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For over 60 years, HSY Autoparts has been a key player in Australia’s automotive aftermarket, specializing in European car parts. As a privately owned company, hsy has built its reputation on quality, service, and a forward-thinking approach to business. General Manager Peter Tippner, who joined the company three years ago, brings a fresh perspective shaped by his background in aviation and engineering.

“We are an Australian-owned company that operates in the automotive aftermarket space,” Tippner says. “We import and distribute European car parts exclusively to independent workshops across Australia. We focus on genuine and OEM parts—components originally manufactured for the car without the manufacturer’s stamp. We aim to provide high-quality, reliable parts that ensure independent workshops have everything they need to service European vehicles efficiently.”

With 15 locations across Australia’s major cities and approximately 120 employees, hsy has steadily expanded its reach. The company’s ability to remain privately owned while continuously growing highlights its resilience and adaptability in an evolving industry.

Innovation and entrepreneurial growth

hsy’s origins are firmly grounded in European heritage. “The company was established 61 years ago by German immigrants who relocated to Australia,” Tippner shares. “Around 20 years ago, ownership shifted when two long-time employees took over following the original founders’ passing. Coming from outside the automotive industry, these entrepreneurs brought a fresh perspective, challenging traditional practices and redefining the role of a parts distributor. That spirit of innovation and willingness to question convention continues to shape our approach to business today.”

The leadership’s outside-the-box thinking has influenced hiring strategies as well. “Being outside the industry has allowed me to challenge established practices and rethink our operations. That approach has helped us stand apart from our competitors.”

Customer-centric growth and market adaptation

One of hsy’s key differentiators is its commitment to customer partnerships. Unlike retailers selling discretionary items, hsy operates in a market driven by necessity. “Nobody wakes up excited to buy a new alternator or radiator,” Tippner notes. “People come to us because they need those parts to keep their vehicles running. That’s why we emphasize making the purchasing process simple, accurate, and efficient.”

With the rise of European car ownership in Australia—particularly after the decline of domestic manufacturing—hsy has adapted to meet growing demand. “When I was a child, European cars were rare. Now, you see Volkswagen Golfs, BMWs, and Mercedes vehicles everywhere,” Tippner says. “The market for European car parts has expanded significantly, and we’re growing alongside it.”

This shift has been driven in part by affordability. In the 1990s, luxury European cars were far less accessible to the average Australian. Today, the price point for brands like Mercedes has become much more competitive, offering Australian drivers a wider range of options. hsy has expanded its reach as demand surges, placing branches as close to customers as possible to ensure efficient last-mile delivery across major capital cities and along the Eastern Seaboard.