Motor Trader e-magazine, June 2022

JUNE 2022

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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

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

JONATHAN NASH

Email: publications@mtaq.com.au Website: www.mtaq.com.au

EDITOR

W

EDITOR Jonathan Nash

ELCOME TO THE June 2022 edition of Motor Trader.

It has been a busy few weeks here in Australia with plenty going on, not the least of which has been a change in our national government. The federal election of May 21 saw the Labor Party, led by Anthony Albanese, take over the reins of power, and that may well lead to a great many changes, including for the automotive industry. On page 24, we take a look at some of the automotiverelated plans announced in the run-up to the election.

Also this month, we take a look at the story of BMW M, the famed performance division of BMW that marks its 50th birthday this year. We also celebrate the return of an iconic automotive name - DeLorean - which has released the first details and images of a new all-

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 ABN: 74 028 933 848 CORPORATE PARTNERS

electric beauty of a car, the Alpha 5. The new model harks back to the 1980s legend that was the DMC-12, but it also heralds the beginning of DeLorean's high-tech future. The Alpha 5 is a lovelylooking machine, and you can read more about it from page 54.

As always, we have plenty of other news - from industry innovations to new vehicle launches to training news - inside this edition of Motor Trader.

A reminder once again of MTA Queensland’s ongoing marketing campaign. Its goal is to let the public know that they will be looked after best, and to the highest standards, when they use the services of MTA Queensland members.

Members should take advantage of the campaign and advertise they are part of the Association.

MTA Queensland graphics, posters, logos and other material can be downloaded from our website member portal. Click HERE to access them.

I hope you enjoy this edition and do reach out if you have some interesting news to share.

Cheers Jonathan Nash, Editor jonathann@mtaq.com.au

20221071

MTA Queensland welcomes the following new members BUSINESS NAME

ADDRESS

DIVISION

Bus Stop Brisbane Carbeen Mechanical GMW Mechanical & Towing Goodyear Autocare North Lakes M & R Auto Care Tyrecorner Ultra Tune Hamilton

1543 Ipswich Rd, Rocklea QLD 4106 71 Carbeen Rd, Walkamin QLD 4872 3/50 Hanson Rd, Gladstone Central QLD 4680 1/14 Burke Cres, North Lakes QLD 4509 75 Kempster St, Sandgate QLD 4017 25 Gregory St, Bowen QLD 4805 109B Links Ave S, Eagle Farm QLD 4009

AADA AED AED TUDQ AED TUDQ AED

June 2022 Motor Trader | 1

Contents

54

DELOREAN STEPS INTO THE FUTURE WITH ELECTRIC ALPHA 5

04 FROM THE DESK OF MANAGEMENT 06 MTA|Q&A: AITKENVALE AUTO AND DYNO 14 50 YEARS OF BMW M 24 AUTO INNOVATION NEWS 40 CLASSIC CAR: LAMBORGHINI 350 GT 47 AUTO NEWS 54 DELOREAN STEPS INTO THE FUTURE WITH ELECTRIC ALPHA 5 82 WORKPLACE RELATIONS 85 MTA INSTITUTE NEWS 86 APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH: MAY 2022 88 MTA INSTITUTE GRADUATES 90 CONCEPT CORNER 2 | Motor Trader June 2022

14

50 YEARS OF BMW M

Search for MTA Queensland

40

LAMBORGHINI 350 GT

85

MTA INSTITUTE NEWS

90

AUDI URBANSPHERE CONCEPT

MTA|Q&A: AITKENVALE AUTO AND DYNO

06

June 2022 Motor Trader | 3

From the Desk of Management

A

NOTHER MONTH DOWN and once again skill and labour shortages dominate conversation throughout the automotive industry (you could throw supply ROD CAMM shortages into that mix CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MTA QUEENSLAND as well).

Although record apprenticeship growth is a testament to these issues we are facing, we must stop to reflect on the viability of the traditional apprenticeship pathway as the optimal model for parachuting much needed skills into business.

Does this model still stand up in the face of extreme shortages?

While we currently use a four-year, competencybased system, perhaps it is time to investigate reducing the nominal term of an apprenticeship.

I understand this convolutes things, but threeyears makes it far more attractive to prospective employees amid the ongoing competition across industries.

Hand-in-hand with this, we have some fantastic training facilities that can be utilised to fast-track learning. Opportunity is there to partner with employers and maximise off-the-job learning in areas industry has identified as imperative to progression, supplemented by on-the-job work where applicable.

And what happens when workloads begin to abate? History tells us this is when we stop training en masse only to fall into the same trap when we inevitably experience a new shortage.

How do we ensure that pipeline of apprentices and skilled employees continues to flow? Utilising training facilities and cooperatively sharing the labour pool are a start, but it is something we must think about.

It was Winston Churchill who once said to never waste a crisis. The current state our industry is perhaps the perfect time to find solutions and revolutionise our methods.

4 | Motor Trader June 2022

E

ARLIER THIS YEAR we attended the Queensland Workforce Summit 2022, which brought together community, industry, and government leaders to address and plan for KELLIE DEWAR the future workforce DEPUTY CEO | GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES challenges ahead of us.

From that Summit came an important outcome for the automotive industry, with the Queensland Government committing to investing $1 million in the VET Emerging Industries initiative (electric vehicles) Future Skills Fund. This investment will pave the way for the development of flexible industry strategies and inject new opportunities for employees to learn new skills.

Small business owners should be aware that expressions of interest are now open for the $50,000 Business Growth Fund. The program allows owners of small and medium-sized businesses to purchase specialised equipment that supports business growth and is a fantastic opportunity to invest in new electric vehicle charging infrastructure or repair technology.

Places are expected to fill up fast so get in quick!

OUT AND ABOUT CEO Rod Camm represented new car dealer members at the AADA Convention and Expo last week, taking part in a keynote panel discussing labour shortages, electrification, and the Government’s role in our sector and what this means for our industry.

We are also looking forward to RACQ’s MotorFest later this month, where MTA Queensland will be promoting our consumer campaign and the assurances of dealing only with MTA Queensland member businesses. July and August will also see us heading back to the regions to meet with members CLICK FOR MORE INFO and take part in discussions ON THE BUSINESS around your needs. Stay tuned GROWTH FUND for more information and we look forward to seeing you there!

t of your From the Commonwealth Bank embership?

A COMMBANK BUSINESS RESTARTER LOAN COULD HELP YOU KICK-START FY23

members have access to a onwealth Bank Relationship ger who can arrange for you to e information on:

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your eftpos – a Commonwealth Bank WHAT IScan THEprovide BUSINESS RETARTER LOAN? ationship Manager information he Least Cost Routing options.^ CommBank has designed this business

loan to address the Credit unpredictable ding options including Business ds, Car and Equipment Finance environment SMEsand have been facing, by iness Loans. looking past the short term impacts of the

pandemic and recognising your businesses solutions may help you manageIt’s a loan to help individual circumstances. ow andyour expand yourrestart¹. business. business • Secured loans, from 3.29% p.a. for eligible* d out howapplications Commonwealth Bank available until 17th June, 2022. lp your business move forward, • Flexible loan terms and security options, with zero t MTAQ on (07) 3237 8777or establishment, service or commitment fees. nfo@mtaq.com.au.

• Part of the Government’s SME Recovery Loan scheme, for businesses adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic and with a valid ABN. • An optional repayment holiday of up to 12 months.

• Refinance existing debt, purchase a commercial property or equipment for your business.

• Choose a variable rate and you’ll only pay interest on the funds you use, plus - you could pay your loan off quicker with extra repayments.

Insert hero image about you and your business to streamline and speed up your application process.

When you apply for a Business Restarter Loan, if you’re eligible you could receive a conditional approval within 24 hours of submitting your application², and have funds in your account in a few business days. That’s less time spent on paperwork and more time to focus on the year ahead.

If eligible, you can borrow up to $5m, with terms up to 10 years¹. And you have the option of up to a 12 month repayment holiday, so you can really restart before you need to make a repayment.

HOW DO YOU APPLY? To find out how Commonwealth Bank can help your business move forward, contact MTAQ on (07) 3237 8777or email info@mtaq.com.au. and they will put you in touch with a Commbank Relationship Manager.

HOW DOES IT WORK? We use the information we already have

uld know: As this information has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on this information, consider its appropriateness to ces. Eligibility criteria and other conditions applies. Applications are subject to credit approval. Full terms and conditions will be included in our loan offer. Fees and charges may be payable.

Things you should consider them beforeismaking any decision aboutCost these products and services. Full Terms and uting is also known as Merchant Choiceknow: Routing. A reference in the Merchant Agreement dated 1 April 2020 to Merchant Choice Routing also a reference to Least Routing.

Conditions are included in the Loan Offer. Bank fees and charges may apply.

For current interest rates, visit Business banking rates and fees. Rates are subject to change.

Fees, charges and Terms & Conditions apply. ² A lending decision within 24 hours is subject to the Bank’s eligibility and suitability criteria.

Your association may receive a referral fee from Commonwealth Bank of Australia for each successful referral (excludes existing customers) on eligible Business Banking products and services.

This communication is prepared for distribution to Commonwealth Bank Alliance Partners and contains important information or updates about your service and as such you cannot unsubscribe from these types of messages. To contact us or if you have a complaint, please visit the contact us section of our website or call 13 1998.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124, AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.

general information purposes only.

It has been preparedavailable withoutatconsidering your et for this productThis willisbefor found within the product’s Target Market Determination, commbank.com.au/tmd.

financial situation or needs.

Yousuccessful should consider the appropriateness of this ve a fee from theobjectives, Commonwealth Bank of Australia for each referral. information to your circumstances acting credit on it. licence 234945.

Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL andbefore Australian

Credit provided by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. ¹ These products are only available to approved business customers and for business purposes only. Customers need to meet eligibility criteria of the Government SME Recovery Scheme: small to medium sized businesses with up to $250 million turnover, those selfemployed, and not-for-profits and have an ABN. This offer cannot be used to purchase residential property or financial products, or to provide loans to associated entities.

Applications for finance are subject to the Bank’s eligibility and suitability criteria and normal credit approval processes. Applications can be submitted to 16 June 2022 and must be approved by 30 June 2022. You can view the Business Lending Terms and Conditions our Financial Services Guide and the Electronic Banking Terms and Conditions and should

June 2022 Motor Trader | 5

Alison Richards

The Aitkenvale Auto & Dyno team of Brendon Haddon, Shannon Black, Ian Richards, Alison Richards, and Jason Cameron

Ian Richards

MTA |Q&A Alison and Ian Richards have spent more than two decades at the helm of Aitkenvale Auto and Dyno in Townsville. They have seen the community grow as their business has gone from strength to strength. Ian took time out of his busy workshop to talk to Motor Trader.

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

6 | Motor Trader June 2022

What is the core business at Aitkenvale Auto and Dyno?

IR: Our bread and butter is general

servicing and repairs. We carry out the usual logbook & general servicing along with suspension, steering and brake repairs, and upgrades to most makes and models. We also repair and service air conditioners, but our passion is for performance upgrades.

We dyno test and tune for performance, economy, or for diagnostics. We do ‘old school’ vehicle repairs and restorations as well as those on more current models.

We rebuild and modify engines and diffs, and we fit superchargers and turbochargers. We used to do a lot of Falcon performance upgrades, but

“WE OPENED THE DOORS OF THE BUSINESS AT THIS LOCATION AT 8 FLEMING ST, AITKENVALE IN 2001.

AFTER MORE THAN TWO DECADES IN THIS STREET WE FEEL VERY MUCH AT HOME.” that element of the business has been reduced significantly since Ford ceased manufacturing in Australia.

We are a dealer for Australian made Manta exhaust systems, and we are a dealer/installer/tuner of Unichip performance enhancement computers.

June 2022 Motor Trader | 7

MTA | Q&A How long have you been in business?

IR: We opened the doors of the business at

this location at 8 Fleming St, Aitkenvale in 2001. After more than two decades in this street we feel very much at home.

What is your background in the Automotive Industry?

IR: In 1979 I began my apprenticeship with

a Holden dealer in Melbourne. In 1984 I finished my trade qualifications and began working at a performance workshop owned by an ex Ford Special Vehicles race team engineer. After learning performance engine building, turbo charging and tuning of various performance carburetors for

five years, I moved on to complete an additional five years at an engine import workshop. 10 years after completing my trade I stepped into my own mechanic

“WE SUPPORT CYCLONES HOTROD & CUSTOM CLUB’S ANNUAL SHOW AND SHINE IN WHICH I HELP JUDGE. WE ALSO LIKE TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE V8 SUPERCARS. WE ARE ALWAYS HAPPY TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY . . .”

Who is in your current team?

