Motor Trader e-magazine, November 2023

NOV 2023 INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF MTA QUEENSLAND? CLICK HERE

KIA EV5

EV-OLUTION

MORE STYLISH & AFFORDABLE EVs ARE ON THE WAY OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND

BYD SEAL SEDAN

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

MTA QUEENSLAND hosts quarterly Divisional Committee meetings for:

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

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

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

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

CLICK HERE FOR MEETING DATES

20200885

CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY

From the Editor Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland HEAD OFFICE Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 P.O. Box 4530, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Tel: 07 3237 8777 Fax: 07 3844 4488 Toll Free: 1800 177 951 Email: publications@mtaq.com.au

JONATHAN NASH

Website: www.mtaq.com.au EDITOR Jonathan Nash ART DIRECTOR Marco Ilinic INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Evangeline Kannis POLICY Kellie Dewar, Deputy CEO MTA Queensland

EDITOR

H

ELLO AND WELCOME to the November 2023 edition of Motor Trader.

The announcement of the winners of the annual MTA Queensland Industry Awards is just days away. In last month's edition of Motor Trader we took a look at the finalists across the five business award categories - the Community Award, Innovation award, Women In Industry Award, Small Business Award, and Large Business Award. This month we focus on the finalists for the Apprentice of the Year Award - 12 outstanding students from across auto industry sectors who have proved to be gifted in their work and passionate about their jobs as they strive to become qualified tradespeople.

You can read their stories from page 64.

The announcement of the

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

winner of the Apprentice of the Year award, as well as the winners of the business awards, will be made on November 11, at MTA Queensland's Industry Award Dinner, to be held at the W Brisbane hotel.

Also in this edition, we take a look at a couple of new vehicles from Kia and BYD. Both companies have revealed electric vehicle (EV) models - the EV5 from KIA and the Seal from BYD - that look to be cutting edge, very smartlooking and, importantly, edging towards a more affordable price point for those wanting a quality EV without the pain to the wallet.

Also inside is a little glimpse into potential future EVs from a range of carmakers that displayed new models and concepts at the Japan Mobility Show. Some pretty clever and eye-catching machines may well be on their way.

I hope you enjoy this month's edition, and if you have some news you'd like to share, get in touch and let me know.

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

20231269

MTA Queensland welcomes the following new members

BUSINESS NAME Auto Masters West Ipswich Gooch's Garage BNI Automotive Donnelly Engineering I Q Mechanical

ADDRESS 266 Brisbane St, West Ipswich QLD 4305 14/8 Hopper Ave, Ormeau QLD 4208 18 Herring Street, Moorooka, QLD 4105 2/82 Ferry Rd, Southport QLD 4215 1/12 Tradelink Rd, Hillcrest QLD 4118

DIVISION AED AED ARD ERAQ AED

November 2023 Motor Trader | 1

Contents

16

JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023

04 FROM THE DESK OF MANAGEMENT 08 MTA Q&A: AMAC MOTORCYCLES 16 JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023 30 AUTO INNOVATION NEWS 36 MTA INSTITUTE APPRENTICES EXPERIENCE LIFE IN THE FAST LANE AT THE GOLD COAST 500 42 AUTO NEWS 58 NEW VEHICLE SALES: SEPTEMBER 2023 60 WORKPLACE RELATIONS 63 MTA INSTITUTE NEWS 64 2023 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD FINALISTS 86 APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH: NOVEMBER 2023 88 MTA INSTITUTE GRADUATES 92 CONCEPT CORNER 2 | Motor Trader November 2023

64

2023 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD FINALISTS

Search for MTA Queensland

36

MTA INSTITUTE APPRENTICES EXPERIENCE LIFE IN THE FAST LANE AT THE GOLD COAST 500

48

KIA EV5 CONFIRMED FOR AUSTRALIA

8

MTA Q&A: AMAC MOTORCYCLES

92

CONCEPT CORNER: KIA REVEALS THE CONCEPT EV3 & CONCEPT EV4

November 2023 Motor Trader | 3

From the Desk of Management

W

ROD CAMM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MTA QUEENSLAND

ELL, CAN YOU believe it is November already? I have no doubt many of you, like me, have one eye firmly on the rapidly approaching holiday season and the other on the pile of work yet to be done. 2023 has

been an extraordinary year.

I recently appeared at the Transport and Resources Inquiry into scrap metal theft at Queensland Parliament on behalf of the automotive industry. The theft of catalytic converters, diesel particulate filters, and diesel particulate diffusers remains a critical ongoing threat to both automotive businesses and consumers. Numerous businesses have reported repeated thefts of parts, with rental yards, car yards, and parts recyclers all targeted, which was highlighted in our extensive industry-supported submission.

The committee’s report on the inquiry is due to be released in late November, and we will continue to advocate to Government on behalf of our members on this issue going forward.

In other news, I was excited to see great turnout of employers in both Brisbane and Rockhampton at the MTA Institute student-employer engagement mornings.

Our partnership with Glenmore State High School continues to grow, with a cohort of students undertaking the VETiS AUR20720 – Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation meeting with local employers to discuss work placement and apprenticeship opportunities!

With the automotive industry continuing to look for solutions to the skills shortage, we are committed to expanding our reach within schools around the state and developing pathways to connect our members with the next generation of the workforce. Stay tuned for more information on this as we move into the new year.

Please have a look at our website. If you need people, we can help you.

4 | Motor Trader November 2023

I

WOULD LIKE TO start this month’s column by bringing to attention the MTAA’s recent response to the 2023 Franchising Code Review. MTA Queensland has worked closely with the KELLIE DEWAR national body this year to DEPUTY CEO | GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES advance our advocacy at the national level and we are confident this will lead to continued positive results moving forward. Our unified position on the Franchising Code is in support of it being extended to cover motorcycles, farm machinery, and truck dealers, with protections also being extended to franchised automotive aftermarket repairers.

I would like to thank all who came along to the recent Unfair Contract Terms webinar held in collaboration with MTAA and HWL Ebsworth Lawyers. We received some great feedback and questions from those in attendance and we are currently reviewing the optimal path forward with the MTAA and other state members to support our members in reviewing contracts and identifying unfair contract terms.

Stay tuned.

And finally, we are in the middle of the final round of division-specific industry meetings for the year, with several divisions still to meet over the next few weeks. 2023 has certainly been a big year on the advocacy front, with odometer tampering, rare metal parts theft, three-month dealer registrations, Review of the Electrical Safety Act, and the Approved Inspection Scheme (AIS) training model among the issues in our sights.

MTA Queensland’s pursuit of these issues comes directly from the engagement of those at these meetings, with members able to have their say on the issues that matter the most to them. The current round CLICK of meetings is laying the groundwork TO VISIT THE MTA QUEENSLAND for our direction in 2024, and I strongly MEMBER BENEFITS PAGE encourage all members to get involved in the conversation and come along!

You could save on merchant fees^.

With Commonwealth Bank, MTAQ members can take advantage of preferential rates on credit and debit card merchant fees. Whether you’re a small or large business, the savings you could be making in merchant fees could be invested in other areas of your business, like purchasing equipment, employing staff or online marketing.

How much could you save?

When comparing credit and debit card merchant fee charges for MTAQ members versus non-members, the savings can be surprising. We have reviewed our merchant base^ for the industry and found that on average, members processing less than $500000 could save up to 23%.^ We can easily create a customised comparison for your business, by simply providing us your Merchant statement for one whole month.

With Commonwealth Bank, MTAQ can also take advantage of our latest technology with either an Essential Lite or Essential Plus device, no contracts and 24/7 support.

Here for you, for however you do business.

To find out how much you could save with Commonwealth Bank, contact MTAQ on 07 3237 8777 or email info@mtaq.com.au and they'll put you in touch with a Commonwealth Bank Relationship Manager.

Things you should know: ^Data used represents the total credit and debit card merchant fees charged over a 12 month period to September 2022. Interchange fees are set by card schemes such as Mastercard® and Visa® for processing transactions between Commonwealth Bank and the cardholder’s bank and is subject to change, therefore, savings may vary. This information is for illustrative purposes only and has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, before acting on the informa‐ tion, you should consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. Different assumptions and estimates could result in materially different results. On this basis, no representa‐ tion or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy of the information or projections contained in this example. Fees, charges, terms and conditions apply. For full MTAQ member costs please email info@mtaq.com.au. MTAQ may receive a fee for each successful referral. Please view our Merchant Agreement, Financial Services Guide and Operator and User Guides at our Merchant Support Centre. The target market for this product will be found within the product’s Target Market Determination, available at commbank.com.au/tmd. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.

VALE GRAHAM WINTER: FAREWELL TO AN AUTO INDUSTRY LEGEND

I

N OCTOBER, WE lost a longtime champion of the automotive industry with the passing of Graham Winter.

Well known to everyone in the collision repair sector, Graham was the founder of Graham Winter’s Smash Repairs, a business he established in Dalby in 1981 and which continues to serve the community there more than 40 years later, now under the stewardship of his sons, David and Paul.

Beyond the drive to build a successful business, Graham had a passion to see the collision repair industry grow and develop. That passion saw him become a valued member of MTA Queensland and serve both on the Association’s collision repair committee as well as on the Board for 12 years.

Throughout those years, Graham would make the six-hour roundtrip from Dalby into Brisbane and back, often after working all day, to attend meetings.

He would play an important role in the sector’s evolution. Beyond his involvement with MTA Queensland, Graham was also heavily involved with I-CAR Australia in its early days, a number of other committees and organisations, and his input and influence over many years would see him recognised with a National Collision Repairer Lifetime Achievement award in 2008.

Born in Bundaberg in 1943, Graham completed a panel beating/spray painting

6 | Motor Trader November 2023

Graham Winter apprenticeship in 1958 at Cooroy Motor, and would go on to manage the panel shop. He would then start his own business in 1966 – Winter's Enterprises – which was a service station as well as a panel, painting, fabrication, and repair shop.

Around 1980, Graham moved to Dalby, initially finding work fixing farm equipment. However, word of his skills as a repairer soon got around and he would work late into the night working on repairing other vehicles in his spare time.

In 1981, Graham established Graham

Winter’s Smash Repairs (GWSR) and grew the business from being a one-man operation to employing as many as 18 staff.

Crucial to his story was Graham's desire to see the collision repair industry grow, offer the highest quality of work and best service. Bringing apprentices on to learn from him was part of that challenge and he always made sure that GWSR had at least a couple of apprentices in the workshop.

That number would include Graham’s son David - who joined the business in 1986 and began his apprenticeship in 1988.

Graham's son Paul joined GWSR in 2000 to learn the intricacies of the business and be trained by Graham to run the office and deal with quoting, to work with customers and insurance companies and the like.

