Capricorn is a cooperative, it’s also a Community and I consider it a key role of Capricorn to bring that Community together as often as we can, in whatever ways we can. Our Members, Preferred Suppliers and partners have so much in common but the nature of running a business means it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day, to feel isolated, or to feel like you’re the only ones dealing with a particular issue. Our people, like our Area Managers and Member Service Officers, are also part of the Capricorn Community and are here to support you.
Capricorn events — like our Convention, Gala Dinner & Trade Shows — create a vital space for our Community to network, learn from each other and forge stronger connections across the industry. I see this happen each time we hold an event and I’m incredibly proud of that.
Our Conventions are especially brilliant. They always take place in an exotic location and they’re a chance to have a lot of fun and take home some memories that will last a lifetime. Our next Convention is being held in Cefalù in Sicily in 2026. If you’ve never been to a Convention, a Gala Dinner or a Trade Show, you truly don’t know what you’re missing out on. I’d love to see you at one soon.
Another of Capricorn’s key roles is helping Members operate in the most efficient, cost-effective and sustainable ways possible. In this edition of Ignition, you’ll find an article highlighting the work of tyre recycling business, Tyrecycle. I’m proud of the way the automotive industry is always adapting to the changing world around us, including the way Members support new businesses and ways of working where they can. I hope you’ll find Tyrecycle’s story inspiring.
I am also pleased to share that Capricorn is starting to play an even larger role in promoting our industry and its causes wherever we can both to the wider community and to government. We will be doing so closely with our partners, such as the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association and the Motor Trades Associations and alike, on the issues that affect you, your business and our industry. Our industry keeps other industries on the road, and we will never tire in supporting it.
And before I go, a quick reminder to get your Rising Stars nominations in before the end of the month.
Brad Gannon Group CEO
4 APPRENTICES AND THE INDUSTRY’S FUTURE
Why they have an important role to play.
6 GIVE YOUR APPRENTICE A CHANCE TO SHINE
A guide to nominating and entering our Rising Stars Award.
8 DISCOVER THE CHARM OF CEFALÙ
5 ways to make the 2026 Convention unforgettable.
10 CLASSIC RIDE: VESPA
The ‘wasp’ that conquered the world.
14 2025 MG ZS ESSENCE HYBRID+
An exciting new addition to the hybrid market.
18 CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING FOR APPRENTICES
Are you overlooking this key area?
20 8 SKILLS FOR FUTURE BUSINESS OWNERS
What you’ll need to master in order to thrive.
Ignition, you can opt-out at any time by logging into myCAP and updating your Account settings and Communication Preferences.
Securing the future: The important apprentices role of
If there’s one truism in our industry, it’s that apprentices are the future.
It’s always been the case. Today’s apprentices are tomorrow’s senior technicians, workshop managers, business owners and industry leaders.
Which means finding, training, retaining and encouraging people into apprenticeships is vital for the health of our businesses and the aftermarket industry as a whole. It’s also an important long-term solution to the ongoing skills shortage that continues to be a major challenge for operators in our sector.
Last year, our State of the Nation research revealed a 3% decrease in the number of Members who said they were very or extremely likely to take on an apprentice in the future. While this might appear concerning in isolation, a look at the broader trend shows that this figure has actually increased by 10 percentage points (from 27% to 37%) in the five years since 2020. As such, it’s clear that apprentices have an increasingly important role to play for a lot of businesses as time goes on.
To address the skills shortage and secure our talent pipeline, it’s vital we continue this positive trend and attract and retain more apprentices — not just for the future of our industry but for individual businesses, too. We also need to attract the right people into apprenticeships — people who’ll stick around for the long-term.
These are some questions to consider when hiring an apprentice:
• Do they have the right attitude? (Are they can-do and proactive?)
• Have they done a pre-vocational course? (If they’ve done one already, it shows they’re serious.)
• Have they done work on their own vehicle? (Have they demonstrated a genuine passion for cars?)
• Do they have a natural affinity with mechanics? (When living on a farm for example, you're used to tinkering with mechanical things.)
But attracting the best talent is only part of the job. Retention can be a major problem. In 2023, 57% of Members told us they’d lost an apprentice before they completed their apprenticeship.
These are some steps you can take to increase the chances of retaining an apprentice:
• Look for signs your apprentice is struggling (taking too long to do a job or making mistakes) and provide more training/support.
• Reflect on whether you’re asking too much of them, too soon. Could you be more patient? Could you be more supportive/encouraging?
• Look for signs your apprentice is disengaged or disinterested. Communicate with them; ask them what support they need.
