Century Yuasa launches The Auto Electricians Club

RYCO GROUP RECOGNISED IN BEST PLACE TO WORK AWARDS

The news comes as RYCO continues to innovate and release new products

The 2021 Australian Financial Review Best Places to Work awards has recognised the RYCO Group amongst the Top 10 workplaces in the Manufacturing and Consumer Goods category. Against some of the best names in the business, RYCO Group placed seventh in the category, a position RYCO Group Executive General Manager, Stuart Chandler, says is an enormous achievement. “I’m proud to report that RYCO ranked in the Top 10 in the AFR Best Places to Work competition,” Stuart said. “This is a fantastic achievement, and when you look at some of the other finalists, it highlights the magnitude of this award.” The award recognises the RYCO wellbeing program which prioritises mental health within the workplace, promoting sustainable working norms and encouraging smarter working practices. The wellbeing program reportedly demonstrates RYCO’s commitment to its team and the trajectory it will continue to take as a business. Representing the automotive aftermarket industry at the awards allowed RYCO the opportunity to showcase its commitment to the continual improvement of the workplace, Stuart said, adding that the award recognises the hard work of RYCO’s valued employees who continually strive to produce the best automotive filtration systems on the market. The news comes as RYCO continues to innovate and release new products supporting passenger, light commercial, heavy vehicles, and the booming 4x4 and recreational off-road arena. The range of existing filtration products joins the growing line-up of catch-cans, fuel / water separators, and vehicle-specific mounting brackets, all engineered right here in Australia. The often critical, preventative maintenance products coincide with the country’s passion to go and explore our own backyard. RYCO says its design and engineering team have kept pace, and with the end-of-an-era that is the V8 diesel-powered Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series, releasing its near-factory-fit catch-can and fuel / water separator kit. With the 4x4 market becoming very investmentcentric with customers really wanting to protect their purchase, RYCO says “there is simply no better way to do that than by installing a catchcan and fuel / water separator kit.” The RYCO Group has been protecting cars, trucks, four-wheel drives – and its employees – since 1936. For more information, visit www.rycofilters.com.au

CENTURY YUASA LAUNCHES THE AUTO ELECTRICIANS CLUB

The company is putting its support into the Auto Electrical industry with the launch of the new AEC

The automotive industry has seen huge changes over the last decade, with consumer demand moving more towards stop/start, hybrid, and even fully-electric vehicles much more quickly than expected. These new technologies mean that vehicles are also becoming progressively more complicated, especially when you factor in the additional electrical components required for modern safety features like radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking and self-parking systems. As you’d expect, all of this means that requirements for auto electrical work is at an alltime high. But for independent auto electrical businesses, there’s the struggle of keeping up to date with the latest technological advancements considering little to no training is provided by vehicle manufacturers. To make matters worse, small independent workshops also don’t have any official industry representation, and often find it challenging to stay competitive in a market which is becoming increasingly dominated by larger automotive workshop groups. Century Yuasa – Australia’s largest battery manufacturer and distributor – says it recognises the importance of independent auto electrical businesses, and recently launched a brand-new initiative called The Auto Electricians Club (AEC). Century Yuasa explains that the AEC is one of Australia’s largest connected networks of independent auto electrical businesses, dedicated to supporting some of the nation’s best independent electrical experts and helping to future proof their businesses in the rapidly changing automotive marketplace. Free to join for auto electricians, AEC members still retain their business identity and structure, whist also enjoying the benefits of receiving the latest in technical and product information, along with training programs to help keep their businesses up to date on the latest industry advancements. AEC is designed to support its members with the latest in marketing initiatives and tools and networking opportunities – allowing like-minded auto electrical specialists to share knowledge to further advance the industry. “For too long now the Australian Auto Electrical industry (AEI) has been grouped within the Auto Mechanical industry and especially in areas of training,” Century Yuasa General Manager, Stu Stanners, said. “Today the AEI has evolved into an extremely specialised sector of the auto industry with the technical development of the motor vehicle. “Century Yuasa Batteries has created AEC to assist in training, marketing and more importantly creating networking opportunities for our specialist Automotive Electrical customers.” AEC members are also invited to participate in the annual national conference, which offers open discussion between members regarding future issues facing the industry, professional business coaching, product and technical training, and networking opportunities to share ideas and initiatives that will help grow their businesses. Century Yuasa says it is dedicated to its local AEC partners, expanding its member’s skills alongside the expanding industry. For more information on the Auto Electricians Club, call 1300 362 287 or email info@cyb.com.au