“AT THE END OF THE DAY, DAD LOVED CARS AND WORKING ON THEM. THIS PASSION WAS WHAT DROVE HIM TO BE THE INCREDIBLE CRAFTSMAN HE WAS AND TO DO WHAT HE COULD TO IMPROVE THE INDUSTRY FOR EVERYONE IN IT . . .”

Together, David and Paul took over GWSR in 2015, but Graham remained involved with the business for a time.

Working for, and with, his dad was, said David, a tremendous experience.

“Dad was very much an old-school boss,” he said. “He was tough and made you work hard. He pushed me to better on every job, always finding something to improve on, and that has made me who I am today.

“And he instilled that passion to be better, to have good work ethics and honesty, in a lot of his past employees. I still hear some of them mention that they would not be where they are now if it was not for Graham, and even ask themselves ‘What would Graham do?’."

Beyond the realms of business and the

auto industry, Graham was very involved with the Dalby community, sponsoring multiple teams and events and even donating a vehicle to the Salvation Army.

He was also a drag-racing and Mopar enthusiast - an interest that would see him involved in helping to establish the Willowbank Drag strip and race his own cars, including one he built himself - a Chrysler Lancer with a 472 cubic-inch blown Keith Black engine. Drag racing was a passion he participated in and followed throughout his life, even after rolling his car at around 180mph, an episode that forced him to take things a little easier.

“At the end of the day, dad loved cars and working on them,” said David. “This passion was what drove him to be the incredible craftsman he was and to do what he could to improve the industry for everyone in it, not just for himself. And on the way he made a lot of good friends and had an amazing journey holding his head up high.”

Graham's involvement with, and support of, MTA Queensland over the years makes his loss keenly felt at the Association, with a number of current staff having worked with Graham during his time on the Board.

“Graham was a tremendous advocate for the collision industry, as well as the wider automotive industry throughout his illustrious career, and played an integral role in supporting and mentoring countless Queensland collision business owners,” said Rod Camm, MTA Queensland CEO. “One of our longest-serving members, he exemplified the values of MTA Queensland with great honour during his 12-year tenure as a Director of the MTA Queensland Board. In 2012, we were incredibly proud to recognise Graham as a Life Member and are pleased to say his dedication to further progress of the crash repair sector will continue to have a positive influence on members of the automotive collision industry for years to come.”

November 2023 Motor Trader | 7

AMAC Motorcycles

MTA |Q&A WORDS: LARA WILDE

There are plenty of shiny new bike shops with large, glossy showrooms, the latest chrome-gilded machines, and an accessories and apparel area that looks like a high-end fashion boutique. But there is another sort of motorcycle shop. The kind whose customers ride bikes of all ages, makes and models. Riders who live for the corner and want to experience their bike at it’s very best. Those riders in Far North Queensland all know AMAC Motorcycles in Cairns.

Motor Trader visited the AMAC workshop and spoke with Business Manager Kylie Ripepi to learn all about the business that has focussed on performance dyno tuning, servicing, restoration, and customisation of motorcycles in 2014.

8 | Motor Trader November 2023

TELL US ABOUT THE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES ON OFFER AT AMAC MOTORCYCLES. KR: The team at AMAC Motorcycles

mainly focus on servicing and repairs of motorbikes. We have an on-site dyno to support dyno tuning and performance tuning. We take care of all makes and models of motorcycles ranging from the vintage, classic and custom bikes through to the modern performance machines.

We also do project bike restoration work, helping customers to realise their dream for a completely original restored classic, or a totally custom one-of-a-kind machine.

We do have some accessories such as helmets, boots and jackets.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN ESTABLISHED? KR: We first opened the doors in 2014. It

has been a roller coaster ride but our core values of caring for riders and their machine has stood the test of time.

WHO IS IN YOUR CURRENT TEAM? KR: The team at AMAC Motorcycles is

“WE FIRST OPENED THE DOORS IN 2014. IT HAS BEEN A ROLLER COASTER RIDE BUT OUR CORE VALUES OF CARING FOR RIDERS AND THEIR MACHINE HAS STOOD THE TEST OF TIME.” a solid unit filled with passionate motorcyclists.

Our leader is General Manager and co-founder Andy Martens. Constantly on the hunt for classics and collector's items, Andy is a ‘tappet head’ from way back. A former trophy rider for KTM in the '80s, he's competed in the Weipa Croc Run Enduro, the Australian 4-Day Title and many a back-country hill climb, but these days you'll find him on bitumen tracks. Currently parked in his garage are a 1989 RGV 250, a 1984 RZ 500, and a 1982 KTM 495 MXC. "The ultimate bike for me is the 2002 Honda SP2 Colin Edwards replica November 2023 Motor Trader | 9

MTA | Q&A currently parked in the garage," says Andy.

Our Head Mechanic and other cofounder is Laurie Fornera. As a motorcycle mechanic and fitter and turner with over 40 years of experience, there's nothing that Laurie cannot coax back to life and fine tune. If we can’t find a part, it’s likely Laurie can make it for you. Want to craft a custom? Chat with Laurie and the team.

"I started on bikes when I was 11, with a little Yamaha 100 2-stroke road bike which I actually rode on dirt tracks. Being a little vertically challenged, I soon ditched Apprentice Corwin Hillard dirt bikes for their shorter road bike team and looking for ways to improve counterparts," says Laurie. the way we do business, I can give you a Parked in his garage are a Honda RC30 master class in drag bike racing. Parked in (his long-time mistress), a Honda 305 my garage are a 2005 Suzuki GSX1000R K5 Dream and a heavily modified Honda Drag bike, 2009 Suzuki L9 Street bike, 1997 2002 SP2, to name a few.

Honda CBR900RR Street bike, 2019 Suzuki When Laurie isn’t about the workshop, DR650SE Dirt bike. the mechanic in charge is Gerald Meyer.

Corwin Hillard and Jordan Anderson With over 25 years’ motorcycle experience, keep the workshop ship-shape, getting in Gerald is a performance tuning and set-up technician. With a serious motorcycle race and getting dirty as apprentice mechanics.

Meanwhile Rhys Willis takes care of mechanic pedigree, Gerald loves customer service and sales in the front office. fault finding, tuning, dyno testing, engine builds and performance modifications and DO YOU SPONSOR ANY LOCAL MOTORSPORT set up.

OR INDIVIDUAL COMPETITORS? I am Kylie Ripepi and I manage the KR: We sponsor a road racer called Reece business and accounts in the office. When I'm not helping customers, managing the Payne. He is currently competing in

Kylie Ripepi

Senior mechanic and tuner Gerald Meyer (left) with apprentice Jordan Anderson Victoria and we believe he has potential to be very successful in the sport.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG YOU STARTING OUT IN THE INDUSTRY? KR: Get a trade in motorcycle mechanics as they are in short supply. Once you are in the industry, keep learning.

HOW MUCH IMPORTANCE DO YOU PLACE ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR YOUR BUSINESS? KR: Social media is very important.

Most of our customers find us on social media, our website, or through word of mouth. We have invested in a professional

website with very clear branding and imagery, and we use social media to connect with our customers regularly.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE GREATEST ADVANCEMENT IN TECHNOLOGY FOR YOUR BUSINESS? KR: The Texa Diagnostic tool and dyno tuning software have been revolutionary for us to service our customers effectively and efficiently.

DO YOU OR YOUR STAFF ACTIVELY COMPETE IN MOTORSPORT? DOES THAT PLAY A ROLE IN THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR TEAM? KR: We all love bikes. Gerald is an

Rhys Willis

Laurie Fornera ex-motorcycle racer and has been a member of the team for other motorcycle racers. I am an ex-drag racer and was very competitive.

Rhys enjoys attending track days.

DO YOU CONSIDER THAT THE ADVANCEMENTS IN ELECTRIC VEHICLES WILL HAVE AN IMPACT ON YOUR BUSINESS? KR: We have embraced the electric vehicle

trend with training for our staff. AMAC Motorcycles services the local Australia Post EDV [Electric Delivery Vehicle] bikes.

We are also service agents for Zero Electric Motorcycles.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST BENEFIT OF YOUR MTA QUEENSLAND MEMBERSHIP? KR: AMAC Motorcycles only joined MTA Queensland a few months ago but we are already enjoying the benefits. We appreciate the link to a professional industry association that is on hand for any queries from legal to staff safety, training and business support.

WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGES AT AMAC MOTORCYCLES? KR: Finding qualified mechanics is always a challenge. We are hiring right now and have ads placed on our website and our 12 | Motor Trader November 2023

“WE WANT AMAC MOTORCYCLES TO BE THE BEST MOTORCYCLE MECHANIC WORKSHOP AND DYNO TUNER IN NORTH QUEENSLAND.” social media platforms. We have a great close-knit team with a great culture, and we want to find the right fit for our business and our customers.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR SPARE TIME? KR: Ride motorcycles of course! We are all passionate motorcycle riders with staff participating at the local drag strip and community ride events. We are involved in all aspects of the industry.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? KR: We want AMAC Motorcycles to be the

best motorcycle mechanic workshop and dyno tuner in North Queensland.

CLICK We have a race tuner who has TO VISIT THE AMAC tuned bikes to championship MOTORCYCLES WEBSITE pedigree and with 20 years of tuning experience we believe this is already becoming a reality.

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

T

HE TOKYO MOTOR Show has had a rebrand for 2023. Now known as the Japan Mobility Show, the event now includes not only the big carmakers but companies and start-ups from other industries involved in the mobility sector.

However, the cars remain the stars and the event was awash with some amazing machines and concepts.

Concepts are, of course, just that and traditionally are more a showcase of the

16 | Motor Trader November 2023

carmakers’ craft and technical expertise and the possibilities of what might be rather than a fully formed production car.

However, in this era of electrification, some startling designs, boasting incredible tech, are making it onto our roads, and perhaps some of those concepts unveiled at the Japan Show may do so too. We can but hope!

Here are a few of the exciting reveals from this year’s Japan Mobility Show.

Infiniti Vision QE Concept

INFINITI VISION QE

VIDEO: INFINITI VISION QE

I

NFINITI, THE LUXURY arm of Nissan, unveiled the Vision Qe. The sleek, aerodynamic sedan with fastback styling is Infiniti’s first stab at an all-electric car and apparently the concept does preview a future production version.

There are some unique lighting elements up front and at the rear which the company calls ‘digital piano key’ lighting, and it does look great. With luck, that will transfer to any production model. Like other carmakers, Nissan has electrification goals, and its Ambition 2030 strategy has

the aim of an electrification mix of more than 50 per cent globally across the Nissan and Infiniti brands by 2030. While there is no info on what electric power set-up sits under the Vision QE bodywork, Nissan is working on all-solid-stat battery tech, and that will surely be a winner.

November 2023 Motor Trader | 17

MAZDA ICONIC SP

H

ERE’S SOMETHING A little special from Mazda – the Iconic SP. Perhaps the best-looking of all concepts revealed at the Japan Mobility Show, this absolute ripper from Mazda is a sleek sports car with a very unique powertrain that features a rotary engine hybrid set-up.

