Autoforum November December 2017

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November / December 2017

A N D

I N N O V A T I V E

Autoforum Online

SCAN ME!

I N F O R M E D

Tesla eyes the truck market

ALMOST AS MANY QUESTIONS AS ANSWERS

WiFi in a driverless world ‘Code of Conduct’ won’t be easy to finalise SA shineS at UD Trucks’ Extra Mile Challenge

BODYS HO P NEW S

SANRAL ‘writes off’ debt - Or not WORLDSKILLS 2017 in ABU Dhabi

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November / December 2017

CONTENTS

6

Cover Stories SANRAL ‘writes off’ R3.6 Billion in e-toll debt? Or not

14

The role of WiFI in a driverless world

20

Auto industry ‘Code of Conduct’ won’t be easy to finalise

22

Tesla’s reveal takes aim at the truck market

51

SA drivers shine at UD Trucks’ Extra Mile Challenge

42

Trade Talk

Editorial Its the final month for 2017 and for many of us, amongst our busiest times of the year - when quite frankly, we all can’t wait for a break. With the final push towards that break, this last issue of the year recaps some of the exciting shows, launches and events that have taken place in the last few weeks as well as some tips of keeping your operation running smoothly. Wishing you a restful and peaceful festive season.

Clare

14

In memoriam - Chris Gregoriou

6

New Cape Automotive Forum announced to launch 2018

6

The future shortage of vehicle technicians is worse than anticipated

8

OLX and AutoTrader join forces

8

AkzoNobel ends discussions with Axalta regarding potential merger

8

Afrihost demonstrates that even ISP’s can blow social media monitoring by poor resourcing

10

BASF scores double win for functional coatings technology at Frankfurt

10

Ford SA announces R3 Billion local investment

12

VWSA extends support opportunities for black owned suppliers

12

21

Industry News SANRAL ‘writes off’ R3.6 Billion in e-toll debt? Or not

EDITOR: CLARE RUTKIEWICZ CONTRIBUTORS: AUSTRALIAN BODYSHOP NEWS ROBERT KAISER Warwick robinson Roy Cokayne grant west

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14

Changing driver segments provide new opportunities for the aftermarket

14

Properly managing oil waste – Don’t forget the related items!

18

The role of WiFI in a driverless world

20

X3 Third generation 3 wows at launch

21

Auto industry ‘Code of Conduct’ won’t be easy to finalise

22

Mahle launches a range of A/C OEM compressors

24

ZF Services rolls out the TRW brakes brand to clients

25

“Entry-Level Vehicle Safety Report” highlights poor safety standards

26

Changan Star3 – A one tonne worker

28

Two new road safety projects from SANRAL

30

250 Million connected cars by 2020

32

Townships targeted as job creation hubs

FOR ADVERTISING ENQUiRIES: GRANT WEST

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33

EC auto suppliers lead in the support of black-owned manufacturers

34

New car purchases could start rising again

34

WARWICK ROBINSON Mobile: +27 (0) 82 855 7750

Suspension basics - Part 2

35

33

38

PAGE 3

AutoForum - November / December 2017

www.AutoForum.co.za

I N F O R M E D

Commercial Vehicles The connected car - For fleets

36

Tesla’s reveal takes aim at the truck market

38

FUSO launches retail campaigns to boost sales

40

The Volvo Financial Services launch

40

SA drivers shine at UD Trucks’ Extra Mile Challenge

42

A N D

I N N O V A T I V E

Advertisers Guide

BodyShop News

AS - A PLUS AS – TITAN

15 5

Aer-O-Cure

OBC

Alert

7

Alfa Int AMR AUDI Parts

31 27 11

Autocosmos – Electrolog

41

Automagneto

41

Celette - Rupes

45

Continental – RAM

31

Body repairer conference concludes in Stellenbosch

44

WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 hailed an absolute success

46

Big thinkers and innovation

54

Hofmann Megaplan

23

Rupes Bigfoot range is a winner at Poor-boys On-line

56

Highveld Garage Equipment

9

Korean Automotive Week

66

Ital Machinery

4,41

67

Mahle

37

Robert Bosch – Parts

13

Robert Bosch – Diagnostics

19

Robert Bosch – Air Con

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Don’t Know what this is?

Download a QR code reader for your Smart Phone or Tablet from the Apple or Android app stores, and you can use it to scan this code & go direct to our online edition at www.autoforum.co.za – it is free and updated DAILY! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook: AutoForumZA While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the advice and information given to readers, neither the editor, nor the publishers, can accept any responsibility for any damages, injury or loss which arise there from. The opinions expressed by contributors to this magazine are not necessarily shared by the editor or the publishers.

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AutoForum - November / December AutoForum 2017 - November www.AutoForum.co.za / December 2017

In memoriam - Chris Gregoriou Chris Gregoriou was born in Kythrea, Cyprus on 08 March 1945 and grew up and attended school in Agios Domethios, Nicosia.

It was there that he joined the Ford Motor Company in 1962 as an apprentice and later qualified as an auto electrician. He moved to Bulawayo, in what was then Rhodesia, to join his future brother-in-law who had a workshop there in 1966 and met and married Susan in 1968.

Chris never stopped working and stayed involved in the business until his passing on 20 September 2017. He is survived by his son, daughter, 6 grandchildren and 3 sisters.

In the same year that Neil Armstrong planted the USA flag on the moon and Woodstock was heralded as one of the largest successful music gatherings of the time, Chris and Susan (with their 2 month old son in a pram behind the counter) established Chris Auto Electrical in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe with only 100 Rhodesian Pounds. The year was 1969 and this was the start of almost 5 decades of commitment to the Auto Electrical industry.

(Chris Auto Electrical Bulawayo still operates to this day.)

Many an established auto electrical company today will be able to attest to his direct assistance in their success. He was a true gentleman.

Chris Gregoriou will always be remembered for caring for his family, friends, staff and customers; helping them all whenever, wherever or however he could.

Rest in Peace Chris Gregoriou.

After selling his successful business in 1974, Chris and Susan with their son and daughter (Kerrie and Natalie) unintentionally moved to South Africa in 1975. The plan was to go to Cyprus, but their plans happened to coincide with the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Chris remained in SA with his family, got a work permit and start working as an auto electrician in Pretoria.

Chris Auto Electrical is a company that has stood the test of many a trying time in South Africa’s history. Today, along with his brother-in-law, Johann de Bruyne, Chris Auto Electrical is a well-respected and successful importer, wholesaler and distributor of auto electrical parts, as well as still being the only Auto Electrical company to offer all aspects of auto electrical related work under one roof, including: units and parts sales, repairs, remanufacturing, rewinding and now even training facilities.

New Cape Automotive Forum announced to launch 2018 Automechanika Johannesburg organisers, Messe Frankfurt who are also the third largest trade fair company in the world - have announced the launch of the Cape Automotive Forum.

The show will run 17-18 October 2018 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

show’s organisers believe the event will be well placed to serve this market.

The new event is based on the Automechanika concept and will incorporate a two-day conference and exhibition that caters to the needs of the automotive aftermarket and commercial vehicle market within the Western Cape.

The Cape Automotive Forum promises to become an essential marketing opportunity for companies operating in the following sectors: Parts and accessories; Electronic & systems; Repairs and maintenance; Car wash care and reconditioning; Safari and off-road vehicles and trailers; Commercial vehicles; Busses; Specialist suppliers; Road Transport and Cross Border Services and indeed industry bodies.

Thanks to the Western Cape boasting the second highest number of registered vehicles in SA and Cape Town the highest number of independent panel beaters in the country, the new

Limited space is available. For more information, or to book your spot, contact Tracy Gounden on tracy.gounden@ southafrica.messefrankfurt.com or 010 599 6166.

PAGE 6

Trade Talk

AutoForum - November / December AutoForum 2017 - November www.AutoForum.co.za / December 2017

The future shortage of vehicle technicians is worse than anticipated According to an article on Motor Age, the TechForce Foundation, a non-profit organisation in the U.S. focused on championing and aiding aspiring vehicle technicians, recently released a paper that highlights the very real shortage of vehicle technicians.

“Transportation Technician New Entrant Demand” was based on an analysis of the US Bureau of Labour Statistics’ (BLS) data, and found that the severity is far more pronounced than previously reported. The findings indicate that from last year until 2026, technician requirements are over 3 times its former estimates for the period between 2014 and 2024.

“New entrant” technicians are described as those that are needed to fill the growth in new positions in the occupation as well as replace those who leave the occupation.

They are distinguished from experienced technicians who may move between employers but don’t add to the overall trained workforce in the occupation.

The writers found that the annual new entrant demand is for 75,900 auto technicians for that 10 year period. And the demand for collision and diesel technicians is similar. For the collision market, the newly projected BLS average annual new entrant demand is 17,200 technicians compared to the previous projection of 4,810.

According to the report the technician shortage has grown to the point of the “perfect storm” thanks to three things, according to Greg Settle, one of the co-authors of the report and TechForce Director of National Initiatives. “We’re caught in the middle of a strong growing economy, a ‘catch-up’ demand for technicians created by the Great Recession of 2008 and the increasing complexity of vehicles.”

Jennifer Maher, CEO/Executive Director of TechForce, added: “In order to solve the tech shortage, the industry needs to pool its resources and create and disseminate consistent public messaging highlighting the many and varied opportunities of a tech career. Right now, the industry is suffering from inadequate, fragmented financing for the cause. It’s not enough for us to talk among ourselves, we have to pull together as an industry to first, resolve it, and then to stay ahead of it so we never wind up in this position again.”

OLX and AutoTrader join forces The OLX Group and AutoTrader have confirmed that they are preparing to join forces, with their merger having been approved by local authorities. According to AutoTrader CEO George Mienie: “We bring the expertise from the niche verticals of car, truck, commercial, agriculture, bike and leisure. We are excited to work with the OLX Group that is part of a global company. Our customers can stand to benefit substantially from investment in product innovation as a result”.

He added: “Our vehicle shoppers can look forward to continuous improvements to further enhance consumer experience through investment in online vehicle shopping tools”.

“Based on what we see in other markets around the world, the pace of innovation in the vehicle buying and selling space is picking up and global consumer facing technology platforms are entering” said Sjoerd Nikkelen OLX Group General Manager for Africa, Middle East and Asia. “This partnership will give us the scale to lead this coming wave of innovation and disruption in South Africa, in which deep data skills will allow for our propositions to dealers and consumers alike to become fundamentally more valuable and of higher convenience.”

AutoTrader will remain a separate brand, however, with access to world-class technology hubs and expertise. This, the two companies believe, will bring renewed energy and focus to drive the growth of the platform even further.

AkzoNobel ends discussions with Axalta regarding potential merger In October, AkzoNobel has confirmed it was in constructive discussions regarding a merger of the AkzoNobel Paints & Coatings business with Axalta. At the time it said it would create a leading global paints and coatings company “through a merger of equals”.

