Motor Trader e-magazine, December 2021 - January 2022

DEC 2021 JAN 2022

Celebrating T H E A U T O INDU S T R Y AT T HE 2 0 2 1

I N DU S T R Y AWA RD S G A L A

MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL + ‘GULLWING’ COUPE

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF MTA QUEENSLAND? CLICK HERE

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND

M TA Q U E E N S LAN D DI V I SIO NA L CO M MIT T EE M EET IN GS

MTA QUEENSLAND hosts quarterly Divisional Committee meetings for:

USTRALIAN AUTOMOTIVE DEALER ASSOCIATION › A(NEW CAR DEALERS) UTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS DIVISION › A(MECHANICAL REPAIRERS) UTOMOTIVE PARTS RECYCLERS DIVISION › A(PARTS RECYCLERS) UTOMOTIVE REMARKETING DIVISION › A(USED CAR DEALERS) NGINE RECONDITIONERS ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND › E(ENGINE RECONDITIONERS) ATIONAL AUTO COLLISION ALLIANCE › N(PAINT & PANEL / TOW TRUCKS) UEENSLAND FARM & INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DEALERS DIVISION › Q(FARM & INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY) UEENSLAND MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY DIVISION › Q(MOTORCYCLES) ENTAL VEHICLE INDUSTRY DIVISION › R(RENTAL VEHICLES) ERVICE STATION & CONVENIENCE STORE ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND › S(SERVICE STATIONS) YRE & UNDERCAR DIVISION OF QUEENSLAND › T(TYRES, BRAKES, SUSPENSIONS) The Agenda topics include:

› robust discussions around the priorities of the Division, › issues that need to be directly presented to government and submissions, › skilling needs, › membership representation, › technical and educational updates, and › innovation opportunities.

The Committee meetings can be attended in-person at MTA Queensland or online.

The meetings are open to members and non-members, but we strongly encourage membership to ensure all member benefits are available.

CLICK HERE FOR MEETING DATES

20200885

CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY

From the Editor Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland

Across the board, the award finalists were tremendous, but the winners were Electric Mobility Solutions Australia in the Innovation category; Bill Robertson Toyota in the Community category; and JONATHAN NASH Fionna Blackburne of Southeast EDITOR Auto in Beenleigh took out ELLO AND WELCOME the award in the Women In to the December 2021/ Industry category.

January 2022 edition of The prestigious Apprentice of Motor Trader. the Year award was presented to After a COVID-affected 2020 Joshua Frampton, a light vehicle saw MTA Queensland forced to apprentice from the Cricks cancel its annual Award Gala Maroochydore dealership on the event, the always enjoyable Sunshine Coast. gathering - a celebration of the It was a terrific evening, and state’s automotive industry at it was great to be back after the which outstanding individuals challenges of the past two years. and businesses are recognised You can read all about the for their achievements through Award Gala, and our fantastic the year - returned in November award winners, from page 16. to Brisbane’s Emporium Hotel.

I wish you all a memorable, A full house of more than 200 happy, and safe Christmas and guests - including government New Year. See you in February. representatives, special guests, Cheers MTA Queensland members, Jonathan Nash, Editor and awards finalists - attended jonathann@mtaq.com.au the elegant, joyful, affair.

HEAD OFFICE Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 P.O. Box 4530, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Tel: 07 3237 8777 Fax: 07 3844 4488 Toll Free: 1800 177 951 Email: publications@mtaq.com.au Website: www.mtaq.com.au EDITOR Jonathan Nash

H

ART DIRECTOR Marco Ilinic INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Evangeline Kannis Ian Naylor POLICY Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

Email: jonathann@mtaq.com.au EDITORIAL Editorial submissions are welcomed but cannot be guaranteed placement. For more information email the Editor at publications@mtaq.com.au SUBSCRIPTION RATES Subscribing to the Motor Trader e-magazine is free.

Click here to subscribe MOTOR TRADER PUBLISHING POLICY Motor Trader is the official publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland. The role of Motor Trader is to inform members of current issues and legislation affecting the industry. As such it can be regarded as the business magazine for the Queensland motor industry. The role of Motor Trader is not to be in competition with the technical magazines already on the market. It will advise of new vehicles being released and of the latest technology incorporated into them; it will advise of latest technology affecting members in each of the MTA Queensland Divisions; it will keep members abreast of the latest in motor industry training and industrial affairs; and it will keep members informed of the latest technical aids available through MTA Queensland Member Services, which will assist members in staying ahead of the technological revolution presently being encountered within the motor industry. The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any advertisement and the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher for all damages or liabilities arising from the published material.

MTA Queensland welcomes the following new members

MTA QUEENSLAND ABN: 74 028 933 848

20211016

CORPORATE PARTNERS

BUSINESS NAME Black's Machinery Repairs Bill’s Tyre Centre Completely Tyred Northside Radiators & Automotive Gee Bee Motors Mike's Panel and Paint Repairs Southport Radiators Auto Care Dunlop Super Dealer Toowoomba Border Rivers Cylinder Heads Pty Ltd Ultra Tune Bundaberg East MC CLASSICS - The Whitsundays M.R. Automotive Mickey Tyre & Auto Prestige & Performance Cars

ADDRESS

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15452 D'Aguilar Hwy, QLD 4610 5010 D'Aguilar Hwy, Winya QLD 4515 1/26 Chambers Rd, Woodford QLD 4514 11/209 Robinson Rd E, Virginia QLD 4034 28 Ferrier Rd, Narangba QLD 4504 38 Callemondah Dr, Clinton QLD 4680 Unit 4/19 Expo Ct, Ashmore QLD 4214 530 Alderley St, Harristown QLD 4350 6/6 Ingleston Rd, Tingalpa QLD 4173 8 Lillian Crescent OFF, Johanna Blvd, Kensington QLD 4670 18 Main St, Proserpine QLD 4800 182 Anzac Ave, Redcliffe QLD 4020 368 Mulgrave Rd, Westcourt QLD 4870 276 Newmarket Rd, Wilston QLD 4051

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December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 1

Contents

16

CELEBRATING THE AUTO INDUSTRY AT THE 2021 MTA QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA

04 FROM THE DESK OF MANAGEMENT 06 MTA|Q&A: IM CHAILLON’S AUTO 16 CELEBRATING THE AUTO INDUSTRY AT THE 2021 MTA QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA 32 INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTION OFFERS SIGNIFICANT UPGRADES FOR AGEING EVS 38 AUTO INNOVATION NEWS 52 CLASSIC CAR: MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL ‘GULLWING’ COUPE 60 AUTO NEWS 80 WORKPLACE RELATIONS 83 MTA INSTITUTE NEWS 84 APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH: NOVEMBER 2021 86 MTA INSTITUTE GRADUATE LIST 88 CONCEPT CORNER 2 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

32

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTION OFFERS SIGNIFICANT UPGRADES FOR AGEING EVS

Search for MTA Queensland

52

MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL ‘GULLWING’ COUPE

6

MTA QUEENSLAND LAUNCHES ‘AUTO WOMEN’ INITIATIVE

88

12

MTA | Q&A: JIM CHAILLON’S AUTO

KIA CONCEPT EV9

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 3

From the Desk of Management

C

AN YOU BELIEVE it is already Christmas! What a whirlwind year we have just experienced.

It has been a real ROD CAMM privilege to lead CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MTA QUEENSLAND the Association through what could have been a defining year for our industry. Ongoing supply constraints, labour and skills shortages, and the continued presence of COVID-19 all had the potential to be industry altering.

“. . .WE HAVE SEEN A REAL COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE, WHICH HAS DRIVEN OUR MEMBER BUSINESSES FORWARD TOWARDS A PROSPEROUS FUTURE.”

A

S 2021 COMES to an end, it is full steam ahead at MTA Queensland as we prepare for what is hoped to be a prosperous 2022.

KELLIE DEWAR I am proud to DEPUTY CEO | GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES announce we have just launched our newest initiative, ‘Auto Women’, aimed at providing an inclusive network for women to connect with mentors and receive opportunities to further their career. Driven by a team of women from industry - myself included – we are excited to launch in 2022! You can read more in this edition of Motor Trader.

Our members can also look forward to some exciting product launches, including our new Workplace Relations audit service, allowing members to undertake a comprehensive business health check and receive targeted assistance to improve business practices.

However, we have seen a real commitment to innovation and customer service, which has driven our member businesses forward towards a prosperous future. Yes, conditions could have been better, but the platform remains strong.

This year has also seen big changes on the policy front, which again demonstrates the need for a united association. The stronger we are, the harder we can push government. We have been extremely vocal in pushing the interest of our members We have also commenced work on in relation to 7-day trading restrictions, industry advocacy projects on topics written-off vehicles, e-scooter safety, and important to our members and we will be unfair Compulsory Third Party insurance looking to engage with you early in premium hikes among other topics. the new year as we look to get CLICK TO I wish everyone a happy and safe on the front foot. Stay safe and VISIT THE AUTO WOMEN Christmas, and I look forward have a wonderful Christmas FACEBOOK PAGE to 2022. and New Year.

“. . . WE HAVE JUST LAUNCHED OUR NEWEST INITIATIVE, ‘AUTO WOMEN’, AIMED AT PROVIDING AN INCLUSIVE NETWORK FOR WOMEN TO CONNECT WITH MENTORS AND RECEIVE OPPORTUNITIES TO FURTHER THEIR CAREER.”

4 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

Business support every step of the way.

Whether you’re starting, running or growing your business, CommBank, proud Alliance Partner of MTAQ can help you do business your way.

Dedicated support for your business To help you take your business to the next level, MTAQ members can benefit from direct access to a dedicated CommBank Relationship Manager and team of banking specialists. They’ll work with you through every stage of your business life cycle. You’ll also receive 24/7 Australian based phone support for all your business banking needs.

Business products and solutions MTAQ members may be eligible to access the latest innovative business banking products and solutions with preferential pricing applied, making it easier for you to do business.

These include: No merchant joining fee

Business Loans and Asset Finance

Same day se�lement every day of the year^

Overdra� Facilities and Bank Guarantees

Daily IQ - free business insights tool with CommBiz and NetBank

Free business financial health checks

To find out how CommBank can help you do business your way, contact MTAQ on (07) 3237 8777 or email info@mtaq.com.au and they’ll put you in touch with a CommBank Relationship Manager.

Things you should know: ^‘Same day’ includes eCommerce card sales before 5:30pm (AEST) and EFTPOS card sales before 10pm (AEST) and is available for eligible customers with a Commonwealth Bank business transaction account and a linked Commonwealth Bank merchant facility. Offers available to referrals made via MTAQ. MTAQ may receive a referral fee from Commonwealth Bank for each successful referral (excludes existing customers). Applications for finance are subject to the Bank’s normal credit approval and suitability of the asset. Other fees, charges, terms and conditions may apply. As this information has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the information, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. Please view our Merchant Agreement, Financial Services Guide and Operator and User Guides at commbank.com.au/ merchantsupport. To find out more about Daily IQ, visit commbank.com.au/DailyIQ. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.

The team at Jim Chaillon’s Auto. From left to right: Jarrod, Terry, Natalie, Glenn & Dean

MTA |Q&A

While there are plenty of young folk opening the doors to their dream automotive business for the first time, there are still more than a few multi-generation workshops which bear the family name and carry on the family trade. Glenn Chaillon is at the helm of the workshop that his father Jim established in 1968, and his son Jarrod has commenced in the trade, possibly taking the reigns in years to come. Glenn took time out of his busy day to talk to Motor Trader about his business, Jim Chaillon’s Auto, in Townsville.

WORDS: LARA WILDE PICTURES: JESSE DONOGHOE, SWEET SPOT PHOTOGRAPHY

6 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

Your business has been here for a little while now Glenn. Tell us about how it came to be?

GC: My father Jim started the business in

1968, just a few doors up on this street.

In 1970 we moved to the current location at 25 Casey Street and we haven’t looked back. In a way, we have become a landmark in Aitkenvale. All the locals know us.

So how did you come to be involved in the business?

GC: My father was very clear that he would

not take me on as an apprentice. He wanted me to go out into the industry and see how other businesses ran.

I completed my apprenticeship at Carmichael Ford.

Once I completed my trade, I spent another three years with Ford before I came back to the family business. I worked under Terry for the next five years before buying into the business.

“IN 1970 WE MOVED TO THE CURRENT LOCATION AT 25 CASEY STREET AND WE HAVEN’T LOOKED BACK. IN A WAY, WE HAVE BECOME A LANDMARK IN AITKENVALE. ALL THE LOCALS KNOW US.” In 2002, I bought the business off dad allowing him the opportunity to retire.

My son Jarrod is doing a school-based apprenticeship now and I completely understand why my father sent me to another workshop to do my apprenticeship. It is better for Jarrod to learn new techniques and I hope he brings some of those new skills back to the workshop here. It is also much better for our father-son relationship.

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 7

What is the core business at Jim Chaillon’s Auto?

GC: We focus on the general servicing and

“MANY OF OUR CUSTOMERS ARE MUMS AND DADS WHO HAVE BEEN BRINGING THEIR DAILY-DRIVER CAR TO US FOR SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE FOR DECADES, AND IN SOME CASES GENERATIONS. WE ARE A FAMILY BUSINESS, AND WE FOCUS ON LOOKING AFTER OUR CUSTOMERS AND THEIR FAMILIES”

Who is in the current team?

GC: I am still on the tools five days per

four mechanics on the floor is ideal.

Natalie is our office manager and an invaluable member of the team.

maintenance of four-wheel-drive and passenger cars. Many of our customers are mums and dads who have been bringing their daily-driver car to us for servicing and maintenance for decades and in some cases, generations. We are a family business and we focus on looking after our customers and their families.

Apart from the general servicing and maintenance, we also enjoy the opportunity to work on classic cars. We assist customers to restore their passion project then repair and maintain them.

week. Terry Smith is a trade-qualified mechanic who did his apprenticeship under my father starting back in 1976.

He has been here for 45 years and has a passion for classic cars. Dean Hill is our other trade-qualified mechanic, starting his journey with us as a school-based apprentice in 2013. Dean is a four-wheeldrive enthusiast.

I will be looking to put on another mechanic in the near future. I find having

8 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

Do you sponsor any local motorsport and individual competitors? What role does it play in your marketing activities for the business?

GC: While we don’t focus on sponsoring

motorsport, we do sponsor sporting clubs and the local Life Savers. We also donate to Rotary, the Special Children’s Christmas Party, and the National Serviceman’s Association. Our marketing relies heavily

Terry Smith has worked at Jim Chaillon’s Auto for 45 years

on our reputation and word of mouth.

We advertise with Localsearch who take care of managing Google AdWords and other search engine optimisation strategies.

How much importance do you place on social media for your business?

GC: We really don’t rely on social media.

We have it, but after more than 50 years we have a solid reputation in the community

and a solid customer base built through good service and word of mouth.

What do you see as the greatest advancement in technology for your business?

GC: Modern vehicles are becoming more

and more technologically advanced.

We need to keep updating our knowledge base to keep up with industry best practice. The ability to research online

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 9

and study via webinars and other online classes has been invaluable.

What cars do you own personally?

GC: Perhaps it was my apprenticeship at Carmichael Ford - or maybe I was born this way - but I am a Ford man through and through! I have an XE Falcon ute and a Ford ranger.

Do you or your staff actively compete in motorsport?

GC: Terry is a member of the Marque

Car Club in Townsville and competes in bitumen sprints and also volunteers as a scrutineer. He did a lot of rally driving when he was younger. Terry’s involvement is a good opportunity to promote the workshop.

Do you consider that the advancements in electric cars will have an impact on your business?

GC: We haven’t seen any impact from the

electric vehicle market yet, but it is coming.

Our main concern is that electric vehicles require so little servicing and maintenance.

We have begun to prepare by training staff and assessing our workshop.

How long have you been a member of MTA Queensland?

GC: We have belonged to

MTA Queensland for a long time.

Our member number is 52.

What has been the greatest benefit of your MTA Queensland membership?

GC: I really appreciate being able to ring

up and get answers, particularly for issues with human resources, technology and best practice in the industry.

Has Covid impacted your business at all?

GC: Originally, we felt a negative impact

from Covid. That lasted for about a month.

Since then, business has boomed and hasn’t stopped.

What do you do with your spare time?

GC: There is no point having a healthy

business if you don’t take care of your own health. When I am not at work I like to get outside and road cycle, water ski, and go to the gym.

What advice would you give to a young you starting out in the industry?

GC: Listen, learn and be patient. Too many

young people think they know everything already. It is wise CLICK TO to take the time and patiently VISIT THE JIM CHAILLON’S listen to others and learn from AUTO WEBSITE them. People of all ages and backgrounds have something to teach us all.

10 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

We wish all our members and industry stakeholders a wonderful festive period and a well-earned break!

Looking forward to a prosperous 2022.

MTA QUEENSLAND LAUNCHES NEW ‘AUTO WOMEN’ INITIATIVE

I

N 2022, WOMEN who work in the automotive industry will be able to join a new group who will guide, assist and support them through their working career.

Launched by MTA Queensland this month, the Auto Women initiative has been designed to enable women across the country to connect and network with others; share experiences, advice, and news; and receive a level of mentorship from a group of women with vast experience and knowledge from across all industry sectors and across all levels of employment, from apprenticeship to CEO level.

Excitingly, also available through the Auto Women initiative are scholarships for a series of online management training courses that will enable participants to take their career to the next level.

It will be easy to stay informed about the activities of Auto Women. Simply follow and like the Facebook page – Auto Women – as that will be the main platform for communication and collaboration, as well

12 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

. . . THE AUTO WOMEN INITIATIVE HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO ENABLE WOMEN ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO CONNECT AND NETWORK WITH OTHERS; SHARE EXPERIENCES, ADVICE, AND NEWS; AND RECEIVE A LEVEL OF MENTORSHIP FROM A GROUP OF WOMEN WITH VAST EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE FROM ACROSS ALL INDUSTRY SECTORS AND ACROSS ALL LEVELS OF EMPLOYMENT . . . as for the sharing of ideas, information, and advice. Through the year, there will be several virtual information and collaboration meetings held via the Teams platform, as well as Women on Tools in-person breakfast networking events in

conjunction with the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). There will also be an end-of-year dinner function to which everyone involved with Auto Women will be invited to attend.

A very significant feature of the initiative will be four scholarship opportunities.

The scholarships, which will be fully funded, are to be available for two courses run by Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) – the well-respected national organisation that is a leading provider of professional development for women and which has as its mission a goal to develop female leaders and support the increased presence of women in business and community leadership roles.

The first training course is Leading Edge, which is aimed at early career managers, and is an online course designed to ‘enable the transition of aspiring and early career

female managers into confident, capable and motivated leaders.’

Delivered over four months, and with an average time commitment of two hours per week, the content of the course includes modules on: • Supporting leadership performance • Effective interpersonal communication and feedback • Emotional intelligence and conflict • Career and professional growth • Elements of a successful team • Presence and presentation skills • Leading in times of change Two scholarships are to be available for this course.

There will also be two scholarships available for the second course run by WLA, called Executive Ready, which is aimed at mid-level managers. This course is ‘designed to stretch mid-level leaders December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 13

and propel them towards executive level performance, behaviours and mindsets.’

It too is delivered online, but is run over a longer, seven-month timeframe. Modules include: • Leadership and authenticity • Communication, presence and influence • Team dynamics • Driving performance • Leading innovation and change • Problem solving and decision making • Purpose, priorities and professional development These fully funded courses are an Lysa Dugandzic, General Manager exceptional opportunity for women in the Communication and Marketing for MTA Queensland automotive industry to supercharge their careers and fulfil leadership aspirations. automotive industry nationally, and MTA Queensland’s Auto Women amongst that number is a deficit of more initiative has been created for several than 17,500 light vehicle mechanics. reasons, not least of which is the underAdditionally, according to joboutlook. utilised resource that women represent gov.au – an initiative of the Australian for an industry that is chronically short of Government National Skills Commission – skilled and passionate workers. just 1 per cent of mechanics in Australia are According to the Motor Trades female, while in Capricorn’s 2021 State of Association of Australia’s (MTAA) the Nation report on the industry, just four Directions in Australia’s Automotive per cent of the automotive businesses that Industry: An Industry Report 2021, 52 responded to that organisation’s survey per cent of automotive businesses are employ women mechanics, fitters or experiencing a shortage of skilled electricians. labour. The same report (quoting CLICK TO VISIT THE Women represent VACC modelling) says there is a AUTO WOMEN approximately half the nation’s skilled labour deficit estimated WEB PAGE population and yet their at 31,143 positions within the

THE MAIN PURPOSES FOR THE GROUP ARE TO RAISE THE PROFILE OF WOMEN IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY, ADVOCATE FOR WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY ON KEY ISSUES TO GOVERNMENT, AND PROMOTE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR WOMEN AND THE ADVANTAGES OF GENDER DIVERSITY TO EMPLOYERS.

project driven by that group, including Kellie Dewar, Deputy CEO of MTAQ Group; Kathy Winkcup, Chief Financial Officer; and Lysa Dugandzic, General Manager Communication and Marketing.

“The initiative will provide a supportive environment for women working across the automotive industry to network and grow,” said Lysa.

“The main purposes for the group are to raise the profile of women in the automotive industry, advocate for women in the industry on key issues to government, promote professional development for women and the advantages of gender involvement and engagement in the diversity to employers. automotive industry is extraordinarily low “We will do this by holding virtual and inin the workshop environment. person networking and social events that Changing that makes sense for all educate, connect and support women and manner of reasons. Women can, and do, we are so lucky to have the whole initiative bring fresh insights and vision to all levels driven by a passionate mentor team. of business, and they can also, obviously, “It is really exciting to be able to provide be the resource that can fill those skilled scholarships for career enhancement for roles within the automotive workforce. the first time too!”

MTA Queensland is proud to have such Auto Women is welcoming new diversity within its own ranks. Its 11 divisions participants now. Joining the Facebook page - representing all industry sectors – are each is the first step to take as this journey begins. run by committees, several of which have If you want to find out more about women in leadership roles.

CLICK TO how you can be involved in other And the Association itself has an VISIT THE ways, email events@mtaq.com.au executive team in which women AUTO WOMEN We look forward to hearing are well represented. The Auto FACEBOOK PAGE Women initiative is, in fact, a from you!

Celebr

T HE A U T O IN DU S T

IND U S T R Y A

brating

T R Y AT T H E 2021

WA RD S G AL A

Songwoman Maroochy Barambah

M

TA QUEENSLAND HELD its annual Industry Awards Gala at the Emporium Hotel in Brisbane on November 20. More than 200 guests from across the state were in attendance, including MTA Queensland members, industry stakeholders, corporate partners of the association, and political representatives, as well as friends, family, and colleagues of the MTA Queensland awards finalists.

Hosted once again by Channel Seven’s Ben Davis, special guests included Winter Olympic Gold Medallist Steven Bradbury; the Hon Mark Bailey MP, Minister for Transport and Main Roads; and James Martin MP, ALP Member for Stretton and a member of the Transport and Resources Committee.

An early, and very moving, highlight of the evening was the Welcome to Country ceremony performed by Songwoman Maroochy Barambah, Aboriginal Elder of the Turrbal tribe. It was an inspirational start to the Awards Gala.

The climax of the evening was the presentation of the MTA Queensland awards, which recognise the contributions and achievements of individuals and businesses through the Community award, the Innovation award, the Women In Industry award, and the Apprentice of the Year award.

These awards, and recognising the 18 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

Rod Camm, MTA Queensland Group CEO

finalists for them, are really what the evening was all about, but before announcing the winners of each category, there was some fun to be had, some money to be raised, and some speeches to be made.

First up were MTA Queensland Chairman Paul Peterson and CEO Rod Camm, who both welcomed guests and awards finalists, outlined MTA Queensland’s past year and the direction the Association was taking moving forward.

For Mr Camm, the 2021 Gala marked the end of his first year as CEO of the MTA Queensland Group – a year that had been another challenging one as the COVID-19 pandemic, and the associated restrictions and lockdowns, continued to plague the nation, and the technological

Ben Davis, Industry Awards Gala host

“COVID CREATED CHALLENGES FROM THE VERY BEGINNING . . . THIS, THOUGH, WAS AN OPPORTUNITY AND WE HAVE BEEN VERY PROUD TO SEE HOW THE INDUSTRY HAS RESPONDED BY INNOVATING AND ADAPTING.” developments in, and disruption of, the industry gathered pace.

Initiatives introduced by Mr Camm in the past 12 months included the concerted push to connect with members through regional visits, and the launch and expansion of the Association’s micro-credentials program.

Launching in December, and set to be an exciting project in 2022, is the Auto Women initiative, the aim of which is to raise the profile of women in the automotive industry, promote professional development for them and highlight the advantages of gender diversity to employers.

It has, said Mr Camm, been a busy year - one in which the industry has responded well to uncertainties and to previously unforeseen challenges such as supply constraints, and one in which MTA Queensland has worked hard as the voice of the industry, has reached out to members, developed new projects to assist

Paul Peterson, MTA Queensland Chairman

industry development, and continued to expand its portfolio of training courses and grow student numbers.

“COVID created challenges from the very beginning,” Mr Camm told Motor Trader.

“This, though, was an opportunity and we have been very proud to see how the industry has responded by innovating and adapting.

“As COVID proved to be a positive in terms of sales and performance, we have been challenged by the many supply shortages across the industry,” he added.

“This has been difficult but has proven that skills mean everything.

“However, labour and skills shortages have held the industry back. Our institute is training at record levels thanks to the work of our training team and we have now released a suite of short courses to help industry continue to skill up in emerging technology such as EVs.” Vital to MTA Queensland’s ongoing success was, said Mr Camm, the strength of its membership, and the regional meetings and forums undertaken in the past few months - including ones held in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, and Gladstone, with more to come - were important in cementing that strength.

“We need a strong association,” he said.

“As an industry we continue to face many challenges, and MTA Queensland will continue to work diligently on behalf of the industry as new challenges emerge.”

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 19

A WORD FROM THE MINISTER TWO YEARS AGO, at the 2019 Industry Award Gala, the Queensland Government was represented by Mark Bailey MP, Minister for Transport and Main Roads who, amongst other issues, spoke on the future of autonomous mobility, preparing and training for change, and of creating an attractive market for connected and automated vehicles. While that work no Hon Mark Bailey MP, Minister for Transport and Main Roads doubt continues, it is surely all but certain that the COVID-19 pandemic consumed much time in government circles and at this year’s Gala, the Minister did speak about Queensland’s response to the crisis.

One of the first briefings he received in cabinet at the beginning of 2020, he said, highlighted “an incredibly dire situation”.

It’s not hard to imagine the pressure and concern that would have developed when considering those early days of the pandemic, but what has been achieved in Queensland since then, the Minister said, was “far beyond what we thought was possible.” With the vaccination program going well, he added that the end was now A final point from Minister Bailey in sight. We hope he is proved correct. concerned the Olympic and Paralympic The Minister also noted that some Games, to be held in Brisbane and 40,000 people had moved to Queensland Queensland in 2032. Preparation for such between winter 2020 and winter 2021, a massive event is, of course, key to their and that more were expected to make the being successful, and the Minister noted move once borders opened fully. With the opportunities that preparing for such people moving and taking advantage of a gigantic endeavour presented over the opportunities to change jobs too, being next decade. able to deliver training was vital, and “It is about the greatest sporting he was, he said, “really heartened at the event in the world, but it is also about partnership we have had with Rod and dealing with a growing state and getting infrastructure that we need – road, MTA Queensland in terms of training. rail, all those sorts of things – as well We will need to do more of that as we as sporting venues,” he said. “So, we’ve progress forward.”

“SO, WE’VE GOT 10 YEARS OF INFRASTRUCTURE BUILDING AHEAD OF US AND 10 YEARS OF PROSPERITY, AND THAT IS WHAT THE GAMES ARE ABOUT FOR US – PARALLELING SPORT WITH GROWTH. THAT IS GOING TO BE VERY GOOD FOR EVERYBODY IN THE SUNSHINE STATE.”

20 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

became perhaps one of the world’s most famous people in the aftermath of his win in the 1000m short-track speed skating final. As you will recall, Bradbury raced strategically at the back of the pack before cruising through to win as all his fellow competitors crashed and fell at the final turn.

The unlikely manner of his victory prompted some at the time to say that he was undeserving of the gold medal, but that preposterous stance ignored the epic amount of Winter Olympics Gold Medallist Steven Bradbury time and effort Bradbury put in over many years to be a part of a gold medal race, and also ignored the fact he had plenty of experience and had a very good competition record.

“I trained 5 hours a day, 6 days a week for about 15 years to become an overnight success,” he said.

Bradbury spoke with great humour about his battle to be a success on the ice, about his journey to that gold medal (which included two extremely serious accidents) and the idea that a positive mindset and steady progress to your goals is a successful strategy. It was really a good lesson about life and hard work wrapped in got 10 years of infrastructure building a terrifically fun presentation. Great stuff. ahead of us and 10 years of prosperity, As brilliant and entertaining as Steven and that is what the Games are about for Bradbury was, however, the true highlight us – paralleling sport with growth. That is of the evening was the presentation of the going to be very good for everybody in the MTA Queensland awards.

Sunshine State.”

Celebrating Industry’s best is the focus of every annual MTA Queensland Industry T H E AWA R D S Awards Gala, and the Community Award, TALKING OF OLYMPIC Games, following the Innovation Award, the Women In Industry Award, and the Apprentice of Minister Bailey onto the awards stage was the Year Award shine a spotlight on the a very familiar and very famous face – tremendous work done by individuals Steven Bradbury. and businesses across the spectrum of the Bradbury is a gold medallist from the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympic Games and automotive industry.

“. . . THE COMMUNITY AWARD, THE INNOVATION AWARD, THE WOMEN IN INDUSTRY AWARD, AND THE APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD SHINE A SPOTLIGHT ON THE TREMENDOUS WORK DONE BY INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES ACROSS THE SPECTRUM OF THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY.”

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 21

COMMUNITY AWA R D

the support of your community for it to support your business. And CLICK TO VISIT THE BILL it is a great way to meet and ROBERTSON connect with people outside your THE COMMUNITY AWARD TOYOTA everyday circle.

WEBSITE finalists were Bill Robertson “Erin and I both grew up in Toyota of Gladstone, Filby’s Gladstone, and our daughters are Motors of Proserpine and Bowen, now doing the same. We are grateful and Ireland’s of Cairns. our business enables us to give back to Bill Robertson Toyota was named the place we call home.” the winner with owners James and Erin Roberston accepting the award from David Rice, National Manager at Busy At Work.

The Bill Robertson Toyota dealership has been a fixture in Gladstone for nearly 50 years and its ties to the community run deep, with many organisations, charities, events, and sporting teams receiving support – through sponsorships and, in some cases, in the form of volunteer work - from the business and its team.

“Sponsoring sports motivates people to exercise and improves mental health through connection and purpose. Sponsoring arts helps us tell our stories and builds our identity.

Sponsoring social enterprises gives a hand to those who need it,” said Mr Robertson when accepting the award.

“Community involvement makes business sense too. You have to earn James and Erin Roberston

“COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT MAKES BUSINESS SENSE TOO. YOU HAVE TO EARN THE SUPPORT OF YOUR COMMUNITY FOR IT TO SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESS.”

of Bill Robertson Toyota accepted the Community Award

Community Award finalists 22 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

Innovation Award finalists

I N N O VAT I O N AWA R D WITH THE AUTOMOTIVE industry currently moving through a period Wolfgang Roffman and Harry Proskefalas of of great disruption and evolution, Electric Mobilit y Solutions Australia won the Innovation Award it comes as no surprise that the Innovation Award was keenly contested.

The many nominees were eventually as the iLark, the iTank and the iTango. whittled down to Superformance of In late 2020, the company launched the Capalaba for the company’s creation of a WYLD Moto chopper-style, e-moped unique, customisable Independent Front range. All vehicles have full volume ADR Suspension system; the ACE-EV Group of and RVCS compliance.

Hervey Bay, which is developing a range of The company also provides access to cutting-edge electric vehicles; and Electric software platforms which include fleet Mobility Solutions Australia (EMoS), of Eight management solutions that give operators Mile Plains, which is also involved in the efficient route planning integrations to electric vehicle sector, providing solutions make it possible to optimise and conduct – in the form of a variety of top-quality even smarter deliveries. It is also working on vehicles – for first- and last-mile transport of various software app platforms to support goods and people in urban environments. hyperlocal delivery and shared solutions for Electric Mobility Solutions Australia apartment complexes, launching in 2021. was named the winner with founder EMoS is, as those details show, working as Wolfgang Roffman and CEO Harry a leader of the electric mobility revolution.

Proskefalas accepting the award from “The future we have in front of us Matt Gledhill of Capricorn. is rather exciting,” said Mr Roffman EMoS, which has received support on accepting the award. “MTA from MTA Queensland through Queensland has been very CLICK its association with the MTAiQ much on the forefront, and we TO VISIT THE EMoS Innovation Hub, has an exciting appreciate that very much.

WEBSITE range of light electric vehicles “We think the future is now and that includes the CT-Kargo and it can be a very exciting future for CT-Kube for deliveries, as well everyone. This award is about the as personal mobility scooters such future. Thank you very much.”

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 23

Women In Industry Award finalists

WOMEN IN INDUSTRY AWA R D THE WOMEN IN Industry Award was introduced by MTA Queensland in 2019 to acknowledge a female leader Women In Industr y Award winner Fionna achieving success through their Blackburne of Southeast Auto Mechanical commitment to driving change in the automotive or mobility industry, and to not only recognise the tremendous contribution women make to an industry that is perceived to be - and in many ways is - male dominated, but to encourage more women to consider the industry as one offering viable career options.

The finalists for the award were Fionna Blackburne of Southeast Auto Mechanical in Beenleigh, Tania Meli of the Frizelle Sunshine Automotive Group in Southport, and Tracy Randall of Anzac Avenue Wreckers of Toowoomba.

Fionna Blackburne was named the winner launched a free program – Women On The Move – that offers women the opportunity and she accepted the award from Gabrielle to learn basic vehicle maintenance Clift, the MTA Queensland Apprentice skills. It’s a program she also offers of the Year winner from 2020.

CLICK TO VISIT THE to local schools, and Fionna is Having trained and practiced SOUTHEAST AUTO always searching for ways that as a lawyer, Fionna turned to the MECHANICAL can help shape a positive view of automotive industry, purchasing WEBSITE the automotive industry, as well Southeast Auto Mechanical as expand efforts to empower and in 2016 after earning her light support women in the trades. vehicle qualification. Soon after, she

“I WANT TO END THE PERCEPTION THAT WOMEN DON’T KNOW THEIR WAY AROUND A CAR, AND I ENCOURAGE YOU, AS AUTOMOTIVE PROFESSIONALS TO EDUCATE AND SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH THE LADIES IN YOUR LIFE.”

24 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

“I want to thank MTA Queensland for awarding me the Women in Industry award and also congratulations to the other finalists, Tania and Tracy, who are achieving success in driving positive change in the automotive industry,” said Fionna when accepting the award.

“I am thrilled and humbled to have won this award. I would like to personally thank my team – Damien, Dave, Ash, and Josh – for their commitment to the business and extend a personal thank you to Dave and Damien for helping me to run the women’s essential workshops.”

Delivering the workshops and seeing the confidence grow in the women who took part was, said Fionna, incredibly rewarding. She added that sharing knowledge was key and it had been a goal of hers since taking ownership of her business to share essential knowledge with the community.

“I want to end the perception that women don’t know their way around a car, and I encourage you, as automotive professionals, to educate and share your knowledge with the ladies in your life,” she said.

“Remember, one woman can make a difference, but together we can change the world one tyre at a time.”

Gabrielle Clift at trhe 2021 Awards Gala

GA B R I E L L E C L I F T: C AT C H I N G U P WITH THE 2020 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR BACK IN MID-2020, the concern regarding COVID-19 outbreaks, and the inevitable restrictions and lockdowns that would follow, was ever present and forced MTA Queensland to cancel that year’s Industry Award Gala event.

However, on October 16, 2020, the Association was able to hold a much smaller, stripped-back event at its main office in Brisbane to celebrate the finalists for the 2020 Apprentice of the Year award and to name that year’s winner.

It was Gabrielle Clift, who was 21 at the time and a third-year light vehicle apprentice with Highfields Mechanical near Toowoomba (and who was, incidentally, the Capricorn 2020 Apprentice of the Year also) who was presented with the honour.

This year, with the Award Gala event back at its elegant home at Brisbane’s Emporium Hotel, Gabrielle was invited to speak to the 200-plus guests about the

In 2020, Gabrielle was named MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year. Here she receives part of her prize from MTA Institute General Manager, Paul Kulpa

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 25

year she’d had since winning the award.

And it had been a busy one, she said.

Highfields Mechanical, and owners Craig and Katherine Baills, had recently opened a new shop, Hi-Mech Auto Solutions, in Toowoomba – a workshop that offers a range of mechanical services but was established with the goal of delivering ADAS calibration and maintenance services.

That means working with cutting-edge technology – the LiDAR, radar and camera systems that allow modern cars to have features such as lane departure alert, her apprenticeship, Gabrielle had a few autonomous emergency braking, adaptive words of support to offer the 2021 awards cruise control and the like – and training finalists. to use the calibration equipment “To each of the nominees for needed to maintain those systems. tonight’s awards – congratulations CLICK It’s a fantastic experience for TO VISIT to you all,” she said. “Your hard THE HI-MECH Gabrielle, who is expecting to work and effort have been AUTO SOLUTIONS complete her training in the WEBSITE recognised and you should all be middle of 2022, and she clearly extremely proud of yourselves. recognised the opportunities as It is important that our industry she addressed the Gala attendees. has hard-working apprentices “I am lucky enough to work between and tradespeople like yourselves both workshops and see a huge variety to continue well into the future. I am of what the automotive industry has to honoured to work alongside you and wish offer. Every day has its own lesson in it – you all the best for the future.” whether it is learning something new or doing a pre-existing job in a more efficient APPRENTICE fashion.” she said, before adding that the extra training with companies such as OF THE YEAR Bosch was a great learning experience.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF the evening was the “Working alongside my MTAQ studies, announcement of the MTA Queensland the information and knowledge I have Apprentice of the Year award winner. gained has given me the confidence to 12 outstanding apprentices, some work and make informed decision and who have now qualified as tradespeople, recommendations,” she said. were up for the award, but it was Joshua “I highly recommend to any apprentice Frampton - the 26-year-old, fourthor light vehicle technician to invest in year Light Vehicle apprentice from the additional training. With technology Sunshine Coast and the Cricks Auto Group advancing so quickly in our vehicles it is Maroochydore dealership – who took important that we stay at the forefront home the honour. of our industry as well as have a firm Thanks to COVID-19 restrictions, the foundation and understanding of the presentation of the award was slightly fundamentals.” unusual with Leanne Turner - great friend, After thanking all those who had regular Industry Gala guest, and CEO of supported her on her journey through

“TO EACH OF THE NOMINEES FOR TONIGHT’S AWARDS – CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL. YOUR HARD WORK AND EFFORT HAVE BEEN RECOGNISED AND YOU SHOULD ALL BE EXTREMELY PROUD OF YOURSELVES.”

26 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

2021 MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year finalists

“I WAS THINKING THERE MIGHT BE A BIT OF A CHANCE, BUT I SAW THE OTHER FINALISTS AND I THOUGHT ‘WELL, THERE ARE A LOT OF REALLY TALENTED PEOPLE HERE’, SO TO WIN DID CATCH ME OFF GUARD AND I HADN’T PREPARED ANYTHING TO SAY.”

Event host Ben Davis (left) with 2021 MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year award winner Joshua Frampton

Spirit Super - announcing Joshua as the award winner via a digital link-up.

While none of the 12 finalists went home empty-handed – all received a 3.8’’ Drive 56pc ratchet and socket set courtesy of Milwaukee Tool – the prize for being named Apprentice of the Year was outstanding, with Joshua taking home a Milwaukee 218-piece Automotive Starter Toolkit, as well as the opportunity to enjoy two weeks of work experience with the legendary Triple Eight Race Engineering motor racing team.

For Joshua, hearing his name called out as the winner of the award came as a bit of a shock. It was also a shock, he said, to his

very proud parents and his manager from Cricks, Andrew Seeley, who joined Joshua at the Gala event. However, there was one person who was not surprised at all.

“I wasn’t expecting it to be honest,” he said. “I was thinking there might be a bit of a chance, but I saw the other finalists and I thought ‘Well, there are a lot of really talented people here’, so to win did catch me off guard and I hadn’t prepared anything to say.

“However, my partner Yvonne had absolute confidence in me the entire time! She kept reminding me, even up to the night, that ‘You’re going to win. That’s why we went out and bought this fancy December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 27

Joshua Frampton (centre) with MTA Institute Chair Susan Davis and Jordan Bishell from Milwaukee Tool

“WHEN THAT IS DONE, I’LL DO SOME MORE BRAND TRAINING . . . THAT IS GOING TO BE MY NEXT STEP. AND THEN, SOMETIME NEXT YEAR, WILL BE THE WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITY WITH TRIPLE EIGHT. FROM THERE, THE SKY IS THE LIMIT!” tailored suit. This is a winner’s suit!’.”

While the title of Apprentice of the Year was the big prize, the items that come along with that title are ones that Joshua is delighted to claim. And that is no surprise, as the Milwaukee Tool 218-piece toolkit and the two-week work experience stint with Triple Eight Race Engineering, are stellar prizes indeed.

“The work experience is something that could potentially be life-changing. You never know where things will lead with opportunities like that,” said Joshua.

“I am really looking forward to that.

28 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

It’s amazing. It is a dream kind of thing - something that wasn’t even in the realm of possibilities. To get a work experience opportunity with them is just fantastic.

“And I can’t wait to get the toolkit. I have my own toolkit at the moment, of course, but not of Milwaukee quality. It’ll be incredibly useful and last for decades.”

It took a few days for the award announcement to sink in, and there have been plenty of congratulations, handshakes and back slaps for Joshua from mates, family, and colleagues at Cricks.

Now, though, his mind is back on

completing his apprenticeship – something he hopes to do by the end of January 2022.

“Don Lerm, my MTA Institute trainer, is going to be back and assess my last two competencies in late January, and then that’ll be me ticked off and qualified,” he said.

“When that is done, I’ll do some more brand training,” he added. “One of the other brands I work with is Suzuki and I’ve been put through for their technical training, like I did with Renault a few months ago. That is going to be my next step. And then, sometime next year, will be the work experience opportunity with Triple Eight. From there, the sky is the limit!”

Winning the Apprentice of the Year Award is recognition of skill, drive and passion – attributes that mark someone out as having a brilliant career ahead of them. But even with those attributes, an apprenticeship can be tough, and Joshua had some words of advice for those apprentices just starting their automotive journey.

“There have been times when I just wanted to throw in the towel, but once you get through the daily grind and the dayto-day type of jobs – the oil changes, doing tyres, cleaning up the workshop . . . you do start to do some really fun stuff,” he said.

“And if there is one thing I have learned, it is that there are many different opinions and many different ways you can do things in a workshop. Working with older guys, they taught me a lot of the tricks of the trade, and speaking and learning from them has been invaluable. It really pays to listen to the older guys who have been in the industry for decades.

“Just ask as many questions as you can and listen when someone is teaching you something – they’re trying to make you a better mechanic.”

According to Paul Kulpa, General Manager Training and Innovation for the MTA Institute, this year’s Apprentice of the Year finalists were of a very high calibre – so

much so that the judges whose job it was to pick a winner had a tough job in doing so.

“I’d like to personally acknowledge all the Apprentice of the Year nominees,” said Mr Kulpa. “The judging panel found this year in particular to be one of the hardest to judge given the quality of nominees.

We continue to be blown away by the apprentices and what they have achieved throughout their training journey.

“I’d also like to acknowledge our trainers and employers who put forward their apprentices for this award. The award continues to grow each year with the number of nominees put forward and it’s a testament to the apprentices who go above and beyond their training and display their passion for the automotive industry.

“The MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year Award is an incredibly prestigious title and this year’s winner is worthy of this title. Congratulations Joshua on winning this award.”

RAISING FUNDS ANOTHER IMPORTANT PART of the Industry Awards Gala is the fundraising auction on behalf of MTA Queensland’s official charity partner, Youngcare.

Youngcare is a not-for-profit organisation spearheading change to create a future where every young person with high care needs has the choice and dignity to live the lives we all deserve. MTA Queensland is proud to offer its support.

Some generous souls took part in the auction this year, with the competitive and lively bidding raising more than $19,000.

There were, as always, some quality items on which the participants could bid, including body panels and a wheel rim from a Triple Eight Race Engineering supercar, all signed by superstar drivers Jamie Whincup and Shane van Gisbergen.

Perhaps with the knowledge that 2021 is the final year for Whincup as a full-time Supercars competition driver, those December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 29

The evening’s auction raised more than $19,000 for the Youngcare charity

four pieces of racing memorabilia went for a collective $10,100. Outstanding!

Other items up for auction included a bottle of 2015 Penfolds RWT BIN 798 Shiraz, a Brisbane Broncos football signed by the team from the 2004 season (which included such icons as Darren Lockyer and Gorden Tallis), a signed 2021 Broncos team jersey, an Emporium Hotel Getaway package, and a Mooloolaba holiday package.

It was a blockbuster of an auction and MTA Queensland extends its thanks for the generous donation of items by Triple Eight Race Engineering, Mark Dodge Motoring, the Emporium Hotel, Peter and Cathy Hyde, and a private donor.

T

he 2021 MTA Queensland Industry Awards Gala was tremendous evening, and the Association thanks its guests, friends, and sponsors for making it so memorable. It was a welcome return after the disruptions of 2020 and was a truly positive experience as the industry looks beyond the impact of COVID and embraces its continuing evolution.

“The MTA Queensland Industry Awards provides the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the individuals and businesses who are making exceptional contributions to the betterment of the industry through community and innovation leadership, and excellence 30 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

“. . . THOSE FOUR PIECES OF RACING MEMORABILIA WENT FOR A COLLECTIVE $10,100. OUTSTANDING!” in their discipline,” said Mr Camm, MTA Queensland Group CEO. “We are privileged to be able to celebrate them in person at such a spectacular event.

“As an industry, we have faced, and indeed continue to face, shortages in both skilled labour and parts and supplies, and challenges with the pace of new technological advancements. However, we continue to face these head-on, led by individuals like those recognised in the 2021 Industry Awards. I sincerely congratulate them all and look forward to following them as they continue to lead the industry into the future.”

See you next year!

LAWS PROTECTING AGAINST HARASSMENT RECENT MEDIA STORIES about what may be happening in some parliamentarian’s offices is a reminder to all employers and business owners that no-one is immune from a sexual harassment claim.

The Fair Work Act and Regulations will soon be amended to give employers more power to sack perpetrators of sexual harassment.

The Federal Government has announced it will amend section 387 of the Act to clarify that sexual harassment can be a valid reason for termination when determining whether a dismissal was unfair.

It will also amend the definition of “serious misconduct” in the Fair Work Regulations to include sexual harassment, to clarify that this behaviour can justify summary dismissal.

In addition, education and guidance on unfair dismissal and other workplace rights will be updated. The Act will include a ‘stop sexual harassment order’ by clarifying that a stop-bullying order is available in the context of harassment.

model WHS laws for employers to ensure workers are not exposed to health and safety risks, which includes the risk of sexual harassment. Safe Work Australia guidance recently released specifically describes sexual harassment as a systemic risk employers must approach with a safety mindset.

PSYCHOSOCIAL RISKS CODE OF PRACTICE A code of practice on managing psychosocial risks is currently being

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS developed by Safe Work Australia, which is to cover sexual harassment in the

TO MORE THAN 8000 PEOPLE DIRECTLY workplace.

This will help toINVOLVED increase POSITIVE DUTY ALREADY EXISTS IN THE INDUSTRY A positive duty already existsMOTORING under awareness of the duty to manage (website or e-magazine options)

psychosocial health and safety risks and improve compliance, it says, adding it will continue to support this work.

The aim is to create an improved culture of respectful workplace behaviour.

For further information about Policy for your workplace, please contact MTA Queensland.

CLICK HERE FOR MEDIA GUIDE AND COSTS

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTION OFFERS SIGNIFICANT UPGRADES FOR AGEING EVs

I

T IS WELL known that the capacity of electric vehicle (EV) battery packs diminishes over time. Temperature and charging cycles, as well as other factors, all play their part in wearing down the pack’s lifespan, and most EV owners can expect it to be nearing the end of its useable life powering their vehicle after about a decade.

At that point, to get the car back to straight-from-the-factory condition likely means going back to the manufacturer and getting a replacement battery pack.

That is not a cheap exercise – a like-for-like replacement costs thousands of dollars.

But what if there was a way to not only replace the battery pack of your aging EV, but upgrade it, giving the car more range

32 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

. . . THE SOLUTION EFFECTIVELY BOILS DOWN TO REPLACING TIRED BATTERY PACKS WITH NEW, ADVANCED BATTERIES, WHILE INSTALLING A SMALL PLUG-IN COMPUTER BOARD AND SOFTWARE THAT ‘PIGGYBACKS’ ON, AND ‘TALKS’ TO, THE CAR’S EXISTING COMPUTER SYSTEM, GIVING IT NEW INSTRUCTIONS.

and making it more responsive, while at the same time installing functions and features that are seen only on the most modern cars?

The deceptively simple-looking system is already being installed on one of the earliest entrants to the Australian EV market, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV.

The team at OZ Electric Vehicles (OZ EV), a new business based in Brisbane, has developed just such an innovative and exciting solution.

The man behind the company, Graeme Manietta, is well known in the Australian EV community. He is the former Chairman of the Queensland branch of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA) and has, through his other business called OZ DIY Electric Vehicles, been converting and repairing EVs since the mid-2000s.

And what Graeme and his team at OZ EV have developed is, potentially, a game changer for the EV industry and EV owners.

A combination of hardware and software, the solution effectively boils down to replacing tired battery packs with new, advanced batteries, while installing a small plug-in computer board and software that ‘piggybacks’ on, and ‘talks’ to, the car’s existing computer system, giving it new instructions.

It’s a deceptively simple-looking system that emerged after many months of research and which can be tweaked, said Graeme, to work on any EV model, and it is already being installed on one of the

earliest entrants to the Australian EV market, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. The little i-MiEV made its debut in 2009 and was available to the public as a hatchback or as a van. It’s a solid little car with a 16kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a 47kW electric motor – a package decent enough to push it to a 130km/h top speed and deliver a real-world range of something between 120km and 160km.

While just a few hundred i-MiEVs were sold here, they were amongst the first EVs on Australian shores and that is why, 10 years on, Graeme and his team at OZ EV looked at the i-MiEV as the foundation for the development of their universal upgrade solution.

“We saw a need for these older EVs, like the Mitsubishi i-MiEVs, to have a battery upgrade at some point,” said Graeme.

“Quite a few of them are starting to have degraded batteries, which means they have a much shorter range, and so we decided we’d investigate. Could we do something with the battery packs? Could we upgrade them somehow? There were a couple of options, but we decided that we could do something better.”

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 33

The direction the OZ EV team chose to follow was to have battery cells manufactured that were lighter and had better chemistry and density than the originals, offered 30kWh instead of the original’s 16kWh, and which could be dropped straight into the i-MiEV’s existing battery pack frame.

“Owners do have the option of going back to Mitsubishi to buy an original battery pack, but a new battery pack will give them their original 120km or so of range, and will set them back about $16,000,” said Graeme.

“Our mission was to come up with something better, and what we have done is deliver 220km to 240km range for the same money.”

Actually, that’s not quite true. Thanks to the fact that even old EV batteries can still be used for purposes other than powering a car, the OZ EV team sell the old cells to a contractor who uses them to meet other energy needs. This means the price of the EV upgrade comes in at $12,950.

That seems a pretty good price, but there is much more going on here than just better batteries. The really clever stuff is the technology – software and hardware in the form of that small plug-in computer board – that enables the humble i-MiEV to be upgraded with modern features.

It is, said OZ EV Project Lead Jacques Hickey, a solution that is easily installed, easy to remove, and easily upgradeable.

“Essentially, you can think of it as a piggyback computer,” said Jacques. “It talks to all the existing ECU modules within the vehicle and allows us to read the information from them and send them messages telling them what they need to do. It uses the vehicle’s existing communication system and existing CAN protocol, and the whole kit has just four plugs. It is a plug-and-play solution.”

For the i-MiEV, this plug-and-play system enables one-pedal driving, ‘no-creep’ cruise control, and hill hold – options not available on the i-MiEV out of the factory.

And the computer card at the heart of the solution is expandable, meaning even more features can be added to the car should a customer wish it.

VIDEO: OZ ELECTRIC VEHICLES INNOVATIVE EV UPGRADE

You want to add cameras, LiDAR, Radar, or other hardware to give you access to some of the latest driver assistance features? That can be accomplished.

And thanks to the ability to send over-theair software upgrades – the OZ EV team can develop updates and deliver them straight to the car, just as major manufacturers do with their latest models. That is very cool stuff.

“If you can think of it, we can make it happen,” said Jacques. “We have full access to all the ECU controllers inside this vehicle, so even features like vehicleto-grid and advanced driving such as lane control assist are all possible and can be added.”

While initially developed for the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, the OZ Electric Vehicles’

“ESSENTIALLY, YOU CAN THINK OF IT AS A PIGGYBACK COMPUTER . . . IT TALKS TO ALL THE EXISTING ECU MODULES WITHIN THE VEHICLE AND ALLOWS US TO READ THE INFORMATION FROM THEM AND SEND THEM MESSAGES TELLING THEM WHAT THEY NEED TO DO.”

solution is being further developed to be available for any make and model of EV. “We are looking at other models and are currently doing R&D on the Nissan Leaf battery pack,” said Graeme. “After that, we’re looking at the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and we’ve also had people asking us about the BMW i3. They’re getting on a bit too and there’s a lot of interest there.”

As the EV market continues to mature, there will be many more makes and models that start to feel the age of their battery packs and many more owners looking for the ways in which they can get more life from them. With that in mind, Graeme is developing the resources that other workshops and businesses across Australia and internationally can use to install the OZ EV upgrade.

And the potential business that could be built from offering that solution is VIDEO: OZ ELECTRIC VEHICLES IMIEV UPGRADE TEST DRIVE

“IF THE LICENSING GOES OKAY HERE IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND, WE WILL BE ROLLING IT OUT EARLY NEXT YEAR TO EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA.”

CLICK TO LEARN MORE AT THE OZ ELECTRIC VEHICLE WEBSITE

enormous. For example, while the i-MiEV sold in small numbers in Australia, in Europe and North America more than 50,000 were sold under various names - including the Citroen C-Zero and the Peugeot iOn. And when you consider the number of EVs across the world that are reaching 10 years of age, the size of the market begins to get very large indeed.

Which is why Graeme is preparing to make the OZ EV system available to the European and North American markets early next year; is developing installation manuals, training courses and licensing agreements for potential installation partners; and is actively looking for Australian and New Zealand businesses that want to get involved as installers of the solution.

“We’d like to see it be someone who’s got a mechanical and electrical/auto-electric background. And businesses that already 36 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

do electric vehicle conversions would likely be the installers in their area,” said Graeme. “If the licensing goes okay here in Australia and New Zealand, we will be rolling it out early next year to Europe and North America.”

A long-time advocate of the benefits of electric vehicles, Graeme has spent years researching the sector and developing new technologies and tweaking established ones to make EVs deliver more for their owners. The OZ Electric Vehicles upgrade solution – the culmination of years of work - could be the technology those owners have been waiting for.

“Everything we do, we look at valueadding,” said Graeme. “If it’s got batteries, it’s our gig.”

To find out more about OZ Electric Vehicles and inquire about licensing and installation opportunities, go to the website at www.ozelectricvehicles.com

VIEW PAST ISSUES OF MOTOR TRADER MAGAZINE AT WWW.MTAQ.COM.AU/PUBLICATIONS

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Auto innovation news

NISSAN UNVEILS ‘AMBITION 2030’ MOBILITY STRATEGY

N

ISSAN HAS REVEALED its longterm mobility strategy and the vision it has for itself over the next decade.

Called Nissan Ambition 2030, the company says it aims to become a ‘truly sustainable company, driving towards a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world’ and over the next 10 years, will see it deliver a fleet of electrified vehicles and technological innovations while expanding its operations globally. Nissan’s goal is to be carbon neutral across the life cycle of its products by 2050.

Referencing the growth in customer demand, Nissan says it will invest heavily in its electrification strategy and introduce 23 new electrified models, including 15 new EVs, by 2030 – aiming for an electrification mix of more than 50 per cent globally across the Nissan and INFINITI brands.

With the introduction of 20 new EV and e-POWER equipped models in the next five years, the company also intends to increase its electrification sales mix across major markets by fiscal year 2026, including: • Europe by more than 75 per cent of sales

NISSAN SAYS IT WILL INVEST HEAVILY IN ITS ELECTRIFICATION STRATEGY AND INTRODUCE 23 NEW ELECTRIFIED MODELS, INCLUDING 15 NEW EVS, BY 2030 – AIMING FOR AN ELECTRIFICATION MIX OF MORE THAN 50 PER CENT GLOBALLY ACROSS THE NISSAN AND INFINITI BRANDS. • Japan by more than 55 per cent of sales • China by more than 40 per cent of sales • The United States by 40 per cent of EV sales in fiscal year 2030 The company says it will continue to evolve its lithium-ion battery technologies and introduce cobalt-free technology to bring down the cost by 65 per cent by fiscal year 2028.

It aims to vastly increase its battery

Nissan Chill-Out concept

38 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

Nissan Hang-Out concept

Nissan Surf-Out concept

production capacity and launch EVs with its proprietary all-solid-state batteries (ASSB) by fiscal year 2028. A pilot plant is being planned for 2024. With the introduction of solid-state batteries, the company claims it will be able to offer more efficient vehicles with much reduced charging time and bring down sharply the cost of battery packs.

Investment in battery technology will also be channelled to refurbishing and recycling. Facilities in Japan are to be upgraded, and new locations in Europe and the US are to be built. Commercialising the company’s vehicle-to-everything and home battery systems is also on the agenda.

This focus on technology will also see Nissan look to further develop its autonomous vehicle technologies with the aim of incorporating next generation LIDAR systems on virtually every new model by 2030.

Tying in with the Ambition 2030 announcement, Nissan unveiled three new concept cars – the Max-Out convertible,

the Surf-Out all-terrain vehicle, and the ‘mobile living space’ concept called the Hang-Out – that are representative of the company’s thinking and strategy.

The technology proposed for the concepts highlights Nissan’s thinking on how advancements in battery technology, hardware and packaging can offer a wide variety of mobility solutions to match needs and lifestyles. At the core of this EV Technology Vision is the integration of all solid-state battery technology with a skateboard-like structure that allows for a variety of vehicle types.

“The role of companies to address societal needs is increasingly heightened,” said Makoto Uchida, Nissan CEO, in a statement. “With Nissan Ambition 2030, we will drive the new age of electrification, advance technologies to reduce carbon footprint and pursue new business opportunities. We want to transform Nissan to become a sustainable company that is truly needed by customers and society.”

Nissan Max-Out concept

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 39

Toyota President Akio Toyoda presents some of his company’s proposed range of EVs

TOYOTA REVEALS HUGE INVESTMENT IN EV DEVELOPMENT

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OYOTA IS FULLY embracing the electric vehicle revolution, announcing at the beginning of December that is to introduce 30 batteryelectric vehicles and invest up to $100 billion in carbon-reducing and carbonneutral vehicles and technologies between now and 2030.

16 of the new battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) were unveiled by the company’s President Akio Toyoda in the announcement made in Tokyo, and they included five Toyota ‘bZ’ (beyond Zero) vehicles, seven ‘lifestyle’ models including commercial vehicles, and four Lexus models. Like other luxury vehicle manufacturers, Lexus will also focus on electric vehicles by 2035.

40 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

The company also announced a new BEV sales target of 3.5 million a year by 2030 an increase of 75 per cent on the previous annual sales projection of 2 million, made earlier this year.

The company said that half of the investment funds will be devoted to research and development and capital expenditure for BEVs, while the other half will be dedicated to hybrid-electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid-electric (PHEV) and fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV). The total includes almost $25 billion to accelerate the development of more-advanced, highquality, and affordable batteries.

“We will not only add battery EV options to existing vehicle models but will also offer a full line-up of reasonably priced

SURVEY SHOWS AUSTRALIANS AGREE MOVING TO EVS KEY TO CURB CLIMATE CHANGE

“WE WILL NOT ONLLY ADD BATTERY EV OPTIONS TO EXISITNG VEHICLE MODELS BUT WILL ALSO OFFER A FULL LINE-UP OF REASONABLY PRICED MASS-PRODUCTION MODELS . . .” mass-production models, such as the bZ series, to meet the needs of all kinds of customers,” said Mr Toyoda.

“We can position batteries and electric motors to bring more freedom to battery EVs. This freedom will allow us to be more attuned to our customers, such as by meeting the various needs of different regions, the various lifestyles of our customers, and, when it comes to commercial vehicles, everything from long-distance transport to last-mile delivery.”

Toyota unveiled details of the bZ4X SUV, the first vehicle of its bZ electric vehicle brand, a couple of months ago. Its foundation is the new e-TNGA EV platform – developed with Subaru.

A SURVEY OF 1,001 AUSTRALIANS by online financial broker Savvy has revealed that 73 per cent of people agree that moving to Electric Vehicles (EVs) is an important move to reduce CO2 emissions and keep global temperature rises to 1.5°C. 79 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds, 78 per cent of 25 to 34-year-olds, and 82 per cent of 35 to 44-year-olds agreed with the statement, the company said.

40 per cent stated that they may purchase EVs in the future, with 7 per cent of respondents saying they intend to buy one within the next 12 months.

2 per cent said they already own an EV. However, 30 per cent said they can’t afford one.

37 per cent of women said that they can’t afford an EV; and older Australians (33 per cent for 55-64s and 36 per cent for 65+) also said they are unable to afford one. 19 per cent of 65+s say they’d rather buy a petroldriven car.

The biggest obstacle to going electric is price, according to the survey. 79 per cent said that affordability would need to improve before considering an EV as their next vehicle.

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 41

Auto innovation news

ADVANCED EMERGENCY BRAKING TO BE STANDARD FEATURE FOR LIGHT VEHICLES

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HE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT has mandated Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB) systems for new passenger and light-goods vehicles.

AEB systems work using sensors to detect obstacles and determine whether a collision may occur.

If warnings, visual and audible, are available but ignored, then the system automatically takes over, controlling the brakes and preventing, hopefully, an accident.

“Vehicle technology has an important role to play in reducing road trauma, which is why we have introduced new standards that mean AEB systems must be installed in all new light vehicles. There will be a progressive roll out of the new standards, which will start to apply from March 2023 – giving manufacturers the time needed to effectively make the transition,” said Kevin Hogan, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, in a statement.

“To date, many systems have been unable to detect pedestrians,” he added.

“These new national road vehicle standards would require light vehicle AEB systems to detect likely forward collisions with both vehicles and pedestrians to help keep some of our most vulnerable road users safe as well.”

Implementing the new national road

42 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

vehicle standards will, the government estimated, save 581 lives, and prevent 20,433 serious and 73,340 minor injuries over 35 years.

AEB systems capable of detecting collisions with other vehicles must be installed from 1 March 2023 for all new models of vehicles, and 1 March 2025 for all other new vehicles.

AEB systems capable of detecting collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians must be installed from 1 August 2024 for all new models of vehicles, and 1 August 2026 for all other new vehicles.

You can read the final Regulation Impact Statement, new Australian Design Rules and Explanatory Statements by clicking HERE and HERE.

MTA QUEENSLAND MICRO-CREDENTIAL COURSES SHORT, ONLINE, INDUSTRY-RECOGNISED COURSES THAT ARE YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO UPSKILL AND BUILD YOUR PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS.

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Auto innovation news

NISSAN REVEALS HIGHPERFORMANCE ARIYA SINGLE-SEATER CONCEPT

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ISSAN HAS REVEALED a singleseat race car concept which uses the company’s Ariya EV road car, as well as Nissan’s participation in the Formula E World Championship, as inspiration.

The vehicle is, said Nissan, ‘a highperformance exploration, development and demonstration project of how the allelectric Nissan Ariya road car powertrain could be used in a bespoke single seater racing car chassis’. The top-spec Ariya road car boasts 290kW and 600Nm thanks to twin electric motors, all-wheel-drive with e-4ORCE dual motor all-wheel control, and an 87kWh battery pack.

Design cues from the Ariya road car can be seen in the new vehicle but the company says the project is to act as a testbed for future technological evolution, and ‘demonstrate Nissan’s expertise in transferring knowledge and technology Nissan Ariya EV Road Car

VIDEO: NISSAN ARIYA SINGLE SEATER CONCEPT

“NISSAN COMPETES IN FORMULA E NOT ONLY TO RACE ON TRACK, BUT ALSO TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPELLING ELECTRIC VEHICLES FOR CUSTOMERS.”

TRITIUM OPENS EV CHARGER TESTING FACILITY TRITIUM, THE AUSTRALIAN developer and manufacturer of DC fast-charging technology for EVs, has opened a compliance testing facility at its Brisbane headquarters.

The new facility is capable of accelerating testing, prototyping, compliance and certification, allowing, the company said, for it to bring products to market quicker, rapidly modify its products, and develop and certify products with greater cost efficiency. from the racetrack to the road.’

“Nissan competes in Formula E not only to race on track, but also to support the development of compelling electric vehicles for customers,” said Tommaso Volpe, Nissan global motorsports director.

“Our EV programs inform our Formula E program and vice versa, allowing for road-to-track technology transfer as well as track-to-road. The Nissan Ariya Single Seater Concept explores the combination of the all-electric powertrain, dual motors and revolutionary all-wheel drive system of the Ariya with a pure single seat racing chassis - a powerful demonstration of just how thrilling electric vehicles could be.”

Nissan Ariya Single Seater Concept

“THIS CUTTING-EDGE FACILITY IS EXPECTED TO ENABLE US TO DELIVER WORLD-LEADING CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE TO OUR CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE GLOBE.” The facility is designed to deliver up to 720kW of regenerative power from its integrated system with fully integrated AC and DC power feeds, ensuring the company can test devices that demand very high power levels to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) certification requirements.

“The more rapidly we can develop new products to meet the needs of this fast-evolving market and complete testing of those products for public use, the faster we can deliver chargers that meet that demand,” said Jane Hunter, Tritium CEO. “This cutting-edge facility is expected to enable CLICK FOR us to deliver worldMORE ABOUT THE TRITIUM leading charging TEST FACILITY infrastructure to our customers across the globe.”

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 45

Auto innovation news

MERC RECEIVES APPROVAL IN GERMANY FOR LEVEL 3 SELF-DRIVING SYSTEM

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ERCEDES-BENZ HAS RECEIVED approval from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority for the company’s Drive Pilot self-driving system to be used at speeds of up to 60 km/h in heavy traffic or congested situations on suitable stretches of motorway.

The Drive Pilot was approved for Level 3 autonomous driving use. A Level 3 system is a conditionally automated system considered ‘eyes off ’ and, in a statement, the company said that the Drive Pilot System would enable the driver to ‘take their mind off the traffic and focus on certain secondary activities, be it communicating with colleagues via In-Car Office, surfing the internet or relaxing while watching a film.’

The system has been approved for use on 13,191 kilometres of motorway in Germany, 46 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

and Mercedes will be offering it to owners of the S-Class in the first half of 2022. The system approval also applies to the allelectric EQS sedan.

Drive Pilot uses the sensors built into the car, including LiDAR, a camera in the rear window, and microphones, as well as a wetness sensor in the wheel well. As well as the sensor data, the system receives information about the road geometry, route profile, traffic signs and traffic events, such as accidents or roadworks, from a digital HD map.

Mercedes-Benz said that extensive test drives for the system were underway in other markets, including the US and China, and would roll out it out as soon as national legal frameworks for conditionally automated operation were put in place in additional markets.

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Get Your Trade Skills Recognised Do you have trade skills and experience but no formal qualification?

Trade Recognition Trade Recognition is the process of having your skills and work experience formally assessed against industry and educational requirements for the purpose of gaining a formal trade qualification.

MTA Institute offers a Government Subsidised Trade Skills Assessment and Gap Training Program for the following qualifications: • AUR30316 – Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology • AUR30416 – Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology • AUR30616 – Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology • AUR30716 – Certificate III in Outdoor Power Equipment • AUR30816 – Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology • AUR31016 – Certificate III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting) • AUR31116 – Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology • AUR31216 – Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology

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Eligibility Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria: i) Aged 21 years or over ii) Have not completed a trade qualification in the same industry area iii) Permanently reside in Queensland iv) Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or hold an eligible visa as identified by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training; or v) Meet any additional eligibility requirements identified through this Initiative and: a. Individuals assessed as demonstrating substantial competency in a prospective trade qualification, who require gap training in no more than 40% of the funded competencies of that Priority Trade Qualification; and b. Express a commitment to gain the entire qualification.

Fee information This program is mostly subsidised by the Queensland Government; however, mandatory student co-contribution fees are applicable for all units requiring gap training.

Course length The course duration will depend upon individual circumstances and the amount of gap training required.

The duration and applicable fees will be advised upon a successful application.

Enrol Training and assessment can be arranged at either MTA Institute’s premises or an approved automotive workplace.

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Auto innovation news

CARMAKERS INVEST IN FACTORIAL TO DEVELOP SOLID-STATE BATTERIES

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ERCEDES-BENZ AND STELLANTIS are teaming up with US-based battery specialist Factorial to work on the development of nextgeneration, solid-state battery technology.

Both carmakers have invested in Factorial.

Solid-state batteries are viewed as extremely promising technology for electric vehicles – their use of a solid material instead of a liquid electrolyte within cells promises greater safety, increased energy density, longer range and faster charging than current battery cell types.

Factorial says it has proprietary technology, called FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) which leverages a proprietary solid electrolyte material that enables safe and reliable cell performance with high-voltage and

48 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

high-capacity electrodes and has been scaled in 40Ah cells that perform at room temperature. It is, the company says, easily integrated into existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing infrastructure.

Mercedes and Stellantis are not the only major manufacturers with an interest in the US company. Hyundai Motor Group has also partnered with, and invested in Factorial.

“These partnerships will accelerate our ability to commercialise our core technology,” said Factorial Energy CEO Siyu Huang, Ph.D. “With our new partners we can develop batteries that not only enable safer and longer driving range vehicles, but that are also compatible with conventional lithium-ion battery manufacturing environments.”

MTAQ MEMBER SIGNAGE MTA Queensland has developed a series of posters that can be downloaded free of charge for members only. These are signs commonly asked for, and used, in workshops.

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No admittance into the workshop – Staff Only.

We reserve the right to retain your vehicle until payment is made in full.

A LWAY S C H O O S E A N M TA Q U E E N S L A N D MEMBER

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This automotive business guarantees only qualified and trained technicians will be working on your vehicle.

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Please note that you, as a consumer, have the legal right to choose who repairs your vehicle.

This automotive business will not install customer supplied parts because it cannot warrant or guarantee the quality, fitment and/ or the intended outcome of fitting these parts.

Independent repairers can complete log book servicing on your vehicle, even while it is under the warranty period, without affecting the manufacturer’s warranty.

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This business is willing and able to diagnose and assess the vehicle’s problem and supply you with competitively priced, high quality parts in order to fix your vehicle.

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Auto innovation news

HYUNDAI UNVEILS THE IONIQ BRAND SEVEN CONCEPT

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HIS IS THE SEVEN, a new allelectric SUV concept unveiled by Hyundai at the AutoMobility LA event in November.

Part of Hyundai’s IONIQ electric brand, the SEVEN is built on Hyundai’s ElectricGlobal Modular Platform (E-GMP) and is another example – along with Kia’s EV9 concept (see page 88) - of the exciting direction the South Korean companies are taking with their electric vehicle strategy.

Thanks to the E-GMP platform, the SEVEN will, Hyundai says, achieve a target range of more than 480km and, in a realworld situation with a 350kW charger, be capable of charging from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in about 20 minutes.

Pitched as a Sports Utility Electric Vehicle (SUEV), the SEVEN is a quirky delight to look at – the styling of the new breed of models from the Hyundai/Kia stables is excellent – delivering a futuristic and rugged look that is topped off by the very cool ‘pixel’ lighting system.

With the wheels pushed Hyundai IONIQ SEVEN Concept out to the corners of the body, the SEVEN’s wheelbase reaches 3.2 metres, giving designers plenty of space to build an intriguing interior for the vehicle.

Space is accentuated by pillarless coach doors, and the flat floor – a common feature in EVs – allows for an

WITH EVS PITCHED AS ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY VEHICLES, THE SEVEN USES VARIOUS ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS WHILE ALSO OFFERING FEATURES SUCH AS A HYGIENE AIRFLOW SYSTEM AND UVC STERILISATION.

VIDEO: IONIQ CONCEPT ‘SEVEN’

alternative to the traditional row-based seat arrangements. Here, the seating has swiveling lounge chairs and a curved bench seat, and the set-up can be customised depending on whether the SEVEN is in driver-controlled or autonomous driving modes.

Talking of autonomous driving modes, Hyundai says the SEVEN embodies its

‘future vision of autonomous mobility’.

The driver’s seat features a retractable control stick that hides away when not in use, and without the need for the usual driver’s equipment, the ultra slim cockpit and integrated screens creates what the company calls ‘a lounge-like experience’.

This interior design allows for a Universal Island console and a multifunctional Smart Hub graphic user interface. And there’s a vision roof featuring a panoramic screen that not only displays various content based on passengers’ tastes but can also change the overall interior atmosphere.

With EVs pitched as environmentally friendly vehicles, the SEVEN uses various eco-friendly materials while also offering features such as a Hygiene Airflow System and UVC Sterilisation.

Used in the SEVEN’s construction are bamboo wood and carpet, bio-resin and interior paint based on renewable sources that can reduce pollution from the production process. There’s even extensive use of copper and hygienically treated fabric to ensure all surfaces inside SEVEN remain clean.

While the SEVEN is a concept vehicle, we can be fairly certain that plenty of what is on show will make it into production form.

Exciting stuff.

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 51

52 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL ‘GULLWING’ COUPE

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 53

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe

MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL ‘GULLWING’ COUPE

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ERCEDES-BENZ HAS PRODUCED many fine cars, and the German company – which can trace its origins back to Karl Benz, who built the first ‘true’ car, the Benz Patent Motorcar in 1885 – has long been at the forefront of automotive design, technology, and innovation.

One of its finest creations, and an absolute gold-plated classic, was the 1954 300 SL Coupe, famously known as the ‘Gullwing’.

A beautiful car – the Gullwing has a curious genesis and can put its creation down to the campaigning of an American a man named Maximillian E. Hoffman who had been the official importer of MercedesBenz into the US market since 1952.

Hoffman, who had been a racing driver in Europe before immigrating to the US in 1941, was eager for the company to produce a sports car for his market, and his keen eye had settled on Mercedes’ new and successful 300 SL racing car as the right machine from which a production model could be created.

54 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

THE 300 SL RACE CAR CERTAINLY HAD PEDIGREE, APPEARING IN 1952 AS THE FIRST MERCEDESBENZ RACE CAR TO BE CREATED AFTER WWII. IT FEATURED SOME QUITE INNOVATIVE THINKING AND ENGINEERING, AND WAS THE FIRST VEHICLE TO BEAR THE SL (FOR SUPER LIGHT) DESIGNATION.

The 300 SL race car certainly had pedigree, appearing in 1952 as the first MercedesBenz race car to be created after WWII. It featured some quite innovative thinking and engineering, and was the first vehicle to bear the SL ( for Super Light) designation.

Power came from a 3-litre, SOHC,

1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Race Car

straight-six engine. Its tubular spaceframe chassis, which weighed a featherlight 50kg, was rigid and strong, and its aluminium-magnesium body was both light and extremely aerodynamic.

The spaceframe design did mean, however, that conventional doors were not

possible. The inventive solution was the tophinged, upswinging doors – the ‘gullwings’ – that would be a hallmark of the car and the subsequent models based upon it.

So good was the 300 SL race car, that its competitive results, right from the off, were stellar. A second-place finish in its first December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 55

The ‘Gullwing’ debuted at the 1954 New York Motor Show

56 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

race – the 1600km-long Mille Miglia in 1952 – announced it as a serious piece of racing kit. That result was followed up with a 1-2 finish in its class at Le Mans. Quite an achievement.

That original 300 SL was to be replaced by a new version in 1953 that would sport a fuel injection engine - a serious innovation for the time - but Mercedes-Benz shelved the prototype in favour of a focus on Formula One car development.

Instead, the future of the SL was as a road-going car and, heeding the call from across the Atlantic, MercedesBenz introduced the production 300

. . . MERCEDES-BENZ INTRODUCED THE PRODUCTION 300 SL MODEL AT THE 1954 NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW, TAKING THE OPPORTUNITY TO ALSO DEBUT THE 190 SL – THE TWO-DOOR, OPEN-TOP ROADSTER THAT HAD A DESIGN INSPIRED BY THE 300 SL.

SL model at the 1954 New York Motor Show, taking the opportunity to also debut the 190 SL – the two-door, open-top roadster that had a design inspired by the 300 SL and was also a request of Hoffman in the US. The production version looked very different to the smooth-skinned racing model, but the inspiration was obvious, and underneath the newly styled body – with its long bonnet, splash guards above the wheel arches, almost flush door handles – was the basic super lightweight tubular frame of the original, which necessitated keeping the gullwing doors.

The engine was the beefed-up, fuel injected, 3-litre straight-six that had been developed for the second-gen 300 SL race prototype.

The quality of the engine gave the new production model some wickedly good performance numbers. Power came in at 158kW, enabling the car to reach a top speed of 260km/h – a very spicy speed for the time and one that made the SL the fastest production car in the world.

The motoring press loved the car for its performance and handling, even though its race car origins and tubular frame

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 57

construction meant getting in and out was a little tricky - even with the hinged steering wheel - and there was no glove box or radio or air conditioning, space was restricted with the boot able to hold only a spare tyre, the seats moved only forward and back and, thanks to those gullwing doors with their exaggerated curves to fit the body shape, fixed windows that could not be rolled open.

It was still pretty special inside though, and the leather or plaid-pattern fabric trim that was available, along with outstanding styling for the gauges and dash, made the 300 SL cabin a very cool space indeed.

58 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

IT WAS STILL PRETTY SPECIAL INSIDE THOUGH, AND THE LEATHER OR PLAID-PATTERN FABRIC TRIM THAT WAS AVAILABLE, ALONG WITH OUTSTANDING STYLING FOR THE GAUGES AND DASH, MADE THE 300 SL CABIN A VERY COOL SPACE INDEED.

The car’s origins and innovative tubular frame construction meant getting in and out was a little tricky - even with the hinged steering wheel

The production of the gullwing lasted from 1954 to 1957 and just 1400 were made, the majority heading to the US market.

Another 1800 or so were built as the Roadster, which replaced the gullwing in 1957. It had a removable roof and, thanks to some rejigging of the tube frame, regular doors plus a few more interior luxuries. Production of that model ended in 1963.

The SL line has continued since the original coupe, and there have been some magnificent cars in those years, including some real performance monsters from Mercedes-AMG. But the

original - the car that started it all will always be a bit special.

And that can be confirmed in its value.

Back in 1954, the Gullwing was available for $US6800, the equivalent of around $US66,000 today ($AU94,300). There’s no way you’d get a sniff of one at that price now. In fact, so collectible has it become, only those with the deepest of pockets need apply if a Gullwing comes up for sale today, and parting with more than $1.5 million would probably not be a surprise.

Of course, for that money you’d get your hands on a true piece of automotive history, and that’s worth an awful lot.

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 59

Auto news

SUBARU TAKES THE WRAPS OFF THE ELECTRIC SOLTERRA SUV

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UBARU HAS JOINED the electric vehicle revolution with its all-electric Solterra SUV. Built on the e-Subaru Global Platform – a platform Subaru developed with Toyota specifically for electric vehicles and which also underpins Toyota’s bZ4X model - the Solterra EV is due for launch in Japan, the United States, Canada, Europe and China from mid-2022.

The five-seater Solterra will be available in two-wheel-drive (2WD) or all-wheeldrive (AWD) forms, with a 150kW motor up front for the 2WD version, and two 80kW motors – one up front and one at the rear – for the 4WD model.

Energy comes via a 71.4kWh battery pack that, the company says, will enable a range of approximately 530km for the 2WD and 460km for the AWD. Subaru Solterra SUV

60 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

VIDEO: THE ALL-NEW 2023 SUBARU SOLTERRA EV SUV

DC charging of a maximum 150kW is available, meaning charging up to 80 per cent should take less than an hour. AC charging of up to 6.6kW is enabled for overnight home charging.

The design of the Solterra is nice and neat and the SUV will sit on 18-inch wheels for the 2WD and be available with either 18-inch or 20-inch wheels on the AWD. The interior, as one would expect, is just as tidy with a digital gauge display in front of the driver and a wide, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display at the top of the ‘floating’ centre console.

Driver assistance and safety tech includes hill and descent assist, 360-degree surround-view camera, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and much more.

Well known for the AWD performance of its past models, Subaru says the Solterra AWD will feature the X-Mode AWD control

system that ‘enhances the sense of security on rough roads’.

The Solterra may be Subaru’s first EV, but the company has made a commitment to apply electrification technologies to all its vehicles sold worldwide by the first half of the 2030s. When it, and subsequent models, will be available in Australia is not confirmed as yet.

“The Solterra heralds a new era for the Subaru brand and its global reveal stirs great anticipation and excitement as we see the next expression of Subaru Corporation’s commitment to electrification,” said Blair Read, General Manager Subaru Australia.

“Whilst Subaru Corporation are yet to confirm a timeline for the Solterra in Australia, we are working very closely and future electric projects form part of ongoing dialogue between Subaru Australia and the factory.”

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 61

Auto news

FIRST ALLOCATION OF ALL-NEW SUBARU BRZ ALREADY SOLD OUT

New Subaru BRZ

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UBARU AUSTRALIA HAS reported that its allocation of 500 all-new (Model Year 2022) BRZ sports cars has sold out.

Due to arrive in the country this month, the BRZ (which was originally jointly developed with Toyota which sells its version as the Toyota 86) is powered by Subaru’s new naturally aspirated 2.4-litre direct and port injection four-cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer engine and is available in two variants - BRZ Coupe and BRZ Coupe S - both with the choice of six-speed manual or six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission.

Subaru says the new engine delivers almost 18 per cent more torque than the previous manual model and over 20 per cent more torque than the outgoing automatic.

The company also says that the model’s new body delivers approximately 60 per cent greater front lateral bending rigidity

62 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

and approximately 50 per cent more torsional stiffness.

On the inside, there’s a digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch multimedia infotainment system which includes standard smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Models equipped with 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels feature Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.

“We are delighted by the reception for the all-new Subaru BRZ,” said Blair Read, General Manager Subaru Australia.

“The number of Australian customers already eagerly awaiting delivery to their driveway is testament to the great package the Subaru engineers have delivered with the next generation BRZ.”

The BRZ Coupe Manual has a Manufacturer’s List Price of $38,990, while the Coupe Auto is set at $42,790.

The price for the Coupe S Manual is $40,190, while the Coupe S Auto is set at $43,990.

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Auto news

NEXT-GENERATION HONDA CIVIC LANDS IN AUSTRALIA

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ONDA AUSTRALIA HAS announced pricing and specifications for the new 11thgeneration Civic.

The new hatch will initially be offered as a single, VTi LX grade powered by an uprated 1.5-litre turbocharged fourcylinder petrol engine producing 131kW and 240Nm and driving the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The initial VTi LX grade will be followed, the company says, by an e:HEV hybrid variant in 2022, and a highperformance Type R version.

Underpinning the 11th-generation Civic is an enhanced structure and stronger body, with improvements to the platform and body delivering increased stiffness and rigidity.

Nicely styled on the outside with a

Honda Civic VTiLX

THE IMPROVED POWERTRAIN IS PAIRED WITH AN UPDATED CHASSIS, SUSPENSION AND HIGH-RIGIDITY BODY THAT, HONDA SAYS, COMBINE FOR ‘FUN-TO-DRIVE DYNAMICS WITH A COMFORTABLE RIDE’.

sportier look than its predecessor, the new Civic is just as high quality on the inside.

The front seats have been redesigned to offer more support and long-haul comfort, and technology has been designed with a focus on ease of use. There’s a highdefinition full-colour LCD instrument panel and a 9-inch Advanced Display colour touchscreen audio system mounted

high on the dash. There’s also wireless Apple CarPlay alongside the existing Android Auto integration, a Qi-compatible wireless phone charger, and a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system.

Fitted with the Honda Sensing suite of active safety and driver-assist technology, the Civic has plenty of high-tech features.

These include Traffic Jam Assist, improved Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Traffic Jam Assist, and Driver attention monitor, amongst others. The 18-inch alloy wheels have noise-reducing resonator technology.

The Civic VTi LX grade is priced at $47,200 drive away. That pricing, says Honda, reflects the move to the premium end of the Civic’s small car category.

“The 11th-generation Civic represents a step change for Honda in the small car segment, with the all-new model elevating key aspirational elements of the Honda brand such as craftsmanship, premium quality and intuitive design,” said Stephen Collins, Director, Honda Australia.

“On the eve of its 50th anniversary, Honda’s designers and engineers have taken the Civic to a whole new level, producing a car that is more advanced, more sophisticated and more premium than ever before.

“For Australia, the all-new Civic has been specified to appeal to a new target customer, one that aligns with the move to a more premium positioning for the Civic nameplate and the Honda brand overall.”

Auto news

i30 SEDAN N JOINS HYUNDAI’S HIGHPERFORMANCE AUSSIE LINE-UP

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YUNDAI HAS UNLEASHED its fourth N model for 2021, with the new i30 Sedan N joining the i20 N, the i30 N hatch, and the Kona N, in the company’s growing high-performance fleet now available in Australia.

The new model will be available in one trim – Premium – and its performance credentials start with a 206kW, 392Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre engine featuring flat power tuning and a sedan-specific, flowoptimised intake airbox.

A motorsport-derived N DCT automatic with an electro-mechanical limited slip differential (e-LSD) is standard, with a six-speed manual transmission offered as a no-cost option. Power is driven through to the front wheels.

The i30 Sedan N has a top speed of 250km/h and Hyundai claims a 0-100km.h time of 5.3 seconds for the DCT variant, and 5.8 seconds for the manual.

Sporting unique angled and sharp exterior Hyundai i30 Sedan N

styling, the i30 Sedan N is just as sharp under the body with a racetrack-honed chassis debuting Hyundai’s new Integrated Drive Axle (IDA) front-end and featuring Australian-tuned Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS).

There are also 19-inch alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, and a large N brake package features 355mm front discs and debuts Hyundai’s new Brake Prefill function – a function which primes the braking system pressure as the accelerator pedal is being released in readiness for brake application.

Inside, the N-themed interior features leather

sports front seats with heating and ventilation, a 10-way powered memory driver’s seat, a leather heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, alloy sports pedals and ambient lighting.

Technology is top notch and aimed at those with a taste for high quality and performance.

There’s a 10.25-inch colour digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch satellite navigation multimedia system, wireless (Qi standard) charging pad, and Bose Premium Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and digital radio.

Available functions include Track Maps - a feature that alerts the driver when near a compatible race circuit. With the track layout selected, an automatic lap timer is started when car crosses the start/finish line. At launch, the car will feature Wakefield Park Raceway and Sydney Motorsport Park, with other circuits to come on-line in due course.

Other driver-focused tech includes an N Grin Control System, incorporated into the the 10.25-inch multimedia system.

It allows for a customisable layout and an array of features, enabling drivers to select which gauges they want to see on the display, as well as easily access Launch Mode. It also gives the driver a choice of five distinct driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom.

The N DCT also enables three new N performance functions: N Grin Shift, which releases maximum power of the engine and transmission for 20 seconds; N Power Shift, which is engaged when the car accelerates with more than 90 per cent accelerator, reducing torque drop-off during shifts to enhance acceleration; and N Track Sense Shift, which recognises when the road conditions are optimal for dynamic driving.

An active variable exhaust system has three settings linked to the various drive modes, and continuously adjusts an internal valve to modulate exhaust volume and flow based on throttle position and engine rpm.

An extensive SmartSense advanced active safety suite includes Forward Collisionavoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-spot Collision-avoidance Assist - Rear (BCA-R), Rear Cross-traffic Collision-avoidance Assist (RCCA), and Lane Following Assist (LFA), amongst a host of others.

MLP pricing for the new i30 Sedan N is $49,000.

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 67

Auto news

LDV LAUNCHES NEW T60 MAX IN AUSTRALIA

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DV HAS LAUNCHED its new T60 Max utility pick-up into the local market.

Powered by a 2-litre, 4-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine, the T60 Max delivers 160kW at 4000rpm and 500Nm from 1500rpm. That engine is mated to a six-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission from ZF. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is a claimed 9.2L/100km for the manual and 9.3L/100km for the automatic.

Available in two variants, Pro and range-topping Luxe, the T60 Max sports suspension tunes – heavy duty for the Pro and comfort for the Luxe – that the company says have been specifically calibrated for Australian conditions.

The T60 Max also comes with an Intelligent Real-Time Torque-on-Demand system from BorgWarner. The driver can

also manually select high-speed 2WD, high-speed 4WD and low-speed 4WD for off-road conditions.

A decent suite of safety measures is included. These include six airbags (driver and front passenger, side airbags, and full-length curtain bags), Electronic Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Hill Descent Control.

LED daytime running lights, rear parking sensors and camera and Fatigue Reminder are all standard, while the T60 Max Luxe adds 360-degree Panoramic Camera, Lane Departure Warning, and an on-demand rear differential lock.

Inside, the cabin has a 10.25-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay or Bluetooth smartphone connectivity.

There’s also cruise control, climate control, and six-way electronically

LDV T60 Max Luxe

68 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

LDV T60 Max Pro

adjustable leather trim seats in the Luxe variant.

At the back, there’s a spray-in tub liner in the bed, and four tie-down points.

Payload for the Pro is 935kg (750kg for the Luxe) while both variants are rated up to

three tonnes max braked towing.

The new T60 Max range starts with the Pro Manual at $33,990, followed by the Pro Automatic at $35,990, Luxe Manual at $38,490 and Luxe Automatic at $40,490. All costs are driveaway for ABN holders.

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December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 69

SUPPLY PROBLEMS PUT THE BRAKES ON SALES OF NEW VEHICLES

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HE MUCH TALKED about shortage in the availability of microchips – the computer ‘brains’ which, in vehicles, control everything from infotainment and connectivity to engine management to driver assistance and safety systems – continues to have a debilitating effect on the sale of new cars in Australia, with sales in November reaching 80,639, down a dramatic 15.3 per cent on November 2020.

Queensland took a bigger hit even that that, with figures from the VFACTS monthly sales data published by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) showing a 19.5 per cent drop over November last year to just 16,001 vehicles sold. Only Western Australia fared worse with a 19.8 per cent fall (7,081 vehicles sold), while Victorian sales decreased by 19.4 per cent (21,445 new cars sold), Tasmanian sales were down by 12.8 per cent (1,450 vehicles sold), and South Australia marked a 10.6 per cent drop (5,052 sales). The Northern Territory was down 8.5 per cent with 714 vehicles sold.

70 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

The ACT recorded 1,406 new cars sold which was down 3.1 per cent on last year.

It was towards the end of 2020 that sales were rebounding after some terrible COVID-affected months, and while the recent falls have been very disappointing, the national sales figure for the year is, the FCAI said, set to break one million – a number last achieved in 2019 when 1,062,867 new vehicles were sold. For the whole of 2020, just 916,968 sales were made.

“Demand across the sector remains strong with the drop in sales reflecting well recognised international supply chain issues,” said Tony Weber, FCAI Chief Executive.

“This includes constraints around microprocessor supplies as well as the ongoing impact of the pandemic restricting factories.

“Carmakers are competing with many other sectors, such as white goods manufacturers, for microprocessors across the globe. Some new vehicles sold in the Australian market can require up to 3,000

of these parts, so this shortage is definitely being felt by the industry.

“Challenges aside, we are less than 29,000 vehicles away from 1 million new cars being put into the hands of Australian motorists in 2021.”

Sales of rental and hire fleets continued to grow off the back of October 2021 sales.

An increase of 90.7 per cent year to date on 2020 figures has been recorded which shows rental providers are continuing to prepare for an increase in travel as pandemic restrictions continue to ease.

Toyota was the market leader in November recording 15,239 sales, with Hyundai in second spot with 6,854 sales.

Third place went to Ford with 6,215 sales.

Mitsubishi sold 5,720 vehicles and Mazda came in fifth with 5,295 vehicles sold.

The Ford Ranger was the highest selling model with 4,429 sold. This continues a good run for the Blue Oval’s workhorse utility – it topped the charts in October and September, and has been a regular in pushing the Toyota’s HiLux for the monthly top spot. Its solid popularity bodes well for the next-gen Ranger due to launch into the local market in 2022 (read more about the new Ford Ranger on Page 72).

Talking of the HiLux, Toyota’s pick-up utility was a close second for sales behind the Ranger in November. It posted 4,228 sales. Third spot went to the Hyundai i30 with 2,254. The Toyota Corolla was the fourth highest selling model with 2,104 sold. Fifth place went to Toyota RAV 4 with 1,820 new vehicles sold.

While Ford topped the individual vehicle sales podium with the Ranger, Toyota continued its dominance of overall sales – the company was the market leader for the month, followed by Hyundai and Ford, Breaking the figures down into sectors, the Passenger Vehicle Market was down by 3,879 vehicle sales (-18.7 per cent) over the same month last year; the Sports Utility Market was down by 10,283 vehicle

sales (-20.6 per cent); the Light Commercial Market was down by 1,030 vehicle sales (-4.8 per cent) and the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market was up by 626 vehicle sales (19.4 per cent) versus November 2020.

Toyota was market leader in November, followed by Hyundai and Ford. Toyota led Hyundai with a margin of 8,385 vehicle sales, boasting 15,239 units sold against 6,854. For the year-to-date, Toyota is again dominant, with 207,405 sales and a 21.4 per cent market share. Mazda is placed second for the year with 94,041 sales The sales of electric vehicles continues to grow strongly, with 568 electric vehicles and 415 plug-in electric vehicle sales representing growth of more than 200 per cent for each over November last year.

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December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 71

Auto news

NEXT-GEN FORD RANGER TO LAND IN AUSTRALIA IN 2022

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ORD UNWRAPPED ITS all-new, next-generation Ranger in November, and there is plenty to like about the company’s pick-up ute.

Due in Australia in 2022, the design of the new Ranger was led by Ford’s Product Development Centre in Australia, so it should meet the needs of the local market.

And that’s important, as the Ranger has been an excellent seller for Ford – it has consistently been near the top of the monthly sales list in Australia and has topped that chart regularly.

The new Ranger gets a rugged new look that incorporates design cues from Ford’s global truck design DNA. This includes the signature C-lamp headlight treatment.

There’s also a new grille, bolder wheelarches, new LED headlights, and beneath the new bodywork is an upgraded chassis

riding on a wheelbase 50mm longer and track 50mm wider than the new Ranger’s predecessor.

Ford says its engineers moved the front wheels forward and out to deliver a better approach angle and better off-road articulation. They also shifted the rear suspension dampers outboard of the frame rails to give a better ride on- and off-road.

The revealed models are the XL, XLS, XLT, Sport, and Wildtrak – and there will be a range of engine options - a 3-litre turbodiesel V6, as well as single-turbo and Bi-Turbo 2-litre, inline four-cylinder diesels. Transmission choices include an updated 10-speed auto and the current six-speed automatic.

Customers will have a choice of two fourwheel drive systems, an electronic shift-on-

the-fly system, or full-time 4x4 system.

On the inside, the Ranger sports large 10.1-inch or 12-inch touchscreen in the centre stack as well as a fully digital instrument panel. Loaded up is the latest SYNC4 system with voice-activated communications, entertainment and information systems.

Many of the traditional driving mode controls have their own dedicated display on the SYNC screen.

Drivers can go to the screen for all off-road and drive modes where they can monitor the driveline, steering angle, vehicle pitch and roll angles and other controls.

The screen also is linked to a 360-degree camera to make it easier for parking or negotiating particularly tricky terrain. In addition, customers can control Ranger’s new exterior zone lighting system via the touchscreen or the FordPass app.

There’s also an embedded factory-fitted modem – a feature that Ford says will allow the Ranger to accept software updates – and the mobile device-based FordPass app includes features such as Remote Start, Vehicle Status Check and

Remote Lock and Unlock functions.

The app, and the in-cabin SYNC screen, can also be used to control zone lighting – a 360-degree option around the truck to help give customers better visibility around the vehicle. Load box lighting is also provided under the left- and righthand rails.

Up front, there are dual recovery hooks in the front bumper. At the back, there’s a new, plastic-moulded bedliner; extra cargo tie-down points.

The new Ranger also offers a new cargo management system designed with dividers to hold various sized items – like timber or toolboxes. Owners also can create smaller compartments to store objects, which would otherwise have to go in the cab.

Ford says customers will be able to personalise their Ranger with a range of almost 600 fully factory-backed work, urban and adventure accessories, depending on the market.

These accessories include those developed in collaboration with ARB 4x4 Accessories and will be fully backed by Ford’s New Vehicle Warranty of up to five years / unlimited kilometres.

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 73

Auto news

CHRYSLER BRAND BIDS FAREWELL TO AUSTRALIA

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CA AUSTRALIA, A subsidiary of carmaker Stellantis, has confirmed the departure of the Chrysler brand from Australia, the sole remaining right-handdrive market selling Chrysler vehicles.

Chrysler currently sells only the 300 sedan in Australia, and once the remaining units in showrooms are sold – of which there are, reportedly, just a handful – there will be no replacements.

The company has said that it ‘remains fully committed to the supply of parts and authorised servicing for Chrysler vehicles’ and that ‘all Jeep Dealerships across the country will continue to service Chrysler vehicles’.

Chrysler Australia opened the Tonsley Park Assembly Plant in the suburbs of Adelaide in 1964 and made its mark on the local automotive landscape with products such as the HEMI six-cylinder engine made exclusively for Australia - and the Valiant Charger muscle car.

The company will bow out with the 6.4-litre V8-powered Chrysler 300 SRT and the Chrysler 300C Luxury.

Chrysler Pacer

74 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

“STELLANTIS IS DEDICATED TO BECOMING THE MARKET LEADER IN LOW-EMISSION VEHICLES AND COMMITTED TO DEVELOPING THE MOST CAPABLE AND SUSTAINABLE HIGH-PERFORMING AND FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES IN THE WORLD.” Stellantis, and FCA Australia, will turn its attention to electrification – a journey most carmakers are now on.

“Chrysler has held a special place in the heart of many Australians and we are proud of its history here,” said Kevin Flynn, FCA Australia Managing Director, in a statement.

“We are very excited about this new era of mobility,” he added. “Stellantis is dedicated to becoming the market leader in low-emission vehicles and committed to developing the most capable and sustainable high-performing and fourwheel-drive vehicles in the world.”

PRICING ANNOUNCED FOR NEW MAZDA BT-50 SP AND ENTRY-LEVEL MODELS

Mazda BT-50 SP model

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AZDA HAS REVEALED a new entry point to the new Mazda BT-50 range, announcing pricing for 2022 model updates.

The new XS grade opens the range and is powered by a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel with automatic transmission. It generates 110kW and 350Nm. All XS models feature a six-speed automatic transmission.

Equipment includes a comprehensive range of safety and infotainment features including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go (auto transmission), 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth handsfree telephone and audio, DAB+ digital radio, Rear-seat USB charging point (dual cab models only), Attention Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitor, Emergency Lane Keeping, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane-keep Assist System (automatic transmission only), Locking Rear Differential – switchable on/off (4x4 models), and more.

The new XS grade starts at $38,490 for the 4x2 Single Cab Chassis (ABN buyers).

The XS is also available as a 4x2 or 4x4

Dual Cab Pickup, priced at $42,490 and $51,110 respectively.

At the top end, the SP grade starts at $62,990 for the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel equipped 4x4 Dual Cab Pickup in manual and $65,990 for the automatic.

This model introduces the SP badge to Mazda’s utility vehicle for the first time.

Building on the high-spec GT, the SP adds a range of features including Metallic grey roof rails, black grille, satin black 18-inch alloy wheels, black and driftwood leather with synthetic suede interior trim, manually operated black roller tonneau cover, tub liner, and gloss black wheel flares.

The SP is powered by the current 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel four-cylinder engine, producing 140kW and 450Nm. Exclusively available in 4x4 Dual Cab Pickup form, the BT-50 SP comes with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

The BT-50 range is priced from $38,490 for the XS Single Cab Chassis 4x2 up to $68,990 for the Thunder Dual Cab Pickup 4X4.

The new Mazda BT-50 will be available from January 2022.

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 75

Auto news

VIETNAM’S VINFAST LAUNCHES GLOBAL EV BRAND

V

Lane Assist, Collision INFAST, THE VIETNAMESE carmaker, has officially launched Warning, Driver its global electric vehicle brand and Monitoring, Fully Vinfast VF e35 unveiled two electric SUV models, the Automated Parking, mid-size VF e35 and full-size VF e36.

Summon Vehicle and While no powertrain details were more. Smart Infotainment features will revealed at the vehicles’ launch at the include in-car control features such as LA Auto Show in November, VinFast has Voice Assistant, Virtual Assistant, and begun production of the smart, wellE-Commerce Services, among others. appointed small SUV, the VF e34, which Though Vinfast is a young company, has a 44.5kWh battery pack and a single founded in 2017, it has plenty of muscle 110kW electric motor. Range is a claimed behind its shift into EVs and its plans 300km. It is available in Vietnam for the for a move into international markets equivalent of around $AU40,000. including North America and Europe.

The VF e35 and VF e36 models are larger It is part of Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest and, with a design by Pininfarina, are conglomerate which has interests fine-looking machines. in technology, retail, real estate While some details are yet be development and other sectors. revealed, there are plenty of CLICK TO The VF e35 and VF e36 are VISIT THE features that have, with both scheduled to be available for VINFAST models fitted with a range of pre-order in the first half of WEBSITE Advanced Driver-Assistance 2022, with deliveries planned to Systems (ADAS) that include begin in the fourth quarter.

NEW SUZUKI S-CROSS CONFIRMED FOR AUSTRALIA SUZUKI AUSTRALIA HAS confirmed the all-new S-Cross will find its way to Australia in 2022.

Although final specifications have not been confirmed for Australia, the global launch of the new small SUV revealed that the powertrain will maintain the Suzuki 1.4 litre BoosterJet direct injection turbo engine, coupled with an AllGrip Select 4X4 system.

Design modifications have given the new model a bolder exterior look, and the interior design has been updated too, with plenty of high-tech infotainment and safety features that one would expect from a new vehicle.

There’s a 9-inch touchscreen offering smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, and a 360-view camera, while safety features include Autonomous Emergencu Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Weaving Alert, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

“With the launch of the all-new S-Cross and its potential long list of upgraded features and specifications on safety, driver convenience and class leading value, there is no doubt we will continue to increase our presence in the growing SUV market,” said Michael Pachota, Suzuki Australia General Manager.

The new S-Cross is scheduled for launch in 2022, with more details on local specification, features and pricing to be released closer to launch date.

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 77

Auto news

TOYOTA’S NEW COROLLA CROSS HEADING DOWN UNDER IN 2022

Toyota Corolla Cross

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OYOTA WILL LAUNCH its all-new Corolla Cross in Australia in the second half of 2022.

The small SUV joins the Yaris Cross, launched last year, as Toyota continues to expand its SUV range.

The all-new model will be available in Australia with a choice of front-wheeldrive (2WD) petrol and hybrid drivetrains and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) model with a new 2-litre hybrid powertrain. All models will also include a raft of improved Toyota Safety Sense features, and plenty of infotainment features too - it will receive the latest multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.

Built on the TNGA-C platform, the new

78 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

Corolla Cross will slot into the Toyota SUV range between the Yaris Cross and RAV4, and alongside the C-HR. While the specifications for the Australian model will be announced closer to its launch here, the Corolla Cross has been revealed for the European market, and the 2-litre hybrid powertrain delivers 146kW and a 0-100km/h time of 8.1 seconds.

The European-spec AWD-i variant features an additional electric motor on the rear axle which develops 30.6kW but shares the 2WD performance numbers.

The European model includes a dashboard layout with an all-new, multi-configuration, 12.3-inch driver’s digital cockpit and a 10.5-inch central multimedia display.

MERCEDES-BENZ VANS TO OFFER ELECTRIFIED MODEL RANGE

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ERCEDES-BENZ VANS AUSTRALIA is to electrify its commercial van models and begin their introduction to the local market in the second half of 2022.

The new line-up will start with the midsize eVito panel van and the eVito Tourer and the premium MPV people mover.

The eSprinter van is intended by 2024 when the next generation eSprinter van becomes available. Also on the list for launch in Australia is the premium MPV people mover, the EQV. The company is to offer both conventional and battery-electric vans side by side, but says it is preparing to switch to electric-only in the future.

VIDEO: MERCEDES-BENZ VANS AUSTRALIA

In Australia, Mercedes said, sales of electric vehicles are on the rise and the electrification of vans is increasingly becoming an attractive proposition for light commercial fleet operators.

Full local specifications and pricing are yet to be finalised, but European technical data for the EQV sees a front-wheel-drive MPV powered by a 150kW motor. Peak torque is 362Nm and the battery pack offers 90kWh and delivers a range of up 356km. Fast charging at 110kW see a 10 to 80 per cent charging time of around 45 minutes. A similar set-up is listed for the eVito Tourer.

“This is a very exciting step towards a more sustainable future for Mercedes-Benz Vans and our customers in Australia,” said Diane Tarr, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Vans. “We are confident that the electric drive will gain more prevalence here over the coming years.

As it does, we will be ready with a strong customer-centric electric product portfolio, which offers the potential to assist customers with lowering their operating costs and reducing their environmental impact.”

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 79

Workplace relations COMMENCEMENT OF STOP SEXUAL HARASSMENT ORDERS IN THE FAIR WORK COMMISSION WILL PROVIDE NEW PROTECTIONS FOR WORKERS FROM 11 NOVEMBER 2021, a worker who has been sexually harassed at work will be able to apply to the Fair Work Commission (Commission) for an IAN NAYLOR order to stop the sexual SENIOR WORKPLACE harassment. It is now RELATIONS ADVISOR time for businesses to urgently review their sexual harassment policies and complaint handling processes.

What is a stop sexual harassment order?

The introduction of orders to stop sexual harassment into the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) was adopted after the Respect@Work: Sexual Harassment National Inquiry Report revealed the prevalence of sexual harassment in Australian workplaces.

Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature in circumstances where a reasonable person would anticipate the possibility that the person harassed would be offended, humiliated or intimidated.

A stop sexual harassment order aims to prevent a worker from being sexually harassed at work by either an individual or a group of individuals. Workers can apply for a stop sexual harassment order after the first incidence of sexual harassment. It is unnecessary for the worker to show that there is a continued risk to their health and safety prior to the Fair Work Commission making a stop sexual harassment order.

What will the Commission do?

The Commission must start to deal with an application to stop sexual harassment within 14 days. For example, the Commission may: • require people to provide copies of documents, records or other information • require people to attend before the Commission • direct people to attend a conciliation conference at a specified time or place • hold a hearing to deal with the dispute.

These steps may be highly onerous, expensive and time consuming for businesses. They will also need to be complied with in a short period of time, 80 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

especially if businesses do not have adequate sexual harassment policies or have not kept sufficient records of how complaints have been handled.

What orders can the Commission make?

Under section 789FF of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), the Commission may make any order it considers appropriate to prevent the worker from being sexually harassed at work if it is satisfied that: • the worker has been sexually harassed at work; and • there is a risk that the worker will continue to be sexually harassed at work by the individual or group of individuals.

The Commission must take into account any procedures that are available to the worker to resolve grievances or disputes, and outcomes from any investigations or dispute resolution procedures.

While the Commission cannot order a pecuniary payment, it could prevent workers from being in the same room as each other, require a worker to report to a different manager, order businesses to conduct training or update their policies, or require businesses to regularly monitor a worker’s behaviour.

What does this mean for my business?

It is important that businesses establish a procedure for responding to any applications to stop sexual harassment in the workplace. This could include reviewing any recent sexual harassment complaints, ensuring there is adequate documentation detailing how complaints have been dealt with, and considering whether all workers have received training and read your sexual harassment policy.

Employers need to ensure they are taking all reasonable and possible steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace as it will soon be open to the Commission to make orders that are highly onerous, costly and potentially disruptive for employers.

Source: Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers; CLICK TO Authors Annie Smeaton; Megan Chan and VISIT THE Sandra Barry 10 November 2021.

MTAQ MEMBER PORTAL This is general advice only and members should contact the Workplace Relations Advisors on 3237 8777.

LOOKING FOR WORK? Check out MTA Queensland’s Job Board for all the latest opportunities in the automotive industry.

Visit www.mtaq.com.au today

81 | Motor Trader September 2020

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 81

OUR VISION IS TO BE QUEENSLAND’S MOST TRUSTED, INFLUENTIAL & ENGAGED INDUSTRY BODY The Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) is the peak organisation in the state representing the specific interests of businesses in the retail, repair & service sectors of the automotive industry.

Member benefits include: Advocacy MTA Queensland makes representations to state and federal governments on the BIG issues affecting your business and industry.

Services Our members can utilise free Workplace Relations advice and Consumer Complaint support; access a cost-effective website building service and, through our self-service Member Portal, access information regarding wages & awards, health & safety, public holidays and more. There also is a FREE-to-use online Jobs Board platform to advertise open positions, plus discounted signage & stationery products are available through the online MTA Queensland shop.

Training The MTA Institute (RTO 31529) is the awardwinning, leading provider of automotive training and apprenticeships in Queensland. Course & training options include: • Apprenticeships • Traineeships • Skills Recognition • Automotive Licensing • Short Automotive Courses (including some which attract a 20% discount for members) • Pre-apprenticehips

Support Members can take advantage of a wide range of services & benefits, including: •B anking, insurance, payment options, legal advice and workplace health & safety compliance advice, offered by our Corporate Partners.

• A library of small business resources.

• A Weekly Industry Bulletin containing updates on industry news and events, workplace relations, divisional updates and training courses.

•C omprehensive webinar and micro-credential program (coming soon).

•M onthly subscription to the Motor Trader e-magazine and free business profiling.

•S avings and discounts from a range of industry stakeholders.

• I nvitations to industry signature events Industry Awards Gala, Golf Day, and Carmageddon.

Innovation Stay at the front of cutting-edge information and business solutions connected to the automotive digital revolution with access to events and MTAiQ – Australia’s first automotive innovation hub which is a facility offering an eco-system that supports innovation in the motor trades.

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Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains www.mtaq.com.au | info@mtaq.com.au (07) 3237 8777

M E M B E R S

MTA Institute News

E S S E N T I A L S

PAUL KULPA GENERAL MANAGER MTA INSTITUTE

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compliance requirements are met.

These are just some of the points that has made us the benchmark of automotive training throughout 2021.

Looking forward to 2022, we want to continue with this great work. Ultimately, it will be our service to our customers that determines our success, and we want to continue to have greater engagement with employers and students to ensure our training services maintain the outcomes that industry expects.

There’s always work to be done, but everyone needs a rest. I hope everyone enjoys the Christmas break and I look forward to a prosperous 2022 working with you all.

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 83

E S S E N T I A L S

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2022 . . .

WE WANT TO CONTINUE TO HAVE GREATER ENGAGEMENT WITH EMPLOYERS AND STUDENTS TO ENSURE OUR TRAINING SERVICES MAINTAIN THE OUTCOMES THAT INDUSTRY EXPECTS.

M E M B E R S

ELL, IT’S THAT time of year time to put the feet up over Christmas and enjoy the company of family and friends – no doubt well deserved after another busy year.

As 2021 comes to a close, I’d like to reflect on what we’ve achieved, which has included: • MTA Institute maintaining its position as the leading private training provider in the automotive industry, training over 33 per cent of automotive apprentices in Queensland; • The Institute demonstrating flexibility in training delivery through the challenge of COVID and providing access to support services for employers and students alike; • Maintaining high levels of stakeholder satisfaction through internal and external surveys; • Continuing a student-focussed, face-to-face approach to training where all apprentices are trained in their workplaces by a qualified and experienced trainer; • Ongoing active engagement with industry to ensure our training meets the demands of an automotive workplace; • Strong internal audit and continuous improvement systems utilising internal and external expertise to ensure our

E S S E N T I A L S M E M B E R S

Apprentice of the Month: November 2021 And there is plenty of work to be done. Transport, agriculture and mining are big parts of the region’s economy, so the heavy commercial industry is essential and Trucks On The Run’s services mean Andrew and the team get plenty of experience.

“We do breakdowns – we’re on call 24/7 – and we have contracts to service trailers and NDREW SHEPHERD is the trucks and do on-site repairs Apprentice of the Month and so on. I get to do a fair bit of for November 2021. that,” he said. “Back at base, we The 23-year-old has actually completed his Heavy Commercial Vehicle apprenticeship and works do the big jobs like rebuilds on motors, clutches, and discs, as well as steering and suspension, and a bit of as a fully qualified mechanic with Trucks On The auto-electrical. We basically cover the whole machine Run in Toowoomba, a business that offers truck and – truck and trailer – from front to back.” trailer repairs and maintenance, mobile and on-site Regarding his training, Andrew said he was glad servicing, and a 24/7 breakdown service.

Andrew started with the business in 2016, working to have switched to MTA Institute after a couple of first as a casual trades assistant before being offered false starts with other organisations. The Institute’s in-the-workplace, one-on-one method of delivering an apprenticeship. Having grown up on the family farm and being used to helping to repair and maintain the training worked well for him, he said, and Wayne the machinery that a farm needs to function, Andrew Abrahams, his trainer, had delivered great support to see him complete his qualification. was well prepared for taking on a mechanical trade.

“It was a good run once I came over to MTA Institute,” His original choice of trader was something said Andrew. “And during the times when we were really agricultural but, at the time, opportunities were rare. busy here and I had a bit of trouble keeping up with my However, armed with the enthusiasm to get cracking, theory study, Wayne made room for that and helped Andrew was able to find work, and show off his skills, along. The support was great all around.” at Trucks On The Run. With his apprenticeship finished, Andrew can reflect “I grew up around tractors, trucks, ploughs, and on his journey and where he wants his career to take planters so I have always had a mechanical interest him. The draw of farm life is, not surprisingly, a strong and a basic knowledge of how some things work,” one and after repaying the faith show to him by Trucks said Andrew.

On The Run, it may be that a farm is where Andrew “When I finished school in 2014, I was looking at will find himself again, armed with the mechanical getting in as a tractor mechanic but there wasn’t a huge demand for apprentices. So, I spent time on the skills to keep everything working smoothly.

“Long term I think I would like to go farming,” he farm and then I got a job as a casual trades assistant said. “When I was on the farm, I would sometimes here and was offered the apprenticeship after about watch the professional mechanics come in and 8 months.

CLICK TO do their stuff and I always wanted to be able to “It is a great place to work. We are looked VISIT THE TRUCKS ON do that – to be able to look at something, know after really well, everyone gets along THE RUN what was wrong with it and fix it. And now I and, while it is laid back, we do a great WEBSITE standard of work.” can do that, and that is a dream come true.”

APPRENTICE: ANDREW SHEPHERD WORKPLACE: TRUCKS ON THE RUN, TOOWOOMBA APPRENTICESHIP: HEAVY COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY

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84 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

N OM IN AT E FOR T HE MTA INS TIT U TE APP R E N TIC E O F T HE MONT H AWARD • Are yo u em p loyi ng a n a p p re nti ce wh o is excelling i n th e wor kp l a ce?

• Do yo u have a hi g h- a chi ev i n g ap p rent ice co lle a g u e?

• Are they t rainin g wi th MTA Ins ti tu te?

If th e ans wer is ‘ye s ’, the n nom i nate th e m fo r t he M TA In s ti tute Ap p re nti ce of th e Mo nt h Awa rd.

C L I CK H E R E FO R M O R E I N FO R M AT IO N

E S S E N T I A L S M E M B E R S

MTA Institute Graduates

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MTA INSTITUTE’S LATEST GRADUATES THE MTA INSTITUTE is the largest independent provider of automotive apprenticeships and training in Queensland and it is always a proud moment when its APPRENTICE Jacob Joseph Aung Za Ya Lin Joshua Nealson Joseph Pank Isaac Anderson Wade Bennett Patrick O'Regan Ethan Poggioli Jesse Suchowiecki Kane Hober Neil Narvas Megan Butterworth Jessica White Daniel Hinton Paul Marano Ashley Adjemian Wallace Beard Breannah Dalpastro Jake Darrough Hamish Joss Shannon Kuru Caleb Leopard Zac Lohmann Jacob Lui Addison Martin Quinn Mayfield Nathan McPhee Dane Perez Aidan Rasmussen Dylan Trenerry Adam Woods

students complete their trade qualification. Congratulations to everyone who was issued a qualification in November 2021 - it is a fantastic achievement!

QUALIFICATION

TRAINER

Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology Certificate III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting) Certificate III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting) Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology

Brett Baker Alfio Rotolone Brett Baker Alfio Rotolone Andrew Elson Dennis Shaw Andrew Keys Zak Zuiderduin Jeff Mann Shane Palmer Brett Baker Zak Zuiderduin Lloyd Cross Lloyd Cross Gavin Jacobs Gavin Jacobs Andrew Bellars David Twidale Keith Minchin Steven Hudspith Michael De Waard Keith Minchin Scott Buckley Scott Buckley Andrew Bellars Andrew Bellars Neil Bovey Derrick Pratt Keith Minchin Stuart Davies Ivan Aird

86 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

Can you afford not to be in the circle?

P a r t n e r s

Stay ahead of the automotive digital revolution with access to events and the MTAiQ Innovation Hub.

illion is the leading independent provider of trusted data and analytics products and services in Australasia. Members are eligible for substantial savings on annual subscriptions.

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INNOVATION

Safety Help provides the automotive industry with a service dedicated to making your business compliant.

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Our corporate partners offer a wide range of services & benefits, including banking, insurance, payment options, legal advice, and advice on workplace health & safety compliance Library of online business resources and templates Weekly industry bulletin Webinar and micro-credential program (coming soon).

FREE Jobs Board Discounts on stationery & workshop products Monthly subscription to the Motor Trader e-magazine Regular specials & discounts

Providing legal services across a number of core areas, Bennett & Philp Lawyers have been providing effective legal solutions to meet the needs of dealers, suppliers, racers, financiers and other motor vehicle professionals for more than ten years.

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openpay is a leading buy now, pay later service favoured by the automotive industry. Openpay gives customers longer to pay for servicing and parts through interest-free payment plans, while you get paid the next business day. Not just a payment method, but a smarter way to triple your Average Transaction Value.

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• Apprenticeships • Traineeships • Skills Recognition.

• Automotive Licensing • Short Automotive Courses (including some which attract a 20% discount for members) • Pre-apprenticehips.

Guard Insurance Brokers specialises in insurance and risk management solutions and offers dedicated service to MTAQ members at market leading rates.

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TRAINING

Capricorn makes it easier for its members buy parts, earn reward points and share in the benefits of being a member of the largest and oldest automotive parts buying cooperatives in Australasia.

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Receive FREE expert advice on Workplace Relations matters & Consumer Complaint Support. Access a website building service and, through the Member Portal, information regarding wages & awards, health & safety, public holidays and more. There also is a FREE-to-use online Jobs Board platform, and discounted products available through the online MTA Queensland shop.

The Commonwealth Bank offers members some of the lowest EFTPOS charges in the country.

Members have saved thousands with CBA.

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SERVICES

Spirit Super is a multi-industry super fund with over 300,000 members and $23 billion funds under management. We put the spirit in your super.

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MTA Queensland will represent you to state and federal governments on BIG issues affecting your business and the industry. We represent service stations, new & used car dealers, tyre businesses, paint & panel, repairers, parts recyclers, engine re-conditioners, farm & industrial machinery businesses, motorcycle sales and rental vehicles, so can actively espouse direct industry perspective.

SAVE WITH OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS

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ADVOCACY

MTA Queensland

Search for MTA Queensland

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 87

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Address Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113 Phone (07) 3237 8777 Fax +61 7 3844 4488 Email info@mtaq.com.au Website www.mtaq.com.au Postal PO Box 4530 Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113

Concept corner

KIA CONC 88 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

CEPT EV9

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 89

Concept corner

KIA CONCEPT EV9

K

IA AND HYUNDAI just keep on kicking goals when it comes to their future electric vehicles. The South Korean companies are close siblings (Hyundai owns a big chunk of Kia) and share much technology, and it is this tech, along with a really forward-thinking attitude to electrification, that has seen the two manufacturers churn out some really interesting and exciting concepts and new electric models in recent times.

At the AutoMobility LA event held in November, Hyundai showed off its new SEVEN concept (see page 50) while Kia caused a stir with this, the EV9 concept that hints at the next model in its EV line-up.

Built on the company’s advanced Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) – which it shares with Hyundai – the threerow, seven-seater, Kia EV9 certainly has an eye-catching design. While it may not be to everyone’s taste, the bold styling – including the geometric appearance of the machined 22-inch wheels - is a departure

90 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

BUILT ON THE COMPANY’S ADVANCED ELECTRIC GLOBAL MODULAR PLATFORM (E-GMP) – WHICH IT SHARES WITH HYUNDAI – THE THREE-ROW, SEVEN-SEATER, KIA EV9 CERTAINLY HAS AN EYECATCHING DESIGN. from the SUV norm, and that is a good thing.

Kia says the all-electric SUV can deliver a range of 485km and features ultra-fast charging technology with a 350kW charger that allows a recharge from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 20-30 minutes. Additional power is available via a solar panel in the bonnet vent duct area.

A re-styled grille and front-end have resulted in a new air vent design that improves aerodynamics, which is further enhanced by a camera monitoring system

that replaces conventional wing mirrors, as well as retractable roof rails that close inward into the roof when not in use, creating smooth airflow over the vehicle.

When needed, the roof rails can be raised with a touch of a button.

Up front, the grille houses a ‘star cloud’

pattern display that is hidden behind the body panel when not in use. This lightshow apparently offers sequential patterns to create a ‘welcome light’ for the driver and also position lights during driving. Up top, there’s a DLO (Daylight Opening) panoramic sky roof.

December 2021/January 2022 Motor Trader | 91

KIA SAYS THE ALL-ELECTRIC SUV CAN DELIVER A RANGE OF 485KM AND FEATURES ULTRA-FAST CHARGING TECHNOLOGY WITH A 350KW CHARGER THAT ALLOWS A RECHARGE FROM 10 PER CENT TO 80 PER CENT IN 20-30 MINUTES. Inside and up front is an interactive 27-inch ultra-wide display which is the ‘nerve centre’ for all driver and passenger requirements, including media, climate control and comfort functionality features.

The futuristic interior design has three modes - Active Mode when on the move, and two when the EV9 is not moving.

One of the stationary modes is called Pause Mode which modifies the interior space to what Kia says is more akin to a first-class lounge. In this mode, the seats switch around to enable occupants 92 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

seated in the first row and third row to face each other. The second-row seats fold down and become a table.

Environmentally friendly features – beyond it being an EV, of course – include the use of vegan leather in the interior as well as recycled plastic bottles and recycled wool fibres being used for the seating fabric.

All in all, the EV9 looks like another really exciting vehicle from Kia.

LAWS PROTECTING AGAINST HARASSMENT RECENT MEDIA STORIES about what may be happening in some parliamentarian’s offices is a reminder to all employers and business owners that no-one is immune from a sexual harassment claim.

The Fair Work Act and Regulations will soon be amended to give employers more power to sack perpetrators of sexual harassment.

The Federal Government has announced it will amend section 387 of the Act to clarify that sexual harassment can be a valid reason for termination when determining whether a dismissal was unfair.

It will also amend the definition of “serious misconduct” in the Fair Work Regulations to include sexual harassment, to clarify that this behaviour can justify summary dismissal.

In addition, education and guidance on unfair dismissal and other workplace rights will be updated. The Act will include a ‘stop sexual harassment order’ by clarifying that a stop-bullying order is available in the context of harassment.

model WHS laws for employers to ensure workers are not exposed to health and safety risks, which includes the risk of sexual harassment. Safe Work Australia guidance recently released specifically describes sexual harassment as a systemic risk employers must approach with a safety mindset.

PSYCHOSOCIAL RISKS CODE OF PRACTICE A code of practice on managing psychosocial risks is currently being

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS developed by Safe Work Australia, which is to cover sexual harassment in the

TO MORE THAN 8000 PEOPLE DIRECTLY workplace.

This will help toINVOLVED increase POSITIVE DUTY ALREADY EXISTS IN THE INDUSTRY A positive duty already existsMOTORING under awareness of the duty to manage (website or e-magazine options)

psychosocial health and safety risks and improve compliance, it says, adding it will continue to support this work.

The aim is to create an improved culture of respectful workplace behaviour.

For further information about Policy for your workplace, please contact MTA Queensland.

CLICK HERE FOR MEDIA GUIDE AND COSTS

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