• Monitor their results in their training modules. Is the trainer/ training organisation living up to their promise, or are they failing to deliver?
• Keep the communication channels open. Meet regularly to discuss how things are going and what they need. This is a good opportunity to ask about potential distractions in their personal life, too.
• Mix it up. Giving them a variety of tasks keeps the work interesting and challenging.
• Make your apprentice feel valued and appreciated. Recognise their achievements. One excellent way to do this is to nominate them for the Capricorn Rising Stars Award; at cap.coop/stars.
All apprentices go through ups and downs. That’s the nature of work. But if we can mentor and encourage them through the rough patches, our businesses and our entire industry will benefit in the long-term. If you haven’t considered taking on an apprentice in the past, perhaps now is a good time to rethink that approach? Not only can it provide some great benefits to your business, but you’ll be doing your part to help secure the future of the industry.
Give your
rising star a to
A guide to nominating and entering the 2025 Capricorn Rising Stars Award.
We believe in the value of celebrating apprentices That’s why we launched the Capricorn Rising Stars Award back in 2018 – to recognise, and reward top apprentices and, in doing so, help to secure a pipeline of talent that our Members can draw on for years to come.
This year we’ve extended the program and we’ll be naming six Region Winners, one from each zone, as well as an overall 2025 Capricorn Rising Stars Winner. This means that there are more chances than ever before to have your star apprentice recognised and for you and them to win a share of over $30,000 in prizes*.
To make sure we select a truly outstanding apprentice as our winner, we undertake a thorough nomination and application process that involves collecting responses from both nominating Members and nominated apprentices.
If you want to give your apprentice the best shot check, out the following steps required to successfully complete the nomination and application process.
STEP 1: Member Nominations (1 March to 31 May 2025)
To nominate your apprentice (or apprenticesmultiple nominations are welcome), Members need to complete the online nomination form found on the Rising Stars web page at cap.coop/stars. This is where we collect information about you and your business as well as info on your apprentice and why you are nominating them. Providing as much detail and insight as possible into what makes your apprentice such a star helps our judges in their decision-making process.
When filling in the form, it is important to provide accurate contact details (email address and phone number) for your nominated apprentice(s) as we need to contact them for the next stage of the process.
STEP
2: Apprentice Applications (1 March to 31 May 2025)
Once nominated by their employer, apprentices will be notified via email and need to complete the apprentice application form to be eligible for the Award. This involves them answering four questions designed to gauge their inspiration, drive, mindset and experience. Answers don’t need to be long or complicated, so we encourage all nominees to have a crack regardless of their confidence when it comes to writing.
As we mentioned before, apprentices need to complete their application form to be in the running to win, so we strongly advise Members to check in with their nominated apprentices and encourage them to complete the form before the Saturday, 31 May 2025 deadline.
STEP
3: Shortlisted
Apprentices
(June to 2 July 2025)
After the first round of judging, the most promising applicants are shortlisted to progress to the next round. These shortlisted apprentices will be contacted again and asked to complete a second set of questions before the deadline on Wednesday, 2 July 2025. These questions are designed to delve a bit deeper and allow us to get a better understanding of what makes them such outstanding apprentices.
Winners Announced
Starting in September, the six Region Winners and then the Overall Winner will be announced. Stay tuned!
Want to let your star apprentice shine in this year’s Rising Stars Award?
Head to cap.coop/stars or scan the QR code to fill in the nomination form now!
*2025 Capricorn Rising Stars Terms and Conditions apply, visit cap. coop/tc. All prizes are in Australian dollars apart from cash prizes which will be in Australian or New Zealand Dollars depending upon the recipient’s location.
June 2026 / Cefalù / Sicily
CLASSIC RIDE
The ‘ wasp ’ that conquered the world.
In Italy, the Vespa is everywhere. You see them parked up and crowding street corners throughout Rome and lining pathways along the Arno River in Florence. You see them zipping along the coastal roads between the villages and great historic cities of Sicily, like Syracuse, Palermo, and Cefalù – where the 2026 Capricorn Convention is being held. The humble little motorised scooter was an instant success. When Enrico Piaggio commissioned the aeronautical engineer Corradino D’Ascanio to design a motorcycle at the end of World War II, he wasn’t planning to create a cultural icon; he was looking for a product his factories (which had been extensively bombed) could make now that his planes were no longer needed for the war effort.