But just weeks later, the two companies decided to walk away from the talks and go their separate ways. Both confirm the halt in talks will not delay or change their other processes or ongoing discussions.

PAGE 8

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Afrihost demonstrates that even ISP’s can blow social media monitoring by poor resourcing Creating a meaningful online presence for your business and then using social media platforms to create conversation with your target audience are key aspects of digital marketing. But many businesses get themsleves into a bind with customers by purely ignoring the very basics of customer relations, or by poorly resourcing these important communication channels.

A case in point was a recent interaction AF had with internet service provider Afrihost. After years of doing business with Afrihost it seems they have lost all sight of who their customers are and what they need.

After numerous calls to their call centre which went awry (they have the same “we have had a large influx of support calls” message anytime on anyday it seems) and a failed written request for information to their support staff, we finally decided the only route to get to talk to someone would be through their facebook page.

Instead of simply answering the question, we were told to refer back to their website. When asked for very specific assistance and for someone to call back because we were not receiving help - we got into a messaging-banter session with some nameless, faceless, emoji-afflicted employee. When we asked for someone to comment for this article, what I imagine to be a pimple faced hipster thought it appropriate to let me know that I should not “threaten” to write stories if I wanted to resolve my issues.

After a week long interaction (yes, really) I just gave up and ordered my new fibre connection from my new supplier. Call it old fashioned but a simple phone call that would have assured our continued support, and new orders, would have been better for everyone. In complete contrast, the next interaction could not have been better - so it comes down to the employee, and their attitude, representing your business.

For our least favourite facebook correspondent: <sad face, scream, thumbs down, wave goodbye, turd emoji>

BASF scores double win for functional coatings technology at Frankfurt BASF’s coatings technology for passive temperature management has been honoured in the “Innovation of the Year” and “Concepts” categories by the German Design Council at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

The specific paint system is based on a UV-permeable basecoat and UV-reflecting primer. In this combination, the paint reduces the temperature on hot summer days on the vehicle surface by up to 20°C, which results in less heating of the interior.

Energy efficiency and intelligent materials are two key themes for innovative mobility concepts. The jury, composed of representatives from the media, design, brand communication and academia sectors, said: “With its temperature management solutions, BASF captures the spirit of the times.”

Stefan Sickert, head of Product Management Basecoat/Primer Europe at BASF, added: “Both awards underscore our active commitment and our success in combining striking design with outstanding properties by developing intelligent paint solutions.”

The need to run the air conditioner to minimise heat in the car is therefore reduced, enhancing both comfort and fuel consumption (or extending the range of electric vehicles).

PAGE 10

The special BASF formulation can be integrated into conventional application processes, without any extra effort and meets the high-quality standards for the life cycle of a finish. At the same time, car buyers can choose from rich colours to greys and blacks.

Pictured below from left are Stefan Sickert, head of Product Management Basecoat/Primer Europe); Mark Gutjahr, head of Automotive Color Design Europe; and Stephan Schwarte, head of Pigments, Dispersions & Innovative Colors Europe.

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Trade Talk

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Ford SA announces R3 Billion local investment FMCSA has announced a R3-billion investment to expand production capacity at its South African manufacturing operations. This, it says, is in order to meet growing local and international demand for the Ford Ranger.

The company also confirmed that the first-ever Ford Ranger Raptor will be produced in South Africa when it hits the market in 2019, introducing an entirely new level of off-road performance and capability to the one-ton pickup segment.

“As part of our strategic planning to accommodate the growing market volumes for the Ranger in South Africa and our export markets, the R3-billion investment will encompass both product and capacity related actions,” said Ockert Berry, vice president Operations, Ford Middle East and Africa.

“Looking further ahead, the expanded production capacity will ensure that we are geared up and fully prepared to respond to additional future market demands for the Ranger by ramping up our production even further. This significant investment reaffirms Ford’s ongoing commitment to South Africa as a local manufacturer, exporter and key employer in the automotive sector, supporting a large number of direct

jobs as well as indirect employment through our extensive supplier base.” Dr Casper Kruger, managing director of Ford Sub-Saharan Africa Region said: “The response to our announcement that Ford will be introducing a Ranger Raptor has been absolutely phenomenal and we’re exceptionally proud to now confirm that this highly anticipated performance model will be assembled in South Africa. This is yet another fantastic achievement for our local team, and signals our ability to produce world-class products of the highest calibre.”

The current Ranger programme has been an unprecedented success for Ford since it was launched in 2011 and the company has experienced remarkable growth in Ranger sales and market share, both locally and internationally with its export programme to over 148 markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Ford SA delivered a total of 8,646 units in October securing the automaker’s status as one of the region’s leading vehicle manufacturers and a global centre of excellence for the Ford Ranger programme.

VWSA extends support opportunities for black owned suppliers Competitiveness Initiative (ASCCI) who, together with the Volkswagen B-BBEE Trust and Volkswagen Group South Africa, chose 10 finalists to be part of the launch.

These finalists, VWSA explains, will be mentored and coached over the next month by the automaker’s existing suppliers, all in order to allow the suppliers to successfully present their business plan to a panel of judges on 29 November, where five winners will be chosen.

These five winners will then embark on an 18-month intensive business-based mentoring and coaching programme.

Volkswagen has announced its intention to extend the assistance it provides to strategically align black-owned suppliers in the automotive sector, with the launch of the Ntinga Project. This latest move builds on the VWSA BlackOwned Supplier’s Day held in 2016.

Ntinga is an isiXhosa word which means to soar. By offering business mentorship and training to up-and-coming suppliers, Volkswagen hopes they will rise to great heights in the automotive sector and beyond.

“As Volkswagen we are committed to developing and supporting black-owned suppliers and I am happy to announce that should these five suppliers complete the 18-month programme successfully they will be offered contracts with VWSA,” said Thomas Schaefer, VWSA Chairman and Managing Director.

The mentoring and coaching will be conducted by the VWSA Learning Academy, VWSA B-BBEE Trust, ASCCI and other VWSA divisions to make sure that the five suppliers receive a wide range of skills that will make them successful at the end of the 18 months.

“It is imperative that we as VWSA actively bring black-owned suppliers into an arena where they are able to successfully compete and operate as automotive industry suppliers.”

The project kicked off with in excess of 300 suppliers approached and assessed by the Automotive Supply Chain

PAGE 12

Pictured above from left to right: Takalani Tambani Chief Director of the DTI’s black industrialists programme; Nonkqubela Maliza VWSA Corporate and government affairs Director and Thomas Schaefer VWSA chairman and MD.

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News

AutoForum - November / December 2017

SANRAL ‘writes off’ R3.6 Billion in e-toll debt? Or not The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) recently released an alert to the media in which it says that SANRAL’s is finding collecting all that e-toll debt is not as easy as it may have thought.

According to OUTA, SANRAL is likely to require increased funding from an already overstretched National Treasury, “as the investment houses are very absent at SANRAL’s bond auctions.” OUTA highlights the increased loss for the 2016/17 year, at just under R5 billion.

That is substantively up from the loss of R1.2 billion posted last year, with the bulk of the loss (about R4.6 billion) arising from the e-toll operations.

indicator that SANRAL’s leadership, together with the Minister of Transport, must make an in-depth revision of their e-toll policy,” says Heyneke.

“However, it is the treatment of the outstanding e-toll debt when compared to last year, that illustrates that SANRAL is starting to face e-toll reality,” says Rudie Heyneke, OUTA’s Transport Portfolio Manager. SANRAL records impairment losses of R3.6 billion for e-toll debts that were effectively written off, compared to R92 million in 2015/16.

“Non-payment of toll fees is an offence and this does not prescribe. Sanral has repeatedly stated that it is making every attempt to collect the debt, in other words, enforce its claim. It would not be prudent to write this amount off until it becomes clear it is not collectable,” Macozoma is reported as saying.

“Last year, virtually no outstanding debt was written off, as SANRAL had pinned its hopes on the 60% discount dispensation gaining traction during the following financial period. This year, the massive R3.6 billion e-toll impairment loss is a significant acknowledgement that the e-toll debt is uncollectable,” says Heyneke.

That R3.6 billion is the equivalent of 50% of all toll revenue (the trade receivables) for the first 15 months of Gauteng e-toll operations and is substantially more than the prescribed debt (the debt older than three years). OUTA further stated that SANRAL’s report claimed it can’t legally write off toll debts but that the amounts assessed as irrecoverable include debt older than three years, losses due to the reduction of the standard tariffs in 2015, accounts under R500 and debt owed by businesses in liquidation or under business rescue.

“The impairment of the outstanding debt, combined with operating losses, is a strong

PAGE 14

Just a day after the OUTA statement, Sanral chief executive Skhumbuzo Macozoma was reported as denying the write off claim, saying reports the agency had written off debt were “incorrect”.

“Sanral made a provision in its assessment of collectability in its Integrated Report as required

by International Accounting Standard 39.

Additionally, subsequent measurement requires an assessment of possible loss events in order to further impair financial assets, i.e. trade receivables. Significant financial difficulty of a debtor and default or delinquency in payments are considered indicators of impairment.

Therefore, Sanral has not written off e-toll debt.”

Macozoma said the low collection rate on the GFIP concerned the agency, and that its board has requested government to address the impact of the poor collection rate with Cabinet to ensure the sustainability of the agency.

“We need to engage South Africans to avoid a situation where they resist tolling. There is a negative perception and resistance to tolling, and as a result, we are not creating as many jobs as we would have loved to do,” Macozoma said.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

AutoForum - November / December 2017

Changing driver segments provide new opportunities for the aftermarket

- Krista McNamara

As the driver of the future and vehicle ownership models change, there are opportunities for the aftermarket to consistently grow and succeed. However, those in the aftermarket must be willing to evolve as the industry does.

Vehicle mobility continues to grow and evolve and going forward, there are four future states that represent the main ways individuals will travel. That is according to Neal Ganguli of Deloitte Consulting, LLP, during the keynote session at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) 2017.

The four future states of mobility are: • Personally-owned autonomous vehicles • Shared autonomous vehicles • Personally-owned, driver-driven vehicles • Shared driver-driven vehicles

“We will need to think about how you are going to capture more revenue in a changing environment.” Future states will demand new types of vehicles with different content profiles. Personallyowned autonomous vehicles will offer luxury that is highly customised. And these customisation options will give rise to new aftermarket segments and offerings.

Personally-owned, driver-driven vehicles will continue to develop and over time may shift toward more special purpose vehicles, that will increase the need for high-performance parts.

Shared autonomous vehicles may give rise to large fleets of no-frills, personal pods with safety and mobility being the main focuses. There will be a reduced demand for critical repair and high-performance parts, but an increased need for integration with infrastructure and consumer technology.

Shared, driver-driven vehicles will need consistent performance that will drive the need for lower repair costs. Increased vehicle use will drive wear and tear and boost demand for maintenance parts and, at the same time, will create a willingness to pay for durability.