IR: Alison manages the back office and I

workshop in Melbourne. I looked after my Victorian customers for two years before making the move to Townsville.

Alison had moved to Melbourne from Far North Queensland to work in the food industry as a business manager. We met and fell in love and were soon married.

Alison convinced me to move north with her back to the tropics. Arriving in Queensland, I spent eight years working in BP workshops before we started our own business.

Are you still hands on in the business today?

IR: I am on the tools six days a week,

but I spend more time in the office than I like. Alison manages the office five days per week.

am between the office and the workshop.

Shannon has been in the office as service advisor since 2004. Brendan is a leading hand mechanic and the dyno tuner who has been with us for 19 years. Jason is a qualified tech mechanic and has been here for three years. Antonello is our new service advisor who started with us in January and is the newest member of the team. We have taken on apprentices in the past but currently we don’t have any.

Do you sponsor a lot of local motorsport and individual competitors?

IR: We support Cyclones Hotrod &

Custom Club’s annual show and shine in which I help judge. We also like to get involved with the V8 supercars. We are always happy to support our community, but it is not a critical strategy for our marketing.

What are your plans for the next few years?

IR: Keep plodding along, building on our

reputation of being good technicians delivering quality service with affordable June 2022 Motor Trader | 9

charges and consistent work quality.

To do that we will maintain up to date equipment and move with the industry’s technology.

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

IR: The greatest technology advancements

for our business include quality ECU computer scanners (we have three), Eftpos for quick funds depositing, fast PCs and quality diagnostic software for technical information and researching options.

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

IR: Maybe in another 5 years or so. We are seeing Hybrid vehicles for servicing, but they are not causing issues yet. There is no training locally, but we are keen to embrace any training available.

10 | Motor Trader June 2022

“THE GREATEST TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENTS FOR OUR BUSINESS INCLUDE QUALITY ECU COMPUTER SCANNERS (WE HAVE THREE), EFTPOS FOR QUICK FUNDS DEPOSITING, FAST PCS AND QUALITY DIAGNOSTIC SOFTWARE FOR TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND RESEARCHING OPTIONS.” How much importance do you place on social media for your business?

IR: Social media is now far more important

than most print media, and we have scaled back or deleted most of our print media.

We are slowly learning to master social media, but we acknowledge that we don’t truly understand it.

Has Covid impacted your business?

IR: We have not been impacted by Covid, but we have implemented new procedures to make sure the customers cars are clean and our staff are protected.

What cars do you own?

IR: My daily driver is a Nissan

Patrol wagon and Alison drives a diesel Mazda CX8. We also have a Mazda RX8 V8 converted project car nearing completion. There is a convertible Commodore ute now off the road minus an engine and gearbox; both now in the RX8.

Finally, we have a Ford Ranger and my KTM motorcycle.

What do you do with your spare time?

IR: I like adventure touring motorcycles and so I grab every chance I can to get out on my KTM. Alison enjoys hanging out with Hunter our German shepherd and cooking.

June 2022 Motor Trader | 11

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

IR: Not all couples can work together, and

we have been very lucky to work together for 20 years. One of the reasons we have succeeded is because we have made a point of making time for our relationship and our family. In hindsight, I would put in processes and systems to make the business more autonomous so we can have time away. My top tips to a younger me are to be picky hiring staff, get a bigger workshop than you think you will need, get a good accountant, join MTA Queensland and Capricorn, and don’t get greedy.

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

IR: We signed up to be a member

of MTA Queensland on the day we opened 20 years ago. We really 12 | Motor Trader June 2022

“MY TOP TIPS TO A YOUNGER ME ARE TO BE PICKY HIRING STAFF, GET A BIGGER WORKSHOP THAN YOU THINK YOU WILL NEED, GET A GOOD ACCOUNTANT, JOIN MTA QUEENSLAND AND CAPRICORN, AND DON’T GET GREEDY. ”

appreciate the advice on human resources, the availability of information about the latest developments in the industry, particularly when it comes to training for ourselves and our staff. I also think being an MTA Queensland member CLICK TO VISIT THE gives our customers greater AITKENVALE confidence in us and marks us as AUTO & DYNO a credible industry representative WEBSITE who can be trusted.

YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN AUTO WOMEN Auto Women is a supportive group that: Raises the profile of women in the automotive industry Advocates for women in the automotive industry on key issues to government Promotes career opportunities for women and the advantages of diversity to employers Hosts virtual and in-person networking and social events that educate, connect and support women Is led by a diverse mentor team Provides career enhancement courses and scholarships

FOLLOW AND LIKE @AUTOWOMEN JOIN THE GROUP @AUTOWOMEN 20221042

READ MORE AT WWW.MTAQ.COM.AU/AUTO-WOMEN

14 | Motor Trader June 2022

3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile’

O

VER THE PAST few months, BMW has revealed a heap of exciting new cars. Since January, the German manufacturer has unveiled the new 7 Series as well as the all-electric iX M60 SUV; the M8 Competition Coupe, Cabriolet, and Gran Coupe; and special editions of the M4 CSL, M3 and M4. It has also given a taste of the upcoming XM uber-performance SUV. There have been plenty of others too.

Many of these models fall under the M banner, with the M4 CSL, amongst others, being special editions that mark a milestone anniversary for the division that is home to the most potent models of the BMW stable.

In fact, 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of BMW M, a brand that has long been - along with rivals such as AMG at Mercedes – the benchmark for luxury, high-performance cars.

With that in mind, in this edition of Motor Trader, we take a quick look at the history of BMW M, and some of the storied cars that have made the brand the legend it is.

THE M STORY

Initially created to oversee BMW’s motor racing program, BMW M was founded as BMW Motorsport GmbH in 1972. A handful

. . . ITS WORK IN THE FIRST FEW YEARS WAS MARKED BY ITS DEVELOPMENT OF RACING CARS, IN PARTICULAR THE PHENOMENAL AND HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL 3.0 CSL. of engineers and others formed the core of the new company and its work in the first few years was marked by its development of racing cars, in particular the phenomenal and highly successful 3.0 CSL. Conceived as a homologation special for touring car racing in Europe, the 3.0 CSL was based on the 3.0 CS and 3.0 CSi coupe, but its emphasis on weight reduction (the ‘L’ stood for Leicht or Light), aerodynamics, suspension, and power, made it something special.

Power came from the straight-six, 3-litre, M30 engine, tweaked versions of which were used throughout the model’s production life and which, in the last variant of the CSL - known as the ‘Batmobile' - was good for 153kW and 286Nm. The ‘Batmobile’ sported some June 2022 Motor Trader | 15

M1

interesting aerodynamic styling, including small fins that ran along the top of the front wings, and a whopper of a rear wing that, thanks to German regulations of the time, was not factory installed but could be fitted by the owner. It was powerful, slick and quick, and racing versions of it were dominant on the track. Produced through to 1975 with just over 1200 units made, the CSL was a great way for the fledgling M division to introduce itself as a premiere performance brand.

As good as the CSL was – and it was a cracker – BMW Motorsport hit an even sweeter high note with its 1978 creation, the mid-engine M1 supercar.

Once again, the car was built with racing in mind, and was available as a road-going model thanks to homologation rules for the racing category at which it was aimed.

Under the fibreglass body, which helped the car to weigh in at a trim 1300kg, was a 3.5-litre, naturally aspirated, six-cylinder powerplant that delivered 204kW and 330Nm. This could push the sleek machine to a top speed of 265km/h – the fastest road-legal German sports car of the time.

Production of the M1 was short and ran 16 | Motor Trader June 2022

AS GOOD AS THE CSL WAS – AND IT WAS A CRACKER – BMW MOTORSPORT HIT AN EVEN SWEETER HIGH NOTE WITH ITS 1978 CREATION, THE MID-ENGINE M1 SUPERCAR. from 1978 to 1981 with just 455 units being built – 399 for the road and 56 for the track. Not surprisingly, it is now considered a dead-set classic.

It was in the 1980s that BMW M really found its feet as the maker of top-quality high-performance road cars. This was the decade that saw the emergence of the 3, 5, and 6 series M cars.

First up was the M635CSi, (known as M6 in the US).

Unveiled at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show, the elegant two-door coupe was powered by an upgraded version of the 3.5-litre, six-cylinder, M88 engine that powered the M1, and had 213kW and 340Nm at its

disposal. 100km/h could be reached in less than 6.5 seconds and top speed was 255 km/h, making it one of the fastest four-seater cars of the period. BMW M's trademark revisions to suspension and chassis made the M635CSi a comfortable but formidably potent machine and, while it was expensive, some 5,500 were sold during its five-year production life.

Following the M635CSi, M brought to the life the first M5 model in 1985.

The four-door M5 sedan (the E28) looked like a standard 5-series model, but under the skin was the same engine that powered the M635CSi, plus M’s performance-enhancing amendments to suspension and braking.

And that performance was red hot. A top speed of 245km/h and a 0-100km/h time of 6.5 seconds made it the fastest production sedan in the world at the time.

That first variant – the E28 – was built through to 1987 and was a major critical success, but perhaps BMW M’s biggest success in those early days, was its next model, the M3, unveiled in 1986.

Though smaller than its siblings, it had outsized influence and sold well. Available as a 2+2 coupe and convertible, the first M3 (the E30) had at its heart a 2-litre, four-cylinder engine that had been given the M treatment with displacement increased to 2.3 litres.

Power came in at 147kW and top speed was 235km/h.

Special edition models had that performance bumped even higher. The EVO1 from 1989 pumped out 158kW and could reach 240km/h, while the Sport Evolution model of 1990 got a 2.5-litre M635CSi

engine delivering 175kW for a top speed of 250km/h.

With the exterior aero and styling trimmings - including a rear wing, special alloy wheels, and the M-brand flashes and badging - the M3 looked the business and underneath, those M modifications – including stiffer springs, special shocks, and larger disc brakes – made the M3 a critical favourite. The punters loved it too, and more than 17,000 of the E30 M3s sold during its production lifetime of 1986 to 1991.

Into the 1990s, BMW M tinkered with the 5.6-litre, V12-powered 850 CSi, then brought out evolutions of the M3, M5 and M6. Engines got bigger and more powerful.

The E36 M3 (made from 1992-1999) initially came with a 3-litre, six-cylinder engine before being upgraded to a 3.2-litre straight from 1995. By then, power was up to 240kW and 350Nm. M5 (E34)

M5 (E28)

INTO THE NEW MILLENIUM, THE M DIVISION KEPT ON BUILDING BETTER, MORE POWERFUL, MORE LUXURIOUS AND BETTER PERFORMING CARS .

The E34 M5 (1988-1995) would grow to have a 3.8-litre six-cylinder developing 254kW and 400Nm before being fitted with a truly muscular and brutish 4.9-litre V8 pumping out 298kW and 500Nm in the E39 model (1997-2003).

Making their appearance during this period were two new models – the M Roadster and M Coupe.

The original Z3 models were powered by 1.8-litre or 1.9-litre, four-cylinder engines, but the M Roadster and Coupe versions that appeared in 1997 were equipped with M Coupe

M3 (E30) EVO1

M3 (E36)

the engine from the updated E36 M3. That powerful engine punched the Roadster and Coupe to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 250 km/h.

Wider than the standard Z3, the M Roadster and Coupe had quadruple exhausts, upgraded brakes, reinforced suspension and chassis, and additional door braces to handle the new engine’s power.

Into the new millennium, the M division kept on building better, more powerful, more luxurious and better performing cars.

The E46 M3 and M3 CSL models of the early 2000s boasted a 3.2-litre six-cylinder which the Z4M Roadster and Coupe models from 2004-2008 also received, while the M5 (E60) and M6 (E63-64) models sold through to 2010 were given a potent 5-litre V10 that developed 378kW and 520Nm. The M3 (E90) model made from 2006-

M3 (E46)

2013 would get a serious bump in grunt, with a 313kW/400Nm 4-litre V8 providing the power.

During that first decade of the new century, BMW M turned its attention to the burgeoning (and now dominant) sector of the automotive market, the SUV. BMW had bought Britain’s Rover Group - owners of Land Rover - in 1994, and though it would sell Land Rover to Ford in 2000, it determined that an SUV was needed for its own model line-up.

BMW would ultimately launch the X5, its first SUV, in 1999. Featuring all-wheel-drive and marketed as an SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), the X5 was available with a range of powerplants, from a 3-litre six-cylinder, to a 3-litre turbo diesel, to a 4.8-litre V8.

It got a sibling of sorts in 2008 with the fastback-rear-styled X6.

June 2022 Motor Trader | 19

M was working on creating its own versions of these two machines within a few years. It was probably just as well, as BMW’s great rivals at Porsche and Mercedes-Benz were creating, in their respective Cayenne and ML-class models, some powerful SUVs of their own.

