CoolDrive Auto Parts has relocated three of its Australian branches as part of its ongoing commitment to better support workshops and trade customers across the country. The three branches – Welshpool in Western Australia, Sunshine West (formerly Sunshine) in Victoria, and Cambridge (formerly Hobart) in Tasmania – have all recently moved to upgraded facilities
CoolDrive Auto Parts has further strengthened its comprehensive undercar offering with the addition of Monroe shock absorbers, providing workshop customers access to one of the world’s most recognised and trusted suspension brands.
CoolDrive Auto Parts has wrapped up a highly successful appearance at the 2026 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (AAAE), highlighted by major industry recognition, strong customer engagement, and a showcase of the passion and future potential of the automotive aftermarket industry.
Bremtec Brakes has expanded its Euro-Line range with the introduction of Long-Life Ceramic+ Brake Pads, delivering a premium braking solution engineered specifically for European vehicles.
CoolDrive Auto Parts has expanded its South Australian footprint with the opening of a new branch in Melrose Park, providing enhanced support for automotive workshops and trade customers across Adelaide’s southern suburbs.
CoolDrive Auto Parts has expanded its South Australian footprint with the opening of a new branch in Melrose Park, providing enhanced support for automotive workshops and trade customers across Adelaide’s southern suburbs.
CoolDrive Auto Parts has inducted Jeff Hooper into its Hall of Fame, recognising his significant contribution to the business during a pivotal period in its history.
CoolDrive Auto Parts has recently introduced the globally renowned VARTA ® automotive battery range, providing workshops and automotive professionals with access to premium battery technology engineered in Germany.
CoolDrive Auto Parts, one of Australia's leading automotive parts distributors, has completed the acquisition of Saber Offroad, the acclaimed Australian four-wheel drive and adventure vehicle accessories company.
CoolDrive Auto Parts, one of Australia's leading automotive parts distributors, has completed the acquisition of Saber Offroad, the acclaimed Australian four-wheel drive and adventure vehicle accessories company.
CoolDrive Auto Parts will once again reinforce its position as Australasia’s preferred automotive distributor at the 2026 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (AAAE).
CoolDrive Auto Parts would like to congratulate Dale Durden, General Manager – Sales & Branch Operations, who has been appointed to the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) Board of Directors. “Dale is a true advocator for innovation and excellence in the automotive aftermarket industry, and on behalf of the CoolDrive family, we would like to pass on our utmost congratulations to him on this well-deserved achievement,” said John Blanchard, Executive Chairman at CoolDrive Auto Parts. “Dale is a high-quality individual deeply committed to giving back to the industry he has worked in all his life, with his impressive career marked by passionate leadership and a drive for results. “In his time at CoolDrive, Dale has been instrumental in aligning our operations with the needs of family-owned independent businesses in the automotive aftermarket, showcasing his deep connection with the industry and commitment to fostering growth and operational excellence. “Dale represents the pinnacle of dedication, experience, and passion for the automotive aftermarket, and I look forward to witnessing him continuing to contribute to our industry in his new official role with the AAAA.” Dale has extensive experience in the automotive aftermarket with prior roles at Goodyear Australia, Midas, Coventry Auto Parts, and Capricorn Society, before he joined the CoolDrive team in April 2022 as its General Manager – Sales. His career is complemented by significant accolades and achievements, supported by a solid academic background with qualifications including a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Graduate Certificate in Management, and the completion of the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ course (GAICD). “The AAAA has made a significant difference in the automotive industry over many years, and I feel extremely privileged to receive support from the membership to join the board,” said Dale Durden. “Having been associated with the AAAA in multiple ways for many years, I have seen and witnessed the dedication and absolute commitment to our industry from the Board. I truly look forward to contributing to the AAAA in an official capacity, and I pass on my sincerest thanks to those who supported me in a vote.” Located in Boronia, Victoria, the new purpose-built facility is scheduled for completion in October 2026 and will consolidate three existing Melbourne distribution centres into one highly efficient national warehouse. The development will