There is opportunity going forward, but aftermarket companies may need to adjust their plans and models to meet the future demands of the drivers and fleets on the road.

These four states will coexist and companies are cautioned to plan to compete in some or all of the states. Cost per mile economics and growth of consumption economies will be a driving force behind adoptions. Cost per mile could fall as much as 2/3 due to increased utilisation, reduced fuel consumption and other factors.

With personally-owned, driver-driven vehicles, it now costs about $1 per mile. But as you free up driver time and introduce shared ownership concepts, cost drops significantly. This is driving the level of investment into these technologies.

“Our forecasts estimate an increase in total miles traveled, and a decline in overall vehicle sales, with faster shifts toward AVs and shared vehicles in urban centres,” Ganguli says. “The disruptive nature of this transformation results in massive shifts in economic value across a broad mobility ecosystem.”

There will be many shifts going forward, beyond ownership scenarios. For example, the insurance market will have to adjust. Who owns the insurance liability in a vehicle sharing model? Parking revenue infrastructure and the airline industry will also be impacted, among others.

PAGE 16

There are hypotheses that touch on the implications for the aftermarket going forward: 1. Transformation of in-vehicle content and services infrastructure as industry evolves toward electric, connected and autonomous vehicles 2. Higher vehicle utilisation in shared mobility drives more frequent parts maintenance and replacement and vehicles service needs 3. Emergence of new B2B and B2C channels to accommodate new customer groups, accompanied by convergence across channels 4. Increased access to end-consumer-triggered partnerships across value chains and OEM direct-to-consumer path 5. Creation of new business models and revenue streams related to in-vehicle consumption, as well as infrastructure enabling charging, mobility management.

“This industry is really on the verge of huge value creation that we have not seen for decades. The question is, how do you play in these new opportunities that are going to be available to you?” Ganguli asks.

“While there are risks, the opportunities far outweigh the risks.

These changes are happening. It is not a matter of if, but when.”

Krista McNamara is Content Channel Director for ABRN and Motor Age magazines. This article is reprinted with permission from Auto Body Repairer Network.

INDUSTRY NEWS

AutoForum - November / December 2017

Properly managing oil waste – Don’t forget the related items!

We know from our last issue that just one litre of used motor oil can contaminate one million litres of water, and with an estimated average of 120 million litres of used lubricant oil used in SA in a year the risk of environmental contamination is extremely high. Service centres and mechanical workshops as used oil generators are urged to gather and store their used oil for responsible collection by a ROSE registered oil collector, who will remove the oil and take it to be recycled in an environmentally compliant and safe manner. Keep in mind that your collector should always issue you with a safe disposal certificate, which is now required by law under the Waste Act.

The ROSE Foundation offers some practical tips for storing used oil: • Drain oil into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid, such as a reusable combination drain pan/ storage container.

• Ensure that you store the oil in a container with a secure lid so that it cannot spill out. Empty oil containers and drums make effective makeshift storage vessels for used oil, however, DO NOT use a container that previously held chemicals, such as cleaners, solvents, fuels, paint or bleach.

• Always clearly label the container “Used Motor Oil.” • If you run a business that generates a lot of used oil, the ROSE Foundation can supply you with tailor-made, cubic-shaped 1000 litre mini tanks which make maximum use of available space, hold more oil and to make things even easier, the collections require no handling of the containers. Sealed couplings are used to pump the contents straight into a tanker truck so there’s no spillage or leakage.

• Keep these containers in a place that can be accessed by an accredited used oil collector and keep the surrounding area clear and clean. Ideally store them under cover and away from heat or sources of ignition.

• Keep oil change pans free of water and ensure your storage containers are tightly sealed and covered to protect them from rain water. Oil that is contaminated with water is far more difficult to recycle – requiring several laborious and costly processes to separate the water from the oil before it can be recycled.

• Ensure that you do not mix used oil with other fluids such as antifreeze, transmission fluid, petrol, diesel etc. Mixing them may make them non-recyclable as well as very hazardous and flammable.

• Build a bund wall around bulk used oil storage tanks so that in the event of a spill or leak, the used oil will be contained. In the event of an oil spill, contact your used oil collector.

But waste oil contamination does not end with the oil itself.

Bubele Nyiba, CEO of the ROSE Foundation (Recycling Oil Saves the Environment) explains that many businesses also overlook the matter of related wastes. These include oil filters, oily rags, sawdust used to soak up oil spills, empty oil containers, etc.

Some oily can or bottle waste generating businesses in South Africa discard their related wastes along with the domestic refuse and are not properly storing them for safe disposal or recycling. Nyiba explains that this is largely due to a lack of knowledge on the available alternatives rather than a lack of regard.

“DIY mechanics can drop this waste off at your nearest approved municipal garden refuse site – a list of which is available from the ROSE Foundation.

PAGE 18

You can also ask your used oil collector to take this away with them if possible.” The foundation offers dedicated service providers that collect oily containers from service stations in the major metropolitan areas of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

Nyiba explains that the safe disposal of hazardous waste has become a critical issue for business in South Africa with specific measures of accountability clearly being laid down in the Waste Act and the National Waste Information Regulations.

“There is a huge worldwide shift towards sustainable business practises in order to protect our environment. The legislation in place in South Africa means that responsible waste management within a business environment is no longer a nice thing to do but a necessary one.”

Driven by

ANALYSES

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INDUSTRY NEWS

AutoForum - November / December 2017

The role of WiFI in a driverless world

- Riaan Graham

Driving in a connected vehicle is no longer considered a novelty. With telemetry systems doing everything from capturing driver behaviour to performing diagnostics and providing roadside assistance, these have become standard features. However, the emergence of autonomous vehicles (AVs) will result in new expectations around what it means to be connected and fundamentally change the transport industry in the future.

Already, many vehicles incorporate a plethora of sensors, cameras and radar systems that are used for parking assistance, cruise control and blindside monitoring, to name just a few. Even though these, and other innovations, will be integral to ensure the safety of AVs, there is a vital element that needs to be addressed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; linking vehicles to those in their proximity as well as the infrastructure around them.

The Internet of Things (IoT) has been earmarked as a vital growth area in our drive towards a digital lifestyle. With data already flowing out of (and into) vehicles, IoT and AVs will require much faster connectivity if they are to successfully interoperate in a driverless environment. Speed of access will be fundamental to ensure the safety of vehicles and passengers. In fact, Intel believes that current connectivity is not sufficient to handle the data requirements of AVs. The company argues that 5G wireless networking will be the cornerstone that caters for the transfer rates needed between AVs and connected infrastructure.

Wireless everywhere This [connected infrastructure] is perhaps an area that is most concerning to those who have ever experienced faulty traffic lights, pedestrians crossing the road at any point, and cyclists and taxis competing for lane space in peak hour traffic. If legacy infrastructure can barely keep up now, what are the chances of Africa successfully delivering a connected system able to help manage AVs? The answer to this is the emergence of smart WiFi transport hubs. Already, people are using their smartphones and tablets to access information while on the move.

PAGE 20

To empower this connected citizen, many African governments have partnered with private sector organisations to develop these hubs around train and bus stations, airports, taxi ranks, restaurants and coffee shops, and numerous other areas where people congregate. They serve to provide reliable and high-speed WiFi access and can readily be upgraded as new technology becomes available, technology such as 5G. So, not only will these benefit commuters using public transport, but also AVs that will rely on them to safely navigate traffic, pedestrians, and other â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;obstaclesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. In this environment, each AV will become part of a larger ecosystem linking to road-side infrastructure and other vehicles.

Having access to these transport hubs mean the creation of a pervasive wireless network that will be able to help manage and control these AVs. Changing transportation Additionally, wireless networking will instil AVs with the situational awareness needed by continuously feeding information through to the vehicles, the infrastructure, and any analytical databases required. This could bring about significant changes in how we view transportation.

Transport and logistics will become significantly more efficient as navigation, maintenance, monitoring, and the like will be managed through links to transport hubs. While the scale of the change will take several years to take place, suffice it to say that we have already embarked on the path to a more autonomous driving world and wireless networks will be at its heart.

Riaan Graham is the sales director at Ruckus, sub-Saharan Africa.

X3 Generation 3 wows at launch

- Warwick Robinson

From the launch of the X series with the 1999 X5, almost 1 in every 3 BMWs sold worldwide is an “X” model. BMW effectively launched the luxury SUV market and see the X3 as the segment leader for what they call the “SAV” - a sports activity vehicle. X3s accounted for 25% of all X models sold in 2016, and BMW recorded more than 1.5 million registrations of the last two generations of X3s globally. The third generation model was launched in George in November, and we were lucky enough to crack an invitation.

The good news all around is that the range will be produced in Rosslyn from 2018. Edward Makwana of BMW explained that the current 3 series production at the plant had been distributed through the group and would move offshore.

“Our local production plant in Rosslyn will be expected to meet the demand in Europe. BMW are confident that the R3 BIllion investment in the state of the art facilities was worth it.

You can see the commitment to building our future together,” says Makwana.

Overcoming the challenge of producing the higher and broader model required infrastructure changes at the plant including lifting the roof - all completed whilst the 3 series production carried on, largely unaffected. “A part of these renovations have already won awards from the steel industry.”

BMW invested an additional R160 Million to be able to achieve a 10% increase in production, put down to line speed enhancements. It’s the highest leap forward and the realisation of a dream to create the state of the facility.

The new car is a distinct evolution from the current gen 2 model. It brings in a number of design cues from the latest generation BMW’s and is a real eye grabber. But what really impressed us was the performance of this car on dirt. The X Drive system is phenomenal, and beggars belief that a slick SUV on fancy looking rims can feel so refined and controlled on sand and mud. Stopping suddenly on a corrugated surface was very impressive, and pulling off with 2 wheels on dirt and 2 on tar made no difference to this sporty little beast. And we were only in the 2.0D! Immediately available are 4 variants from 2.0D and 3.0D, a 3.0 petrol and the range topping 4.0M model. Prices start at R684 200 and top out at R921 100. Expect to see plenty on the roads.

PAGE 21

INDUSTRY NEWS

AutoForum - November / December 2017

Auto industry ‘Code of Conduct’ won’t be easy to finalise Responses to the draft “Code of Conduct” for the automotive industry are in and it’s clear that finalising the code is not going to be an easy process.

“We did anticipate a strong opposing response from the Original Equipment Manufacturers because the current status quo suits them just fine,” says Les Mc Master, Director of Right to Repair South Africa (R2RSA).

“We agree that the code needs to be realistic and practical. In fact, we welcome a very practical implementation of change as soon as possible. The true reality in South Africa is that consumers can no longer be denied the right to have their vehicle serviced at a workshop of their choice and at an acceptable fee. For too long the OEMs have been restricting access and charging exorbitant fees. Things have to change,” he says.