The results of BMW M’s work was revealed at the 2009 New York motor show, with both the X5M and X6M making their debuts. Powered by a 4.4-litre, twin turbo V8 developing 414kW and 680Nm, the M models were potent. They had allwheel-drive, variable torque shift, torque vectoring, active roll stabilisation, and they were, of course, quick. Top speed was restricted to 250km/h (275km/h

unrestricted), and they could reach 100km/h from a standstill in 4.7 seconds. That’s not the sort of performance you’d normally expect from a chunky SUV. Through the 2010s, BMW M continued on its winning streak and turbo power finally came X5M to the fore - BMW's TwinPower Turbo technology found its way into just about every car, allowing smaller engines to deliver just as much, if not more more, power. For example, the M5 (F10) model built from 2010-2016 stepped down its engine size from the earlier 5-litre, V10 model and was instead powered by a 4.4-litre, twin turbo V8. That unit spat out 418kW and 680Nm – easily squashing the performance of its predecessor.

Today, of course, while turbo power is still dominant, the move to electrification has seen M, those most dedicated of internal combustion engine magicians, embrace the new technology.

While the division's ever-expanding range of models – that runs from the small M2 two-door coupe up to the big SUVs – X6M

20 | Motor Trader June 2022

i4 M50

. . . ELECTRIFICATION HAS SEEN M, THOSE MOST DEDICATED OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE MAGICIANS, EMBRACE THE NEW TECHNOLOGY can come with petrol, mild hybrid, and diesel powerplants, the future appears to be filled with electrons.

Debuting in the past few months has been the i4 M50 – an all-electric powerhouse that uses a dual-motor set-up and an 83.9kWh battery pack to deliver 400kW and 795Nm – and the iX M60, an SUV which has 455kW and 1015Nm on tap

from its dual-motor set-up and which can do the 100km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 250km/h.

And an upcoming thrill for BMW M enthusiasts will be the XM SUV. A hybrid vehicle, the XM will combine a V8 engine and electric drive which is set to deliver 480kW and 800Nm. Performance will be stellar, but it may be the fact this is a standalone vehicle built by M and not a modified ‘standard’ BMW, that will make it stand out from the crowd.

Whatever happens, it would be a safe bet that in a world in which electrification becomes the standard, the M division will be as important a name on the performancevehicle landscape as it has ever been.

iX M60

June 2022 Motor Trader | 21

BUYER BEWARE!

S

INCE 1929, THE Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) brand has remained Rod Camm, MTA Queensland CEO a trusted symbol of professionalism and quality that consumers across Queensland can rely on.

With cost-of-living expenses rapidly rising and shortages across the entire automotive industry, now more than ever it is imperative that consumers protect themselves and look to MTA Queensland member businesses as their preferred providers of automotive services and products at a fair price.

So far in 2022, consumers have already been stung by repair costs associated with The Office of Fair Trading received almost the devastating flooding event, as well 20,000 consumer complaints in 2021 and as the rising costs of parts and vehicles 2020, which is well above the 15,000 per accredited to global supply shortages. year, in the five years pre-COVID. Of major The automotive industry is also aware of concern, motor vehicle sales, servicing, frustrating rising instances of odometer repairs, and parts are consistently in the fraud, issuing of dodgy roadworthy top five issues for the public. certificates, and backyard repairs gone “In these trying times, we simply want wrong, all negatively impacting the to protect consumers from backyard legitimacy of the industry and hitting the operators using the internet and back pockets of unsuspecting consumers.

“PUT SIMPLY, DON’T ALLOW YOURSELF TO GET RIPPED OFF . . . THE BEST WAY TO ENSURE THIS DOESN’T HAPPEN IS TO ONLY CHOOSE AN MTA QUEENSLAND MEMBER BUSINESS TO PERFORM THE REQUIRED SERVICE.”

22 | Motor Trader June 2022

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businesses who take short cuts,” said Rod Camm, MTA Queensland CEO. “Put simply, don’t allow yourself to get ripped off. There are so many traps out there, such as individuals selling cars without a licence, speedo wind-backs, cars that have been poorly repaired after being written-off or flooded, and purchasing equipped to perform the correct checks of cars that have money owing on them and find you the right car, at the right price.” or are stolen. The best way to ensure this To gain acceptance as an MTA doesn’t happen is to only choose an MTA Queensland member, businesses are put through a rigorous vetting process that Queensland member business to perform includes gaining approval as a legitimate the required services. business from their own industry. This “Whether you are looking to purchase is to ensure that only businesses who a new or used vehicle, get your vehicle embody the ten Member Values – Honest, serviced, repaired, or painted, or even hire a rental vehicle, choosing an MTA Queensland Professional, Transparent, Courteous, Integrous, Caring, Innovative, Proactive, member will alleviate a lot of stress, as you Accountable, and Compliant – are invited can be reassured knowing the business will to join the Association. reliably take care of your best interests.

“The stringent application process we “Additionally, the growth of online put our members through gives consumers sales and servicing platforms has given confidence that they can trust the business dramatic rise to unscrupulous dealers to provide ethical services while also and private sellers taking buyers for holding the support of an organisation a ride and advertising vehicles that with nearly 100 years of industry may be unchecked, stolen, or not leadership and experience behind roadworthy. We are very worried CLICK it,” said Mr Camm.

TO VISIT THE about the real risk of flooded cars MTA QUEENSLAND To find your nearest MTA Queensland re-emerging onto the market via MEMBER PORTAL member business, visit the MTA Queensland these types of mediums. Only WEBSITE Find a Member portal.

MTA Queensland members are June 2022 Motor Trader | 23

20221044

MEMBER

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NEW GOVERNMENT, NEW PLAN FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES Image credit: Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com

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ITH VICTORY IN the federal election held on May 21, the Labor Party and its leader and our new Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, now have the chance to implement the plans, pledges, and ideas they championed in the lead-up to the election showdown. Amongst these are several that will have some impact on the automotive industry.

Key to the overall plan is a $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund, the aim of which is, in part, to ‘Develop our capabilities in transport manufacturing and supply chains including for cars, trains and shipbuilding.’

Amongst the many initiatives the Fund will be used for is a Powering Australia plan – a plan ‘to create jobs, cut power bills and reduce emissions by boosting renewable energy.’

Labor says that Powering Australia will be allocated billions from the National Reconstruction Fund and work on developing all manner of energy initiatives and projects - from electricity grid upgrades to solar banks and community batteries - and aim at reducing Australia’s emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 - a considerable difference to the previous government’s target of 26 to 28 per cent.

According to Labor, Powering Australia could create as many as 604,000 jobs - with most of those created 24 | Motor Trader June 2022

in the regions - and encourage many billions of dollars in investment.

Electric vehicles (EV) are, naturally enough, part of the plan, and the new government intends to introduce an electric car discount and develop and implement a National Electric Vehicle Strategy.

That strategy will consider measures to make electric vehicles cheaper, increase electric vehicles sales and infrastructure; consider policies to encourage Australian manufacturing of electric car components (especially batteries) and, possibly, cars themselves.

Increasing EV sales may get a boost through a new electric car discount, due to kick in on July 1, which will see import tariffs and fringe benefits tax (FBT) removed on all electric cars that fall below the luxury car tax threshold of $79,659 for fuel efficient vehicles.

This discount is aimed at encouraging car manufacturers to import more affordable electric models – something that would certainly please many Australians who, in this time of cost-of-

living pressures and the rising fuel prices, are more interested than ever in the benefits of owning an electrified vehicle.

Labor offers an example of the potential savings under this scenario, with a $50,000 electric model being more than $2,000 cheaper with the import tariff removed, and employers saving up to $9000 via the FBT exemption.

Labor says that, according to its modelling, EV sales are expected to soar, with as much as 89 per cent of new car sales being electrified vehicles by 2030 and EVs making up 15 per cent of all vehicles on Australian roads also by 2030.

Labor has also said it will establish what it calls a Driving the Nation Fund to ‘reduce costs, emissions and Australia’s reliance on foreign oil.’ The investment of $500 million will include funds to create a National EV Charging Network – adding 117 fast charging stations to the nation’s highways - and expand the nation’s hydrogen vehicle infrastructure by matching any funds committed by individual states and territories. This could lead, Labor says, to 16 hydrogen refuelling stations on Australia’s busiest freight routes.

There’s also a commitment to invest $100 million to support 10,000 apprentice positions in ‘new energy’ industries.

Examples of eligible industries include rooftop solar installation and maintenance, large-scale renewable projects, energy efficiency upgrades to homes and businesses, green hydrogen, renewable manufacturing, and relevant agricultural activities. While not specifically automotive, there is likely some crossover here.

In the days following their election victory, members of the new Labor government stated that the Australian economy it inherited is not, perhaps, in quite the robust condition it had expected.

This may mean some hurdles appear as it chases its pre-election goals. Let’s hope it is able to clear them.

HOPIUM & BRIDGESTONE TO DEVELOP TYRES FOR HYDROGEN-POWERED HOPIUM MACHINA HOPIUM, THE FRENCH company behind the Hopium Machina hydrogenpowered car, is partnering with Bridgestone to develop premium tyres for the high-end sedan.

The production version of the fuel-cell Machina will, the company says, be good for 1000km of range, have a refilling time of three minutes, have 373kW on tap and a top speed of 230km/h.

The goal of the Hopium/Bridgestone partnership is to design tyres with low rolling resistance technology, allowing for an increase in the car’s range.

The tyres will be created using Bridgestone’s proprietary Virtual Tyre Development technology. That technology allows Bridgestone to design a digital tyre, test it virtually and refine it before manufacturing and physical testing takes place. It’s a process, the company says, that cuts development time and CO2 emissions, as well as the use of raw materials.

“This exciting partnership with Hopium once again demonstrates our support for the next generation of innovative mobility pioneers,” said Steven De Bock, VP Consumer Replacement and OE, Bridgestone EMIA. “We’re placing our recognised expertise at the service of a real game-changer in the field of zero-emission mobility and helping bring about a more sustainable future of mobility in the process.”

The Hopium Machina

Auto innovation news

TOYOTA CONNECTED DEVELOPING CABIN AWARENESS SAFETY CONCEPT

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OYOTA CONNECTED NORTH America (TCNA) has developed a Cabin Awareness concept technology that uses millimetre-wave, highresolution 4D imaging radar to help detect occupants (including certain pets) in cars and has the potential to detect them if ever they’re left behind.

The Cabin Awareness concept’s radar is sensitive to very small movements and can detect such movements across three full seating rows, the cargo area and footwells. The system can also classify all occupants according to size, posture and position enabling the support of advanced safety applications.

The system could be a lifesaver under some scenarios – for instance when children or pets are left in vehicles on particularly hot days – and, as currently designed, the Cabin Awareness concept provides an array of warnings to help alert the driver (and, potentially, passersby) to check the back of the vehicle if a living being is detected. First, a warning light signals on the instrument cluster. Then, the horn honks and emergency lights flash. Following all the early warnings, the owner may get a notification on their phone through the Toyota app as well as text messages.

If programmed, Cabin Awareness

26 | Motor Trader June 2022

could even send alerts through smart home devices or send text messages to designated emergency contacts. Further alert options include having Toyota’s Safety Connect emergency assistance system contact emergency services through the integrated SOS vehicle function.

“We are excited to explore and leverage new technologies, connected intelligence and existing safety platforms, with the ultimate goal of reducing child fatalities in hot cars. This Cabin Awareness concept has the potential to do exactly that,” said Brian Kursar, chief technology officer, TCNA and group vice president, chief technology officer and chief data officer, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA).

CONSUMERS LOOK FOR MTA QUEENSLAND MEMBERS Trust the Motor Trades Professional Circle.

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Enquire 3237 8777 or info@mtaq.com.au

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VOLVO TRUCKS LAUNCHES NEW BLIND SPOT SAFETY TECH

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OLVO TRUCKS IS introducing a new safety system to detect other road users entering the blind spot on both sides of the truck.

The new system, called Side Collision Avoidance Support, uses a dual radar on each side of the truck to detect other road users, such as cyclists, when they enter the risk area.

The system informs the driver via a red light on the relevant side mirror.

If the driver indicates a lane change via the turn signal, the red light starts to flash and a warning sound emits from the side of the potential collision.

“An accident can happen in a split second. Our extensive accident research is based on decades of studying real-life situations, and this new safety system helps the driver to prevent potential collisions,” said Anna Wrige Berling, Traffic & Product Safety Director at Volvo Trucks.

“At Volvo Trucks, our long-term vision is zero accidents, and safety is at the core of everything we do. This new system is another example of our efforts to accomplish these aims.”

28 | Motor Trader June 2022

VIDEO: VOLVO TRUCKS – SIDE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SUPPORT

The new system will be available globally on the Volvo FH, FM and FMX with diesel, gas and electric drivelines, starting in September this year. The Volvo FL and FE models will get the new safety system in 2023.

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GEELY LAUNCHES INTO THE FINAL FRONTIER WITH SATELLITES FOR AUTONOMOUS CARS

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HINA’S GEELY GROUP – via a subsidiary called Geespace - has taken a step into space with the launch of nine satellites into low earth orbit.

Launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre, in Sichuan, southwest China, the GeeSAT-1 satellites are part of a massive, planned constellation – called the “Geely Future Mobility Constellation” – that will consist of 240 satellites.

The satellites are designed to provide precise positioning and connectivity support for Geely’s automotive brands and will, the company says, connect vehicles with vehicles, as well as infrastructure with vehicles, to help realise autonomous driving.

With the successful launch and operation of Geespace’s first satellites, the company will become one of the world’s first providers of combined commercial, highly accurate, Precise Point Positioning and Real-Time Kinematic services, and planned applications in the near future include working with the logistic sector to create a logistics monitoring service

platform with real-time management and control of the transportation process.

Other potential services the system could provide include mapping and drone navigation.

The satellites will be used for the upcoming Asian Games in September delivering with high-precision positioning, remote sensing, and satellite communication services.

“By establishing the Geely Future Mobility Constellation, Geespace is positioning itself to meet future user demands for high-precision positioning, space-based communication, and remote sensing services,” said Tony Wang, CEO and Chief Scientist of Geespace. “In addition, by offering Geespace’s expertise and capabilities in commercial satellite production, AIT services, and satellite support infrastructure services to customers, new opportunities to develop have been opened in various sectors including smart mobility, consumer electronics, unmanned systems, smart cities, and environmental protection.”

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 13,000 PEOPLE workplace.

This willDIRECTLY help to increase POSITIVE DUTY ALREADY EXISTS INVOLVED IN THE MOTORING INDUSTRY A positive duty already exists 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.

May 2022 Motor Trader | 31 CLICK HERE FOR MEDIA GUIDE AND COSTS

Auto innovation news

HYUNDAI INTRODUCES BLUELINK SMART MOBILITY SYSTEM

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YUNDAI HAS LAUNCHED the Bluelink app and connected car service, a system designed to enable owners to control and access various new vehicle features from a smartphone.

Bluelink will debut on the company’s updated Palisade SUV, due in the third quarter of this year, before rolling out across Hyundai’s model range.

Amongst its functions, the Bluelink app lets users find their car, or search for a destination, parking space, service station or restaurant on their smartphone, and then send the location straight to the in-car navigation system.

In the event of an accident that causes the airbags to deploy, the vehicle will automatically call for help and also enable quick access to data such as driving information records. As well as offering information on key parts of their vehicle including tyres, brakes, airbags and other safety and security features, 32 | Motor Trader June 2022

Bluelink also lets users set, check and back-up their vehicle preferences as well as transfer them to another Hyundai vehicle.

Control of an array of vehicle features - including door locks, climate control settings, and turning on heated and cooled seats – can also be done remotely.

For EV models, this remote-control functionality will include the ability to schedule battery charging.

“With the rollout of Hyundai Bluelink, we are firmly on track to realise our goal of delivering the super-connected mobility solutions of the future,” said Ted Lee, CEO of Hyundai Motor Company Australia.

“Bluelink makes owning a Hyundai safer, with the benefit of the Automatic Collision Notification and SOS functions, as well as more convenient and more rewarding.

“With Bluelink now it’s easier than ever for customers to stay connected to their Hyundai.”

MERCEDES-BENZ AND SILA TO BUILD LONGER RANGE, HIGH SILICON BATTERIES MERCEDES-BENZ IS to work with Sila, a next-generation battery materials company, to incorporate Sila’s silicon anode chemistry in its vehicles' batteries.

The high-silicon anode material will, the company says, increase the energy density of batteries and enable a 20-40 per cent increase in energy density. This will allow more energy to be stored in the same space, increasing a vehicle’s range.

Both Mercedes-Benz and Sila are targeting mid-decade for a rangeextended-version of the electric G-Class to be equipped with the new battery technology option.

Mercedes-Benz invested in Sila in 2019 as part of the company’s research and development of advanced batteries for the automaker's future electric vehicles.

“Sila has come a long way since we established our strategic partnership in 2019,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, responsible for Development and Procurement.

“They have been proving their ability to not only deliver scientific innovation at the highest level, but also their ability to manufacture high quality material.

We’re glad that in Sila we have a leading partner who will help us power our future generation of electric luxury vehicles with their highly innovative anode technology.

Delivering such a high energy density is a true game changer and allows us to think in completely new directions when developing future electric cars.”

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A family business established in the early 1960s, Mini Motor has been run by the current owner for the past 18 years. Located in a prominent, highway location, the business has experienced real growth over the last 3 years, with buy-local activity, interest in side-by-sides, and servicing of quad bikes showing solid increases. Further opportunites to improve on current revenue streams exist through other avenues.

Three qualified tradesmen, three apprentices, a spare parts interpreter, and an administration trainee will enable a fully operational business to be handed over to the new owner without interruption.

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Auto innovation news

VOLVO CARS TO JOIN STEELZERO INITIATIVE IN SUPPORT OF FOSSIL‐ FREE STEEL

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OLVO CARS HAS signed up to SteelZero, an initiative launched by the non-profit Climate Group which aims to increase demand for fossil­free steel and accelerate a transition to carbon neutrality in the global steel industry.

By signing up to SteelZero, Volvo Cars has committed to a timescale that will see 50 per cent of their steel procurement be fossil-free steel by 2030. The company aims to be climate neutral by 2040.

SteelZero was launched by the Climate Group in partnership with ResponsibleSteel, a steel industry-­wide standard and certification body which Volvo Cars has also joined. Through ResponsibleSteel, Volvo Cars gains access to verified and audited information about its steel supply chain and relevant sustainability credentials. As well as CO2 reductions, ResponsibleSteel also focuses on other issues in the steel supply chain such as labour and human rights, engagement with local communities, water use and biodiversity impact.

Volvo Cars is putting plenty of effort into becoming cleaner and greener as it moves towards its goal of becoming a fully electric carmaker by 2030.

Last year, it announced a collaboration with Swedish steelmaker SSAB to explore the development of fossil­-free, high quality 34 | Motor Trader June 2022

steel through SSAB’s HYBRIT initiative, which aims to replace coking coal with fossil­-free electricity and hydrogen.

In its own operations, Volvo Cars’ says its European plants run on 100 per cent clean electricity, while its Torslanda plant in Sweden is fully climate­neutral. Its Chengdu and Daqing sites in China are also powered by climate­neutral electricity.

Last year, Volvo Cars introduced an internal carbon price of 1,000 Swedish Krona ($AU146) for every tonne of carbon emissions from across its entire business.

The aim is to be future­proof ahead of potential regulations and, under the scheme, every car project undergoes a ‘sustainability sense-check’ - CO2 cost is imposed for every anticipated tonne of carbon emissions through the car’s life cycle. The aim is to ensure that each car model would be profitable even under a strict carbon pricing scheme.

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Auto innovation news

FORD TRIALS GEOFENCING TECH TO CONTROL VEHICLE SPEED

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NE OF THE many Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features available on new cars is ‘traffic sign recognition’ – a feature that detects road sign speed limit information, processes what it sees, and relates that information to the driver. It may be paired with an Intelligent Speed Assistance system that reduces the vehicle’s speed in response to that information.

It's a clever safety feature, but Ford in Europe is trialling a technology that goes a step further. Called the Geofencing Speed Limit Control system, and utilising such technology as GPS tracking, it recognises the speed limit within a virtual geographical boundary (no need for speed signs) and can automatically slow a

36 | Motor Trader June 2022

VIDEO: FORD TRIALS GEOFENCING SPEED LIMIT CONTROL SYSTEM

vehicle when it enters that location.

A 12-month trial of the Geofencing system is to take place in Cologne in Germany and will extend to all 30km/h zones in the centre of the city, as well as in selected 50 km/h and 30 km/h zones elsewhere in the city.

FORD SAYS THAT IN THE FUTURE, THE GEOFENCING SPEED LIMIT CONTROL SYSTEM COULD ENABLE DRIVERS TO SET THEIR OWN GEOFENCING ZONES AT SPEEDS AS LOW AS 20 KM/H, INCLUDING AT DEPOTS AND PRIVATE FACILITIES. The trial will use Ford’s all-electric E-Transit van and the company says the system will send relevant speed information to the driver via the dashboard display cluster, with the new speed limit flashing below the current speed. While the vehicle will automatically reduce its speed in line with the geofenced zone, the driver can override the system

and deactivate the speed limit control at any time should they wish to do so.

Ford says that in the future, the Geofencing Speed Limit Control system could enable drivers to set their own geofencing zones at speeds as low as 20 km/h, including at depots and private facilities. Speed limits could also be set dynamically, to take into account local hazards, temporary road works and the time of day.

June 2022 Motor Trader | 37

Auto innovation news

NISSAN UNVEILS SMALL SAKURA EV

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MALL, NIMBLE AND cheap.

Nissan’s new Sakura – unveiled last month and aimed at the Japanese market, is all of these things. Fitting into Japan’s Kei class of vehicles – a category that, in Japan, receive tax and insurance benefits in exchange for their small size and output - the four-door, four-seater Sakura is 3,395mm long, 1,465mm wide, 1,655mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,495. Weight is a trim 1080kg.

Underneath the small body is an electric powertrain system comprising a motor producing 47kW and 195Nm, and a battery pack with a capacity of 20kWh. That’s good enough, Nissan claims, for a top speed of 130km/h and a range of up to 180km.

Charging times for the battery are 8 hours for a ‘standard charge’ ( from when the battery warning light is on to fully charged) and 40 minutes for a ‘quick charge’ ( from when the battery warning light is on to 80 per cent charge).

38 | Motor Trader June 2022

That tech includes e-Pedal Step (onepedal driving), and the battery can also be used as a mobile power source during Nissan Sakura emergencies and provide electricity to a home.

The Sakura is equipped with the ProPILOT driver assistance system and there’s plenty of other tech you would expect to find in a modern vehicle. There’s a 7-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display and a 9-inch navigation display, as well as the NissanConnect navigation system which includes features such as route setting based on charging needs, an emergency SOS call service and Apple CarPlay wireless connectivity.

Price is where things get

RHEINMETALL TO START SUPPLY OF INNOVATIVE LIGHTWEIGHT SUSPENSION SPRINGS

interesting. The Sakura is available in three grades – S, X, and G – and starts at 2.33 million yen - about $AU25,000. Even better, it comes in at 1.78 million yen ($AU18,800) once subsidies are taken into account. That’s pretty good value for a tidy, small, clever urban car.

Sales of the Sakura are scheduled to start in Japan in the middle of the year. While it is unlikely to turn up in Australia any time soon, who knows where the EV market might head, and the Sakura would be an interesting option for city folk who might consider a modern, smart, well-priced EV for those trips around town.

RHEINMETALL, THE GERMAN automotive parts and armaments manufacturer, has reported it is to supply its newly developed glass fibre suspension spring to a ‘premium OEM.’ The new springs are resistant to the corrosion that can affect conventional steel springs and are much lighter. with Rheinmetall claiming the glass fibre-reinforced plastic results in a weight advantage in the unsprung mass of up to 75 per cent.

The springs also fit into the same installation space as standard springs and the company says they show outstanding fatigue strength.

The current project follows an initial order placed by the OEM in early 2021. Following a development phase, the glass fibre springs were recently installed in a test vehicle and had to pass an intensive testing program prior to being successfully accepted.

Further development work with other leading automobile manufacturers is already underway, Rheinmetall says.

May 2022 Motor Trader | 39 June

LAMBORGH 40 | Motor Trader June 2022

HINI 350 GT June 2022 Motor Trader | 41

H

EAR THE NAME Lamborghini and it is more than likely the image conjured up in your mind will be one of quick, sleek, sometimes outrageouslooking supercars. Be it the Miura, the Countach, the Diablo, the Aventador, the Huracan, or a handful of others, one thing that Lamborghini cars are not is boring.

Of course, Lamborghini’s story did not start - as its peers such as Ferrari, McLaren and others did - on the racetracks of Europe. In fact, its story is rather more pedestrian with the company’s founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini, establishing a successful manufacturing concern in the late 1940s building tractors and other agricultural equipment.

But while his company may have been 42 | Motor Trader June 2022

BUILT FROM 1964 TO 1966, THE 350 GT WAS BASED ON THE GTV BUT REDESIGNED BY COACHBUILDER AND DESIGN HOUSE CARROZZERIA TOURING TO HAVE A LESS EXTREME LOOK. making heavy duty farming machinery, Ferruccio’s personal taste ran to something somewhat faster and he owned and drove many of the best cars of the time – from Jaguars to Maseratis to Alfa Romeos and, of course, Ferraris.

The story goes that Ferruccio was not overly impressed with some aspects of

the cars he owned, and he actually had a run-in with Enzo Ferrari over clutch issues with his Ferrari. Legend has it that during this conversation, a bristling Enzo, irritated at Lamborghini’s efforts to engage him on potential solutions, told Ferruccio to stick to building tractors.

Seeing this as a challenge, Ferruccio resolved to build his own sportscars.

It wasn’t long before the first model from Automobili Lamborghini made an appearance.

That was the 350 GTV, a prototype two-door, two-seat, Grand Tourer (with the V standing for Veloce, or ‘fast’) that Lamborghini debuted at the 1963 Turin Auto Show along with a new 268kW 3-litre V12 under the bonnet. The rearwheel drive 350 GTV was a decent first try and though there were issues with the finished car, it did show just how Ferruccio and his team were taking the sportscar challenge seriously.

Their next effort would be June 2022 Motor Trader | 43

Lamborghini’s first production car, the 350 GT. Built from 1964 to 1966, the 350 GT was based on the GTV but redesigned by coachbuilder and design house Carrozzeria Touring to have a less extreme look. The engine too was less extreme, with the V12 detuned to 209kW, although that was still good enough to power the 350 GT to a top speed of 250km/h and do the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.8 seconds. The engine was paired with a ZF five-speed manual transmission.

Construction was of the Superleggera (Super Lightweight)

. . . THE 350 GT WAS A SPARKLING ENTRANT INTO THE BUSTLING GT/SPORTSCAR SCENE THAT WAS A HALLMARK OF THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY IN EUROPE IN THE 1960S . . .

type, with a tubular steel framework clad with aluminium body panels. There was four-wheel independent suspension and disc brakes on all four wheels.

Reception to the 350 GT was good but production was limited. By the end of 1966, 120 of them had been produced, including two convertible versions. 23 of these cars were fitted with a larger, more torquey, 4-litre V12.

This larger engine would feature in the 350 GT’s immediate evolution model, the 2+2-seater 400 GT, of which around 250 were built between 1966 to 1968.

While it didn’t exactly sell in huge numbers, whichever way you slice it the 350 GT was a sparkling entrant into the bustling GT/sportscar scene that was a hallmark of the automotive industry in Europe in the 1960s. It was good enough to set Lamborghini off on its way to becoming one of the most iconic supercar manufacturers of all time.

And Ferruccio and his team learned quickly. The model that followed the 350 and 400 GT was the Miura, a strong contender for greatest supercar of its era and one of the most beautiful cars ever built.

Auto innovation news

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46 | Motor Trader June 2022 CLICK HERE TO ACCESS PAST ISSUES OF MOTOR TRADER

ELECTRIC MOKE MAKES ITS DEBUT IN EUROPE

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HE MINI MOKE - the small recreational convertible that appeared in the 1960s and which was originally pitched by its creator Alec Issigonis (he of the Mini and Morris Minor fame) as a lightweight military vehicle for the British army - is going electric with the first battery-powered versions rolling out of the factory last month.

Customers in the UK will start receiving their new cars from Moke International this month, and they’ll be getting their hands on a really cool little machine.

The lightweight (it tips the scales at just 800kg) rear-wheel-drive Moke is available in left- or right-hand drive, has a range of 144km, 33kW of power, a top speed of 100km/h, has power steering, regenerative braking and a four-hour charging time.

VIDEO: ELECTRIC MOKE HITS THE ROAD FOR SUMMER

CUSTOMERS IN THE UK WILL START RECEIVING THEIR NEW CARS FROM MOKE INTERNATIONAL THIS MONTH, AND THEY’LL BE GETTING THEIR HANDS ON A REALLY RATHER COOL LITTLE MACHINE. The Electric Moke will be available in a range of colours as standard - Wave Blue, Sunlight Yellow, Sunset Orange, Scuba Blue and Granite Grey – but the company says customers will also be able to personalise their car from later this year.

It has been reported that Australia will be a market for the Moke, and that is probably as it should be, since Australia was a sizeable market for the original model. More than 25,000 of them – in a number of variants - were manufactured

by Leyland Australia from the ‘60s through to the early ‘80s and there will surely be some local interest in the new electric versions.

Price for the electric Moke is £29,150 ($AU51,800) in the UK. June 2022 Motor Trader | 47

Land Rover Defender 130

LAND ROVER REVEALS BIGGER, LONGER DEFENDER 130

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AND ROVER HAVE revealed the newest, and biggest, member of its new Defender family – the Defender 130.

Offering seating for up to eight people, the new model is 5358mm long - although it shares the same wheelbase of 3022mm as the Defender 110 - and the extended rear overhang provides plenty of extra space inside. Land Rover says it has given the 130 a boat tail-style uplift that allows for a departure angle of 28.5 degrees.

Room inside is ample, allowing the third row of seats to sit three people comfortably.

48 | Motor Trader June 2022

IN AUSTRALIA, THE DEFENDER 130 WILL BE OFFERED IN SE TRIM LEVEL WITH A CHOICE OF P400 MILD HYBRID PETROL OR D300 DIESEL INGENIUM SIX-CYLINDER POWERTRAINS. And those passengers get looked after – there’s optional heated seats, padded armrests, plenty of storage, and USB-C ports for charging devices. The standard-fit

panoramic glass sunroof is complemented by a second sunroof above row three.

The Defender 130 offers up to 389 litres of cargo volume with all three rows of seats in place. When row three is folded that grows to 1,232 litres, and with the second and third row down, there’s 2,291 litres of space.

The interior design features new colour and material options and the latest in Land Rover’s connected technologies and chassis systems – including a new, larger 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen, standard Electronic Air Suspension and Cabin Air Purification Plus.

Land Rovers are pretty luxurious, and the 130 gets the tasty treatment, including a new material finish – a Natural Light Oak engineered wood veneer designed to complement the Light Oyster Perforated Windsor Leather seating.

Up front, the 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen enables enhanced control over the vehicle’s core functions – including the what3words global location platform. Software-Over-The-Air capability means it should always be kept up to date.

In Australia, the Defender 130 will be offered in SE trim level with a choice of June 2022 Motor Trader | 49

Auto news

EVERY DEFENDER 130 IS FITTED WITH LAND ROVER’S INTELLIGENT ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (IAWD) SYSTEM AND AN EIGHT-SPEED ZF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AS STANDARD. P400 mild hybrid petrol or D300 diesel Ingenium six-cylinder powertrains.

The P400’s 3-litre, six-cylinder, mild hybrid petrol system delivers 294kW and 550Nm torque and sprints to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds. The D300’s 3-litre, six-cylinder, mild hybrid diesel system delivers 221kW and 650Nm. 0-100km/h is done in 7.5 seconds for the D300.

Every Defender 130 is fitted with Land Rover’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (iAWD) system and an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission as standard. Electronic Air 50 | Motor Trader June 2022

Suspension with Adaptive Dynamics and Land Rover’s Terrain Response system are also standard.

The Electronic Air Suspension system allows for 71.5mm of additional lift at the front and 73.5mm at the rear, and the Defender 130 can ford up to 900mm of water. Towing capacity for the Defender 130 is up to 3,000kg.

Suggested retail prices (excluding on-road costs) for the Defender 130 SE D300 is $124,150, while for the Defender 130 SE P400 it is $131,650.

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May 2022 Motor Trader | 51

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VW TO LAUNCH SCOUT BRAND ELECTRIC PICK-UP AND SUV

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OLKSWAGEN GROUP WILL launch an allelectric pick-up and ‘rugged’ SUV in the United States under the Scout brand.

Scout was originally a brand created by International Harvester - a US manufacturer of agricultural and construction equipment amongst other products and its Scout range of 4WD recreational utility vehicles (R-SUV) and pick-ups were a fixture of the 1960s and 1970s.

Through a series of divisional sell-offs and mergers, the company became Navistar, which is now a subsidiary of the VW Group.

The new Scout vehicles will be designed, engineered, and manufactured in the U.S. for American customers, and a separate, independent company will be established. VW says the first prototypes are to be unveiled next year, and production is scheduled to start in 2026. The electrified Scout brand will be built upon a new A 1961 International Scout 80 at the Petersen technical platform concept.

Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California “After Volkswagen’s successful turnaround in the U.S., we are now pick-up and R-SUV segment as a Group, taking the opportunity to further underscoring our ambition to become a strengthen our position in one of the relevant player in the U.S. market.” most significant growth markets for EVs,” VW says success in the R-SUV and picksaid Herbert Diess, CEO Volkswagen up segments is a key lever to increasing AG. “Electrification provides a historic profitability in the U.S. and achieving a opportunity to enter the highly attractive targeted market share of 10 percent.

52 | Motor Trader June 2022

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.

R E PA I R N OT I C E

R E PA I R N OT I C E

R E PA I R N OT I C E

WARNING

RIGHT TO RETAIN

QUALIFIED/TRAINED TECHNICIAN

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

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

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

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

R E PA I R N OT I C E

R E PA I R N OT I C E

CUSTOMERS RIGHT TO CHOOSE A REPAIRER

CUSTOMER SUPPLIED PARTS

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.

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

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.

This will ensure you are provided with all of the warranties and guarantees in accordance with the Australian Consumer Law. A LWAY S C H O O S E A N M TA Q U E E N S L A N D MEMBER

CLICK HERE TO SIGN-IN OR REGISTER FOR ACCESS TO MEMBER SIGNAGE

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

20210946

We hope to build a library of commonly needed signs, so please contact info@mtaq.com.au if you have suggestions.

DELOREAN STEPS INT

ELECTRIC

54 | Motor Trader June 2022

TO THE FUTURE WITH

ALPHA 5

June 2022 Motor Trader | 55

An original DeLorean DMC-12

DELOREAN ALPHA 5

4

0 YEARS AGO, one of the world’s most iconic cars went into production. The DeLorean DMC-12, a spectacular-looking machine with a stainless-steel body and gullwing doors, should have been a winner but, sadly, it would not have much of a future on the road. Just 9000 were made before the company floundered as political squabbling and corporate scandals engulfed it and its legendary founder, John DeLorean.

CALLED THE DELOREAN ALPHA5, IT IS AS SLEEK AND SEXY AS ITS ICONIC PREDECESSOR, AND WHILE IT IS, OF COURSE, A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT BEAST, IT DOES KEEP THOSE GULLWING DOORS (IMAGINE THE OUTCRY IF IT DIDN’T!) AND THE LOUVRE SLATS OVER THE REAR WINDOW. June 2022 Motor Trader | 57

While many products would have disappeared and been forgotten at this point, the DMC-12 found a new level of fame and popularity as an integral part of the 1985 blockbuster movie Back to the Future.

From that point on, it never really fell from the public’s consciousness.

What was left of the company following its demise in 1982 included plenty of parts, panels and components for the DMC-12s that were never built. Purchased

by British-born mechanic Steve Wynne, a new DMC company was founded in 1995 and over the years there have been many reports about a launch of a new DeLorean car. Last year, the word got around that an announcement was imminent, and that

the new car would be electric.

And here it is. Called the DeLorean Alpha5, it is as sleek and sexy as its iconic predecessor, and while it is, of course, a completely different beast, it does keep

A 100KWH BATTERY WILL OFFER A CLAIMED RANGE APPROACHING 500KM, AND ELECTRIC MOTORS WILL PUSH THE ALPHA5 TO 100KM/H IN AROUND 3 SECONDS AND ON TO A TOP SPEED OF 250KM/H.

those gullwing doors (imagine the outcry if it didn’t!) and the louvre slats over the rear window. Other than that, the Alpha5 has leapt into the electrified future and promises pretty solid performance.

A 100kWh battery will offer a claimed range approaching 500km, and electric motors will push the Alpha5 to 100km/h in around 3 seconds and on to a top speed of 250km/h.

Inside, a very slick, four-seat interior includes a digital instrument display behind the steering wheel, and a centre console display for control of infotainment and various vehicle features.

It's a high-tech car for a high-tech

INSIDE, A VERY SLICK FOUR-SEAT INTERIOR INCLUDES A DIGITAL INSTRUMENT DISPLAY BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL, AND A CENTRE CONSOLE DISPLAY FOR CONTROL OF INFOTAINMENT AND VARIOUS VEHICLE FEATURES. future. However, no matter how hard you look, there does not appear to be a flux capacitor anywhere. Never mind. .

June 2022 Motor Trader | 61

Auto news

Ford e-Transit Custom

ALL-ELECTRIC E-TRANSIT CUSTOM BOUND FOR AUSTRALIA IN 2024

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ORD AUSTRALIA HAS confirmed the all-electric E-Transit Custom will be available in Australia in 2024.

E-Transit Custom – which will sit in the one-tonne can segment - will join the Australian line-up alongside the Escape plug-in hybrid and the larger all-electric Ford E-Transit, due later in the year, as part of plans for at least five electrified vehicles by the end of 2024.

While some details on the Custom are still to be revealed, Ford says it has a targeted driving range of up to 380 km, DC fast-charging, and full towing capability. Features will include ProPower Onboard technology that will provide exportable power for tools, lights, and devices while on site.

62 | Motor Trader June 2022

VIDEO: SEE THE NEW FORD E-TRANSIT CUSTOM ELECTRIC VAN

The all-electric E-Transit Custom will enter production in the second half of 2023. Further product details will be released in September this year.

“The E-Transit Custom is exactly the kind of versatile, practical van business customers are looking for, with the benefit

“WE ARE FOCUSED ON DEEPLY UNDERSTANDING THE NEEDS OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLE CUSTOMERS AND BRINGING THEM THE BEST OF OUR GLOBAL LINE-UP.” of zero-emissions efficiency,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand. “We are focused on deeply understanding the needs of commercial vehicle customers and bringing them the best of our global line-up.”

Meanwhile, the full-size E-Transit is

due to arrive from mid-2022. It features a 68kWh battery, a driving range of up to 317km, and fast-charging capability from 15 per cent to 80 per cent in around 34 minutes. Peak output is 198kW and 430Nm of torque and there is an Eco Mode drive mode that aims to provide an 8-10 per cent improvement in energy usage, maximising driving range.

AC charging and DC fast charging is available with the on-board 11.3kW charger delivering a 100 per cent charge in a just over 8 hours. Using a 115kW high-power DC fast-charger, E-Transit can top-up the battery from 15 per cent to 80 per cent in around 34 minutes.

Cargo capacity is up to 12.4 cubic metres, and it has a targeted payload of 1,616 kg.

June 2022 Motor Trader | 63

Auto news

FORD ESCAPE HYBRID EV NOW AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA

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PLUG-IN HYBRID VARIANT of the Ford Escape mid-sized SUV has arrived in Australia. It is the company’s first electric vehicle in the local market and is to be one of at least four electrified models from Ford to be available here by the end of 2024.

The front-wheel-drive Escape PHEV – available in ST-Line trim - combines a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, an electric motor and generator with a 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery, for a power output of 167kW. An electric-only driving range of 50km is possible. Fuel economy can be as low as a claimed 1.5-litres/100km.

The battery can be charged using a passenger-side front guard-mounted port and is also replenished through regenerative braking. Drivers can choose how to use battery power via four driving modes - EV Auto (stays in electric mode when possible and engages the engine when needed), EV Now (runs on battery power), EV Later (runs the engine and saves the battery charge), and EV Charge (the engine is used to charge the battery).

When the vehicle is in EV Now mode,

THE FRONT-WHEEL-DRIVE ESCAPE PHEV – AVAILABLE IN ST-LINE TRIM COMBINES A 2.5-LITRE, FOUR-CYLINDER ATKINSON-CYCLE PETROL ENGINE, AN ELECTRIC MOTOR AND GENERATOR WITH A 14.4KWH LITHIUM-ION BATTERY, FOR A POWER OUTPUT OF 167KW.

Ford Escape ST-Line PHEV

and the battery reaches its lowest state of charge, the Escape PHEV will automatically revert to EV Auto mode.

Available in the ST-Line trim variant, the Escape PHEV offers front heated seats, LED glare-free headlamps and a heads-up display. A Park Pack offers enhanced active park assistant, front camera and door edge guards. Standard fitments include an 8-inch touchscreen display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wireless Charging, Ford Pass Connectivity with embedded modem, a 10-speaker sound system, and more.

Safety and driver assistance systems are comprehensive and include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Emergency Brake

Assist, Hill Launch and Hill Hold Assist, Intelligent Speed Assist and many more.

The Escape ST-Line PHEV is available in three regular paint options - Frozen White, Blazer Blue, and Agate Black - and five premium paint options - Blue Metallic, Magnetic, Solar Silver, White Platinum, and Rapid Red. The SUV will be backed by Ford’s fiveyear, unlimited kilometre factory warranty, with the electric motor and high-voltage system parts, including the battery, covered by an eight-year/160,000km (whichever comes first) warranty.

The Escape ST-Line PHEV is priced from $53,440 before on-road costs, with that price expected to increase to $54,440 from July 1.

June 2022 Motor Trader | 65

Auto news

SUBARU SOLTERRA EV CONFIRMED FOR AUSTRALIA

S

UBARU IS SET to introduce its first electric vehicle (EV) to the Australian market with the Solterra confirmed for a 2023 arrival.

The Solterra - which shares its technology underpinnings with the Toyota bZ4X and the jointly developed dedicated EV platform called, in this case, the e-Subaru Global Platform – will be available with a single motor or dual electric motor set-up. A 71.4kWh battery pack will offer a claimed cruising range of around 460km. Fast DC charging of up to 150kW is available, as is 6.6kW via an AC charger set-up.

Keeping true to Subaru’s reputation for delivering all-wheel-drive (AWD) tech, the Solterra will be available with AWD in the dual motor variant which will see an Subaru Solterra Ev

80kW motor located both front and rear. It will feature the X-Mode AWD control system, and a Grip Control function, for work on rough roads.

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 tidy too, 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 surroundview camera, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and much more.

“We are excited to confirm Subaru Australia will continue its electrification journey with the introduction of our first battery electric vehicle, the Solterra, in 2023,” said

Blair Read, Managing Director Subaru Australia.

“Solterra starts a new era for Subaru by combining electric vehicle technology with Symmetrical All Wheel Drive. This delivers the all-terrain capability Subaru owners have enjoyed for decades.”

While it is not yet confirmed whether both AWD and 2WD versions will be available in Australia, and the exact specs and prices are also yet to be confirmed, the fact the Solterra is on its way is another tick for Australians keen to get into the EV market and have a wider range of brands and models from which to choose.

June 2022 Motor Trader | 67

Auto news

PRICING REVEALED FOR SLEEK NEW NISSAN Z

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ISSAN’S TASTY NEW Z twin-turbo V6 sports coupe will be arriving in Australia in the middle of the year with a price tag of $73,300 (plus onroad costs).

The price is the same for both the regular manual and automatic variants, but there’ll be a special edition to help kick

68 | Motor Trader June 2022

things off, with the Proto Spec flagship version available exclusively in Ikazuchi Yellow paintwork topped by a Super Black roof. The Z Proto Spec, with its bespoke interior and 19-inch bronze forged alloy wheels enclosing yellow brake calipers, is priced at $80,700 (plus on-roads costs).

The new rear-wheel-drive Z is powered

by a 3-litre, twin-turbo V6 with variable valve timing that delivers 298kW and 475Nm and offers a power to weight improvement of 13 per cent over its predecessor.

The standard specification for Australia will load the Z with a leather-accented interior, launch control, a fully customisable 12.3-inch TFT display, an 8.0inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smart-phone integration, and three driving modes – Standard, Enhanced and Sport.

A six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox variant is paired with a high-performance clutch supplied by Japanese motor racing specialist Exedy and linked to the rear wheels via a carbon-fibre composite driveshaft. The optional nine-speed automatic gearbox is fly-by-wire, responds to aluminium paddle-shifters, and features two drive modes – standard and sport. All automatic transmissionequipped models feature the launch control system.

Auto news

NEW RANGE ROVER SPORT MAKES ITS DEBUT

J

AGUAR LAND ROVER (JLR) has revealed the new Range Rover Sport.

The third generation of the luxury performance SUV is based on Land Rover’s flexible Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA-Flex), and the line-up includes an extended range Electric Hybrid, sixcylinder Ingenium petrols and diesels using mild-hybrid technology, and an all-new V8 Twin Turbo.

The new extended range Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain is the muscle behind the high-performance P510e model. It combines a six-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine, 105kW electric motor and 38.2kWh battery, which 70 | Motor Trader June 2022

THE THIRD GENERATION OF THE LUXURY PERFORMANCE SUV IS BASED ON LAND ROVER’S FLEXIBLE MODULAR LONGITUDINAL ARCHITECTURE (MLA-FLEX) . . . together develop 375kW and 700Nm. Land Rover claims an electric driving range of up to 125km. Performance is good, with 100km/h reached in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 242km/h.

The plug-in hybrid battery will charge

from 0 to 80 per cent in less than an hour using a 50kW rapid charger, while a domestic 7.2kW AC wallbox will deliver a full charge in under five hours. Brake Energy Recuperation technology is online to feed energy back into the battery to maximise the EV driving range.

Top of the Range Rover Sport petrol range is the P530, which is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 Twin Turbo providing 390kW and 750Nm. The full engine line-up from launch includes the following:

• DIESEL

> D250: 183kW 3.0-litre six-cylinder, MHEV, 600Nm of torque at 1,250-2,250rpm > D300: 221kW 3.0-litre six-cylinder, MHEV, 650Nm of torque at 1,500-2,500rpm > D350: 258kW 3.0-litre six-cylinder,

MHEV, 700Nm of torque at 1,500-3,000rpm

• PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE

> P510e: 375kW 3.0-litre six-cylinder, PHEV, 700Nm of torque at 1,5005,000rpm

• PETROL – AVAILABLE IN 2023

> P360: 265kW 3.0-litre six-cylinder, MHEV, 500Nm of torque at 1,7505,000rpm > P400: 294kW 3.0-litre six-cylinder, MHEV, 550Nm of torque at 2,0005,000rpm > P530: 390kW 4.4-litre Twin Turbo V8, 750Nm of torque at 1,800-4,600rpm

The new Range Rover Sport’s chassis advancements are headlined by the Stormer Handling Pack. On top of Dynamic Air Suspension with new switchable volume air springs – a Land Rover first and standard on all new June 2022 Motor Trader | 71

Auto news Range Rover Sports - it comprises Dynamic Response Pro with an electronic Active Roll Control system, All-Wheel Steering (standard on P510e Electric Hybrid and P530 powertrains), and Electronic Active Differential with Torque Vectoring by Braking and Configurable Programs.

The features of the Stormer Handling Pack are available in addition to the latest generation Adaptive Dynamics system with active Twin Valve Dampers.

Every New Range Rover Sport powertrain uses an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and the latest generation of Land Rover’s Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive (iAWD) system.

Off-road capabilities are governed by the latest generation of Terrain Response 2, featuring Configurable Terrain Response.

The system detects and adapts to the

vehicle's surroundings and conditions.

Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control, meanwhile, senses the ground conditions and automatically fine-tunes the speed of the vehicle to maintain stability, control and comfort according to which of the four available settings is selected.

The Range Rover Sport will tow up to 3.5 tonnes (3.0 tonnes for the Electric Hybrid), and has an Advanced Tow Assist feature to aid reversing manoeuvres. There’s also Hitch Assist and Trailer Stability control and an Electronically Deployable Towbar that stows out of sight at the touch of a button when not required.

As there must be in any new performance luxury vehicle, driver assist functions, the infotainment system, and safety technology are legion and top notch.

Land Rover’s Electrical Vehicle

Architecture (EVA 2.0) supports connectivity, Software Over The Air (SOTA) capability and other advanced features. The system is bolstered by embedded eSIM technology, providing 4G data for features such as the navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot and SOTA updates.

Land Rover’s Pivi Pro infotainment is accessed via a curved 13.1-inch touchscreen and is designed to allow 90 per cent of tasks to be completed within two taps of the home screen. Amazon Alexa is integrated, offering voice control.

THE RANGE ROVER SPORT WILL TOW UP TO 3.5 TONNES (3.0 TONNES FOR ELECTRIC HYBRID), AND HAS AN ADVANCED TOW ASSIST TO AID REVERSING MANOEUVRES.

Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard, as is Android Auto and a Wireless Device Charger.

The digital experience is enhanced by the new 13.7-inch Interactive Driver Display, a high-definition screen that uses an intuitive three-panel layout similar to the main Pivi Pro screen. Drivers can specify individual configurations for the display to personalise the information ahead of them, controlled via the new steering wheel controls. Information can also be displayed via a high-resolution colour Head-Up Display.

Passengers can stay connected with up to seven USB-C connections available across the two rows of seats inside, as well as the option of a 230V domestic plug socket. In addition, there are 12V charging sockets in the glove compartment and in the end of the centre console, accessed via the rear cabin.

Rear passengers can enjoy the Rear Seat Entertainment option, displayed on

Auto news

NEXT-GENERATION ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION TECHNOLOGY KEEPS THINGS COMFORTABLE IN THE CABIN . . . two 11.4-inch touchscreens. Featuring curved glass screens like the main Pivi Pro touchscreen, the displays are integrated to the rear of the front seats.

Next-generation Active Noise Cancellation technology keeps things comfortable in the cabin and there’s a Cabin Air Purification Pro with PM2.5 Filtration and nanoe X technology to keep the air as pure as possible.

Driver assist tech features include Emergency Braking, 3D Surround Camera, front and rear parking sensors, Wade Sensing, ClearSight Ground View and Manoeuvring Lights, Driver Condition 74 | Motor Trader June 2022

Monitor, Lane Keep Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist, Driver Condition Response, Blind Spot Assist and Rear Traffic Monitor.

Additional protection at the rear of the vehicle is provided by Rear Collision Monitor and Occupant Protection Assist, which uses rear corner radars to identify potential collision risks – sounding an audible warning and preparing the cabin for a potential impact.

The new Range Rover Sport is expected to launch in Australia later this year with a starting price for the 3-litre 6-cylinder 183kW diesel SE model of $139,160.

The P510e plug-in hybrid is priced at $198,097. Prices for the V8 variants are yet to be confirmed.

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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

• AUR32116 – Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology • AUR32416 – Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology • AUR32518 – Certificate III in Automotive Underbody Technology

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.

Please refer to www.mtai.edu.au for full details or for further information contact one of our friendly team members using the contact details below.

MTA Institute

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Address Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Postal PO Box 4530, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Tel (07) 3722 3000 Toll Free 1800 884 137 Email courses@mtai.edu.au Website www.mtai.edu.au

Auto news

RENAULT UPDATES ELECTRIC LCV RANGE WITH NEW KANGOO MODELS

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ENAULT’S LIGHT COMMERCIAL van line is being updated with the new Kangoo Van E-TECH Electric and the Master Van E-TECH Electric making their way to Australia.

The Kangoo Van E-TECH Electric has a 45kWh battery, giving the van a range of up to 300km, and a 90kW motor delivering 245Nm of torque.

To recharge the battery, there’s a 22kW three-phase charger, and, as an option, an 80kW DC fast charger that enables 170km of recharge in 30 minutes.

An Eco mode caps the vehicle's power output and top speed to help optimise the overall range, and conventional hydraulic braking is assisted by a regenerative braking system. A heat pump system offers an efficient way to heat and cool the cabin and can preserve up to 85km of range.

The van’s cargo capacity comes in at 3.9 cubic metres of storage volume in the L1 version (4.9 cubic metres in the long

76 | Motor Trader June 2022

format model), 600kg of payload (800kg in long format model), and 500kg of towing capacity.

The Master Van E-TECH Electric, meanwhile, has been given a 52kWh battery, offering up to 200km of range, and a 57kW motor. As with its smaller sibling, there’s regenerative braking and an Eco mode for optimising range.

Recharging can be done via a singlephase 7.4kW AC charger, which will see a recharge completed in 10 hours, and a 22kW DC fast charger.

The Master Van E-TECH Electric has plenty of assistance features aimed at the delivery driver – including front park assist, rear park assist, and rear view assist with camera display – and is to be available in 15 versions, with a choice of three different lengths and three different heights. The four van variants offer a cargo volume of 8 to 15 cubic metres of cargo space.

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Auto news

END OF THE ROAD FOR THE TOYOTA PRIUS

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FTER 21 YEARS of being available to Australian car buyers, the venerable Toyota Prius will no longer be available in the local market.

Toyota Australia made the announcement last month that it is to retire the hybrid electric car.

The Prius was introduced locally in October 2001, and Toyota has sold 20,847 units of the hybrid across four generations of the model.

Combined with the Prius C hatch and Prius V people mover, First Generation Prius Toyota managed 35,947 total sales of the nameplate.

The Prius first launched in Australia with a 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain producing 53kW/115Nm, teamed to a 33kW electric motor.

By the time the third-generation version was released in 2009, the Prius had accounted for more than 1.2 million deliveries across 80 countries.

In 2012 the Prius family was expanded to include the Prius C and Prius V, while the fourth-generation version launched in 2016 offering a 1.8-litre hybrid system Prius cars, taking until mid-2018 to reach developing 72kW and 142Nm. 100,000 Toyota hybrid electric vehicle “When we launched the Prius in sales and surpassing the 200,000 sales October 2001, it was difficult to predict mark in 2021.

“The Prius blazed a trail by offering the enormous impact that Toyota hybrids Australian motorists a more efficient and would eventually have on the Australian low-emissions motoring experience - traits automotive landscape,” said Sean Hanley, that have resonated with buyers more and Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, more over time. In fact, hybrid electric Marketing and Franchise Operations. vehicle technology, in terms of market “In 2001, we sold just a handful of

“WHEN WE LAUNCHED THE PRIUS IN OCTOBER 2001, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO PREDICT THE ENORMOUS IMPACT THAT TOYOTA HYBRIDS WOULD EVENTUALLY HAVE ON THE AUSTRALIAN AUTOMOTIVE LANDSCAPE.”

78 | Motor Trader June 2022

INEOS AUTOMOTIVE PLANS A SMALLER FULLY ELECTRIC 4X4

Second Generation Prius

Third Generation Prius

INEOS GROUP CEO and Chairman, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has confirmed plans for a second model line to join the recently launched INEOS Grenadier 4X4.

The new vehicle will be a fully electric 4X4 and use an all-new smaller platform than the Grenadier, but retain the robust, rugged, off-road capabilities of its internal combustion enginepowered sibling.

In an interview, Ratcliffe said that, “We need to embrace the future which is clearly, in an urban environment, going to be electric. But even in a country environment, when you are a farmer, you probably will have an electric car which you can drive around on tracks and things like that. So, you want one that’s capable but it’s electric.

That’s our vision at the moment.”

VIDEO: INTERVIEW WITH SIR JIM RATCLIFFE

Fourth Generation Prius

acceptance, was not an overnight success.

It has taken more than 20 years, but it still forms an important part of Toyota’s electrification strategy.”

Hybrids in general are a decent seller for Toyota and the company's current vehicle family sees them available across the range - from the small Yaris to the Camry sedan to the Kluger SUV. Last year, the company sold more than 60,000 hybrids.

Launch timings for an electric model are yet to be confirmed, however INEOS is also looking at hydrogen fuelcell technology and a demonstrator is due to begin on- and off-road testing by the end of this year. INEOS continues to back hydrogen fuel cells as a clean powertrain solution for future versions of the Grenadier.

June 2022 Motor Trader | 79

Auto news

SUPPLY CONSTRAINTS CONTINUE TO RESTRICT NEW VEHICLE MARKET

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ALES FOR NEW vehicles fell by 6.4 per cent in May compared to the same month last year with 94,383 vehicles were sold – a figure that manufacturers blamed, at least in part, on the supply chain struggles.

“The global automotive industry continues to be plagued by a shortage of microprocessor units and shipping delays. This issue is not unique to Australia,” said Tony Weber, Chief Executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), in a statement.

“Car makers continue to report high demand across dealer showrooms and online marketplaces. Pandemic interruptions continue to impact manufacturing and conflict in Ukraine has disrupted vehicle component supply.

Monthly sales figures are also dependent on shipping arrivals which continue to be uncertain. We do not expect supply chains to stabilise until these issues are resolved.”

Sales across every State and Territory were down apart from the Northern Territory where 973 vehicles were sold representing an increase of 2.4 per cent on May 2021. Sales in the ACT fell 11 per cent (1,367); New South Wales 6.3 per cent (30,757); Queensland 11.3 per cent (18,997); South Australia 8.2 per cent (6,098); Tasmania 6.8 per cent (1,651);

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Victoria 0.8 per cent (25,164); and Western Australia 9.1 per cent (9,353).

Toyota led the market with a total of 22,813 vehicles sold. Kia was next with 7,307 followed by Hyundai (7,063), Mazda (6,474) and Mitsubishi (6,086).

The Toyota Hi-Lux was the highest selling model with 5,178. Toyota’s RAV4 was next with 3,925 followed by Ford’s Ranger (3,751); Toyota’s Corolla (3,310); and Toyota’s Landcruiser (2,667).

Electric vehicle sales continue to grow.

925 EVs – passenger cars, SUVs and light commercial vehicles - were sold during the month compared to 436 in May 2021, and so far this year 8,543 EV sales have been recorded, up 405.2 per cent per cent on last year when 1,691 had been sold by this point.

The year-to-date total for all vehicle sales nationally is 437,884.

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

Workplace relations

IAN NAYLOR SENIOR WORKPLACE RELATIONS ADVISOR

MANAGING EMPLOYEE PERSONAL LEAVE PCC EMPLOYMENT LAWYERS

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USINESSES REPORT THAT one of their biggest costs of managing their business is the cost of personal leave. Personal leave is an employee entitlement under the National Employment Standards, but is commonly misused. There are steps that businesses can take to minimise this exposure.

REQUESTING INFORMATION

When employees go on sick leave one question regularly arises: what information may absent workers be required to provide?

The Fair Work Act sets out evidentiary requirements for sick leave. It provides that an employer may require evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person that an employee is unfit to carry out their duties (sections 97 and 107(3)). Modern awards, enterprise agreements and workplace policies specify when a medical certificate or a statutory declaration may be required.

When can more information be required?

While the Fair Work Act provides a test for employers to use it is not clear, on the face of it, what a ‘reasonable person’ would be satisfied with.

The following factors should guide employers in determining whether more information may be sought: • the evidence, if any, that the employee has produced to date; • the length of service of the employee and their record of sickness; 82 | Motor Trader June 2022

• whether a timeframe for a return to work has been provided; • whether there are implications for work health and safety, including concerns that the injury or illness might be work-related; and • the potential impact of the absence on business considerations such as rosters, training and licensing • Under the Australian Medical Association’s Guidelines for Medical Practitioners on Certificates Certifying Illness 2011, doctors are not required to provide a diagnosis on a medical certificate.

Instead, they may, if they deem it sufficient, simply state that an employee is unfit to attend work for a specified period.

Employers can request further information from an employee’s doctor, but only with the employee’s express consent. If such consent is not provided, and depending on the factors listed above, if there is insufficient information to satisfy a reasonable person, an employer may still require further information from an employee.

What if it is suspected that an employee is not really sick?

Employers should be cautious about how they handle situations where they suspect an employee is not genuinely injured or unwell. They should: 1. Contact the employee to inquire about their injury/ illness, the expected period of leave, and to request a medical certificate if one has not been provided.

2. If a medical certificate provides insufficient information to allay the reasonable person test, request consent from the employee to contact their doctor.

3. If the employee fails to provide consent, consider whether an independent medical assessment is necessary in the circumstances.

4. After the above steps are taken, if it can be established that a reasonable person would not be satisfied that the employee was unfit to attend work, disciplinary action may be taken.

The best way to minimise disruption to business as a result of extended periods of sick leave is for employers to consistently require sufficient medical information from all employees.

PREVENTING AND MONITORING SICKIES

When misusing personal leave can result in disciplinary action There tends to be an assumption amongst managers that once a medical certificate has been provided by an employee, they cannot question its authenticity or put an allegation to an employee that is suspected of ‘chucking a sickie’. Fortunately for managers in this position, this is not the case if there are genuine concerns and supporting evidence that an employee has misused their personal leave.

If an employee produces a medical certificate which the business thinks is suspicious, the first step should be to contact the doctor or medical centre to determine whether they did in fact issue the certificate. Whilst the doctor will not be able to provide information about a patient or their medical history, in most cases, they should be able to confirm whether the certificate is genuine.

Be cautious It is important that businesses act cautiously when investigating the misuse of personal leave.

Under section 352 of the Fair Work Act, an employer must not dismiss an employee because they are temporarily absent from work because of illness or injury (see Part 9.2). Further, both state and federal discrimination legislation makes it unlawful for an employer to subject an employee to a detriment, including disciplinary action or termination of their employment on the grounds of their disability, which can include a temporary illness (see Part 9.2).

For this reason, it is vital that a business has sufficient evidence (rather than just mere suspicions) to establish that an employee has misused personal leave prior to taking any action against them, otherwise it could end up in protracted disability discrimination proceedings or facing claims that it unlawfully terminated an employee’s employment.

Having a sensible personal leave policy and taking steps to understand the reasons as to why employees are taking personal leave are the most important steps a business can take not only to reduce employee absenteeism but also to increase employee engagement.

Whilst requiring an employee to produce a medical certificate for time away from work due to illness can assist in reducing the likelihood of employees ‘chucking a sickie’, most people would agree that it is usually not difficult to get a medical certificate from a doctor, even when a person is well.

For this reason, it is important for businesses to have mechanisms in place addressing sick leave.