D’Ascanio, apparently, hated motorcycles. He thought they were dirty, heavy and unreliable. So, he applied his aeronautical design skills to the brief and designed a scooter with a 98 cc engine mounted beside the rear wheel, meaning the wheel could be directly driven from the transmission. That, in turn, meant no dirty drive chain. The design was step-through and included a front splashboard—the features that gave the Vespa its distinctive, iconic look. But it was when Piaggio saw the prototype in action, and heard the 98 cc engine, that the scooter finally got its name. He is said to have exclaimed, “It sounds like a wasp!” The word for wasp in Italian? Vespa, of course.
The Vespa was patented in 1946. The following year, Piaggio sold 2,500 units. He increased the motor to 125 cc and, in 1948, sold more than 10,000 units. In 1949, he sold 20,000. In 1950, 60,000. But it was the release two years later of the movie Roman Holiday, which featured Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn riding through the Italian capital on a Vespa, which cemented the Vespa’s global stardom. Piaggio sold more than 100,000 Vespas that year. Within a few years, the scooter was being manufactured under licence across Europe, India, Brazil and Indonesia. In 1959, Piaggio was bought out by Fiat, by which time the company had sold two million Vespas. By the 1980s, more than 10 million had been sold.
The Vespa took off because it was a cheap form of transportation for the masses—and it still is today, which is why you’ll see Vespa (and other scooter models) wherever you go in Italy. But in the post-war era it was part
of a trend for small, affordable vehicles that included other icons, like the Citroen 2CV, the Volkswagen Beetle, the Morris Minor and the British Motor Corporation’s Mini.
The popularity of the Vespa hit new heights during the “mod” era of the swinging 1960s, particularly in the UK. “Mods” (short for modern) were fashionable young people who eschewed the austerity of the war generation (their parents’ generation) and who railed against the class system and cared about music, culture, politics, clothes and design. They were aspirational and their influence endures today, particularly in the fashion industry. But it was their embrace of the Vespa that really helped cement the scooter as a pop culture icon.
“The Mods had a decisive influence on how a city was experienced through mobility,” Vespa says on its website. “They populated the roads with Vespas to communicate a sense of community through a sense of style. The Mods used Vespa to communicate their commitment to breaking standards and carefree fun, both in terms of fashion and lifestyle.”
In the 1960s, it was as common to see a Vespa GS fanging down London’s popular Carnaby Street, or the King’s Road in Chelsea, as it was to see one zipping down the Via del Corso in Rome. A key difference being that, in the UK, the Vespas often bore the RAF roundel (a target symbol with a red centre, surrounded by a white circle that is incased in a larger blue circle.)—which became the graphic symbol for the Mod movement.
In the 1990s, Vespa found itself in trouble thanks to problems with the leadership at Fiat, which saw the scooter brand bought by private equity. By 2003, it was close to bankruptcy, when Italian entrepreneur Roberto Colaninno bought a stake in Piaggio and the rights to run it. Piaggio was back on the road, and so were Vespas. Some 58,000 were produced in 2004. By 2018, more than 210,000 Vespas were being produced each year.
Today, the Vespa is as popular as ever—with more than 18 million of them on roads all over the world. They’re a quintessentially Italian design and a beloved global phenomenon. But they’re also still a great way to get around, whether you’re a Mod or not. Which is why you still see plenty of them all over Italy. Why not take a tour in a Vespa to explore Cefalù and Sicily at the Capricorn Convention in 2026?
MG ZS Essence HYBRID+
Hybrid Car Review 2025
First impressions of the 2025 MG ZS HYBRID+
It’s a nip and tuck for the new 2025 MG ZS, but boy, what a difference it’s made to the car! We got quite a few positive comments from people about the design of the car and it’s especially punchy when finished in the stunning Brighton Blue Metallic.
Around the back is something we all hoped would die out this year: fake exhaust tips. Other cars can do without them, and they look so try-hard. We wish MG (and others) would drop this terrible design feature. Still, that’s a personal view and once inside and driving, you can’t see them anyway.
What’s the interior like in the 2025 MG ZS Essence HYBRID+?
It’s surely an experience when you open the door of the new MG ZS; the interior design and luxury has improved massively. A lot of cheap and unappealing flat black plastic has been replaced by softer surfaces (where practical).
Our test car had a (no cost optional) white interior, and this only helped the new ZS lift its game. Not that the previous ZS was badly put together, but fit and finish certainly seems to be an area where MG has focused on with the new model.
There’s a new bigger gear shift in the ZS. MG says it’s a “Sleek Electronic Gear Lever” and has gone away from the current trend of tiny little toggles to change gears. Front-seat passengers in the ZS have access to a single USB-A and USB-C ports - it’s fantastic when manufacturers include both types. Up on the mirror is that rare but desirable feature: a USB-A port, for your dashcam or radar detector.