DRIVING TO DIVERSITY

CoolDrive Auto Parts to participate in inclusive workplace project

CoolDrive Auto Parts, one of Australasia’s largest automotive parts distributors, has signed on for the pioneering Workplace Diversity Project. Operated by the not-for-profit Tradeswomen Australia Foundation, the Workplace Diversity Project aims to improve diversity throughout the automotive industry, increase awareness of mental health and wellbeing factors and reduce preventable injuries. “CoolDrive Auto Parts is proud to be considered for the Workplace Diversity Project,” CoolDrive Chief Executive Officer, John Blanchard, said. “The automotive industry has been selected for this program because it has traditionally featured a low level of diversity. “Our aim through this project is to enhance our reputation within the automotive industry as an employer of choice and ultimately be more proactive at creating an inclusive working environment. “Obviously, the program is currently in its early days, but we hope the lessons learned for management, and the improvement of employee well-being, will be transferrable across the entire business.” Overall, the program plans to engage 500 workers across workplaces in the automotive industry within two years, with key deliverables including the development of Human Resources policies and procedures that support mental health and well-being, mentoring to managers, and ultimately the development of resources to be available for the broader automotive repair and maintenance industry. From Worksafe’s perspective, the project also aims to improve workplace occupational health and safety compliance, improve systems of work, workplace culture, and employee health and wellbeing. Facets of the program include the facilitation and reporting of focus groups to look at the barriers toward diversity, the development of internal reviews, the implementation of tools to increase diversity, management coaching, and the ongoing culture testing of workplaces, with the pre and post-program testing of Workplace Wellness Insights. CoolDrive’s participation in the program is currently focused on its Victorian branches and head office, but the company plans to use the learnings from the project to create more inclusive working environments nationwide across all branches. Other businesses who have signed on for the project include a range of automotive dealerships, Ventura Buses, Pedders Suspension, and Scania Trucks. For further information on CoolDrive Auto Parts, please visit www.cooldrive.com.au

BAPCOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLE GROUP FORMED

BAPCOR Limited has assembled its Australian commercial parts businesses to form a new group

The newly formed BAPCOR Commercial Vehicle Group is said to be Australia’s largest aftermarket distributor of commercial vehicle truck parts and accessories to suit American, European, Japanese, Trailer and 4WD vehicles used by transport equipment operators, repairers and wholesalers across Australia. With an inventory of more than 60,000 unique commercial vehicle lines and access to more than 300,000 line items, the BAPCOR Commercial Vehicle Group says its range covers every ownerdriver, repairer, fleet operator and reseller with premium quality parts and consumables including brake parts, lubrication, filtration, electrical, suspension and steering components, driveline components, transmission components, maintenance items, exhaust systems, workshop equipment and diagnostics along with aftermarket panels and consumables. The BAPCOR Commercial Vehicle Group offers its trade and wholesale customers a number of the most trusted and established market leading brands across the commercial vehicle sectors. These outstanding local parts suppliers are joined by over 100 local and international parts manufacturers, to supply the needs of the transport industry. BAPCOR also provides specialised parts for heavy duty mining, agriculture, construction, general industrial and 4WD vehicles, available from a national network of 26 Truckline stores, 17 CVG Light branches and five ATP wholesale distribution centres located across the country. The BAPCOR Commercial Vehicle Group says it also offers exclusive product ranges, Fleetline and Braketek, that present “outstanding value and total quality for heavy duty repairers and fleet service centres nationwide.” BAPCOR’s Fleetline range includes high quality replacement load restraints, mudflaps, safety signs, wheels, curtain tensioners, trailer accessories and twist locks. The Braketek range offers quality replacement brake system products including brake shoe kits, spring brakes, slack adjusters, air tanks, brake drums and rotors, suzi coils, brake pads, hydraulic components, calipers, sensors, hoses and fluids. “When it comes to best-in-class light and heavy commercial vehicle parts, by being the biggest we bring a very unique competitive edge to this important and quality reliant aftermarket sector,” BAPCOR Mechanical Executive General Manager, Mathew Cooper, said. “Along with our vast product range, we have the industry’s most highly experienced and knowledgeable people offering the world’s most trusted brands across a national network of well stocked stores, ensuring prompt daily deliveries. “Combine this with competitive pricing and access to parts six days per week and you have the complete commercial vehicle parts solution.” For more information, visit www.bapcor.com.au