feature over 31,000 square metres of warehouse space, and 2,300 square metres of office space, designed with the latest technology and sustainability standards. It will also house the Blanchard Racing Team Supercars workshop, bringing together CoolDrive’s corporate and motorsport divisions. “CoolDrive has come a long way since my parents started the company from our family garage,” said John Blanchard, Executive Chairman at CoolDrive Auto Parts. “When we moved into our current head office at Box Hill in 2000, it was a major leap forward. Now, 25 years later, this new development represents another exciting chapter – one that will secure CoolDrive’s place at the forefront of the automotive aftermarket for decades to come.” Central to the facility’s design is the integration of cutting-edge automation within warehousing and logistics operations, which will streamline processes, boost accuracy, and accelerate delivery times. This next-generation approach will significantly enhance service levels for trade customers and improve supply chain efficiency for industry partners across Australia and New Zealand. “CoolDrive has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by the strength of our people, our customers, and our supplier partnerships,” said Gerard Belleville, Chief Executive Officer at CoolDrive Auto Parts. “This investment is about more than just a new facility; it’s about ensuring we continue to deliver the highest quality of service and efficiency in the industry. The incorporation of automation will revolutionise our warehousing operations, improving speed, accuracy, and reliability for our customers and suppliers alike.” The new facility will provide direct access to major arterial roads, Eastlink, and the forthcoming North-East link – offering exceptional connectivity across Victoria’s transport network and beyond. Tim Blanchard, Chief Operating Officer, further highlighted the benefits of the move: “Ultimately, this move is about delivering more value to our customers. With a more advanced, automated, and efficient facility, we can respond faster, expand our product range, and uphold the service excellence CoolDrive is known for.” “The new site will be the foundation for our next era and will allow us to bring all of our head office teams together in one location, fostering greater collaboration and efficiency.” Sustainability is at the forefront of the project, with the new facility targeting a 4 Star Green Star Building rating. It will operate entirely on 100 per cent grid-sourced renewable energy and feature a 300kW solar PV system (with room for future expansion), smart LED lighting, EV charging stations, and extensive rainwater harvesting systems. Construction practices will ensure 95 per cent of waste is diverted from landfill, and the building design will optimise natural light, air quality, and energy performance. CoolDrive is collaborating with a strong team of partners on the project including Charter Hall, CBRE, JXC Group, URBIS, Watson Young, ABL, and delivery partner Qanstruct to ultimately deliver a world-class facility that blends innovation, automation, functionality, and sustainability. CoolDrive acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the facility is being built, and acknowledges and pays respect to their elders, past and present.
In today’s fast-paced industries where downtime can be expensive, the HULK Professional Series Heavy-Duty Jump Starter is an indispensable piece of equipment. A high-performance portable energy power supply, the new HULK Professional Series Jump Starter is designed for heavy-duty vehicles in industries such as construction, agriculture, mining, and transportation. It delivers powerful performance with 15,000 amps peak current for 12V vehicles and 6,000 amps for 24V vehicles, capable of providing up to 5,000 starts for long-term reliability. The jump starter is versatile, compatible with most 12V and 24V petrol or diesel engines including semi-trucks, buses, airplanes, and heavy machinery. It features a user-friendly LED display to monitor power levels, output voltage, and real-time current, along with an LED flashlight offering three modes for night use or emergencies. Additionally, it doubles as a portable power bank with USB charging capabilities for devices like smartphones and tablets with four USB-A ports, a USB-C output/input, and additional outputs like a cigarette lighter and two DC ports for comprehensive coverage. Equipped with Lithium-ion Cobalt batteries and weighing 8.35 kilograms, the HULK Professional Series Jump Starter can operate across extreme temperatures, making it the ultimate tool to minimise downtime and keep operations moving. The HULK Professional Series range features premium-grade quality automotive electrical equipment for adventurers as well as professional use, with products including lithium batteries, DC-DC battery chargers, solar panels, pure sine inverters, solar charge controllers, and a host of lighting and electrical solutions.