Mc Master adds that the threat of disinvestment should not be used as a scare tactic to hinder change. “Far greater reasons for disinvestment would more likely be the current volatile political climate and depressed economy. Of more concern should be the potential job loss factor in the SME aftermarket automotive sector if a code enforcing access to information is not implemented. Independent workshops will not be able to sustain their businesses over the next few years if the current restrictions continue.”

PAGE 22

Mc Master emphasises that the aim is not to do away with service plans but rather to give consumers the choice of whether or not they want a service plan. “Consumers need to understand that they are paying a premium for a built-in service plan.”

He highlights that the European guidelines for competition in the automotive aftermarket have been tried and tested for 15 years.

“The principals of competition in Europe do not just apply to the automotive industry, but to other industries too. The United States too has a long history of addressing competition issues in the automotive industry.”

“These are the biggest automotive markets in the world, with the strongest intellectual property rights. All OEMs in those countries are complying with the rules. Property rights are adequately protected and the size and strength of the automotive industry in those markets clearly shows that the concerns raised have no basis.”

He adds that R2RSA strongly believes the European guidelines should be used as a good example of best practice.

“The Russian code has hardly any experience in the Russian automotive market and appears to not fully be aligned with international best practice. In our engagements with the Competition Commission we have made mention of this.”

According to R2RSA, a spokesperson for a replacement parts supplier and supporter of the R2R campaign, who wished to remain anonymous, says he has been following the Right to Repair campaigns promulgated in Europe and elsewhere and believes the SA code of conduct would bode well for an economy beset with challenges.

Top Quality Workshop Equipment Top brands, top advice

“Exclusivity over the years has had an adverse effect on consumers, restricting fair choice and resulting in economic imbalances,” he says. “We have been taking cognisance of the consumers’ needs and these include the need for an alternative to the OEMs. There has to be a solution that assists customers maintain and repair their vehicles within their budgetary constraints.”

He adds that the anti-competitive environment is in itself a latent and structural economic defect, the consequence of which prevents progress, hinders consumers’ rights and avails the benefits to the few instead of the broader economy.

Mc Master comments: “OEM representatives are claiming that anybody can currently participate in the industry on the same terms and conditions. Our stance is that it should not be up to the OEMs to lay down these terms and conditions, which is currently the case. They should be based on internationally acceptable competition law.”

He continued to say that OEM’s also claim that 75% of the vehicles in the SA market are out of warranty, service or maintenance plans and conclude that there is ample opportunity for interested parties to compete in this market.

“Besides the fact that they are admitting that 25% of the market is currently being held captive by the OEMs, even in the remaining out-of-warranty portion of the market, competition is not fair because the technical specifications, tools, software access etc needed to service and repair these vehicles are not available.”

“There can be no compromise on customer safety and quality of service. Access to information will ensure just that and will make servicing a more affordable option for South Africans, in turn making our roads safer,” says Mc Master.

“We look forward to further engagements with stakeholders on the code and will continue to pursue a solution that has consumers’ best interests at heart and gives aftermarket Small Medium Enterprises a chance to stay in business.”

Contact us for all your equipment advice

gts@telkomsa.net David Barendse 082 450 6109

Tel: 011 908 5199 011 908 4169

Proud suppliers of the following top brands:

PAGE 23

ndications of damage or failure of the A/C compressor: ■ Coolant leak ing from the compressor ■ Insufficient cooling, or absence of cooling AutoForum INDUSTRY NEWS ■ Noise Error messages in the air conditio ning control unit or central control unit

Causes of compressor failure: Incorrect installation Insufficient compressor oil or refri gerant Leaks in the HVAC system Damage to individual air conditio ning components Solid matter contamination (swa rf, etc.)

Moisture in the air conditioning circ uit (due to corrosion, etc.)

-

e designed to ensure safe, com pliant handling of air conditioning compressors in the repa ir shop. Our ArcticPRO© line for refrigerants R134a and R12 34yf is the solution for an ecological, economical, and essors compr efficA/C ient A/C Afterm arket: MAHLE2017 serv New from ice.

November / December is adding a rket Afterma MAHLE Beginning in summer 2017, —air conportfolio hensive compre new product group to its the brand, Original MAHLE the Under ditioning compressors.

Middle Europe, the for tions applica top all basic range covers East, and Africa sales regions.

A/C As ditio com sys ma

Ind ■ C ■ I ■ N

We deliver the right solution to our customers for a broad range of requirements and specifications. Going beyond the basics, our premium range provides products designed to meet the highest performance and quality standards.

■

Ca ■ ■ ■

Mahle launches a range of A/C OEM compressors

Perfect partnership Premium IAM IAM : A/C Reman compresso Low rs andstandard cabin filterange rs basic budget from MAHLE MAHLE Aftermarket offers high-qua lity cabin filters to ensure Cooling that air conditioning compressors will continue to deliver top ance perform performance over a long service life. Cabin filters protect the air conditioning system against con tamination and irreparable damages. The new CareMetix© cabin filter provides even ity Durabil greater protection—protection you can feel—against pollen, and reliability soot, mould, bacteria, and odours.

Comfort and driving

t Suppor Mahle’s recent acquisition of Delphi Automotive PLC’s thermal management activities, together with the recent integration service means the company is now officially an OEM A/C and Group, of the air conditioning compressor product group into the Mahle compressor manufacturer.

Mahle is the technology-partner for leading OE-manufacturers and a global player in the independent spare parts market, meaning the company’s aftermarket customers can rely on many years of experience and highly efficient access to the thermal management expertise they need.

The brand has now also added a new product group to its comprehensive portfolio—air conditioning compressors. The basic range covers all top applications for the Europe, Middle East and Africa sales regions, delivering the right solution to customers for a broad range of requirements and specifications.

The premium range provides products designed to meet the highest performance and quality standards.

A/C compressors: engineering, failure and causes As the heart of a vehicle air conditioning system, the air conditioning compressor is typically driven by a V-ribbed belt.

The compressor circulates the refrigerant in the air conditioning system and—when operating properly—ensures that the optimal temperature is maintained in the cabin.

Indications of damage or failure of the A/C compressor include: • Noise • Coolant leaking from the • Error messages in the air compressor conditioning control unit or • Insufficient cooling, or central control unit absence of cooling

PAGE 24

–

+

Some causes of compressor failure are: • Incorrect installation • Insufficient compressor oil or refrigerant • Leaks in the HVAC system • Damage to individual air conditioning components • Solid matter contamination (swarf, etc.)

• Moisture in the air conditioning circuit (due to corrosion, etc.)

As vehicle HVAC modules adapt to enhance comfort, safety and efficiency, so too do they increase in complexity. Mahle service units are designed to ensure safe, compliant handling of air conditioning compressors in the repair shop.

The company’s ArcticPRO© line for refrigerants R134a and R1234yf is the solution for an ecological, economical, and efficient A/C service.

To ensure its air conditioning compressors continue to offer top performance over long service life, the brand’s high-quality cabin filters act as a perfect partner.

Cabin filters protect against contamination and irreparable damages, and the new CareMetix© cabin filter provides even greater protection against pollen, soot, mould, bacteria, and odours

■ ■ ■

ZF Services rolls out the TRW brakes brand to clients - Grant West

Star Brake & Clutch staff and customers were introduced to the TRW brake range at their golf day hosted by the Modderfontein Golf Club.

Stan Odendaal, CEO of Star Brake & Clutch welcomed everyone to this well attended event and said he looked forward to the alignment with ZF and their TRW brake pad range. Jacques van der Lely, ZF Services Sales Manager then described some of the unique strengths of the new range, which included ECE 90 approval on all TRW manufactured brake pads as well as the application of COTEC - a silicate coating on the friction material that enhances the contact between pad and disc and provides OE standard braking from the outset.

company. The ZF Services team are proud of their ability to be able to cover in excess of 95% of the needs in the local car parc with the TRW range of brake pads and have plans for a range of brake shoes on the horizon, as well as additional products within the TRW range.

He confirmed that all the accessories within the box conformed to OE requirements, including the metallic shims, and went on to say that in instances where the OE application has no shim, TRW have fitted â&#x20AC;&#x153;Phenolicâ&#x20AC;? shims. He described this as being a thermosetting resin that resists high temperatures on the backing plate.

Also unveiled was their extensive all-inclusive catalogue, a copy of which Stan and his sons were invited to sign. This comprehensive catalogue will be reprinted in two editions for ease of reference and use on the counter. Jacques also emphasized the technical training available through the

The full Star Brake and Clutch family, and CEO Stan Odendaal, signing the first catalogue at the launch

PAGE 25

INDUSTRY NEWS

AutoForum - November / December 2017

“Entry-Level Vehicle Safety Report” highlights poor safety standards The AA of South Africa has released its second annual “Entry-Level Vehicle Safety Report”, which assess the safety features on entry-level vehicles in the country. The latest report investigated the safety features of 25 vehicles available locally and currently priced under R160 000. This is R10 000 (6.7%) more than the vehicles considered last year, to account for an increase in inflation. disappointing that vehicles listed in last year’s report, most of which are still on sale, carry similar, if not the same, limited safety equipment as standard.”

The 25 vehicles surveyed for the second instalment of the Entry-Level Vehicle Safety Report were evaluated against the number of active safety features (anti-lock braking systems, electronic stability control) and passive safety features (airbags) they have.

According to figures from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), 14 071 people died on South African roads in 2016 and while efforts to reduce this number are ongoing, it comes against the backdrop of data from eNaTIS that shows the total vehicle population in the country remains high at just under 11 million (10 967 958) vehicles. Of these, just over 7 million (7 140 959) are classified as motor cars or station wagons.

These two figures – the high fatality rate, and the high vehicle population – again highlight the need for safer driving for everybody. This includes increased road safety awareness initiatives, better policing and enforcement of road regulations, and a drastic improvement in driver attitudes.

It also emphasises the need for improved safety features in the vehicles people drive. “Price is, unfortunately, a main driving factor in people’s decisions to buy vehicles. What we would like to see more of is people considering other elements of the vehicles they intend buying such as safety features, which can mean the difference between life and death,” the AA says.

The Association notes this is especially important as many of the people who are buying or driving entry-level vehicles are often those with the least driving experience and, as such, this makes safety features even more critical.

“In our first report last year, we highlighted the disconnect between price and safety on entry-level vehicles; cheaper models seemed to have limited safety features. It is

PAGE 26

Vehicles with an NCAP rating (New Car Assessment Programme) from Europe were awarded points according to the safety rating they achieved. The scoring for the NCAP rating is only applied if the model of the vehicle on sale in South Africa is confirmed to be identical to the model which received the NCAP rating initially.

The survey is the result of desktop research, and specifically assesses safety features only. It does not consider the structural integrity of the driver/ passenger compartment.

The 25 vehicles are then categorised into three groups based on their safety ratings according to the AA survey. These cars are noted for having either: Acceptable safety, Moderate safety, or, Poor safety. Of the 25 vehicles assessed, only two are categorised as having acceptable safety.

