Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine - October 2021

OCTOBER 2021

LOOKING AFTER YOUR CUSTOMERS’ AIR CONDITIONING NEEDS

AAAEXPO: THE FUTURE IS HERE

THE LATEST IN ACCESSORIES AND CAR CARE

ABOUT THE COVER Terrain Tamer has not only survived but thrived thanks to a consistent, ongoing culture of listening, problem solving and customer obsession.

REGULAR DEPARTMENTS Calendar.................................................... 4 New Members........................................... 4 AAAA Report ............................................ 5 News......................................................... 6 Products.................................................. 32 Consumer Law....................................... 110

HR Matters............................................ 111 Services................................................. 112 Milestones............................................. 114 Shopfront.............................................. 115 Performance & Racing........................... 116 4WD...................................................... 118

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KEEPING YOU INFORMED Electric Vehicle targets are seemingly plucked from nowhere............................................... 7 On to the next challenge...................................................................................................... 9 High Court constitutional challenge to Victoria’s “flawed” electric vehicle tax..................... 10 AAAEXPO: The future is here............................................................................................. 11 Burson Auto Parts and Ryco Filters give away five cars....................................................... 12 Exploring industry trends................................................................................................... 14 CoolDrive establishes new Tools and Equipment division.................................................... 16 Transport for NSW launch AI data mining project ............................................................... 19 Frankfurt’s autumn trade fair season underway.................................................................. 20

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FEATURES Cover Story: Terrain Tamer - Continuing to thrive............................................................... 24 Technofile: Opus IVS takes on an inoperable air conditioning unit on a 2008 Peugeot......... 26 Product R&D: XS Injectors - Aussie company develops world-first technology..................... 28 Member Feature: Exedy - Diversity drives growth ............................................................... 74 Accessories & Car Car: The latest in accessories and car care............................................ 76 Air Conditioning: Looking after your customers’ air conditioning needs............................... 92 Trade Talk: Shane Jeffreys - Disc Brakes Australia........................................................... 108 Members in Motorsport: Garrett Advancing Motion.......................................................... 120

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Publisher Cameron McLachlan for The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association ABN 23 002 271 454

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7 – 8 Bastow Place, Mulgrave VIC 3170, Australia Phone: 03 9545 3333 Fax: 03 9545 3355 Email: info@aaaa.com.au Website: www.aaaa.com.au

EDITOR Allan Edwards

EDITORIAL Tel 61 3 9372 9125

PRODUCTION MANAGER Brigid Fraser, Tel 61 3 9505 0121

Official publication of the AAAA

ADVERTISING Tel 61 3 9545 3333

PUBLISHER Cameron McLachlan

All material appearing in Australian Automotive Aftermarket magazine is copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly forbidden without prior written consent. Contribution: Freelance contribution and submissions are welcomed by this magazine. No responsibility is accepted for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and transparencies. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the AAAA. All statements made, although based on information believed to be reliable and accurate, cannot be guaranteed and no fault or liability can be accepted for error or omission. The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any advertisement and the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher for all damages or liabilities arising from the published material.

AAAA NEWS

CALENDAR 2021-2022 AAAA led participation in international trade shows is suspended until our international borders reopen.

AAPEX Sands Expo & Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, NV 2 – 4 November 2021 www.aapexshow.com SEMA Las Vegas Convention Center, NV 2 – 5 November 2021 www.semashow.com Automechanika Shanghai National Exhibition & Convention Center, Puxi, Shanghai 24 – 27 November 2021 www.automechanika-shanghai.hk.messefrankfurt.com Performance Racing Industry Trade Show Indiana Convention Center,Indianapolis, Indiana 9 – 11 December 2021 www.performanceracing.com/tradeshow Automechanika Dubai Dubai World Trade Centre 14 – 16 December 2021 www.automechanika-dubai.ae.messefrankfurt.com Automechanika Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia 15 – 17 March 2022 www.automechanika-kualalumpur.hk.messefrankfurt.com Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo 2022 Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 7 – 9 April 2022 www.aftermarketexpo.com.au Taipei AMPA Taipei Nangang Exhibition Hall 1, 1st Floor 20 – 23 April 2022 www.taipeiampa.com.tw

NEW MEMBERS A1 Autoparts Gosford 2 Lindsey Street GOSFORD NSW 2250 Ph: 02 4325 3966 E: a1autopartsgosford@gmail.com Bendigo Undercar 54 Beischer Street EAST BENDIGO VIC 3550 Ph: 03 5443 8490 E: bendigo.undercar@outlook.com Big Wheels Truck Alignment 1/ 116 Magnesium Drive CRESTMEAD QLD 4132 Ph: 07 3277 2620 E: laurie@bigwheels.net.au Gladstone Battery Centre Shop 2, 68 Hanson Road GLADSTONE CENTRAL QLD 4680 Ph: 07 4972 1132 E: info@batterycentre.com.au Imparts Automotive Pty Ltd Level 1, 726 High Street KEW EAST VIC 3102 Ph: 03 9417 4677 E: frankv@imparts.com.au Motorweb Australia 101 Miller Street NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2060 Ph: +61 478 654 228 E: sam.bewshea@motorweb.com.au Mullen Automotive Engineering 24 Newcastle Street CARDIFF NSW 2285 Ph: 0414 685 537 E: athol.mullen@gmail.com Praemo 506 Racecourse Road FLEMINGTON VIC 3031 Ph: 0417 394 546 E: thomas.hynes@praemo.com Repco Authorised Service Chirnside Park (Modern Tech Auto and Tyres) 6B, 239-241 Maroondah Highway CHIRNSIDE PARK VIC 3116 Ph: 0450 408 505 E: cssokhi@gmail.com Repco Authorised Service Epping (Royal Automotive) 4A Buch Avenue EPPING VIC 3076 Ph: 03 9424 2932 E: info@royalautomotive.com.au Repco Authorised Service Hampstead Gardens (FB Autocare) 3 Hewer Street HAMPSTEAD GARDENS SA 5086 Ph: 08 8261 5465 E: infofbautocare@gmail.com Repco Authorised Service Heidelberg West (Heidelberg Car Care) 641 Waterdale Road HEIDELBERG WEST VIC 3081 Ph: 03 9021 6492 E: mohammadsalamat700@gmail.com

Repco Authorised Service Maidstone (Prestige Auto Hub Centre) 5 Keith Street MAIDSTONE VIC 3012 Ph: 03 9056 9008 E: prestigeautohub@gmail.com Repco Authorised Service Maryborough (Paul Tidyman Automotives) 3 Havelock Street MARYBOROUGH VIC 3465 Ph: 03 5460 5275 E: tidyman@iinet.net.au Repco Authorised Service Narangba (Narangba Valley Tyres & Mechanical) 3/ 49 Golden Wattle Drive NARANGBA QLD 4504 Ph: 07 3886 6666 E: bselectnarangba@outlook.com Repco Authorised Service North Cairns (Quick Fix Mechanics) 395 Sheridan Street NORTH CAIRNS QLD 4870 Ph: 07 4033 8860 E: info@quickfixmechanics.com.au Repco Authorised Service Railway Estate (Boundary Street Automotive) 127 Boundary Street RAILWAY ESTATE QLD 4810 Ph: 07 4724 3302 E: thomas@boundarystauto.com.au Repco Authorised Service Telarah (Maitland Auto Electrics) 27 John Street TELARAH NSW 2320 Ph: 02 4932 8602 E: info@maitlandautoelectrical.com Repco Authorised Service Wagga Wagga (Wagga Tyre and Auto) 49 Pearson Street WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650 Ph: 0430 846 675 E: info@waggatyreauto.com.au Repco Authorised Service Warana (Tyrewise Warana) 2/ 22 Main Drive WARANA QLD 4575 Ph: 07 5493 7155 E: info@tirewise.com.au RP Mechanical Certification PO Box 350 DUBBO NSW 2830 Ph: 0439 856 750 E: russellphibbs@westnet.com.au SONAX Australia and New Zealand 401 Coolart Road SOMERVILLE VIC 3912 Ph: 0415 894 964 E: peta.rausch@sonax.com.au South Coast Auto Services 989 Raglan Parade WARRNAMBOOL VIC 3280 Ph: 03 5561 3688 E: info@scas.com.au

AAAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN Mark Pedder (VIC) Pedders Suspension Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9706 3500

DEPUTY CHAIRMAN Wayne Bryant (VIC), Repco Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9566 5444

SECRETARY Janelle Gonzalez (NSW), Blue Toro Pty Ltd Ph: 1300 258 386

TREASURER Don Cormack (SA) ADRAD Pty Ltd Ph: 08 8243 9888

Craig Baills (QLD), Highfields Mechanical Ph: 07 4696 7116

Sean Buckley (VIC), Ultra Tune Australia Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9815 9200

Craig Magill (VIC), Burson Automotive Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9914 5555

Darren Robinson (VIC), HELLA Australia Pty Ltd Ph: 1800 061 729

John Benson (VIC), Davies, Craig Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9369 1234

Steve Lewis (QLD), Supercheap Auto Ph: 07 3482 7900

Adam Pay (NSW), mycar Tyre & Auto Service Ph: 02 9680 6500

Graham Scudamore-Smith (QLD) Fulcrum Suspensions Pty Ltd Ph: 07 3892 9000

DIRECTORS

Stuart Charity Chief Executive Officer

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Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

Mark Pedder Chairman

AAAA NEWS

THE FUTURE IS HERE

The Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo will bring the future to the industry in April 2022 I am truly ecstatic to be able to announce to you that the AAAA will be bringing the industry back together again in 2022 with the official launch of the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (AAAExpo)!

Co-located with the Collision Repair Expo (CRE), the AAAExpo is the nation’s only comprehensive exhibition for Australia’s $25B aftermarket industry.

It is no secret we were disappointed to have to postpone the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo, but we have been hard at work behind the scenes preparing this incredible industry event, with exciting new features and initiatives soon to be announced.

Expo sponsorship levels and exhibitor bookings have been at an all-time high, which indicates the enduring interest and importance of face-to-face industry events and we are sure the Expo and its ‘The Workshop of the Future is Here’ theme will exceed expectations.

Indeed, at the time of the official re-launch earlier this month, we already had 84 percent of our exhibitor vacancies booked out which just goes to show that the industry is excited to come back together again at the Expo.

To ensure they aren’t disappointed, the show continues to evolve and the launch of a number of exciting new initiatives will build further value for exhibitors and attendees.

While there are plenty of announcements to come, the new features I can tell you about now are: • The ‘Workshop of the Future Pavilion’ – featuring a display of state-of-the-art

equipment and technology as well as regular presentations from industry experts covering the very latest information on Workshop Management Systems, EV repair techniques, ADAS calibration and diagnostics and tooling including J2534 pass through technology.

• The all-new 4WD Innovation Zone – a massive addition for the Expo which has been welcomed by the booming 4WD sector, providing a unique opportunity for companies involved in 4WD modification, accessories and tuning to promote their company through a trade only B2B platform.

• A stand-alone seminar stage on the show floor – for the first time, this show floor stage will deliver a free comprehensive training and education program and enable exhibitors to showcase their latest products, technology and service offerings to a targeted trade audience.

And that’s not all. As always, the show will bring together the industry’s best and brightest to showcase hundreds of the country’s leading companies all under one roof and alongside the latest vehicle repair and servicing equipment, parts, tools and accessories, new technology and

trends. With huge exhibitor demand, we expect over 250 of Australia’s leading brands to proudly display across 19,500 sqm of floor space at the MCEC. Other exciting components of the 2022 Auto Aftermarket Expo will include the Awards evening, a comprehensive training and education program, a modified and classic vehicle display area in the show concourse, celebrity appearances, interactive displays and competitions, plus lots more.

With free entry available to all members of the automotive trade, the Expo is expected to see 10,000 visitors attend over the three-day event.

This is an event run by the industry, for the industry, and after a challenging couple of years for everyone, we are more excited than ever to come together to celebrate, learn, conduct business and network.

We can’t wait for April to open the doors and we will do so with the support of some valued sponsors, including Repco and SAPE Group (Sydney Automotive Paints and Equipment) which have taken up the Major Sponsor role for the AAAExpo and CRE respectively. We would like to thank them both for their strong and continued support.

To learn more about the AAExpo and CRE, go to page 11 of this magazine or www.autoaftermarketexpo.com.au or www.collisionrepair.com.au

STUART CHARITY Chief Executive Officer Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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NEWS

FINDING GOOD HELP If you’re finding it hard to attract and keep good, skilled employees, you’re not alone

Capricorn’s State of the Nation Report 2021 found 53 percent of Capricorn Members are very or extremely concerned about the skills shortage, with 43 percent naming it a top five challenge affecting their business.

The harsh reality facing the automotive industry in 2021 is that qualified technicians are in short supply and, unless we urgently work to tackle the problem now, the situation is only going to get worse.

How do we attract good people when, to take an example, the mining and resources industry (which is moving into a boom phase) can offer six-figure salaries?

In fact, there’s a lot we can do—both at an individual business level and an industry level. Our biggest opportunity is to encourage a new generation of talent, as this is our pipeline for the future.

But first, we’ll need a change of attitude. State of the Nation found less than half of us believe young people will find the automotive industry an attractive place to make a career.

We must reframe our messaging around this, because automotive is a fantastic industry with lots of incredible opportunities and an exciting future. It’s time to start talking up careers in auto and stop talking them down.

How do we make the careers we’re selling more attractive?

We can start by creating workplaces with strong and positive cultures – the kind of places young people want to work these days.

We can tackle pay rates, too. The opportunity here is to review charge-out rates for labour. Ensuring that we are charging what our skills and experience are worth means we can pay our staff more.

If you were ever considering bringing on an apprentice, now’s the time to do it. Not just because there’s a lot of support available, but because our industry desperately needs them. We need new apprentices. Without them, this skills shortage will roll on and on, into the future, with no end in sight.

The State of the Nation report is full of insights and advice to help you build a stronger business. If you are interested learning more about how you can benefit by joining Capricorn, I encourage you to email join@capricorn.coop to arrange a visit from your local Capricorn representative.

Yours cooperatively, David Fraser Group CEO, Capricorn Society Ltd For more on Capricorn Society membership, visit www.capricorn.coop 6

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

TOOLS TO HELP GROW YOUR BUSINESS From the AAAA

Whether you are running a small business or managing a large company, it is important to be armed with the information you need to make informed decisions for the health and growth of your business.

The AAAA continues to invest in targeted market research and business tools for our members. Two important tools that can help your business are as follows.

The AAAA Car Parc Data Tool is arguably the most powerful, and popular member research and growth tool for the aftermarket.

It helps you better understand your target market, find new customers and grow your business. It offers national level data for manufacturers and distributors, as well as local area information for workshops and retailers.

The Workshop Health Check is a great, easyto-use comparison tool for workshops.

For example, if you are a workshop looking to move to a different location, or a retail chain wanting to expand to multiple locations, the Car Parc Data tool will provide insight into the demographics of each area, and the numbers and types of vehicles within those areas to assist business decisions.

The AAAA says it finds this tool is a great starting place for businesses wanting to improve efficiency or start to grow their business.

You could search for the average age and income of people in Newcastle or St Kilda, find out how many cars per household they have, the age of the Car Parc and the top models of vehicle in that area.

In only a few minutes you can find out how your business is tracking via a benchmarked report based on real industry data.

To learn more about the Car Parc Data Tool, visit www.aaaa.com.au/car-parc-data/ To learn more about the Workshop Health Check, visit www.aaaa.com.au/service-modification/ workshop-health-check/

ASBESTOS SAFETY

The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency has recently published a brochure The brochure features a series of important information about asbestos safety in the automotive industry.

Asbestos can be found in machinery parts in vehicles manufactured (or with replaced parts) before 2003.

Inhaling even small amounts of asbestos fibres can cause serious diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Asbestos fibres can be released by friable asbestos material or by damaged non-friable material.

If you suspect that a material may contain asbestos, you should have a sample tested by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited lab.

Asbestos can contribute to an unsafe working environment, and workers who carry

out asbestos-related work must be trained in asbestos identification, safe handling and control measures.

To read the brochure, go to www.asbestossafety.gov.au For other related information, you can visit your State or Territory’s WorkSafe website.

NEWS

ELECTRIC VEHICLE TARGETS ARE SEEMINGLY PLUCKED FROM NOWHERE

A new study commissioned by the AAAA shows a large gap between Government electric vehicle (EV) aspirations and what is likely to be the reality On current projections, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) says ACA Research predicts that the percentage of EVs on Australian roads would likely be around six per cent by 2030.

In recent weeks, the AAAA has learned that at least one state government is planning to decline the registration of all internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2035, a move that, on current projections, would see over 90 percent of car owners with no avenue to register their vehicles.

AAAA Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, said that while the AAAA and its members were supportive of greater EV uptake, Governments needed to have a more holistic mindset before announcing unattainable EV targets to score political points.

“Governments and Opposition parties are good at announcing very ambitious EV targets without

giving much thought to the supporting services needed to make EVs viable – a lack of recharging infrastructure is the obvious hindrance, but little consideration has been given to what’s required to repair and maintain these cars,” Stuart said.

“EV targets are seemingly plucked from nowhere with little rationale given, and as an industry we become despondent every time a new target is announced.

“It’s easy to set aspirational sales target for EVs, but what we really need is an in-depth plan on what is required to achieve these targets and to support EV owners – this plan needs to be formulated in consultation with the broader Australian automotive industry.

“There is specialist knowledge required to repair and maintain EVs, and by engaging and consulting with industry, we can commit to investing in the tools, training and skills to facilitate a more seamless transition to electric vehicles.

“There are long lead times involved in doing this – Government can’t snap its fingers and expect that everything will be there ready to go in the background.”

Part of a broader industry research project undertaken by ACA Research, the paper analysed industry trends in automotive service and repair workshops.

“Our research indicates that while the automotive industry is generally in good health and will continue to grow, it is critically constrained by skills shortages,” Stuart said.

“Our data indicates that there’s an increasing demand for qualified technicians. Based on the growth of the car parc – which increases by about 325,000 vehicles every year – and the current market share of independent workshops, our industry will likely require a further 5,300 technicians by 2025. This is on top of the current shortage of more than 20,000 technicians.

“This data doesn’t consider the added training that existing technicians would need to successfully work on EVs either.

“Before Governments mandate EV sales targets, they need to provide our industry with as much notice as possible and engage constructively with us. After all, our members are automotive experts and would provide invaluable insight throughout the process.”

For more from the AAAA, visit www.aaaa.com.au

ADAS CALIBRATION MADE EASIER Thanks to the Auto Innovation Centre

The Auto Innovation Centre (AIC) is proving its worth to automotive vehicle repairers and windscreen repairers, with a comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration solution.

“The AIC team are fully trained in ADAS calibration, and a large number of vehicles are compatible, with the service, usually only taking a few hours to complete.

Utilising the latest ADAS calibration tools from Hella Gutmann and the Robert Bosch Group, the expert AIC team can quickly recalibrate a wide range of new generation vehicles fitted with ADAS systems, including cameras and radars.

“With more and more new-generation vehicles fitted with ADAS systems as standard, ADAS calibration services at the AIC will form an increasingly crucial industry service moving forward.”

Supporting this capability on-site is headlight aiming and OBD diagnostic connectivity.

ADAS calibration is just one of the many service offerings the cutting-edge AIC provides to aftermarket businesses across the country.

“Industry feedback confirmed that windscreen repairers and collision repair workshops wanted an alternate ADAS solution, rather than the need to return to the original equipment manufacturer,” AIC Managing Director, Luke Truskinger, said.

“The AIC invested in the latest ADAS calibration equipment to offer a high quality, fast and competitively priced alternative.

From the industry’s leading database of 3D vehicle scans to dynamic vehicle testing, product level testing, 3D printing plus a vehicle fleet and fully equipped workshop for hire, the AIC is setup to support a wide variety of aftermarket business needs.

The Auto Innovation Centre is a cutting-edge

facility for the automotive aftermarket. The centre of excellence is increasing capability of automotive companies and aiding in new product development for local and export markets.

Utilising the latest technology and equipment and providing crucial data and testing services, the AIC is transforming the automotive aftermarket industry.

To learn more, check vehicle eligibility and book an ADAS Calibration at the AIC, please contact adas@autoic.com.au or 03 9545 3333.

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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NEWS

PEDDERS JOINS THE FAMILY BUSINESS AUSTRALIA ASSOCIATION Family is one of the four pillars that Pedders stands by Pedders Suspension and Brakes says it is extremely proud to have been an Australian family-owned and operated business for over 70 years.

“While we’ve come a long way since starting out as a single location shock absorber repair business, we remain extremely proud of our family roots and the fact that we remain a 100 percent Australian and family-owned business,” Pedders Senior Executive for Brand and Marketing, Adam Gillick, said.

Pedders was founded in Melbourne in 1950 by Roy Pedder and from the outset it was always a family-orientated business with son Ron joining to help his father from the age of 16 years old.

Ron learnt the ropes from his father, and in the early 1970s Ron took over just as Pedders took a major step in its growth by committing to manufacturing its own brand of shock absorbers after spending years modifying overseas designs.

The Pedders shock absorbers were tailored to Australian vehicles and conditions.

This proved to be a master stroke as the Australian muscle car landscape began to boom. The business made significant progress as the go-to place for aftermarket suspension for Monaros, Toranas, Falcons and Valiants.

Pedders soon introduced coil springs into its range with heavy duty and performance lowering springs available for a range of popular vehicles.

In the 1980s Pedders began to welcome more Australian families into its business by opening its first franchise stores.

Fast forward to the early 1990s and Roy Pedder’s grandsons – Ron’s boys Mark and Scott Pedder – joined the family business.

Mark began work on the tools as a mechanic, while Scott had a strong interest in marketing.

Both brothers represented the family business in the Australian Rally Championship which proved to be highly successful.

Today brothers Mark and Scott run the business together, while their father Ron continues to play an enthusiastic role in Pedders.

Scott’s wife Caroline Pedder also holds an integral position at Pedders as head of the Marketing and People and Development departments.

Pedders recently joined the Family Business Australia Association which aims to support family businesses to harness their unique position in the Australian business landscape.

Family businesses are a massive part of the Australian economy and the Association works to

connect family businesses of all shapes and sizes for the benefit of all members.

Family is one of the four pillars that Pedders stands by and these pillars drive all business planning and decision making.

“Given our rich family history, it was only logical for Pedders to join the Family Business Australia Association,” Adam said.

“Pedders Managing Director Scott Pedder will be active within the association and we look forward to working with the wider family business community in the future.”

For more from Pedders, visit www.pedders.com.au

ARIARNE TITMUS TEAMS UP WITH BRIDGESTONE TO INSPIRE Bridgestone’s ‘Chase Your Dream’ Olympics activity saw the Olympian inspire her former school cohort Dual Olympic Gold Medallist Ariarne Titmus made a surprise visit to her former school to encourage and inspire students as part of Bridgestone’s ‘Chase Your Dream’ Olympics activity recently.

Ariarne, who is a Team Bridgestone Australia ambassador for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, was keen to return to Launceston, where her Olympic dreams were formed, and share her story at an assembly for St Patrick’s College Year 7-10 students, before spending time with the school’s swimming team.

“Giving back to the community is something I am so passionate about, and being able to return to St Patrick’s and celebrate my Olympic Games success with them is important to help others realise that dreams are possible,” Ariarne said.

“I wouldn’t be an Olympic Gold medallist without the inspiration from some of my heroes and the motivation of those around me, and I’m proud to be able to help inspire the next generation through activities like this.”

This is the second community focussed activity that Ariarne has carried out in collaboration with 8

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

Bridgestone, in line with the ethos of its ‘Chase Your Dream’ campaign.

Prior to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, Ariarne conducted a motivational session with her other former school, St Peters Lutheran College in Brisbane, to inspire the rising swimming stars ahead of local competitions and conduct a workshop with two students – both of whom went on to win their events.

“It’s incredibly rewarding and humbling knowing that sharing my own story can make such a difference to others, and shape how they approach going about fulfilling their dreams in the same way I did. That’s why I enjoy being part of Bridgestone’s Chase Your Dream initiative,” Ariarne added.

“It’s great to have the support from and be able to collaborate with a company like Bridgestone that shares my passion for giving something back and wants to encourage others to chase their dreams.”

Throughout Bridgestone Australia’s Tokyo 2020 activity, the tyre company has shown its commitment to making contributions to society though a number of activities, including the

refurbishment of a basketball court in Sydney’s west with Tokyo 2020 Medallist Joe Ingles and introducing a group of children in Perth to surfing through a surfing school with professional surfer Connor O’Leary.

It has also contributed to a state-of-the-art Athletics facility in Adelaide and hosted an intimate training session with Sydney 2000 Olympic Gold Medallist Cathy Freeman, conducted a wheelchair tennis workshop in Melbourne with Rio 2016 Paralympic Gold Medallist Heath Davidson, and conducted the two inspirational school appearances with Ariarne.

For more information, visit www.bridgestone.com.au

NEWS

ON TO THE NEXT CHALLENGE

In this column, AAAA Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, Lesley Yates, provides an update on the AAAA’s advocacy efforts We hardly had enough time to chill the beer when our Mandatory Data Sharing Law sailed in and out of Parliament. One day you are struggling to explain that a car has more coding than a 787 Dreamliner, and the next you have a brand-new Law that takes everyone by surprise: an overnight success in 12 years.

I will admit to feeling a little overwhelmed and exhausted, we hadn’t quite scheduled the celebration party for the June passing of the legislation and it looks like we need another miracle. Fair enough. But just like mandatory data sharing, ‘Operation Fix the Skills Shortage’ is going to be a colossal effort.

In the aftermath of the new Law, at an industry event I was told “well done, but now can you fix the skills crisis?” I get it. Lack of access to repair and service information and programming, that’s tomorrows’ problem.

This is going to take some pretty clever strategy and considerable combined effort, but just like with Mandatory Data Sharing, along with you, the AAAA members, we can win this battle.

Today’s problem is our members can’t get staff, are overloading their teams and soon will have to turn away customers.

The skills challenge is real and every day it gets worse. We anticipate another 1,600 workshops by 2030 and that’s another 5,300 technicians.

On current analysis, it looks like we already have a least one vacancy for every physical workshop and another 0.5 gap for mobile services.

In 2021 we are short by about 30,000 technicians and when you factor in retirements and new technology demands, well, this is a problem that doesn’t go away and just doesn’t fix itself.

We have to work out the canniest and fastest way forward and then work it the way we worked the Mandatory Data Sharing message – find a solution that we can all believe in and then sell it by playing to our strengths.

It feels cruel to have another mountain to tackle – but this time we know so much more about our political footprint, we know how to leverage our local relationships with MPs, and we know how to stay on message and doggedly push a reform agenda.

When we combine our efforts we form a powerful lobby group, especially when you consider that there are an average of 169 workshops in every

Lesley Yates, AAAA Director of Government Relations and Advocacy info@aaaa.com.au Australian electorate. We changed the Law – actually we created a brand-new Law – and we are ready to tackle the next mountain.

So, addressing the skills gap is our next challenge, but this time we are so much smarter and wiser than we were when we started Mandatory Data Sharing.

We know so much more about how to make a difference and how to influence the political and policy agenda.

So, buckle up people and be ready to join the fight, because here we go again!

THERE IS NO BETTER TIME TO EMPLOY AN APPRENTICE Federal Government subsidy available now

The Federal Government’s Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy will be available to businesses who engage an apprentice or trainee before 31 March 2022.

Through the subsidy, any business or Group Training Organisation that engages an Australian apprentice between the 5th of October 2020 and the 31st of March 2022 may be eligible for a subsidy of 50 percent of wages paid to a new or recommencing apprentice or trainee for a 12month period from the date of commencement, to a maximum of $7,000 per employee per quarter.

There is no cap on the number of eligible trainees/ apprentices.

Additional eligibility requirements will apply to existing workers.

Businesses should advise their Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider (which can be found at www.australianapprenticeships. gov.au/search-aasn) of their intent to claim this subsidy during the process of hiring apprentices and trainees.

The subsidy is not available for any apprentice receiving any other form of Australian Government wage subsidy, such as Supporting Apprentices and Trainees or JobKeeper.

The subsidy is open to businesses of all sizes, industry or geographic location. Businesses or Group Training Organisations may be eligible if:

Payments will be made quarterly in arrears, with the first claims for the subsidy available from 1 January 2021 and final claims for payment needing to be lodged by 30 June 2023.

• they engage an Australian Apprentice or trainee between 5 October 2020 and 31 March 2022; and • their Australian apprentice or trainee is undertaking a Certificate II or higher qualification and has a training contract that is formally approved by the state training authority.

The Australian Apprenticeship Support Network will also deliver additional Gateway Service places and enhanced In-Training Support for women interested in, or starting, an apprenticeship in a non-traditional trade occupation; with an

The 100,000 cap limit has been removed to provide additional support to employers and GTOs.

additional 5,000 Gateway Services places made available to women interested in undertaking an apprenticeship in a non-traditional trade occupation and in-training support services guaranteed for women starting in non-traditional trade occupations.

To view the full program guidelines, go to www.dese.gov.au/skills-support-individuals/resources/ australian-apprenticeships-incentives-program-guidelines Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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NEWS

CAN YOU MAKE AN EMPLOYEE GET A COVID-19 VACCINATION?

This question is being asked increasingly frequently in the current environment The Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources has provided resources for businesses to better understand their rights and obligations regarding COVID-19 vaccinations for their workplace and employees.

There are three main situations in which an employer may require an employee to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

These are when: • a specific law (such as a state or territory public health order) requires an employee to be vaccinated; or • the requirement is permitted by an enterprise agreement, other registered agreement or employment contract (subject to antidiscrimination laws); or • it would be lawful and reasonable for an employer to give their employees a direction to be vaccinated, which is assessed on a caseby-case basis.

The application of these requirements may vary from state to state due to pertinent state laws and public health orders.

Do you have some specific issues you would like to discuss?

For legal assistance on requiring employees to be vaccinated, AAAA members can contact the AAAA Employer Assist HR hotline on 1300 735 306.

More information from the Fair Work Ombudsman regarding COVID-19 related matters, including vaccinations, visit www.coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au Business resources from the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, including specific information for each state and territory, are available at www.business.gov.au/ risk-management/emergency-management/ 10

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

HIGH COURT CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGE TO VICTORIA’S “FLAWED” ELECTRIC VEHICLE TAX Equity Generation Lawyers filed the case on the 16th of September

A High Court legal challenge to Victoria’s controversial electric vehicle tax by two drivers will argue that the State of Victoria lacks the constitutional power to levy a road user charge on electric vehicle drivers.

The case was filed on the 16th of September on behalf of the drivers by Equity Generation Lawyers.

In July 2021, the Victorian Government introduced a new tax which charges electric vehicle drivers between two cents and 2.5 cents for every kilometre they drive.

Melbourne father and nurse manager Chris Vanderstock, one of the drivers bringing the case who uses his car for his daily work commute, said he had additional concerns to the constitutional validity of the laws.

“Instead of taxing clean technologies, the Victorian Government should be concentrating on getting dirty cars off the road,” Chris said.

“Electric vehicles are cleaner and improve health and climate outcomes for everybody.

“Why is the Victorian Government taxing electric vehicles when they have a demonstrable health benefit?”

Melbourne mother and engineering consultant Kathleen Davies, the second electric vehicle driver mounting the High Court challenge, said she bought her first electric vehicle in 2012 to help reduce her family’s environmental impact.

“Not only are electric vehicles better for the environment, they are also cheaper to run,” Kathleen said.

“Electric vehicles are becoming more affordable every year but this tax is a backward step for people wanting to transition to a cleaner and more economical car.

“Victoria’s electric vehicle tax is fundamentally flawed and impractical. It punishes electric vehicle drivers and discourages the urgent need to decarbonise.”

Jack McLean, lawyer for the drivers, said his clients would argue that the State of Victoria lacked the constitutional power to levy the tax.

“In addition to the validity of the tax, our clients are concerned it’s also bad public policy,” Jack said.

“It discourages everyday Australians from switching to lower emission vehicles, prolonging our dependence on polluting oil.

“It’s bad for Victorians, it’s bad for the climate and we will argue that it is unconstitutional.”

In the wake of the High Court Challenge, The Electric Vehicle Council is urging the Victorian Government to demonstrate its commitment to tackling climate change by scrapping the tax.

EVC Chief Executive, Behyad Jafari, said he was deeply sympathetic to the plaintiffs in the case.

“I’m not surprised to hear there are grounds for a legal challenge, this plan was developed in secret without consultation with experts and has been rejected as premature and destructive by every other government in Australia,” Behyad said.

“It is fundamentally unfair for the state government to punish Victorians who made the socially and environmentally responsible choice to select an electric vehicle over a combustion engine alternative.

“People who buy EVs instead of ICE vehicles are making the civic-minded choice. They are helping clean the air of the pollution, reduce the state’s carbon emissions, and lessen the state’s dependence on foreign oil. For the government of that state to then single them out for special punishment is bizarre and unfair.

“There is nothing wrong with road user charges, but to aim them solely at the most environmentally-responsible form of motor vehicle is totally misguided.

“This case is an opportunity for the Victorian Government to demonstrate its commitment to tackling climate change is real by scrapping this destructive tax and getting on with developing a plan that will accelerate electric vehicle uptake.

“I urge the Victorian Government to listen to reason. Expert after expert has lined up to tell them this tax is misguided. It’s not too late to drop it and work with us to support the future of EVs in Victoria, as every other state and territory in Australia is doing.”

For more information, visit www.equitygenerationlawyers.com and www.electricvehiclecouncil.com.au

NEWS

AAAEXPO: THE FUTURE IS HERE

The AAAA is excited to officially launch the 2022 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (AAAE) Taking place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), and co-located with the Collison Repair Expo (CRE), the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo is the nation’s only comprehensive exhibition for Australia’s $25b aftermarket industry.

The show will bring together the industry’s best and brightest, and showcase hundreds of the country’s leading companies, all under one roof across 7 – 9 April 2022.

With the theme ‘The Workshop of the Future is Here,’ and debuting a range of fantastic new initiatives and features, the Expo will be an unmissable event.

The Expo showcases the latest vehicle repair and servicing equipment, parts, tools and accessories, new technology and trends, an Awards evening, plus a comprehensive training and education program.

“We are excited to be able to move forward with our preparations for the Expo – an event run by the industry, for the industry,” AAAA Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, said.

“After a challenging couple of years for everyone, our industry is more excited than ever to come together to celebrate, learn, conduct business and network.

“The automotive industry in Australia is undergoing unprecedented change driven by the complexity of the car parc, changes in vehicle technology and the changing capabilities and needs of our workforce and customers.

“Vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems, pass through technology, embedded telematics (‘connected car’), and hybrid and electric powertrains are on Australian roads today.

“These vehicles will need to be safely repaired and maintained for their useful life, anywhere in Australia.

“AAAE 2022 will bring together experts from across the industry to provide the very latest information and practical tips on how and when businesses will need to adapt to these changes.

“The Expo aims to help visitors prepare for the future, to embrace and capitalise on the evolution of the industry, and the trends and technology that are rapidly developing.”

The Expo continues to evolve, and the launch of a number of exciting new initiatives will build further value for exhibitors and attendees visiting the show.

This years’ Expo will feature a ‘Workshop of the Future Pavilion’ which will include a display of state-of-the-art equipment and technology as well as regular presentations from industry experts covering the very latest information on Workshop Management Systems, EV repair techniques, ADAS calibration and diagnostics and tooling, including J2534 pass through technology.

The launch of the all-new 4WD Innovation Zone is a massive addition for the Expo and has been welcomed by the booming 4WD sector.

This dedicated area provides a unique opportunity for companies involved in 4WD modification, accessories and tuning to promote their company through a trade only B2B platform.

For the first time, the Expo will incorporate a standalone seminar stage on the show floor, which will deliver a free comprehensive training and education program and enable exhibitors to showcase their

latest products, technology and service offerings to a targeted trade audience.

Other exciting components of the 2022 Auto Aftermarket Expo include a modified and classic vehicle display area in the show concourse, celebrity appearances, interactive displays and competitions.

“We are very excited to announce that Repco has thrown their support behind the show, taking out the Major Sponsor package for AAAE 2022, and we’d like to thank them for their outstanding support,” Stuart said.

“We can’t wait for April to open the doors and finally welcome our industry back together.

“We know visitors will have a fantastic time and arm themselves with the knowledge to thrive, ready for the exciting future that awaits.”

The 2022 AAAExpo is gearing up to be the best ever. With huge exhibitor demand, expect over 250 of Australia’s leading brands to proudly display across 19,500 sqm of floor space at the MCEC. With free entry available to all members of the automotive trade, the Expo is expected to see 10,000 visitors attend over the three-day event.

For more information and to register, head to www.autoaftermarketexpo.com.au or www.collisionrepair.com.au

STERLING PARTS RESPONDS TO CUSTOMER WANTS Following recent research, Sterling Parts is seeking to help customers save time and make more money Sterling Parts says it has observed that apart from its obvious impacts, COVID-19 has brought about some noticeable on the ground changes within the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Industry.

Sterling Parts has undertaken research into the impacts of COVID-19 and emergent consumer trends over the past year by conducting surveys at multiple times between 2020 and 2021.

After conducting this market research and listening to its customers, Sterling Parts says it has confirmed a significant trend and shift in preference towards digital engagement and online ordering.

In response to this trend, the company has stated that it has accelerated its investment in online ordering and catalogue improvements.

From this research, Sterling Parts has identified the importance for its customers to be

doing what they do best instead of spending time on the phone ordering parts.