The two-rotor rotary engine – which can use a variety of fuels, apparently, including hydrogen - is designed to generate electricity for the battery system. That engine is located in the centre of the car – thus the low-slung front end and a weight distribution that is said to be 50:50.

There’s no mention yet of what electric motors are driving this beauty, but Mazda says maximum power output is 272kW. The company adds that while it is a sports car, it can supply power ‘when enjoying outdoor leisure and in the time of a disaster’, suggesting a vehicle-to-load functionality.

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November 2023 Motor Trader | 19

TOYOTA FT-SE & FT-3E CONCEPTS

VIDEO: TOYOTA FT-SE CONCEPT

A

MONGST OTHER CREATIONS unveiled at the Mobility Show, Toyota showcased the FT-Se and FT3e – two battery electric vehicle concepts that the company says ‘present a future transformed by electrification and intelligence . . .’

The FT-Se is a stunning-looking sportscar, and with GR branding gracing the concept's bodywork, it looks to be

Toyota FT-3E Concept

20 | Motor Trader November 2023

aimed at the high-performance side of things. The promo video released for the FT-Se certainly shows it to be a performance model and the glimpses of the interior show a really tasty, cockpit-like

Toyota FT-3E Concept

environment for the driver. The company does say that the interior will even include kneepads to protect the body from G-forces during driving. Awesome stuff.

The FT3e, meanwhile, is an SUV concept. Once again, the styling is very nice, and since it shares much of what is under its body with the FT-Se, one can assume some pretty sporty characteristics.

Connected vehicle tech will play a big role here as the company said the FT-3e will deliver ‘personalised services powered by innovative technologies’ and be ‘a transfer medium for energy and data from the vehicle and its surroundings’ suggesting vehicle-to-grid tech amongst other features.

For those wanting to see what condition their vehicles system is at, the FT3e even has digital displays running from the lower side body to the upper door providing information, including battery charge, onboard temperature, and interior air quality when the driver approaches the car.

Nice.

November 2023 Motor Trader | 21

Lexus LF-ZC Concept

LEXUS LF-ZC & LF-ZL CONCEPTS

VIDEO: LEXUS LF-ZC CONCEPT

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EXUS REVEALED TWO new battery electric concepts at the Japan Mobility Show – the LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zeroemission Catalyst), and the LF-ZL (Lexus Future Zero-emission Luxury) concepts.

Both are built, Lexus says, on a new modular structure produced through gigacasting, in which large pieces, instead of lots of small pieces, are cast. This allows for Lexus to split the vehicle body into three parts: front, centre, and rear. Lexus says this casting provides greater freedom

22 | Motor Trader November 2023

of form, while the integration of parts also increases rigidity for improved dynamics.

Also featured are high-performance batteries engineered to increase range though improved aerodynamic integration and weight reduction, enhancing efficiency and battery performance.

There’s a voice recognition system using

AI technology, All-Wheel Drive, Steer By Wire, and OTA updates will be available.

The LF-ZC is earmarked for international release in 2026.

The LF-ZL may be a bit further off in terms of production. Regarded as a flagship model, Lexus says it will feature Arene OS software that can learn and anticipate a driver’s needs, resulting in a truly personalised experience.

Design of the interior means functions that were previously spread across a wide area of the cockpit are now consolidated into the digital pads within arm's reach. Controls for vehicle functions like shifting, advanced driving assistance systems, and drive mode selection are all located within the left digital pad. Convenience features such

VIDEO: LEXUS LF-ZL CONCEPT

as audio, climate control, phone and AI functions are grouped within the right digital pad.

Lexus adds that the high-performance batteries means they are looking to achieve twice the range of conventional BEVs with the LF-ZC (whatever a ‘conventional BEV’ may mean).

Lexus LF-ZL Concept

November 2023 Motor Trader | 23

Honda Prelude Concept

HONDA PRELUDE CONCEPT

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ONDA UNVEILED A concept of a new Prelude, resurrecting the nameplate for the two-door electrified sport coupe.

The company said ‘this model will become

the prelude for out future models which will inherit the ‘joy of driving’ into the full-fledged electrified future and embody Honda’s unalterable sports mindset.’

While ‘electrified’ might mean fully electric, there are media reports that suggest a hybrid set-up could be in the mix for any future Prelude too.

Whatever it might be, the Prelude looks like a winner.

A

Subaru Sport Concept

SUBARU SPORT MOBILITY CONCEPT 24 | Motor Trader November 2023

BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLE, Subaru’s Sport Mobility Concept is a two-door coupe that certainly looks the part of a performance machine.

The company said that drivers would be able to control ‘all four wheels at will’ - which indicates that Subaru have given it the four-wheel-drive treatment - but beyond that and its design, not a lot of details were revealed. That means the Sport Mobility Concept could be a fair way off from production. However, if this is the direction Subaru are heading, things are looking good.

Mitsubish D:X Concept

MITSUBISHI D:X CONCEPT

VIDEO: MITSUBISHI D:X CONCEPT

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ITSUBISHI DEBUTED ITS D:X Concept at the Japan Mobility Show.

Designed to hint at the Delica – a vehicle which the company has been producing in various incarnations since the 1960s – of the future, the D:X Concept is an electrified crossover MPV concept powered by an as yet unspecified hybrid system powering all four wheels. Befitting an MPV, there’s plenty of room in here along with front seats that can swivel so occupants can face each other.

It’s packed full of technology, of course - a voice-interactive AI system to provide information on routes and weather conditions and such - but there’s also some really inspired thinking here with a ‘see-through’ bonnet/dashboard which displays information such as the road surface conditions ahead as well as the turn angle of the front tyres.

November 2023 Motor Trader | 25

Hyper Urban Concept

NISSAN HYPER CONCEPTS

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N THE LEAD-UP to the Japan Mobility Show, Nissan began revealing a series of all-electric concepts that would debut at the event. It’s quite a collection – from an urban-focused vehicle to a people mover to a beefy-looking performance model, and all with the characteristic styling and design of concepts that hint at the direction a company is taking with its product line-up, from design to technology features.

HYPER URBAN Aimed at ‘urban and suburban-based professionals’, the Hyper Urban boasts, as all these Hyper concepts do, some pretty

Hyper Adventure Concept

26 | Motor Trader November 2023

bold styling. While there is no word on what set-up – battery, motors etc - powers the Hyper Urban, it is an EV and Nissan says the urban nature of the model sees it designed to have vehicle-to-home and vehicle -to-grid functionality and an Intelligent Charging Management System that uses Artificial Intelligence. There are scissor doors, front seats that can collapse and fold into the back seats to create a sofa-like space, and an instrument panel and display that can be customised to the owner’s mood.

HYPER ADVENTURE A sports SUV for those who like outdoor adventure and an eco-friendly lifestyle, the Hyper Adventure features Nissan’s e-4Force all-wheel-control system; Vehicleto-Everything (V2X) functionality, meaning it can supply power to any number of gadgets and accessories as well as homes (V2H) and back to the grid (V2G). The

Hyper Tourer Concept interior boasts cargo space for outdoor equipment such as tents, skis, or even a kayak, and the rear bench seat can rotate 180 degrees and create a sitting area that faces out of the vehicle’s rear. Again, not a lot of detail on the power set-up, although Nissan does say it has a ‘large-capacity battery’ for those longer jaunts.

HYPER TOURER An all-electric minivan offering advanced tech, including autonomous driving and V2X functionality. Nissan says there are high-density batteries which allow for some ‘innovative car packaging’ and the Hyper Tourer gets the e-4ORCE all-wheel control, system. Some tasty features include a flat

LED panel in the floor which can display imagery of a riverbed and the sky!

Assuming fully autonomous driving, the Hyper Tourer’s front seats can swivel 360-degrees, allowing front and rear-seat passengers to face each other. There’s also an AI system that Nissan says can ‘monitor your biometric signs . . . and automatically select complementary music and adjust the lighting to fit your mood.’

HYPER PUNK One for the younger crowd this one, with the bonkers styling of the Hyper Punk tailored, Nissan says, for ‘content creators, influencers, artists, and those who embrace style and innovation.’

Hyper Punk Concept

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Hyper Punk Concept It certainly has some creative features, including onboard cameras that can capture the scenery around the car and use AI to convert it to manga-style scenery or graphic patterns according to the owner's preferences. The imagery can then be projected on a three-screen display arranged around the driver in the cockpit. Designed as a mobile creative studio, Nissan says the cabin provides ‘seamless internet connectivity and can link to occupants’ devices and creative equipment, enabling users to access information or create on the go.’

HYPER FORCE The pick of the Nissan litter, the Hyper Force is the company’s all-electric highperformance supercar concept.

Nissan says the Hyper Force, which looks like it’s spoiling for a fight from every angle, offers a powertrain kicking out 1000kW, has plenty of downforce, an advanced form of the e-4ORCE all-wheel control tech, and a lightweight body featuring high-strength carbon.

The concept features two driving modes, R (racing) and GT (grand touring) with a graphical user interface that changes colour and display according to the mode.

In R mode the cabin illuminates in red and creates a cockpit centred around the driver. Panels on the dashboard extend 28 | Motor Trader November 2023

VIDEO: NISSAN HYPER FORCE

toward the seating space to enhance the cockpit feel. Four screens around the steering wheel display tyre grip and temperature, air pressure, brake rotor temperature, power distribution and other information.

In GT mode, the cabin turns blue and the screens surrounding the steering wheel move away and combine together, providing a simpler infotainment interface.

Pushing things to the digital extreme, Nissan says there is also an augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experience to be had with the Hyper Force.

When the vehicle is stopped, the driver can use a special VR helmet that enables them to enter a driving game experience, complete with modes that allow for racing against the clock or online racers. By using AR, the driver can complete against their own, friends' or even professional drivers’ 'digital ghosts' on a circuit. Cool stuff.

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.

Auto innovation news

CAPRICORN SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS SKILLS SHORTAGE AS MAJOR CHALLENGE FOR INDUSTRY

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APRICORN, AUSTRALASIA'S LARGEST automotive cooperative, has released its 2023 State of the Nation Special Report which shows over half of all respondents labelled the skills shortage as their most urgent issue.

1887 members of Capricorn took part in the survey – of which 86 per cent were independent workshops – with 51 per cent saying ‘finding good staff ’ was the biggest challenge in running an automotive business, a leap from 39 per cent in the 2022 report. 61 per cent of respondents also agreed that the ‘lack of qualified staff ’ was one of the biggest challenges facing the automotive industry – up from 50 per cent last year. The biggest increases over 2022 were all related to the skills shortage, with ‘finding good apprentices’ being seen as a challenge by 22 per cent of respondents this year against 14 per cent in 2022, and ‘keeping staff long term’ up from 9 per cent in 2022 to 16 per cent this year. While Capricorn members were confident in the future of their sector, finding skilled staff is an increasingly stressful burden on small businesses.