CoolDrive Auto Parts recently held a successful technical training session at the iconic Bathurst 12 Hour, bringing together industry professionals for an in-depth, hands-on training experience, complemented by GT racing action! Supported by Bosch and Capricorn, the technical training event was held over three days from 31 January to 2 February with attendees able to advance their skills and knowledge of the latest vehicle system technologies. Key focus areas included the critical importance of Pass-Thru technology for modern automotive workshops, practical applications of Bosch ESi[Tronic] software, advanced oscilloscope training, and techniques for diagnosing and managing common rail diesel (CRD), gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines, as well as hybrid and EV drivelines. The event featured an impressive line-up of technical experts, including Clint Flower, CoolDrive Technical Trainer, Sumin Kim, CoolDrive Tools & Equipment Product Manager, and Darren Todd, Senior Bosch Technical Trainer, who all shared their extensive knowledge and expertise with the attendees. Participants also enjoyed exclusive access to the CoolDrive Auto Parts and Australian Automotive Service Dealers Network (AASDN East Coast) Pit Garage Suite, offering a premium setting for networking and viewing the Bathurst 12 Hour race on the Sunday. Further exclusive racing action included behind the scenes paddock tours, and exclusive meet-and-greet sessions with team mechanics and drivers. "Participants of the Bathurst 12 Hour Specialist Training Event were unanimous in their praise, with many describing the training content as nothing short of brilliant," said Matthew Douglass, Category Manager – Tools and Equipment at CoolDrive Auto Parts. "The depth of knowledge demonstrated by our expert trainers was frequently highlighted as both highly beneficial and immediately applicable. Attendees walked away not only with valuable new skills but also with a clear vision for implementing positive change within their own workshops. “The event’s engaging and hands-on approach to learning was a major benefit, and many participants expressed eagerness to put the advanced tools and techniques they learned into practice. "This year’s session builds on the success of our 2022 Bathurst and Sandown events and reaffirms CoolDrive’s ongoing commitment to providing top-tier technical training. We’re excited to continue offering these valuable technical training opportunities in 2025 and beyond." CoolDrive will host further technical training sessions across Australia and New Zealand in 2025, with the timetable and information to be announced shortly
CoolDrive Auto Parts, Australasia’s preferred automotive parts distributor, has boosted its engine management offerings welcoming iconic automotive brand Garrett Motion to its shelves. Garrett Motion is a renowned automotive brand with over six decades of innovation, pioneering turbocharging technologies that have revolutionised vehicle performance and mobility. From passenger vehicles to F1 racing cars, delivery vans, trucks, and off-highway equipment, Garrett Motion turbos have powered significant moments in automotive history, making the brand synonymous with performance and excellence. Garrett Motion’s Original Equipment turbos are used by major automotive manufacturers such as BMW, Ford, GM, Peugeot, Hyundai, Volvo and Volkswagen, and are trusted for their high performance, reliability, and durability. “We’re thrilled to partner with Garrett Motion and bring their world-leading products to our customers,” said Jarrod Hurst, Category Manager – Engine Management at CoolDrive Auto Parts. “Garrett Motion’s turbocharging technologies provide enhanced performance, reliability, and fuel efficiency, further strengthening CoolDrive’s commitment to offer our customers the best solutions for engine efficiency and power across a wide variety of applications.” Designed to spin at up to 300,000 rpm and handle temperatures of up to 1050°C, Garrett Motion’s turbos provide a 15 to 40 percent increase in high-end torque compared to non-original models. These turbos also improve fuel economy by 10 percent and reduce emissions by up to 28 percent, supporting engine efficiency and compliance with emissions standards. Garrett Motion's turbo portfolio features a host of original technologies, such as Variable Nozzle Turbine (VNT), wastegate, and free-floating systems, ensuring enhanced power, fuel efficiency, and performance across various vehicle types and applications. Also available from CoolDrive is Garrett Motion’s Redboost range which is a cost-effective turbo series designed to meet the needs of aftermarket customers across various applications. Engineered to offer exceptional value, Redboost turbos are manufactured using Garrett Motion's Original production process, ensuring high reliability and performance. Redboost turbos deliver up to 20 percent more torque and five percent improved fuel economy, thanks to their optimised aerodynamics and advanced materials. They are rigorously tested for durability, with advanced high-heat resistant materials making them up to twice as durable as some competitor products. Garrett Motion’s PowerMax™ direct fit performance turbochargers are also available from CoolDrive, engineered for increased engine performance while maintaining OEM direct fitment. With professional engine calibration and tuning, all Garrett Motion PowerMax™ direct fit turbochargers are outline interchangeable with the OE ensuring a perfect fit every time. CoolDrive is a leader in the Australasian engine management scene with an impressive product range and unparalleled expertise. CoolDrive’s engine management support team offers over 100 years of combined industry experience to provide an unmatched level of knowledge and hands-on experience. Quality is at the forefront of CoolDrive’s ethos, ensuring that every product and service meets the highest standards. In addition to turbochargers, CoolDrive provides an extensive portfolio of genuine quality and aftermarket engine management products from world-renowned brands, including fuel pumps, injection pumps, sensors, ignition coils, and more.