Sterling Parts says when customers order online, their orders go direct to its warehouse team’s RDS, taking out unnecessary human contact with their order requirements and all orders are then picked and packed in time for scheduled deliveries.

Sterling Parts’ research has also confirmed that stock availability is even more important during these times.

Sterling Parts says it works closely with its manufacturers to add new products to its range, and its warehouse teams are kept busy with multiple containers arriving on a weekly basis ensuring there is sufficient stock on the shelf to fulfil customer needs.

The company has also heard from its customers that they would like a greater degree of interactions with Sterling Parts.

Hearing their feedback, Sterling Parts will be attending the 2022 AAA Expo in Melbourne where its team looks forward to spending valuable time with customers and promoting its range.

For more from Sterling Parts, visit www.sterlingparts.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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NEWS

BURSON AUTO PARTS AND RYCO FILTERS GIVE AWAY FIVE CARS

This Burson Auto Parts trade promotion was one of the Australian company’s most popular Five lucky Burson Auto Parts trade customers who fit premium quality Ryco Filters to their customers cars have won a brand-new KIA Rio thanks to the Australian trade supplier of parts, tools, equipment, and accessories.

This highly popular Burson Auto Parts and Ryco Filters trade promotion was conducted from May 1 to June 30, 2021.

All Burson Auto Parts’ trade account customers needed to do was spend $200 on Ryco Filters products to automatically earn an entry to the draw.

With a total of five brand new KIA Rio vehicles on offer, these fantastic prizes provided the winning

workshops with a brand-new courtesy car or customer pick up and drop off vehicle.

Entry to the draw was easy due to the fast-moving nature of the Ryco Filters’ range of quality engine service and replacement filtration products.

With no limit to the number of entries per customer, it is not surprising that this Burson Auto Parts trade promotion was one of the Australian company’s most popular.

The KIA Rio is one of the most versatile, reliable, and well-equipped compact cars on the market, combining hatchback access with excellent comfort, drivability, and fuel economy, making this model the perfect choice for any automotive service or repair business.

Burson Auto Parts and Ryco Filters are delighted to announce the five lucky winners of this trade promotion: • • • • •

Darian Wilson - Bentleigh Service Centre, VIC Shane Anderson - Henley Motors, SA Josh Connor - Eurotech Hobart, TAS Peter Pirlo - Midas Tweed Heads, NSW Andrew Johnson - RM Automotive, NT

“It was great to team up with Ryco Filters to

provide our valued trade customers with this exciting promotion that offered such outstanding prizes. It was also a fantastic way to mark our long and highly successful supplier relationship with Ryco Filters during our 50th Anniversary,” Burson Auto Parts General Manager – Merchandise, Peter Cheney, said.

This Burson Auto Parts trade promotion joins many other promotions taking place during the Australian company’s 50th Anniversary year, including a cash prize of $1,000 per week of the year to random trade account customers and a major prize of $50,000 to be drawn at the end of the year to one lucky Burson Auto Parts customer.

These major trade promotions are joined by regional area promotions that are also taking place throughout the Australian company’s Golden Anniversary celebrations in 2021.

For more information, visit www.burson.com.au

TAKING CATALOGUE DATA QUALITY TO A HIGHER LEVEL Eleven percent of TecDoc brands have achieved Premier Data Supplier status TecAlliance, which says it is the leading data management specialist in the independent automotive parts market, is continuously running a data quality initiative to optimise data quality in the TecDoc Catalogue.

A new, more demanding set of rules with additional validations and key performance indicators (KPIs) supports parts manufacturers in improving their product data.

Since June 2021, each brand that fulfils these higher content-related requirements has been certified as a Premier Data Supplier (PDS).

As of the latest September evaluation, 11 percent of the more than 800 supplier brands have already achieved this superior status.

“With our new KPIs, we support our industry partners in raising the quality of their data in the TecDoc Catalogue to a new level,” TecAlliance Director Data Quality Management, Andreas Assmann, said.

“Our measures are aimed at enhancing the reliability 12

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

of the catalogue systems in the independent automotive aftermarket, thus increasing customer satisfaction at the point of service. Only accurate and complete data enables the user to quickly identify the correct replacement part.”

“At TecDoc, we are driven to provide benchmark data to our customers. We are always working on standardisation and data optimisation,” TecAlliance Product Lead Data Solutions, Jürgen Weiland, said.

“The new Premier Data Supplier status is a seal of quality for the highest level of precision and accuracy in every respect.

“We greatly appreciate our TecDoc suppliers’ continuous efforts to improve their data quality and would like to thank and congratulate all Premier Data Suppliers for their outstanding performance!”

Since its founding more than 25 years ago, TecAlliance says it has been committed to improving data quality and establishing uniform industry standards such as the TecDoc Standard.

Currently, the TecDoc Catalogue database contains 9.8 million part numbers from more than 800 supplier brands and over 414 million product/ vehicle applications.

The PDS supplier evaluation is carried out quarterly.

TecAlliance says it is committed to fully supporting all data suppliers to achieve the Premier Data Supplier status to meet point-of-service (PoS) information requirements with their product data.

More information about TecAlliance’s Data Quality Management initiative is available at www.tec.al/DQM

NEWS

MOTORACTIVE WINS AGAIN

MotorActive has again taken out the SuperCheap Auto Retailers Choice Award Announced at the 2021 Supercheap (SCA) Auto Trade Partner virtual forum, this is the seventh, consecutive time MotorActive has triumphed over the many other suppliers to SCA – which as part of the Super Retail Group has firmly established itself as one of Australia’s Top 10 retailers.

MotorActive notes that this is quite an achievement to be the award’s only recipient since its introduction in 2014 (SCA did not conduct awards in 2020).

This annual award is voted on by team members across the SCA store network.

“We’re over the moon to win it again,” MotorActive’s Managing Director, Bruce Morrison, said.

“I believe it’s a great reflection on our hardworking, long-standing sales force and the highly-engaged way they support and motivate the people at the sales coal face.”

MotorActive National Sales Manager, Michael Hogan, echoed this point.

“A huge congratulations to our retail team for their continued efforts, despite all the challenges we’ve faced directly from COVID,” Michael said.

“The focus, dedication and representation of MotorActive and its brands has been first class, I’m very proud.”

This is not the only award MotorActive picked up during the 2021 SCA Forum – it also scored the Outstanding Strategic Partner Award.

“We were especially delighted to also pick up the Strategic Partner Award,” Bruce said.

“This is of particular importance right at this point, as having a solid strategic view is really important to both our businesses as we come out of COVID.” MotorActive represents Meguiar’s, Mobil 1 and ColorSpec.

For more information, visit www.motoractive.com.au 14

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

EXPLORING INDUSTRY TRENDS ACA Research takes a look at the latest trends in the Australian automotive space The past five years have seen significant change in the Australian automotive industry.

From a new vehicle perspective, we have seen brands entering the market, and some muchloved brands exiting.

Technologies have changed, with features such as ADAS becoming common-place, and vehicle servicing has continued its progression to a technology-led process.

While these trends are exciting and play an important role in shaping the future of the industry, focusing too much on them can sometimes result in losing track of the fundamentals of automotive servicing.

Going back to basics, the last five years saw the Australian car parc increase from 16.8m to 18.1m vehicles, as an additional 1.3 million passenger and light commercial vehicles came on road.

This increase in the market led to significant growth in the annual servicing task, increasing the demand for both workshops and technicians.

Pleasingly, the aftermarket has clearly risen to this challenge, with 1,700 additional workshops operating now compared to five years ago.

From an aftermarket perspective, this also means the average vehicle is getting older, which should shift more of the servicing task away from dealerships and into independent or chain workshops.

Figure Two. Source: ABS Census of Motor Vehicles

In addition to this, by mapping supply and demand against each other, we can project that servicing these additional 1.6m vehicles in 2025 will require an additional 2,300 workshops on top of those currently operating, staffed by 5,300 technicians and support staff. While we know that many chain workshop operators are targeting growth, achieving this outcome will require a concerted effort across the industry.

Figure One. Source: ABS Counts of Australian Businesses

With 24,600 aftermarket workshops now operating around the country, this provides jobs for almost 66,000 technicians and administrative staff.

Despite this, we know that resourcing remains a challenge, with many of them actively recruiting for trained technicians. Furthermore, automotive apprenticeship completions are unsteady, which suggests this will continue to remain an issue for the foreseeable future.

Our data supports this, suggesting that this trend is only going to accelerate, with the AAAA Critical Industry Issues Report forecasting growth of almost 10 percent in the Australian passenger and light commercial vehicle car parc over the next five years.

Even though new vehicle sales have been inconsistent off the back of COVID-19 lockdowns and ongoing global new vehicle supply shortages, reduced vehicle scrappage means annual growth rates have held largely constant as consumers and businesses put off replacing existing vehicles.

Figure Three. Source: ABS Census of Motor Vehicles, ABS Counts of Australian Businesses, ABS Census of Population and Housing.

This projected demand is concerning given workshops already cite the shortage of trained technicians as one of the most significant challenges they face.

Ultimately, while international borders will reopen and workshops will again be able to source skilled technicians from overseas, migration caps mean this strategy cannot fully solve the problem.

This highlights the importance of the work being undertaken by independent and chain workshops, training organisations, and industry bodies such as the AAAA to increase the appeal and consideration of a career as an automotive technician, building the workforce of tomorrow, today.

This column was prepared for AAA Magazine by ACA Research, our partners in the AAAA Aftermarket Dashboard which is delivered to AAAA members each quarter.

For more information, visit www.acaresearch.com.au or contact Ben Selwyn on bselwyn@acaresearch.com.au

NEWS

WIN THE ULTIMATE SUMMER SET UP WITH ALCIUS

Climate control specialist Alcius has launched a national trade promotion The promotion will run from 1 November 2021 to 31 January 2022, across the entire Alcius product range.

Any Alcius purchases over $200 will earn a trade customer an entry to win the Ultimate Summer Set Up, along with weekly prize draws from November 1st until the end of January.

The major prize on offer to one lucky Alcius Complete Climate Control trade customer is the Ultimate Summer Set Up, valued at $19,165. It includes: • Gasmate Galaxy Black Hood LPG Outdoor Kitchen • Samsung 65-inch The Terrace 4K QLED Smart TV • Marquise 9-Piece Outdoor Rectangular Dining Setting • Cyrus 300cm Square Cantilever Outdoor Umbrella • Masport Woodfire Pizza Oven with Cover • Fire Pit BBQ 30-inch Grill / Portable Fireplace

Bapcor trade customers who select Alcius parts, tools, and equipment of over $200 in value during the promotion period will also be in the running to win a host of weekly quality outdoor entertainment products. These include Alcius BBQ Kits, Beefeater BBQs and Husky 46L fridges.

Since the release of the Alcius Complete Climate Control product catalogue in October 2020, Bapcor’s Thermal Parts Program has introduced more than 500 new parts.

Australasia’s largest automotive aftermarket company’s dedication to the ongoing expansion of the Alcius range now includes more than 1,500 compressor applications, including a major injection of new models, consisting of quality Alcius aftermarket and OE Genuine brands.

The Alcius and Genuine brand TX Valve and Receivers / Driers range has expanded to meet growing compressor application listings with more than 600 condenser applications now featured, including matching radiator and condenser fans.

The Alcius range also includes over 200 new evaporator, TX Valve, and blower motor parts, as well as major growth to the existing portfolio of applications.

After making Alcius product purchases from Bapcor network suppliers including Burson Auto Parts, BaxtersMTQ, WANO and JAS Oceania of $200 or more, Bapcor trade customers simply enter online at www.alcius.com.au to place themselves in the draw.

For more information, visit www.alcius.com.au

TOGETHER IN MOTION

ZF Aftermarket shapes new era of collaboration and reveals product highlights As part of a very different looking Automechanika 2021, ZF Aftermarket shared an increased offering for cars, commercial vehicles, trucks, trailers and buses, following the recent acquisition of WABCO.

improved brake actuation, replacing the vacuum brake boosters and, if necessary, the vacuum pump with its associated cables, sensors, switches and control units.

Enabling an attractive mobility experience for everyone, new products such as the WABCO Modular ABS Sensors and the TRW Electric Brake Booster for e-vehicles were presented at the Digital ZF Aftermarket at Automechanika 2021 event which was held from September 14 to 16.

With this TRW system, ZF Aftermarket says it is offering a genuine OE innovation at an early stage, which not only meets high comfort requirements and safety standards, but also supports the recovery of braking energy and thus the range of purely electric vehicles.

A key topic of the digital trade show was sustainability. Offering remanufacturing, repair and retrofit solutions to save materials and reduce emissions is one aspect of ZF’s sustainability roadmap and continuing to source green energy for its factories is another.

A software function also ensures that the vehicle is held securely in parking mode by the electric parking brake, meaning that a mechanical parking brake can be dispensed with.

For the first time, ZF Aftermarket will introduce the #greenaftermarket label for a range of TRW brake pads.

The digitisation of mobility is picking up speed.

As a result, customers’ individual demands for flexibility, speed and comfort are increasing.

More efficient combustion engines, hybrid- or purely electric drives require modular and scalable solutions for the braking system.

The TRW-branded Electric Brake Booster (EBB) uses a special electronic system to provide

ZF Aftermarket passes this experience on to its service partners - for example, in training courses on topics such as high-voltage drives.

Also announced at the Digital ZF Aftermarket at Automechanika 2021 event was the WABCO modular ABS Sensors.

KEA connector that is attached to the wheel, an extension cable in various lengths, and a range of adapters that cover the main electronic control units (ECUs) available on the market.

Once the modular concept is installed on the vehicle, only the defective component needs to be replaced, which significantly speeds up the repair process, reduces downtime and lowers costs.

Customer-centric, resource-saving, and costeffective, the latest WABCO product solves a common problem.

Thanks to the special flexibility in application, workshops no longer need to keep a large inventory of different sensors.

When commercial vehicles come to the workshop with a defective ABS sensor, a specific version of this part has to be ordered, which may not be in stock at the dealer. A modular ABS sensor concept which counteracts this problem has been developed for independent workshops. It consists of a short ABS sensor with the standard

Depending on just three parameters (sensor type, length, and connector), they can replace hundreds of variants with just a few products.

A combination of two existing ABS sensors, ten extension cables and eight adapters can replace over 400 OE references.

For more from ZF, go to www.zf.com Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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NEWS

NEW ANBI MASTER DISTRIBUTOR BSA has been secured as master distributor for the extended ANBI range Following hot on the heels of the launch of its extended range, ANBI says it is excited to announce the appointment of BSA Group Battery Specialties Australia as a Master Distributor.

“And when Theo approached us with the opportunity to secure a Master Distributor agreement to help them take the extended range to market, we jumped at the chance.”

“We’ve been in negotiations with the highly motivated team at BSA Group for some time,” Digital Pulse Systems General Manager, Theo Brown, said.

Battery Specialties Australia (BSA Group) has reportedly been leading the industry for more than 30 years and is a one-stop solution for all Consumer, Industrial and Special Purpose battery needs and accessories. It has a national network of branches in all states and territories.

“Their national footprint and exceptional distribution network, combined with their appetite to push deeper into the automotive aftermarket were critical in the decision to provide them with Master Distributor status.”

The ANBI journey started back in 2018 with the launch of its innovative negative battery isolator switch, the ANBI Switch.

Today that range has been extended to include an under-bonnet battery conditioner, 8mm battery boss adaptors, and premium quality battery terminals.

“We stocked and supported the ANBI Switch for more than 12 months,” BSA Group Sales Director, Steve Palmer, said.

“Today, BSA Group is the largest battery wholesaler in Australia and are exclusive suppliers to several government departments, multi-national retailers, and private organisations,” Steve said.

“We’re committed to growing our automotive division, and the ANBI range is the perfect fit to help us increase penetrate this market.”

One product in the extended range has Steve and his highly experienced sales and technical team particularly excited: the ANBI Battery Conditioner.

The all-new ANBI Battery Conditioner transmits a high-frequency digital pulse within the battery.

These digital pulse frequencies break down the

sulphates in the battery, extending battery life and increasing battery reliability.

“Battery conditioner technology has been around for more than a decade, and in the more recent past, the technology has been integrated into a wide variety of battery chargers,” Steve said.

“But of course, this only works if the battery is on charge. The all-new ANBI, under-bonnet battery conditioner works to reduce sulphates whenever the vehicle is in use.”

“There is no doubt that BSA Group will play an important role in the success of the extend ANBI range moving forward, and we’re committed to making it work.”

For more information about stocking and recommending the ANBI range in your business, visit www.anbiswitch.com.au To place a trade order, call BSA Group on 1300 255 228.

COOLDRIVE ESTABLISHES NEW TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT DIVISION The company has announced a renewed focus on becoming a leader in the Tools and Equipment space for automotive workshops This new company division for CoolDrive Auto Parts will reportedly further support workshops to ensure they are ready for the future of the automotive landscape, with the very latest in tools and equipment from leading brands being available.

“At CoolDrive Auto Parts, we pride ourselves on being able to offer the best products and equipment, both new and classic to our customer base,” CoolDrive Auto Parts Chief Executive Officer, John Blanchard, said.

“With the constant advances in vehicle technologies, workshops need to ensure they have the very best tools and equipment to appropriately service their customer’s vehicles and to succeed in the modern automotive aftermarket.

“This enhanced range will include our existing product lines and brands, as well as new offerings ranging from window tint meters, to top-of-the-line diagnostic scan tools and equipment packages, to specialist workshop equipment.”

Available to CoolDrive customers, some of the product offering includes an exceptional range of air-conditioning tools and equipment, the renowned Autologic diagnostic range, plus the recent partnership with SP Tools which brings its quality products directly to CoolDrive branches.

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Professional repairers can stay up-to-date with the latest from the global brands stocked by CoolDrive including Bosch and its diagnostic and ADAS tools, GYS battery chargers, battery support units and welding equipment, as well as CPS Motorvac’s broad range of workshop specialist service equipment.

The new Tools and Equipment division at CoolDrive will be led by Matthew Douglass, who recently joined the team, bringing with him more than 30 years of automotive industry experience.

“I have a passion for the industry and coming from a family who owns and operates multiple 4WD specialist workshops and multi-brand car service and repair workshops across the United Kingdom, I understand the challenges facing workshops today,” CoolDrive Auto Parts Category Manager – Tools and Equipment, Matthew Douglas, said.

“Joining CoolDrive has given me the opportunity to broaden its product offering through my knowledge and customer service of providing only the very best tools and equipment.

“I am looking forward to working with an already knowledgable team and supporting them day to day. CoolDrive Auto Parts wants to be the number

one provider in the growing Diagnostic Sector, and together I feel we can accomplish this.”

Matthew has extensive experience across a number of areas within the automotive trade including independent vehicle specialists, diagnostic tool manufacturers and vehicle manufacturers, and is well-versed to drive growth within this CoolDrive business division.

For further information on CoolDrive Auto Parts and its product and service offerings, visit www.cooldrive.com.au

NEWS

SHAREBOX COMES TO AUSTRALIA MANN+HUMMEL car dealers now have the opportunity NAMED A SUPPLIER Australian to take advantage of the Sharebox concept OF THE YEAR FOR GM It is the 26th time the company has received the award

At General Motors’ 29th annual Supplier of the Year awards, GM recognised 122 of its best suppliers for their exemplary performance in the 2020 calendar year.

The suppliers were awarded for going above and beyond GM’s requirements and providing GM customers with innovative technologies that stand out in the automotive industry.

Suppliers from 16 different countries received this award, including MANN+HUMMEL which is based in Ludwigsburg, Germany.

MANN+HUMMEL says it is a global leader in filtration technology with a focus on developing “intelligent solutions that enable cleaner mobility, cleaner air and cleaner water.”

Among the solutions it offers are air filtration and intake systems for different mobility and industrial applications.

“As GM works to achieve a future with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion, we are proud to have innovative and dedicated suppliers around the world as partners in this mission,” GM Vice President, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, Shilpan Amin, said.

“Throughout a challenging year, our suppliers have shown resilience and dedication in working toward our shared goal of long-term sustainability for our planet and the communities we serve, while meeting our present needs.

“We are pleased with what we’ve accomplished together in the past year, and we are excited by the opportunity that lies ahead.”

“I could not be prouder of our global team for again earning this very important recognition from General Motors for 2020,” MANN+HUMMEL Vice President OE Americas, Mike Ternes, said.

“Especially during an extremely challenging year for our entire industry, our team remained focused on doing what was needed to support our customer General Motors.”

For more information, visit www.mann-hummel.com 18

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

The Norwegian tech-company Sharebox has made its successful self-service technology available for the Australian market.

Sharebox explains that it develops, sells, and operates advanced dealer-focused solutions worldwide thus automating manual operations and transforming them into a self-serve experience. Sharebox hardware consists of both secure outdoor systems and moveable indoor terminals that automate service check-in and check-out, thus contributing towards increased revenue.

With an office now open in Perth, Sharebox customers can utilise self-serve check-ins and checks-outs with a digital customer journey for car maintenance and services.

“We are looking forward to gaining traction in the market and talking about how to go digital. Our proven self-service platform makes it easy to offer customers a 24-hour availability service through the use of digital solutions for both delivery and pick up of the vehicle,” Sharebox Country Manager for Australia, Dan Jørgensen, said.

“Digitisation of interfaces and channels will lead to new revenue opportunities for those aftermarket players that move faster than their peers. The technology trends are already shaking up the new-car market. It is only a matter of time before disruption is seen in the aftermarket.

“Our goal is to provide the best possible brand and customer experience – including for workshop visits. For us at Sharebox it´s invaluable to have five years of experience from the Nordic countries when we launch here.”

Audi and Volkswagen dealers in Norway have used the service for several years and the Norwegian importer has signed a long-term agreement to rollout Shareboxes on all of their Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat and Cupra dealerships.

Dan Jørgensen, Sharebox Country Manager for Australia

“Sharebox has now become a fully-fledged solution that helps us with the key drop-off and pick-up 24/7, including payment solutions. It helps us so well that we foresee an extension with one cabinet per brand and at each main entrance for an even better customer experience,” said Kjetil Barli, the Service Marketing Manager for Audi and Volkswagen, Norway.

The network of Toyota dealers in Norway have also chosen Sharebox as their preferred solution.

“We are very pleased with Sharebox and their solutions. For us, Sharebox has contributed to us digitising the customer journey for our workshop customers,” Kent Jenssen, the Digital Business Developer for Toyota Dealer Network, Norway, said.

“The customer can deliver, pay and pick up the car around the clock. Flexible payment solutions also contribute to increased customer satisfaction, then the customer can choose to pay in the way that suits them best.

“Having notifications sent to the customer advisors when the car has been delivered by the customer has worked seamlessly.

“Our customer advisors pick up all keys in the morning and have a full overview of which customers have delivered a key in the locker.

We are now working with full integration of our customer DMS systems and are now also planning indoor check-in terminals to be able to offer an even better and more flexible solution for both our customers and our employees.

“This will also help take some of the pressure off in the mornings and afternoons. We have achieved our goal of making it easy for the customer, and the customer does everything via their mobile phone.”

For more information, visit www.sharebox.global

NEWS

TRANSPORT FOR NSW LAUNCH AI DATA MINING PROJECT The project is set to rate roads for safety and seeks to lower the death toll

In a world where people are embracing domestic road trips due to the impact of the pandemic, a recently launched initiative in New South Wales aims to use artificial intelligence (AI) to make our road travel safer.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has established a timely project using cutting-edge AI to convert raw data from our roads into an international standard five-star rating system, as well as to potentially develop predictive algorithms for fatality and injury outcomes.

The project is supported by the iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre and is being led by TfNSW and partners, including the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) and geospatial data experts, Anditi.

The project will deliver up usable data for 20,000km of New South Wales roads to the state government using TomTom’s MN-R next generation map data, as well as prove feature extraction techniques and machine learning for LiDAR data.

The project aims to prove rapid, scalable and repeatable methods for road data extraction as part of iRAP’s global ‘AiRAP’ initiative (accelerated and intelligent RAP data collection).

The initiative will ultimately open up existing and emerging data sources for network-level road safety assessments throughout Australia and the world. iRAP is a registered charity dedicated to saving lives by eliminating high risk roads throughout the world. It assesses roads all over the world and aims to significantly reduce road casualties by improving the safety of road infrastructure.

The Australian Government is linking infrastructure funding to “measurable improvements in safety” and state agencies are setting network and

project-level star ratings before greenlighting public spending.

The 2018-2020 National Road Safety Action Plan set targets for 90 percent of travel on national highways and 80 percent of travel on state highways to meet a three-star or better safety standard. To date, more than 280,000km of Australian roads have been star rated.

The assessments involved identifying and recording more than 50 road attributes to the iRAP global standard every 100 metres. However, these assessments have been painstakingly done using video survey footage and manual recording methods.

IRAP’s Global Innovation Manager and Cities Specialist Monica Olyslagers is the project manager. She said the use of AI and machinelearning would significantly speed up the task of star-rating roads to enhance public safety.

“Raising the standard of the world’s roads to a three-star or better standard for all road users will help to focus policy and investment. With crash costs typically halving with each incremental improvement in star rating the potential for threestar or better roads to save lives is significant,” Monica said.

In recent years, between 1,100 and 1,200 people have lost their lives to road crashes on Australian roads each year, and more than 40,000 have suffered lifelong, debilitating injuries.

“The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to collect the data has potential to reduce costs and increase the frequency and accuracy of data,” Monica said.

“Making faster and more affordable data collection possible means that safety assessments can be done on an annual basis across the whole road network.”

IMOVE CRC Managing Director, Ian Christensen, said improving road safety performance is a priority for all levels of government in Australia.

“Using technologies such as AI to enhance in our suite of safety policy tools is a great step forward.

These powerful and insightful tools can inform sound investment by government that saves lives and unlock significant benefits to families, communities, business and health systems through reduced road trauma,” Ian said.

For more information, visit www.imoveaustralia.com/ project/accelerated-and-intelligent-rap-data-collection/

VALE TREVOR LONG

The AAAA has been deeply moved by the recent passing of Trevor Long Trevor was the Executive General Manager of GUD Holdings.

His humble, generous, and humorous nature earned him the respect and friendship of many within the automotive industry and he will be truly missed.

Trevor was a fierce champion for Australian manufacturing, and when the COVID 19 pandemic first hit Australia hard, he was quick to volunteer to support the ‘Driving Australia Forward’ campaign

to help us deliver a message of positivity about our industry.

This photo is one of the ‘behind the scenes’ shots from the campaign, that captures Trevor’s warm character and familiar smile.

To his family, all at the AAAA and Australian Aftermarket Magazine send their heartfelt condolences.

May he Rest in Peace.

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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NEWS

FRANKFURT’S AUTUMN TRADE FAIR SEASON UNDERWAY Automechanika Frankfurt Digital Plus and the Hypermotion Frankfurt conference and trade fair were completed successfully in September Following a forced, one-and-a-half-year break, from 14 to 16 September Messe Frankfurt was finally able to welcome exhibitors and trade visitors to two of its own events at its home venue.

Three hundred and eighty-eight exhibitors took part in the special Automechanika Frankfurt Digital Plus event and the Hypermotion Frankfurt conference and trade fair.

Of these, 53 percent were present in person in Frankfurt, with the remainder participating online.

Approximately 10,000 visitors from 70 countries followed the three-day trade fair programme live in Frankfurt and online.

Two-thirds of the participants made use of the many new digital features to do so on-screen,

including live streams, intelligent matchmaking, and one-to-one video calls.

The platform played host to approximately 25,000 interactions in all. The streams were viewed 21,000 times, while 1,600 video calls were made.

“The trade fair engine has been started, and the mobility and logistics industry got everything underway,” Messe Frankfurt Member of the Executive Board, Detlef Braun, said.

“Finally, exhibitors and trade visitors had the opportunity to get together in person again and make new contacts – both on site on the exhibition grounds and on the digital event platform with international industry players.

“Following a long dry spell, the familiar trade fair feeling was quickly established – only this time it was with masks and a requirement that people be vaccinated, tested or recovered. It is a good warm-up for Automechanika Frankfurt and Hypermotion next year.”

The concept behind both events – an inperson trade fair supplemented by the ability to participate digitally – was well-received by exhibitors and visitors alike.

“I am delighted that we are back at Automechanika – in person,” SATA Managing Director, Albrecht Kruse, said.

“It is our most important trade fair. I think that the hybrid format of this year’s event has been a complete success, particularly for the international public that is unable to travel to Frankfurt, as it makes it possible for them to be a part of the action.

“Even so, I believe that meeting with customers in person is extremely important. The Automechanika team has really outdone itself in making this format a reality for Automechanika Frankfurt.”

The next regular Automechanika Frankfurt will be taking place from 13 to 17 September 2022.

The next Hypermotion Frankfurt will be held in conjunction with the German Mobility Congress (DMK) from 15 to 17 November 2022 in Frankfurt.

For more information, visit www.automechanika.com

TYREXPO ASIA 2021 GOES VIRTUAL The show has become a full digital platform event in 2021 In August, Tarsus Southeast Asia – organisers of the forthcoming Tyrexpo Asia 2021 Show in Singapore – announced that because of the ongoing global travel restrictions in view of the COVID-19 situation, the show would become a Hybrid exhibition with innovative digital elements working alongside the three day ‘live’ event.

However, with the latest updates from the Singapore Government, event engagements and experiences are still significantly impaired with high travel restrictions in place which has meant that live international trade shows taking place this year remains difficult.

Therefore, Tyrexpo Asia 2021 will be moving into a full digital event format and Tarsus can confirm its recent partnership with a leading specialist in Hybrid Event Platform Management to present a highly professional virtual online show.

“After consideration to ensure a safe and superior quality of our event, the 2021 edition of Tyrexpo will be fully virtual,” Tyrexpo Team Project Director, Alwin Seow, said.

“Our intention now is to focus on quality tier one buyers and sellers to immerse in our fully interactive platform, which will involve approximately 1,000 participants to create a focus on only top-quality meetings.

“Two weeks leading up to the show before the live show days on the 17th to 19th November 2021, Exhibitors and Buyers will be able to communicate and set ‘live digital meetings/matching making’ before the three-day 24-hour marathon online event.”

Tyrexpo Asia Digital 2021 will provide immersive experience and guidance with live engagement

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Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

and execution facilities to guarantee a perfect level of business negotiations which will include several special features and benefits to all participants, including recommended buyers/sellers, real time access to live chats/video conferencing, Q&A sessions, self promotion, post sharing, speaker audience interaction, screen sharing, and smart matchmaking techniques with event group segmentation.

“I cannot thank enough all our amazing stakeholders who have remained strong and supportive of our decision. Our team is confident that the Digital Platform event will provide value to the global tyre and wheel aftermarket sectors during these unprecedented times,” Alwin said.

For more information, visit www.tyrexpoasia.com

NEWS

MARKETPARTS.COM EXPANDS OFFERING TO AUSTRALIA Recently launched to the Australian market is a unique digital automotive aftermarket parts ordering service Over the past eighteen months, the global COVID19 pandemic has had a significant effect on the acceptance that digital business communication is the way forward for the future.

Never before has it been so easy and effective for companies within the automotive aftermarket industry to successfully digitally connect and inter-trade around the world.

So as this dynamic new age in digital business trading continues to gather ongoing momentum, Marketparts.com is about to further extend its already thriving international services as a global digital platform for automotive professionals throughout Australia to take advantage of competitive online parts ordering and sales facilities.

Marketparts.com is based in Lyon, France and says it offers a comprehensive and highly effective digital Automotive Parts Catalogue alongside an ‘active’ interface with an engine capable of simultaneously searching up to 2,000 individual references to provide the best price currently available; therefore saving precious time, money and manpower for its growing number of international customers.

“We are totally unique in being the only professional B2B digital platform for automotive manufacturers and wholesalers/distributors in the

world and we are now ready to invite Australian automotive companies to use our services to further enhance their optimization of sourcing quality parts,” Marketparts.com President and Founder, Christophe Riberolle, said.

Marketparts says it is continually upgrading its direct trading facilities through new innovative technologies to offer worldwide visibility communication for its users towards easy sourcing of automotive parts globally to buy and sell through certified key players in the market.

Connection to the Marketparts system is through your email address and password plus a confirmation code will be received by text.

Once connected just type in the number of the part you are interested in and almost immediately all current available offers are displayed with prices, stock levels and delivery times for comparison. You can then insert your geographical area in Australia to get in touch with the nearest worldwide supplier.

Marketparts will also provide an App to present all the companies matching your selected part and once you have chosen a specific seller, Marketparts will contact the company for a quote.

If your chosen part is not available, then you have the opportunity to trigger a system to send

out for tenders to Marketparts, which will assist companies to find another potential seller.

Marketparts was formed in July 2019 and launched its individual digital platform in January 2020 and over the course of the past 21 months built up a growing list of 6,000 international distribution and manufacturing users.

Now Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific regions are its next simultaneous expansion project.

“Our totally unique digital platform is the way forward for innovative Australian manufacturers and wholesalers/distributors to swiftly buy or sell automotive parts at a competitive price,” Christophe said.

For further information and to take advantage of an opening offer to test the digital platform, go to www.marketparts.com/australia/

CLEARVIEW ACCESSORIES RECRUITS NEW INDUSTRY EXPERT David De Castro has joined the Clearview Accessories team After a record year, Clearview Accessories has strengthened its sales and operational team with the recruitment of David De Castro as National Sales Manager.

With over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, David has joined Clearview after ten years at MSA 4x4 Accessories.

Over the last 12 months, Clearview Accessories has bolstered its sales, operations, and management team with over three quarters of a decade of automotive industry experience.

With recruitment in several key areas, including Adam O’Sullivan as Chief Operating Officer, Paul Tier as Regional Sales Manager for Queensland and Northern New South Wales, and Peter Moustakas as Accounts Administrator, Clearview Accessories is looking forward to continued success in the future.

“We look forward to welcoming David to the team.

The last twelve months have seen record sales and product rollouts from the team, largely due to our partnerships with over seven hundred dealers

across Australia and export markets worldwide,” Clearview Accessories Chief Executive Officer, Mike Cowan, said.

“We are confident that with David’s industry experience, knowledge, passion, and relationships, we can cement Clearview Accessories as the premium Australian owned and managed fourwheel-drive accessory company.”

Although Coronavirus has delivered challenges over the last eighteen months, the company says it has gone from strength to strength as Aussies get out and explore their backyard.

The company has enjoyed record sales, an expanded dealer footprint, and the launch of new product ranges, including two new styles of towing mirrors in the Next Gen and Compacts.

The team is also on track for further expansion into Queensland and Western Australia by opening a new distribution centre in each state in the near future.

The Clearview Accessories team aims to provide Aussies with the inspiration and products to plan,

explore, discover and travel this wonderful country with reliability and safety.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mike Cowan, created the company in 2004 after becoming frustrated with the performance and quality of aftermarket towing mirrors.

Since creating the initial mirrors, Clearview Accessories says it has designed, engineered, and manufactured some of Australia’s most innovative 4x4 accessories.

For more information, visit www.clearviewaccesories.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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COVER STORY

TERRAIN TAMER: INNOVATION MEETS OLD SCHOOL SERVICE On the surface, the Terrain Tamer story is simply one of a spare parts business that has grown to see international success

But at its heart, it is one of a company that has not only survived but thrived thanks to a consistent, ongoing culture of listening, problem solving and customer obsession.

Coupled with an innate understanding of what is needed to take on the Australian Outback, this culture is what has driven five decades of innovation.

When 24-year-old Frank Hutchinson and his business partner Don Kyatt started their company in 1969, they did so with little more than their computer-like minds for Parts Interpreting, and a few hundred dollars.

But more than this, Frank’s acute will to serve and commitment to service would become the driving force behind what would eventually become the company’s true north, the Terrain Tamer brand.

This emphasis on service was made clear to everyone who worked with Frank. Without the customer, there was no business, so when someone came in with a vehicle, they wanted to make sure they got the right part.

If it wasn’t in stock, they would find it from somewhere and if they couldn’t get a new part, they would try reconditioned.

If a part had failed, they looked at why and how it could be strengthened or upgraded. Frank’s ‘service first’ policy and determination to get whatever was needed, delivered as quickly as possible, was how he would repeatedly win customers to his business – customers like tour operator Bill King, who operated out of Melbourne and pioneered tours into the red centre in the

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1960s and 70s, at a time when there was no Stuart Highway, no road houses or roadside assistance and more often than not, no other people in sight.

There was no beaten track, and this meant taking his tourists through rough, uncharted terrain and private cattle station gates to eventually reach their destination of Ayers Rock (Uluru).

Of course, with these conditions came breakages, and in the isolated and unforgiving outback, where a poor-quality part can literally be the difference between life and death, a need for something stronger and more reliable arose.

When Bill King remembers the early days of his business, he recalls Frank’s dedication to customer service.

“When I visited a dealer, I was just another customer, but when I went to Frank for a part, I was Bill,” Bill said.

Frank’s determination to really talk to customers

like Bill, find out what they needed and create a solution, was the foundation of Terrain Tamer. And as the 4WD community grew over the years, the goal was to do the same for the problems of mine operators, cattle station owners and recreational drivers around the world.

In the early days, others weren’t interested in creating parts that were stronger than OE, seeing it as simply trying to fix what wasn’t broken, but Terrain Tamer was.

Innovation had driven them from the start and the ideas they had, that came from talking to their customers, watching how people actually used their vehicles and how mechanics did their work, was the future they envisioned for their business.