“Capricorn estimates that there are 13,600 vacant skilled positions across Member workshops in Australia and New Zealand with these vacancies taking an average of up to eight months to fill,” said David Fraser, Capricorn Group Chief Executive Officer in a statement.

30 | Motor Trader November 2023

“FINDING GOOD STAFF IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE MEMBERS FACE IN RUNNING THEIR BUSINESSES, AND IT'S CAUSING OPERATIONAL, FINANCIAL, MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL STRESS.”

“Members have always taken on apprentices to help with a pipeline of skilled labour, and whilst appetite to hire an apprentice is increasing, retaining them is a challenge.

“Overall, the stress about CLICK TO VIEW CAPRICORN’S a lack of available skilled 2023 STATE OF THE labour is up 12 percent NATION INTERACTIVE REPORT on last year’s survey, a concerning trend which is having a real impact on a sector contributing over $58 billion to Australia’s economy.

“Finding good staff is the biggest challenge Members face in running their businesses, and it's causing operational, financial, mental and emotional stress.”

• MTA Queensland can help you meet

your workforce challenges and has launched a number of initiatives to do so. To find out more about what we can do to assist you and your business, visit our Workforce Solutions site HERE.

CLICK TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MTAQ’S WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS

FORTESCUE OPENS NEW FACILITY IN THE UK FOR MANUFACTURE OF ZERO EMISSION TECHNOLOGIES

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USTRALIAN COMPANY FORTESCUE has opened a new technical innovation centre Kidlington in the UK with the $US23 million ($AU36.5 million) facility to focus on the technical development, testing and prototype production of batteries and zero emission powertrains for applications that include motorsports, mining haul trucks, and other off-road and automotive applications.

Among the first batteries produced at the site will be those used to power Fortescue’s prototype 240-tonne mining haul trucks in Australia.

That battery system, which is currently being tested onsite in the Pilbara, is integral to Fortescue’s $US6.2 billion ($AU9.8 billion) decarbonisation strategy to help eliminate fossil

fuels from its terrestrial iron ore operations, which includes replacing its existing diesel-fuelled fleet with battery electric and green hydrogen powered haul trucks.

Fortescue also announced the new site will develop and produce batteries for the first generation of Extreme H - a new motorsports series that will utilise hydrogen fuel cell and battery technology - beginning in February 2025. Fortescue WAE (which was created when Fortescue acquired Williams Advanced Engineering in 2022) is already the battery provider for the Extreme E Series and its all-electric off-road racing vehicles.

Fortescue says the Kidlington site will have the capacity to produce and test up to 500 prototype battery systems per year with a total production capacity of 50 MWh/annum.

EUROPEAN DRIVERS OK WITH DATA USE FOR ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION BUT WORRIED ABOUT MISUSE & PRIVACY

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HE RESULTS OF a new survey in Europe by Allianz – the giant insurance and financial services company – has brought into focus the somewhat conflicted feelings of motorists regarding their data and its uses.

The survey of more than 5000 drivers across five countries – Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and the UK – revealed that around two-thirds in each nation (69 per cent in the UK down to 63 per cent in Italy) were OK with approving data use for clarifying accident blame and that every party involved should have the right to receive the data necessary for this purpose.

The numbers were also decent for the use of data for quick accident processing by the insurance company (from 71 per cent in the UK to 58 per cent in Italy) as well as for improved services

such roadside assistance or adapted insurance products.

On the other side of the coin, however, there was a fairly high level of fear of hacking attacks, data theft and data misuse. Data such as telephone usage, destination or locations, and routes driven were regarded as sensitive information.

According to the survey, drivers in all five countries would like to see better CLICK data organization in their vehicles.

TO VIEW MORE ON THE 72 per cent of UK respondents (down ALLIANZ SURVEY to 57 per cent in Spain) expect to be informed when phone data is stored, with similar numbers wanting simple ways to delete their data in the car.

November 2023 Motor Trader | 31

2024 AAA EXPO HEADED TO MELBOURNE IN APRIL

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HE AUSTRALIAN AUTO Aftermarket Expo (AAAExpo) will be held from 11 - 13 of April 2024 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

Organised by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), the AAAExpo will be co-located with the Collison Repair Expo (CRE), and the Expos will bring together more than 400 leading brands plus 400 leading brands, plus international exhibitors will international exhibitors be at the 2024 AAAExpo and Collision Repair Expo and guests, showcasing the latest vehicle repair and servicing the evolving capabilities and needs of our equipment, technology, parts and workforce and customers,” said Stuart accessories.

Charity, AAAA Chief Executive Officer.

A comprehensive training and education “Those that prepare today will be the program is also in development, including ones who succeed tomorrow, and it is our some free opportunities for attendees. mission at the AAAA and with AAAExpo “The automotive industry in Australia to provide our members and trade visitors is in the midst of revolutionary change with the tools and knowledge they need to driven by the complexity of the car parc, make the right future-focused decisions for rapid changes in vehicle technology, and their businesses.

“As part of this, training will be a key focus of the Expo. Off the back of the impressive attendance at Autocare’s seminars earlier this year, AAAA are pulling together a truly incredible education program for the Expo which will deliver an unprecedented calibre of speakers and depth of technical content, as well as increased ‘hands on’ training to satisfy industry demand.

“Additionally, such was the success of the Workshop of the Future at the 2022 AAAExpo, and with the fast-paced development of our industry in the time since, AAAA will be bringing an enhanced Workshop of the Future concept to the 2024 show. It will be so comprehensive that it requires two sections – one focused on EVs, and one on ADAS calibration.

“. . . IT IS OUR MISSION AT THE AAAA AND WITH AAAEXPO TO PROVIDE OUR MEMBERS AND TRADE VISITORS WITH THE TOOLS AND KNOWLEDGE THEY NEED TO MAKE THE RIGHT FUTURE-FOCUSED DECISIONS FOR THEIR BUSINESSES.” “Similarly, the 4WD Innovation Zone was a huge hit in 2022 and will evolve and grow to ensure visitors to the 2024 4WD Innovation Zone are even more impressed than they were at its inaugural appearance.”

An Australian Auto Aftermarket Awards banquet and breakfast, a networking event, vehicle display area, and celebrity appearances and competitions, will all be a part of the Expo experience.

• Free registrations for AAAExpo are now open at www.aftermarketexpo.com.au • To get involved as an exhibitor or sponsor at the Auto Aftermarket Expo, contact partnerships@aftermarketexpo.com.au

KIA AUSTRALIA AND INFINITEV PARTNER ON THE REPURPOSING AND RECYCLING OF EV BATTERIES KIA AUSTRALIA AND INFINITEV - a company that works to reuse, repurpose or recycle end-of-life hybrid and electric vehicle batteries - have announced a partnership that aims to develop sustainable and scalable solutions for EV battery management.

“We are currently in the very early stages of developing a solution tailored to Kia customers that will allow their electric vehicle batteries to be refurbished instead of discarded,” said Damien Meredith, Chief Executive Officer at Kia Australia.

“What happens to an electric vehicle battery at the end of its life is an important consideration when it comes to EV buyers, so this is a very significant program.”

Infinitev says it has developed a suite of battery lifecycle management solutions. When a traction battery experiences diminished functionality, the company initiates a SafetyCheck - an examination encompassing both physical and electrochemical safety assessments of EV batteries.

Following the SafetyCheck, engineers use proprietary HealthCheck diagnostic tools to evaluate the performance of the battery pack and its individual modules. This assessment allows for the modules to be placed into one of three categories: • A-grade modules are reused to build batteries for EV traction • B-grade modules are repurposed for battery energy storage systems • C-grade modules are recycled

by Infinitev’s partners to recover valuable materials.

November 2023 Motor Trader | 33

Auto innovation news

MERCEDES BENZ TRUCKS LAUNCHES ELECTRIC LONG-HAUL eACTROS 600

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ERCEDES-BENZ HAS UNVEILED the series version of its first battery-electric long-haul truck, the eActros 600.

Revealed in October at an event near Hamburg, Germany, the eActross 600 has three 207kWh battery packs made from lithium iron phosphate cell technology paired with an in-house developed electric drive axle.

The new 800-volt electric axle has two electric motors and a four-speed transmission specifically for use in heavyduty long-haul transport. The electric motors generate a continuous output of 400kW as well as a peak output of 600kW. The full motor output is, the company says, available most of the time with no interruption in torque.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks says this set-up enables the electric truck to achieve a range of 500km without intermediate charging.

In addition to CCS charging up to 400kW, the eActros 600 will, the company adds, later also enable megawatt

34 | Motor Trader November 2023

VIDEO: THE NEW EACTROS 600 | MERCEDES-BENZ TRUCKS

charging (MCS). Customers can order a pre-installation for this and as soon as MCS technology becomes available and is standardised across manufacturers, it is planned to be retrofittable for these models of the eActros 600. Batteries can be charged from 20 to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes at a suitable charging station with an output of one megawatt.

The company says its engineers designed the eActros 600 to meet the same requirements on the durability of the vehicle and its components as a comparable conventional heavy-duty long-

Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 haul Actros. That means up to 1.2 million km in 10 years of operation. After this period of use, the battery state of health should still be over 80 per cent.

The vehicle is technically designed for a gross combination weight of up to 44 tonnes. With a standard semi-trailer, the eActros 600 has a payload of around 22 tonnes in the European Union (EU).

Series production is planned for the end of this year. In addition to the tractor unit, Mercedes-Benz Trucks says it will also produce rigid variants of the eActros 600 right from market launch. A fleet of around 50 prototype vehicles is currently being built, some of which are also to be put into practical testing with customers in a next step.

FORD EXPANDS BLUECRUISE HANDSFREE DRIVING AVAILABILITY IN EUROPE

VIDEO: FORD BLUECRUISE HANDS-FREE HIGHWAY DRIVING

FORD HAS RECEIVED approval to introduce its BlueCruise hands-free highway driving function to Spain, the third European country, after the UK and Germany, to approve use of the system. It is also available in the U.S. and Canada.

The system works on designated highways called Blue Zones – pre-mapped highways – with the system monitoring road markings, speed signs and evolving traffic conditions to control steering, acceleration, braking and lane positioning, as well as to maintain safe and consistent distances to vehicles ahead. In addition, infrared camera technology continually checks driver attentiveness.

In the UK, BlueCruise is available on

3,700km of pre-mapped motorways, while in the US there are more than 160,000km of roads upon which it can be used.

Ford says there are more than 260,000 BlueCruise-equipped Ford and Lincoln vehicles on the road globally. Customers have spent more than 1.8 million hours using the system and have driven 200 million hands-free kilometres.

November 2023 Motor Trader | 35

MTA INSTITUTE APPRENTICES EXPER

36 | Motor Trader November 2023

RIENCE LIFE IN THE FAST LANE AT THE

November 2023 Motor Trader | 37

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HE THRILL OF watching the fastpaced world of motorsport is unlike any other - seeing these powerful machines pushing the limits of speed as the smell of rubber fills the air is a truly spectacular sight.

