Autobahn, a leading supplier of automotive window film, paint protection film (PPF), and ceramic coatings, has launched a new Dealer and Distribution Network in Australia. Premier Film Distribution (PFD), a Distributor for Autobahn Australia’s Dealer and Distribution Network, hosted a launch party at the Bella Vista Hotel in Sydney, Australia, on January 21, 2024.
No Limits Down Under
“We always feel like we’re left out in Australia,” says Richard Charquero, Owner of Kustom Window Tinting in Melbourne, Australia. “We’ve heard people talking about Autobahn for years. When I heard about the launch, I was quite excited. This feels very different from what we’re used to. We never get anyone making noise and saying, ‘We’re here.’”
30-year industry veteran Charquero is one of many Australian dealers planning to join Autobahn’s new Network.
“From a business perspective, Autobahn is a no brainer,” says Damian Whitehead, Owner of Dr. Tint in Melbourne, Australia. “With the amount of support and backing behind the product, you don’t want to be last in line.”
Boyd Hunter, General Manager at PFD, reports a remarkable level of enthusiasm, with more than 70 industry professionals from across all six states of Australia expressing interest in the initiative.
“The response is overwhelming,” shares Hunter, an industry veteran of two decades. “I’ve had non-PFD customers reach out, showing that Autobahn will expand beyond our internal dealer network. We will be working with new businesses, which we are excited about. The quality of Autobahn’s film is there. But the quality of the people is what stands out even more.”
Sarah Murdocca, Account Manager at PFD, and Greg Munro, Group Managing Director at PFD, played crucial roles in the launch of Autobahn Australia’s Dealer and Distribution Network.
“Autobahn is a big deal in the United States, and people do know about the brand here in Australia,” shares Munro, an industry veteran of 25 years.
Autobahn Products on Display
Founded in 1983, Steve’s Auto Group in Sydney specializes in automotive window tint, ceramic coatings, paint protection film (PPF), and detailing. On January 21, Autobahn’s team demonstrated their varied product lineup in person.
Autobahn Territory Managers Tony Kiger and Brodie Mathews bulk-installed Autobahn Stärke Matte PPF on a 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R. One bay over, George ‘El Chingon’ Nevarez, Training Coordinator at Autobahn, Alexis Figueroa (‘El Magic’), owner of Magic Shade Window Tinting and Detailing in Fort Worth, Texas, Damian Whitehead, Richard Charquero, and ByeongYeol Park, the Owner of Korea-Tinter in Gwangju, South Korea, tinted a Tesla Model 3 with Autobahn Ceramic i3 Window Film.
The two vehicles belong to Danny Susovic, the Owner of global car-care equipment provider
Bigboi.
“It’s exciting, and I think Australia is ready for them,” Susovic says of Autobahn’s international expansion into Australia.
Bigboi’s products are available in 35 countries. The company’s pressure washers will be available in the United States this February.
The Team at Steve’s Auto Group
A family business, Steve’s Auto Group expanded into the realms of automotive window tint, ceramic coatings, PPF, and detailing in 2020. Joe Garuccio, General Manager; Michael Garuccio, Detailer; Dom Garuccio, Office Administrator; and Anthony Garuccio, a member of the Mechanical Division, discussed Autobahn Australia’s new Network with Chris Collier, Director of Communications at Autobahn.
“I don’t think there is ever enough film or coatings,” Joe Garuccio says of the launch. “There’s always room for improvement and change.”
The Tint School
The Tint School, based in Sydney, Australia, and Temecula, Calif., has successfully trained more than 1,000 individuals since its founding. The Tint School will expand with new locations in Atlanta, Ga., and Dallas, Texas, in 2024. Six of the company’s twelve trainers are former graduates of the program.
A former Tint School trainee, Stan Hofer now helps train the next wave of tinters Down Under and beyond.
“We’ve had guys say they haven’t had anything like this in their market until now,” Hofer says of Autobahn’s expansion.
Stan works closely with his daughter, Stephanie Hofer, who handles digital content and marketing for the resource.
“I love showing people what we’re doing, giving them insight into our training classes,” Stephanie says.
International Growth
“I came here at the invitation of Boyd,” shares ByeongYeol Park, the esteemed Owner of Korea-Tinter in Gwangju, South Korea. “I was last in Australia 11 years ago.”
Park currently leads product distribution efforts for Autobahn South Korea’s Dealer and Distribution Network.
But Wait, There’s More!
Autobahn Australia’s second launch party takes place in the Gold Coast at Miss Moneypenny’s Broadbeach restaurant on January 24, 2024. Click here to learn how to become an Autobahn dealer.