Thirty-six Victorian businesses and business people were announced as winners at a black-tie gala awards dinner at Melbourne’s Grand Hyatt in what is the premier prize dedicated to the Victorian automotive industry. 

Carworks, which has a Renault and Chrysler-Jeep franchise in Wendoree is a consistent performer in both the VACC and Renault awards.

In the VACC awards, the company, whose dealer principal is Carl Marandi, was a finalist as best used-car dealer in 2016, won the best-used car dealer award in 2017 and was best new-car dealer for 2019.

Best Used Car Dealer – Ballarat Car Sales – Alex Lemmon and Rebecca Lewis

In the Renault awards, Carworks was national best-used car dealer in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and was national dealer of the year in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

The best VACC used-car dealer (small) for 2019 is Ballarat Car Sales run by Alex Lemmon and Rebecca Lewis. Ms Lewis also won the Unsung Hero award.

The best-used car dealer (large) award went to 3 Point Motors Mercedes-Benz. 

VACC chief executive Geoff Gwilym said that the VACC Industry Awards demonstrate VACC members’ commitment to quality and customer service. 

“It is a huge accolade to be named the best in Victoria and these businesses have all proved themselves worthy of that title,” he said.

Categories for the 2019 VACC Industry Awards included mechanical repair, auto electrical, recycling, body repair, engine reconditioning, farm machinery, heavy vehicle repair, new and used car, motorcycle and commercial vehicle dealers, service station and convenience stores, aftermarket and retail, towing, and tyre dealers. 

Eight expert judges evaluated entries based on business management, workplace practices, customer service and marketing and communication.

To ensure that only the finest of VACC’s more than 5,500 members would be announced as finalists, an independent standards representative audited the judging. 

Instituted in 2016 by VACC in recognition of the many excellent businesses operating across the state, the VACC Industry Awards are recognised as the highest honour a Victorian automotive business can achieve.

By John Mellor

Best New Car Dealer – Carworks Ballarat Renault – Carl Marandi and team