Part of the prize for winning MTA Institute’s Apprentice of the Month award was the opportunity to attend the Gold Coast 500 Supercars event held in October. Courtesy of Gates Australia, four local apprentices were treated to the full corporate experience, watching the practice races from the first-class view of the Penrite Racing suite.

In an experience that would make any Supercars enthusiast green with envy, the apprentices were able to observe the Penrite team in action with a tour of the pits and a Q & A session with drivers David Reynolds and Matt Payne.

“It was an absolutely incredible day. We got to take a look at what goes on behind the scenes and witness the precision,

speed, and skill it takes to get a race car ready. The team at Penrite were very helpful and open to answering all our questions!” said Melissa Smith, a third year auto electrical apprentice at Crank Auto Electrics & Air Conditioning.

“IT WAS AN ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE DAY. WE GOT TO TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT GOES ON BEHIND THE SCENES AND WITNESS THE PRECISION, SPEED, AND SKILL IT TAKES TO GET A RACE CAR READY.” “The Penrite Racing suite provided a fantastic view of the main stretch, so we were able to watch, (and hear!) the cars drive past us at full pace. We were even given a set of headphones to listen to the Penrite team talking on the radio during their practice laps!”

(left to right) Dyllon Browne, Marcello Riotto, Melissa Smith, Liam Shakespeare, and Alicia Byron

Liam Shakespeare

38 | Motor Trader November 2023

Dyllon Browne

Melissa Smith

For MTA Institute Director Marcello Riotto, who escorted the apprentices on the day, watching them take full advantage of the experience and listen intently as the Penrite mechanics spoke was very rewarding.

“During the pit tour, the Penrite Racing team pointed out various mechanical components specific to their vehicle, including the recent parity changes for the Gold Coast round, followed by a demonstration of the engine being started up, and the loud purr it produced. It was amazing to see the students’ curious faces light up with excitement,” said Marcello.

“For MTA Queensland and the MTA Institute, encouraging and supporting apprentices as they begin their career is vital. For them, having the chance to attend one of Australia’s premiere motorsport events and getting a first-hand look at the inner workings of a supercars team is an unforgettable

November 2023 Motor Trader | 39

experience. We couldn’t be more grateful to Gates Corporation for making this possible and look forward to further collaborations in the future.”

For Gates Australia, a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions, hosting MTA Institute’s apprentices for the day forms part of a larger apprenticeship program established around a year ago.

Understanding the large exit rate of third-year apprentices from the industry, the program is designed to engage with apprentices, recognise and reward them for their hard work, and showcase where an automotive career can lead.

“Gates is passionate about supporting the future generation of our industry and aligning with partners like MTA Institute, the largest private provider of automotive apprenticeship training in Queensland,

“THE OBJECTIVE OF THE GATES AUSTRALIA APPRENTICE PROGRAM IS TO REWARD YOUNG APPRENTICE MECHANICS AND DEMONSTRATE TO THEM THERE IS MORE TO THE INDUSTRY THAN JUST THE DAILY GRIND.” to further engage with students across Australia,” said Priscilla Robb, Marketing Manager at Gates Australia. “The objective of the Gates Australia Apprentice program is to reward young apprentice mechanics and demonstrate to them there is more to the industry than just the daily grind.

“It was an absolute privilege to host the MTA Queensland team and their apprentices on Friday at the Gold Coast

Penrite Racing team driver David Reynolds

40 | Motor Trader November 2023

Penrite Racing team driver Matt Payne

(left to right) Alicia Byron, Priscilla Robb (Marketing Manager at Gates Australia), Melissa Smith, with MTA Queensland's Kellie Dewar, Kathy Winkcup and Jade O’Shea

Marcello Riotto, Melissa Smith and Liam Shakespeare 500 event, and Gates are extremely proud to now be partnering with MTA Queensland to activate initiatives such as this,” she said. “We are focused on playing our small part in their education on doing the ‘right job the first time’, using high-quality branded products like Gates belts and hoses for complete system replacements.”

Following the apprenticeship opportunities provided at the Townsville and Gold Coast 500 races, Gates Australia have become a proud sponsor of the 2023 MTA Queensland Apprentice

of the Year award, with the winner receiving an exclusive all-expenses paid, week-long work experience opportunity at the newly renovated Penrite Racing workshop in Braeside, Victoria.

For the record, the Golf Coast 500 results saw Cameron Waters of Monster Energy Racing take the win in Race 25 of the Supercars season, with Shane van Gisbergen in second and David Reynolds third. In Race 26, the Penrite Racing team had a sensational result with Reynolds taking the victory and Matt Payne snagging fourth spot.

November 2023 Motor Trader | 41

Auto news

NEW MUSTANG TO ARRIVE IN AUSTRALIA IN 2024

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ORD AUSTRALIA HAS revealed pricing and specs for the new, seventh-gen Mustang.

It is available in three models – EcoBoost, GT and a special Dark Horse limited edition variant – and can be ordered now with first customer arrivals scheduled for the second quarter of 2024.

The EcoBoost is powered by a 232kW/475Nm, 2.3-litre, EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the GT and Mustang Dark Horse feature a 5-litre V8 in two different outputs – 347kW/550Nm for the GT and 349kW/548Nm for the Dark Horse.

EcoBoost is available with a Fastback body style only. The GT is available in Fastback with a six-speed manual or ten-speed automatic transmission. The GT is also offered as a convertible body style exclusively with an automatic transmission.

A 1,000-unit special edition model for Australia, the Mustang Dark Horse, will be available with both a TREMEC six-speed manual transmission, and an automatic transmission. Mustang Dark Horse is available in the Fastback body style.

Ford says the fourth-generation Coyote 5-litre V8 has been revised with dual 80mm throttle bodies and air inlets. A dual-fuel delivery system works to deliver highpressure direct-injection and low-pressure port fuel injection, increasing low-end torque and high-rpm power.

The updated 2.3L EcoBoost engine includes a revised exhaust manifold, revised twin-scroll, low-inertia turbocharger with electronic wastegate, 42 | Motor Trader November 2023

IT IS AVAILABLE IN THREE MODELS – ECOBOOST, GT AND A SPECIAL DARK HORSE LIMITED EDITION VARIANT – AND CAN BE ORDERED NOW WITH FIRST CUSTOMER ARRIVALS SCHEDULED FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2024. revised camshaft timing and integrated air-induction system. The company says the Port fuel and direct-injection delivers increased low-end torque and high-rpm power by using the Port injection for low engine speed and direct-injection for highrpm operation.

An Electric Park and Drift Brake serves a dual purpose as Electric Park Brake during the everyday on-road environment and can also be enabled as a slalom courseready Drift Brake at the racetrack. A Track App offers options including Acceleration Timer, Lap Timer, Brake Performance and more.

Australian Mustang models feature big Brembo brakes, a larger radiator with improved cooling capability and more powerful cooling fans. 5-litre V8 GT models also receive an auxiliary engine oil cooler, along with 19x9-inch front and 19x9.5-inch rear Carbonised Grey-painted aluminium wheels, with 255/40R19 front and 275/40R19 rear Pirelli P-Zero tyres.

Standard is the Active Valve Performance Exhaust which Ford says helps reduce back pressure and is designed to help improve

New Mustang Price (Manufacturer List Price) EcoBoost Fastback (AT) GT Fastback (MT) GT Fastback (AT) GT Convertible (AT) Dark Horse (MT) Dark Horse (AT)

MSRP $64,990 $77,002 $80,902 $86,752 $99,102 $103,002

power whilst also providing Mustang’s signature growl. Controlled via the steering wheel or centre-stack touchscreen, drivers can select from four modes: Normal, Sport, Track and a Quiet mode, each offering a signature rumble.

The Dark Horse edition gets some extras over its siblings. Aside from some visual cues, performance enhancements come via auxiliary brake cooling ducts, a transmission cooler and rear axle cooler to improve endurance and recovery. Chassis tuning includes stiffer front springs and uniquely tuned MagneRide shocks.

The Dark Horse also features wider staggered wheels - 19 by 9.5-inch front and 19 by 10-inch rear - with stopping courtesy of Brembo front six piston brakes with 390mm rotors.

Beyond a newly styled exterior lies what Ford calls ‘the most technologically advanced, driver-centric cockpit of any Mustang to date’ that includes a customisable 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 13.2-inch SYNC4 infotainment display in a wraparound setup. All Australian Mustang models come with a B&O Sound System with audio flowing through 12 speakers including a subwoofer.

All models have a leather steering wheel with tilt & telescopic adjustment, cruise and audio controls; leather wrapped electric park/drift brake; dual zone climate control; ambient lighting with customisable colour; electrochromatic frameless rear-view mirror and more, while the Dark Horse edition gets a couple of exclusive items.

November 2023 Motor Trader | 43

Auto news

HYUNDAI RELEASES DETAILS OF 2024 SONATA N LINE

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HE 2024 HYUNDAI Sonata N Line sedan will reach Australia with a revamped interior and exterior and a bucket-load of tech.

The exterior gets an H-lighting signature look at the rear, a spoilershaped boot lid, quad exhaust tips and 19-inch alloy wheels. Six exterior colours are available, including a matte option for the first time.

On the inside, the Sonata N Line features a panoramic curved display that combines the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and new-gen 12.3-inch infotainment system, a 6.6-inch touch-type climate control interface, acoustic laminated front glass, LED ambient mood lighting, front and rear USB-C outlets, and a hands-free power boot-lid.

Hyundai’s Bluelink connected car service is also here, as is a column type, shift-bywire gear selector and the capability for Over-The-Air (OTA) updates.

The 2024 Sonata N Line is available exclusively with a dark grey, suede and

Sonata N Line

Nappa leather-appointed interior featuring red stitching and dashboard highlights.

Other new features include safety elements that join an already extensive list. These include a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Reverse.

Power comes from a 2.5 T-GDi powertrain that offers 213kW/422Nm with that grunt driven through an 8-speed dual clutch transmission to the front wheels.

The 2024 Sonata N Line is available for $55,500 (MLP).

We are the Industry SuperFund for Australian motor trades

Jason Murray, Spirit Super CEO

Consider the PDS and TMD at spiritsuper.com.au/pds before making a decision about Spirit Super. Issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913).

Auto news

Toyota’s LandCruiser 70 Series

UPGRADED TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 70 SERIES RANGE TOUCHES DOWN

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OYOTA’S LANDCRUISER 70 Series range has arrived in Australia, coming in priced from $75,600 plus on-road costs up to $87,600 depending on variant and powertrain choice.

Along with enhancements to exterior styling, comfort and convenience features, and safety technology, the 70 Series introduces a six-speed automatic transmission for the first time, teamed to a 1GD four-cylinder 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine which has also been upgraded.