Terrain Tamer invested heavily in overseas travel throughout the 1970s and 80s, allowing the team to meet with the OE manufacturers of the world and come up with solutions to these customer problems, essentially laying the groundwork for the future.

The customers themselves couldn’t do it themselves, as it requires such a large-scale investment in tooling. The manufacturers couldn’t do it because they didn’t have the required understanding of the customer. And Terrain Tamer says the opposition couldn’t do it because they weren’t focused specifically on 4WD customers.

It was only Terrain Tamer that had the critical mass needed to bridge the gap and bring the solution together.

Everything that was done was grounded in dayto-day use, and the information that Frank had gathered from his customers, not just on what the Terrain Tamer team thought would be better. If it wasn’t going to improve the use of the vehicle, no one would want it and it wasn’t worth modifying.

COVER STORY

When Terrain Tamer introduced kits to its range, for instance, they were almost unheard of in the industry.

Previously, overhauling a gearbox or transfer case meant sourcing a hundred parts separately, often from different suppliers. It was extremely easy to forget something and then be delayed while waiting for that last part to arrive.

Terrain Tamer says it changed the game by putting together complete kits that included exactly what was needed for any job.

Terrain Tamer knew from talking to its customers that for the recreational four-wheel driver, spending their time off-road and in the bush was a priority, not having to spend time fixing their broken-down vehicle.

For mechanics, time is expensive, so when a car comes in that needs a wheel bearing adjustment, it is easy to go to the shelf and grab a Terrain Tamer

kit with everything inside, rather than missing one or two crucial pieces.

When operators of 79 Series LandCruisers were experiencing an issue in the vehicle’s gearbox, where the short spline of the main shaft was prone to stripping, even in easy conditions, Terrain Tamer addressed the problem by designing a shaft with a longer spline, doubling the surface area.

A similar issue with the vehicle’s input gear was where the inner spline was also stripping during use. By removing the spacer that was connected to the original gear and instead lengthening the inner spline, Terrain Tamer made a part that was far more hard wearing.

Terrain Tamer’s modifications essentially made the gearbox three times stronger, provided a significant increase in the performance of the vehicle’s driveline and was the precursor for many modified parts to come.

The company was now putting its name behind parts that they had developed and created themselves. It was they who were now responsible for the quality of these parts and ultimately, the safety of customers.

Terrain Tamer says this has meant that from the beginning, the rigorous research, development and testing that every part has gone through before it is able to bear the Terrain Tamer stamp has ensured that “every part is at least equal to original equipment and often far exceeding the standard.”

Manufacturers are reportedly hand selected from the best in their fields in the world, often resulting in collaborative relationships where ideas are shared, ensuring parts that are created with Terrain Tamer tooling are of the highest quality and cannot be replicated by competitors, says Terrain Tamer.

So many of Terrain Tamer’s solutions that are developed for the Australian market are then shared with the wider global market via the Terrain Tamer network across 80 countries. This allows for expensive tooling to be justified, and it is that connecting tissue that has grown the company to be as truly international as it is today, with 17 branches worldwide, and almost as many branches overseas as here in Australia, including Africa, Europe, New Zealand, PNG and Fiji.

Today, the business remains independent and family owned, having carved out a unique international niche among the industries major corporations.

This is in no small way due to Frank’s belief, right from the very beginning, that his company is not just a business of parts, but of people.

The same culture that is ingrained in Terrain Tamer’s head office of innovation that stems from having had that deep connection to the customer, is replicated in each of those branches, and over 50 years on, Frank is often still last to leave each night as he drives the culture overseas.

It stemmed from Frank all those years ago, but took up a life of its own when he trained the first generation of managers, who then trained the next generation, who have now been with Terrain Tamer for over 25 years.

Frank’s son Brent has spent his life in the company, learning from those who have been there almost from the beginning, and is now the General Manager.

As a result, Terrain Tamer’s people are those who listen to the customers’ needs by instinct and connect the need with the innovative solution, day in and day out.

Terrain Tamer says it has been this culture that has propelled the company and the brand forward, decade after decade for 52 years, and ensures they will be of great service to the industry as they continue to be discovered by 4WD specialists around the world.

For more information, visit www.terraintamer.com Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

25

TECHNOFILE

OPUS IVS TAKES ON AN INOPERABLE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT ON A 2008 PEUGEOT The IVS 360 team recently supported a workshop with an air conditioning unit problem Opus IVS OEM-Trained Master Technicians support customers in the automotive aftermarket via the IVS 360 diagnostic support service delivered from Opus IVS’ Head office in Oxford in the United Kingdom.

Using the DrivePro’s market leading diagnostic software and extensive product knowledge, the IVS 360 team identifies the cause and steps needed to fix vehicle faults.

IVS 360 provides technicians with the confidence to repair the most complex vehicles fast with live repair guidance from OE brand-specific master technicians.

Opus IVS’ experts remote in real time directly to vehicle communication systems to diagnose, program and calibrate vehicles.

It says this eliminates uncertainty, giving workshops the confidence to get the most complex vehicles back on the road safely and fast.

Globally, the IVS team provides essential diagnostic support to thousands of customers, with the aim of improving efficiency and profitability in their workshops.

Diagnostic support cases range across a wide range of vehicle brands and are managed through the OEM-Trained Master Technicians who are experienced brand specialists.

A recent IVS 360 case involved a Peugeot 2008 model year. The vehicle’s air conditioning was inoperable as was the air conditioning compressor.

The IVS 360 Master Technicians supported the customer with the following advice:

Affected Vehicles: • Peugeot - All models (2005 - 2021) | Models where the Under Bonnet Fuse Box controls feed and earth to the Air Con Compressor • Citroen - All Models (2005 - 2021) | Models where the Under Bonnet Fuse Box controls feed and earth to the Air Con Compressor

Faults: The technician ran a vehicle scan using his DrivePro device and found the following DTCs: • B994 (0994) Air conditioning compressor clutch control fault: Short circuit to earth Body Control Module - BSI • B995 (0995) Air conditioning compressor displacement control fault: Short circuit to earth Body Control Module – BSI

Symptoms The technician accessed the IVS 360 live diagnostic support service from Opus IVS directly via his device for support and repair guidance.

The technician explained to the IVS 360 team that alongside the inoperable air conditioning unit, the vehicle was also displaying various other symptoms. These included: 1. Air Conditioning inoperable.

2. Air Conditioning Compressor inoperable.

3. No feed to Air Con Compressor Clutch.

4. No / or bad earth to Air Con Compressor Clutch.

5. Varying supply voltage to the Air Con Compressor Clutch.

Possible Causes The IVS 360 team explained that the symptoms displayed were an indicator that there could be some faulty wiring between the under bonnet fuse box and the Aircon Compressor.

They also suggested that these symptoms could be caused by a; 1. Faulty under bonnet fuse box.

2. Bad earth to the Aircon Compressor.

3. Varying supply voltage to Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch.

Repair Steps After identifying the possible causes for the fault, the IVS 360 team took the technician through some necessary steps to pinpoint the correct cause of the fault so he could conduct the necessary repairs.

The steps provided included: 1. Checking for signs of water ingress to under Bonnet Fuse Box. The technician was advised to replace the under-bonnet fuse box if there were any signs of water damage.

2. Using the manufacturers’ wiring information, the technician was advised they should also check the wiring from under bonnet fuse box to Air Con Compressor Clutch and to repair any high resistances, or incorrect voltages.

The IVS 360 team advised that Air Con Compressor Clutch supply voltage from under bonnet fuse box varies from 4v to 14v. This is normally caused by a bad earth to the Compressor and / or Under Bonnet Fuse Box.

Result After carrying out the provided checks, the technician found signs of water ingress and therefore replaced the under-bonnet fuse box.

After replacing the unit all symptoms were resolved and the vehicle was returned to the customer.

Tools Required: Multi Meter For more information on how Opus IVS can support your workshop, visit www.opusivs-au.com or contact sales-au@opusivs.com 26

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

PRODUCT R&D

AUSSIE FUEL INJECTOR COMPANY DEVELOPS WORLD-FIRST TECHNOLOGY XS Injectors has developed a game-changing piece of new technology called EXACT MATCH The Melbourne-based performance fuel injector business says this world-first technology provides performance vehicle tuners with tuning data that is exactly matched to each set of injectors, not based on data for generic flow rates.

“Performance tuners know all too well that tuning modified engines after upgrades is a very precise business,” XS Injectors Managing Director, Simon Richards, said.

“The smallest of margins can make a huge difference, especially when it comes to fuel delivery.

“Even with the best technology, leading fuel injector companies might work with tolerances of up to nine percent between how their injectors perform against what the tuning data outlines in the files they provide to the tuners.

“Well, that’s all about to change.”

XS Injectors says the level of testing it has developed is like nothing before seen in the industry.

Whilst the testing of fuel injectors is governed

by International Standard J1832 and is tightly controlled, the allowable tolerances just don’t work for performance tuners who are looking for every horsepower, it says.

XS Injectors explains that its injectors provide tolerances within one percent on flow rate and two percent on dead times and each injector has over 6,500 flow points recorded to create a flow profile.

XS Injectors states that the result is the world’s most accurate performance fuel injector.

Further, there is the added benefit of EXACT MATCHing each set of injectors, which is also part of the XS Injectors story.

The key to an ultimate fuel injector, and therefore the fuel delivery tune, is having all fuel injectors working at not only exactly the same performance, but also adjusting the tune to match the flow rate.

It is widely known that a set of 1000cc injectors generally never flow at exactly 1000cc; a set might all be tightly matched but could flow at 915cc or even 1001cc, explains XS Injectors.

“As an example, say a set of eight injectors all flow at 943cc, the generic tuning data, that is provided from injector companies and used by tuners, 28

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

is likely to be calculated right on or at 1000cc,” Simon said.

“In this example case, the tune would be off by 5.7 percent. Whilst high end tuners would continue to adjust the tune to get it perfect, this can take hours.

“In this XS Injectors example, if all eight injectors flowed at 943cc, then the completely individualised tuning data file would be for that dedicated set complete with a 943cc flow rate.

“The end result is perfectly tuned injectors without any need for further tuning adjustments!”

XS Injectors says that further to its revolutionary development of flow rate matching, the EXACT MATCH technology also provides the same enhancement for the deadtime performance of each injector.

The XS Injector tuning files are also already adjusted to exactly match the deadtimes of each set.

The EXACT MATCH tuning data files for all popular tuning software and ECUs are available for immediate download from the XS Injectors website: www.xsinjectors.com To access the files, simply type in the individual

PRODUCT R&D

Injector ID into the Data Download section of the website and the report and data files are instantaneously available.

When asked why XS Injectors went to these lengths to develop this world-first technology, Simon explained: “Performance Tuners not only in Australia but around the world have consistently said they were looking for better and more tightly matched injector sets.

“So, four years ago we decided to develop a system that surpassed anything on the market.

“We employed a renowned engineer and a world

class data analyst to develop this new technology from the ground up. The idea was to take performance injectors to a new level and create a new standard for testing and tuning data.”

Simon also backs his claims of XS Injectors’ game changing technology by offering another world first when it comes to the product warranty.

“We have full faith in our product in both the development and quality, so all XS Injectors are backed by an unconditional lifetime warranty which I believe is not offered by any other performance fuel injector,” Simon said.

XS Injectors was founded by Simon Richards and his father Stewart, who can not only stake claim to being one of Australia’s first ever fuel injection specialists, but collectively have almost 80 years of experience in fuel delivery.

According to those behind XS Injectors, this niche Melbourne company is about to take the world by storm and represents the ingenuity that is so globally respected from Australian performance businesses.

Trade sales for XS Injectors are available through Injectors Online at www.injectorsonline.com

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine Publisher, Cameron McLachlan, takes a look at the products driving the automotive aftermarket. cameron@aaaa.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

29

PRODUCTS

PROTRANS HD

The latest development in brake pads for commercial vehicles by Bendix Bendix has released its latest development in high performance brake pads. Bendix PROTRANS HD Brake Pads are designed and engineered to combat the extreme pressures that heavy duty vehicles are exposed to on a daily basis and are specially engineered to meet Australia’s demanding conditions.

The development of the PROTRANSHD revolves around a special advanced heavy-duty formulation designed to cope with the high temperatures related to constant braking and GMV loading which requires a higher performance brake pad.

This in turn addresses a major issue in fleets of multi-purpose pad’s wear rate.

Employing the highest levels of technology designed to meet the world’s stringent safety and compliance regulations, premium quality friction materials are essential with electronics controlling many aspects of the modern heavy vehicle such as engine, transmission and brakes.

The range meets ECE-R90 regulations (where homologated) and is FE rated (J661).

PLATINUM GASKETS Available from Australian Automotive Parts (AAP) AAP says Platinum Gaskets was built on an uncompromising commitment to use the highest quality materials offered throughout the world.

All gaskets carry a three-year/100,000km warranty for peace of mind.

Platinum Gaskets reportedly pursues the philosophy of “adding value to customers with quality,” and has won the praise of customers in Australia and abroad with high-quality products and services Leaks of engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid, to name a few, are problematic. These not only cause unsightly stains but may lead to serious problems if not repaired.

Platinum Gaskets says that is why it provides leak free repair gaskets that are designed for the repair environment; with proprietary materials, installation aids and proven technologies helping to ensure a reliable seal on “even the most troublesome applications.”

Platinum Gaskets says its range differs from other gasket brands on offer, which includes; • Head gaskets manufactured in high-grade graphite material with stainless steel bore bindings or MLS (multi layered steel), which ever is applicable to each particular engine.

• Rocker cover gaskets which are all manufactured in silicone material, allowing

mechanical stability over a broad temperature range to ensure sealing integrity.

• Valve stem oil seals which are of Viton material.

• Engine oil seals which are genuine NOK seals.

• A wide range of non-asbestos gasket materials, in a variety of sheet sizes and thicknesses.

Not only are valve regrind and full gasket sets available, there are manifold gaskets, oil pan sets, valve cover gaskets and kits, timing case seal sets, turbocharger gaskets, along with a large range of miscellaneous gaskets and seals including valve stem oil seals, valve cover bolt seals, spark plug tube seals, exhaust flange gaskets, thermostat gaskets and water pump gaskets to suit a large range of engines.

To complement the gaskets, an extensive range of cylinder head bolt sets are also available.

The Platinum Gasket range is complemented with a very informative, comprehensive easy to read catalogue and the entire range is listed on Oscar along with images of each item.

For more information, visit www.australianautomotiveparts.com.au

COOLDRIVE LOCKS TIGHT WITH LOCTITE Leading adhesives, sealants and surface treatments brands joins CoolDrive The ECE Regulation 90 (ECE-R90) specifies the design, construction, performance requirements and test protocols to strict European regulation.

ECE R90 calls for brake pads to be tested for braking capabilities, speed sensitivity, cold performance and may only deviate from the frictional characteristics of their original equipment counterparts by no more that 15 percent.

The comprehensive new PROTRANS HD range from Bendix covers the most popular heavy commercial vehicle applications and is now available from leading Bendix stockists offering OE quality, low pad wear and come with hardware included in the pack ready to fit.

For more information, free call the Bendix Brake Advice Centre on 1800 819 666 or +61 3 5327 0211 from overseas (8am-5pm Monday to Friday EST), e-mail brakeadvicecentre@bendix.com.au or visit www.bendix.com.au 32

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

CoolDrive Auto Parts says it has again secured a top tier supplier for customers in the automotive aftermarket, with Loctite products now available on the shelves at local CoolDrive branches.

CoolDrive Auto Parts says Loctite has long been considered as the world’s leading brand for adhesives, sealants and surface treatments, combining decades of experience and breakthrough technology to be “the go-to brand in any workshop.”

Headlining the range at CoolDrive are Loctite’s Threadlocker adhesives, which can be used in a wide range of applications, from delicate fuel injection components to heavy-duty transmission and engine assemblies.

Also available are the Loctite Thread Sealants which seal and secure metal pipes and fittings, filling the space between threaded metal parts.

The Loctite Gasketing products offer precise and reliable sealing, delivering excellent fluid resistance and formulations for high operating

temperatures, high torque retention and sensorsafe characteristics, with a choice of anaerobic, RTV silicone or solvent-based products available.

The Loctite Instant Adhesive range includes liquids, gels, pastes, aerosols and putties that are capable to meet any number of automotive applications, such as bonding trim, sealing weather-stripping, and repairing broken grilles.

There is also a comprehensive retaining compound range with products to bond nonthreaded, cylindrical metal assemblies.

Finally, there is the anti-seize and lubricating products to protect metal parts from corrosion, and a number of specialist tapes.

For further information on the Loctite range at CoolDrive, or to find a branch, visit ishop.cooldrive.com.au

PRODUCTS

COMPLETE CLUTCH SYSTEMS From Australian Clutch Services’ ClutchPro

ClutchPro continues to develop its range of aftermarket clutch system accessories and components to incorporate as many components as possible for the entire clutch system, from the pedal all the way to the flywheel.

ClutchPro is the standard replacement division of Australian Clutch Services and says it offers a comprehensive range of clutch kits and associated accessories including hydraulics, bearings, tools, forks and cross-shafts.

With the range continuing to expand, ClutchPro is encouraging workshops to inspect all components in the clutch system for wear or damage when replacing the clutch to ensure optimum performance and durability for the new clutch assembly.

“We always encourage technicians to check all areas of the clutch system for wear to ensure that the necessary components can be replaced whilst the transmission is removed from the vehicle,”

Australian Clutch Services Sales Manager, Colin Jevons, said.

“By offering a comprehensive range of accessories and components, we are providing the opportunity for workshops to place an order and receive everything they may need in one go, saving freight and time for the customer.”

ClutchPro says that components throughout the clutch system can have a major impact on the performance of the clutch and can often cause release issues.

bearing ends up operating on a different area on the guide tube and the pedal can feel uneven.

“As a result, we suggest technicians inspect all key areas of the clutch system and if in doubt, give our sales and technical support team a call to discuss.

“With an extensive nationwide distribution network and stock of popular components kept around the country, we aim to provide these components as quickly as possible to ensure the vehicle can be repaired and put back on the road efficiently.”

For more information about the ClutchPro range of clutch kits, hydraulics and accessories, please call 1800 CLUTCH or visit www.australianclutch.com.au

“We often see customers replacing a clutch only to find that the clutch itself had not failed, but another component in the system has caused the issue such as the hydraulics or a clutch fork,” Colin said.

“Another common issue can be a worn transmission guide tube that can seem fine on the old clutch unit, but as soon as the new assembly is fitted and the installed height changes, the

ORIGINAL FLEX COUPLINGS FROM GERMANY From SGF

SGF designs and manufactures power transmission products such as Flexible couplings for car companies around the globe.

the Noise, Vibration, Resonance and other disturbing harmonic signatures generated by the vehicle’s powertrain.

SGF says its Flexible Drive Couplings are fitted as Original Equipment to many RWD and AWD vehicles by vehicle manufacturers including Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, BMW, Mercedes Benz, VW and Hyundai.

When selecting a flexible coupling, SGF says you should remember each vehicle’s flexible coupling is unique and even if they are dimensionally similar, the harmonic (NVH) performance is different. Each SGF coupling is specifically tuned for each vehicle application.

The purpose of a Flexible Coupling is to: a) Effectively transmit rotational torque. b) Compensate for axial, radial and angular misalignment in the vehicle’s drivetrain. c) Be engineered to handle the operating and torque peaks of the engine. d) Be application tuned to eliminate or reduce

SGF says that with its couplings, you get the original; the same as fitted to the vehicle when it was built.

SGF states that its product advantage and competency is based on its trademarked Tenpu fibre technology; a combination of unique cord inlays and rubber material that operate in tension load.

Unlike common rubber couplings that work with shear load or pressure load on the rubber, the tension load principle ensures that the cord inlays transmit most of the load, providing a better tolerance to shock loads and a higher power density ratio resulting in the ability to transmit higher torque with a smaller coupling.

SGF Couplings are made in Germany. SGF says it has manufactured over 90 percent of OEM Flex Couplings for vehicles since 1946.

Original SGF Couplings have the SGF logo/part number moulded or printed on the coupling itself.

SGF says you need to just identify this number when replacing to ensure you are supplied genuine SGF. With driveshafts rotating in excess of 3000 RPM, SGF says you need to beware of potential NVH and safety hazards from inferior copy couplings.

German Made Original SGF Flex Couplings are available from all reputable distributors or contact sales@sgfasiapac.com for further information.

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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PRODUCTS

DICTIONARY OF POPULAR SUSPENSION ERRORS: PART 2 The Bilstein Academy is seeking to clarify technical misunderstandings Recently, the Bilstein Academy supplied information to clarify and largely dispel some of the popular myths surrounding the suspension.

However, it says there are still more dos and don’ts about shock absorbers and more to be covered and so in this article, Bilstein examines a popular test procedure for radial play on the piston rod, which does not necessarily lead to the desired result.

It also clarifies what spring travel limiters can really do – and what they definitely cannot. Last but not least the Head of the Bilstein Academy, Rainer Popiol, gets to the bottom of the thesis that the “hardness” of a suspension system corresponds directly to its performance like a sports car.

When it comes to checking the suspension, this scene is still widespread in the workshops: the mechanic checks the lateral play on the newly installed – or even old – shock absorber at the extended piston rod.

“This is not a good idea, because there is an extremely long lever arm here, and thus poor support of the piston rod is guaranteed. The almost inevitable diagnosis is therefore too much radial play,” Rainer said.

“In order to correctly determine any radial play that may exist, the piston rod/working piston must be in the design position of the vehicle/suspension.

“This is the main working area of the damper and here the piston rod is guided and supported by both the locking package and the working piston.

“It should be noted, however, that no standardised guide values exist, which makes an assessment difficult.”

Bump stops are also much discussed, but this

does not refer to the existing pressure stops/ buffers, but rather to components for retrofitting.

In forums, and to some extent also on the part of parts manufacturers, Bilstein notes it is often incorrectly claimed that these protect the suspension and body during the compression process.

“Bump stops take away the necessary spring travel from the vehicle. They prevent the shock absorber from sensibly reducing the dynamic vibrations from the suspension. If the shock absorber rests on the bump stop, the driving behaviour is very hard and ‘bumpy;’ the car can hardly be driven sensibly,” Rainer said.

“Thus, the opposite of the initial statement is more likely to be true: the bump stops do not prevent suspension parts and body from damage; these are rather overstressed and therefore wear out faster.

“Regardless of such misconceived advantages, these components are mainly used in the following case: a vehicle was lowered and then a wider wheel/tyre combination with an unsuitable offset was installed.

“The bump stops are then intended to prevent the tyres from grinding on the lower edges of the mudguards or on the rear side panel. But this motive also produces suboptimal results: for reasons of safety and performance, a fast vehicle should always have sufficient spring deflection.

“Only in this way can the shock absorber do its job well and reduce vibrations.”

Bilstein says there is another myth in the tuning environment: the harder the suspension is, the more it feels like driving a sports car. However, does this thesis really stand up to closer scrutiny?

“The often-quoted rule of thumb simplifies far too much and can therefore be considered wrong,” Rainer said.

“The fact is: even a sports suspension must be balanced. Extremes are often counterproductive.”

Bilstein says however that if the initial statement is put into perspective and supported by further measures, you can still come to terms with the argumentation.

Of course, lowering the suspension can bring advantages for driving dynamics. It is correct that lowering of the vehicle’s centre of gravity, which must be precisely defined, reduces the tendency to roll and improves the driving dynamics with the maximum possible residual spring travel.

When using sports springs, preferably in conjunction with suitable high-performance shock absorbers, a technically reasonable measure must always be taken into account: 40mm lower means 40mm less spring deflection travel at the axle.

Bilstein says sufficient residual spring travel should, however, always remain available. It explains that when lowering the vehicle, the quality and performance of the components used is also decisive, stating that if, for example, the dampers are tuned too hard, this can have a negative effect on tyre traction. Therefore, it says not every car that looks extremely deep and sporty can live up to this promise in terms of handling.

For more information, visit www.bilstein.com Photo: Copyright Bilstein 2021

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PRODUCTS

BOSCH DOES AWAY WITH THE “CHARGING BRICK” World’s first electric car charging cable with integrated technology for flexible recharging without a control box Bosch’s new flexible smart charging cable with integrated control and safety technology does without the usual “charging brick” – as the bulky in-cable control box is colloquially known – when charging at a 230-volt power socket.

This means the flexible smart charging cable, which celebrated its world premiere at IAA Mobility 2021, weighs less than three kilograms.

Bosch explains that on average, this is a good 40 percent less than conventional charging cables with a control box.

The high-tech cable saves not only weight but also space in the trunk: because it comes with adapters for Type 2 and household plugs,

drivers who want to be free to choose whether to recharge from a power socket at home or from a charging station on the road no longer need a second cable.

“With this universal charging cable, Bosch is making electromobility even more customerfriendly,” Bosch Powertrain Solutions Division President, Dr Uwe Gackstatter, said.

“We want to make the new cable standard equipment for electric vehicles.”

Bosch expects to start selling the cable to vehicle manufacturers and drivers in mid-2022.

The three-phase cable enables so-called mode 2 and mode 3 AC charging at up to 22 kilowatts.

With the flexible smart charging cable, there is no need for a wallbox when recharging at home.

The technology integrated into each of the plugs makes the recharging process safe and reliable.

The type 2 connector at the vehicle end of the cable contains the components for controlling and monitoring the charging power.

At the other end, the household plug with adapter houses the temperature control and a residual current device. This ensures that no overloading or overheating occurs even during regular recharging at a household power socket with up

to 2.3 kilowatts of charging power. If necessary, the safety technology deactivates the cable before the situation becomes critical.

To be able to integrate the control and safety technology into the compact cable connectors, Bosch developers have significantly reduced the size of the electronics components compared to previous applications in control boxes. Here, they benefited from the miniaturization expertise that it is constantly developing within the company.

“The flexible smart charging cable is a great example of how Bosch is using innovative hightech to make everyday life easier while helping electromobility achieve broader acceptance,” Dr Gackstatter said.

For more information, visit www.bosch.com.au

BAR’S BUGS SANITISER RANGE

Keep soft and hard surfaces clean with Bar’s Bugs locally made sanitisers The team at Bar’s Bugs says it is delighted to introduce its recently developed sanitiser range, available in a range of sizes.

“Our sanitiser products have been carefully designed and manufactured to be safe and suitable solutions for both soft (fabrics/materials) and hard surfaces (work tops, car interiors, home surfaces),” Bar’s Bugs’ representative Katie Burnell said.

“This means that when it comes to using products from our range, you can rest assured that both your sanitised surfaces and skin will be treated gently whilst ghastly germs will be gone!

“Our products have and will always be developed to suit local and current conditions and our sanitiser range is no different – every element has been carefully considered and scientifically structured to suit our customer’s needs whilst meeting and exceeding industry standards.

“In a time when cleanliness is key, we wanted to ensure that our products met the needs of the market by offering a multi-purpose and costeffective range with user longevity.”

The standard range is available to purchase through Repco stores, Repco online and Repco click and collect with product packages and larger trade sizes available direct from Bar’s Bugs.

Key features include: • Kills 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria.

• Effective against viruses.

• Non-flammable.

• Safe on all skin types and will not dry hands out like some gels can.

• Sweetly scented – a soft thyme smell that even little ones will love.

• Multi-purpose: products can be used inside of vehicles, workstations, and homes.

• Safe on soft and hard surfaces – the formula will not damage or bleach fabric and upholstery.

• Locally manufactured.

• Low price point.

• Especially designed for the automotive industry, yet suitable for all.

The Bar’s Bugs sanitiser range includes a non-

flammable 125ml hand and surface sanitiser spray bottle, a non-flammable 500ml surface cleaner and sanitiser available in a trigger spray, and bulk pour bottles from 5 litres to 200 litres.

The non-flammable formula means it’s safe to use at the petrol pump, is travel approved, and fits neatly into glove boxes, centre console compartments, under counters, on top of workstations and even in pockets.

For more information, visit www.barsbugs.com.au or e-mail sales@barsleaks.com.au or call 02 9524 5236.

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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PRODUCTS

CATERAN PREMIUM TURBOCHARGER OIL SUPPLY LINE KITS

Particulate contamination of engine lubricating oil is a major cause of turbocharger failure The turbocharger oil supply line is a common place for particulate contamination to build up. In normal vehicle operation the metal oil supply lines are subject to heat transmitted via conduction from both the turbocharger bearing housing and the engine itself.

Every time the engine is stopped and the oil inside the line stops flowing, the stationary residual oil is subjected to the transmitted heat and a small proportion of that stationary oil cokes and adheres to the inside of the metal line, particularly wherever there is a bend in the metal line.

Built up coked oil material is extremely abrasive and will cause significant damage to the hydrostatic oil film supported bronze journal bush (bearing) and the main shaft of the turbocharger.

Most turbocharger oil supply lines have an internal diameter of 4mm. Cateran says it is impossible to be certain that these lines are internally clean through the use of normal cleaning solvents and compressed air and should therefore be replaced whenever the turbocharger is replaced.

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Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

Cateran explains that it offers a range of premium Oil Line Kits that cover the most popular turbo diesel 4x4, SUV and LCV applications, including Toyota Landcruiser, Hilux, Prado and HiAce, Nissan Patrol and Navara, Mitsubishi Pajero and Triton, Holden Colorado and Captiva, Mazda BT50, Ford Ranger and Hyundai iLoad.

Key features and benefits: • Meets or exceeds OEM quality and performance.

• Designed for maximum oil flow.

• OEM Quality fitment.

• Full SS304L annealed, low carbon, stainless steel material composition, including flanges, which Cateran says is superior to the plated steel used for OEM oil lines.

• Cost effective, compared to the OEM equivalent, particularly when the quality of material is taken into account.

Cateran says its oil line kits, together with its premium turbochargers, intercooler hose kits, gasket kits and fastener kits are covered by an

industry leading three-year/100,000km warranty for complete peace of mind.

Cateran offers complimentary product and technical support. Pre-installation, installation and post-installation support is offered via its national Technical Support Hotline: 1300 176 071.

Cateran’s range of premium quality new replacement turbochargers, gasket kits, fastener kits and oil line kits are all available through Repco, NAPA Auto Parts and Motospecs.

Coming soon is the release of Cateran Replacement Intercoolers, which are expected to be launched in 2022.

For more information, visit www.cateran.net.au

PRODUCTS

INNOVATIVE FLEX HEAD RATCHETING COMBINATION WRENCH RANGE The new range from Milwaukee Tool

Milwaukee Tool continues to grow its impressive range of hand tools with its all-new Flex Head Ratcheting Combination Wrenches that are designed to maximise accessibility.

The new Ratcheting Combination Wrenches feature a flexible head design that allows better access in hard-to-reach spaces, making them perfect for automotive professionals who need to get the job completed fast.

“We’re extremely excited about the launch of our new flex head ratcheting combination wrench range,” Milwaukee Tool Brand Marketing Manager, Glyn Griffiths, said.

“With 2.5⁰ of arc swing and 144 ratcheting positions, these new wrenches allow for quick and efficient work in awkward and tight spaces.”

Featuring double-stacked pawls within the ratcheting mechanism, Milwaukee flex head ratcheting combination wrenches are engineered to increase durability and extend the life of the tool.

“As a team, we’re committed to developing new products that are specifically designed for use in automotive workshops,” Glyn said.

“Our product roadmap for the next 18 months will see our automotive offering expand exponentially, in both our hand and cordless tool ranges.”

The Milwaukee flex head ratcheting combination wrenches also feature MAX BITE Open-End Grip technology. Unique to Milwaukee Tool, the MAX BITE design reportedly improves the wrenches’ grip on nuts and bolts, offering 25 percent more torque than smooth-faced wrenches.

In addition, each combination wrench features ergonomic I-Beam handles that provide superior comfort in high torque situations, while ink-filled size labels provide easy size identification and are color-coded for quick distinction between SAE and Metric sets.

“We know mechanics will appreciate the smaller details, like our color-coded labels. We want to take the frustration out of selecting the right size and make their job easier,” Glyn said.

The new Flex Head Ratcheting Combination Wrench Sets are available in both SAE and Metric 7-piece or 15-piece sets and are also sold individually.

These products are a testament to Milwaukee Tool’s continued commitment to developing innovative solutions that save users time and increase productivity.

The Flex Head Ratcheting Combination Wrenches are fully covered under the Milwaukee Lifetime Guarantee.

For more information, visit www.milwaukeetool.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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PRODUCTS

PETRONAS TRANSMISSION LUBRICANTS

CoolDrive adds new PETRONAS Transmission Lubricants to its range CoolDrive Auto Parts is now distributing to the Australasian market the PETRONAS Tutela range of automatic transmission, manual gearbox and final drive lubricants.

The addition of 14 new PETRONAS Tutela products further strengthens CoolDrive’s oils and lubricants portfolio, which already featured the PETRONAS Syntium with °CoolTech engine oil range.

Leading the launch range at CoolDrive is PETRONAS Tutela Multi ATF 700, a top tier specification fully synthetic fluid for new, in-warranty vehicles, compatible with fluids such as GM Dexron VI, Ford Mercon LV, ZF Lifeguard Eight and Nine, Toyota WS and Nissan Matic C, D, J, K and S. Backing this up is the PETRONAS Tutela ATF D3, a top-quality mineral oil designed specifically for older vehicles, which either meets or exceeds the specifications for GM Dexron III, Ford Mercon, Allison C-4 and ZF TE-ML-09.

Also in the top bracket are the PETRONAS Tutela CVT 700 and DCT 700 lines, catering to those specific transmission types including DSG for VW Six and Seven Speed wet clutch and BMW Drivelogic Seven speed, while MTF 300 80W-90 is designed for most manual gearboxes where API GL-4 is recommended.

Completing the range are PETRONAS Tutela Axle 300 80W-90 (for final drives and gearboxes where API GL-5 is recommended), Axle 300 85W-140 (for differentials), and Axle 300 LS 80W-90 (for limited slip differentials), Tutela FE full synthetic 75W-90 GL-5 (for European and Japanese differentials and some manual gearboxes), ATF4+ (for Chrysler Group automatics) and CS Speed (for Alfa Selespeed).

The various products are available in a choice of pack sizes.

For more information, visit http://ishop.cooldrive.com.au/ or contact your local CoolDrive Auto Parts branch.

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Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

REDARC LAUNCHES UPDATED HANDBRAKE ALARM Providing an audible and visual warning if the door is opened while the handbrake is not applied REDARC says it is pleased to introduce HBA1224003, which it explains is a new connectorised version of its market leading handbrake alarm.

Compatible with both 12V and 24V systems, it provides an audible and visual warning if the door is opened while the handbrake is not applied. Once the alarm starts, it stays active until the handbrake is applied (even if the door is closed again).

The handbrake alarm features a built in LED warning light and piezo buzzer, but can also be used to trigger an external LED, lamp or alarm when combined with a suitable relay.

Previously only available with a fly lead loom, the new HBA1224-003 introduces a prewired 10-way (nine wire) Molex connector. A corresponding mating connector is also now available separately (HBAKIT-001) or as a kit with HBA1224-003 (HBA1224-003-KIT1).

The functionality of the handbrake alarm remains the same however the HBA1224-003 minimises installation time and complexity into a range of vehicle types and platforms.

This makes it perfect for integrating into wiring harnesses for fleet installations, or for applications where crimping is preferable to soldering.

“The new connectorised handbrake alarm provides another option for our fleet customers, ensuring that REDARC continues to have the best solution for improving vehicle safety onsite across Australia and New Zealand,” REDARC General Manager of Aftermarket Sales, Ben Marsh, said.

The compact unit measures just 50mm x 30mm x 25mm. Like all REDARC products, the HBA1224003 comes with nation-wide support, including a two-year “hassle free” warranty and after-sales service to answer any questions.

For more information visit www.redarc.com.au/handbrake-alarm

PREMIUM LID FOR NISSAN NAVARA From HSP

HSP recently launched its Premium Lid for the Nissan Navara My20; available in a one piece and a three-piece configuration if you have ST, STX or Pro4x sports bars.

“The Lid is 100 percent Aussie-made and earns its title of being the most innovative and updated hardcover on the market today by addressing the five fundamentals our customers have needed since 1994: Security, Weather Resistance, Affordability, Convenience and with an Aesthetic finish,” HSP Sales Director, Massih Aimaq, said.

“Most of our clients have thousands of dollars’ worth of belongings so it goes without saying, locking should be top of mind when designing a lid.

“We had the bright idea to have a dual latching lock position with a single rotary latch - that’s double the strength of our competitors and with the option for a central locking kit that lets you lock and unlock your tail kit with your factory remote.

“Our lids are shaped to direct rainwater down the thickest inlet channels you can buy, that’s between 20 and 25 millimetres compared to the industry average of three to 10.

“Something this heavy duty has also been made

in mind that you may want to remove it – well you can in less than two minutes using our pin system removal on the rear wall hinges.

“A Tub cover offers a lot of utility, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put some effort into making it uniform. Each lid is specific to the model of car it is fitted to; this means if you want a lid to match your colour scheme and take shape from the rest of your vehicle, we have got you covered.

“We wanted to keep the hard lid affordable to Aussies despite its standout quality, which is why we’re actually positioned between $300 and $800 dollars cheaper than genuine and reputable aftermarket companies.”

For more information, visit www.hsputelids.com or contact one of its distributors around Australia.

PRODUCTS

FACTORY APPROVAL VS MEETS OR EXCEEDS What’s the difference, and why you should care

Vehicle Manufacturers spend many millions of dollars and countless hours of testing and validation in the development of ever more technologically advanced engines.

