Customer-focused operations and digital innovation recognized; global sales and service network continues expansion

Jax Tyres & Auto CFO April Hawood (left) and CEO Steven Grossleider pose for a photo at the 2026 Australian Automotive Aftermarket Awards held in Melbourne in May. [Hankook Tire & Technology]
Jax Tyres & Auto CFO April Hawood (left) and CEO Steven Grossleider pose for a photo at the 2026 Australian Automotive Aftermarket Awards held in Melbourne in May. [Hankook Tire & Technology]

Hankook Tire & Technology announced Friday that its retail subsidiary Jax Tyres & Auto won the top prize in the automotive service franchise category at the 2026 Australian Automotive Aftermarket Awards, held in Melbourne in May.

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Awards recognize outstanding achievement by companies that have contributed to innovation and growth in Australia's automotive aftermarket industry. The ceremony is a flagship program of the AAA Expo, Australia's largest automotive aftermarket trade show, which this year drew more than 400 global brands and 15,000 visitors.

A Jax Tyres official said the company earned the top franchise honor by building a digital innovation framework and customer-focused operating model across its nationwide franchise network. Particularly well received, the official added, was the company's expansion of its business model from a tire-sales-focused operation into a mobility service platform.

Hankook Tire acquired Jax Tyres in 2017. The company currently operates more than 90 franchise stores across Australia.


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