The steering wheel is a flat bottom one, not that the ZS has sporty intentions. Those at the rear have access to a nice amount of leg, shoulder and headroom - even with the full-length panoramic sunroof.
What’s the 2025 MG HS Essence HYBRID+ like to drive?
With a very decent 465Nm of torque, you’d expect the ZS HYBRID+ to be pretty damn peppy, and on the whole it is. The car’s 0-100km/h time is 8.7 seconds, not a rocket ship, but commendable all the same.
The 1.5-litre engine is relatively quiet when it’s working, although some of the hills we drove on made it work hard. This highlights an issue with our test car; when the EV battery got too low, the performance would drop right off, to the point where we could only do 75km/h on steeper hills. The petrol engine is not too powerful, and relying on it alone means the car struggled up hills. Apparently, MG is releasing an update to fix this issue where the car’s systems will not let the EV battery get too low. It makes you wonder why they released the car with such an issue.
As per most MGs, you get to pick from 3 driving modes; Eco, Normal, and Sport - with the car always reverting to Normal when you start it. With so much torque, Eco mode is a very easy drive, and if the car defaulted to this, most people wouldn’t notice. Sport mode ramps things up. While the performance of the new ZS HYBRID+ is very good, don’t expect it to handle the bends like a sports car. While it feels safe most of the time, if you push too hard, understeer kicks in with lots of body roll. However, it all feels fine and safe.
The ZS HYBRID+ has an EV battery and so it can maintain 100km/h in EV mode on the motorway, if that battery has enough charge. There’s no control over the EV/hybrid system, so you just get in and drive it. If the EV battery gets too low, the engine will start and drive the car, as well as charging the battery. This is not a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), so you can’t charge it at home or anywhere else.
We hate to end on negativity, but the ZS Essence HYBRID+ had a few issues while we were testing it. While the adaptive cruise control generally works well, it can feel like a brake on/brake off experience at times, making for slightly less pleasant travel. The steering assist is also a little unpleasant; holding the steering wheel with steering assist turned on, and you can feel the car doing little left/right adjustments constantly.
Fuel economy was around what we had expected to achieve. While MG suggests a rating of 4.7L/100km, after 600km of driving we managed 5.3L/100km. It’s about what you’d expect from a 1.5-litre hybrid.
Summary
Having the issue with our test car was disappointing; this car should not have gone to market as it is. It’s great that MG are fixing it, and we look forward to driving it again after that. Even now, it’s still a nice drive. Other than the little things mentioned, the 2025 MG ZS Essence HYBRID+ is one of those cars that’s all too easy to live with. It’s worth adding to your must-drive list if you are in the market for a small hybrid SUV.
Why you should be training your apprentice in the
ART of CUSTOMER SERVICE
8 essential skills for the next generation of business owners
by Geoff Mutton
As the current generation of business owners in the aftermarket sector rapidly approaches retirement, now is a good time to be asking what the next generation is going to need in order to succeed in the years ahead. One thing is certainly clear, they’ll need to equip themselves with skills and knowledge to match the next generation of vehicles.
There's no sign of the car manufacturing industry slowing down its inexorable technological transformation, so it follows that surviving and thriving will require a new and diverse skill set from those that have taken the reins.
A rapid avalanche of new technology, changing customer expectations and an evolving business landscape all demand a new approach to running a successful aftermarket operation. Let's explore the key areas for future business owners to focus on in order to give themselves the best possible chance at success.
1 Strong electrical foundation
In the modern automotive world, a robust understanding of electrical systems is paramount. Whether dealing with internal combustion engines or electric vehicles, technicians must possess a strong electrical foundation. Modern vehicles are equipped with complex electronic systems, and the ability to diagnose and repair these systems is crucial. This includes understanding wiring diagrams, control modules and the integration of various electronic components. As electric vehicles become more prevalent, knowledge of battery management systems and electric drivetrains will be essential.
2 Proficient diagnostics skills
Proficiency in using advanced diagnostic tools and software will be essential for modern automotive businesses. This includes scan tools, oscilloscopes and smoke machines. Understanding telematics and connected car technologies is also becoming increasingly important. As vehicles become more technologically advanced, the ability to diagnose and repair complex systems will be a key differentiator for successful businesses.
