With a vision to be South Africa’s premier motor interior and exterior specialist company, McCarthy Autotrimmers has been at the forefront of the automotive industry since its inception in 1996.
Founded by Tyrone McCarthy, the company started with just one bakkie and four staff members, but has since grown to become a powerhouse in the field, known for their passion, innovation, and commitment to excellence.
Recently, McCarthy Autotrimmers made a significant move, launching a unique, state-of the art branch in Paarden Eiland for express paint spot repairs, detailing for PPF, ceramic coating and vehicle vinyl wrapping. The grand opening of the new facility on June 20th, 2024 was a red carpet affair, attended by suppliers, clients, and industry leaders. Guests were treated to a luxurious experience, showcasing the company’s dedication to providing top-notch service and creating a memorable impression.
The new branch features all the latest technology in automotive repair and boasts a fully operational boardroom where clients can hold meetings while waiting for their vehicles, complete with a coffee machine and ultra-fast Wi-Fi, clients can relax and stay productive while their repair is being completed.
The journey of McCarthy Autotrimmers has been one of constant evolution and growth. As the business expanded, so did their range of services and capabilities. The company began offering full leather conversions, utilizing the latest technology and importing the first airbag machine in the Western Cape for their conversions. They also ventured into soft tops repairs and replacements, interior plastic repairs, leather seat re-dying, as well as specializing in boats, aeroplane and classic car restorations.
One of the key moments in the company’s history was when Tyrone attended the Sema Car Show in the USA. It was here that he discovered some groundbreaking ideas that would shape the future of McCarthy Autotrimmers. One such idea was the import of the first diamond rim-cutting machine, allowing rims to be cut with the tyre on. This innovation set the company apart from its competitors and established McCarthy Autotrimmers as a trailblazer in the industry.
One of the key pillars of McCarthy Autotrimmers’ success has been their commitment to upskilling and empowering their team. As the brand gained popularity and recognition, the company took on learners and expanded their staff compliment, contributing to the growth and development of the industry as a whole. This commitment to excellence and continuous improvement has set McCarthy Autotrimmers apart as a leader in the automotive trimming market.
Building on this success, Tyrone saw an opportunity to develop the interior cover plan. This led him to collaborate with Gerard Tait, the former CEO of Smart. Together, they combined McCarthy’s interior product with Smart’s scratch and dent product, creating the Inside Out Plan. This product revolutionized the market and remains a staple in the dealer space to this day.
When Gerard sold Smart, Tyrone continued to innovate and develop his own scratch and dent, interior mobile cosmetic product – MACSURE. With the slogan “Make sure with MACSURE Auto Care,” McCarthy Autotrimmers introduced a mobile product that set them apart from the competition. Unlike other companies, McCarthy Autotrimmers not only sells the product but also administers and repairs claims using their mobile vans. This unique service has solidified McCarthy Autotrimmers’ position as an industry leader.
In the world of automotive restoration and customization, there are few businesses that can match the passion, dedication, and quality of McCarthy Autotrimmers.
One of the key aspects of McCarthy Autotrimmers’ success is its strong partnerships with industry-leading suppliers such as PPG, Sonex, and Ultrafit. “It was very important for me to partner with great suppliers, that deliver a great product, and has the same vision as my brand. I’m happy to have all of them onboard, to travel this journey with my new venture I have undertaken”, he added.
With their new premises in Paarden Eiland, and the partnership with Gerard and Dalan Tait, McCarthy Autotrimmers is poised to continue their legacy of excellence and innovation in the automotive industry. As they continue to grow, customers can expect nothing but the best in quality, service, and craftsmanship from them.
Contact their Maitland office on 021 510-3531, their Diepriver branch on 021 705-5593 or visit their new Paarden Eiland branch at Unit 1 & 2 Rosbur Park, Neptune Street.