The new 1GD four-cylinder powertrain will be offered on all LandCruiser 70 Series grades, and is tuned to produce 150kW from 3,000-3,400rpm with 500Nm of torque available across a wide 1,6002,800rpm rev band.

46 | Motor Trader November 2023

THE NEW 1GD FOUR-CYLINDER POWERTRAIN WILL BE OFFERED ON ALL LANDCRUISER 70 SERIES GRADES, AND IS TUNED TO PRODUCE 150KW FROM 3,000-3,400RPM WITH 500NM OF TORQUE AVAILABLE ACROSS A WIDE 1,600-2,800RPM REV BAND. The adoption of the four-cylinder engine comes with a number of mechanical upgrades for the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel powertrain to improve cooling and reliability in heavy-usage scenarios,

starting by increasing the diameter of the cooling fan and adding an isolation crank pulley to reduce the load on the engine’s serpentine belt.

There’s a newly designed oil pan, strainer and oil level sensor and noise, vibration and harshness levels have been reduced by introducing a balance shaft.

Like the 1GD engine, the six-speed automatic transmission has also been upgraded for use in the 70 Series, with a deeper oil pan, optimised oil strainer intake position and newly added oil catch tank.

A transmission guard adds extra underbody protection for the oil pan, while the breather hose has been raised to a height of 900mm to assist water crossing performance.

Inside, there's a larger 6.7-inch touchscreen multimedia system with voice recognition and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster display and a new-look speedometer and tachometer.

New control buttons for multimedia, active safety features and voice recognition have been added on the steering wheel, and the centre console is redesigned, including a centre storage box.

GXL grades gain two new USB-C ports which replace the existing 12V socket, while the 76 Series gains a reversing camera.

Toyota Safety Sense active safety features now include Downhill Assist Control, Road Sign Assist and Lane Departure Alert, joining the existing Pre-Collision System.

The 1VD 4.5-litre turbodiesel V8 engine will continue to be sold alongside the 1GD engine on all variants bar the 76 Series WorkMate, producing 151kW at 3,400rpm and 430Nm of torque from 1,200rpm through to 3,200rpm.

The Landcruiser 70 Series pricing runs from $75,600 for the 76 Series Wagon WorkMate model with the four-cylinder, 2.8-litre turbo diesel, up to $87,600 for the 79 Series double cab chassis GXL model with the 4.5-litre turbo diesel V8.

November 2023 Motor Trader | 47

Auto news

KIA EV5 CONFIRMED FOR AUSTRALIA

K

IA UNVEILED THREE new small to medium-sized electric models at the brand’s EV Day in Korea in October.

The presentation featured the debut of the compact electric SUV, the EV5, as well as two concepts - the Concept EV3 and Concept EV4 (see pages 92 to 96 for more on those).

Kia Australia has confirmed the EV5 will make its way here in 2024, and it looks likely to be another winner for the Korean manufacturer.

The Kia EV5 is built on the brand’s dedicated E-GMP EV platform and draws inspiration from, the company said, the large EV9 SUV. Production of the EV5 will take place in both China and Korea, and the Chinese market will have access to three variations: standard, long-range, and long-range AWD. A GT model is also on the cards.

The standard model, equipped with a 64kWh battery pack and a 160kW motor, is expected to have a driving range of 530km per charge according to the CLTC

48 | Motor Trader November 2023

KIA AUSTRALIA HAS CONFIRMED THE EV5 WILL MAKE ITS WAY HERE IN 2024, AND IT LOOKS LIKELY TO BE ANOTHER WINNER FOR THE KOREAN MANUFACTURER. standards. The long-range model, featuring an 88kWh battery and the same 160kW motor, aims to achieve a range of 720km per charge. The longrange AWD model will feature an 88kWh battery pack and a combined output of 230kW, with a front-wheel 160kW motor and a rear-wheel 70kW motor. With the AWD model, Kia is targeting a driving range of 650km.

Additionally, the model offers fastcharging capability, allowing the battery to be charged from 30 to 80 per cent capacity in 27 minutes.

While the EV5 is destined for Australia,

Kia EV5 specs for models to be available here are uncertain as yet.

However, details on the model that was unveiled include a battery that has been engineered to function effectively through extremes of hot and cold weather with a heat pump system incorporated to manage the battery’s temperature. It also offers regenerative braking and a onepedal system that allows drivers to both slow down and accelerate using a single pedal.

Inside, the EV5 is equipped with cutting-

edge infotainment and connectivity tech, including a connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) infotainment system, and supports over-the-air software updates. It incorporates a Panoramic Wide Display, which combines a 12.3-inch cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment system, along with a 5-inch climate control display. There’s also an optional windshield Head Up Display.

Safety features include seven airbags and the brand’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including

November 2023 Motor Trader | 49

Auto news

Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2), which helps drivers maintain distance, stay centered in a lane, change lanes, and adjust lateral positioning.

There’s also the Kia Digital Key 2 smart key, which can activate the vehicle’s Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2) system. This technology enables the SUV to park itself without the need for driver intervention, whether in or out of the vehicle. The RSPA 2 automatically maneuvers the vehicle into the designated parking space, controlling the accelerator, brakes, and gearshift. The system also automatically applies the brakes if an object representing an obstruction is detected in its path. It also features Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) to prevent collisions with oncoming vehicles when reversing.

Also incorporated in the EV5 is Vehicleto-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functions. With V2L, the high-voltage battery can supply power to external electronic devices. Kia says it will concentrate on rolling out V2G in regions where the necessary infrastructure exists, enabling surplus energy to be shared with the grid.

50 | Motor Trader November 2023

INSIDE, THE EV5 IS EQUIPPED WITH CUTTING-EDGE INFOTAINMENT AND CONNECTIVITY TECH, INCLUDING A CONNECTED CAR NAVIGATION COCKPIT (CCNC) INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM . . .

The EV5 is available with a choice of seats featuring recycled PET fabric and Bio-PU leather coverings. For the Chinese market there are bench-type seats and the centre console armrest incorporates a table and storage.

Features also include relaxation seats that feature a four-mode massage function with three levels of intensity, and comfort seats that have massage air cells, four-way lumbar support, a three-step heater and ventilation function and a footrest.

There’s also a full-flat folding secondrow camping seat and a rear console refrigerator/warmer and a Multi Table luggage board, which can be transformed into a table.

Details on the specs for the Australiabound EV5 will be revealed at a later date.

TWR TO RETURN WITH NEW SUPERCAR

O

NE OF THE most famous names in performance engineering, TWR, will begin a new life as a bespoke performance car constructor.

A force in both the motor racing and performance car worlds, Tom Walkinshaw established the original TWR in 1975 and, for Australians, the company is perhaps most famous for its involvement in V8 The image released by TWR doesn't give much away, but it's exciting nontheless Supercars and HSV (Holden Special Vehicles). But the company and its owner, Tom Walkinshaw, were big players in motorsport and performance cars on a global level.

Now, the TWR name is set to return with Tom Walkinshaw’s son, Fergus Walkinshaw, establishing the new TWR in 2020.

The announcement of a new car is an exciting development for performance fans and given that TWR is a company based in the UK, right-hand drive versions of the Walkinshaw family, and ever since of whatever beast is created would seem the original TWR closed its doors I have to be a sure thing. That bodes well for longed to find a way to continue the family Australian enthusiasts. legacy. Through this new iteration of TWR While details are slim on what car we can not only celebrate the history and might appear – the company released an heritage of the original TWR, but also push image that provides only a glimpse of a car – we can be assured it will offer quite an the boundaries of our projects further than ever before. experience, and possibly something a little “This new generation of TWR is first and different from the super-high-tech offerings foremost an engineering company that that are out there in the supercar world. will make cars, rather than a car maker ‘In a rapidly evolving landscape doing engineering. And that’s an important where so many modern performance cars distinction. We will make use of cuttingare governed by their electronic systems, edge technology, combining new expertise TWR seeks to preserve and perfect the analogue driving experience,’ the company with traditional craft to build world-class products that make a statement of what said in a statement. this new TWR is all about. We aim to build “It gives me a great amount of pride some truly impressive and innovative that the TWR name will live on for a new generation,” said Fergus Walkinshaw. “High- automobiles, unconstrained by the performance engineering runs in the blood rulebooks and styling demands of OEMs.”

“THIS NEW GENERATION OF TWR IS FIRST AND FOREMOST AN ENGINEERING COMPANY THAT WILL MAKE CARS, RATHER THAN A CAR MAKER DOING ENGINEERING . . .”

November 2023 Motor Trader | 51

Auto news

JAGUAR FIRES UP ITS LAST PETROL SPORTS CAR, THE F-TYPE ZP EDITION

B

ACK IN 2021, Jaguar announced it would be an all-electric luxury brand from 2025. With that date now closing in, the company is beginning to say farewell to the internal combustion engine (ICE) and has unveiled what it says will be the last of its ICE-powered sports cars – the F-TYPE ZP Edition.

It’s a ripper of a goodbye, with the limited-edition model boasting an engine, power, and performance that will bring perhaps a wistful smile to petrol-power enthusiasts everywhere.

Just 150 examples of the F-TYPE ZP Edition are to be made, and under the bonnet of the wonderful-looking machine lies a 423kW/700Nm supercharged V8 driving an all-wheel-drive system with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) technology. Performance will undoubtedly

F-TYPE ZP Edition

52 | Motor Trader November 2023

IT’S A RIPPER OF A GOODBYE, WITH THE LIMITED-EDITION MODEL BOASTING AN ENGINE, POWER, AND PERFORMANCE THAT WILL BRING PERHAPS A WISTFUL SMILE TO PETROL-POWER ENTHUSIASTS EVERYWHERE. be blistering, with Jaguar claiming the 0-100 km/h sprint takes 3.7 seconds, while top speed is an electronically limited 300 km/h.

As well as the ZP Edition being the last Jag ICE sports car - and therefore, one would imagine, being eminently collectible - buyers can expect their purchase to be even more special thanks to interior and

exterior details by SV Bespoke – the company’s personalisation service.

Interiors with horizontal seat fluting, plus Gloss Black exterior accents and Gloss Black brake calipers, will pair with F-TYPE ZP Edition branding details on the fenders, Gloss Black Diamond Turned 20-inch forged alloy wheels, tread plates and dashboard. Each car features a ‘One of 150’ SV Bespoke commissioning plaque.

Two F-TYPE ZP Edition colourways are available, recalling the first race-winning ‘Project ZP’ E-types that followed that

model’s launch in 1961. Those are Oulton Blue Gloss paint with Mars Red and Ebony duotone leather interior, and Crystal Grey Gloss paint with Navy Blue and Ebony duotone leather interior. Both feature Porcelain White Gloss hand-painted racing-style roundels on the doors and Porcelain White Gloss grille surrounds.

