and also ended up being elected vice-president and president."
Why is the relationship between the AAAA and Capricorn so close? Stuart reckons there are two key reasons: both were formed to deliver value back to the industry, and the two organisations complement each other, rather than compete.
"Capricorn is happy to leave the lobbying to us and we don't delve into the Preferred Supplier arrangements and insurance and all those services Capricorn offers,"; Stuart said "But, at heart, both of our organisations are here to serve the interests of the industry and to ensure the prosperity and growth of the industry."
Together, we are a powerful voice for the industry—and even governments sit up and take notice. The prime example of this is the Choice of Repairer campaign, which launched in 2010 and led to Australia’s Right to Repair Laws, which were legislated in 2022.
David Fraser said Right to Repair was a prime example of the two organisations championing change and resolving the issues faced by the industry. But there are plenty of other examples.
“In the dark days of COVID we worked closely together to get the government to recognise that they needed to keep our industry open,” he said. “And we go to and speak at each other’s events, share each other’s messages with our Members, and piggyback off whatever the other is doing.”
Reflecting on his time on the AAAA board, David said one of his proudest achievements was being a part of the decision to bring the organisation of the Autotmotive Aftermarket Expo back in-house.
“Although it’s only held every second year, that is essentially what funds the organisation and covers its costs over a 24-month period,” he said. It was a decision that continues to keep the AAAA, and its voice, strong."
David is retiring as Capricorn Group CEO at the end of this year, after a long and successful career in the automotive aftermarket, but the collaboration between the AAAA and Capricorn will continue long into the future. Stuart said the organisations were working together to tackle the transition to EVs and more complicated vehicles, and the skills shortage that is impacting the industry.
“We need to upskill our current technicians and to ensure we’re an industry of choice for younger people, so that’s an area where we’re collaborating extensively,” Stuart said.
There’s still work to do, but the AAAA and Capricorn don’t just have each other’s backs, we’ve got our industry’s back, too.