JAS Oceania, Baxters, Federal Batteries merge to form JAS Auto Electrical Group

Longstanding VASA corporate member JAS Oceania has joined forces with Baxters and Federal Batteries to create the JAS Auto Electrical Group, forming a single national supplier across automotive electrical, air-conditioning, lighting, battery and heavy-duty categories.

The consolidation brings together JAS Oceania’s 39 branches and its strength in automotive electrical, air-conditioning and lighting products, Baxters’ 11-location heavy-duty and mining distribution network, and Federal Batteries’ capability in battery and energy storage solutions across automotive, marine, solar and industrial segments.

For VASA members, the group said the merger would deliver broader product coverage, improved availability through a unified national distribution network, faster access to parts through an expanded branch footprint, and deeper technical support for passenger, commercial, industrial and mining applications.

Daniel Torre, general manager of the new group, said the merger represented a defining moment for the industry. “By unifying three trusted industry experts, we are creating a stronger, more innovative and more responsive partner for workshops nationwide,” he said.

JAS Oceania was founded in 2005 with three Melbourne branches and had grown to 39 national locations by 2023, supporting the trade with auto electrical and air-conditioning products alongside digital tools such as the eJAS Online System. Baxters has operated since 1978, while Federal Batteries was established in 1990.

The JAS Auto Electrical Group is part of ASX-listed Bapcor Ltd.