BOSCH TEAMS UP WITH MICROSOFT

The pair will develop a software-defined vehicle platform for seamless integration between cars and cloud

Bosch has teamed up with Microsoft to simplify and accelerate the development and deployment of vehicle software throughout a car’s lifetime in accordance with automotive quality standards. They intend to develop a software platform to seamlessly connect cars to the cloud which will be based on Microsoft Azure and incorporate software modules from Bosch; enabling software to be developed and downloaded to the control units and vehicle computers. A further focus will be on the development of tools that increase efficiency in the software development process.

Bosch says this will drive innovation and reduce development costs for vehicle software within and across organisations while providing drivers quicker access to new functions and digital services. The collaboration combines the wealth of software, electronics, and systems expertise of the leading automotive supplier with Microsoft’s know-how in software engineering and cloud computing. Both companies intend to make the new software platform available for first vehicle prototypes by the end of 2021. “Bosch already securely updates car software over the air today. With the comprehensive platform for software-defined cars, we want to further empower automakers to develop new functions and get them on the road faster,” Robert Bosch GmbH Member of the Board of Management, Dr Markus Heyn, said. “Our collaboration with Bosch brings together the expertise of one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers with the power of the Microsoft cloud, AI and GitHub,” Microsoft Executive Vice President for Cloud + AI, Scott Guthrie, said. “With software quickly becoming a key differentiator in the automotive industry, our ambition is to help businesses accelerate the delivery of unique mobility services.” For more information, visit www.bosch.com.au

NEW CONCEPT FOR AUTOMECHANIKA FRANKFURT IN 2021

This year’s show will be unlike any other with its once-only ‘Digital Plus’ format

Across the 14th to the 16th of September 2021, the primary focus of this year’s Automechanika Frankfurt will be on, in addition to a compact physical exhibition, offering all participants the opportunity to network and present their companies digitally. The new offer, which is currently being introduced to the industry, reduces trade fair preparations to a minimum. Next year, the leading international trade fair will return to its familiar format on the Frankfurt exhibition grounds from the 13th to the 17th of September, 2022. Organisers have decided to change course regarding preparations for the first-ever hybrid Automechanika, at least for the physical exhibition. “As a result of the continuing difficulties posed by the pandemic, we will not be able to satisfy our customers’ expectations for a leading international trade fair this September,” Messe Frankfurt Member of the Executive Board, Detlef Braun, said. “Not only does the event require official approvals, but it also has to be possible to travel internationally. “Yet this does not change the automotive industry’s need for a platform where they can do business this year – and our customers and industry associations agree. “That is why we decided to modify our concept for this year’s Automechanika: in keeping with the ‘plug-and-play’ principle, we are offering opportunities to exhibit and network in person on the exhibition grounds while keeping preparations, risks and costs to a minimum. “Next year we plan to once again hold Automechanika Frankfurt in its familiar trade fair format. That event will take place from 13 to 17 September 2022.” The new concept offers companies a range of presentation formats from which to choose, as well as various networking lounges where in-person business encounters can take place in accordance with the applicable coronavirus protection measures. Companies that are unable to travel to Frankfurt due to travel restrictions can present their products on a digital platform, where they will also be able to meet and network with visitors digitally. Messe Frankfurt informed its exhibitors in March of the expanded digital opportunities on offer that promise to maximise exhibitors’ networking opportunities and international range. For the first time, exhibitors will have the chance to live stream their latest products and innovations. All participants benefit from digital matchmaking and the scheduling tools, as well as facilities for live chats and 1:1 video calls. Most of the videos, as well as the exhibitors’ product information and company profiles, will remain online even after the event has finished. The exhibition will be centred around the Festhalle in the eastern part of the exhibition grounds. An innovation show, networking area and product promenade are also planned. Visitors can also look forward to a captivating supporting programme focusing on the latest topics and trends. “Even before COVID-19, there had been a lot of pressure on the car industry to change – to increase investment in digitalisation, in supply chains that are resilient and intelligent, and to develop further,” Automechanika Frankfurt Director, Olaf Mußhoff, said. “Now the pandemic has made these concerns even more urgent. Some industry players have already responded to the new requirements with new business ideas, innovative concepts, and solutions. “I am already looking forward to all the fascinating presentations and discussions that will be taking place at Automechanika Academy in which visitors can participate on location and online via live stream.” The new ‘Future Mobility Park’ – an innovative test and experience circuit located outdoors at the heart of the exhibition grounds – is a showcase for solutions for tomorrow’s mobility. Right next door in the Festhalle, Hypermotion will be taking place at the same time as Automechanika. For more information, visit www.automechanika.com