Many of these advancements are driven by the need to meet increasingly more stringent emissions standards, better fuel efficiency targets, longer and longer service intervals as well as the demands and reliability expectations of consumers.

It is little wonder then that Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) have each introduced a proliferation of exacting and extremely specific oil specifications – unique to themselves. The days of being able to get by just from using an oil of the right viscosity are long gone.

Meet the myth Whenever an OEM develops a new formulation in conjunction with their oil partner, they make the specifications available to the broader market so that independent oil blenders and manufacturers can then formulate their own oil that meets the specification – that’s where ‘Meets or Exceeds the specification’ comes from.

However, aftermarket lubricant manufacturers are not required to secure any explicit acknowledgment, sanction or approval from an OEM to make the claim their product “meets or exceeds” a particular standard. Nor is there any Australian standard, or peak body that independently issues compliance verification.

Once you understand what’s involved in verifying an oil meets the factory specification – you start to wonder, how are the independents actually testing each and every individual oil? How exactly are they verifying compliance?

Factory approved With an increasing array of varying quality base stocks being introduced into the marketplace, many of the world’s carmakers have realised the need to run specific approval programs.

The OEMs are inherently reluctant to officially endorse any product they haven’t properly tested and approved – especially something as finely engineered as an engine oil.

That’s why securing an OEM Approval is a very expensive and laborious process – it’s a much tougher benchmark to meet. To gain approval, an oil is submitted to the individual OEM, who conducts an exhaustive certification process that includes extensive testing of wear-and-tear, distribution on moving metal-to-metal parts, exhaust emissions, oxidation, fuel economy, heat stress stability, and so on.

All in all, that’s about 600 gruelling hours of continued, real-world use, across multiple engines simultaneously – which is why it’s such an expensive process. There is no ‘blanket approval’ for a brand, this verification process is just for one specific oil, against one specific specification.

Buyer beware You will find many brands that have not secured OEM Approvals will sometimes use clever, or misleading language and labelling practices that, at a glance, indicates their non-compliant lubricant has OEM Approval. The buyer needs to beware and read the supplied information very carefully. Any lubricant that has OEM Approval is clearly marked in a very specific way.

Why does it matter?

Anybody who owns a new Ford Ranger and is not using the correct specification lubricants are likely to know first-hand why it matters.

In this particular application, non-compliant oil has been traced back to a litany of issues, from oil pump damage and injector failure to problems with the EGR cooler as well as DPF operation. It is all about the lubricant’s additives package, which can represent up to 30 percent of an oil – and by far the oil’s most expensive component.

How these additives interact with the increasingly

complex systems found in modern engines is at the core of any OEM specification. Even two lubricants from the same brand, of the same viscosity, both carrying very similar approvals from the same OEM, may be subtly different to the point that prevents them from being interchangeable.

The risk is poor performance, increased emissions along with premature wear, increased maintenance costs and possibly engine damage.

The OEMs spend a lot of money and go to extraordinary lengths testing and developing specific lubricants and highly specialised specifications. After all, it’s their hard-earned reputation on the line.

Mobil 1 says the only way to know the oil being poured into an engine will perform as necessary is to use an oil the OEM has tested and approved.

It states using OEM Approved lubricants protects businesses and end users from purchasing lubricants with incorrect or misleading specification and performance claims.

Mobil 1 and Mobil Super say they are proud to carry more OEM Approvals than any other lubricant brand sold in Australia.

The OEM Approvals for every Mobil lubricant sold in Australia are listed on the individual Product Data Sheet (PDS) which can be found on the www.exxonmobil.com website.

Mobil 1 warns you to keep in mind that the manufacturer’s standard is the minimum specification, not the maximum; stating that premium products such as Mobil 1 routinely far exceed any standard during independent, realworld testing.

For more from Mobil 1, visit m1oils.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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AUTOPSTENHOJ MAESTRO 2.35 PREMIUM The surface-mounted lifts product portfolio of AUTOPSTENHOJ has been expanded with the new Maestro 2.35 Premium AUTOPSTENHOJ says the Maestro 2.35 Premium is based on the proven tubular construction of welded columns and the premium arm set of the already existing Maestro 35 M. The Maestro 2.35 F Premium is available with single and/or double telescopic swivel arms and a total width of 3,500 mm. The combination of arm set and dimensions results in an universal lifting area.

With the new Maestro 2.35 Premium from AUTOPSTENHOJ, the lift specialist says it has succeeded in launching a “really perfect allrounder.”

It states the Maestro 2.35 Premium will be the absolute top-seller among the surface-mounted lifts, the all-rounder for repair and maintenance and is also the solution for lifting electric cars.

AUTOPSTENHOJ explains that thanks to the large choice of lifting accessories, even the most modern e-cars cause no problem for a professional and safe lifting with this lift.

It states that the slim, welded column construction provides outstanding stability and by changing the base plate and the new arrangement of the columns, the lift not only gains in drive-through width, but also scores with the low minimum height of 70mm.

AUTOPSTENHOJ says that the combination of the carriage on roller bearings, which enables a low friction operation, and the welded posts are a guarantee for an extremely long working life.

The low noise operation, low stress on the motors and low power consumption contribute to lowwear and low-maintenance operation.

Further, it says the cold-rolled spindles and the nut sets made of a special nylon alloy ensure maximum safety and the obstruction system stops the lift automatically when touching down on an obstacle.

Key features and benefits: • Strong two-post lift with 3.5 t capacity • Asymmetric post installation, vehicles can be positioned in the rear area of work bay, for better door-opening angle • Very stable welded posts • Two strong electric motors • Cold-rolled spindles for high durability • Nylon nut sets made of a special nylon alloy for high durability • Carriage with six guiding wheels and lubrication-free roller bearings, for very low friction • Obstruction system for stopping the lift when it hits an obstacle • Electronic synchronization through comparison of pulses on both columns • Low minimum height of 70 mm • Internal arm locking system, protected against moisture and dirt, with strong 360° interlocking • Large program of extra pads and accessories, depending on type of vehicle

Arms of the Maestro 2.35 Premium • Arms DT/ST: Universal lifting area from small passenger car up to VW T6 long wheel base with lifting pad type “F” • Arms DT/DT: Universal lifting area from small passenger car up to BMW 7 series long (G12) with lifting pad type “F” • Possibility of parallel parking of arms for easier and faster positioning of vehicles • Arms can be opened more than 180° for better drive-in situation (+45°) for lifts installed in 90° angle to the drive lane Versions of the Maestro 2.35 Premium • F = flex pad • CF** = combi flex pad • CF-08** = combiflex-08 pad • DT/ST = double telescopic short arms in front / single telescopic long arms in rear • DT/DT* = double telescopic short arms in front and rear For more information, visit www.stenhoj.com.au or call 1300 665 627. **These variants will be available later

CARLUBE PRODUCTS Available from Unique Auto Parts

Over the years Unique Auto Parts (UAP) says it has become well known in the industry for supplying top quality new parts for European makes including Mercedes Benz, BMW, Mini, Audi, Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda, Peugeot, Renault, Citroen, Porsche and Volvo.

It is also the only Australian stockist of the highquality oil brand Carlube.

Carlube has rebranded its packaging in the last 12 months but UAP says that hasn’t changed the OEM quality consumables.

It explains that Carlube oils are not only recommended for all modern vehicles but also have a specific focus on European makes and come with approval from some of the world’s leading car manufacturers such as Mercedes Benz, Renault, Volvo and many others.

All Carlube oils reportedly not only meet the stringent requirements set forth by these car 48

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

manufacturers, but in many cases surpass them.

Carlube is also said to formulate its oils for maximum fuel efficiency with added environmental benefits, all without compromising lubricant durability.

Unique Auto Parts stocks a wide range of Carlube Low Ash/Low SAPS oil – fully synthetic and semi synthetic oils that are suitable for a large variety of passenger and commercial vehicles.

cost-effective option. Oils are also available in one and five liter bottles.

Unique Auto Parts says it also has all other bases covered, with products available for all application areas such as engine, transmission, differential, power steering and brake systems.

Unique Auto Parts explains that it has five conveniently located branches around Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, stating that each is fully stocked with all these great products.

Other consumables in stock include fuel system products, engine cleaner and windscreen fluids.

Delivery is available from each branch and freight is dispatched Australia wide daily using “the fastest and most efficient couriers.”

Recent shipments have brought in larger quantities of Carlube oils, with 20, 60 and 199 liter drums available, providing a convenient and

To be connected to your nearest UAP store, call 1300 864 864 or visit www.uniqueautoparts.com.au

PRODUCTS

GOSS FUEL VAPOUR VALVES TO THE RESCUE In the last decade, sales of diesel vehicles in Australia have experienced exponential growth To clean up the harmful exhaust soot emissions inherent with all diesels, many of these vehicles are fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter – or DPF.

necessary for regeneration, the Fuel Vapour Valve (FVV) atomises and injects a small amount of diesel fuel into the DPF.

These DPFs collect 99 percent of all the soot and other small particulate matter from the exhaust, then burn it off by regenerating under certain conditions.

The FVV’s in-built glow plug ignites this vapour to generate the necessary high heat.

Unfortunately, many owners new to the world of diesel vehicles have not been educated in the operation of the DPF and how to look after it, such as the 80km/h freeway drive for around 20 minutes – once a week.

As such, issues with DPF-equipped vehicles that only see short, stop-start, urban driving are very common – most notably blocked DPFs that will not self-regenerate.

What’s not so well known, is that for the same reasons, Fuel Vapour Valves (fuel vapouriser system) also suffer the same issues.

To get the DPF up to the 600 degrees Celsius

With the FVV operating in extremely harsh conditions, it’s quite susceptible to failure. Most commonly, its small outlet orifice becomes blocked.

This slowly reduces the amount of fuel injected into the system, to the point where insufficient heat is produced for regeneration to occur.

While some vehicles do present a dedicated FVV fault code, in other vehicles a failed FVV can throw a host of different codes.

Therefore, the FVV should always be checked when dealing with any issues associated with the DPF and its operating system.

In rare cases, some FVVs can be cleaned, however replacement is recommended to avoid any further issues.

Goss offers a range of direct-replacement Fuel Vapour Valves for most of the popular diesel vehicles found on Australian roads.

Goss says you can check the easy-to-use vehicle application guide on the Goss website for the full listing. It states that as part of its expanding range of vehicle mechatronics, sourced from the world’s leading OES and AM suppliers, its FVVs will provide you and your customers with the genuine alternative.

For more information, visit www.goss.com.au

FUCHS PREMIUM LUBRICANTS For “Ultimate Performance”

Fuchs says it is the world’s largest independent lubricant manufacturer and a game changer in the premium performance engine lubricants market.

Throughout its 90 years of operation, Fuchs says its name has been synonymous with quality and reliability, with it boasting purpose-made products for almost all applications and industries.

Its commitment to providing “the very best engineering and products for the Australian market” sees more than 95 percent of its products manufactured locally in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia.

Each Fuchs-owned factory has ISO9001 certification, individual distribution and its own R&D and quality control capabilities.

Fuchs explains that its range of automotive lubricants include TITAN lubricants which were developed with input from leading automobile manufacturers and tailored to satisfy the demands of today’s high-tech engines; while offering outstanding high-performance, fuel-economy and wear protection.

The TITAN premium lubricants range includes GT1 Flex 23 SAE 5W-30 (synthetic), SYN SN SAE 10W-40 (semi-synthetic) and Formula SN SAE 20W-50 (mineral).

The Fuchs Titan GT1 Flex 23 SAE 5W-30 is said

to be a premium performance, extreme fueleconomy engine oil.

It features optimum cold start ability and outstanding performance reserved for modern passenger cars and light commercial vehicles with or without extended service intervals.

The ‘23’ in the Fuchs Titan GT1 Flex 23 represents the product’s unique ability to combine European ACEA C2 and C3 in a single product and while ‘Flex’ refers to its Flexible Application to meet multiple global approvals relevant to the Australian market.

The Fuchs Titan SYN SN SAE 10W-40 is a high-performance engine oil that Fuchs says provides excellent protection with exceptional oil consumption control properties.

This is a stay-in-grade lubricant which maintains wear protection and fuel economy characteristics even in severe conditions.

Furthermore, Fuchs Titan SYN SN SAE 10W-40 reportedly offers minimum oil consumption and the lowest possible evaporation losses as well as protection against sludging.

The Fuchs Titan Formula SN SAE 20W-50 is an all-season performance SAE 20W-50 engine oil developed for normally aspirated, turbo and light commercial engines and four-stroke motorcycles.

It is compatible with catalytic converters, maintains engine cleanliness and is suitable for vehicles using LPG fuel, leaded and unleaded fuel.

R&J Batteries is the largest distributor of Fuchs lubricants in Australia.

In partnership with Fuchs Lubricants (Australasia) Pty Ltd, R&J Batteries says it provides an unrivalled, personalised focus to customers with distribution of Fuchs lubricants available across 27 company-owned branches and a vast network of 8,000 stockists across Australia.

R&J Batteries invites you to visit any of its company-owned branches or one of 8,000 stockists across Australia to “power your vehicle with a premium engine oil that provides high performance, while maintaining fuel economy.”

For more information, visit www.rjbatt.com.au or call 1300 769 282.

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PRODUCTS

KELPRO HYDRAULICS The Kelpro range is expanding

Those behind the Kelpro brand say its name is synonymous with high quality rubber and hard parts. The brand expanded into braking and clutch hydraulics in 2021.

Since then, the already extensive Kelpro range has been constantly expanding to ensure customers have access to Brake Master, Clutch Master, Clutch Slave and Wheel Cylinders to suit a wider range of popular applications.

Since the beginning of 2021, an additional 190 part numbers have been added to the range with further range expansions planned for the rest of 2021 and into 2022, complementing the already extensive range of brake products available at Repco and NAPA Auto Parts stores.

The Kelpro Hydraulic range is sourced from an ISO 9001 and TS accredited world leading factory that specialises in manufacturing automotive hydraulic cylinders and uses Critical Rubber Seals from a Japanese OE supplier.

To ensure the quality of every part manufactured, all Kelpro hydraulics undergo a full suite of testing at in-house lab facilities including:

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• Ambient high and low Temp testing.

• Bore Hardness and Roughness testing.

• 100 percent on line pressure testing.

Due to these strict manufacturing processes, all Kelpro hydraulic cylinders can be given a two-year/40,000km warranty to help give the consumer greater confidence.

Key features of the range include: • Made from superior-quality and durable materials (cast-iron or aluminium, weight reduced).

• Superior quality materials used for longer service life.

• Improved cylinder surfaces to minimise cup abrasion, to help maintain long term reliability.

• Tight tolerance specifications to ensure functioning and freedom from leaks.

• Pressure and dust-protection sleeves made from EPDM (where applicable) to ensure optimal functioning and leak-tightness, and prevent the ingress of dirt, air and moisture.

The full Kelpro Brake and Clutch Hydraulic range is available through Repco and NAPA Auto Parts.

For more information, visit www.repco.com.au and www.napaparts.com.au

PRODUCTS

JAS OCEANIA EXPANDS RANGE

The Auto electrical aftermarket supplier says it is ‘spot on’ to ensure supply and support JAS Oceania has supplied Australian Auto Electricians with quality products for more than 16 years.

Now, a further extension of the range to supply “the right part first time,” gives Australian Auto Electricians spot-on choice and availability from JAS Oceania with the supply of quality Narva and Projecta products.

JAS Oceania is now a proud distributor of Narva and Projecta products across Australia.

Being proudly Australian owned, JAS Oceania says it is one of the last dedicated Auto Electrical suppliers to the trade, operating from 35 locations across Australia, and employing 190 staff.

for both businesses to increase their service and support to the auto electrical industry,” Steve said.

“The inclusion of Narva and Projecta products at JAS Oceania, realises the last piece of the puzzle for our customers, giving them convenient access to a full range of automotive lighting and accessories.”

Incorporated in 2005, JAS Oceania says it has grown to become one of the largest specialist suppliers of automotive electrical rotating, airconditioning and lighting products on the Australian aftermarket scene, and says it is ideally placed to offer sales, support and advice on the complete range of Narva and Projecta equipment.

It says this new relationship further extends the range available from one easy source.

The initial product range includes over 4,000 product lines (SKUs) introduced across the JAS Oceania network.

JAS Oceania General Manager Marketing Electrical, Steve Douglas, said there were many synergies between JAS Oceania and the Narva and Projecta brands that would make the partnership a strong success.

The range focuses on lighting and accessories, including driving lights, lightbars, marine, inspection, RV and Interior lighting and switches in Narva and jump-starters, battery chargers, and solar panels in Projecta to just list a few.

“This announcement presents a great opportunity

Extensive support will be made available to

customers through tech tips, product information and fitment videos.

JAS Oceania says perhaps the most important benefit from this new partnership is the enhanced expert support and supply of products.

“JAS Oceania has long been known as a trusted provider of well-known brands, quality aftermarket products with an extensive range, local availability and support to Auto Electricians,” Steve said.

“The partnership offers Auto Electricians a complete solution for quality product backed by technical support and in-store merchandise sales capability.”

For more information, visit www.jasoceania.com.au

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PRODUCTS

AUTOTEST HEADLIGHT ALIGN

AutoTest says it is the most comprehensive headlight aimer in Australia The main purpose of your vehicle’s headlights is to improve visibility on the road when driving under low-light conditions. However, headlights aren’t just a suggestion— their use is a necessity, required by law during specific times of the day or under certain conditions.

Newer vehicles often have daytime running lights fitted which are devices on the front of a vehicle, automatically switched on when the vehicle is moving forward.

Day time running lights are beneficial in preventing crashes by improving the visibility of your vehicle to other road users and pedestrians.

Your car’s headlights are an important safety device, and not all headlight types are the same.

For some time now, carmakers have been fitting powerful LED headlights to their higher end models, while their cheaper cars get fitted with much more standard illumination.

There is also a growing trend of road users installing aftermarket LED headlamps.

AutoTest says installing such aftermarket LED

bulbs into OEM housings designed for conventional halogen units can result in dangerous glare for oncoming drivers and while LEDs can deliver more intense light at a higher end of the spectrum, some can also create a hazardous condition.

Proper headlight adjustment is a necessary safety measure. Without proper alignment, you won’t get the full visibility while driving at night.

Not only do misadjusted headlights illuminate the road ahead insufficiently, but they can also cause blinding of the eyes of oncoming drivers instead.

Therefore, proper aiming of headlights is necessary if you want to keep things safe while driving. Proper alignment is important when installing new headlights.

AutoTest says it is the most comprehensive headlight aimer in Australia. It is supplied with assembly, operation, and calibration manuals and declaration of conformity.

Each headlight must be securely mounted and properly aimed so the beam pattern “cut-off line” complies with the regulations.

Features include a robust anti-tip base fitted with large castors for easy manoeuvring; laser pointer for easy positioning of the unit; digital lux meter and wide measuring window; and manual optic alignment visor for easy parallel alignment.

AutoTest says its AutoTest Headlight Align is a professional quality beam aligner suitable for all kinds of headlamps (high, low, fog including XENON and LED lamps).

For more information, contact sales@autotest.net.au or call 03 8840 3000 or visit www.autotest.net.au

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PRODUCTS

VALEO’S INNOVATIVE IBSG 48V SOLUTION Reducing CO2 emissions and now available on the aftermarket With its iBSG 48V (Integrated Belt Starter Generator), Valeo says it has successfully risen to the challenge of increasing the performance of vehicles driven by internal combustion engines, while also reducing their fuel consumption with a technology destined to become more widespread on the market in the years to come.

Driving the development of electric vehicles As the regulations on CO2 emissions and pollution become stricter worldwide and a growing number of consumers turn to more ecological offers, carmakers and equipment suppliers need to develop products that are more sustainable.

Stop-start technology, pioneered by Valeo with i-StARS in 2010, was an important step forward.

Increasingly complex technologies have been developed since then in order to reduce CO2 emissions, including the 48V technology, which Valeo says will become indispensable in the years to come.

Consequently, Valeo says electric vehicles and the 48V technology will dominate the market by 2030.

An ultra-high-performance system In 2017, Valeo started supplying iBSG 48V

alternator systems with built-in electronics as original equipment. As well as operating as an alternator and starter motor, Valeo says this system fulfils four additional functions that reduce fuel consumption and therefore CO2 production by up to six percent*.

It recharges the battery to assist the engine and to supply power to the vehicle’s equipment and assists the engine when the vehicle is driving at a constant speed (on main highways, for example) in order to cut fuel consumption.

It delivers a boost effect to the engine when accelerating and also allows the car to be in 100 percent electric mode over short distances.

Made in Valeo’s plant in Étaples in northern France, which is one of the largest electric machinery factories in Europe, the iBSG system has now been fitted on several hundreds of thousands of vehicles, including Asian and European vehicles.

With this system, Valeo says it is actively contributing to the electrification of vehicles.

The Group produces 30 million electric machines every year, confirming its long-standing expertise in the manufacture of electric systems, while also

providing an effective response to the current environmental and legislative issues.

The plant in Étaples currently produces almost 30,000 electric machines per day, and it is continuing to ramp up its capacity to produce 48V systems in response to the strong demand from carmakers.

In May 2020, French president Emmanuel Macron chose the Étaples site to unveil his government’s plan to support the automotive industry by making it ecological and more competitive.

For more information, visit www.valeo.com *In comparison with a stop-start system - WLTP standard

PENRITE ENVIRO BOX Saving money, space and time

Penrite says you can save thousands of dollars per year on disposal costs when using Penrite Enviro Box. Penrite Chief Executive Officer Toby Dymond was visiting workshops when he saw dumpsters overflowing with empty 20L drums and knew something needed to be done to help preserve the environment for future generations to come.

That solution is Enviro Box, a ‘bag-in-a-box’ concept with a robust plastic bladder encased in a sturdy, non-waxed cardboard box.

The product is dispensed via a tap, like a wine cask.

Lubricant can be extracted by running through the tap into a jug and then dispensed into the vehicle, or hand-pumped directly into the vehicle.

Since its release, Penrite says the Enviro Box has been embraced by mechanics Australia-wide.

Research has shown that the reasons for the successful uptake include money saved on waste removal, the reduction in landfill waste and the way the Enviro Box stands aide in the effective organisation of workshops.

Tony from Indy Automotive Repairs in Moorabbin, Victoria, is delighted with Enviro Box. 58

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“This product is fantastic! We had to empty our general waste bin every week or so due to the amount of empty 20L plastic containers we were throwing out,” Tony said.

“To empty that bin, it costs me $75. Now with Enviro Box, the box is crushed and put into the recycle bin. It takes me about six to eight weeks to fill that one and costs me six dollars to empty!”

“Penrite is the first Australian owned and manufactured company to develop and distribute a solution to the plastic packaging for lubricants,” Toby said.

“Each Penrite Enviro Box used will result in an 85 percent reduction in landfill waste compared to a 20L plastic drum.”

You can even use the Enviro Box to refill a 60-litre drum. To further reduce cost and clutter in your workshop, the contents of an Enviro Box can be decantated into an empty 60 litre drum, thereby eliminating the need to order another 60-litre drum.

This eliminates the expensive cost of disposing of a 60-litre drum by making it reusable, reduces inventory holdings as you can order an Enviro Box to top up, rather than replacing a whole 60 litre

drum; and allows you to avoid having to move a pump from one 60 litre to another mid service by simply refilling the existing drum.

The Enviro Box range includes Penrite’s bestselling products, which have been in high demand to be available in the Enviro Box packaging since the concept’s release.

The Enviro Box range now includes Engine Oils, Coolants, ATF and Gear Oils, Brake Fluids, Additives and Industrial products.

“The range will expand again soon to cater for the growing demand in this new packaging. Penrite again leads the way, not only in quality product and superior customer service, but also packaging innovation,” Toby said.

For more information, talk to your Penrite rep or phone Penrite on 1300 736 748.

PRODUCTS

PREPARING THE VEHICLE FOR DIAGNOSTICS Every time you grab the scan tool, the next step should be to connect your stabiliser Clore Automotive has introduced the Pro-Logix ET6100 from SOLAR, 12V 100A flashing power supply and 60/40/10A battery charger.

The ET6100 is designed to provide stable power on demand, up to 100A, to a vehicle electrical system to support module reprogramming.

It also provides a full-service battery charging capability from 10 to 60A to service everything from small vehicle batteries to Group 31 batteries.

Programming and diagnostic operations require clean signals and a robust power. When these two boxes are checked, additional features and a solid build are icing on the cake, explains Matt Fanslow of Riverside Automotive in Red Wing, Minnesota.

At Riverside Automotive, Matt is tasked with diagnosing several drivability and electrical issues that come through the door.

“This means I possess many different pieces of equipment to accomplish the goal of accurately troubleshooting, then repairing, those concerns,” Matt said.

Whenever a module is replaced or a firmware update is available for a symptom, the vehicle requires programming.

This veteran technician says he enjoys fixing problems with firmware updates, and to do this with little headache he needs the proper

tools, including scan tools, hardware, and software. Another “too-often overlooked” piece of equipment in his bays, he says, is the battery maintainer.

Matt says clean voltage is important when working with battery maintainers, but it’s also extremely important to be able to maintain the voltage level throughout the process.

“During programming, some vehicles can pull some major current. A good maintainer will not only meet that demand but will maintain it (no pun intended) over the entire required period of time,” Matt said.

Upon receiving the Pro-Logix ET6100, Matt was impressed with the look and feel of the tool.

“This thing is heavy. Not ‘strain-your-back’ heavy, but it feels up to the task of surviving years of professional use. It’s a fair bit larger than my other maintainers, but this is also a full-blown battery charger as well,” Matt said.

Other standout features and capabilities for Matt were the unit’s cables: “heavy cables with twistlock connections to the charger/maintainer and spring tension in the clamps.”

In addition, the power output did not disappoint.

“This thing puts out a legit 100 amps and stays there … no dropping off,” Matt said.

The busy technician appreciated that the unit is a true battery charger as well.

“The ET6100 has algorithms to potentially save sulphated batteries and actually puts batteries through a charging process, rather than just hitting the battery with the steady voltage I select,” Matt said.

Lastly, Matt was impressed with Clore’s “fast and friendly” support (available through Endeavour Tools in Australia). Though the equipment was intuitive and the instruction informative, Matt said he called the company “for fun” and was pleasantly surprised.

“They answered all my questions and offered tips and tricks. They seemed like they cared – that goes a long way in my book,” Matt said.

The ET6100 is available from all leading automotive retailers.

For more information, visit www.endeavourtools.com.au/ ET6100 or call 03 9753 3800.

DIRECT INJECTION VALVE CLEANER New from JLM Lubricants

JLM Lubricants has launched a ‘trade tested’ Direct Injection Valve Cleaner for Petrol, Diesel, GDI and Hybrid Engines.

JLM Lubricants, the global brand based in the manufacturing powerhouse of The Netherlands, has added to its roster of ‘trade trusted’ premium quality automotive aftermarket products with a Direct Injection Valve Cleaner (J03190) – a product designed for optimal use with the existing JLM Gasoline Direct Injector Cleaner.

“This product works on petrol, diesel, GDI and hybrid engines,” JLM Founder and Managing Director, Gilbert Groot, said from JLM Lubricants’ headquarters in Amsterdam “However, we anticipate the greatest demand will be for GDI engines because it thoroughly cleans the valve stems and seats without requiring engine tear down. It also safely cleans the combustion chamber and piston crown.

“This product differs from the JLM intake EGR Cleaner aerosol because of its ph value. As well as solvents, the product has an alkaline base with surfactants.

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“As a result, the carbon deposits which build up on the valves, cylinder heads and injectors loosen faster and are easier to remove than comparable products which are 100 percent solvent based.

“As we know, with GDI engines, small amounts of dirt from intake air can build up on valves within just 5,000 miles of driving.

“At its most extreme, if left unchecked this can lead to pieces of carbon breaking off and burning a hole in the catalytic converter.

“But before this the carbon deposits can cause pre-ignition, rough starting, and rough idling, even fouled spark plugs. With our new concentrated solvent and fuel detergent blend the carbon residues on the intake valves dissolve faster and are easier to remove. The engine is restored to correct operation at correct airflow.

“With our one shot GDI Cleaner which cleans the inside of the injectors and the injector mouth, restoring fuel economy and lowering emissions, we are now offering the perfect combination high quality formulas to keep GDI engines clean and

performing to their highest specification. The motorist does not have to let carbon build up become a big issue.”

For more information, visit www.jlmlubricants.com

PRODUCTS

TRANSMISSION OIL COOLERS From Davies Craig

Davies Craig explains that its range of universalfit Davies Craig Transmission Oil Coolers are engineered to help drop transmission operational temperatures by as much as 33°c.

It says the cores are strongly constructed and tested to withstand pressures of up to 150 psi, which it explains is crucial if you are wishing to give your automatic transmission extended life.

Davies Craig offers two distinct transmission oil coolers; one to deal with pre-1990 vehicles is a fin and tube type called an Ultra-Cool, and the unique plate and fin designed Hydra-Cool to suit a wide variety of later model vehicles, including two/fourwheel drive SUVs and light trucks.

The Ultra-Cool offers effective cooling for heat temperature transfer from the ATF. The HydraCool models are more compact, requiring 30 percent less space. Visually, the Ultra-Cool core matches the cooling tubes seen on older fridges while the Hydra-Cool core resembles a more modern alloy radiator core style with its plate and fin design.

Davies Craig offers fifteen distinct combinations. If

your vehicle has a 24V electrical system, a Hydra 21 Plate Cooler and 8” ThermaticDAv Fan Combo (part #699) to suit is available. With a 20mm thickness, a compact 281mm length, and a fan diameter of 8” and a slimline 50mm depth, Davies Craig says this will ensure an incredibly positive air flow and cooling ability. For heavy duty 24v usage a 30-plate cooler with a 10” Fan (part #692) can be installed.

The smallest Hydra-Cool weighs just 331 grams so there is no noticeable impost to a vehicle’s weight.

At just 141mm in height, 281mm in width, and with 12-plate core plus a near 12000 BTU heat transfer rate Davies Craig says it’s an ideal starter for smaller vehicles.

The 23-plate Hydra-Cool model, (part #623) at just 20mm thick and 281mm long, can be conveniently installed and simply mounted with the Quick Fit Kit provided adjacent to the engine radiator.

The Ultra-Cool models are available in three sizes to suit four-cylinder vehicles (part #401); sixcylinder vehicles (part #403) and eight-cylinder vehicles (part #404) for automatic transmissions

fitted to vehicles before 1990. Davies Craig says the models make for a convenient installation, with the largest core able to transfer up to 10,800 BTU/hour.

To complement your Transmission Oil Cooler and Thermatic Fan Combo, Davies Craig recommends the installation of a Davies Craig Digital Thermatic Fan Switch (part #0444) to ensure your Transmission Oil Cooler Combo performs at its optimum in all environmental conditions.

All Davies Craig Transmission Oil Cooler Kits come complete with 3/8” hose, hose clamps and a Quick Fit Kit for universal fitting to most vehicles.

Further details are available at www.daviescraig.com.au/ category/transmission-oil-coolers

REPCO EXPANDS BRAKE PAD RANGE RCT and RCT Extreme are now available across common dual-purpose vehicles Repco has expanded its range of RCT and RCT Extreme brake pads with a focus on offering customers and fitters more choice when it comes to selecting the most suitable brake pad for common dual-purpose vehicles.

Repco says it understands that people use their vehicles differently, something that is particularly common with SUVs. Where one person will use an SUV such as a RAV 4 as a high riding family car for school drop offs and commuting, another person may use the same type of RAV 4 for regular towing or driving in hilly terrain that exposes their brake pads to harsher braking conditions.

To ensure the correct type of brake pad that suits the individual application is fitted, Repco explains it now offers both RCT and RCT Extreme across common dual-purpose vehicles.

Repco states that RCT has proven to be a great brake pad designed for passenger vehicles driven under normal driving conditions.

When used this way, RCT provides a great consistent pedal feel, with low dust and noise across a wide variety of vehicles.

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RCT brake pads achieve this by using an advanced ceramic formulation along with Radial Chamfer Technology, Stop-Ready Stripe and Premium Silent Guard Shims.

However, some applications require additional stopping power and will need to last in harsher braking conditions, which is where RCT Extreme is designed to perform.

technology as RCT but use a Heavy Duty Semi Metallic formulation, specifically designed to provide superior heavy duty braking performance.

The result of this gives drivers a consistent pedal feel and less wear on high load applications while still providing superior general purpose braking performance during regular driving.

RCT Extreme was developed for heavy-duty 4WDs, Vans, SUVs, Utes and vehicles doing regular towing that need more stopping power.

To make sure your customers get the most out of their next set of brake pads, Repco encourages you to ask them how they use their vehicle and select the right RCT set of brake pads for them.

All RCT Extreme brake pads feature the same

For more information, visit www.repco.com.au

PRODUCTS

LOW-VISCOSITY ENGINE OILS Improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions When Shell invested in and built the Pearl GTL plant – the world’s largest gas-to-liquids plant – along the coast from Doha, Qatar, in 2011, it was the culmination of hundreds of millions of hours’ work.

In fact, it was such a pioneering project that it took one million hours (the equivalent of 500 years of full-time work for one person) to complete its conceptual design.

Ten years later, and the decision to put that time and effort towards producing low-viscosity engine oils made from natural gas is paying off.

There is a growing demand for lower-viscosity lubricants that allow engine pistons to move more freely and easily through lower friction.

This shift is one of the key trends in the automotive lubricants market right now1 – a move that is especially significant for drivers and workshops in Asia Pacific (APAC), the region that accounts for 60 percent of the global motor oil market2.

Shell notes that we are already seeing APAC markets move to lower-viscosity engine oils, for example adopting SAE 0W-20 lubricants (amid growing interest in even lower viscosities)3.

But what is driving this change? It says one element is the fact that new cars generally use lower viscosities, which means that the adoption of low-viscosity engine oils will grow as older vehicles are replaced.

Shell explains there are also many benefits of using low-viscosity oils made with GTL technology. Free of the contaminants inherent to conventional oils,

they can generally provide better wear protection and longevity.

However, it says the main reason for the trend towards lower viscosity is the desire among drivers to achieve better fuel efficiency.

“We are seeing consumers become more conscious about the amount of fuel they use,” Shell APAC and China, PCMO Technology Manager, Hu Hua, said.

“Partly, it is a cost issue. The less they need to fill up the tank, the more money they save. Also, more drivers are paying closer attention to the sustainability of their vehicles. Improving fuel efficiency is an effective way to reduce the emissions each motorist generates – and aligns with the automotive industry’s wider decarbonisation goals.”

Shell says this is where low-viscosity engine oils come in. Advances in these lubrication products (including GTL) are now having a meaningful impact in improving engine performance and fuel efficiency.

For example, low-viscosity oils can work better in extreme temperatures. This essentially means that drivers can start their cars more easily in hot or cold conditions, saving on the fuel this process can often waste.

“To support this growing trend, Shell is driving the development of effective low-viscosity motor oils,” Hu Hua said.

“Engineered using our unique GTL technology, these lubricants provide 60 percent less friction4.

This enables customers to drive more efficiently

and sustainably – saving up to two litres of fuel for every full tank5.”

Shell says this is supported by the fact that simply switching to a premium low-viscosity oil can help to increase fuel efficiency by up to three percent5.

And, with longer life, Shell says its passenger car lubricants reduce the oil consumption as well.

It notes this all helps drivers to cut the cost of every journey they make while also reducing their CO2 footprint. So, it says, a million hours to create the plans for the world’s largest GTL plant might sound like a lot, but that is how long it takes when you are designing the future of passenger car travel.

For more information, visit www.shell.com.au 1 www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180329005474/en/Top-EmergingTrends-in-the-Global-Automotive-Engine-Oil-Market%C2%A0-Technavio 2 www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201216005613/en/ Passenger-Car-Motor-Oil-PCMO-Market-to-Accelerate-at-a-CAGR-ofAbout-4-during-2020-2024-Technavio 3 www.infineuminsight.com/en-gb/articles/passenger-cars/new-fueleconomy-challenges/ 4 Compared with several other fully synthetic 0W engine oils and based on coefficient of friction measurements in lab bench tests based on 0W-40.

5 Based on ACEA M111 fuel economy results compared with the industry reference oil

RACKSBRAX ANNOUNCES NEW PRODUCT RELEASE The relatively new company continues to grow its product line RacksBrax has continued to expand its national dealer network while increasing its international presence with exports to 20 different countries.

One of RacksBrax’s main focuses is on product development, and one recently launched new product is the XD Hitch for wing awnings.

RacksBrax has designed the XD Hitch (XTRA DUTY) to allow wing awnings to be locked on or taken off roof racks in less than 10 seconds.

These hitches are capable of supporting larger wing awnings with a load capacity of 20kg for each load point.

RacksBrax says the XD Hitch complements its already very successful HD Hitch. Both products are manufactured locally using glass-reinforced, UV stabilised nylon to withstand Australia’s harsh conditions.

RacksBrax has also released three new bracket designs. These include the HD L50 L bracket

measuring 5mm thick and 70mm wide. This black powder-coated L bracket is made from stainless steel and features eight different mounting options and is compatible with most roof bars and platform style racks.

The new HD AB 0-15 short and long foot adjustable brackets have multiple mounting options, including 0° (vertical position) and 15° (off-vertical position) as well as height adjustments at 12.5mm increments. These brackets are ideal for mounting recovery boards using the RacksBrax HD Hitch and the HD Accessory Plate.

