HSY Autoparts brings the aftermarket together at EVOLVE 2026
Melbourne, Australia – August 2026 – ATR Shareholder HSY Autoparts has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the independent automotive aftermarket with EVOLVE Auto Festival 2026, a dedicated event designed to help workshops and automotive professionals stay ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technologies.
Held in Melbourne on 15 August, EVOLVE brought together workshops, technicians, automotive suppliers and industry professionals for a day combining technical training, hands-on learning, networking and automotive culture.
The event addressed one of the key challenges facing the independent aftermarket: how can workshops adapt their knowledge, equipment and skills as vehicles become increasingly electrified, connected and technologically complex?
From technology to practical workshop knowledge
A key element of EVOLVE 2026 was its technical training program, giving participants the opportunity to gain practical experience with the technologies they are increasingly encountering in today's vehicles.
The program covered a broad range of topics, including 12V battery testing and OE battery technology, steering and suspension, NVH, ICE technology, belt-drive systems, hybrid and electrified vehicle architectures, diesel diagnostics, as well as Brake-by-Wire, Steer-by-Wire and air suspension technologies.
Leading automotive brands and technology specialists contributed to the program, including VARTA, Corteco, MAHLE, Schaeffler, The Automotive Technician, Bosch, ZF, Liqui Moly, MS Motorservice, Elring, Brembo and ATE.
The hands-on approach underlined an important message for the independent aftermarket: technological change is not simply about new vehicle concepts – it requires workshops to continuously develop their technical expertise, equipment, and confidence.
More than technical training
EVOLVE 2026 was designed as more than a training event. The program combined three complementary elements: EVOLVE Cars & Coffee, the technical training program and EVOLVE After Dark, creating opportunities for participants to learn, exchange ideas and connect with the wider automotive community.
The format reflects the changing needs of today's aftermarket, where technical competence and continuous education are becoming increasingly important, while strong relationships between workshops, distributors and suppliers remain essential.
Preparing the independent aftermarket for the future
The transformation of the automotive industry is creating both challenges and opportunities for the independent aftermarket. Electrification, hybridisation, advanced driver assistance systems, increasingly sophisticated electronics and new vehicle architectures are changing the type of work performed in workshops and the skills required to carry it out.
Events such as EVOLVE demonstrate the important role that aftermarket distributors can play in helping workshops navigate this transformation.
As an ATR Shareholder, HSY Autoparts is part of an international network of leading automotive aftermarket distributors committed to strengthening the independent aftermarket and supporting its continued development.
“The vehicle is evolving – and so must the aftermarket.” EVOLVE 2026 provided a practical platform for workshops and industry partners to learn, connect and prepare for the technologies shaping the next generation of automotive service and repair.
ATR International congratulates HSY Autoparts on a successful EVOLVE 2026 and on its continued commitment to the independent automotive aftermarket.
About ATR International AG
ATR International AG is one of the world's leading trade cooperations in the independent automotive aftermarket. Its international network brings together market-leading automotive aftermarket distributors and a broad range of suppliers, creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing and sustainable growth across the global aftermarket.
About hsy
hsy autoparts has been part of the Australian automotive industry for over 63 years. hsy are Australia’s leading independent national importer and distributor of European automotive spare parts, proudly supplying the automotive wholesale and trade industry.