3 Networking and relationship building
No one can solve everything on their own anymore. In order to thrive, future technicians must be willing to tap into their networks and ask for help. Being part of professional networks and groups provides access to a wealth of knowledge and resources. Collaborating with peers, sharing experiences, and seeking advice can lead to innovative solutions and improved business practices. Networking also opens up opportunities for partnerships and collaborations that can drive business growth.
4 An adaptable and open mindset
In an industry characterised by rapid technological advancements, having an adaptable and open mindset is crucial. Business owners must be willing to evolve and learn continuously. The days of becoming qualified and never attending training again are gone. Staying updated with the latest automotive technologies and repair techniques is essential. Engaging in continuous professional development and training ensures that business owners and their teams remain competitive and capable of handling new challenges.
5 Presenting as “technicians” and not “mechanics”
The image of low-skilled mechanics covered in grease is a thing of the past. Business owners must present themselves as highly trained and skilled technicians. This shift in perception can change how customers view the industry and what they are willing to pay for services. By emphasising their expertise and professionalism, technicians can build trust with customers and position themselves as trusted community members that provide a valuable service.
6 Managing people
The days of having employees for life are becoming increasingly rare. Modern business owners need to develop strong people management skills to attract and retain talented staff. This involves creating a positive work environment, offering opportunities for professional growth, and recognising and rewarding employee contributions. Effective communication and conflict resolution skills are also vital in managing a diverse workforce. By fostering a supportive and flexible workplace culture, business owners can build a loyal and motivated team.
7 Office technology and software
Customer demands and expectations are continually growing, so workshops must keep up with office technology. Workshop technology is all about improving administration efficiency. Workshop management software helps streamline operations, manage inventory, and track customer interactions. Customer relationship management systems can enhance customer service and retention by providing personalised experiences. Additionally, embracing digital tools for scheduling, invoicing, and communication can improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
8 Digital marketing and online presence
In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for those in the automotive industry. Future business owners might not be experts in these fields, but they will need to be willing to invest in digital marketing and search engine optimisation (SEO) to effectively reach and engage with their target audience.
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn offer powerful tools for connecting with customers and building brand awareness.
SEO ensures that a business's website ranks well in search engine results. By optimising website content with relevant keywords and maintaining a user-friendly design, businesses can improve their visibility and drive more traffic to their site.
The next generation of aftermarket business owners must embrace a multifaceted approach to succeed in an evolving industry. By focusing on these key areas, they can navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future, ensuring long-term success and growth. The ability to adapt, learn, and innovate will be the defining characteristics of successful business leaders in the years to come.
PREFERRED SUPPLIER PROFILE
NZ Safety Blackwoods has over 70 years of experience, 35 trade centres across New Zealand, a range of over 120,000 products, a comprehensive digital platform and a knowledgeable, award-winning team.
They have your team covered from head to toe with rugged workwear and footwear that can handle the grease, grime, and grind and offer some of the most renowned brands like Kincrome, ProEquip, Teng Tools, and Bullivants. Whether you need a little grease or the full works, they also have the oils and lubricants to keep your operation slick. Their in-house signage manufacturing facility can also meet all your informational, regulatory, and compliance sign needs, including vehicle wraps.
NZ Safety Blackwoods leverages their scale, knowledge, and relationships with suppliers to provide the best products at the right price.
nzsafetyblackwoods.co.nz
Valvoline Global Operations is a worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions, creating futureready products and best-in-class services for partners around the globe. Established in 1866, they introduced the world’s first branded engine oil, claiming their position as The Original Engine Oil.
With over 150 years of innovation behind them, Valvoline has been solving problems for vehicles with electric, hybrid, and internal combustion powertrains. Their solutions are available for every engine and drivetrain, including high-mileage and heavy-duty vehicles and are offered at more than 80,000 locations globally.
In New Zealand, Valvoline is committed to providing topquality products across numerous categories, including engine oil, coolant, performance chemicals, transmission and driveline, specialty fluids, hard parts, greases and appearance. They have a team of experts nationally dedicated to servicing all your automotive and industrial needs and ensuring timely fulfillment of orders.
valvolineglobal.com/en-nz
Fun Zone
Submit your entry at cap.coop/funzone by 31 May 2025
February winner: DEAN’S CAR CARE who WON 5,000 Bonus Rewards Points
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE (5 differences to find!) Last Month’s Answers Please
WORD HUNTER (15 words to find!)
GIVE YOUR APPRENTICE THE RECOGNITION THEY DESERVE!
Nominate your apprentice for Capricorn Rising Stars. Over $30,000 IN CASH AND PRIZES TO BE WON!*
