The top Victorian and Tasmanian automotive businesses and apprentices have been revealed at the 2024 Automotive Industry Awards.
Four of the 16 businesses, business people, and apprentices announced as leaders in their field came from the dealership sector.
Patterson Cheney won the President’s Award – Employer of the Year, sponsored by Denso.
Warragul Nissan & Mitsubishi was awarded Best Large Business (Regional Victoria), which Podium sponsored.
JMC Automotive Group was awarded the Best Large Business (Tasmania) sponsored by MotorTech partner HaynesPro.
Luke Johnstone from the Harrison Motor Group received the VACC Apprentice of the Year award, sponsored by Spirit Super.
Dealerships also played an essential part in fostering the next generation of automotive talent, with seven apprenticeship winners working at dealerships across Victoria and Tasmania, including Rex Gorell MG, Cranbourne Mitsubishi and Kia, Werribee Kia, Volvo Cars Geelong, Ferntree Gully Hyundai and Kia, Essendon Mazda and Tilford Group.
Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) chief executive Geoff Gwilym says the awards demonstrate member and apprentice commitment to quality and customer service.
“It is a huge accolade to be named the best in Victoria and Tasmania. These winners go above and beyond and have proved themselves more than worthy of these titles,” Gwilym says.
An independent judge evaluated entries based on business management, workplace practices, customer service and environmental impacts. Finalists were randomly audited to ensure only the best of VACC and TACC’s 5,000 members would be crowned.
Winners were announced at the VACC President’s Gala Dinner, a formal evening that combined industry awards and apprentice graduation festivities. On June 29, attendees heard from the master of ceremonies, VACC Ambassador Shane Jacobson, and a string of entertainers at the Palladium at Crown, Melbourne.