Thirteen of the vehicles are categorised as having moderate safety, and ten are classified as having poor safety.

In addition to scoring the vehicles purely on safety features, the report also considers safety weighed against affordability. In this scenario, the score achieved by a vehicle for its safety features is measured against its cost to arrive at a Safety/Affordability Score.

“Considering this, only one car achieves an acceptable Safety/ Affordability Score, while ten are rated as poor on the scale.

Fourteen of the vehicles are rated as moderate of the Safety/ Affordability scale. A full list of the vehicles assessed, their safety ratings, and their Safety/Affordability scores, is available at https://aa-sa.co/ELVS-report. In this way, we believe, customers will be better placed to know what they are getting in terms of safety,” the AA concludes.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

AutoForum - November / December 2017

Changan Star 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A one tonne worker

- Grant West

Earlier this year, JMC South Africa revealed the new Star3 range of vehicles from Changan. There are 3 models available locally, all based on the same platform powered by a 4-cylinder 1243cc petrol engine producing 72kW/119Nm and a 1-tonne load capacity.

However, each of the models has an independent body designed in the cab-forward style to allow the engine placement under the seats and to create the maximum load space.

The range comprises a minivan, single cab and double cab option, with each derivative including a 3year/100 000km warranty.

The minivan version has two options of either a 2 or 5-seat version, incorporating sliding rear doors on both sides of the vehicle. Both the single and double cab versions come with drop sides allowing for ease of loading, the single cabâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tray is an additional 690 mm longer at 2750mm.

Autoforum had the opportunity to test drive the double cab luxury version for a few days this month and was pleasantly surprised with the result.

Our initial impression was mixed, we felt the vehicle looked too close to the ground and wondered how the 1243cc power plant was going to handle a full tonne of load. It was with these concerns in mind that we embarked on our test drive, choosing a route that incorporated a range of conditions, road surfaces and a 960kg load. Whilst un-laden on the hiway the vehicle felt comfortable at 110km/h and was able to follow the traffic stream capably at speed. Town driving through industrial and residential grids required management of the gearbox in order to stay with the flow.

We were however surprised when the load was taken on, with an almost full load and four adult males on board, this vehicle performed admirably and solicited favorable comment from all sides, including a secure feeling of stability on all surfaces and speeds. This is not a light-to-light competitor but is a contender as a light delivery vehicle with a good load space and capacity.

We averaged an 8,3l/100km consumption and considering its price tag of R164 900, which includes aircon and central locking, we concludedthat this vehicle is an option. The Star 3 is an inexpensive option for businesses needing to move a number of staff around together with a payload, and it pleasantly surprises with its capability.

PAGE 28

PAGE 29 73516 Continental Auto ad 276X96_Autoforum.indd 1

2016/05/05 8:45 AM

INDUSTRY NEWS

AutoForum - November / December 2017

Two new road safety projects from SANRAL SANRAL certainly gets a lot of bad press, but as SA’s SOE’s go, it is still one of the most effective and important to our economy. Minister of Transport Joe Maswanganyi has officially launched the Eteza Traffic Control Centre and the Kwabhoboza Interchange – two new road safety projects constructed by SANRAL at a total cost of almost R500 million.

SANRAL’s strategy is that the Eteza Traffic Control Centre will help curb extensive overloading of trucks, a practice that has resulted in a marked deterioration in the condition of the province’s road network. The road damage caused by overloading leads to higher maintenance and repair costs and shortens the life of a road - placing an additional burden on the state as well as law abiding road users who ultimately carry the costs of careless and inconsiderate overloading.

The study conducted around 2008/2009, reported that daily there were between 500 and 700 pedestrians crossing the N2 freeway unsafely especially at the point where the new interchange is now built. Several serious and fatal accidents were witnessed weekly. The report also revealed that due to the poor condition of community roads linking KwaMsane Township and the Mtubatuba town, motorists and pedestrians were being forced to use the N2 as the access road into town.

The overload control facility at Eteza sees heavy vehicles of more than five tons gross mass weighed. Drivers of heavy vehicles will be issued a fine if the vehicle exceeds the permissible mass on gross mass and/or axle unit mass. The facility is also used to inspect the roadworthiness of vehicles on a 24-hour basis.

The project therefore saw the municipality assisted in the construction of concrete internal collector roads by SMMEs at a cost of R21 million. At the same time, SANRAL rehabilitated other community roads in the area after community members complained about flooding of their houses due to poorly designed existing roads.

The existing intersection at Kwabhoboza was problematic as not only was it extremely busy, but the high speed of the vehicles travelling on N2 made the crossing extremely dangerous for motorists and pedestrians. SANRAL explains that the improvements have already resulted in safer walkways for pedestrians; improved safety overall for pedestrians and motorists and a reduction in accidents.

Minister Maswanganyi in an address to the community said: “The transport sector is at the heart of the country’s development and it is my duty to ensure that South Africans have safe, reliable, affordable and convenient public transport.

Improved road infrastructure also has the potential to bring about a quantifiable reduction in fatalities. Decisions made at the design stage can have a significant impact on the level of death and injury when the road has been constructed.”

The overhaul included the provision of taxi lay byes and pedestrian facilities with a new pedestrian fence on the road reserve within the KwaMsane community also installed.The added bonus of the two projects is the involvement of the community through job creation and skills training.

Dumisani Nkabinde, Operations and Maintenance Manager at SANRAL Eastern region said during preparation for the construction of the Kwabhoboza Interchange, that the organisation undertook a transportation study of the function of the N2 within the Mtubatuba region.

PAGE 30

“Best global practices in design and engineering are increasingly being implemented in developing countries and South Africa is, indeed, fortunate to draw on the experience and expertise available at an organisation such as SANRAL which is widely-respected among its peers in the industry.”

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INDUSTRY NEWS

AutoForum - November / December 2017

250 Million connected cars by 2020 When Continental connected the first vehicles to the Internet back in 1996, not many could have imagined that the technology company would have connected more than 30 million vehicles by 2017. And it is not expected to stop any time soon. the seamless connection, to the services and the interaction between driver and vehicle. Today we are developing the building blocks for all areas of holistic connectivity. “ “Wireless software updates for the entire vehicle electronics constitute a central building block for holistic connectivity,” says Matschi. The company has teamed up with Carnegie Technologies for a solution that enables the seamless and disruption-free transition between different wireless networks (mobile telephony, Wi-Fi or satellite systems). To send data packages containing as much data as possible from the cloud to the vehicle and back, the solution can also combine data lines, for example, from the passengers’ mobile devices as a means of pooling transmission capacities.

This year will see half of all new cars rolling off the production line equipped with some form of connectivity solution, which means that by 2020, around 250 million connected cars will be on our roads all around the world.

“Where vehicle connectivity was once simply an added feature, it is now becoming a key technology for intelligent mobility of the future. This is why we are focusing on holistic connectivity for a seamless online connection, and developing the entire vehicle into an open system,” says Helmut Matschi, member of the Executive Board at Continental and head of the Interior Division.

“Holistic connectivity concerns all aspects of a connected vehicle - from the in-vehicle electronics architecture, through

PAGE 32

In a collaboration with Inmarsat, Continental is also using satellite communication - in addition to mobile telephony and Wi-Fi - to provide vehicle manufacturers and drivers worldwide with the best-possible network connection at all times. Continental explains that it has created a development framework within the cloud that uses standard development tools and therefore does not require developers to have any specialised automotive software expertise. As such, it believes it is opening up the connected car to a broad developer community, creating the basis for a number of exciting functions.

The cloud terminal also acts as the driver’s digital assistant, analysing the driver’s habits and providing appropriate personalised functions.

Townships targeted as job creation hubs A public-private partnership is set on changing life in the rural and township environs in SA. The partnership says it recognises the potential for emerging enterprises to contribute towards job creation and the mainstream economy.

With government backing and the belief that SMMEs are the solution to the country’s unemployment woes, the three-year partnership between Sumitomo Rubber SA’s iconic brand, Dunlop, and Ithala Development Finance Corporation’s Small Business Growth Enterprise division will see a minimum of 25 containerised tyre fitment centres being established across KwaZulu-Natal and 100 jobs created.

“Sumitomo has been driving this initiative since 2013 and currently has over 100 Dunlop containers across our country’s nine provinces. We are proud to be the only tyre company in SA to partner with rural and township areas to grow communities,” said Yvette Govender, Director: Marketing & Business Development at Sumitomo Rubber SA. “The programme not only opens the economy to this sector but counters the growing number of illegal, dangerous second-hand tyres being sold to consumers. Our programme has opened doors for us to partner with government and SOEs enabling all parties to play an active role in eradicating poverty and growing our economy.”

The project will see informal tyre trading containers in townships and rural areas transformed into Dunlop-branded containers, providing opportunities for unemployed youth, women and aspiring business owners to be trained and mentored in tyre sales and repair. Technical tyre training and business mentorship are provided jointly by Sumitomo and Ithala. The latter has allocated funding totalling R4.1 million over the three-year partnership agreement for the supply, branding and fitment of containers.

To date, the partnership has resulted in five container businesses being awarded in Estcourt, Ladysmith, Madadeni, Esikhaleni and Eshowe.

The Dunlop Container Tyre Fitment Centre programme forms part of the KZN Revitalisation of Township and Rural Economies policy framework spearheaded by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and is closely aligned with Ithala’s mandate to develop township and rural economies.

“For far too long, micro-entrepreneurs trading in marginalised communities have been yearning to participate in the mainstream economy,” said Themba Mathe, Acting Group Chief Executive at Ithala.

“As a development finance institution, we remain steadfast in our commitment to championing development in poor and marginalised communities and investing in people to enable an improved quality of life and improved prosperity.

“We fully support the call by government to put youth, women, people with disabilities and historically marginalised communities at the forefront of the socio-economic transformation agenda.”

He said the partnership was all-encompassing in that it promoted proper skills transfer and training, access to finance and importantly, ensured the profitability and sustainability of enterprises.

According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report 2016/2017, efficiency-based economies including South Africa should be opportunity versus necessity driven. The report found that almost three-quarters of South African entrepreneurs were opportunity-driven; a statistic that is higher than the average for other efficiency-driven economies as well as substantially higher than the average for the Africa region.

PAGE 33

INDUSTRY NEWS

AutoForum - November / December 2017

EC auto suppliers lead in the support of black-owned manufacturers According to a new report – the findings of which were presented by project manager Jody Naidoo at the Local Economic Development (LED) summit hosted in East London - Tier 1, 2 and 3 auto suppliers in the Eastern Cape have taken the national lead in identifying and supporting black-owned manufacturers.

“The dynamics of the automotive industry are such that new suppliers invariably have to enter into the industry through component manufacturers, rather than the vehicle assemblers themselves.”

The forum has created a database of the suppliers and distributed this to the 77 ECAIF members. The list is being continuously updated, and black-owned manufacturers can register at www.ecaif.co.za.

