The Motor Traders’ Association of New South Wales (MTA NSW) has announced the launch of its inaugural Automotive Excellence Awards 2026, set for Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.
Designed to celebrate the industry, professionalism, innovation and the talent driving the state’s $55 billion automotive industry, the event will bring together more than 400 industry professionals and business leaders, including apprentices, trainees, and skilled technicians from across metropolitan and regional NSW.
With 23 award categories, the awards will celebrate existing and emerging expertise and talent, outstanding apprentices and trainees, and its member businesses excelling in areas such as mechanical repair, collision repair, tyre services and new vehicle dealerships.
“The launch of the awards represents a major milestone for our organisation and the industry.” MTA NSW CEO, Stavros Yallouridis, said.
“The Automotive Excellence Awards are about celebrating the automotive sector, its people and businesses – those who are setting new benchmarks in skill, professionalism and innovation, while recognising the future of the industry, at the same time.
“We are shining a spotlight on the achievements of our member businesses, apprentices, trainees and celebrating the contribution they all make to the growth and strength of our automotive sector.”
Comedian and television presenter Charlie Pickering will host the gala event, with entertainment from award-winning speed painter Brad Blaze and renowned Sydney band, Bermuda Social. Industry leaders and keynote speakers will also attend, alongside fundraising initiatives supporting Cars for Hope, which promotes mental health awareness in the automotive community.
Kate Peck and Rachel Reed-Butler, co-Directors of Women in Automotive (WinA), the peak body representing women across the automotive industry, will attend the event to present the inaugural MTA NSW Women in Automotive Female Training Award.
“As the leading organisation advocating for women in the sector, WinA congratulates MTA NSW for establishing this award, which highlights the growing importance and impact of women in our industry. We wholeheartedly support this initiative and look forward to celebrating with the industry on the night,” Peck said.
Nominations are now open and close on November 28, 2025. Businesses, apprentices, trainees and technicians across all automotive sectors are encouraged to enter via the MTA NSW website.
Award categories include:
- Small, Medium and Large Automotive Business of the Year (Metropolitan and Regional)
- Specialist categories, including Collision Repair, Mechanical Repair, New Vehicle Dealership and Tyre Specialist of the Year
- MTA NSW Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
- Women in Automotive Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
Finalists will be announced in December 2025 ahead of the gala event in February. Early bird tables of 10 for the gala awards night are available until November 30, 2025. Visit the MTA NSW website for more details or to make a booking.