These two-part, adjustable brackets have a load capacity of 20kg for each bracket and using the long foot adjustable brackets with platform style racks provides additional stability.

Finally, the newly developed XD AB 0-15 short and long foot adjustable brackets have been designed to suit the XD Hitch.

These two-part brackets also come with multiple mounting options and a load capacity of 20kg for each bracket. The XD Hitch is compatible with most wing awnings, while the Long Foot is more suited to platform style racks.

Stainless steel fasteners are included in all packs for fast and easy installation. The brackets come in either Double or Triple kits depending on customers’ roof rack configurations and load requirements.

For more information, visit www.racksbrax.com Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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PRODUCTS

REDMAX ACCESSORIES

The range is exclusively available through R&J Batteries The Redmax range of accessories is the latest addition to the R&J Batteries product portfolio.

The range currently consists of the Redmax Solar Power Bank, Redmax Multimeter and Redmax Battery Terminal Brush, with more products to be added soon.

All Redmax branded products are available exclusively at all of R&J Batteries’ 23 locations across Australia and selected distributors.

The Redmax Solar Power Bank is specifically designed to power outdoor adventures. The Redmax Solar Power Bank is suitable for camping, hiking, exploring and biking.

Product features include an in-built solar panel for charging the device when USB power is not available, a multi-functional LED flashlight with three lighting modes and multiple power outputs to charge up to three devices simultaneously.

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The Redmax Solar Power Bank has a large 20,000mAh lithium battery which enables it to charge a mobile phone or other mobile devices multiple times before requiring a recharge. The power bank’s integrated short circuit protection, over-discharge and over-charge protection features make it one of the safest power banks in the market.

R&J Batteries says you can leave out the guesswork by using the Redmax Multimeter to accurately measure electrical values in batteries, components and circuits.

This compact digital pen type multimeter can measure voltage, current, capacitance, resistance, and more. The pen type design makes it easier to use when compared to conventional designs because the multimeter is integrated into one of the test probes.

All batteries rely on a low resistance connection between the posts and terminals to ensure they can deliver maximum current to the devices they are powering. It is surprising how often battery performance issues are caused by a poor-quality connection at the post.

The Redmax Battery Terminal Brush has been specifically designed to thoroughly clean the inside surface of tapered battery terminals (both standard and small post) to ensure a high-quality connection every time the battery is changed.

This terminal brush is manufactured to R&J Batteries’ specifications using stainless steel wire to resist corrosion. The taper of the brush matches the standard taper used in battery terminals to ensure full contact and efficient cleaning every time. The large handle makes the battery brush easy to hold and use.

For more information, call 1300 769 282 or visit www.rjbatt.com.au

PRODUCTS

INTRODUCING BRIDGESTONE POTENZA SPORT The flagship product has launched as an already proven performer Bridgestone, recently again voted as Australia’s most trusted tyre brand, has launched its new flagship performance tyre, Potenza Sport.

Engineered using state-of-the-art tyre technologies, Potenza Sport is optimised for high-speed stability, braking performance and wet handling, and is an advancement over the predecessor S007A and other products in the Potenza range.

Potenza Sport enters the Australian market as a proven performer, having claimed the top sport spot in the acclaimed AutoBild Sportcars’ 2021 Sports Tyre Test earlier this year.

Bridgestone Australia’s Sales Director, Heath Barclay, says Potenza Sport will be a popular choice for Australian performance motorists because of its exceptional handling characteristics as well as the breadth of fitments available.

“Potenza Sport raises the bar for premium performance tyre products and represents the spirit of its ‘Better Never Settles’ tagline,” Heath said.

“This new tyre benefits from Bridgestone’s extensive experience in developing cuttingedge tyre technologies and innovations. Potenza

Sport is designed to meet the driver’s needs and expectations by unlocking the performance of their vehicle while keeping them in control.

“The key to its success in our market is the extensive range of fitments available, making it suitable for a broader range of vehicles – highlighted furthermore by the revival of sizes in the Potenza range, and the introduction of new sizes specifically to cater to the rise of performance SUVs.” Potenza Sport launches with an extensive range of 64-sizes from 17 to 22-inch options for Australia, with 18 sizes either revived or introduced through the product’s launch. This includes seven sizes specifically for SUVs. It is available in sizes to suit VW Golf R, Subaru WRX, Holden Commodore SS and HSV Clubsport, BMW M3/M4, Audi RS3, performance skewed Mercedes-Benz models, Toyota Supra, Kia Stinger, Ford Focus RS and Mustang, Porsche Cayman and 911, and Lexus IS to name a few.

Through the expansion of the Potenza Sports size range, it is also ideal for fitments such as Porsche Panamera, Honda Civic Type R, Audi RS7, Range

Rover Velar, Mercedes-Benz GLS and GLE Class, Maserati Ghibli, and BMW X5 and X6.

Potenza Sport has also flexed its credibility through key original equipment fitments on some of the most prestigious models, including the Maserati MC20 supercar, Lamborghini Huracán STO, and the BMW 8 series, amongst others.

The new Potenza Sport is available now through Bridgestone’s extensive network of Bridgestone Select and Bridgestone Service centres, as well as through reputable tyre retailers across Australia.

For more information, visit www.bridgestone.com.au

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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PRODUCTS

NEW TAG XR EXTREME RECOVERY TOWBAR LAUNCHED “More than just another Towbar”

TAG Towbars says its new Extreme Recovery Towbar is built to take all of the rough stuff you can throw at it but still helps you get out of trouble; just as a good mate should.

“Unlike most of your mates, this one looks good while it does it, built way up high off the ground it won’t get you hung up on the way out,” TAG Towbars Chief Operating Officer, Mike Tomsett, said.

Each model is rated 3500KG draw weight / 350KG down weight and has 89mm x 89mm Extreme Duty crossbars, with two loadrated recovery points recovery load-tested to 4500KG WLL. All TAG XR bars feature three-piece construction for easy fitment and TAG Towbars says its engineering team have taken into account maximum clearance for improved departure angles, meaning you won’t caught in a sticky situation.

To finish off, the new towbars come with a highly durable textured Extreme Duty powder coated finish, dual top-mount trailer and Andersen plug mounts with a 3500kg drop ball mount as standard.

For extra draw and download capacity, all TAG XR bars are fully compatible with the CURT REBELLION drop hitch at 4500KG draw weight / 450KG down weight.

Currently the range consists of the most popular 4x4 tray back Utes including the Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, Ford Ranger, VW Amarok, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara, chopped Nissan Patrol Y62 (tray back only), and the Toyota Land cruiser 79 series.

It should also be noted that the capacity on the Landcruiser 79 series is 4.5 tonne draw weight and 450kgs down weight.

TAG Towbars encourages you to always check with the manufacturer specifications concerning

tow weight capacity and load rate capacity. The RRP for all XR bars is $998.00 including GST. “The official release date for this range is the 25th of October 2021 – just in time for that holiday adventure,” Mike said.

“A wider variety is in development and will be released when they near completion.

“The first runs are always limited, but units can be pre-ordered to make sure you don’t miss out.”

TAG Towbars is a Brisbane based manufacturing company and all TAG XR tow bars are designed, manufactured and tested right in Brisbane – as are all TAG Towbars.

TAG Towbars are serviced by an Australia wide network of Distributors and Resellers.

For more information on the new XR range or on how to become a TAG Towbars Reseller or Distributor, please visit www.tagtowing.com.au

NEW HD500 SEMI-AUTOMATIC TYRE CHANGER The recently launched product expands Corghi’s heavy duty tyre changer range Corghi is excited to announce the launch of its latest heavy duty tyre changer, the HD500.

The company, which says it is renowned the world over for innovation, quality, and precision, has recently increased its focus on the heavy duty market as the segment continues to grow quickly.

Its latest offering, the HD500 semi-automatic tyre changer, is designed for ease of use and to deliver reliable performance for trucks, buses, and agricultural vehicles.

“Globally, we’re investing heavily to extend our heavy-duty range,” Corghi Australia General Manager, Andrew Cornwell, said.

“Moving forward, we are forecasting significant growth in this market, and our goal is to develop a full range of heavy-duty changers, balancers, aligners, and lifting equipment that will become the envy of our competitors.”

The Corghi HD500 Changer can be used on rims

with a maximum diameter of 26 inchs or 1400mm and has been designed to speed up the mounting and demounting process.

“The position of the tool heads combined with our new control console provides the operator with the ability to change tyres quickly and easily,” Andrew said.

“Tyre technicians can choose to raise the working height by 150mm as required.”

The HD500 also features hydraulic controls, horizontal for tool use and vertical for wheel positioning, which Corghi says makes it one of the most user-friendly, heavy-duty tyre changers on the market.

The load-bearing frame has been completely redesigned to increase rigidity and reduce bending when working on particularly heavy wheels.

The gear unit has also undergone significant engineering updates that now deliver a wheel rotation speed of 9rpm, which represent an increase of more than 20 percent when compared with the previous model.

“The biggest change has been the addition of our top-of-the-range clamping jaws,” Andrew said.

“They offer seven different clamping methods and are supplied with plastic rim support plugs in different thicknesses for perfect rim clamping.

“A new gear unit, suitable for intensive and heavyduty use has also been incorporated into this new model.

For more information, visit www.corghiaustralia.com.au or call the team on 1800 CORGHI (267 444) or visit its new facility located at Unit 5/8 Cooper St, Smithfield NSW 2164.

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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PRODUCTS

MILWAUKEE TOOL SETS NEW BENCHMARK For steel storage solutions

The next generation of Milwaukee high-capacity steel tool storage has landed. The new range includes an eight-drawer chest and 10 drawer trolley that looks great and is built to perform.

“Mechanics love their tool chests, and they take pride of place in workshops across Australia,” Milwaukee Tool Brand Marketing Manager, Glyn Griffiths, said.

“Our new steel tool storage solutions are designed with several unique and functional features that we believe sets a new benchmark in this highly competitive market segment.”

Milwaukee Tool’s all-new 10-drawer 46” Steel Storage High Capacity Cabinet (48228544) and matching eight-drawer 46” Steel Storage High Capacity Chest (48228543) are large, with a depth of 558mm.

“Our new 46” chest lid has 266mm clearance and features a thick top mat with a Milwaukeeembossed logo. The red and black textured finish is rugged, durable, and stands up to harsh environments,” Glyn said.

The eight-drawer tool chest has an extensive list of features, including an integrated peg wall in the chest, a paper towel holder, two J-hooks to store your hoses and cords, and stylish aluminium edge

guards with rubber corner bumpers to help protect your investment.

“We know cordless tools are becoming increasingly popular in workshops as mechanics and automotive technicians discover their benefits over more traditional pneumatic tools,” Glyn said.

“We’ve included an integrated six-outlet and two USB power centre into both our new 10-drawer 46” Steel Storage High Capacity Cabinet and eight-drawer 46” Steel Storage High Capacity Chest to keep all your tools powered up even while the unit is locked.”

Milwaukee Tool has recognised that workshops have now integrated job tracking software to help manage workflow.

Its eight-drawer 46” Steel Storage Chest includes an innovative pullout work surface drawer designed specifically to store your laptop, tablet, or paperwork.

A barrel key locking system offers maximum protection that keeps your tools secure. The 46” Steel Storage Chest features a separate privacy drawer that can be locked while the rest of the drawers remain open.

Both the 46” Steel Storage High Capacity Cabinet and 46” Steel Storage High Capacity Chest are

manufactured with 45kg-rated, soft-close, ballbearing drawer slides that gently keep the drawers from accidentally opening or slamming shut.

The 46” Steel Storage High Capacity Cabinet rolls on six inch industrial casters, making it easy to move even when fully loaded and topped off with the 46” Steel Storage Chest.

To test drive the latest Milwaukee tools in your workshop, Milwaukee Tool invites you to jump online and book a site visit with one of its Milwaukee Transportation Specialists.

To book, go to www.milwaukeetool.com.au/jobsite-solutions

GCG TURBOCHARGERS BRINGS FUNK MOTORSPORT TO AUSTRALIA Funk has established a reputation within the motorsport world GCG Turbochargers is now distributing Funk Motorsport Heat Management products.

Funk’s on the ground experience from track days to drag strips, club race events to international race meetings have all served as key ingredients to developing new technological advancements for the automotive industry.

In the decade of operating, Funk says it has quickly sprung to the top, working with companies through the highest disciplines of motorsport including the World Rally Championship, Formula 2, British Touring Cars, Formula Drift and many more. Funk Motorsport products are also utilised by OEM manufacturers across the world.

From real experience it says it has produced high quality products tackling heat management and overcoming challenges faced on the track and road.

GCG Turbochargers says Funk’s products have a thick, four-layer construction that when put to the test do extremely well at withstanding and dramatically reducing temperatures.

It says this is because Funk has identified the 72

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

primary issues of common turbo blankets being the breakdown of the thread fibres under extreme heat, leaving the panels of the blanket to separate.

Its research has reportedly led its team to design a unique thread for its product range which has proven to outlast all other brands; with the thread material durable and matching that of the rest of the blanket.

Funk Motorsport has developed individual turbo blankets for specific applications, while the generic T3/T4 blankets are the stable of the range, with many OE fitment applications available from Audi to VW and “all car makers in-between.”

Many commercial applications are also covered with turbo blankets for Holset/Garrett Motion and Borg Warner OEM turbochargers which can meet the current OH&S requirements for working in confined spaces like tunnel construction or specified job sites.

“We at GCG turbos regularly receive requests for custom built turbos for motor enthusiasts; elevating turbocharger performance specs to meet the power

and air flow requirements to improve efficiency on the track and road,” GCG Turbochargers Australia Director, Brett Lloyd, said.

“Coupling our custom builds with a high-quality product like Funk is sure to be a threat to racers and practical and reliable for those performance daily drivers.”

Another industry leading innovation was the wastegate blanket, and while the turbocharger temperatures are controlled with a Funk Motorsport blanket, so now too are the smaller external wastegates used in many motorsports. Fitment is universal to wastegate size and covers 40mm -60mm applications from all aftermarket manufacturers.

For more information, visit www.GCG.com.au

MEMBER FEATURE

DIVERSITY DRIVES GROWTH EXEDY (Japan) was founded in 1923, and its clutch manufacturing business and prominent brand name formerly known as Daikin Clutch is known throughout the world for supplying quality powertrain products Globally, EXEDY is committed to designing and manufacturing quality products that set the benchmark for reliability.

“Our advanced engineering and patented innovations have made us the leading OEM manufacturer in the world for Clutches and other powertrain components,” EXEDY Australia Product Manager, Mark Davis, said.

“EXEDY is also the undisputed world leader of performance sports and racing clutches.”

Today, the global EXEDY Group has 44 operations worldwide and employs more than 18,000 people in 25 countries.

EXEDY’s extensive product line-up includes manual clutches, torque converters, automatic transmission frictions, and industrial transmissions.

EXEDY has a long and successful history in Australia that extends all the way back to 1986 when four knock-about blokes banded together to start Clutch Co Imports.

In the later years, a fifth founding member came on board in Sydney. For the next decade, they toiled, and in 1995 Daikin Clutch Japan came to Australia, looking for a local partner. They joined forces and Daikin Clutch Australia was born.

“Before joining forces with Daikin Clutch Japan, the guys were selling various brands of product,” Mark explained.

“But the founders knew they were onto a good thing, and EXEDY quickly became the primary focus.”

Today EXEDY Australia employs more than 50 people and has offices in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. They stock more than 4,500 SKUs covering everything from passenger, commercial and agricultural vehicles as well as performance upgrades and heavy-duty kits for those 4WD enthusiasts who like to get off the beaten track.

But of course, shifts in consumer buying habits have thrown up challenges for clutch manufacturers in more recent times as more and more drivers choose automatic transmissions.

“Today, many new passenger vehicle models don’t even offer a manual option,” Mark said.

“And a lot of younger people don’t necessarily want to drive a manual car, so the biggest challenge we are facing today is that the clutch market is in decline.”

To combat the slowing shrinking size of the clutch market, Mark and his highly experienced team have looked further afield, adding new products that appeal to their customer base.

“We know our customer base intimately and this mutual trust and respect provided us with unique insights when we started to investigate potential opportunities to diversify our product offering,” Mark said.

In 2017 EXEDY acquired Driveline Auto Parts, a leading supplier of automatic transmission components, allowing EXEDY to expand its presence in the automatic transmission aftermarket.

Mark Davis, EXEDY Australia Product Manager

When purchased, Driveline Auto Parts had operations in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney, and under EXEDY’s ownership, its footprint has expanded to cover Melbourne and Brisbane.

“The acquisition of Driveline Auto Parts has provided us with the opportunity to distribute an impressive range of automatic transmission parts,” Mark said.

“While the clutch market is shrinking, the automatic transmission re-building industry is growing, so the integration of Driveline Auto Parts into the EXEDY business is a critical piece of the puzzle for us moving forward.”

The second big move EXEDY Australia made to tackle the shrinking clutch market has been the launch of the AISIN brand in Australia.

In parallel to growing its core clutch kit business, EXEDY recently expanded its product offering with the introduction of the AISIN brand. The AISIN range includes cooling, drivetrain, clutch kits, hydraulics, lubricants, and more.

“AISIN is a subsidiary of the Toyota Motor Company,” Mark said.

“They have a huge product range that is primarily suitable for Toyota applications, but with the popularity of the marque in Australia, there’s a nice synergy with the AISIN brand.”

AISIN is one of the world’s leading OE manufacturers for Japanese, European and American vehicles. The extensive range of quality AISIN products is now available in Australia through EXEDY’s vast network of dealers and distributors.

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MEMBER FEATURE targeted towards promoting its four-wheel-drive performance clutch range.

“We’ve joined forces with the talented editorial team at 4x4 Australia Magazine as the official clutch partner in their highly coveted 4x4 of the Year program,” Mark said.

“Four-wheel drives are a huge part of our business.

Whether it is Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and even some of the Chinese vehicles like Great Walls, they are just super popular right now.”

Mark also believes that, to some degree, the increased popularity of 4WDs has been driven by regulatory bodies.

“Authorities are coming down harder on modified vehicles,” Mark explained.

“I think a lot of those guys that would modify their Commodore or Falcon are now transitioning into the four-wheel-drive sphere, where they can still modify their vehicles while avoiding the headaches when it comes to dealing with the authorities.”

“The range of AISIN replacement products is expanding quickly,” Mark explained.

“Many of these are the same parts supplied as OE to major Japanese vehicles manufacturers such as Toyota, Daihatsu, Mitsubishi, Hino, Isuzu, Fuso, Suzuki and also to European and American brands.”

One of the biggest trends in new vehicle sales in Australia has been 4WD and SUV market growth.

“There is no doubt that Aussies are 4WD crazy at the moment,” Mark said.

“With the unfortunate demise of the Holden Commodore and the Ford Falcon, dual-cab utes are fast becoming Australia’s new family cars.”

The latest offerings from all the big players in the

Dual Cab 4WD market are much more comfortable than their predecessors.

However, they still deliver serious off-road performance and a large towing capacity making them the right choice for families looking to explore more of Australia.

“There is no doubt that the global COVID-19 pandemic has also helped drive 4WD sales in Australia,” Mark explained.

“All forecasts show that when we come out of lockdown that more than ever, Australian’s will be holidaying locally, and Dual Cab 4WDs are just the ticket.”

To leverage this increase in new 4WD sales, EXEDY has launched a campaign specifically

While the future looks bright for EXEDY, it’s certainly not without its challenges. EXEDY is investing heavily in research and development to overcome these challenges while also refining the distribution model.

“While I can’t reveal too much at the moment, globally, we’re investing heavily into the development of products for hybrid and electric vehicles,” Mark said.

“It’s a little early to say too much at the moment, but there is no doubt that’s where the future is headed.

“There’s been a lot of changes in the industry, and that directly impacts distribution.

“As a result, we have developed a multi-channel strategy to reach end-users.”

You can find EXEDY products at a wide variety of brake and clutch specialists, independent auto supply stores, and of course, large national chains like Burson Auto Parts, for example.

EXEDY says it proudly identifies quality and service as its number one priority. This, combined with an industry-leading range and an extensive distribution network, has ensured on-time delivery and has fortified the business for many decades.

“Our strength is our people. We have an amazing team, all of whom work hard to provide exceptional quality, service, promotion, and after-sale support.

We pride ourselves on those elements within the business,” Mark said.

“Of course, the AAAA helps us deliver on these promises.

“It’s a terrific organisation. They support their members and our interests, advocating for the automotive aftermarket at federal, state, and local government levels.”

To find out more about EXEDY, visit exedy.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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ACCESSORIES & CAR CARE

303 TOUCHLESS SEALANT SI02 COATING “It really is touchless,” says Trico Products Australia

Trico Products Australia says vehicle owners looking for fast, unbeatable protection should look no further than 303 Touchless Sealant (473ml).

Trico Products explains that the product is a time-saving wax alternative with water-activated hydrophobic technology that lasts up to two times longer than traditional wax and doesn’t require wiping or buffing.

303 Touchless Sealant takes just minutes to apply, compared to the hour, or longer, process for traditional vehicle waxing, and offers immediate results, as water beads on the paint to indicate the vehicle’s paint is protected.

Trico Products says application is truly “touchless” as you just “spray on, rinse off – it really is that simple.”

“After watching the trend of waxes becoming less relevant as consumers search for easier ways to protect their vehicles, 303 developed 303 Touchless Sealant to be the safest and easiest product to use,” Trico Products Marketing Manager, Mike Morgan, said.

“It doesn’t get any easier. We wanted to provide consumers and car fanatics alike with a product that is perfect for them both.

“303 Touchless Sealant’s ease of use lends itself to the home detailer looking for a safe quick way to protect their car, and to the enthusiast or detailer looking for cutting edge technology to boost their already immaculate ride.”

Trico Products says the quick and easy-to-use spray and rinse product provides superior waterbeading protection and a deep, long-lasting, glossy shine. It also prevents UV damage and will help to protect against light scratches.

Providing up to six months of protection, 303 Touchless Sealant works on all exterior surfaces, including clear coat, gel coat, fiberglass, plastics, windshields, wheels, tires and trim.

303 Touchless Sealant is available now. 303 Products are distributed exclusively in Australia

by Trico Products Australia.

For more information, call 03 9271 3288 or visit www.303products.com.au or www.303graphene.com.au 76

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

EV CHARGING CABLE

Electric Vehicles are coming to Australia and coming in fast Carcadia reports this year, total EV sales grew by 151 percent as opposed to 22.4 percent for total new car sales.

Carcadia explains that most charging stations in Australia do not supply a charging cable and so offers an EV charging cable to the market.

With this cable, you can charge your EV or PHEV on all Type 2 home or public charging points at 32(7.2kW) amps. This cable also works with 16 amp cars by down-rating automatically, making the 32 amp version “future proof.”

The cable is five meters long and made out of a flexible lightweight rubber, making it very easy to store and transport. The handles are made from hard wearing PBT. It is IEC, TUV certified and CE compliant; IP44 waterproof; and can operate at -30°C to +50°C. The Type 2 end of this cable must always be plugged directly into a charge point socket, this cannot be used as an extension or an adaptor to a tethered lead. To easily find out which cable your car needs, you can check your car charging port. If the port has seven pins it is a Type 2 car and needs

a Type 2 to Type 2 cable. If the port has five pins, it is a Type 1 car and needs a Type 1 to Type 2 cable.

With the EV001 Type 1 to Type 2 cable, you can plug the type 2 connector into the public/home charging point and plug the type 1 connector into your type 1 car.

The EV001 cable is compatible with Citroen, Ford, Nissan, Peugeot, Kia, Mitsubishi, Renault and Vauxhall.

With the EV04 Type 2 to Type 2 cable you can plug the type 2 connector into the public/home charging point and plug the type 1 connector into type 2 car.

The EVO4 cable is compatible with Audi, BMW, Kia, Mercedes, Porsche, Renault, Volkswagen, Volvo, Hyundai, Jaguar, Mini, Nissan, Smart, and Tesla.

For more information, visit www.carcadia.com.au

OVER A CENTURY OF CARING FOR CARS Simoniz products clean and protect paintwork, wheels, interiors and more

Simoniz has been caring for cars for more than 100 years.

Simoniz was founded in 1910 by George Simons and Elmer Rich in the United States, when they launched a car cleaner and carnauba wax to help car owners protect their automotive paintwork.

Filpro Automotive explains the Simoniz story all began with a small gold tin of carnauba wax, that would later become an icon and an industry benchmark for long lasting protection and brilliant shine.

Simoniz Original Wax has been trusted for decades; with the multi award winning wax verified for its quality from Auto Express, receiving the Auto Express Four Star 2018 and 2021 award.

Producing products for drivers since the early days of motor car ownership, Simoniz is the oldest car care brand in the United States.

that provide a superior deep clean, resulting in a showroom shine; additional waxes that provide long lasting protection; and upholstery, carpet and interior cleaners and aerosols to give car owners back that new car smell, and restore interior surfaces.

As cars and drivers have changed over time, so too have Simoniz products, but they have always been dedicated to quality and to keeping cars looking as good as new, offering durable protection to paintwork and long-lasting shine.

Today the Simoniz range has expanded, but still includes the gold tin of Original Wax, with products to clean, restore, refresh, polish and shine – inside and out.

Filpro believes that the expansive Simoniz range and its heritage for protective shine, makes it the perfect choice for valeting, with a quality that is trusted by professionals to provide market leading performance every time.

Accompanying the original gold tin, the Simoniz range includes industry leading shampoo products

For more information on the Simoniz range, contact Filpro Automotive on 08 8193 9675 or visit www.filpro.com.au

ACCESSORIES & CAR CARE

RAZORBACK 4X4 SEAT COVERS Industry-leading 4WD interior protection

Razorback 4x4 says it is the fastest-growing seat cover company in Australia, offering interior protection accessories for a wide range of 4WDs and SUVs with options in neoprene, canvas and a unique premium neoprene.

Seat covers are an essential part of owning a four-wheel drive, ensuring that the seats they’re protecting keep their full value and the interior is kept spotless.

Razorback 4x4 says its covers are manufactured in a state-of-the-art OEM facility that supplies the majority of seat covers through car dealerships nation-wide and are in a unique league of quality.

Razorback states that it offers “the highest-quality neoprene on the market,” with their own proprietary material blend reportedly resulting in a feel and fit unlike any other.

The company explains that the 30 percent rubber component is more than double industry standard, resulting in a form-fitting cover that’s comfortable for long drives.

It says its canvas covers are made of a custom automotive-grade material rather than the stiff, uncomfortable awning canvas it reports is found in a lot of competitor’s seat covers.

All of Razorback’s seat covers are tailor-made for each individual seat, rather than using a universal pattern.

The covers are designed to hug the curves and contours of the seat, including allowances for relevant cut-outs, lumbar supports and electric seat controls.

Razorback says quality in design and materials are at the forefront of everything it does, with all products being almost completely waterproof and highly UVtreated, resulting in covers designed to survive the rigours of touring and the Australian outback.

Every seat cover is also APV-T airbag tested, and certified to all strict ADR regulations. Each cover has an engineered airbag seam designed to break in the unfortunate event of airbag deployment.

Razorback says it has thousands of standard units in stock to avoid long wait times and still has a quick turnaround on custom made-to-order products, stating that this gets the product in the hands of the customer sooner while setting it apart from the rest.

Razorback also has the the capability to support fleets, wholesalers and retail stockists with small to large volumes and custom branding.

For more information, visit www.razorback4x4.com.au

THE “ULTIMATE” BUG AND TAR REMOVER Bar’s Bugs states this product is a ‘must have’ for any car care collection

Bar’s Bugs says it continues to locally manufacture and market some of the most trusted automotive chemicals across the industry; offering a wide range of high quality, cost effective and Australian made products.

Popular and in demand, the ever-expanding product range is made easily accessible via trusted and reputable distributors including wholesalers, dealerships, retail stores, supermarkets, and petrol stations.

For added convenience, many products are also available to order online and through many click and collect outlets.

Bar’s Bugs says a ‘must have’ product to add to any car care collection has to be what it calls the ultimate bug and tar banisher: Bar’s Bugs Bug and Tar Remover.

If you drive on unsealed roads, park under or near trees, regularly leave your car exposed to the elements, or take road trips up the mountains and/ or through the outback; all of these situations contribute to harming and damaging the finish of your vehicle’s paintwork.

Those residing in warmer climates will also encounter increased difficulty when it comes to removing tree sap, tar, and bird droppings and if left, the residue can cause paint discolouration and staining.

before use. Then spray directly on to the affected area(s) and let the solution react.

Next, with a microfibre cloth, wipe the area lightly until stains are removed and the surface is clean. Then wipe the surface dry with a clean cloth.

Bar’s Bugs explains that its Bug and Tar Remover has a fast acting, super penetrating formula with Nano technology which allows it to restore and protect paintwork quickly and safely.

For best results, avoid using on hot surfaces or in direct sunlight. For those super stubborn stains, Bar’s Bugs says an additional damp cloth will help banish them.

It is safe to use on chrome, metal, paint, and plastic, so Bar’s Bugs says you can feel free to use it on painted surfaces, bumpers, windows, grills and headlights.

Stockists include Auto One, Basco, Blackwoods, Burson, Matador Wholesale, Paul and David Auto Accessories, Repco and many more.

To use, grab your can of Bar’s Bugs Bug and Tar Remover and shake well

For more information, visit www.barsbugs.com.au or contact the team on sales@barsbugs.com.au or 02 9524 4236.

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DISTINCTIVE IN DESIGN AND UNPARALLELED QUALITY Introducing the latest 385X series range from LED Autolamps LED Autolamps says it is proud to announce the release of its latest 385X series range of exciting, dynamically lit rear combination lamps with distinctive new designs offering loads of choices.

The first thing you notice is the sleek inner LED reflector, either in bright chrome or black chrome, depending on the model.

The real magic happens in active mode, with Stop, Indicator and reverse-lit functions surrounded by the outer ring of the diffused lens tail light or a striking circular style design, each lighting up brilliantly so all road users will have clear notice of your vehicle’s intentions as each function is lit up.

LED Autolamps says this new benchmark for style and design will have your customer’s vehicle and trailer looking amazing and more importantly, making you shine brighter than everyone else.

These lamps include specially designed integrated circuitry with the latest LED lighting technology and quality second to none.

It won’t matter if you have a 4x4 tray truck, caravan, or semi-trailer; LED Autolamps says there is an option that will suit your needs with the following three designs on offer: 1. 3851 Series with black chrome clear lens and an inbuilt reflex reflector.

2. 3856 Series with super bright chrome, clear lens, red diffused taillight, and a striking

angled light-up array backed with a propeller plate effect design.

3. 3857 Series with a bright chrome and clear lens, slick arrow-shaped diffused tail light functions, and matching inbuilt reflex reflectors with a striking horizontal array.

These lamps offer Stop/Tail/Indicator and Reverse functions as standard, with the 3856 also offering a Stop/Tail/ Indicator only option that’s perfect for Caravan applications.

All options available measure 387mm x 105mm x 30mm. LED Autolamps has also cleverly hidden any signs of screws or fittings with an innovative new mounting base design. This feature allows surface mounting with screws – the main lamp clips securely in place, completely concealing the base and providing a neat, clean finish.

As well as exceeding the required standards with rigorous ADR or ECE approvals, these lamps will not only enhance and make your particular application shine but also ensure your vehicle/ trailer is road legal and compliant in all states of Australia. A 9-32 Voltage range and low operational current draw make them perfect for battery systems.

LED Autolamps says it produces products designed and manufactured to last and these lamps are extremely tough, constructed using UV resistant high impact plastics and sealed

and tested to IP67 standards. Vibration and impact resistance with no moving parts ensures these lights are made fit for purpose and are up to any challenge in Australia’s harshest road environments.

LED Autolamps says its entire operation is certified to ISO9001:2015, the internationally recognised Quality Management Standard.

Its main production facility is certified to IATF16949:2016 standards, which it says is your guarantee of conformity of production, exceptional service technical expertise, and dedicated aftersales care.

These new lamps are available in bulk and twin retail blister packs with a handy function simulator button included, so your customers can see a sample of the diffused tail function.

The new 385X Series of Range Rear Combination lamps offer a five-year warranty. To see the entire range, visit the LED Autolamps website and type 385X into the search bar.

For more information, visit www.ledautolamps.com or call 03 9466 7075.

SCHUMACHER BATTERY CHARGERS AND MINI JUMP STARTERS Available from Rocket Industries

When it comes to your pride and joy, you need products you can trust – especially if you have a shed full of them.

Rocket Industries says Schumacher Electrical is one of the most trusted brands in the world.

It states that Schumacher Electrical products are designed by car guys, for car guys; saying that is why its products include the little details that make them an automotive market leader.

The Schumacher Electrical range of battery chargers includes the easy-to-use SPI3 and SPI10.

These fully automatic and microprocessorcontrolled battery chargers offer patented Speed Charge Technology to ensure the battery is charged as fast and safely as possible – reportedly up to three times faster than traditional chargers.

They have been designed to charge most types of batteries (AGM, Gel, Calcium/Wet, Start and Stop), with the SPI3 also compatible with lithium-ion batteries.

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The range features a digital display with scrolling multilingual instructions, insulated clamps and eyelet accessories (except SPI15), a hook attachment and protection bumpers. Reverse polarity protection, thermal runaway protection and automatic shut-off are included as standard.

The SPI will charge batteries with voltage as low as 0.5V, with Rocket Industries stating that in comparison, most chargers from the competition will only charge batteries with voltage as low as 4V. It says the SPI chargers are energy efficient and meet the highest industry standards; featuring multi-stage charging for added precision and safety.

Further, float-mode monitoring ensures the battery is kept fully charged and ready to use, for extended periods of time.

If you are out in your car, there is nothing more annoying than needing a jump start. Rocket Industries says that with the SL1317 jump starter

and portable power source you have the easy answer.

The SL1317 boasts a portable and compact design to fit in your pocket, bag, or glove box; and with a 15,000 mAh capacity is great for jump starting four-, six- and eight-cylinder cars.

It features an LCD Display with On/Off button and a built-in LED Light (three modes). It also has USB 5V, 1A, 2.1A, 2.4A ports and a 12V cigarette port (60W) while being equipped with “ultrasafe” smart cables, providing protection against reverse polarity, short circuit, low voltages, high temperatures and reverse charging.

For more information, contact Rocket Industries on 02 8825 1900 or visit www.rocketind.com

ACCESSORIES & CAR CARE

REPCO HAS YOUR CAR CARE NEEDS COVERED Clean up in style to be ready for Summer

Spring has sprung, and when it comes to providing the best names in car care, Repco says it has you covered for all your Spring car cleaning needs.

“Hook up the pressure washer or break out the bucket and sponge and have the cleanest car on the block with our range of premium car care brands and products,” Repco Car Care Category Manager, Sarah Taylor, said.

“Clean off that Winter road grime and restore and enhance paintwork and trims with our vast array of products specifically suited to all areas of your vehicle.

ONE LITHIUM BATTERY PACK TO RULE THEM ALL

The TOPO DC Power Centrefire portable lithium battery pack

Power: we all need it – whether it be power for our vehicles, power for our accessories, or power for our devices.

Portable battery systems have come a long way since some bright spark decided to whack a lead acid battery in a box and call it portable.

Lithium battery technology is revolutionising the way that we store and use power and TOPO DC Power, a family-owned business in Perth, says it is quietly leading the charge with its Centrefire portable lithium battery pack.

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For those needing extra storage, TOPO also has its Long Range Lithium series in either a 144 Ah or 216 Ah, fitted standard with both DC-DC and solar charging.

TOPO DC Power explains that Centrefire started off life built into an army surplus ammo tin, but has quickly morphed into a custom built, ruggedised case, ready for anything your next adventure can throw at you.

Paired with all of TOPO DC Power’s range are its Mag series 12-volt distribution boards. These power sockets come in a variety of configurations up to four way and can even be individually switched.

It says the Centrefire is equally at home either hooked up in your vehicle as a second battery or as a portable unit.

What’s better, TOPO DC Power explains you can connect the larger boards together using the supplied cables to create your very own, customised power solution.

The 12-volt, 72 Ah, lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO4) packs a “whopping” 864 watts of power and weighs in at only just over 10kg.

“Whether you’re an eager enthusiast or a professional detailer, we stock the car cleaning tools and products to take the hassle and time out of cleaning your pride and joy.

“Our diverse array of car washes, foam cannons, wheel cleaners and bug and tar removers give you effective yet mild cleaning, whilst our range of car waxes, polishes and surface treatments put the deep lustre and shine back into your paintwork.

“When it comes to treating exterior mouldings and trims, we stock a selection of the finest products tailored to restoring weathered plastic and faded headlights to complete your vehicle exterior.

“Finishing the outside of your vehicle is only half the job and we pride ourselves on stocking an extensive range of interior car care.

“Glass cleaners, leather conditioners, spray protectants and even a multitude of air fresheners are just the start to having your car renewed and ready for those summer time day trips.

“With the country’s widest range of premium car care and car cleaning brands such as Eclipse, Bowden’s Own, Turtle Wax, Meguiar’s, Armor All, Hydrosilex, Chemtech, Autoglym, RainX, Bar’s Bug, Invisible Glass, Little Trees and CRC, make a visit to repco.com.au and clean up in style.”

For more information, visit www.repco.com.au

charger keeps the unit topped up when you are not out and about.

The unit also comes with a built in 40-amp DC-DC vehicle charger as well as a 25-amp solar charger, making it extremely cost effective, explains TOPO DC Power, while an external 10-amp mains

TOPO DC Power says it stands behind the products it produces with “after sales care that is sadly missing from many businesses today.”

To find how you can offer these lithium power solutions to your customers, go to www.topodcpower.com.au or call 08 9457 7809

UTE BED LIGHTS From Burg Design

With utes now being so popular in Australia as everyday work and play vehicles, many new accessories are being released.

Burg Design says ute bed lights are one such accessory which is both very functional and cost effective.

It says the PARKSAFE Universal Super Bright LED Ute Bed Light set (Part Number 05-UCL) comes as two strands of four lights, each with two powerful white LEDs (= 16 LEDs) in eight compact size modules.

The light sets are designed to be mounted safely along both sides of the rear tub up under the parallel rails, so as to light up the entire rear tub from both sides and to fully illuminate every corner of your cargo area.

Burg Design says these sets are completely waterproof, include a courtesy switch, and very easy to install.

What’s in the box: • Two strands of four LED bed lights with on/off switch • Total of eight pre wired light modules and 16 bright white LEDs • Each Light is W50 x H40 x 12mm thick • 4800mm of power wire per strand • 600mm of wire between each light module • Powered by DC12V For more information, please contact Burg Design on 03 9555 9277 or email sales@burgdesign.com.au

ACCESSORIES & CAR CARE

HIGH QUALITY PROTECTION TGC Orange Nitrile Disposable Gloves

The Glove Company has experienced significantly heightened levels of demand for its highperformance nitrile gloves throughout the pandemic.

The extreme increase in demand for protective gloves has created an ongoing nitrile glove shortage.

During the nitrile glove shortage, The Glove Company says most companies prioritised making lightweight medical gloves.

However, The Glove Company continued to prioritise its TGC Orange Nitrile Disposable Gloves as it says it knew the Australian automotive industry needed high-performance chemical resistant nitrile gloves to continue to work safely.

Higher quality heavier gloves are harder to manufacture during these times because you need more raw nitrile to make the same amount of gloves.

The majority of medical examination nitrile gloves weigh approximately three grams or less.

In comparison, high-quality long term protection gloves such as TGC Orange Gloves weigh approximately up to two to three times the weight of medical gloves.

One TGC Orange Glove is essentially like wearing two or three lightweight gloves.

TGC Orange provides the wearer chemical protection up to two to three times that of a regular glove.

When you combine that with The Glove Company’s custom formulation of Low Sweat Surface Modification with in the TGC Orange Nitrile Glove, it says you have a glove you can comfortably and safely wear for extended periods.

TGC Orange Nitrile Gloves are an ultra-tough 6.5gram nitrile construction that offers the wearer excellent chemical and puncture resistance.

The Glove Company says its IP formulation of TGC branded nitrile gloves are known across the industry as the leader in high quality hand protection.

The strong, reliable, and fully textured nitrile material protects wearers in a variety of tough working conditions.

The hi-vis orange colour provides a further benefit as you can quickly see any cross-contamination

and an in-depth chemical resistance guide is available for higher risk environments.

The nitrile material features a micro-texture from the fingertips to the palm of the glove, making it easy for the wearer to handle grease, fuel and brake fluid.

There are 100 ambidextrous gloves in a box, and sizes range from XS to XL. The Glove Company says if you need a reliable, strong, comfortable glove in these times of supply disruptions, you should try TGC Orange Nitrile Disposable Gloves.

For more information, visit www.theglovecompany.com

LEADING THE MAINTENANCE RACE NAPA Auto Parts says it is leading the way with CRC GPC Asia Pacific and NAPA Auto Parts have been a long-time partner with CRC Industries and are thrilled to be supporting its line of specialised premium maintenance products, aimed at motorsport enthusiasts.

The new CRC Race Series is a line of highperformance degreasers, lubricants, and protectants, designed to keep vehicles operating at the highest level.

Housed in a limited edition super-sized can, these CRC products include maintenance staples Brakleen, Aeroclean, Black Zinc, 808 Silicone and 5-56 Multipurpose.

With the exception of Black Zinc, the CRC Race Series utilises a full finger nozzle which is a larger valve. This is of particular benefit to heavy users as it enhances product usability and comfort. The super-sized cans also contain more CRC product to assist with the big jobs.

Officially licensed by the Supercars Championship,

the CRC Race Series has a premium new design. While maintaining elements from the existing CRC product design, the new look is complemented with pictograms for product use along with a sleek, racing finish. It also sports the Supercars Championship logo.

Both NAPA Auto Parts and CRC are synonymous with motorsport, with both brands providing market leading maintenance and repair products to the automotive industry for over 50 years.

Traditionally NAPA Auto Parts has been supplying Australia’s largest mine sites and industrial fleets with CRC products to keep their vehicles in safe working order. More trade workshops are relying on NAPA Auto Parts to provide them with CRC products to coincide with the wider range of parts available.

Brakleen and Aeroclean are fast acting products to clean brakes and equipment, respectively.

Black Zinc has superior rust inhibiting properties with a tough enamel coating. 808 Silicone is a

non-corrosive multi-purpose silicone spray to lubricate, protect and eliminate squeaking and binding caused by friction. 5-56 Multipurpose is the CRC hero product that lubricates, penetrates, disperses water and prevents rust.

The full range of CRC products – including the Race Series – is currently available from NAPA Auto Parts. The team also has access to a handy application guide to ensure you can find the right CRC product for your current project.

For more information, see the team at your local NAPA Auto Parts branch or visit www.napaparts.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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MEGUIAR’S WHOLE AUSTRALIA’S NEWEST FLOOR COVERINGS ARRIVED CAR AIR RE-FRESHER HAVE for Aussie vehicles by the automotive ODOUR ELIMINATOR Engineered aftermarket industry expert, Vandapac Company Ltd Kill nasty odours at the click of the trigger Just like your clothes, socks and sheets, your car’s interior soaks up all manner of objectionable odours, especially those extra pungent ones like cigarette smoke, pet-smell, perspiration, food waste and trade gear along with all manner of musty and mouldy aromas.

Most automotive air freshener’s simply mask these obnoxious odours.

Being a premium automotive car care specialist, Meguiar’s says it attacks these stubborn odours in a completely different manner.

It says its specifically engineered aerosol mist, Meguiar’s Whole Car Air Re-Fresher Odour Eliminator, takes advantage of the car’s air conditioning system to move through the ventilation system to reach every corner of the interior seeking out and targeting odours at the molecular level – permanently eliminating them.

With four scents to choose from – Black Chrome, Citrus Grove, Fiji Sunset and New Car Scent – you get to decide what pleasant fragrance is left in its place.

Maxliner Floor worldwide for dependability. thousand sets globe.

Liners are said to be renowned their durability, quality, and Every year, over five hundred are reportedly sold across the

A tailored fit and finish Floor Mats are traditionally a flat mat sold to cover up some of the carpet in your vehicle. While some OEM mats are designed for the car, many mats sold through high-volume retailers are one size fits all. You may even need to trim them to install in some vehicles. Maxliner Australia says its engineers have used the latest CAD technology to offer perfect fits and finishes on every set of MaxPro Floor Liners.

Floor liners which stay in place Maxliner Australia says its R&D team designs its liners to use a vehicle’s existing retention system.

Using the retention system ensures MaxPro Floor Liners don’t move around while driving or getting in and out of the car, stopping any mishaps while driving and protecting the vehicle’s flooring better.

Easy to clean When most people think of floor mats, they picture the standard carpet mat with a rubber backing.

The carpet tends to pick up dirt and debris, which can be annoying and time consuming to

clean. Maxliner Australia says one of the best things about the MaxPro range is you can take them out, give them a spray with the hose, let them air dry, and get them back in without having to touch a vacuum.

Stop dirt from getting anywhere near the interior Your shoes collect sand, gravel, dirt, and other debris from the job site to the campsite or even just down at the beach. On carpet mats, this debris can get rubbed in and ruin the fabric.

Maxliner Australia says its liners are made from a high-quality semi-flexible material with ridges and are tough enough to withstand dampness, mud, or other dirty matter on the bottom of your shoes and live to drive another day.

Maxliner Floor Mats are available for Australia’s most popular utes, 4WD, and SUVs. Maxliner Australia says it is so confident in the design and engineering of the MaxPro range that it offers a lifetime warranty.

For more information on sales, distribution, or stockist opportunities, contact the Maxliner Australia Network Development team on 1800 592 192 or sales@maxliner.com.au

INTRODUCING THE NEW AUTEL TBE200 To use, after giving the interior a thorough clean, position the one-time-use canister centrally within the cabin – atop the console works great.

Now, with the engine running and the airconditioning set to recirculate, max cold and high fan, engage the canister’s trigger, close all the doors and let the odour elimination technology go to work.

It takes around 15 minutes for the Meguiar’s Whole Car Air Re-Fresher Odour Eliminator to empty and finish its odour killing mission. After which, you can reopen all the doors and air the interior out for a further 10-15 minutes.

Meguiar’s says you will be pleasantly surprised that even the toughest and most pungent of odours are now replaced with the fresh, pleasant fragrance of your choice when using this product.

For more information, visit www.meguiars.com.au or call Meguiar’s customer assistance line on 1800 347 570 or utilise the Live Chat function on the website.

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A laser measurement tool for tyre thread and brake disc checks

Autel has launched the new MaxiTPMS TBE200 for mechanics and tyre shops to examine the tyre tread depth and brake disc wear condition without removing the wheel, tyre or brake disc.

The TBE200 uses laser technology with 0.1 mm accuracy to provide workshops quick and accurate measurement results to determine if the tyres or brake discs need replacement.

It also features a 1.65” touch screen, displaying measurement data curves in real-time. TBE200 also provides uneven wear analysis and detailed replacement and maintenance suggestions for quick tyre service.

TBE200 is recommended to use indoors and comes with a built-in-battery which reportedly lasts around eight hours if fully charged.

The dual camera enables users to document tyre

wear and damage and scan Tire Identification Number (TIN). Use the TBE200 separately to view, or with ITS600 to print detailed TPMS reports.

Interequip says it is the first and original Autel dealer introducing Autel to Australia and codeveloped the local software.

For more information, please contact Interequip Pty Ltd on 18000EQUIP (1800-037-847) or info@interequip.com.au

ACCESSORIES & CAR CARE

NEW FROM ARB

ARB is constantly working on expanding its product range Recently added to ARB’s product portfolio are the following products.

GVM Upgrade: D-MAX and BT-50 For new D-MAX and BT-50 owners, a stage two GVM upgrade is now available, comprising an upgrade from OE GVM of 3,100kgs to 3,500kgs.

A stage one GVM is already available to 3,360kgs.

This GVM upgrade requires constant load of 600kg and an upgrade to Old Man Emu shocks and springs. For further suspension enquiries, ARB asks you to please contact your local store or stockist.

UVP: D-MAX and BT-50 Protect the under body of your D-MAX and BT-50 with ARB’s UVP, consisting of four carefully designed panels to protect the vehicle’s steering, engine sump, transmission and transfer case. The

UVP will fit with or without an ARB bull bar and is compatible with ARB recovery points. The UVP is $945.00 (Australian East Coast Metro) and is available now.

Base Rack for Chopped 200 ARB has released a new BASE Rack mount kit for the chopped 200 Series LandCruiser, allowing customers to fit a 1545 x 1285 rack. The slimline roof rack is fully welded and features a unique dovetail system to attach accessories to carry on any adventure.

Also available is a range of accessories including multiple awning brackets, light bar mounts, hilift jack mount, recovery board holder, gas bottle holder and a range of mounts that can be used to attach rooftop tents, aerials, sand flags, beacons, solar panels and driving lights. The 200 Series BASE Rack and mounts start from $1,275 and are available now.

Sportlid V for Hilux, D-MAX and BT-50 The ARB Sportlid V has been released for the 2020+ HiLux, 2020+ D-MAX and 2020+ BT50. Keep your belongings secure and out of the weather with the stylish and practical Sportlid V. With a 75kg dynamic payload, the Sportlid V is designed to carry additional tools, your adventure gear or a rooftop tent with ease. The Sportlid V is $2,855 (Australian East Coast Metro) and is available now.

Tent light Getting yourself sorted in the rooftop tent just became a little bit easier thanks to the new ARB Tent Light. Clipping onto any 25mm tent pole, the dimmable tent light includes an 8amp continuous draw 12V cig socket and two USB ports to charge devices. You can also connect the light to your awning or any other 25mm tubed tent or shelter.

The light is priced at $89 (Australian East Coast Metro) and available now.

Tailgate Assist: 2020+ HiLux A new revision to Tailgate Assist now allows fitment to the 2020+ Toyota HiLux. ARB says Tailgate Assist is the perfect product for people who are often loading the tub with heavy items or onehanded. The carefully designed strut controls the opening speed of the tailgate and reduce closing effort by over 50 percent. The revised Tailgate Assist for 2020+ HiLux is priced at $150 (Australian East Coast Metro) and available now.

For more information, visit www.arb.com.au

FLAT BATTERIES LIKELY AS SUMMER APPROACHES The upcoming warmer heat will mean an influx of frustrated customers with flat batteries Hot weather can increase the temperature under the bonnet, accelerating the battery corrosion. It can also cause water to evaporate out of the battery’s liquid electrolyte, decreasing the battery capacity, and causing its life to be shortened. There are also more demands on the battery as cooling fans and air conditioning get switched on in the heat.

CTEK, which says it is the world’s leading supplier of battery charging technology, recommends a full battery health check on each vehicle that comes into the workshop. By checking the health of a battery, it says you can support your customers by ensuring they are not caught out when the good weather arrives, and family road trips begin.

It says workshops are best placed to be fully equipped with an up-to-date battery tester, ideally incorporating a printer facility so that you can print out a report on the condition of the battery.

Complemented by a battery charger, such as the CTEK PRO25S, workshops can test, charge and condition a vehicle’s battery during other vehicle work, which is a chargeable service.

The process in three easy steps is as follows: 1. For each vehicle that enters the workshop, the battery is tested. A professional battery tester, like the CTEK PRO Battery Tester, should be used and a report printed. If the battery voltage is below 12.6 volts, this is a critical voltage and the workshop should ring the customer and recommend a battery service 2. Step two is to charge the customer’s battery using a professional battery charger like the CTEK PRO25S ensuring they have complete peace of mind when out on the road that they have a healthy battery. In some cases, the battery will need to be replaced meaning more revenue for workshops, and most importantly, customer satisfaction.

3. When the customer returns to the workshop to collect their vehicle, it is important to show them the printed report from the professional battery tester both before and after the battery charge to prove the voltage has increased in the customer battery.

The PRO25S also has a dedicated Lithium mode, with a specially developed Lithium charging algorithm. It’s also very simple to connect, spark proof and reverse-polarity protected to protect the user and also the battery.

Designed to ensure easy handling in the workshop, it’s lightweight and portable. A rugged, impactresistant casing means the PRO25S can also handle the toughest environment. It also comes with a two-year warranty.

The CTEK PRO25S starts from AU $600 RRP, and is available to purchase from Repco stores nationwide.

For more information, visit www.ctek.com Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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STORAGE IN A SNAP WITH NINE NEW BOXES HPP Lunds has expanded its Gear-X range

Nine new storage boxes have been added to the HPP Lunds Gear-X range. This is the first time that HPP Lunds has added storage boxes to its range of products.

Two baskets are folding or collapsible storage baskets perfect for travel use particularly in caravans or for camping.

They are equally useful additions to any home as they store flat and can be quickly and easily raised into full sized storage units.

When upright these baskets have solid side panels so items cannot fall out and have side handles as well as a top handle to enable them to be safely carried.

Both baskets have a 35-litre capacity and are 365mm x 490mm x 247mm. Available in blue and black, and fluorescent green and black, they are a practical addition to any household or vehicle.

In addition to the baskets there are two solid black storage boxes which are handy for tools or to safely store any number of household items.

While the baskets do not have lids, these storage boxes come with a hinged lid and lockdown tabs, they also allow for the lid to be completely removed.

To add to their versatility the storage boxes have two wheels, so they are easy to move around.

The storage boxes come in 65 litre and 105 litre capacities, the smaller is 800m. 409mm x 341mm and the larger is 827mm x 529mm x 387mm.

A range of five smaller storage boxes are also available.

Three of these have adjustable compartments, each with a tab lock clear lid and carry handle.

The sizes of these are 322mm x 245mm x 51mm, 394mm x 304mm x 61mm, and 505mm x 326mm x 61mm.

A further two of these smaller storage boxes come

with non-adjustable compartments but still have a clear tab lock lid but no handle. One is a fivecompartment box which is 190mm x 125mmx 33mm, the other is a 12-compartment box which is 313mm x 205mm x 48mm.

The storage boxes are available from independent automotive parts retailers and hardware stores.

Gear-X products is a brand owned and distributed

by HPP Lunds with trade enquiries welcome. HPP Lunds is a wholly owned Australian company.

For more information, visit www.hpplunds.com.au or call Ben Leonard on 07 3722 1111.

SONAX CAR CARE PRODUCTS Made in Germany – an authority in the world of automotive car care Mega Moto Pty Ltd, a company of automotive professionals, imports SONAX car care products to Australia and New Zealand.

SONAX, a brand now available in 110 countries, has a strong reputation and following in the cleaning and car care industry.

Mega Moto says it is proud to represent SONAX in the Australian market, aiming to provide customers with outstanding customer service and expertise.

It says DIY and Professional customers stand to gain from consistent investment in R&D and production, with over 70 years of experience.

Mega Moto says that instead of following short-lived market trends, SONAX consistently pushes the

boundaries to produce high-performance products helping customers achieve an outstanding result in a shorter timeframe.

Working with the industry, it has developed iconic products such as the SONAX PROFILINE Perfect Finish Polishing Compound.

This highly efficient product reportedly sets new standards for cutting and high gloss finishing, while minimising dust.

Another iconic product is the SONAX Xtreme wheel cleaner full effect. A pH-neutral, non-corrosive formula loosens brake dust while being gentle to wheels, wheel components and brake calipers.

Innovative products, such as the SONAX CC36 ceramic coating, are perfectly suited to harsh Australian conditions.

The flexible ceramic basecoat topped with a polymer makes it easy to maintain the perfect appearance of any automobile.

A regular wash with SONAX Wash and Seal maintains the dust and dirt repelling effect.

Another iconic product is SONAX SX90. Sprayed from a 360-degree easy spray bottle, it’s extreme lubrification effect makes it an ideal tool to maintain, lubricate and corrosion protect around all machines, automobiles and household.

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As a responsible manufacturer, SONAX says it values eco-friendly manufacturing and protecting its customers’ health. For its customers’ protection, all imported SONAX products are chemically certified and label compliant, including the Safety Data Sheets.

The high-quality chemicals are formulated and tested to be compatible with the exterior and interior materials used in modern automobiles.

Mega Moto says SONAX’s comprehensive product range meets every car care need, while maintaining reasonable pricing.

For more information, visit www.sonax.com.au or call 1800-SONAX.

ACCESSORIES & CAR CARE

KEEPING AUSTRALIANS CHARGED Century Batteries’ range of battery chargers and maintainers are keeping Aussies on the road

In many parts of Australia, motorists are currently faced with movement restrictions which can change on a daily or weekly basis.

Their vehicles can go from being driven multiple times per day, down to perhaps just one or two essential journeys per week.

There are obvious benefits to this behaviour – including reduced wear and tear on the vehicle, and the cost savings associated with using less petrol.

But when it comes to the vehicle’s starting battery, the news isn’t so good.

Car batteries are happiest and return the longest service life when they are kept at full charge, or as close as possible to it.

But like most battery powered devices, if a car battery is left dormant and unused for any length of time, they can begin to lose charge and drop down to voltage levels which can begin to cause permanent damage.

Add to this the possibility of motorists doing shorter, less frequent trips – giving the vehicle’s alternator less time to charge the battery – and it doesn’t take a genius to work out there’s going to be a problem eventually.

There’s no such thing as a ‘good time’ for a car battery to fail – if it happens in your garage or driveway at home it is a huge inconvenience, but if it happens out on the road people can end up being left stranded.

This is why being able to arm motorists with the knowledge and tools required to better take care of their vehicle’s starting battery should be a key

aspect of any business specialising in vehicle maintenance or auto electrical services.

Century says its range of battery chargers and maintainers take the guesswork out of looking after any 12-volt lead acid battery – from starting batteries in cars and 4x4s, all the way through to boat, deep cycle and motorcycle batteries.

The most popular model, the CC1206, is perfect for charging batteries rated up to 120Ah, and features a patented nine-stage battery charging and maintenance profile.

Simply put, Century says once the charger is connected to the battery it is a true ‘set and forget’ item – firstly by fully charging the battery and then switching into a ‘float charge’ mode to maintain it until the next time the vehicle needs to be driven.

For more information, visit www.centurybatteries.com.au or contact your Century Batteries Specialist on 1300 362 287.

FORMULATED FOR AIRCRAFT, PERFECT FOR CARS AERO Shield Diamond 10H Ceramic Coatings and Premium Detailing Products AERO Premium Detailing Products and Ceramic Coating are formulated and manufactured in the USA by International AERO. International AERO products consist of the Shield Diamond 10H Ceramic Coating Range that includes 10H Ceramic Coatings for vehicle exteriors and interiors as well as for glass, PPF, leathers and fabrics.

International AERO says all of its products were originally developed for aircraft and are the “go to choice” for companies such as Gulfstream Jets and Bombardier Jets.

The company says there is no greater test to products than exposing them to the external rigours of aircraft where the extremes in temperatures such as +120 Deg F on the ground to -60 Deg F at 50,000 feet in the air.

The AERO Detailing Products and AERO 10H Ceramic Coating Range are used and certified to protect Gulfstream Jets, Bombardier Jets and countless others.

With that being said, International AERO says its range exceeds the gloss, life and durability of any other coatings on the market; stating that the AERO slogan of ‘Formulated for Aircraft and Perfect for your Car’ is certainly true.

The range of AERO products for the Automotive Detailing shops and Retail customer is extensive, including Premium Quality Interior cleaning and protection products such as AERO Immaculate and Exterior products such as AERO Shine, a waterless cleaner and Polish.

Also featured are the AERO Cutting Compound Range and AERO Polishing Pads, as well as the AERO Shield Diamond 10H Ceramic Coatings.

The AERO Ceramic Coatings have specific formulations for Vehicle Exteriors, Interiors, Glass, Marine, Aircraft, PPF Finishes, Wheels and many more.

International AERO says the AERO Ceramic 10H Coating products are “without a doubt the most durable on the market, giving up to nine years

of protection due to their cutting-edge Nano Hexagonal Matrix Technology and with a reduced solvent structure that produces truly world class results in terms of gloss and longevity.”

The company says “the benefits AERO offer to Professional Detailers when using AERO products is the quality and the range. It is second to none and no other manufacturer can match the quality nor the product depth available that AERO does.”

If you are a Professional Detailer or Retail Store operator, International AERO invites you to contact its team about its various product programs.

For more information, visit www.aeroaustralia.com.au or call 03 9553 6915 or email sales@aeroaustralia.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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ACCESSORIES & CAR CARE

REDARC LAUNCHES GOBLOCK

REDARC says this is the world’s first compact portable dual battery system with ultrafast charging while you drive REDARC, a leader in ruggedised mobile battery management, charging, and off-grid power solutions, has extended its capability into portable power.

Encompassing the 4WD, outdoor recreational vehicle and marine markets, GoBlock can be used in a variety of applications that demand remote, vehicle and solar rechargeable portable power.

“GoBlock is the culmination (of) customer feedback and extensive market research relating to the constraints of existing 4WD dual battery systems,” REDARC Managing Director, Anthony Kittel, said.

“This highly engineered product features the latest in REDARC’s proprietary DC charging technology which takes the guess work out of designing and building your own battery system.”

Uniquely Australian made and born from a dedication to innovation, REDARC says its GoBlock taps into the growing demand for portable and offgrid rechargeable power.

The difference, however, is this product is built tough for the outdoors and optimised to be ultrafast charged while you drive.

“I am excited for the owners of Ford Rangers and Mazda BT-50s among others who can’t fit a dual battery system under the bonnet, as this is the perfect solution,” Anthony said.

With USB, accessory, Merit, fridge and Anderson outputs, REDARC says GoBlock is the ideal solution for charging smart devices, phones, cameras, drones, as well as powering lights, compressors, fridges and more.

Featuring lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery cells, GoBlock offers 2000 cycles, which REDARC says marks some four-times greater cycle life than other brands on the market.

The compact unit features an AC charger, DC charger, MPPT solar regulator, battery monitor and the lithium battery itself, all optimised to work flawlessly together and provide a portable auxiliary battery system no matter where you go.

With multiple charging options, GoBlock can be charged via DC input from the vehicle’s alternator while driving, AC or solar while parked and can accept up to 50 Amps from any DC power source utilising REDARC’s trusted DC charging technology, making it capable of charging a 100 Amp hour lithium battery in two hours.

“Using Bluetooth, GoBlock can connect to RedVision, our smartphone app that gives users access to the battery state of charge, system

diagnostics, and input source information,” Anthony said.

“This connection also allows GoBlock to receive over-the-air software updates – the first product in our range to do so.”

GoBlock also includes a Start Battery Recovery (SBR) feature. This is unique to GoBlock and when activated via the RedVision app, it enables you to safely recover a flat start battery.

Extensively tested for durability and quality in REDARC’s state of the art South Australian manufacturing facility, GoBlock has been built tough enough to withstand all the elements associated with outdoor activities.

The unit comes in either a 50Ah or 100Ah model and measures just 425mm x 196mm x 230mm.

GoBlock has been designed to perfectly complement REDARC’s existing product offerings such as its portable solar range, allowing REDARC to provide the total portable, versatile and durable off-grid power solution.

Like all REDARC products, GoBlock comes with nation-wide support, including a two-year “hassle free” warranty and after-sales service to answer any questions.

For more information, visit www.redarc.com.au/goblock

COMPLETE HEADLIGHT RESTORATION RANGE From Invision Sales

Whilst many cars’ headlights are heavily damaged and require a full restoration that includes fine grade sanding, many suffer from mild damage that are still functional but have a slight amount of yellowing.

This yellowing looks pretty bad on a nice clean car and if not treated will continue to deteriorate.

To meet the needs of these two levels of damage, the Invision Headlight Restoration program is now clearly divided into two categories, Mild and Heavy.

As the names suggest, Mild is for slightly damaged headlights while Heavy is for badly clouded ones that need the full process.

The Mild kits include convenient sachets with presoaked applicators for both Yellow X cleaner and the UV Clear Coat. These make it fast and easy to service a slightly damaged headlight.

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A full headlight restoration restores badly damaged headlights by removing the layer of discoloured plastic and smoothing it back to its original state.

The final step is to apply the new protective gloss UV coating that effectively restores the headlight to as new condition. This coating is unique to the Invision system and is said to deliver long lasting protection.

The Invision Headlight Restoration Program has five kits in the range.

The Mild range includes a one car DIY (HRK05) and ten car trade pack (HRK05TP).

The Heavy range includes the one car DIY (the new look HRK01), 10 car Trade (HRK02) and 50 car PROKit (HRK03).

The kits include all cleaners, sandpaper, polishing cloths, UV resurface coating and detailed instruction sheets.

The PROKit is designed for professionals to generate a profitable service within their business.

All the components come in a solid case that can be easily restocked, with all ordering details on the inside lid.

The kit is specifically designed with high volume workshops in mind as the included RO three-inch electric sander dramatically shortens the time it takes to service a vehicle.

For further information, contact Invision Sales on 03 9336 2066 or visit www.invisionsales.com

AIR CONDITIONING

FIND THE LEAKS With Jayair

A must-have for workshops this air-conditioning season is the latest leak detection solution from Jayair, available through CoolDrive Auto Parts.

The new LeakXpose N2/H2 Nitrogen Hydrogen solution comprises of a non-flammable mixture of 95 percent nitrogen and five percent hydrogen that can quickly identify leaks in automotive airconditioning systems.

When the system is pressurised with the LeakXpose trace gas, due to hydrogen’s small molecular size and low density, even the smallest of leaks can be found with a suitable electronic leak detector.

SUMMER IS FAST APPROACHING There is no better time to give your air con a little TLC Unique Auto Parts stocks many air conditioning parts for Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Mini, BMW, Skoda, Seat, Citroen, Porsche, Renault, Volvo, Peugeot, Audi, Land Rover and Fiat/Alpha.

Parts include all the integral components to keep air conditioning systems running at their peak including receiver driers, TX valves, evaporators, pressure switches, blower fans, cabin filters and more to suit both passenger and commercial vehicles.

Unique Auto Parts also stocks compressors and condensers to keep the cold air flowing.

In addition to air conditioning components, Unique Auto Parts says it also has an unbeatable range of parts on its shelves including brake systems, steering and suspension parts, filters, clutches, alternators and starter motors, engine and transmission mounts, cooling systems and electrical and ignition components.

Unique Auto Parts says all the parts it stocks come from quality suppliers such as the prominent aftermarket manufacturers JP Group, Quinton Hazell and Carlube who are all exclusively imported and distributed by Unique Auto Parts,

as well as Meyle, Trucktec, Victor Reinz, Hella, Mahle, Hella Pagid Brake systems, Mann Filter, Bosch and SKF. Unique Auto Parts has five stores located around Victoria, Brisbane and Perth that can provide a quick delivery service to the surrounding area, as well as close working relationships with many couriers that allow quick and efficient delivery Australia wide.

Unique Auto Parts says it is also active in its approach to COVID-19 and ensures all staff adhere to strict COVID- safe plans.

For more information, call Unique Auto Parts on 1300 864 864 or email your enquiry to sales@uniqueautoparts.com.au

ALEMLUBE AAP2000 CoolDrive Auto Parts says the new LeakXpose solution from Jayair is more effective than other leak detection methods such as liquid spray – which can still be applied using your traditional leak detection methods.

Plus, being predominantly comprised of nitrogen, this solution is non-toxic and environmentally safe.

Also new to the Jayair range is a straight Nitrogen N2 solution which can be used to purge airconditioning systems by helping to absorb moisture trapped within the unit and flushing out contaminates.

Both of these new Jayair products are available in disposable cylinders, which provide easy handling and storage, ideal for mobile service repairs or jobs with limited access.

A key additional benefit of these disposable cylinders, in addition to no ongoing rental fees, is that workshops now have a quantifiable cost that can be allocated against individual repairs.

These new Jayair leak detection solutions are available individually, in multi-packs, or in kits which also include accompanying coupler, hose, regulator and leak detector.

For further information on the Jayair range available at CoolDrive Auto Parts, visit www.cooldrive.com.au 92

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The latest air conditioning recharge machine from Alemlube

Throughout Australia, Alemlube Automotive – a division of Alemlube – says it has built a reputation for excellence in distribution, sales and the total support of all automotive workshop servicing products.

Alemlube Automotive says its team delivers unequalled product service and offers an industry leading approach to product knowledge, advice and after sales support.

The new Alemlube Premium range of on car servicing equipment features the latest air conditioning recharge machine, AAP2000.

Key features and benefits of this advanced fully automatic AC machines are as follows: • Plug and play, just walk away.

• Automatic gas recovery, leak test, vacuum phase, filling phase from 20kg internal vessel.

• Accurate manometer gauge set for high and low pressure.

• Machine will notify the technician if a leak in the vehicle’s AC system is detected.

• Comprehensive vehicle database.

• Onboard printer for customer service report.

• Downloadable gas usage for record keeping for Arctick.

Alemlube says the AAP2000 makes the recharge process quite simple, which involves recovering the old refrigerant gas from the air-con system and recycling it before replacement with the correct amount of new refrigerant and lubricant as per the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation.

The vacuum test performed by the AAP2000 helps to identify potential cracks or damage in the customer’s vehicle air conditioning system that could cause gas leakage and further inefficient system operation.

Just connect the AC service hoses to the couplers, choose the automatic mode, select the vehicle from the database and you’re ready to go, with the average service able to be completed in 40 to 50 minutes.

For more information, visit www.alemlube.com.au

AIR CONDITIONING

COOLDRIVE RELEASES NEW AIR-CON CATALOGUE The 2022 edition focuses entirely on non-vehicle specific product CoolDrive Auto Parts is pleased to announce the release of the new 2022 edition of its industry leading Air Conditioning Catalogue.

Unlike previously released CoolDrive Air Conditioning Catalogues, the 2022 edition focuses entirely on non-vehicle specific product and is a must have for all automotive A/C and transport refrigeration specialists.

“CoolDrive is proud to present to the market our latest Air Conditioning Catalogue, which continues our proud connection with the specialist industry dating back 45 years,” CoolDrive Auto Parts Category Manager - Air Conditioning and Refrigerant, Andrew Patterson, said.

“For this edition, the catalogue has seen a significant format change, with an easy to read, simplified layout, focusing on non-vehicle specific air conditioning products.

“With workshops and businesses continuing to move into the digital era, complete vehicle specification catalogues are proving to be outdated and unnecessary. CoolDrive’s iShop is live, constantly updated and contains full search

functionality for applicable parts via vehicle registration or VIN.” The new catalogue covers CoolDrive’s full universal A/C product offering including refrigerant and an expanded tools and equipment section.

Some of the new product ranges featured in the new catalogue include Jayair LeakXpose and Nitrogen disposable cylinders, the Jayair range of heavy-duty evaporators, Burgaflex fitting range and an updated comprehensive range of compressor control valves.

One of the handy features of the new catalogue is that all o’rings and washers are pictured as their actual sizes. In addition, CoolDrive will soon release an o’ring and valve core desk mat which will make identifying o’rings easier than ever before.

While CoolDrive continues to be the innovator in air conditioning products, the company has massively expanded its entire product portfolio in recent years, and correspondingly, has now released a total of ten catalogues focused on key product ranges.

Other specialist catalogues include car care, lubricants, 4x4/off-road, filters, performance, rotating electrical, automotive lighting, electrical accessories and engine cooling.

The full offering of catalogues and complete product information is available at www.cooldrive.com.au, or from your nearest CoolDrive branch.

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AIR CONDITIONING

20+ YEARS OF PIONEERING NEW AUTO A/C PRACTICES The Refrigerant Oil Company explains it pioneered the use of PAO-based oils in refrigeration 20 years ago Now, it states it is pioneering PAO-based lubricants for thermal management in hybrid and electric vehicles.

The Refrigerant Oil Company says it is doing so because the users of the products found they recognised the advantages of the stability, purity and lubricity of polyalphaolefins (PAOs) for the industry; stating that the electrical properties of PAO make it suitable for high voltage electrical systems.

The Refrigerant Oil Company says there are many reasons you should consider using PAOIL in your workshop, including: • PAOIL is useable with all automotive compressor types including hybrid vehicle compressors.

• PAO is also compatible with R134a and the new R1234yf refrigerant, meaning you only need one oil to use for most auto A/C applications.

• PAOIL is suitable for the use in hybrid and electric vehicles (AA series is preferred but PL series may be used).

• PAOIL has a high Viscosity Index meaning the oil maintains its viscosity and lubricating properties at high operating temperatures.

• Unlike other lubricants, PAO is nonhygroscopic: it does not readily absorb moisture.

• The special packaging and equipment needed

with other oils to ensure moisture does not enter the refrigeration circuit along with the oil is not necessary with PAOIL. Due to the inertness and inherent stability of PAO, PAOIL has a five-year shelf life.

PAOIL is also available with an added UV dye to help with leak tracing.

PAOIL is universal: you need to stock one, rather than carry many different types of oil.

Safe to use: PAOIL is a non-hazardous, nontoxic product which is safe to have around the workshop. It is safe on painted surfaces, so no worries if accidentally spilt on vehicles.

PAOIL you can buy in bulk (PAOIL is available in 1L, 5L, 10L and 20L container sizes) and with its five-year shelf life, not worry about the oil being unusable a couple of hours after opening.

PAOIL PL series offers the same positive properties as the PAOIL AA series, meaning it can be used as a complete oil replacement for A/C systems.

Ariazone/PAOIL products are currently used in workshops in more than 40 counties worldwide.

• • • •

The Refrigerant Oil Company says that by using

Workshops do not need to stock multiple types of oil when using PAOIL, since PAOIL is suitable for use with a wide variety of automotive compressors and refrigerants. As such, The Refrigerant Oil Company says PAOIL helps you to save money.

Ariazone and The Refrigerant Oil Company are fully Australian-owned companies based in Melbourne at the Global Headquarters, and part of the ROC Group.

For more information, go to www.rocoil.com or www.ariazone.com or call 03 9338 7522.

DIRECT REPLACEMENT AC PARTS

Tridon offers an extensive range of Heater Fan Resistors and Air Conditioning Pressure Switches Tridon says its range has been extensively researched for maximum market coverage, so there is no need to go to the dealer to purchase high quality, direct replacement air conditioning parts.

Fan resistors are designed to operate the air conditioner/heater fan speed inside the vehicle.

They operate by controlling the current flow to the fan motor, in turn changing the speed of the fan.

Problems with heater fan resistors are common in many cars. Some things to look out for are a lack of air flowing; working on high or low speeds only; running constantly or not working on a particular speed.

In some cases, a failed fan resistor can cause a heater fan to stop working completely.

Constant adjustments to the fan speed generate wear and tear on the resistors terminals, which in turn leads to shorting, or the resister being burnt out resulting in eventual failure.

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Air con pressure switches also require replacement over time, as the air conditioning may cease to function, or a vehicle fault light will appear.