The statistics were compiled by the East Cape Automotive Industry Forum (ECAIF) following research it commissioned, which identified over 30 black-owned manufacturers, about half of which are already supplying the automotive industry. The remainder, it found, have the potential to supply component manufacturers.Naidoo commented at the event: “The auto industry is responding to government’s vision to transform the auto industry. Companies wanting to qualify for industry incentives will have to show that they are transformed.”

He added that ECAIF has already determined the demand available from component manufacturers in specific product categories, with the absolute intention of supporting black owned manufacturing companies.

For the next phase, a three-year plan for the development of black-owned manufacturers has been drawn up and is due to be rolled out early in the new year.“What we have established through our research for ECAIF and our interaction with potential suppliers is that there are no short cuts. It will take at least three years to develop a new manufacturer to the point where they have the necessary quality, reliability and productivity,” says Naidoo.

Three different classes of businesses will be supported – the first being existing manufacturers that need help scaling up or meeting the requirements of the auto industry. The second is white-owned businesses that want to transform by selling a portion of the company to black partners. “Some owners are approaching retirement and want to exit the business over the next few years. Other companies are also looking at spinning off one or more of their operations as black-owned businesses.”

“These developments provide golden opportunities for black entrepreneurs wanting to enter the motor manufacturing industry.”

New car purchases could start rising again TransUnion has released its latest VPI report which indicates a growing preference among consumers for affordable, reliable and reasonably young used cars. However, the trends recorded in the latest index suggest tipping back to see new car purchases regaining some of their lost popularity.

The report shows that between Q3 2016 and Q3 2017, prices on new vehicles increased at a slower rate than many would have anticipated - the new vehicle VPI dropped from 9.9% to 3.1%, the lowest such percentage since 2013. In the same period, price increases on used cars increased from 2.8% to 3.6%, the highest level observed since 2012. Derick de Vries, CEO: Auto Information Solutions at TransUnion explains: “The cyclical nature of the automotive industry is the main impactor, and the reason that this trend is most likely here to stay for a while. Used cars have been performing well for the last few years, and as a result, less people have been opting for new vehicles.

PAGE 34

Less new vehicle purchases mean less vehicles to resell to dealers, a dwindling availability of quality used cars, and that dealers can thus charge more for them. In other words, new car sales are what inevitably feed the used car industry, and so, the performance of the two are inextricably linked by the rules of supply and demand.”

Ultimately, value for money, ease of maintenance and a high level of reliability remain the priorities of all vehicle purchasers, but the scales continue to tip, first one way, then the other, in terms of whether new or used vehicles offer the best deal in cash-strapped times.

Suspension basics - Part 2 Following on from the first editorial in the previous Autoforum publication where we briefly reviewed the evolution of vehicle suspension, it’s now also important to understand why certain materials and designs are used in suspension systems. With the ever increasing global environmental awareness and the drive to reduce harmful emissions the automotive industry is now challenged to make their vehicles more environmentally friendly.

One of the most popular methods that the majority of vehicle manufactures are using to make their vehicles operate more efficiently is to reduce the vehicles overall weight. The reduction in overall weight enables the vehicle to operate more efficiently by reducing the driving force that propels the vehicle in a forward motion. The weight (mass) is exponentially related to the rolling resistance, the greater the mass the greater the rolling resistance and energy required to overcome inertia. In layman’s terms the lighter the vehicle less the effort required in driving the vehicle in a forward motion.

Control Arms Control arms are structural supports that connect the vehicle’s chassis to the wheel hub assembly, via the steering knuckle.

A control arm enables the upward and downward movement of the wheel while preventing its forward and rear movement.

Control arms are isolated from the chassis with metal-encased control arm rubber bushes.

The vehicle’s weight (mass) can be divided into two principle masses, the first been the sprung mass, which is the vehicle’s body and all parts suspended by the coil springs. The 2nd mass is the unsprung mass, which are all vehicle’s components below the coil springs such as the struts, control arms, rack ends, wheels and hubs, etc. Manufacturers utilise man-made fibres, aluminium alloys and technically advanced forging processes to reduce the weight on the vehicle’s unsprung mass. The reduction in weight allows for improved road handling and stability under all road conditions.

Sprung Mass

Suspension kits

Unsprung Mass To illustrate this you can compare a vehicle from the 1950’s with solid pressed wishbone suspension and drum brakes, to a 2010 luxury German vehicle with an aluminium alloy forged multi-link suspension and brake discs around a race track. The luxury vehicle will obviously be able to lap faster due to a higher power to weight ratio than the vehicle from the 1950’s with antiquated braking and bulky suspension system that has approximately 40% more unsprung mass.

Old VS New

Multilink suspension systems utilises multi pivot fulcrum points to achieve uniform structural support and optimal articulation of the suspension system. These pivot points are subjected to significant stresses and strains during normal vehicle operation.

This renders these pivot points susceptible to wear and tear and they often require complete replacement of all the multi links control arms.

A Plus suspension caters for the complete replacement of all these multi links and offers a suspension kit with all the necessary components to replace and repair either front or rear suspension systems.

PAGE 35

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PAGE 36

The connected car - For fleets Fleet management is about to receive an innovative facelift, with Connected Car technology making its way into fleet vehicles in the not-so-distant future. TomTom Telematics recently announced that it is involved in a partnership with LeasePlan, which will see the latter offer the latest in cloud-based fleet management technology.

Under the service agreement, LeasePlan customers will be able to access TomTom’s advanced cloud-based fleet management and connected car solutions, including Webfleet.

These solutions – all of which support customer compliance with the latest data privacy legislation – help corporate fleet and mobility managers improve performance by providing real-time data on key fleet metrics. For drivers, car connectivity will deliver smarter mobility solutions which enhance the overall driving experience, improve efficiency on the road and make life easier.

LeasePlan will also leverage the cloudbased Tom Tom Telematics Service Platform, enabling the company to further optimise the performance of its fleet management activities in key areas such as vehicle maintenance and contract management.

Tex Gunning, CEO LeasePlan, commented: “With our ‘Digital Power of One LeasePlan’ strategy, we will use the latest technologies to bring our company into the digital world and make LeasePlan’s aspiration of ‘Any car, Anytime, Anywhere’ a reality. I’m therefore delighted to announce LeasePlan’s partnership with TomTom Telematics, which is a great proof point of our digital approach. From now on, we will be able to provide our customers with real-time data on key fleet management metrics such as vehicle maintenance requirements and carbon dioxide emissions. For us, this is the future of mobility.”

Although not yet available in South Africa, the Connected Car trend is gaining traction internationally, moving from high-end luxury cars into mass produced mid-market cars and fleet vehicles. The technology is developing and evolving at an impressive speed and is expected to reach our shores soon.

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Tesla’s reveal takes aim at the truck market Tesla wowed the crowds with its latest releases in the U.S. in mid November, enveiling its biggest ever vehicle to the public – the all electric class 8 semi-truck - at SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, California. And although the released specs on the jawdropping truck are exciting indeed, naysayers are already not convinced it will ever come to fruition.

Elon Musk certainly has personality and his showmanship drew a very enthusiastic crowd for the new 500-mile range commercial vehicle. He told the assembled media and spectators that companies that remain with traditional diesel fleets in future will be committing “economic suicide” - that in reference to the 20 percent cheaper per mile operation he claims for the newbie, which is promised to become available in 2019.

Musk pointed out that the range of 500 miles could be almost doubled thanks to the use of megachargers, a new high-speed charging solution that would see truckers add 400 miles in just 30 minutes of charging.

While Musk did not define a price point for the truck, he confirmed it would have the lowest cost of ownership - an estimated cost of $1.26 a mile at a guaranteed 7 cents per kilowatt hour, compared with an average of $1.51 a mile for a conventional diesel. (With SA’s economy as it is, translating that into Rands is a less than scientific art).

The Tesla Semi goes from 0 mph to 60 mph (that is around 96Km/h) in 5 seconds without a trailer, compared with 15 seconds for a diesel. It climbs 5% grades at a steady 65 mph, while diesel trucks max out at 45 mph.

Other highlights include self-driving technology, which would allow the trucks to travel in convoys and require only a driver for the first truck and making it a cheaper option than rail; a “bullet shaped” day cab nose boasting an interior centre seat flanked by two touchscreens; a flat bottom and a smaller gap between truck and trailer.

PAGE 38

The chargers, he says, can be installed at origin or destination points, and along heavily trafficked routes. But no clarity was shared on whose cost the on-the-road chargers would be.

That makes a “gigantic difference” for truckers who are paid by the mile, he told the audience made up largely of Tesla car owners. How many of them will still be able to earn a living as truckers was a point best left to a later date presumably.

The truck is powered by Tesla Model 3 electric motors – one for each rear wheel. With no shifting or clutching there is smoother acceleration and deceleration, and its regenerative

braking recovers 98% of kinetic energy to the battery, giving it a basically infinite brake life, the company said.

“We met with Tesla and at this time we do not see a fit with their product and our fleet,” Dave Bates, senior vice president of operations, said in an email, without elaborating.

But wait – there is more. Onboard sensors that detect instability coupled with the vehicle’s lower center of gravity means “jackknifing is impossible,” Musk says, which was only slightly less well received than his assertion that the truck will “not breakdown for 1 million miles.” The latter is apparently made possible by virtue of the 4 separate motors. Any issues that do arise will be detected by remote diagnostics services.

Reuters added that Tesla would need to invest substantially to create a factory for trucks. “The company is currently spending about $1 billion per quarter, largely to set up the Model 3 factory, and is contemplating a factory in China to build cars.

Charging and maintaining electric trucks that crisscross the country could be expensive and complex.”

Musk also declared that cracked windshields are a thing of the past with “thermonuclear explosion proof glass” being installed on the unit, ensuring chips and shatters are simply not possible.

In an age where new technologies create opportunities but simultaneously threaten to shake up the market and disrupt the status quo, groups of naysayers will always find a voice.

But sceptics were quick to point out that Tesla’s enigmatic frontman did not take media questions and that the company’s track record for keeping to delivery times is less than stellar.

Nobody believed mass market smart phones would be viable, or that anybody apart from geeks would use the internet, many believed air travel was a fantasy and at a stage most people believed the world to have edges you could sail off.

In addition, the convoy or platooning concept faces an uncertain regulatory future in the U.S. That is since the USA Congress is considering exempting heavy duty trucks from looser self-driving rules in the works, after truckers lobbied that safety and millions of jobs could be at risk.

Reuters reports that Old Dominion Freight Line Inc, the fourthlargest U.S. less-than-truckload carrier, which consolidates smaller freight loads onto a single truck, said it was not signing on to be part of the new Tesla Semi family.

Progress demands innovation. Companies that create disruptive leaps forward will naturally challenge these negative assertions, and probably use them as fuel to find solutions on some sort of gigantic “to-do” list. The ripple that Tesla created in the consumer vehicle market may not be emulated as rapidly in the trucking market, but the ambitions are there and the company is famous for sticking to its guns - usually at enormous costs.

