Market Highlights:

• Australia has the third highest vehicle ownership rate in the world with over 600 vehicles per 1,000 people.

• Growth in Australia’s aftermarket has averaged over 5 percent over the past ten years. The aftermarket for replacement parts and accessories is estimated to be worth approximately USD 5 billion for replacement parts and USD 6 billion for accessories and is split fairly evenly between local producers and imports.

• The United States is the leading supplier of automotive parts and accessories to Australia, accounting for 23.64 percent of imports or USD 494 million.

• It is anticipated that the slowdown of new car sales as a result of the world economic crisis will have a positive impact on the aftermarket industries as more consumers look to improve and repair their existing motor vehicles.

Trade Leads/Best Prospects

The Australian automotive industry provides good opportunities for U.S. suppliers of both specialty aftermarket equipment as well as the necessary aftermarket parts such as: 4WD parts and accessories; street performance parts and accessories; carburators; mobile electronics; suspension; transmission and ignition products; lubricants and fuel pumps; body repair kits and products. In general, high-quality, innovative, and competitively priced parts and accessories are always in demand.

Potential Australian Automotive Company Trade Leads:

• Company seeking brand new Cadillac SUVs and Dodge Ram Trucks in any color.
• Company wants plastic molded drawer systems for fitment in the back of 4WD, station wagons and utility vehicles.
• Company looking for general 60s and 70s restoration parts.
• Company interested in a cheaper line of car wash, car polish and a cutting compound.
• Company in search of automotive tuning and diagnostic equipment.
• Company seeking cast pistons, forged pistons, ARP fasteners, engine bearings and piston rings.
• Company wants windscreens or any automotive glass manufacturers on the West Coast.

Upcoming Australian Automotive Events:

• FTA Webinar – February 26, 2009 at 4:00pm EST. The webinar will cover highlights, best prospects, and entry strategies for the automotive sector in Australia. Information regarding ‘rules of origin’ and ‘certificate of origin’ will also be covered. International trade and Australian Automotive Industry specialists will be online to answer any of your questions.

• AAA Expo – April 2-4, 2009 - Sydney. The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association Expo is the largest and most comprehensive aftermarket trade event ever held in Australia.

For more information on the Australian automotive market, please contact:

Melanie Heskin
Commercial Specialist
U.S. Commercial Specialist - Melbourne, Australia
Phone: 61-3-9526-5924
Fax: 61-3-9526-4660
melanie.heskin@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov