The auto wrecking industry is set to revolutionise in 2025 with the launch of tech start-up, WrecKonnect , an online marketplace that allows car repairers and mechanics to search for used car parts for their customers from multiple auto wrecker’s inventory across the country.
Founder of Wreckonnect, Chris Mallon has the wrecking industry in his DNA, having grown up in a family who ran wrecking yards before training as a mechanic then moving into business roles in auto dismantling .
Having worked on both sides of the equation, Chris has seen the challenges both wreckers and repairers face when sourcing used parts and his vision to use technology to better connect the two has been the driving force in developing the Wreckonnect platform.
Mallon says the platform helps wreckers to more easily sell their parts to workshops and open up the market to customers nationally.
“Most workshops spend countless hours ringing around different wreckers to locate a car part, often without success. This drives the repairer to source new car parts which can be expensive and lessens repair options for car owners in what is an incredibly tough economy for Australians.
“Wreckers face a similar challenge, often receiving phone calls all day for parts they don’t have in their inventory.” Mallon said.
Wreckonnect’s platform makes it easy for auto repairers to find parts for their customers that are, on average half the price of new parts. This drives down costs for customers and the time-consuming nature of calling multiple wreckers or searching online marketplaces.
“Many car owners are unaware they have access to quality used car parts when taking their cars to workshops for repairs. Wreckonnect aims to change this with an aggressive marketing campaign launch aimed at helping Aussies understand they can easily access parts from wreckers across the country who dismantle cars and prepare quality parts for sale”.
The Wreckonnect marketplace is loaded with inventory from some of the biggest automotive wreckers across the country, increasing the chances for repairers to locate that hard-to-find part.
The platform leverages cutting edge React web technology to locate inventory uploaded by dismantlers coupled with the robust infrastructure of Amazon Cloud to deliver a user experience akin to top marketplace portals.
Chris said the platform has been designed with simplicity in mind for all involved. “Mechanics searching for used car parts scan the QR code, upload their parts request with numberplate information and submit. Its that’s easy.
“On the other end, wreckers and dismantling groups receive notifications on a dedicated user friendly platform, check if they have that part in stock respond with a quote back to the mechanic which can include images, part condition, warranty and delivery time.
“The transaction then takes place on the platform, the item is shipped by the dismantler and the repair goes ahead” Mallon said.
The Wreckonnect platform officially launched to the public February 2025 with the biggest auto dismantling groups already on board and ready to fill orders.
To find out more, visit wreckonnect.com.au
Key Facts:
General Industry Facts:
- Recycled parts cost on average, less than 50% of the price of new components.
- With 68 manufacturers and over 350 models available in the Australian market, the ability to source a specific recycled part is challenging.
- 90% of used car parts are still sourced over the phone, which is slow and leads to delays in repairs.
- Currently dismantlers supply a requested part on average 30% of the time.
- With thousands of recyclable parts on a vehicle, dismantlers currently have no option but to manually upload photos of each part onto other online selling platforms.
- Labour costs and commission charges by the online platforms limit industry growth.
- Sourcing parts is difficult as there isn’t one tool/source to connect buyers with suppliers.
About us:
About Wreckonnect Founder, Chris Mallon.
Chris has the automotive industry in his DNA, growing up in a family who ran wrecking yards and as a trained mechanic and businessman - he is a passionate advocate for the industry and uses this experience as a consultant to some of Australia’s largest spare parts companies.
Professionally, he’s been in the industry for more than two decades starting out as a mechanic before moving into dismantling where he managed the recycling operations for Australia’s largest automotive dismantler for almost eight years. His experience in growing operations and steering sustainability initiatives across the business sees him well placed to drive the industry into the 21st century.
Having worked on both sides of the equation, Chris has seen the challenges both wreckers and repairers face when sourcing used parts and his vision to use technology to better connect the two has been the driving force in developing the Wreckonnect platform.
Contact details:
Melanie Cahani. Wreckonnect. 0401727576 melanie.cahani@wreckonnect.com.au
Chris Mallon. Wreckonnect. 0419 380 250 chris.mallon@wreckonnect.com.au