Refreshingly, it seems that for companies like Tesla “Here be Dragons” is merely a challenge when scrawled onto a map.

PAGE 39

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AutoForum - November / December 2017

FUSO launches retail campaigns to boost sales FUSO Trucks South Africa and FUSO Finance (a brand within Mercedes-Benz Financial Services) have launched a new campaign that promises to not only offer value for money, “but makes the provision of affordable, safe, accessible and reliable transport vehicles as effortless as possible.” affordable finance options,” said Ziyad Gaba, Head of FUSO Trucks Southern Africa.

The campaign is based on a fixed instalment sale agreement with two different instalment periods available and also includes a discounted price on the FUSO FE7 - 136 chassis cab.

The offers are valid until December 31, 2017 and all details can be viewed on the company’s website www.fuso.co.za.

“As FUSO Trucks Southern Africa and FUSO Finance, we aim to ensure that our customers have the opportunity to benefit from our superior vehicles and value-added services, including

The Volvo Financial Services launch Volvo Group launched their Volvo Financial Services (VFS) offering to the market last month. The service is aimed at customers in the truck and bus industry including UD Trucks, Volvo Bus, Volvo Trucks, and Volvo CE. The initial offering will consist of an installment sales agreement, a finance lease or an operating lease. The presence is mapped out to Volvo trucks and is trucks dealers, currently launching to South Africa, with plans to expand in the future. “The initiative is strategically aimed to deliver value to customers by being easy to do business with, through our speed and industry knowledge, and by working hard to develop a longterm relationship with them throughout the business cycles,” explained Scott Rafkin, President of VFS.

Torbjorn Christensson is confident that the brand presence means that market share can still be driven. “The banks are not as active in tougher markets and so we see the current conditions as perfect opportunity to launch VFS in the country.

Things have started returning with a degree of balance where the economy and the political situation are thankfully sometimes not intrinsically linked. So we are ramping up production to cope with demand, the factory is running full speed and things are looking positive”.

“Profitability and success come from being the most relevant business partner for customers and dealers, and VFS’s setup and structure offer a competitive advantage that drives loyalty,” he continued. VFS is attempting to make dealing with the group feel like a one-stop shopping experience. And it seems to be working for customers - currently VFS is involved with one third of all new business in markets where they are active, but the market downturn has presented challenges and its own set of risks.

VFS will also continue its alliance with WesBank, with financial products that complement each other, to further strengthen the company’s offering.

“The partnership with Wesbank has been beneficial to both parties and the customers, and we believe that we can optimize these processes even more to benefit those same stakeholders” concluded Winkelmann. Eicher will not be part of the offering to begin with, as Volvo’s JV businesses have different structures, but it will in all likelihood grow into the offering in years to come.

According to Jens Winkelmann, the local country manager for VFS, Volvo Group has the policies procedures and strategies in place to realize the potential in the market especially with road freight’s role in the SA economy.

PAGE 40

Rafkin Scott, Jens Winkelmann and Torbjorn Christensson at the VFS launch

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PAGE 41

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SA drivers shine at UD Trucks’ Extra Mile Challenge Lafras Kruger was named the best driver at the finals of UD Trucks’ Extra Mile Challenge fleet driver competition in Japan recently. Kruger took top honours in the UD Quester product category, bringing home the award for SA. Fellow SA participant Buza Ngcelwane meanwhile, was honoured for the Best Fuel Efficiency in the Quon product category.

“What a fantastic achievement by Lafras to clinch the top spot in this prestigious international competition,” said Gert Swanepoel, managing director of UD Trucks South Africa.

the competition truly was a tough battle. Thanks to the support from my company’s management and UD Trucks’ staff, I made it to the top and all the sacrifices were so worth it!”

“Both Lafras and Buza certainly did South Africa proud, and is testament to the level of skills we have in the local transport industry.”

Ngcelwane, a driver for Dairy Farmers SA in Port Elizabeth, achieved the best fuel efficiency through careful planning and his extensive knowledge of the operation, performance and handling of the Quon extra heavy truck.

Kruger’s achievement is significant indeed considering he only started as a truck driver 10 month before. Hailing from Somerset East in the Eastern Cape province, Kruger works for RA Transport, a general freight transport company.

“I am simply overwhelmed by the fact that I have actually won the title,” said Kruger. “It took many hours of preparation and

PAGE 42

“The Extra Mile Challenge is not just simply a driving competition, but it also provides a wonderful opportunity for drivers to test and hone their skills, refine their strengths and simply go the extra mile,” said Kishi Nobuhiko, UD Trucks’ senior vice president of brand and product.

Body repair insight in association with BodyShop News International November / December 2017

WorldSkills Abu Dhabi

+ Korean Automotive Week Contents SAMBRA ConferencE & WINNERS Big thinkers and innovation RUPES FINISHING EQUIPMENT

BODYSHOP NEWS

AutoForum - November / December 2017

Body repairer conference concludes in Stellenbosch The South African Motor Body Repairers Association recently held its conference weekend in Stellenbosch, which saw a selection of its members joined by insurers, OEMs, suppliers and other industry stakeholders. The weekend was aimed at encouraging networking, idea exchange and workshopping the challenges and opportunities in the MBR industry today.

The weekend kicked off with a late afternoon of team building

“As a motor body repair association, it is our duty to foster

exercises and the conference began in earnest the following

effective collaboration between our members on the ground,

morning. Keynote speaker Ryan Hogarth provided a reality

and insurers, OEMs and suppliers, Edwin Martin, SAMBRA’s

check on how businesses need to prepare themselves to keep

National Director.

up with the ever-evolving demands of today’s consumer. This was followed by Dionne Kerr from Siyakha Implementation

“Through this exercise we are able to build best practice

Partners (SAMBRA’s strategic B-BBEE partner) with hard-

models through assisting all parties to re-evaluate and

hitting facts around B-BBEE compliance. Thereafter panel

streamline their processes and procedures, and improve skill

discussions featuring representation from various related

levels and regulatory compliance. Addressing mutual key

industries (including the merSETA, SAIA, RMI and Siyakha)

performance areas will grow businesses at both ends of the

allowed participants to find out more about the future of the

scale and ultimately benefit the consumer.”

MBR industry, and involved a lively and constructive debate with the audience.

LIST OF WINNERS The weekend culminated in the announcement of the annual Insurer, OEM and Paint & Equipment Suppliers Awards.

Insurance Category:

Financial services group Santam was announced the official

1st Place – Best Insurer: Santam

winner of the Insurer of the Year award. The company was also

2nd Place – Best Insurer: Old Mutual Insure

awarded the Green Practices Award in the Insurance Category

3rd Place – Best Insurer: Hollard

for the second time – an award they also received last year.

Best Payer: Outsurance

Old Mutual Insure and Hollard received the 2nd and 3rd places

Most Efficient: Outsurance

respectively.

Green Practices: Santam Service Excellence: Outsurance

Ford was once again awarded Best OEM, BASF received the overall service excellence award in the Paint Supplier Category,

OEM Category:

while Bosch made a clean sweep in the Equipment Supplier Category.

1st Place – Best OEM: Ford 2nd Place – Best OEM: Audi

The awards are based on an independently managed and

3rd Place – Best OEM: Volkswagen

audited survey that targets SAMBRA members nationwide to

Best Training Programme: Audi

rate insurers, OEMs, as well as paint and equipment suppliers

Communication Excellence: Audi

on a number of factors including relationship satisfaction,

Paint Supplier Category:

quality of vehicle damage assessment and repairers’

Best Training: BASF

interaction with claims staff, payment speed, customer service,

Best Product Support: PPG

green practices, training programmes, product support and

Overall Service Excellence: BASF

more.

Equipment Supplier Category: The first annual survey was conducted in 2011 to gauge the business relationship between the insurance and motor body

Best Training: Bosch

repair industry. The survey has since been extended to include

Best Product Support: Bosch

OEMs, as well as paint and equipment suppliers.

Overall Service Excellence: Bosch

PAGE 44

BODYSHOP NEWS

AutoForum - November / December 2017

WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 hailed an absolute success The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best skills competitors have been honoured with medals at the Closing Ceremony of WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017. They travelled from across the world to compete at the 44th edition of the world championship of vocational skills.

BodyShop News publisher Michel Malik was there for the duration of the competition.

China led the medal table with 15 gold medals, seven silvers

About 1300 young people from 59 WorldSkills member

and eight bronzes. Korea came second on medal points with

countries and regions showcased their talent across 51 skills

eight golds, eight silvers and eight bronzes. Switzerland was

competitions. Held between 15-18 October, this was the first

third on points, winning 11 golds, six silvers, and three bronzes.

time that the WorldSkills Competition was conducted in the

The hosts, the United Arab Emirates, won three Medallions for

Middle East and North Africa region.

Excellence.

PAGE 46

At the closing ceremony at the du Arena in Abu Dhabi, 10,000

It was under his patronage WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 was

international visitors along with an online global audience

held, as well as to the organisers of the event, Abu Dhabi

watched competitors discover who had won gold, silver and

Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training

bronze WorldSkills medals.

(ACTVET), and Emirates Skills.

The Albert Vidal Award for the best in competition was won by Biao Song from China who competed in the Industrial Mechanic Millwright skill. The Albert Vidal Award is named in memory of the founder of WorldSkills International.

“You came here as the best in the skills that you have made your own in your countries,” said Simon Bartley, President of WorldSkills. “Whether you are leaving here with a medal or not, you all leave here as champions, individuals who have reached higher than you could ever have imagined when you started your journey three years ago. I salute you, everybody in this arena salutes you, the world salutes you.”

Bartley thanked the Government of the United Arab Emirates, expressing particular gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

PAGE 47

BODYSHOP NEWS

AutoForum - November / December 2017

“This has been a proud week for me and for the UAE,” said

WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 was the largest WorldSkills

His Excellency Mubarak Saeed al Shamsi, the Director General

competition to date, attracting more than 125,000 visitors.

of ACTVET. “The UAE has a rich and deep heritage and skills have been at the heart of the story of our nation – from

The closing ceremony of WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 ended

our relationship with the desert and the sea, through to the

with the handover of the WorldSkills flag to the next hosts,

development of our oil industry, and now, as we look to a

WorldSkills Kazan 2019. The 45th WorldSkills competition will

high-tech future as we continue to diversify and develop our

held in Russia from 29 August – 3 September 2019 in Kazan,

economy.”

Russia.

PAGE 48

Below are the winners in the autobody and refinish divisions.

AUTOBODY REPAIR (sponsored by Car-O-Liner and 3M)

CAR PAINTING (sponsored by Glasurit, SATA and 3M)

GOLD

- Shanwei Yang (China)

GOLD

- Yingcheng Jiang (China)

SILVER

- Heiko Zumbrunn (Switzerland)

SILVER

- Daryl Head ( U.K)

BRONZE

- Andrew Gault ( U.K)

BRONZE - Maurus von Holzen (Switzerland)

- Jonas Heinze (Germany)

- Enzo Barragato (France)

PAGE 49

AutoForum - November / December 2017

BODYSHOP NEWS

Big thinkers and innovation

- Karen Fierst

Dave Niestroy thinks big. 3D Auto Body Repair & Collision, founded in 1981 by Niestroy, has seven locations in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the USA, serving its growing customer base and provides jobs to over 100 team members.

However, it wasn’t always like that.

As a teenager Dave painted bicycles, lawnmowers and

Dave’s newest location is 2800 square metres. In that space,

eventually cars in his parents’ garage. Having discovered his

15 to 20 technicians move 25 cars in and out per day during

passion, in his early 20s he set out to build what has become

one ten-hour shift. 3D’s new shop has attracted a number of

a network of highly successful and well reputed collision repair

technicians working at other shops who heard about the shop

shops. It didn’t always go smoothly, but Dave kept looking

and, after seeing it, wanted to work there. Okay, it doesn’t hurt

ahead, thinking big and moving forward.

that the salary and benefits are attractive.

3D’s moto does, indeed, include three ‘D’s which stand for:

Dave conceived of this shop in February 2015. It took two years

• “DRIVEN to provide our customers with quality on time every

and a number of significant challenges, but with the opening of

time”

this shop, Dave has fulfilled another one of his dreams. How did

• “DEDICATED to our promise... you will be satisfied”

he manage to do this? Not on his own.

• “DYNAMIC in our commitment to reinvest heavily in the equipment, new technologies, and training required of a

Dave is still a big thinker, but he’s not the only one.

state-of-the art repair facility” It’s that last one – dynamic commitment to create a state-of-the

SYMACH

art repair facility – that brought me to 3D’s newest location in

Osvaldo Bergaglio, Founder, President and CEO of Symach, is

Conshohocken, Pennsylvania on 16 March 2017.

also a big thinker.

I met Dave close to a decade ago, but this was the first time

In 2001 Italian company Symach introduced a revolutionary

I visited any of his shops. I knew Dave was a successful

new automotive paint process, dubbed “Drytonic”. According

businessman. In fact, his business had grown significantly since

to the company, Drytonic technology dries paint in less than

I met him.

one minute. While this was a ground-breaking technology, the full value of the process could not be realised because of the

However, I must say, I was completely unprepared for what I

conventional collision repair process.

saw that very cold March day. To quote one of 3D’s newly hired

The

technicians: “My friend told me 3D was hiring and to come over

company realised that Drytronic could not reach its full

here to take a look at the place. I was completely floored when I

capability unless the entire collision repair process was

walked in! It looks like a space station.”

reorganised and a new business model created. Symach

PAGE 52

Karen Fierst, Principal of KerenOr Consultants, is a well-known collision industry veteran in the US and abroad. Fierst is an active participant in the Collision Industry Conference, National Auto Body Council and a number of other industry associations. KerenOr Consultants provides automotive aftermarket business, market and strategic development consulting, linking US and global markets

initiated a project to do just that, with Bergaglio hired as a

With that information in hand, Symach creates a customised

consultant on the project.

FixLine shop layout which can accommodate six to 42 cars per day. Symach, which makes every component in the system in

Bergaglio and his team created an innovative approach to

its own factory, can illustrate how much each shop will save

collision repair based completely on technology. The result is

by using the FixLine process. Normally a shop recoups its

FixLine – a completely new way to fix cars.

investment in about two years.

FixLine has been on the market for about six years and there

According to its website, the FixLine system consists of a layout

are currently about 50 collision repair shops in the world using

and repair process that combines the company’s patented

Symach’s FixLine system.

Drytronic technology, specialised drying robots and the SAP Symach Application Process painting cycle.

The company has a global team of about 20 technicians which sets up the customised FixLine layout. Its team of trainers

“Compared to conventional methods, the FixLine system

generally works five or six weeks with each shop until the shop

reduces the average cost of repair by 25-30 per cent and the

meets its production and cycle time goals.

touch time to less than two days,” says Bergaglio. FixLine includes all phases of repair and is customised for every shop

The FixLine process has been installed in collision repair shops

to ensure a more organised workflow and optimal repair times.

in Aruba, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Italy, New Zealand,

Drytonic is the key component which drives the FixLine system.

Norway, Thailand and the United States.

Because the paint process sequence has been changed

In addition to FixLine, Symach has sold more than 2400 robots

and goes much quicker, one part of this system is that each

in the past five years to 1800 customers. The company opened

technician works continually in one space, rather than having to

a 15,000 square metre factory in Bologna in January 2016.

jump from job to job waiting for paint to dry. FixLine technology

Not since the introduction of lean manufacturing processes in

includes floor rails that enable vehicles to easily be moved from

the early 2000s have we seen such a revolutionary approach to

bay to bay without having to drive from bay to bay.

the collision repair process.

It also requires less space per technician, reduces labour time by about 60 percent and results in about 1.6 days touch time compared to eight days.

Symach’s sales approach involves illustrating to each collision repair facility how much money it can save by changing their operations to the FixLine process. With the goal of optimising cycle time and labour costs, Symach requires each shop to complete an extensive questionnaire which includes in-depth information about its current operations, technicians and goals.

PAGE 53

BODYSHOP NEWS

AutoForum - November / December 2017

Rupes Bigfoot range is a winner at Poor-boys On-line - Grant West

Autoforum recently met Mohamed Khan owner of Poor-boys On-line, a passionate entrepreneur who has created a very successful business in the niche car care and detailing sector.

Khan recalled how his love of cars started at a young age.

appreciated the car wash for the quality and service

“I’ve always had a passion for cars and performance. I

received. Khan soon opened a second one in Bruma.

remember every time my dad would pull out his red Ford

“With this carwash I wanted to make it very exclusive and

XR6, I would run out excitedly wanting to help, I would

wanted to create a carwash experience that would attract

then spend hours cleaning, until I achieved the results

a different clientele.” Being innovative, he added a coffee

desired. When I got older I become very meticulous and

lounge and big screen TV to view major sporting events.

pedantic. In my early high school days, I began fitting

“Exclusivity obviously meant using high quality products

sound and detailing cars. “

and at that time Meguiars was the best option, as well as being well established. Later I was introduced to Chemical

He opened his first car wash in Bez Valley in 2006 and

Guys who were new and fairly unknown in South Africa at

soon gained a wide ranging group of supporters, who

the time. I recall testing the product the first time, being

PAGE 54

completely blown away and knowing I had to have this

for its Iron R wheel and rim cleaners, “Glossworx is

brand. We spoke and entered a partnership, so I sold my

constantly innovating and staying abreast with latest

carwash to raise the funds to bring in a container from the

technology, to provide our clients with premium products

US. It all started there.”

at all times. We have also aimed at becoming SA’s biggest and best online store.”

After a year or two the partnership was dissolved, resulting in his taking over the company. Rapid growth

Their online business has grown from strength to strength,

and increasing reputation followed, along with the

attracting interest from many leading brands along the

establishment of the online store Poor-boys. “By 2014

way.

importing from the USA had become more difficult, it was then that I decided I wanted to develop my own brand.

Khan explains: “My main ambition is to provide our

A brand that was manufactured in South Africa but with

expanding customer base with the best in value and

the same, if not better, international quality that we had

service, which is why we have recently partnered with

become accustomed to. With the knowledge of chemicals

Celette SA, to bring the famous Italian brand Rupes to a

and an understanding of what they should do, I sourced

wider market. This new found partnership with Celette SA

and approached many different manufacturers in South

has been hugely successful, with strong demand for the

Africa, but couldn’t get the quality that I required.

range of Bigfoot polishing systems from the online store averaging 12 machines a week.”

After hours of research he then sourced the best raw materials internationally and began the hard work,

Khan attributes this success to an alignment of core

research and development involved in manufacturing and

company values and beliefs in “passion, service, pride

packaging locally. The final product is the now well-known

and respect.” Together in 2018, the intention is to cement

brand, Glossworx.

their growth, by delivering value, know-how and success to their customers.

The brand is recognized as home to premium car care products with an enviable market share. Renowned

BODYSHOP NEWS

AutoForum - November / December 2017

Korean Automotive Week Automotive Week 2017 was held at KINTEX in Goyang, north of Seoul in South Korea. BodyShop News Australia Publisher Michel Malik was invited to attend and make a presentation on the future of the collision repair industry.

Marking the 11th running of the automotive parts and

In his opening speech, Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure

aftermarket exhibition, the event, held 8-10 September,

and Transport Sung- kyu Maeng said: “At the 2017 Automotive

attracted favourable responses from insiders and audiences

Week, we will think of where we are standing, and the

alike.

government will find ways to assist the automotive industry.”

It was hailed a success with crowd numbers more than 10

Automotive Week consisted of six exhibitions: Auto Service

percent higher than those of 2016. This year’s exhibition

Korea which focused on maintenance and repair services; the

boasted an exhibition area of 45,000 square metres and 300

Auto Tuning Show highlighted tuning, upgrade, customising,

exhibitors, while attendees numbered 74,000, an increase of

and motor sports; Auto Camping featuring camper vans,

9000 people compared to last year’s attendance of 65,000.

caravans, camper maintenance, and outdoor gear; Auto Parts showcased OEM parts; Lotte Auto Fiesta, an imported car

PAGE 56

showcase jointly organised with Lotte Department Store; and

Various auto-technical seminars were also highly acclaimed.

Auto EV where visitors gained first-hand experience with eco-

Chassis Improvement and Customer Services, an EV seminar

friendly electric cars.

organised by CAR&TECH, as well as a seminar for people thinking of starting their own workshops, all drew favourable

Exhibitors met with international buyers in 145 meetings

responses from attendees.

set up by the Automotive Week organisers. The fair is considered to have played a crucial role in helping the Korean

Our Korean sister magazine, BodyShop News Korea, through

automotive industry advance into overseas markets, resulting

its local publisher, organised for Michel Malik to give a half-an-

in negotiations worth nearly $150 million and contracts worth

hour presentation on the collision repair industry and its future

more than $9 million.

throughout the world.

The Drift Demo Run and the Gymkhana were the highlights of

Another event, the Eco Vehicle Show 2017, was all about

the vent and attracted large audiences, while the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kart Driving

eco-friendly rides. It showcased electric bicycles, electric cars

Instructionâ&#x20AC;?, where visitors got on the kart and drove on the

and other smart mobility products, as well as offering various

outdoor track, was another eye-catcher.

side events which included safe bicycle riding instructions by professional instructors along with a bicycle parade of 100 citizens.

PAGE 57

DIRECTORY LISTING

AutoForum - November / December Aftermarketplace Directory

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DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT

GARAGE EQUIPMENT & TOOLS

PARTS MANUFACTURERS & DISTRIBUTORS

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PAGE 58

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AutoForum - November / December 2017

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2017/08/16 10:15 AM