They are a safety device that is fitted to all modern air conditioning systems. Placed in line with the cooling pipes, they monitor the air conditioning system pressure.

If the pressure rises to dangerous levels, or if there is a sudden drop in pressure, it will shut off the compressor.

This prevents damage to internal air-conditioning components and also to the compressor.

Tridon explains that its range of air conditioning switches has been comprehensively researched to provide a broad coverage of high-quality OEM replacement parts.

It says these have been developed to meet or exceed original equipment manufacturers

specifications, making them direct replacement for the original switches in the vehicle.

If you’re experiencing a problem with the air flow in your vehicle, you’ll definitely want to get this problem diagnosed and fixed.

Live application data is available for all Tridon parts on Tridon Part Finder for the most up to date new vehicle applications.

All applications are also available on major trade electronic catalogues.

For more information, visit www.tridon.com.au or call 1300 362 263.

AIR CONDITIONING

NAPA AUTO PARTS BEATS THE HEAT NAPA Auto Parts says it stocks the brands Australian workshops rely on As the temperature heats up, there is no better time to expand your air conditioning parts and workshop equipment with the latest products from the world’s leading brands.

Through its heritage brands, including AshdownIngram, NAPA Auto Parts says it has the know-how, products and team to ensure your workshop is ready for the summer rush of cars hitting the road once again.

As a market leader in automotive air conditioning products, NAPA Auto Parts says it only aligns itself with the world’s leading aftermarket air conditioning brands, including OEX, Red Dot, Sanden, Denso and Mastercool to mention a few.

NAPA Auto Parts says these are the brands Australian workshops rely on and ask for every day, no matter the size of the vehicle on the hoist.

It states OEX has been the “Specialist’s Choice” for aftermarket parts for over 20 years and continues to increase its range of air conditioning products to suit the growing Australian car parc.

In 2021 alone, OEX will reportedly be releasing more than 70 new compressors for passenger and commercial vehicles.

This comprehensive new addition includes universal units to suit more vehicles with one

part, and will complement the existing range of TX valves, receiver driers, evaporators and other air conditioning products.

In 2019, Red Dot, an international leader in heavy duty cooling products, proudly awarded Master Distributor Status to GPC Asia Pacific, meaning NAPA Auto Parts, Ashdown-Ingram, Covs and Repco are your first port of call for quality Red Dot units in Australia.

Since awarding this exclusive distribution, GPC Asia Pacific has been recognised as one of Red Dot’s top distributors worldwide.

NAPA Auto Parts says Red Dot’s market leading portfolio of hydraulic compressors, condensers, valves and workshop equipment offers industry leading climate control solutions to even the most demanding commercial and agricultural machines.

This now also includes self-contained electric units and compressors for use when physical space or industry regulations prevent off-engine drive.

To ensure your workshop can quickly and efficiently perform an air conditioning service and recovery, NAPA Auto Parts says Mastercool’s range of air conditioning equipment is just as necessary as a compressor, refrigerant and hose.

Mastercool’s Arctic Commander automatic

RRR machines can complete a full recovery on systems with R1234yf and R134a refrigerant, and NAPA Auto Parts says it is recognised around the world as a leading choice of air conditioning equipment.

NAPA Auto Parts is quickly growing its network around the country, with 40 locations to support the country’s leading automotive electrical, thermal and mechanical specialists, with more locations still to come.

For more information, please contact your local NAPA Auto Parts branch or visit www.napaparts.com.au

KEEP COOL WITH SUPERFORMANCE THIS SUMMER Superformance offers a wide range of Vintage Air universal and surefit air-conditioning systems and componentry for Hot Rods and Muscle Cars Installing a new climate control system into any vehicle can be an intimidating challenge, even for the experienced automotive project enthusiast.

The team at Vintage Air says that is why they have designed their A/C climate control systems with ease of installation in mind.

Pairing quality components with the latest technology available, Vintage Air says its products aim to provide quality air-conditioning solutions for classic vehicles, muscle cars and hot rods.

Vintage Air surefit climate control series are individually designed for each vehicle model, utilising factory body features and sheet metal locations to optimise the performance of the system in each vehicle shape.

Superformance encourages you to contact its team or visit www.vintageair.com website to find out if a surefit system is available for your vehicle.

If your vehicle does not have a surefit kit available,

Superformance says Vintage Air will still have climate control solutions for your Street Rod. Several different universal systems are available including its popular Gen II systems, which range in size from the GEN II Compac to GEN II Mini and GEN II Super.

These GEN II universal kits are optional as Heat and Cooling or with Defrost. Each system features high torque gear driven motors for increased airflow to outlets, intelligent CAD designed housings which improve airflow significantly compared to conventional designs, heavy duty wiring harness with all the circuit breakers and relays ready to go, isolated blower fan motor to reduce noise and

increase its lifetime and importantly no longer will your climate control system rely on engine vacuum, which can be an issue on high performing engines.

Situated on Brisbane’s bayside is Superformance’s Capalaba store; one of Australia’s largest performance automotive superstores, carrying a wide range of climate control components including common A/C replacement parts such as compressors, evaporators, condensers, engine Cooling products and more.

Superformance stocks Vintage Air, SPAL and Maradyne fans.

For more information, visit www.superformance.com.au or 07 3488 7888.

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AIR CONDITIONING

CABIN FILTERS FOR EVS A broad range is available from Bosch

Last year, the numbers of newly registered electric vehicles rose dynamically due to government incentives, the expansion of the charging infrastructure and a growing environmental consciousness.

For increased comfort and health protection

As a result, electric cars and plug-in hybrids are also of increasing importance for workshops.

Cabin filters with an activated-carbon layer ensure increased comfort and health protection inside the vehicle cabin.

Featuring a market coverage exceeding 90 percent, the Bosch range includes cabin filters for most electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles on the European market.

In view of the changing aftermarket business concerning electric vehicles, Bosch says its broad range of cabin filters provides workshops with good chances for additional turnovers.

Cabin filters protect the vehicle interior and the vehicle occupants against fine dust, aerosols, bad smells, allergens and bacteria – even in case of electric vehicles.

Bosch recommends replacing them ever 15,000 kilometres or at least once a year, especially prior to the pollen and hay fever seasons.

As discussions on nitrogen oxides, ozone and fine dusts in cities around the world continue, the air quality inside the cabin is also of increasing importance.

Specially matched filter layers of Bosch activatedcarbon filters reliably absorb harmful and foul-smelling gases and filter the air separating pollen and fine dust.

On top of this, Bosch says FILTER+ also provides additional protection for allergic sufferers.

Equipped with a special anti-allergy layer, Bosch says it even lastingly neutralises allergens and bacteria and states that moreover, it also efficiently separates fine dust down to 2.5 micrometers in size.

This allows reducing allergic reactions of vehicle occupants such as sneezing, irritated, reddened or watering eyes – especially during the pollen season.

In addition to this health protection, Bosch cabin filters also reduce the amount of deposits on the air conditioning system, thus supporting its energy-efficient operation.

Including the broad range for electric and hybrid vehicles, Bosch offers workshops more than 600 different types of cabin filters thus achieving a market coverage of 95 percent. Adding new vehicle applications, this range is annually expanded.

Bosch says that by using high-quality materials and by means of thorough processing, it ensures consistently high product quality which results in cabin filters optimally fulfilling their tasks.

For more information, visit www.boschaftermarket.com

SNAP-ON TOOLS MAKE AIR-CON SERVICE A BREEZE The demand for air-conditioning services and re-gassing is expected to be a hot topic this season Preparation of your air-conditioning service equipment is critical, and Snap-on Tools encourages you to take stock now, stating this season could also present the perfect time to invest in your airconditioning service offering for the future.

This season, Snap-on Tools has introduced two fully automatic air-conditioning service units, the BREEZE IV and BLIZZARD QTECH IV. With models designed for the HFO-1234yf or R134a refrigerants, Snap-on Tools says the units are amongst the most modern air-conditioning service and re-gassing units on the market with both designed to make your job quicker, easier, and more profitable.

BLIZZARD QTECH IV The BLIZZARD QTECH IV is Snap-on Tools’ most advanced air-conditioning service unit, available in R134a or HFO-1234yf models.

Features include Wi-Fi connectivity, a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen, 3.0m hoses, and a 12-litre refillable refrigerant tank.

includes the option to pressure test with forming gas or nitrogen. Standard equipment includes both hermetic oil and dye cartridges – both of which are also refillable.

Snap-on Tools says the BLIZZARD QTECH IV consumes 20 percent less energy than rival units, with a powerful 1/3HP compressor that uses an innovative solenoid valve system.

The Snap-on Tools BLIZZARD QTECH IV includes the latest Australian vehicle database of specifications, including agricultural machinery and trucks. You also have the option to manually enter fill specifications.

Snap-on Tools says it is intuitive to use, with the pressure gauges and touchscreen placed close together for easy use and ergonomics for the technician.

BREEZE IV The BREEZE IV is Snap-on Tools’ best value for money air-conditioning service and re-gassing unit, with the option of R134a or HFO-1234yf models.

Packaged in a modular unit, it is easy to manoeuvre and designed to make air-conditioning service and re-gassing light work.

Designed for quick and easy recovery, recycling, and recharging of refrigerant, the unit features a 4.3-inch display and in-built printer.

This unit offers unique hybrid functionality that supports electronic driven compressors and also

With its Compressor Assisted Recharge method the BREEZE IV, just like the BLIZZARD QTECH

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IV, allows fast and accurate gas charging in high temperature conditions, while advanced solenoid valve technology ensures greater service life and fewer service issues.

The BREEZE IV also includes the latest Australian vehicle database, including agricultural machinery and trucks, with the option to manually enter specifications.

For more information, talk to your local franchisee representative or visit www.snapontools.com.au

AIR CONDITIONING

ENGINEERED TO KEEP YOU COOL

As the Australian car parc continues to expand, so does the OEX air conditioning range Repco says OEX is “the Specialist’s Choice for automotive AC components.”

for late model vehicles and driving innovative solutions with manufacturing partners.

OEX’s AC range includes universal fit and vehicle specific hard parts to suit a range of passenger and light commercial vehicles.

Arvind Datt, GPC Senior Product Manager, says “with quality at the forefront of the OEX brand you can rest assured you are receiving the highest quality possible, as all products undergo comprehensive and stringent testing before being accepted into the range.”

With a history of excellence spanning 20 years, OEX knows the Australian and New Zealand automotive landscape, regularly sourcing parts

OEX and its manufacturing partners are ISO 9001 certified, ensuring the diverse range meets certain criteria, including: • stringent engineering, testing and quality control procedures.

• high level service and support for products.

• the experience, expertise and flexibility to develop and tool new products to deliver fast aftermarket programmes.

• consistent and reliable finished products that will survive even under the most adverse weather and operating conditions.

OEX will always provide a top-quality product at an affordable price, enabling you to service more vehicles with high quality parts for less.

Repco says specialist product knowledge coupled with extensive buying power means

OEX AC parts are available at your local Repco store or online at www.repcotrade.com.au

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AIR CONDITIONING

HAVE YOU CHOSEN THE CORRECT AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER FAN? Davies, Craig says the choice can be as simple as looking in our own backyard

For 50 years, Australian-owned Davies, Craig has been manufacturing Thermatic Electric Fans in Melbourne.

In that time, it says it has transformed the cooling capabilities of thousands of vehicles’ radiators and AC Condensers with superior cooling efficiency, low current draw and high-level air flow/fan force.

Front-line workshops are making the choice when it comes to air conditioning condenser fans for their customers and Davies, Craig says there are aspects of this choice that need to be considered carefully.

It says the two major factors one needs to consider when making an electric fan choice are a) fan strength/force, Cubic Ft/Min (CFM) or ft3/min cubic feet/minute; and b) low current draw.

If the electric fan you are about to select does not give you this information, Davies, Craig says you should not buy it.

The AC condenser is the major component and functions as a heat exchanger for the AC system, converting the refrigerant from a gas to liquid so it can flow through the AC system.

A great amount of heat generated can only be expelled if a strong efficient electric condenser fan is deployed to remove this heat quickly and efficiently. If the condenser becomes too hot, it

will not convert the refrigerant into cooled liquid form.

large volumes of air while utilising very low current draw.

The electric fan must always keep the AC condenser cool so it can continue to efficiently convert the gas into liquid and keep the AC system operating correctly.

The models offered include 8”, 9”, 10”, 11” Brushless, 12”, 14” slimline, 14” and 16” High Performance in both 12v and 24v configuration.

All models can be set up to function efficiently in either a ‘pusher’ or ‘puller’ application.

The more heat you remove from the condenser, the cooler the air in the cabin. A defective or inefficient electric fan can cause problems with the entire AC system.

Davies, Craig says its range of Thermatic Electric Fans have proven, certified CFM ratings and move

All Davies, Craig Thermatic Electric Fans now carry a three-year warranty.

For more information and to access Davies Craig’s online fan selection guide, visit www.daviescraig.com.au

INNOVATIVE HEAVY-DUTY CABIN COOLING SOLUTIONS NAPA says the Red Dot range of climate control units for transport and heavy machinery is unparalleled With units developed for trucking, agriculture, industrial and construction applications, each Red Dot cabin cooling solution is built to last in our rugged and demanding environment.

the seats or elsewhere in the cab, it’s vital to pair the selected evaporator with the optimum condenser based on capacity, style and available mounting space,” Tim said.

NAPA Auto Parts Senior Product Manager, Tim Boyd, says it’s important to select the right Red Dot unit for your application to ensure you get the performance you need from your ac system.

For cabs with a lot of glass or cabs not suited for roof mounted units, ceiling mount units are all about offering maximum performance utilising minimal space – match them to a remote mount condenser unit to ensure they perform to your requirements.

“Whether it’s a self-contained rooftop unit, a ceiling mount evaporator, one that sits between

Wall mounted units can be positioned between seats or anywhere alongside the operator and range from compact designs for smaller cabs to larger unit designs for cabs that require plenty of cooling.

Remote condenser units, installed away from the cabin, are commonly used in agricultural and offroad applications and should be matched with the applicable evaporator.

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Remote condenser units are typically mounted on the roof however, many units can be mounted behind the cab, on engine covers or frame rails.

NAPA Auto Parts says you can be assured that Red Dot has the right combination of units available for your vehicle, no matter the voltage or whether it’s designed for off- or on-highway applications.

For more information, see the team at your local NAPA Auto Parts or visit www.napaparts.com.au for a full list of locations.

AIR CONDITIONING

CORGHI’S AIR-CONDITIONING RANGE Corghi is continuing to diversify

Corghi has announced that it will commit to bringing the TECNOMOTOR by Corghi range of automotive air-conditioning service equipment to Australia.

“Globally, Corghi is on an aggressive acquisition program,” Corghi Australia General Manager, Andrew Cornwell, said.

“We’ve aligned with the NEXION Group, and this is providing us with numerous opportunities to increase our product range to ensure we have a solution to fit every workshop profile.”

This latest offering, the TECNOMOTOR by Corghi range of service equipment for automotive refrigerants, is designed specifically for cars and light-duty vehicles.

The range comprises of two fully automatic models, the A/C 1600 suitable for refrigerant R-134a and the A/C 1605 designed for vehicles in which R-1234yf refrigerant is used to charge the cooling system.

The TECNOMOTOR by Corghi range allows the operator to select between manual and automatic

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functions for recovery, recycling, and recharge and are suitable for hybrid vehicles.

“All models feature an easy-to-read seven inch, 800x480 pixel TFT-LCD RGB display, as well as WiFi and BlueTooth connectivity,” Andrew said.

“While those with a ‘P’ suffix in the model number indicates that these models come with a printer.

“This gives workshop owners the option to provide their customers with a detailed service report.”

Working in either manual or automatic configuration, the TECNOMOTOR by Corghi automotive air-conditioning service units will complete a total of four critical functions: oil and refrigerant recovery, vacuum, micro-leak test, and finally, a new oil and refrigerant charge.

“Both models feature an integrated heating band and a large 12kg capacity refrigerant tank that is easily assessable through a rear door to speed up unscheduled maintenance,” Andrew said.

“As well as a rotary compressor with recovery efficiency that exceeds 98 percent.”

For more information, visit www.corghiaustralia.com.au or call the team on 1800 CORGHI (267444) or visit Corghi Australia’s new facility located at Unit 5/8 Cooper Street, Smithfield NSW 2164.

AIR CONDITIONING

DENSO QUALITY A/C COMPONENTS Featuring the ‘DENSO difference’

DENSO says its premium quality range of A/C compressors, condensers and evaporators offer efficient, reliable heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

Compressors DENSO says it brings together everything it knows as an air conditioning systems manufacturer to bring customers the highest quality line of factorynew compressors available.

It says DENSO compressors are manufactured and tested to the strictest OE standards for unparalleled performance, because it knows drivers and their passengers expect a comfortable cabin environment on every journey, whatever the weather.

• No core charge or deposit • 100 percent perfect match to vehicle specifications.

Condensers DENSO condensers are designed to integrate seamlessly with your vehicle’s original air conditioning system.

DENSO says their premium aluminium construction improves reliability and resists corrosion, whilst the superior fin wave design offers higher heat transfer and maximum refrigerant condensation.

All DENSO condensers are designed to decrease foreign particle deposits, keeping your entire A/C system running at optimal performance.

Key features:

Key features:

• Unmatched reliability with over 40 percent market share • High quality product with extremely low warranty ratio • Compressor delivered as complete assemblies and pre-filled with the right amount of oil

• Bolt-in replacement; no brackets and adapters • Reduces required compressor power, resulting in improved fuel economy • Restores A/C performance to as-new condition • Pure aluminium construction provides greater resistance for corrosion

• Zinc diffusion layer improves corrosion resistance • Unique fin design to minimize airflow blockage

Evaporators DENSO says its Revolutionary Slim (RS) and Multitank Superslim (MS) evaporators are the newest types of evaporators used in vehicles today.

DENSO’s evaporator configurations, tanks, fin pitch, core dimensions and materials meet OE manufacturer’s rigid specifications.

For more information and to find out where to buy, visit www.denso.com.au

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AIR CONDITIONING

A/C PRODUCTS VASA WIRE & GAS AEROFLOW CONVENTION TO BE Available from Rocket Industries HELD JULY 2022

Organisers are hoping it will be a case of third time lucky for the rescheduled Gold Coast event

VASA, Australasia’s peak trade association for specialists in auto air-conditioning, electrical and thermal management, would like to publicly thank the speakers and sponsors that have recommitted to the second rescheduling of the Wire and Gas conference and in doing so have ensured the 2022 event promises to be as unmissable as originally planned.

Rocket Industries says Aeroflow is Australia’s premier hose and fitting manufacturer with its world exclusive stainless steel polished and chrome plated air conditioning fittings.

These fittings are available in straight, 45o, 90o and 135o, with or without charge ports.

The range also includes true nylon air conditioning hose which is manufactured to cope with R134A gas and covered in stainless steel braid.

Aeroflow has also developed a low mount universal air conditioning bracket that suits small block Chevrolet engines. It may not fit all applications depending on what car the engine is fitted to.

The system was designed for Camaro and HQ style engine bays where there is ample clearance to crossmembers and steering but may suit other vehicles depending on availability of space.

Aeroflow also now offers a budget conscious solution for running the two port bulkhead.

The two port plate can be mounted vertically or

horizontally and is available in polished or black anodised finish and sold without adapter fitting inserts so you can choose to run any combination of either -6AN, -8AN or -10AN male nipples.

The Aeroflow A/C range includes billet polished or black anodised bulk heads for heater, A/C or both, NPT to A/C adaptors, A/C to AN mushroom adaptors, replacement olives, polished billet charge port covers and custom low mount A/C mounting brackets.

For more information, visit www.aeroflowperformance.com or call Rocket Industries on 02 8825 1900.

UPDATE YOUR AIR CONDITIONING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT With Alcius The confirmed rescheduled dates are Friday the 29th of July to Sunday the 31st of July, 2022, with the venue remaining at the refurbished and rebranded JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa in Surfers Paradise (Queensland), which has also been incredibly supportive during two rounds of date changes due to the pandemic.

VASA says as an industry we all deserve for this event to be as good and successful as it possibly can and to honour the commitment of delegates, sponsors, exhibitors and speakers.

It is working hard to ensure that VASA’s flagship industry event delivers on its promise to reward the substantial financial and time investment required to travel from all over Australia, New Zealand and further afield to attend, exhibit and speak at Wire and Gas. VASA continues to work on details of the rescheduled event and will make further announcements in due course, including when discounted Early Bird tickets go on sale.

VASA says the support of everyone involved is highly valued and much appreciated.

For more information, visit www.vasa.org.au/wg2022 or contact events@vasa.org.au or 1300 661 972.

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With summer fast approaching, there’s no better time to ensure your workshop is equipped with the right air conditioning service tools and equipment to maximise opportunities.

Alcius, a part of Australasia’s largest automotive aftermarket specialised company, Bapcor, has all of your air conditioning service tool requirements covered, supplied by OE and quality aftermarket manufacturers.

The comprehensive Alcius range of tools covers the requirements of single operation repairers, on site service vans, large fleets of service vans or the largest of automotive workshops.

With premium quality air conditioning service equipment to suit all refrigerants and meeting all industry standards, Alcius says it has a manifold set, Vacuum pump, leak detection method or refrigerant recovery and recycle solution for your business.

The vast Alcius Air Conditioning tools and equipment range is displayed across more than 50 pages in the 2021 Alcius Complete Climate Control Catalogue.

From fully automatic refrigerant, recovery and recharge units designed and manufactured by leading companies, through to basic dash thermometers, Alcius says its comprehensive air

conditioning service tool and equipment range will ensure that you always have the tool you need, when you need it.

Alcius explains that it provides quality air conditioning service tools to suit passenger, light commercial, heavy duty, mining and agricultural vehicles, covering the entire spectrum required by the Australian automotive service and repair industry.

To locate your closest Alcius stockist, visit alcius.com.au

AIR CONDITIONING

ADRAD A/C COMPRESSOR KITS Now available for more vehicles

Back in 2015, Adrad released a selection of A/C Compressor Kits that combined all the major A/C system components needed to fully restore a failed air conditioning system.

Being available in a single part number provided an easier (and cheaper) way for workshops to order a matching set of products, and Adrad says adding an industry-leading three-year nationwide warranty made the package even sweeter.

Each kit is made using quality parts and includes the Compressor; Condenser; Thermal Expansion Valve (or Orifice Tube) and Receiver Drier / Accumulator.

Adrad states that hoses and fittings can be cleaned out and refitted but the critical parts are all new, stating that as good repairers know, this the only way to fix the A/C system properly and make it as good as new.

Kits also include a bottle of Air Conditioning System Treatment, Compressor Oil, Measuring Cup and System Guard Straps for security and tamper protection.

The straps are important to ensure the three-year warranty is not voided by someone interfering later with the repair.

Adrad says the concept has proven to be extremely popular with technicians around the country and so the range has continued to grow.

How customers respond is the ultimate measure of success, and Adrad says its A/C Compressor Kits are an example of when a new product clearly addresses a need in the market.

Adrad now offers 240 different A/C Compressor Kits to cover over 1,500 vehicle applications.

They are available around the country from Adrad stockists or online.

Need to replace or upgrade your workshop A/C equipment? Adrad states JAVAC products have a reputation in Australia for being “The Professional’s Choice.”

Adrad supplies a variety of JAVAC vacuum pumps, charging stations, equipment and tools that can help prepare your workshop for the busy summer season.

For more information, contact Adrad on 1800 882 043 or order using the Natrad Trade Online or Radshop websites.

ROBINAIR A/C SERVICE UNITS With Deep Recovery for high refrigerant recovery rates The Deep Recovery function of Robinair A/C service units reportedly increases the refrigerant recovery rates and reduces servicing times.

Almost all vehicle manufacturers recommend specific service intervals for air conditioning systems.

A/C servicing includes functional and visual inspection as well as refrigerant replacement.

During the standard procedure, the compressor of the A/C service unit recovers the refrigerant and stores it in its own tank.

In doing so, up to 95 percent of the refrigerant is recovered in several steps and the remaining refrigerant is released through the venting outlet of the vacuum pump during the vacuum phase.

Due to this particular loss of refrigerant, resulting in an increased environmental impact and a timeconsuming procedure, Bosch says an optimised function has been developed: Deep Recovery.

Robinair A/C service units with Deep Recovery Robinair AC1234-7i, AC1234-5i, 34988NI and AC1x34-3P service units are already equipped with the Deep Recovery function.

In a second recovery stage after the standard procedure, the vacuum pump extracts as much of the remaining refrigerant as possible.

Depending on the A/C configuration and its operating conditions, this allows recovery of up to 99 percent of the refrigerant.

In the subsequent vacuum phase, only a very small amount of remaining refrigerant is released into the atmosphere.

Bosch says that especially in the case of expensive R1234yf refrigerant, this means a significant cost reduction.

Another advantage of Deep Recovery is the fact that the vacuum pump starts dehumidifying the air conditioning system as early as possible, during the refrigerant recovery.

For workshops this means additional time savings when performing A/C services, significantly

reducing any additionally required vacuum phase.

A/C refilling can thus be started earlier.

Recovering more refrigerant more effectively and protecting the environment In this manner, the Robinair A/C service unit performs two phases (refrigerant recovery and A/C system vacuum) in one stage.

Waiting times for pressure build-up are also reduced during Deep Recovery and Bosch says that thanks to this resource-saving procedure, the loss of environmentally hazardous refrigerant is minimised as well.

To view and order from Bosch’s Robinair A/C service range, please view the catalogue by visiting www.robinair.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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TRADE TALK

AN AUTOMOTIVE JOURNEY! From preparing a Datsun Sunny to being the GM of Sales ANZ at one of Australia’s leading aftermarket companies, Shane Jeffreys has had quite the journey The Disc Brakes Australia General Manager of Sales ANZ was drawn to the automotive industry after helping a mate prepare a car to compete in club level motorsport.

license and heading for the beach as a young guy, with no air conditioning and wound down windows – it was the perfect introduction to motoring,” he says.

It was during this activity that Shane Jeffreys discovered the camaraderie amongst car people.

Shane gained his work ethic at a young age while helping out in his father’s business.

“I’ve always been drawn to the automotive industry for several reasons. But I would have to say the number one reason is the people,” Shane explains.

“I was still at school. I was working with my father in a kitchen business. During school holidays and weekends I would deliver kitchens to job sites. I remember the ridiculously long hours I worked back then. When we were busy it was nothing to do 16-plus hours a day,” he says.

Shane had been tinkering with mechanical machines long before helping his mate to build his race car engine. He grew up in country New South Wales on the mid-north coast where he loved the rural lifestyle, which included mucking around with motorbikes on his Dad’s acreage.

“For 10 years I worked outside the automotive industry when a good friend of mine was building an engine for his Datsun Sunny to take part in NSW Improved Performance Racing Association (IPRA) racing,” Shane said.

“Many evenings and weekends were spent preparing this vehicle and I was just helping where I could. When the season started, I recall being at the track when one of the competitors suffered a mechanical failure and everyone pitched in to get him back on the track for the race.”

His mate’s Datsun was not the first time he had experienced the iconic Japanese model either – his first car was also a Sunny.

“It was a 1979 Datsun Sunny; I swear I washed the red off that car literally. I still recall getting my

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Shane moved to Sydney when he was 17 and soon found a job which took in his passion in the automotive industry.

“After moving to Sydney when I was 17, I bounced around a few jobs before I found a job with a Bridgestone Tyre dealer in Waitara (Jobsons Tyre and Mechanical),” Shane reflects.

“Originally I was hired as tyre fitter, fitting tyres and doing wheel alignments. I was soon given additional responsibilities, which involved me filling in and running other stores in the network when managers where away.”

A career move to GUD Automotive (RYCO filters) in 2010 was the impetus to take his career to the next level.

“GUD Automotive is an amazing place to work under some passionate and knowledgeable leaders and alongside some of the best people in the industry,” Shane explains.

“I have had and continue to have the opportunity

to learn from amazing people in the automotive industry.”

He believes it was his “hard work and determination” that has been the keys to his career success.

“Starting out as a young guy for me it was all about work ethic; working harder than the others; putting my hand up for additional work (on the weekends) and when I was asked to deliver a result, I made sure I exceeded that expected result,” Shane says.

“Work ethic and attitude are attributes that can’t be learnt, you either have them or you don’t.

Growing up as a kid my father and grandfather were great role models of this.

TRADE TALK “I still enjoy getting out on my mountain bike for a ride through the national parks; however, not as much as I would like.”

Shane believes DBA is well positioned to continue its strong growth both domestically and internationally.

“We are experts in stopping things, so nothing is stopping us from applying our expertise to a whole range of products and industries,” Shane says.

Nationally Disc Brakes Australia services all major trade suppliers, stocking DBA product in their stores, delivering orders directly to stores, and via their online offshoots, while braking specialist workshops nationwide also play a major role in the distribution of DBA product.

Shane says the business strategies that set DBA apart from its opposition are its technological innovations and patents which have been developed for over 40 years, including Kangaroo Paw ventilation, T2 and T3 slot designs, Thermal Graphic Heat Paint stripes, high carbon materials and DBA’s two-piece rotors, to name a few.

“Without a doubt, attitude is what drives you. It is what motivates you when things do not work out the way you want them to.

“We love spending time with family and friends when we are able, and we also enjoy getting away and exploring with the kids.

“Skills can be taught and practiced to perfection, but attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”

“As my boys are getting older I would love to spend more time at the race track or a car show on a weekend with them sharing my passion for all things cars.

Shane is proud of his status as a family man.

“I am blessed to have a very understanding wife that allows me to travel when needed for my work or for a weekend at Bathurst!” he grinned.

“My Wife Nicole and I have two boys, Corbin (six-years-old) and Logan (three-years-old) and number three is due to join us in December.

“Over the years my hobbies have changed with the arrival of my two boys. During our current state of restrictions, simulator racing has been a great way to relax and unwind or taking the radio-controlled cars to the local park with my boys for hours of entertainment.

He states that continuing to grow Australian manufacturing capabilities when many competitors only import product from overseas was a key decision in defining DBA’s principles and its growing braking expertise, making the company what it is today.

Shane sees other competitive advantages of the business as providing distinct “Good, Better, Best” product tiers that cater to each section of the market.

“We offer a braking solution to everyone. The Street Series offers superior quality over OE for the standard consumer. Then when you look at the performance end of the rotor range, we have the ideal choice for both 4x4 and performance vehicles in our one and two-piece rotor technology,” Shane explains.

Shane is conscious that customer communication and education are DBA’s main challenges for the future.

“We need to be aware of other brands who claim to be offering similar products or braking expertise, but they don’t have Australian R&D or manufacturing capabilities like us,” he said.

“We really utilise our own learnings to help educate our customers on braking developments, supporting their needs, and offering the leading range in Australia.

“Disc Brakes Australia was the first to take replacement rotors to the Australian aftermarket and has been the industry leader since day one.

“I am determined to play my role in ensuring that the company stays at the top, both locally and internationally.”

To learn more about DBA, visit www.dba.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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CONSUMER LAW

ADDRESSING UNCOLLECTED VEHICLES

The failure of a customer to collect a vehicle after an assessment or service can hamper the conduct of business and take up valuable space So, what options are there for the business in such a situation?

Uncollected goods legislative regimes The business may take steps to dispose of the vehicle under the uncollected goods legislative regime of the State or Territory in which the business is located. It is important to follow each of the required steps of the relevant uncollected goods regime to ensure the vehicle is lawfully disposed of.

Some uncollected goods legislative regimes have recently been modernised or are undergoing review to create efficiencies in the disposal of uncollected goods process.

For example, in 2020 New South Wales and Tasmania updated their legislative regime. It is hoped that some of the more complex uncollected goods legislative regimes will similarly be reviewed and modernised to assist businesses to operate with efficiency.

Importantly, this article provides general information and a general overview only of disposing of uncollected vehicles. If your business has an uncollected vehicle at its premises, contact Industry Legal Group to find out about the process that is relevant for the State or Territory in which the business with the uncollected vehicle is located.

Value of the vehicle Each legislative regime contains different processes depending on the value of the vehicle. For this reason, other than for Queensland, the first step is to obtain, or make, an independent assessment of the value of the vehicle before starting the process to dispose of the uncollected vehicle.

Notice Generally, the process of each legislative regime commences with the business providing notice to the customer that the vehicle is ready for collection (together with other specified information).

Industry Legal Group recommends that the business obtain the home address, email address

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and contact phone number of each customer as part of the process of providing a service for a customer.

This is important because, with some exceptions, most current legislative regimes require notice to be posted to, or left at the address of the customer.

Having the customer’s address makes it easy for the business to start the process of disposing of the vehicle.

After notice is provided The process after notice is provided varies between the State and Territory regimes and can depend on the value of the vehicle.

In some legislative regimes, low value vehicles need only be retained for a short time (as specified in the legislation) before disposal while other regimes and processes require further notices, newspaper advertising, Government Gazette advertising and/or tribunal or court applications to be made before the vehicle is disposed of.

Special requirements for vehicles Most legislative regimes also require additional steps to be taken for all vehicles or vehicles of a particular value.

Such steps may include seeking a certificate that a vehicle is not stolen from, and/or providing notice to, the Commissioner of Police, and/or obtaining a written search of the Personal Property Security Register. It is important to ensure that the requirements of the State or Territory in which the vehicle is located are complied with.

Other considerations • If there is a dispute regarding the charges in respect of the vehicle, or the customer is refusing to pay the business for other reasons, then it is very likely the uncollected goods legislative regime will not be appropriate to address the circumstance (please contact Industry Legal Group for further information).

• In the majority of circumstances, the vehicle may only be disposed of by public auction.

• Generally, the business will be able to retain outstanding amounts, reasonable storage (from the date the notice is sent) and the expenses of the business in relation to the sale of the vehicle.

It is important to check the relevant legislative regime to ensure the business is only retaining amounts allowed under the relevant legislation.

• If the amount of the proceeds of sale remaining after the charges of the business are deducted cannot be returned to the customer, it must be deposited with the authority specified in the legislative regime.

• Generally, record keeping of particular

information is required under the legislative regimes, additionally, we recommend the business keep detailed records of the disposal of the vehicle.

• Some legislative regimes have other specific requirements. For example, Queensland requires businesses to display a sign in respect of the uncollected goods regime at the place of business.

Information and legislative changes If you have any questions regarding the uncollected goods regime in your State or Territory, please contact Industry Legal Group.

Alternatively, if you have previously received an uncollected goods fact sheet from Industry Legal Group and wish to refer to the fact sheet to dispose of another uncollected vehicle left at the premises of your business, please contact Industry Legal Group first to check for any legislative changes to the uncollected goods regime in your State or Territory. If there are legislative changes, Industry Legal Group can provide you with an updated fact sheet.

Takeaways The key takeaways if there is an uncollected vehicle at your business premises are: • contact Industry Legal Group to discuss the situation, to obtain a fact sheet/information relevant for your State or Territory, and/or check for legislative changes; • make sure you use the correct disposal process; • obtain the home address of your customers for each service.

This document is intended for general information purposes only and should not be regarded as legal advice. Please contact Industry Legal Group if you require legal advice

AAAA Member Benefits Industry Legal Group provides advice to members on commercial law matters.

If you have any questions relating to the above information, please contact Industry Legal Group on 1300 369 703 or aaaa@industrylegalgroup.com.au

HR

IS SUPERANNUATION PAID ON OVERTIME? The Superannuation Guarantee (SG) is the minimum amount of superannuation an employer must pay to avoid the superannuation guarantee charge The SG rate is currently 10 percent of an employee’s ordinary time earnings (OTE).

Generally, payments in respect of overtime are not OTE. However, the difficulty can be in identifying and distinguishing earnings in respect of ordinary hours of work which are included in OTE from payments expressly referrable to overtime hours which are excluded from OTE.

Superannuation Guarantee Ruling According to SGR2009/2 (Ruling), which is not legally binding but explains the meaning of OTE as defined in the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (SGAA): Overtime payments 41. Payments for work performed during hours outside an employee’s ordinary hours of work are not OTE. 42. This is so whether the payments are calculated at an hourly rate or the employee gets a specific loading, or an annualised or lump sum component of a total salary package, that is expressly referable to overtime hours as remuneration for overtime hours worked.

43. However, some employees, particularly some managers and professionals, receive a single undissected annual salary within a remuneration package that recognises in a nonspecific way that the employee may often be expected to work more than the ordinary hours of work prescribed. The whole amount of salary payable under such a package is OTE, unless overtime amounts are distinctly identifiable as mentioned in paragraph 42 of this Ruling.

Meaning of “ordinary hours of work” and “overtime” The SGAA does not define “ordinary hours of work.” However, the Ruling explains that an employee’s ordinary hours of work are the hours specified as their ordinary hours of work under the relevant award, agreement and/or contract.

Any hours worked in excess, or outside of the span, of the specified ordinary hours (i.e. overtime) are not part of the employee’s ordinary hours of work.

In Bluescope Steel (AIS) Pty Ltd v Australian Workers’ Union [2019] FCAFC 84, Chief Justice Allsop found: “The meaning that best reflects these considerations and the text, context, purpose and history of the provision is earnings in respects of ordinary or standard hours of work at ordinary rates of pay as provided for in a relevant industrial instrument, or contract of employment, but if such does not exist (and there is no distinction between ordinary or standard hours and other hours by reference to

rates of pay) earnings in respect of the hours that the employee has agreed to work or, if different, the hours usually or ordinarily worked.”

