Our History & Heritage | Autogroup International

A journey that transformed the global automotive landscape

In 1993 in Melbourne, car enthusiast-turned-entrepreneur Peter Hill bought a left-hand-drive GMC Sierra 1500 in the U.S. and brought it home. Converting it to right-hand drive meant mirror- engineering the dash, HVAC, steering, pedals, wiring and compliance—far beyond a steering swap.

That successful build sparked demand, the first of hundreds of U.S. sourcing trips, and the inception of Autogroup International (AGI)—a family-owned company steadfast to its Australian roots. From a team of four to 250+ people across Australia, Sri Lanka, the U.S., Canada and the U.K., Autogroup now works directly with OEMs and specialist suppliers, operates with 35+ engineers, a dedicated design studio with the most advanced reverse-engineering tools (3D scan, CAD/CAM, 3D
printing), and a full global compliance & homologation team. We have delivered 5,000+ conversions and export to 40+ countries, earning recognition as the trusted world leader in RHD re-engineering.

1993 -The First Conversion

Founder Peter Hill flew to the U.S., purchased a GMC Sierra 1500 LHD and shipped it to Melbourne. The mirror-image conversion proved the concept and set our standard: OEM intent, safety and serviceability—no shortcuts. Word spread; sales grew; reliable U.S. supply chains were built.

1993-2003 - The Australian Growth

Australians embraced RHD American pickups for capability and comfort; SUVs and muscle cars followed. On the strength of engineering quality and customer trust, our Melbourne operation scaled rapidly—proving we needed a dedicated facility to deliver OEM-equivalent results, every time.

The Global Expansion

We chose Sri Lanka for its engineering talent, quality culture and strategic position between North American supply and key customer markets. From this hub—and operations in Australia, Sri Lanka, the U.S., Canada and the U.K.—we built repeatability at scale and served customers across Australia, Asia, Africa and beyond.

two hummers old a new symbolic for growth at Autogroup

A Growing Demand

Demand surged from mining, agriculture, fleets, government and private clients. Backed by 250+ people and 35+ engineers, we operate the largest, most complex RHD conversion facility in the world, delivering turnkey sourcing, conversion, compliance & homologation, global parts logistics and aftersales support to 40+ countries.

autogroup staff member using microscope on a car part

Further Investment

We brought plastics, metalwork, wiring looms, trim, and jigs/fixtures in-house, anchored by a design studio using the most advanced reverse-engineering tools. Our Bureau Veritas ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, Certificate No. IND.24.1088/QM/U system, Conformity of Production, and a 1,626-point QC per vehicle ensure OEM-level finish, serviceability and repeatable safety at scale.

Autogroup Customs Launches

To meet bespoke requirements, Autogroup Customs creates limited-run and tailor-made builds—styling, interiors, overland packages, performance, protection and specialty equipment—layered on our core RHD engineering. Every Custom follows the same design, testing, compliance and warranty discipline.

The Future

We’re leading RHD electrification with world-first programs for the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and Hummer EV. We’re also consistently first to market with new-model-year vehicles, delivering validated RHD solutions as soon as they launch. Our network of country partners—and in-country service providers—keeps expanding to ensure seamless support wherever our vehicles operate. As more customers worldwide choose our right-hand-drive American SUVs, muscle cars, and pickup trucks, one thing never changes: our promise—engineered right, built right, and globally supported—so every AGI vehicle feels factory-correct on day one and every day after.

For 30-years now, our talented team has converted thousands of safe, high-quality, and compliant vehicles and exported them to our delighted customers in more than forty countries. I am proud of our reputation as being the world’s best and look forward to our exciting future.

| Peter Hill – Founder

Our Heritage