The company says that Australia will receive 12 Coupés finished in Oulton Blue Gloss paint and 12 Coupés in Crystal Grey Gloss, priced from $373,547 plus on road costs, with deliveries expected in the first quarter of 2024.

CAR BUYING SENTIMENTS SURVEY SHOW AUSSIES WANT NEW CARS ON A BUDGET A NATIONAL SURVEY by online financial brokers Savvy into car buying sentiments has shown that 42 per cent of respondents have their eye set on a brand-new vehicle.

45 per cent of men and 38 per cent of women expressed this view, with numbers staying in the low to mid-40s among most demographics except the 18-24 cohort (34 per cent).

26 per cent of Australians will look for something second hand, while 22 per cent will consider an ex-demo model. Only 4 per cent of Australians will consider an ex-fleet or auction sold car.

Of the 1000 respondents to the survey, 35 per cent said they would spend $25,000

or less; 32 per cent reported they will spend between $26,000-$40,000, while 29 per cent will spend between $40,000-$80,000.

Only 3 per cent said they were prepared to spend more than $80,000.

CLICK TO VIEW THE SURVEY REPORT

November 2023 Motor Trader | 53

Auto news

BYD LAUNCHES THE SEAL ALL-ELECTRIC SEDAN INTO THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET

C

HINA’S BYD BRAND has quickly become a serious player in the local electric vehicle (EV) market since arriving with the Atto 3 late last year. That vehicle has sold well, snapping third place in the all-EV sector behind Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y, and has solid reviews – including from MTA Queensland’s own Scott Gehrke, who has been driving the Atto 3 for the past few months and whose user reports can be read in many of this year’s Motor Trader editions.

In June, BYD launched the Dolphin model, a small EV hatchback pitched as Australia’s cheapest EV at $38,990, and now the company - which sells its models in Australia through distributor EV Direct – has launched the Seal, a handsome-looking five-door sedan which, like the brand’s other models, comes fully

54 | Motor Trader November 2023

stocked with top-notch tech. It also has an appealing price tag which starts at $49,888 for the entry-level version.

To be available in three grades – Dynamic, Premium, and Performance – all of them use BYD’s Blade battery cellto-body technology that integrates the battery into the car’s body structure and which the company says offers greater safety. There's also double wishbone suspension up front and multi-link at the rear, vehicle-to-load functionality, and a massive list of driver assistance and safety (ADAS) features. Standard inclusions are nine airbags, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Driver fatigue Monitoring, Rear-Cross Traffic Alert and Braking, Adaptive Cruise-Control and Lane Keeping Assistance, and Child Presence Detection.

BYD Seal Power and energy for the Dynamic model comes via 61.4kWh Blade battery pack and a 150kW/310Nm motor powering the rear wheels. BYD claims the Dynamic can reach 100km/h in 7.5 seconds and has a combined cycle range (WLTP) of 460km.

Charging can be done at up to 110kW at a DC fast charger.

The Premium has an 82.56kWh blade

battery set-up and a 230kW/360Nm motor powering the rear wheels. It can reach the 100km/h mark in 5.9 seconds and has a claimed combined cycle range (WLTP) OF 570km. DC fast charging at up to 150kW is available.

The top-of-the-range Performance model is just that – with some pretty eye-catching performance figures being

November 2023 Motor Trader | 55

Auto news

achieved via a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive set-up. Fitted with the 82.56kWh battery delivering a range of 520km (WLTP) as well as Intelligent Torque Adaption Control (ITAC), the Performance model’s two motors – 160kW/310Nm up front and 230kW/360Nm at the rear – means maximum output of 390kW/670Nm is on hand and 100km/h can be reached in a very swift 3.8 seconds. As with the Premium model, charging can be done at up to 150kW at a DC fast charger.

Styling and design is, as we have come to expect from almost all EVs, sleek and slippery, with the Seal boasting a drag coefficient of 0.219. The Dynamic sits on 18inch alloy wheels, while the Premium and Performance models have 19-inch wheels.

Inside, the premium-looking interior offers full connectivity including Bluetooth, Android Auto, wired Apple CarPlay, sat-nav and two wireless phone charging docks. Functions are controlled by a 15.6-inch infotainment touch screen which can also be electrically rotated to either landscape or portrait orientation.

There’s a 10.25-inch LCD instrumentation display, and a Head-Up Display in the Premium and Performance models too. BYD’s specification sheet claims all models will have Over-The-Air update functionality.

56 | Motor Trader November 2023

The BYD Seal also features a large silver-plated panoramic glass roof with an attachable sunshade, voice-recognition and plenty of USB and charging ports throughout the cabin.

Luke Todd, EVDirect CEO was very upbeat about the launch of the Seal.

“This really is a significant moment in the Australian automotive industry,” he said in a media release. “When I first founded EVDirect the objective was to bring the world’s best electric vehicle technology to Australia and do so in an affordable manner. I’m confident we have delivered. With the launch of the Seal from just $49,888 drive away. This truly is beyond what even I believed we could achieve. This now means that BYD has three of the highest-quality electric vehicles on sale in Australia for under $50,000. This is many years ahead of where most pundits and automotive experts predicted the Australian EV market would be in and I’m very proud of BYD and our team to have been able to achieve this for the Australian public.”

The BYD Seal can be ordered now from the BYD website, with first deliveries expected in December 2023/ January 2024. Pricing is currently marked as $49,888 for the Dynamic model, $58,798 for the Premium, and $68,748 for the Performance.

BUILD YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF HYBRID AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY.

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NEW VEHICLE MARKET ON A RECORD-SETTING RUN

58 | Motor Trader November 2023

Mike Mareen / Shutterstock.com

A

NOTHER GOOD RESULT for the new vehicle market in October saw 106,809 vehicle deliveries being recorded. That number is an increase of 19,510, or 22.3 per cent, compared to October 2022. It also means the Australian market has marched past the one million Ford Ranger figure for the year so far.

The results, revealed by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) VFACTS Service showed every State and Territory increased compared to the same month last year, with Queensland notching an uptick of 16.4 per cent with 21,937 sales.

The Australian Capital Territory was up 18.9 per cent (1,552); New South Wales 22.8 per cent (33,001); South Australia 20 per cent (6,677); Tasmania 20.8 per cent (1,996); Victoria 32 per cent (30,740); Western Australia 12.3 per cent (10,166) and Northern Territory 1.9 per cent (740).

Toyota was the highest selling marque with 20,298 sales. Mazda followed with 9,316 then Ford (8,605), Hyundai (6,620) and Mitsubishi (6,395).

The Ford Ranger was the top-selling vehicle, recording 6,215 sales. It was followed by Toyota HiLux (5,766), Isuzu Ute D-Max (3,198) Toyota RAV4 (2,598) and Toyota Landcruiser (2561).

38.3 per cent of sales were either in light commercial utes, large, or upper large SUVs vehicle categories. Electric vehicle (EV) sales softened to 6,057, representing

THE FORD RANGER WAS THE TOPSELLING VEHICLE, RECORDING 6,215 SALES. IT WAS FOLLOWED BY TOYOTA HILUX (5,766), ISUZU UTE D-MAX (3,198) TOYOTA RAV4 (2,598) AND TOYOTA LANDCRUISER (2561).

5.7 per cent of the market – down from 8 per cent in September.

"The Australian market has demonstrated incredible strength and vitality throughout 2023, culminating in Australia reaching one million sales in October for the first time,” said Tony Weber, FCAI Chief Executive.

"After some challenging years through COVID, this milestone speaks to the range of vehicles available to consumers, affirming Australia's position as one of the world's most dynamic and competitive markets. It also reflects vastly improved supply chains.”

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Workplace relations

EVANGELINE KANNIS SENIOR WORKPLACE RELATIONS ADVISOR

EMPLOYERS CONCERNED ABOUT RISE OF EMPLOYEE 'ADVOCATES' IN FWC

E

MPLOYERS ARE INCREASINGLY concerned about Unfortunately, there is no official data on the proportion facing claims in the Fair Work Commission from of applications involving 'paid agents' (non-legal workers who are represented by people without representatives) that are discontinued or dismissed. appropriate qualifications.

PUBLIC WARNING ISSUED It is clear both employees and employers are incurring In December 2020, the ACCC issued a public warning notice unnecessary costs – in money, time and effort – because about the alleged conduct of Dismissals Direct Pty Ltd, trading employees are receiving substandard advice. as Unfair Dismissals Direct. Notably that company did not offer Examples include where the representatives, some of legal services but acted as a paid agent on a ‘no win, no fee’ whom advertise themselves as specialists in unfair dismissal basis and deducted its fees from final settlements for clients. applications, appear not to have looked at employment The ACCC had received complaints leading them to have contracts before making a claim, resulting in actions without reasonable grounds to suspect that Unfair Dismissals Direct merit reaching conciliation stage before employees are may have engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct and advised they have little or no prospect of success. made false or misleading representations.

And although the FWC is a 'no costs' jurisdiction, despite MTA Queensland members may obtain experienced the ones that purport to operate on a 'no-win, no-fee' specialised advice and assistance in dismissal matters and basis, some representatives do end up charging workers a representations to the FWC. significant fee if their claim is ‘withdrawn’.

The content in these articles is only general advice.

Employers have described these representatives as It is advisable to seek the independent advice of "opportunistic", taking advantage of vulnerable relevant experts. MTA Queensland’s Workplace CLICK TO workers who don't know any better, and engaging Relations advisory services help business in VISIT THE MEMBER in behaviour that is prohibited among lawyers (who MTAQ investigations and disciplinary matters.

PORTAL Ph 07 3237 8777 to find out more. are regulated by state and territory legal bodies).

60 | Motor Trader November 2023

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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MTA Institute News

MARCELLO RIOTTO DIRECTOR, MTA INSTITUTE

I

WRITE THIS MONTH’S MTA Institute passage sitting in Vancouver, Canada, in transit to Las Vegas for the 2023 SEMA show.

It occurred to me how fortunate I am for choosing a career in automotive and how it's opened so many doors for me.

This message, on how our industry can provide broad and prosperous career opportunities needs to be spread far and wide.

From career advisors, to parents, to influencers and of course the students themselves who are our future workforce.

2024 will see the MTA Institute forge into more schools, deliver more preemployment programs and work with MTA Queensland and its members to spread the word in all parts of the state.

It's not long to wait now until our 2023 Apprentice of the Year is crowned at the MTA Queensland Industry Awards Gala on the 11th of November. The winner will not only have the prestigious 2023 winners title, but thanks to Gates will

“2024 WILL SEE THE MTA INSTITUTE FORGE INTO MORE SCHOOLS, DELIVER MORE PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS AND WORK WITH MTA QUEENSLAND AND ITS MEMBERS TO SPREAD THE WORD IN ALL PARTS OF THE STATE.” enjoy a week in the Penrite Racing garage in early 2024 working on their supercar and also receive a Milwaukee tool kit.

Well, off to SEMA now, so expect a full debrief on my return.