The earnings in respect of ordinary hours of work need to be distinguished from the payments expressly referrable to overtime hours. It is expected that the overtime hours are remunerated at a higher rate or otherwise identifiable as a separate component of the total pay.

An employer and employee may enter into an employment contract which includes an overtime payment as part of an annualised, or lump sum, salary package, or requires the employee to work more than the ordinary hours stipulated in an award (for example, 40 hours instead of 38 hours).

If, under the employment contract, the earnings in respect of ordinary hours of work and payments expressly referrable to overtime hours are distinctly identifiable, then it is likely overtime hours worked outside of ordinary hours of work are not OTE. Identifying payments expressly referrable to overtime hours depends on the circumstances and may even vary between employees employed by a business.

Examples The examples provided below are adapted from the Ruling: • Example One: An employee is employed under an award that stipulates that ordinary hours will not exceed 38 per week and hours exceeding this will be overtime paid at time-and-a-half for the first three hours, there is no employment contract. The employee worked 38 hours and is requested to work a further three additional hours on a Saturday. In these circumstances the 38 hours are ordinary hours included in OTE and the superannuation contribution is paid only on those earnings.

It is assumed for the following two examples that the relevant award provides that a full-time employee’s ordinary hours of work will be an average of 38 hours per week: • Example Two: The employment contract provides that the employee will work 42 hours per week, 40 of which are expressly identified as ordinary hours (paid at a certain rate) and two of which are expressly identified as overtime hours (paid at a higher rate). In these circumstances, the 40 hours are likely to be included in OTE and the superannuation contribution paid on those earnings. Payment in respect of the two overtime hours is not OTE. • Example Three: The employment contract provides that the employee will work 42 hours

per week at the same hourly rate without any distinction between ordinary hours and overtime hours. In these circumstances, the 42 hours are likely to be included in OTE and the superannuation contribution paid on those earnings.

What does this mean for businesses?

If a business does have employment contracts in place for employees, the business should consider if there is a risk that they are paying incorrect superannuation contribution amounts or paying more superannuation contributions amounts than required.

Where annualised or lump sum payments are in place for employees under an employment contract, there is a risk that superannuation contributions will be payable on the entire annualised or lump sum amount if the earnings in respect of ordinary hours of work are not sufficiently distinguishable from payments expressly referrable to overtime hours under the employment contract.

It is prudent for businesses to obtain relevant advice if they: • are unsure they are making the correct superannuation contribution in relation to their employees; and/or • would like to take steps to provide greater certainty around making superannuation contributions.

This article is intended for information purposes only and should not be regarded as legal advice. Please contact Employer Assist for advice.

AAAA Member Benefits Employer Assist can provide advice to members on employment law matters.

If you require assistance, we encourage you to contact Employer Assist on 1300 735 306 or at aaaa@employerassist.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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SERVICES

HOW MUCH IS THAT JOB REALLY COSTING YOU?

Information is key when it comes to both short-term and long-term business profitability When you get down to the granularity of job management, accurate records help you determine where a project went right or where a project went wrong.

Over time, this data can help you build trends.

Does a certain contractor always take more time on specific jobs than others? Has the price of materials or parts gone up since the job was originally quoted? These real time business analytics help you maintain and improve your business profitability.

How do you ensure you’ve got real time reporting?

There are a number of tools available to you, and it starts right with the ubiquitous mobile device.

Using a smartphone or tablet, you can provide your business (and your customers) with real time updates via tracking software. This allows you to track the time spent on every job, optimise routes for more efficiencies, and automatically feed this information into the accounting system.

Many businesses have time and expenses leakage that they’re completely unaware of.

Software integrations and workflow management software have adapted, providing higher levels of business analytics and visibility.

Without these tools many businesses don’t have a true understanding of project workflow, travel time and non-billable hours. For many businesses, not understanding the true cost of a job means that by the time missed expenses, real hours are added to a job, you’ve lost any profitability.

Unbillable hours such as ‘free quotes’ and internal meetings should all be incorporated into your workflow management.

With customised job costing reports and clear gross profit goals, you can make data-driven decisions by knowing: • Are jobs delivered on budget?

• Are we within our target profitability margins?

• Who are the most profitable and least profitable clients?

• Which clients do we need to re-price?

• Do we have operational inefficiencies?

• Are there employees / contractors with certain trends on jobs?

• Who are the most productive employees/ contractors?

• Where are we seeing time leakage?

Having a job management software with dynamic forms also means you remove the reliance on paperwork, as there’s no more loose forms or lost paperwork.

When it comes to where you find this software, JourneyPRO says it has the solutions you need.

If you want to know more about JourneyPRO, explore how it could add value to your business or register for your exclusive AAAA early-bird access to the free trial launching later this month, then contact helenas@realinnovationgroup.com or call 1300 JRN PRO (1300 576 776).

EBAY DOMINATES MARKETPLACE SALES OF AUTO ACCESSORIES A car or truck part sells every three seconds on eBay.com.au The continuing digital evolution of the automotive industry is well embodied in the eBay marketplace with an estimated AUD $15.7 billion of car parts and accessories sold globally across its various country sites including ebay.com.au Alongside prominent sector retailers including Supercheap Auto, Sparesbox, Online Auto Parts and Autobarn, a substantial amount of eBay’s automotive category sales is sold by small to midsize retailers and merchants.

Zellis (www.zellis.com.au) Chief Executive Officer, Tim Davies, says this is a huge opportunity. eBay launched in Australia 22 years ago initially as a peer-to-peer auction website, and underwent

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a massive transformation about 10 years ago, onboarding manufacturers and retailers to satisfy consumer demand for specific brands and products.

Today, many of the top Australian retailers have their own eBay stores including BigW, The Good Guys, Country Road, Peters of Kensington and many more. eBay is today home to over 40,000 business sellers. As Australia’s most visited shopping site and with nearly 12 million shoppers visiting eBay every month, and two out of every three Australian adults having bought something on eBay in the past year, it remains the largest online marketplace in Australia.

Today over 90 percent of products on offer are brand new, fixed price.

Over the past few years, there has been an explosion of marketplaces in Australia including Amazon.com.au, Kogan.com, Catch.com.au, Mydeal.com.au, and Ozsale.com.au, to name just a few.

The popularity of online marketplaces is perhaps best understood by comparing them to a shopping centre as opposed to a standalone shopfront.

As consumers ourselves, it often makes more sense to visit a shopping centre to browse a range of retailers rather than driving all over town to visit a series of individual shops.

That’s why the online marketplaces are gaining so much popularity, and even more so as pandemic restrictions and lockdowns encourage more of us to shop online. eCommerce sales volume has roughly doubled in the past 18 months, and Tim says the experts are forecasting that of the estimated $11 billion to be spent by Australian consumers in the lead up to Christmas 2021, around 48 percent of it will be online.

Zellis is a specialist automotive ecommerce agency assisting accessories retailers, dealers and brands launch and grow their business online through cart-enabled webstores and marketplaces including eBay. For more information, visit www.zellisauto.com or contact Zellis on 1300 935 537.

SERVICES

ACS’ TOOL HIRE PROGRAM Supporting workshops nationwide

The Australian Clutch Services tool hire program was introduced to the market over two years ago and was developed to support customers around the country with access to Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) removal and installation tools as well as specialised tools for more conventional clutch jobs.

The tool hire program has proven very successful in the market with many ACS distributors taking advantage of the program to help expand their offerings for their own customers.

“The tool hire program has been a great success in the market and is helping to support workshops with this transition into DCT servicing and repair,” ACS Sales Manager, Colin Jevons, said.

“We have received great feedback on the program and have continued to revise the offering and process to keep everything as simple and efficient as possible for our customers around Australia.”

The tool hire program is available with the purchase of any applicable ACS clutch kit and includes a range of popular tools, predominantly

focused on dry and wet type DCT removal and installation.

These tools suit various applications from Volkswagen, Audi, Hyundai, Kia, Renault, Ford, Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Jeep.

“Most of the replacement clutch assembly units for dry dual-clutch transmissions require both a universal tool and also a specialised tool for that particular vehicle,” Colin said.

“We have the universal tool and a variety of these specialised tools available in the program to avoid workshops having to go out and purchase these to complete the job.

“If they find they are regularly replacing these units in a specific vehicle type, we also offer these tools for outright purchase.”

Australian Clutch Services has been investing heavily into its DCT program to help support the Australian aftermarket with the components required for this popular transmission type.

“Our DCT program continues to grow and evolve as the new car market changes,” Colin said.

“We have seen a major increase in the number of workshops taking on DCT work and now offer a range of complete replacements kits for dry or wet style transmissions, gearbox service kits, dualmass flywheels, replacement accessories and the tool program.

“These products fall under our standard replacement brand, ClutchPro, and offer OE level quality and performance.”

For more information on the ClutchPro DCT range or tool hire program, please visit www.australianclutch.com.au

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FULCRUM: 45 YEARS AND OVER 100 DEALERS In 2021 Fulcrum Suspensions is celebrating 45 years of being in business

Working as a team of leading experts in the suspension game, Fulcrum states it has provided exceptional suspension service and products throughout Australia since 1976.

Along the way Fulcrum says it has managed to solidify its name in the Australian Automotive Aftermarket community.

At the same time and with near perfect timing, Fulcrum says it has also recently achieved another massive milestone: signing up its 100th authorised dealer.

This milestone sees Fulcrum’s constantly growing network of Click and Fit stores further improved, offering industry leading service in the digital age.

Starting as a small two-person workshop in Brisbane, Fulcrum Suspensions was founded in 1976 by Graham Scudamore-Smith.

With a bit of passion, dedication, and time, Fulcrum slowly grew to not only provide industry leading suspension solutions and service, but also began to develop its own products and expand on the brands it owned.

Now Fulcrum is part of a global organisation that offers a diverse range of suspension solutions for almost any vehicle – just in Australia, Fulcrum employs over 200 people.

With established roots and a large team of engineers, workshop technicians and support staff, Fulcrum says it knows suspension, with years of experience in the automotive industry.

Supplying both trade and retail customers with the best service and quality products (like lift kits) and having stores spread across Australia’s East Coast and a large network of Australian authorised dealers covering the rest of Australia, Fulcrum states it can offer national support and service, especially with its Click and Fit service, where you can buy suspension online and get local fitting.

Fulcrum says it prides itself on the quality of its dealer network, ensuring its brand provides the best customer service in the business.

In addition, Fulcrum says it provides its dealers with the best possible support that enables them to be an extension of its global presence.

Fulcrum states that it is always looking for more workshops to join their dealer network and encourages you to get in contact with them if you are interested in joining its dealer network.

Fulcrum Suspensions thanks everyone who has ever talked to its team, visited its workshops, chatted to its trade team or needed advice.

Fulcrum states that you are the ones who have helped Fulcrum grow to where it is today.

To learn more about Fulcrum Suspensions, visit www.fulcrumsuspensions.com.au

SHELL CELEBRATES 120 YEARS

The lubricants supplier is one of the most recognised and trusted brands in the world 2020 saw Kline Group once more crown Shell as the Number One Global Lubricants Supplier for the 14th consecutive year.

In 2021, Shell is celebrating 120 years in Australia. Since 1901, Shell says it has been there supporting Australian industry to move goods and people around this big country.

From operating Australia’s first oil refinery, which was central to meeting Australia’s growing fuel needs, to fuelling the first QANTAS commercial flight in the 1920s and playing a foundation role in building some of Australia’s largest and most innovative natural resource developments, Shell

says that as the energy needs of Australia have changed, it has changed also.

A lot has changed since 1901. Australia became a nation, flying was still a dream, the truck had only just been invented, and horses were how goods were moved.

But one thing hasn’t changed, and that’s Shell’s reputation for high quality products, it says.

In Australia, Shell says its logo has been widely recognised as the mark of high-quality lubricant and fuel products for over 120 years.

Shell says that significant investment in research and development has led to technologically advanced products that are reliable in even the toughest Australian conditions.

And as Australia has grown, it says it has been there every step of the way, supplying high quality fuels and lubricants products to transport goods and people around the country, safely and reliably.

From kerosene and motor spirit, to today’s highquality diesel, petrol and motor oil and moving forward to a decarbonised future with low and

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zero emission energy and fluids for new propulsion systems, Shell says quality will always be at the heart of its offer to valued customers.

Whether you drive a truck, a train, a bus, or rely on your car to transport your family, Shell says it looks forward to powering progress with you into Australia’s future.

For more information, visit www.shell.com

SHOPFRONT

CONNECTEDNESS NURTURES GROWTH

Anthony Ryan, the owner of Peninsula Auto Spares, joined Parts 4 Automotive in August 2019 Peninsula Auto Spares can trace its roots back to 1992 when Alan Green, an experienced parts interpreter, decided to go it alone.

Alan grew the operation over some 20 years, but in 2012, when retirement proved too attractive, he sold the business to Anthony.

As the name would suggest, Peninsula Auto Spares is located out on the peninsula in Clontarf, Queensland, near Redcliffe.

While several automotive franchise groups courted Anthony following the collapse of the Combined Auto Group, he chose to remain independent.

When Anthony was invited to join Parts 4, he says he was impressed with its buying power and commitment to helping members remain independent, so in 2019 he took the plunge and joined the group.

“We haven’t looked back since,” remarked Anthony. “While it’s not mandated, after joining the group, I made a conscious effort to buy through Parts 4 preferred suppliers because I think for a group like Parts 4 to thrive, it needs support for all members.”

Anthony says he has been impressed by the value of belonging to a larger buying group and is undoubtedly reaping the rewards.

“Having a central team negotiating with suppliers on your behalf is powerful,” said Anthony.

“Before I joined Parts 4, so many of these suppliers said, ‘Anthony, you’re already on the best possible price, as good as anyone else. The best possible price’ but after I joined Parts 4, it was amazing to watch the prices reduce.”

“I guess you should never trust a salesperson,” he quipped. “And the rebates don’t hurt either.”

Parts 4 members have the opportunity to participate in an attractive rebate program.

“The Parts 4 rebate program is easy to manage.

All I have to do is support our preferred suppliers, pay within their trading terms, while the team in the Parts 4 office looks after the rest. I just get an annual check. It’s that easy.”

Like many of the Parts 4 members, Anthony values the camaraderie fostered by the group as one of its most valuable assets.

“I really like to bounce ideas off other Parts 4 members. It’s nice to know that there’s a group of like-minded people out there who have your back and are willing to help out if you need assistance,” Anthony said.

Parts 4 Automotive members enjoy frequent regional meetings, in addition to being invited to

an annual, national conference and trade show, so there are plenty of opportunities for members to connect.

“Honestly, I think Parts 4 is great for independents.

The support you get puts us independents on the map,” said Anthony.

“As a Parts 4 member, I’m part of a big picture, and it gives me that ability to compete at a higher level. As a small little shop, I know I couldn’t do it on my own.”

Parts 4 Automotive has more than 80 members across Australia, all of which enjoy the benefits of being part of this powerful buying group while at the same time remaining fiercely independent.

To find out more about the benefits Parts 4 Automotive delivers to members, call Kim Mamouney on 0418 532 307 or kim@parts4.com.au or visit www.parts4.com.au

FNQ STORE SETS THE STANDARD

Autobarn’s recently opened store in the Townsville region is the retail chain’s biggest and a sign of things to come as the organisation continues its growth Autobarn’s freshly opened store in the Far North Queensland regional center of Townsville is its biggest ever and is one that the business hopes will set the future standard for one of Australia’s leading automotive parts and accessories outlets.

“We recognised that Townsville has a large population with circa 200,000 people in the greater area,” Bapcor Retail General Manager of Operations, Luke Rich, said.

“Our old site wasn’t in the right part of town and the opportunity presented itself to get an A-grade site within the Domain Centre, which is one of the best Home Maker Centres in Australia.

“We consulted with McCartney Design to take the work we had begun 12-months earlier on Autobarn Bayswater to the next level.

“The brief was about developing a design to cater for new and extended ranges with an emphasis on Touring, 4WD and Workshop Tools.

“As such there is greater than 250m2 of space dedicated to 4WD, which includes 10 Bull Bars on display, working driving lights, suspension, winches and a fully kitted out Toyota Prado built by the team on display.

“We have also expanded ranges in many of the traditional areas Autobarn is renowned for such as Sound and Vision, Car Care and Lubricants.”

Luke says the locals have reacted extremely positively to the store since it’s opening.

“The feedback has been overwhelming, and it is a credit to our store team for delivering on the service promise.

“This was reflected in our Grand Opening celebration sale that broke all previous opening

records for Autobarn. We have high expectations for the store’s results, and so far, we’re on target.”

He believes this store will set the standard for many future Autobarn outlets.

“We really do think we’ve nailed the 4WD and Touring section of the store and are now in the process of retro-fitting some of the new stores built in the last 12-months with elements of our Townsville store,” Luke said.

“This also includes fixtures, fitting and some of the newly developed signage highlighting key messages such as our ‘Low Price Guarantee,’ ‘3-Easy Ways to Shop’ and our ‘Professional Fitting Onsite.’”

The new store is located at Domain Central, Tenancy B06/103 Duckworth St, Garbutt Queensland.

For more information, visit www.autobarn.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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PERFORMANCE & RACING

ACL BACKS HYUNDAI SERIES

The bearing company focuses on the development of the drivers of the future ACL Bearing Company (Australia) says it is pleased to announce a partnership with the Hyundai Excel Racing Association of Victoria.

The Hyundai Excel Racing Association of Victoria Inc was formed in 2014 with the aim of establishing a budget entry level category for Circuit Racing as a development platform for young drivers.

“We have a long and rich history in motorsport in Australia and globally and this partnership is the perfect opportunity to continue the tradition by supporting a category which is expected to launch the careers of the next generation of top line drivers,” ACL General Manager, Chris Brooks, said.

NEW FEEDER PROGRAM FOR 2022 BLU CRU OCEANIA JUNIOR CUP motoCHAMPION launches step one to MotoGP for young Australian motorcycling talent

motoDNA recently announced the launch of motoCHAMPION, a world-first data driven motorcycling competition open to riders aged between 11 and under 16 aimed at finding and supporting the next generation of Australian MotoGP superstars.

The COVID-friendly competition harnesses the new motoDNA Digital Academy technology, leveraging over a decade of rider data to analyse behaviours such as braking, steering and more, to measure, grade and coach competitors, helping improve core skills and elevate their riding ability.

It’s super easy to take part – using a GoPro on your motorbike, riders can compete on any bike, on tarmac, on any tyres, on the Figure 8 layout from anywhere in Australia.

Upload a video of your best lap and motoDNA algorithms analyse your riding, grade your skills compared to the other riders and place you on the motoCHAMPION leaderboards.

Visit https://motodna.com/motochampion/ to learn more, or sign up now. motoDNA Chief Executive Officer, Mark McVeigh, sees motoCHAMPION as a unique bridge to international competition.

“The development of young Aussie motorcycling talent has been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions so we’re happy to be able to facilitate a return to competition in the safest way possible,” Mark said.

“We developed a RACE Series product for the Hyundai Excel a few years back and we are pleased to now be a partner of the category. The category provides close and exciting racing and we look forward to its continued development.

“Hyundai Excel racing has been running in Victoria for five years and continues to increase in popularity. This is proven by the maximum grid of cars for each event. We focus on the development and preparation of the drivers for future career opportunities.

“We are very excited to have an Australian automotive icon in ACL partner with our program.

Whilst Season 2021 has been interrupted by the Covid challenges, we are hopeful that in the coming years we will see some drivers moving through to the higher categories,” Hyundai Excel Racing Association of Victoria Inc President, Neville Blight, said.

ACL says its extensive range of ACL RACE Series Performance Engine Bearings is the first choice for discerning engine builders the world over.

For further information on ACL, visit www.aclperformance.com.au For further information on Hyundai Racing Association of Victoria, visit www.hyundaiexcelracing.com.au 116

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“motoCHAMPION is stepping in to help our next generation by giving them a leg up and showing the world through riding data that our Aussie talent is world-class.” motoCHAMPION is launched in partnership with Motorcycling Australia, who are committed to developing riders through the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) and the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK).

The OJC Academy is designed to open a pathway into junior road racing and, through its development academy format, lift our youngest motorcycling talent through national competition and set them on a path to international success.

“Developing and facilitating our next generation of riders is a key focus for Motorcycling Australia,” Motorcycling Australia Chief Executive Officer, Peter Doyle, said.

“We’re excited to be a part of motoCHAMPION in partnership with motoDNA which provides riders with an additional tool in their tool kit to further develop their riding technique and skills.”

The top prize is a sponsored place in the 2022 bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, worth over $10,000.

The top five motoCHAMPION riders will earn an automatic place in the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup selection event where they will have the chance to qualify for the 2022 season.

The competition opened on Monday, September 6 and entries will be accepted until Tuesday, November 30 with the winners decided on Friday, December 10. motoCHAMPION is sponsored by Bendix, and will be a key part to the new partnership between motoDNA and Australia’s leading brake manufacturer.

“As Australia’s leading brake brand, Bendix are proud to support the motoCHAMPION, and the development of our young Aussie talent. Bendix is now taking its stopping expertise to the two-wheeled category,” Bendix General Manager, George Kyriakopoulos, said.

Motorcycle riders will gradually see Bendix brake product become available for their bikes in the Australian market and also see an increased presence of the Bendix brand in the two-wheeled scene.

For more from Bendix, visit www.bendix.com.au

PERFORMANCE & RACING

SUMMERNATS APPROACHES

Organisers say “there’s a billion good reasons to look forward to Summernats in January” Summernats organisers say they were excited to hear the ACT Chief Minister recently announce a path forward to the return of large events in November and December, and stand in full support of the Government’s plans to safely reopen the ACT. Vaccination rates are expected to be above 90 percent by December, and borders between New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT are expected to be open.

Given that, organisers say they can’t see any reason why Summernats 34 shouldn’t go ahead in a COVID-safe format.

“We congratulate ACT Health and Government on keeping the latest outbreak well under control and getting ACT vaccination rates at the highest level nationally,” Summernats Co-Owner, Andy Lopez, said.

“The ACT reopening plan is a document of hope, and provides the perfect platform for the 2022 ACT event season.

“This will enable the return of Summernats, Big Bash, Super Rugby, NRL and Enlighten, as well as many other important local community events.”

COVID has decimated tourism and hospitality in the ACT, with many operators at the brink. A recently commissioned economic impact study shows that Summernats has brought $750m into the ACT economy over the last 30 years, and more importantly, will inject a further $250m over the next seven years.

That’s a billion reasons why Summernats, and destination events like it, are so important to the recovery of the ACT tourism and hospitality sectors.

The $30m that Summernats will generate at the 2022 event will be the perfect kickstart to the tourism economy recovery, providing jobs and surety for accommodation, hospitality, national attractions, and other local business.

Andy said the Summernats team has been in contact with ACT Health, Venues ACT, Access Canberra, Visit Canberra and the Chief Minister’s Office throughout the COVID ordeal.

“We’ve been working with all parts of government with the number one aim of delivering a safe, fun and sustainable event when the conditions are right. The right conditions are coming, and the

work needs to ramp up now so we’re ready to go in January,” Andy said.

Summernats presented ACT Health with a 200-page COVID Safe event plan (prior to the current outbreak) demonstrating high levels of compliance and readiness, using lessons learned from the team’s safe delivery of festivals in New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia during the pandemic. Andy says the plan simply needs to be finessed to match the current conditions.

The Street Machine Summernats 34, proudly supported by Rare Spares, is scheduled to be held across Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 January 2022 at Exhibition Park in Canberra.

For more information, visit www.summernats.com.au

GCG TURBOCHARGERS NOW DISTRIBUTING FORGE MOTORSPORT UK IN AUSTRALIA The products of the UK tuning company are sought after by track and performance enthusiasts GCG Turbochargers has announced it is now a distributor for the UK brand Forge Motorsport.

Forge Motorsport is one of the top aftermarket tuning product providers in the UK, having climbed its way to the top from entering in major competition events and conducting research and development programs to produce world class products.

Forge, being a worldwide brand, has established positions in the UK, Asia, and America and offers an extensive range of vehicle specific intercoolers, turbo blankets, induction kits, turbocharger actuators, oil catch cans, exhausts, carbon intake systems and silicone hoses.

GCG Turbochargers says Forge has developed a reputation among hot hatch owners for the use of silicone for their hoses which have reportedly proven to be more durable than the plastic alternative, lasting the extreme conditions that occur on tuned engines.

The products also come in a variety of colours, elevating the engine bay and providing synergy between the mechanics and kerb appeal.

Steering into a new direction, Forge has recently taken hold of the Japanese and Korean tuning market with products specifically for the A90 Supra and the Kia Stinger.

“Since connecting with the owner Peter Miles at SEMA in 2017and learning about his Company’s ethics, I have watched Forge develop a world class brand which made the decision of becoming a distribution partner some three years later an easy transition,” GCG Turbochargers Australia Director, Brett Lloyd, said.

This exciting news offers opportunities for the Australian aftermarket industry, making it easier for locals to purchase and access the Forge product range. GCG has invested extensively in a

stock holding for local distribution and support of the local tuning scene.

“We understand our customers and want to provide them with access to valuable products that enhances their cars performance and visual appearance. Forge complements our brand and values, fitting in nicely with our current product range, and at a fair value,” Brett said.

Since launching the products on the GCG Turbochargers website, the company says it has seen huge interest in Forge, demonstrating the brand’s popularity and demand locally.

“We’re looking forward to seeing cars sporting the Forge range, hearing about the engine build process and stories from the tracks. We also cannot wait to return to the show scene to allow customers to touch and feel the product,” Brett said.

For more information, visit www.gcg.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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4WD

BEAT THE HEAT

The company offers an extensive range of transmission coolers Automatic transmissions include a number of rubber seals and other components that are sensitive to high temperatures and changes to the heat cycle.

This is the main reason why heat is the number one cause of automatic transmission failure.

The more the transmission’s heat cycle is reduced, the longer the seals and other rubber components will last. Lowering the transmission temperature also maximises the transmission’s oil life.

As the largest manufacturer of 4WD and tradie ute transmission oil coolers, Wholesale Automatic says it fully understands the negative effects that heat can have on automatic transmissions.

It says the best way to mitigate the effects of heat on an automatic transmission is by using a quality manufactured oil cooler kit specific to the vehicle.

FRAM 4WD FILTER KIT RANGE EXPANDED Providing maximum performance and durability on and off road

Filpro Automotive has expanded its range of Fram 4WD Filter Kits with multiple new applications and also an extended range of filter kits which now include cabin air filters where required.

Filpro Automotive says it makes for the complete servicing solution, packaged conveniently in the one box with one reference number.

Each Fram 4WD Filter Kit includes: • Air filter – providing superior protection for strenuous driving conditions. The advanced filter media has been stringently tested and has an increased dirt holding capacitysurpassing ISO 5011 testing standards.

• Fuel filter – serving a vital function in today’s modern tight-tolerance engine fuel systems.

By removing rust and dirt particles from petrol or diesel, fuel filters protect fuel pumps and injectors from rapid wear and failure.

• Oil filter – ideal for drivers who push their vehicles, whether in stop and go traffic, by towing, or driving in extreme weather conditions. A blend of cellulose and synthetic

microscopic fibres provide an ideal balance of dirt-trapping and dirt-holding capacity, whilst providing optimum oil flow to the engine.

• Cabin air filter (where required) – allowing travelers inside the vehicle to breathe cleaner air by filtering out pollen, allergens, exhaust fumes, dirt and dust that enter the vehicle through the cooling/heating system. Filpro Automotive says Fram Cabin Air Filters can eliminate up to 98 percent of these impurities.

To find the right filter fitment, visit www.framfilters.com.au to use the online catalogue tool.

For further information, contact Filpro Automotive on 0400 878 837 or via arossiter@filpro.com.au

TERRAIN TAMER EXPANDS PARABOLIC LEAF RANGE Wholesale Automatic designs and manufactures a full range of oil cooler kits in Australia to meet the needs of its customers, especially those who tow, go off road, or carry any type of load.

All of Wholesale Automatic’s coolers are mounted on heavy duty, one-piece folded brackets that have been dual coated with zinc and finished in Mannex Black.

Every kit is engineered to withstand rough surfaces, including corrugated roads. Each cooler is ready for DIY install and comes with everything required, including full colour stepby-step fitting instructions.

Wholesale Automatic does note that a cooler kit should not be used when the mounting bracket has been made from stainless steel.

It should also not be used if it has not been made as a single piece mount bracket. The company warns to always avoid mounting systems that include two-piece mounts or very flimsy straplike brackets.

For more information, call Wholesale Automatic on 03 9762 8004 or visit www.automatictransmission.com.au 118

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The innovative range now includes Toyota Landcruiser 70/73/75 series applications

Terrain Tamer says it has recently expanded its range of Parabolic Leaf Springs to now include Toyota Landcruiser 70/73/75 series models, utilising the same impressive parabolic design as the popular springs previously released for Toyota Hilux and Landcruiser 76/78/79 Series, Ford Ranger, Mazda BT50 and Mitsubishi Triton.

Terrain Tamer says its Parabolic Leaf Springs’ unique design offers the best of both worlds, helping the spring to flex while still providing the strength needed to bear the weight of heavy loads.

It explains that this is particularly useful in 4WD applications, carrying excessive load on the driveline or when challenged with difficult terrain, as the flex allows the spring to give a little when the driver hits a bump in the road.

It says the design allows the differential housing to rotate with the springs and effectively provides a smoother ride, reducing the shock transferred to the crown wheel and pinion.

Terrain Tamer states that standard leaf packs stay set with almost no flex at all, and the same force would cause more shock to the vehicle and driver.

Essentially coupling a more comfortable ride with a strength not afforded to traditional comfort springs, Terrain Tamer’s parabolic springs are well suited to vehicles close to their GVM. They contain fewer leaves than regular leaf springs and get their name from their tapered parabolic design, meaning the spring is thicker in the centre and thinner toward the ends, rather than the usual linear style.

Terrain Tamer says this design eliminates the weight of often heavy, thick, traditional leaf packs, dramatically reduces the unsprung weight of the vehicle and frees up weight for heavier loads or towing.

Through extensive research and development, Terrain Tamer says it has found that the new shape provides better axle articulation, as well as almost no interleaf friction, allowing the spring to compress or extend with ease without touching each other until there is a reasonable load on the vehicle, up to 500kg.

For more information, call 1300 888 444 or visit www.terraintamer.com/suspension

4WD

FORMULA 4X4 AND 4WD 24/7 PARTNER UP Formula 4x4 and 4WD 24/7 have extended their partnership for another year Formula 4x4 has been part of 4WD 24/7 since early 2019 and some of the first interactions can be seen on the Fulcrum Suspensions YouTube channel where the Formula 4x4 lift kit range was fitted to Graham Cahill’s Isuzu D-Max and tested on Australia’s toughest tracks.

Formula 4x4 is backed by the knowledge and experience of Fulcrum Suspensions. The Formula 4X4 range was developed by Fulcrum Suspensions locally, and entered the market with a focus on affordability, comfort and performance.

Formula 4x4 is designed specifically for Australian conditions, ensuring they perform in all harsh Aussie terrains, as well as for everyday on-road travel.

Formula 4x4 says it is always expanding its product range and is constantly on the hunt to improve its existing products.

Formula 4x4 says it has recently released a range of newly engineered steering dampers which cover a range of older 4WDs that were in desperate need of a comfort solution.

It says that now when purchasing a Formula 4x4 lift kit you can get the complete package, receiving both front and rear Formula 4x4 big bore shocks, plus a brand-new Formula steering damper.

Formula 4x4’s current range of products reportedly include industry leading lift kits and many more other products.

The lift kits include Formula 4x4 shocks, leaf springs, torsion bars, ReadyStruts and also utilise one of a kind SuperPro bushings specially

designed for Formula 4x4 shocks. Formula 4x4 states that its lift kit is a onestop complete upgrade package for anyone’s four-wheel drive.

Formula 4x4 states that securing the latest partnership allows 4WD 24/7 to continue to utilise and demonstrate how valuable, affordable, comfortable, and strong the Formula 4x4 range is.

Showcasing Formula 4x4’s capability in real-world situations and performing to the highest standards, Formula 4x4 states that its lift kits have already given 4WD 24/7 a true understanding of reliability and that this partnership will strengthen it even further.

Formula 4x4 says it is thankful to maintain its partnership with 4WD 24/7 and hopes they can both continue to provide Australians with outstanding entertainment and suspension solutions.

For more information, visit www.fulcrumsuspensions.com.au/4x4-suspension

AEROKLAS EXTENDS CANOPY WARRANTY The warranty period now spans four years

Aeroklas has announced its customers can now enjoy an extended warranty on the company’s canopy shells and paint.

The previous warranty of three years has been extended to four, giving customers an even longer guarantee on the canopy products.

Aeroklas states it was the first company in the world to offer Engineered ABS Double Shell Canopies to customers.

It explains these canopies are rated as having a higher impact resistance than standard canopy designs and can reshape after impact.

The inner and outer shells are moulded together to double the strength and durability of a single-skinned canopy for extra safety and peace of mind.

Each shell is manufactured through a process of thermoforming and crafted from a single piece of ABS – acrylonitrile butadiene styrene – to eliminate any joins and the weaknesses associated with this.

During product development, pendulum testing of up to 200kgs was carried out, with Aeroklas reporting there was no structural damage to the shell.

Aeroklas says the high performance of these canopies has given its team a high level of confidence in the product line.

For more information, visit www.aeroklasaustralia.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021

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MEMBERS IN MOTORSPORT

POWERING AHEAD

Garrett Advancing Motion is driving its business forward by investing in motorsports Garrett Advancing Motion Australia has been a part of the motorsport fraternity for 40-plus years.

The potential of turbocharging in the racing environment was recognised as early as the 1920s and 30s when compressor cars, which used supercharger technology, competed against each other.

Today, turbos and e-compressors help to turn power into podium positions and deliver enduring success at some of the most famous race events in the world, such as in Formula One, IndyCar, the FIA World Rally or 24 Hours of Le Mans.

From back in the early days of drag racing to supporting the Nissan Skylines and Ford Sierras upsetting their rivals in the Australian Touring Car Championships, to today working with some of the largest professional teams globally, Garrett Advancing Motion has played an important role in this journey.

From the Ferrari Formula One team to the 24 Hours of Le Mans winning Toyota Gazoo Racing, Garrett is well-placed in the upper echelons of the sport. In fact, the last 22 winners at Le Mans have done so using Garrett Turbochargers.

Garrett also supports plenty of local teams here in Australia, including PAC Racing, Ben Bray Racing, JET Racing, Castle Hill Performance Racing, Mad Mike and Promaz – just to name a few.

Clearly, Garrett Performance Turbochargers can be found in most areas of motorsport, with Garrett Advancing Motion constantly releasing new performance turbochargers and looking to propel its race partners to quicker times on the track.

“We are always looking to prove the high reliability, performance and quality of the Garrett turbocharger,” Garrett Advancing Motion Pacific General Manager, Aftermarket, Paul Carlsson, said.

“At the same time as working with the professional race teams we have also supported many of the up-and-coming race teams that are just starting

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out in their backyard workshops and helped them on their journey to be a successful motorsport team and win races.

“Motorsport and bringing high technology turbochargers to the market have always been a part of our DNA – for instance, the technology that we have learnt in F1 has been brought to our work for the latest Mercedes AMG E-Turbo.”

That breakthrough technology includes not only a turbocharger achieving speeds of up to 170,000rpm in F1 as published by Mercedes-AMG, but also pushes the industrial limits for high-speed electric motors which must operate perfectly in extreme temperatures and conditions between the two wheels of a traditional turbo setup.

Garrett has also developed the power electronics hardware and control software that support the electric motor.

“While Garrett’s first E-Turbo application will emerge in Mercedes-AMG premium, highperformance vehicles, Garrett has 10 active global programs in varying vehicle segments capable of electrical regeneration to create energy supporting hybrid vehicle operation,” Paul explained.

Garrett’s E-Turbo program adds to its existing electrification portfolio, which includes its TwoStage Electric Compressor for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles which went into production in 2016.

“Garrett’s E-Turbo technology is just one example of how Garrett is well positioned to support future electric powertrains including hybrids as well as any other application requiring a new approach to problem solving the most pressing needs of the industry,” Paul said.

“Our participation in motorsport allows us to test the reliability of our products at the highest extremities so that what you see in the massproduced vehicles that are on the road today is of the best design, performance, reliability and efficiency for the modern motor vehicle.”

Garrett Advancing Motion doesn’t just work in motorsports powering high performance cars in all realms of racing, it also supports the drivers behind the wheel thanks to its Boost Fraternity program.

“Every successful racer starts from the ground up.

At Garrett Advancing Motion, we are here to help competitors become great brand ambassadors for us and for the entire motorsports industry, wherever it ends up taking them,” Paul said.

“We understand racing can be an expensive habit and that’s why we created a tiered program that will help ease some of those stresses, especially as racers graduate through the tiers.

“For Boost Fraternity members, quarterly program reviews will be conducted by our Boost Advisors, ensuring you follow through on the commitments set forth in the sponsorship agreement.

“We are looking for our ambassadors to consistently send race recaps, pictures and video content that we can share via our social media accounts or maybe even use for our advertisements. You don’t have to win races to get noticed!

“A purchase is also not necessary to be part of Boost Fraternity, but you do have to run a Garrett Motion Turbocharger!”

For all your Garrett motorsport and performance turbocharger requirements, contact your nearest Garrett Official Performance Distributor.

To contact your local distributor or to learn more about the Boost Fraternity, please visit www.garrettmotion.com/racing-and-performance