Gates^® Australia concluded another successful Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo after the 12 month delay due to the ongoing pandemic. The expo was held from April 7-9 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Gates Australia stand showcased the latest products in automotive power transmission and fluid power which was not the only reason the stand attracted many attendees over the 3 days. There were plenty of giveaways and 100’s of fresh Gates donuts which were all individually wrapped to be covid safe! Many attendees also played on the two Gates Retro Arcade Game Drums featured in the stand. In additional, the Gates Sponsored V8 SuperUte was on display in the expo foyer for all visitors to see on arrival.

Visitors to the Gates stand had the chance to enter to win the Retro Arcade Game Drums simply by scanning the QR codes printed on the donuts. Other prizes to be won include the Gates retro mini fridge and $350 worth of Penrite Racing Merchandise. Four lucky winners were contacted after the event, all very excited with their win!

The primary focus of the stand was the Protect the Ride™ campaign, consisting of three operating systems of the vehicle, accessory belt drive, timing and cooling. The Protect the Ride campaign advocates for a full system replacement which ensures more profitable jobs for workshops and less customer comebacks. The Gates Modular Hose was also featured at the stand, as with the growing trend towards hybrid and electric vehicles, the more complex modular hoses are becoming more prominent in modern day vehicles. Gates Modular Hoses offer great sales opportunities for distributors, resellers and workshops alike.

The Gates stand also had two special guests from Gates Denver, Drew Conkling, Global Product Line Director and David Miller, VP Aftermarket Global Marketing and Product Management to assist over the 3 days.

Gates yet again sponsored the expo’s very popular Happy Hour on the Friday evening from 6-7:30pm, with many flocking to the Gates stand to collect a free beverage and enjoy the great networking opportunity with other attendees and exhibitors from all over the expo. The Gates Sponsored Penrite Racing drivers Lee Holdsworth and David Reynolds who was hot off his podium placement at the Grand Prix earlier that day came in for a meet and greet and to sign autographs and accompanying them was Gates’ very own V8 SuperUte Driver Dean Brooking.

Gates would like to congratulate and thank the AAAA on another great expo, which showcased the strength & resilience of the automotive aftermarket in Australia.