Some measures that managers and employers can implement include: • Require an employee to phone and speak to their manager when they are sick and need to take a day off work. A phone call can lower the chances of an employee chucking a sickie when they know they are required to have a conversation with their manager.

• Consider when an employee will be required to produce a medical certificate for sick leave. Is it for any absence or for periods of two days or longer? Alternatively, a business could require an employee to produce a medical certificate if they are sick before or after a weekend or a public holiday to reduce the temptation to take an extra-long weekend.

• Don’t make it easy for employees to find out their personal leave balance as this can encourage employees to use their accrued leave, even when they are not sick. For example, don’t include accrued personal leave on a payslip.

• Have a comprehensive policy addressing the above issues and setting out the processes involved in employees taking personal leave.

• Attempt to ascertain the reason as to why people may be taking days off work when they are not genuinely sick. For example, are they demotivated at work, or do they have too much work?

Addressing issues which are causing employees to take time off work will go a long way in reducing employee absenteeism.

• Monitor employee’s absences. If a pattern emerges such as an employee is always sick on Mondays or Fridays, consider addressing the issue in an appropriate, procedurally fair The content of this article is intended to CLICK TO VISIT THE manner such as giving notice that future provide a general guide to the subject matter.

MTAQ MEMBER absences on these days will require a PORTAL Please contact the Workplace Relations Team medical certificate. for further information and assistance.

June 2022 Motor Trader | 83

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF MEMBERSHIP?

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PAUL KULPA GENERAL MANAGER MTA INSTITUTE

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a maximum of $7,000 per quarter.

After 12 months of this support, employers will be eligible to transition to the time-limited Completing Apprenticeship Commencements (CAC) wage subsidy for the second and third years of an apprenticeship. Under the CAC, eligible employers will receive a 10 per cent wage subsidy in the second year of an eligible apprenticeship, up to a maximum of $1,500 per quarter per apprentice, and a 5 per cent wage subsidy in the third year of their apprenticeship, to a maximum of $750 per quarter per apprentice. The BAC and CAC are available to employers of any size, industry, or geographic location.

There is no better time to put on an apprentice trained through MTA Institute.

June 2022 Motor Trader | 85

E S S E N T I A L S

THE BOOSTING APPRENTICESHIP COMMENCEMENTS WAGE SUBSIDY IS CONTINUING TO SUPPORT BUSINESSES TO TAKE ON NEW APPRENTICES AND TRAINEES, TO BUILD A PIPELINE OF SKILLED WORKERS.

M E M B E R S

HE MTA INSTITUTE’S goal has always been to deliver world-class automotive training. Be it apprenticeship training or programs designed to advance the capabilities of those already working in the industry, the Institute’s focus is on assisting the evolution of the industry through skills development.

As our industry moves through a period of technological evolution, never has this development been more important – a well-trained workforce is critical. As well as delivering the programs that produce quality tradespeople, a crucial part of what MTA Institute does is to help nurture and develop those who have an interest in automotive but who have not had the opportunity to get a foothold in the industry.

The Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy is continuing to support businesses to take on new apprentices and trainees, to build a pipeline of skilled workers. Through the wage subsidy, any business that engages an Australian Apprentice between 5 October 2020 and 30 June 2022 may be eligible for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of wages paid to a new or recommencing apprentice or trainee for a 12-month period from the date of commencement to

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

Apprentice of the Month: May 2022 the apprenticeship within a few days.

Two-and-a-half years later and Nathan is as enthusiastic about the job as he was after that first week of work experience. And while he works predominantly on auto electric jobs, thanks to the range of services on offer at Longreach Motors he is being stretched and ATHAN FAGGOTTER IS the challenged in other areas too.

MTA Institute Apprentice of The business is member of the the Month for May 2022.

Tyrepower network and offers The 18-year-old has been working at Longreach mechanical, electrical, diagnostic, maintenance, Motors in Longreach since the beginning of 2020, accessory fitting, and a host of other services for is now in the third year of his auto electrical vehicles ranging from passenger cars to heavy apprentice, and has become an integral member trucks to utes, caravans and RVs. It’s a stimulating of the workshop team. environment for a young apprentice to learn Stepping into an automotive apprenticeship while their trade. still at school was not something that had initially “I get to work on mechanical jobs – servicing, crossed Nathan’s mind. However, as can often repairs, tyre fitting, accessory fitting through ARB happen, a chance opportunity opened up a world of – so there’s always plenty going on,” said Nathan. possibilities, and a week-long work experience stint at Longreach Motors was the key to showing Nathan “And I enjoy being able to have that knowledge of how to do those jobs, even though I do really enjoy that a career as an auto electrician might be just the the electrical side of things.” thing for him.

With battery-electric vehicles and hybrids sure Go back three years and Nathan’s school had a to become more common over the next few years, work experience initiative in place for those in Year 10, meaning Nathan had to find something to do for a Nathan's interest in, and knowledge of, auto electrical week. His dad – a small motors mechanic by trade – technology will be very useful. Electric vehicles may reached out to Longreach Motors to see if there might also play a part in his planned future pursuit of a career as a business owner. be a spot for his son. There was, and things quickly “I think about electric vehicles all the time and I fell into place even though Nathan had no knowledge am very interested in extending my learning further of, and little interest in, auto electrical work. about them,” he said. “They will be a very big part “I did a week of work experience here and I really of the industry’s future and especially my trade, enjoyed it,” he said. “I was working with the auto electrician, and we did mobile work, as well as plenty so training on electric and hybrid vehicles really interests me. in the workshop, and that whole week was great.

“And I am very interested in business,” he added.

I was hooked.”

“Most of my family have some sort of tie with A short time later, Nathan was back to do businesses - either owning one or being a major another week at the shop and then approached part of one - and that really does interest me.

Longreach Motors’ owners to see if there CLICK TO VISIT THE Hopefully, one day down the line, I will be was room to take him on full time as an LONGREACH MOTORS able to have a business of my own.” apprentice. There was, and he started WEBSITE APPRENTICE: NATHAN FAGGOTTER WORKPLACE: LONGREACH MOTORS, LONGREACH APPRENTICESHIP: AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY

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86 | Motor Trader June 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

students complete their trade qualification. Congratulations to everyone who was issued a qualification in May 2022 - it is a fantastic achievement!

APPRENTICE

QUALIFICATION

TRAINER

Peter McNamara Lachlan Kearney Liam Curtis Jordan Barletta Daniel Vitali Lachlan Mohr Brett Farinelli Lachlan Draper Kayden Branks Liam Addinall Jimmy Bayldon Joel Catanzaro Raeleen Hodder Jasmine Davis Yasmine Biegel Murray Evans Michael Lane Jayden McNab Troy Fisch Marty Sinnamon Jim Paterson Toby Hunter Georgina Garnsey Trent Henry Glenn Heilbronn Mathew Hunt Trent Colley Kareem Pottini Tyson Little Ethan Watkins-Meppom Nicholas Boadle James Mason

Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical 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 Refinishing Technology Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing 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 Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting) 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 Motorcycle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology

Lloyd Cross Alfio Rotolone Shane Palmer Brett Baker Gareth Hartley Andrew Elson Jason McCann Keiran Charters Brett Baker Alfio Rotolone Brett Baker Shane Palmer Jason McCann Neville Donaldson Terry Palfrey Ross Wilson Jason McCann Don Lerm Scott Buckley Andrew Elson Gavin Jacobs Ross Wilson Andrew Elson David Twidale Dennis Shaw Keith Minchin Derrick Pratt Dennis Shaw James Dixon Roger West Ivan Aird Ivan Aird

88 | Motor Trader June 2022

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MTA Queensland 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

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Concept corner

AUDI URBA C

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Concept corner

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UDI HAS REVEALED the third of its three concept cars developed to ‘showcase its vision for the world of premium mobility of tomorrow.’

Following the sporty roadster Skysphere and equally sleek Grandsphere sedan, the new concept, called the Urbansphere is, as the name suggests, a look at how the company might tackle mobility in metropolitan centres.

In these urban areas, where personal space is in particularly short supply, Audi says the concept car offers the largest interior space of any of its cars to date and offers plenty of digital services plus 92 | Motor Trader June 2022

. . . THE NEW CONCEPT, CALLED THE URBANSPHERE IS, AS THE NAME SUGGESTS, A LOOK AT HOW THE COMPANY MIGHT TACKLE MOBILITY IN METROPOLITAN CENTRES. level 4 autonomous vehicle tech. During autonomous driving, the Urbansphere’s steering wheel, pedals, and conventional dashboard is hidden away.

Underneath that big body – which is 5.51m long, 2m wide, 1.78m high and sits on 24-inch wheels – is the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), developed with Porsche and designed exclusively for battery-electric drive systems.

94 | Motor Trader May 2022

The key element of the PPE is a battery module between the axles, and in the Urbansphere that battery pack is a whopping 120kWh. That's good, Audi says, to deliver up to 750km of range.

There are two electric motors – one on the front axle and one on the rear – that deliver 295kW and 690Nm. As is a feature of all Audi’s top cars, there’s quattro fourwheel drive.

One innovative feature is that the motor on the front axle can be deactivated as required in order to reduce friction and

ON THE INSIDE – IN AN INTERIOR REPLETE WITH MATERIALS FROM SUSTAINABLE RESOURCES - THERE ARE FOUR INDIVIDUAL SEATS IN TWO ROWS.

conserve energy when coasting.

800 Volt charging technology means the concept can be charged with up to 270kW at fast-charging stations – Audi claims 10 minutes is enough to charge the battery with 300km of juice, and 25 minutes will see a charge from 5 to 80 per cent.

The front wheels are connected via a 5-link axle that has been specially optimised for electric vehicles. In the rear, there is a multilink axle that, like the front axle, is made of lightweight aluminium. The concept also features air suspension – a single-chamber air suspension system with semi-active damper control – and rear-wheel steering.

On the inside – in an interior replete with materials from sustainable resources - there are four individual seats in two rows. The rear seats offer an interesting range of adjustment options. In Relax and Entertain modes, the backrest can

May 2022 Motor Trader | 95

be tilted up to 60 degrees while leg rests extend at the same time. There are centre-mounted armrests integrated into the sides of the seats as well as in the doors.

Those doors are counter-hinged and the seats swivel outwards. The front seats can also be swivelled all the way around so that front and rear passengers are facing each other. Each seat has its own sound zone with speakers in the headrest area, and there are individual monitors built into the backs of the front seats.

When passengers want to use the infotainment system together, there is a large, transparent OLED screen that pivots vertically from the roof area into the zone between the rows of seats.

There are also VR glasses in the armrests on the left and right doors that can be used in conjunction with infotainment options.

Between the rear seats – and normally locked in place– is a centre console that swivels upwards and which contains a water dispenser and glasses.

There’s not much a dash up front until the driving functions are activated. At that point, a number of displays are projected onto the surface below the windscreen. In 96 | Motor Trader June 2022

addition, a sensor bar is integrated under the projection surfaces for switching between content – for instance, for music or navigation. There’s also a control feature on the door via which various functions can be accessed via a rotating ring and buttons, and even eye-tracking and gesture control can be used to access certain features if physically pushing buttons is too much of a chore.

In a concept designed to be a place to relax and enjoy, digital services are, of course, available to occupants. Dinner reservations or shopping online can be done from the car, and customised infotainment offerings are available, such as music and video streaming services.

MTA INSTITUTE COURSES AUTO READY

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RTO No: 31529

BATTERY ELECTRIC AND HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES COURSE 7 - 9 Jun 2022 SOLD OUT 5 - 7 Jul 2022 SOLD OUT 16 - 18 Aug 2022

AIR CONDITIONING COURSE 16 - 18 Aug 2022

SALES/DEALERS/WRECKERS LICENCING COURSES

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COMMENCES ON ENROLMENT

25 Jul - 26 Aug 2022 (TBA) 26 Sep - 28 Oct 2022

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MTA QUEENSLAND COURSES MIG WELDING FUNDAMENTALS COURSE 3 Aug 2022, 8:30am - 12:30pm

ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS COURSES AWARENESS COURSE

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28 Jun 2022 20 Sep 2022

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29 Jun 2022 21 Sep 2022

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20170566

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Rhonda Maden Your Superannuation Adviser

Book your 7-point super service You regularly service your car to improve performance, but what about your super? Talk to one of our super experts to find out how your super is travelling.

We can help with boosting your super, investment options, insurance, combining super, retirement options and more.

Book an appointment today Call us on 1800 005 166.

Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) (Spirit Super Advice), which is wholly owned by Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). A copy of the Financial services guide for Spirit Super Advice is available at spiritsuper.com.au/financial-services-guide or by calling us on 1800 005 166. You should consider the Product disclosure statement and Target market determination available at spiritsuper.com.au/pds or by calling 1800 005 166 before deciding if the fund is appropriate for you.