AMPA TAKES THE CHEQUERED FLAG

The 2021 Taipei AMPA and Autotronics Taipei show was successfully held recently

The in-person Taipei AMPA and Autotronics Taipei show, colloquially known as AMPA, wrapped up four days of exhibition and events in April, attracting over 10,000 visitors to witness the latest products produced by the nearly 400 exhibitors at the show. Show organisers state AMPA successfully “brought out the newest trends and developments the global automotive industry has to offer, further cementing its standing as the most important automotive trade platform in the world.” AMPA brought out corporations from all over Taiwan including signature exhibitors and emerging companies. The EV and IoV Forums gave in depth coverage to the future of transportation, while celebrities shared their experiences with automobiles, all of which attracted nearly 2,000 total participants seeking new knowledge. Following the closure of the physical show, AMPA Online continued on through to the beginning of May, with more than 70,000 visitors viewing the online content and interacting with exhibitors at the showground. Among the visitors were C-level officials from Nissan, Yamaha, Hong Hai, and others, offering exhibitors the opportunity to communicate with some of the world’s most important automotive corporation leaders. More importantly, many buyers from emerging markets also registered for AMPA Online, providing exhibitors an opportunity to reach new markets. For example, Taiwan Brake Technology, Yes Energy, Hao Jheng, and others gave positive reviews about AMPA Online, with the latter specifically mentioning they were able to reach Latin American buyers for the first time. Finally, PTT Oil, Keysight, and other international exhibitors stated that being able to attend AMPA allowed them to continue to promote themselves in one of Asia’s most important automotive markets. While the physical show was underway, AMPA Online allowed chat and videoconferencing functions. Once the physical show concluded, the continuation of AMPA Online through to May 6 allowed buyers and exhibitors to continue to exchange eBusiness card contact information as the virtual show continued the momentum. Next year’s Taipei AMPA and Autotronics Taipei will take place across April 20-23. For more information, visit www.ampaonline.com.tw

AUTOMECHANIKA HO CHI MINH CITY 2021 DEFERRED

Organisers say the decision to defer the show has been made to yield more promising exhibition results

Prolonged global travel restrictions continue to hamper the entry of non-residential visitors into Vietnam. As an international meeting point for players in the local automotive community, the limitations of face-to-face business exchange have led to organisers deciding to defer Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City 2021. Originally scheduled for 30 June – 2 July in 2021, the show is now set to take place from 29 June – 1 July 2022. Stakeholders reportedly agree that an effective industry gathering would only be possible once travel restrictions ease, and they look forward to a series of pre-show events that maintain momentum in the market. Ongoing travel restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19 have limited the accessibility of overseas players joining Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. From this perspective, both local and international exhibitors have backed the call to defer the show. Nevertheless, organisers say they are optimistic that global vaccination programmes will create a passage into the country and release market opportunities in the year ahead. Activities at the show aim to explore the potential for further growth and development between local and overseas participants. On the other hand, the Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City team recognises the need to engage the local automotive community and is working with stakeholders to assess the format and topics of pre-show events that satisfy demand during the interim. “As a responsible business platform that serves the regional automotive community, we believe the show’s wider global participation is fundamental to its success and effectiveness,” Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd Deputy General Manager, Fiona Chiew, said. “The deferred show date will allow more time for borders to open up to overseas exhibitors and buyers. Meanwhile, our upcoming pre-show events aim to offer more experiences whereby industry players can unite for networking and knowledge-sharing activities. “We are thankful for our stakeholders’ continued support and look forward to seeing you at one of our related events soon.” Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, Chan Chao International Co Ltd and Yorkers Exhibition Service Vietnam. For more updates on new show date arrangements, please visit www.automechanika-hcmc.com or contact Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd on +852 2802 7728 or autoasia@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com