November 2023 Motor Trader | 63

2023 AP P RE N YE AR AWA R D

2022 MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year finalists

M

TA QUEENSLAND WILL be hosting its Industry Awards Gala Dinner at the W Hotel in Brisbane on the evening of Saturday, 11 November.

Bringing all sectors of the automotive industry together to celebrate the achievements of MTA Queensland members, MTA Institute apprentices, and the industry as a whole, the evening will be hosted by Ben Davis from Channel Seven, who will be joined by a very special guest - three-time Supercars champ and seven-time Bathurst winner motor racing legend Craig Lowndes.

That will be pretty special, but the

64 | Motor Trader November 2023

highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the winners of the MTA Queensland awards. In last month’s edition of Motor Trader, we published the details of the amazing individuals and businesses that are finalists in the Community award, the Innovation award, the Women In Industry award, and the newly established Small Business award and Large Business award categories.

In this month’s edition we focus on the incredibly talented group of finalists in the running for the MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year award.

N T ICE OF T HE D FI N ALIS TS

2022 MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year Award Winner, Britain Leotta Over the past year, each of these finalists appeared in Motor Trader as winners of the Apprentice of the Month award. We have updated their stories and you can read all about them across the next few pages.

They are the future of the automotive industry and represent fields of endeavour from across industry sectors - with autoelectrical, light vehicle, mobile plant, and body repair apprentices all featuring in the list of finalists. In an industry that is undergoing such rapid change, with technological advances arriving at whirlwind pace, these finalists have

excelled in approaching their work, studies and the challenges with passion and dedication.

While there can be only one name announced as the award winner, it must be noted what an achievement it is to be part of this group of 12. The MTA Institute (RTO No. 31529) trains more than 2,200 apprentices across the state, and to be judged as one of the best amongst so many is quite remarkable.

Congratulations to them all on their achievements so far, and good luck on the night!

November 2023 Motor Trader | 65

2 023 AP P REN T IC E

OF THE

MELISSA SMITH APPRENTICESHIP: AUTO-ELECTRICAL EMPLOYER: CRANK AUTO ELECTRICS & AIR CONDITIONING, BRISBANE MELISSA SMITH was the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for September 2022.

The 36-year-old is now in the fourth year of her auto-electrical apprenticeship and works at Crank Auto Electrics and Air Conditioning at Deception Bay, north of Brisbane.

While Melissa is, according to her MTA Institute trainer, ‘one of the most dedicated and professional apprentices I have ever trained’, there is more to her involvement with Crank than being an apprentice toiling to earn her trade certificate.

Melissa is co-owner of the business with her husband Cameron, and as well as helping out in the workshop and keeping up with her studies, she does the administration and bookwork for the business too. On top of that, the couple are bringing up three young children. A harder working, more dedicated duo would be hard to find.

Taking on an auto electrical apprenticeship was not something that Melissa considered as a career when she was younger, but when Cameron, who also did his training with the MTA Institute, left his job with a small auto-electrical business in 2016, the couple decided to go it alone, starting Crank as a mobile business. It was a brave move.

“We’d just had our twins, we had $500 in the bank, and we bought a $600 Kia hatchback for Cameron to get around in with his tools in the back!” said Melissa. “Our daughter arrived a year later, so Cameron was doing just about everything for a while.”

66 | Motor Trader November 2023

As things began to settle, Melissa was able to help out.

“Once I was back on my feet after our daughter arrived, I started getting into the administration and accounting side of things,” she said. “In 2018, we moved into a shop, but we had a few difficulties and moved to where we are at the moment.

That was at the end of 2019.”

Taking on the apprenticeship can be attributed to Melissa’s single-minded character and partly to the fact she bumped regularly into the prejudices of those who didn’t believe she knew enough about the business in which she was working.

“Once we had kids, I did all the paperwork of the business and it was more that people would have a dig at me that I didn’t understand the industry,” she said. “And I was thinking, ‘I’ll get into it then!’. I like knowing everything, so if I couldn’t explain something 100 per cent, it irritated me. As soon as someone says I can’t do something it makes we want to do it even more!”

Today, Melissa is well-skilled and able to work on complex and tricky tasks. She does, she said, like a challenge, and as Crank offers a wide variety of services, she gets to enjoy plenty of them.

“We do performance builds, body and engine swaps, 4WDs, accessories like winches, full kit outs, air conditioning – anything to do with auto-electric work, we can do it,” she said.

“I enjoy doing the full builds – top-to-tail

E Y EAR AWA R D

FIN ALIS TS

rewires, and troubleshooting the computer on a mechanic and a fabricator and offer side of things. That is one of Cameron’s everything required for a car build to be strengths and watching him troubleshoot completely custom. and diagnose is quite something. It is “That’s our absolute dream,” she said. astounding how he works it all out.”

“I am a realist and that might take time, As small business owners, Melissa and but we are hoping the business will be Cameron can work epically long hours, but generational and be a little empire for the the couple are, Melissa said, content with kids to take on. We have big dreams, and I the progress they are making. Recently they don’t think we can stop!” brought on a school-based apprentice who Melissa said she was very proud to be a will begin working at Crank full time from finalist for the Apprentice of the Year award mid-November. and will be attending the Awards Gala with “We work hard but get the a support group including her parents, satisfaction of seeing the business CLICK sister and husband Cameron.

TO VISIT THE develop,” she said. “If you want to “I am feeling anxious,” she said.

CRANK AUTO keep going and get somewhere in “I am extremely humbled and still ELECTRICS & AIR life, you have to put the work in.

CONDITIONING processing it and I hope all the WEBSITE “Our plan is to eventually other finalists feel the same way I be a one-stop shop for cars to do, because I am truly grateful for come to and go through a startit. It’s a big deal. A big honour.” to-finish process. We’d love to take

JARED ROGERS APPRENTICESHIP: MOBILE PLANT EMPLOYER: CCC RURAL, ALPHA JARED ROGERS was the MTA Institute apprentice of the month back in October 2022.

When Motor Trader spoke with the 17-year-old late last year after he picked up that award, Jared was working on his mobile plant apprenticeship with CCC Rural, a business that runs a number of large cattle properties and is based near the town of Alpha, about 400km west of Rockhampton and 160km west of Emerald.

Jared has impressed everyone with his work ethic, ability, and developing skills, and he is getting what might be considered

a uniquely Australian experience from his apprenticeship.

Working on a huge variety of machinery, Jared’s job sees him maintaining and repairing equipment either at the CCC workshop or out and about on the company’s properties that pepper the vast outback region.

You’ve got to be a little bit tough out here as the climate can be extreme, the days can be long, and the work may have to be done in some pretty remote spots.

“I work on anything from bulldozers to cars, prime mover trucks, graders,

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2 023 A P P RENT ICE loaders, right down to little Honda pumps and even lawnmowers,” said Jared. “I work on all sorts of stuff, and I love it!

“Sometimes we have to travel to fix them, or we may have to go out and do that work on other properties. It’s nearly 400km from one property to another so if something breaks down there, we go and camp down for a couple of nights. It’s a lot of fun.

“In the summer, mid-40s is a half-cool day out here and when you wake up at 5 o’clock it can already be 35 degrees,” he added with a chuckle. “In the winter, it gets down to negative 5 or 6. It makes you sweat all summer and you can’t get out of a jumper all winter!

“Our biggest issue is getting parts,” he said. “It might take a week for something to come by freight so sometimes, when we need something in a hurry, we might drive to Emerald or even Rocky to get parts.”

In the next few weeks, Jared will be joining another business in the region to further his diesel/plant experience and training – a move supported by CCC Rural who want to see him broaden and develop his knowledge and skills.

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However, being born and raised in the Alpha area, Jared has no intention of leaving the region once he completes his trade. Instead, living and working there, and helping more young people gain a trade, is the first thing he mentioned when asked about where his future might lie.

“Once I am qualified, I think I might like to start my own little mobile business and work in the remote communities out here,” he said. “I’d like to maybe help out other apprentices too when I am qualified.”

Unfortunately, family commitments have scuppered Jared’s plans to attend the Awards Gala but he said he was proud to be amongst the finalists and keen, but a little anxious, to hear who will be announced as Apprentice of the Year.

“I would have loved to have been there,” he said. “And I am a little bit nervous.

You’re up against a lot of good apprentices in the industry.

“I would be over the moon if I won it, especially coming from a little town in regional Queensland. It would show that you don’t have to be in the big smoke to achieve big things.”

AIDEN ZEMIT APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE EMPLOYER: FORMULA AUTOMOTIVE, BRISBANE AIDEN ZEMIT was the MTA Institute apprentice of the month for November 2022.

Now well into the third year of his light vehicle apprenticeship, the 21-yearold works at Formula Automotive, a

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mechanical workshop in the Brisbane suburb of Greenslopes, and has impressed his employer and MTA Institute trainer with his enthusiasm, inquisitive thinking, commitment, and growing skill set.

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Aiden said cars had always appealed to “It felt pretty good when that happened,” him and he began to pursue his dream to said Aiden. “We get a good variety of work in the industry as soon as he was able. work and there is not much that comes “Since the beginning, I knew this is through the doors that Peter doesn’t trust what I wanted to do,” he said. “I did a me to do. pre-vocational Certificate II course in “I enjoy it all, but I do particularly like high school and then went to work as an the bigger jobs where you get a bit more apprentice at a dealership.” variety,” he added. “I’ve done quite a few The dealership experience was not engine swaps and clutches, and I always quite what Aiden had hoped, and a few enjoy them.” months into his apprenticeship he was Aiden has begun to think about able to move to Formula Automotive, a what direction his career may go. For the shop that offers a wide variety of services moment, his interest lies in the to its customers – from diagnostics and 4WD sector. engine tuning to engine replacement, “I do think about electric vehicles," he from installation of 4WD accessories to said. “I know they are coming, and that auto electrical services and everything in there’ll be more training for them, but I between – on any make and model. have considered going into a specialist It was a bit of good fortune that area like 4WDs. Maybe I will look at enabled Aiden to find his way to Formula specialising in that part of the industry.”

Automotive. His partner’s father works Aiden will be unable to make it to the there as a mechanic, and when Aiden Industry Awards Gala but recognised offered to help swap an engine what an achievement it was to be CLICK in one of the family vehicles, chosen as a finalist from so many TO VISIT THE FORMULA he found himself at the shop MTA Institute students.

AUTOMOTIVE chipping in and making a good “It will be a tight-run thing – WEBSITE impression on the shop owner, there are more than 2000 MTA Peter Anastasas. That impression Institute apprentices, so it will be was good enough for Peter to offer tight,” he said. “I am proud and still Aiden a job. surprised to be a finalist!”

TYE BUGEJA APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE EMPLOYER: SMITHFIELD AUTOMOTIVE, CAIRNS TYE BUGEJA was the MTA Institute apprentice of the month for December 2022.

The 21-year-old, who works at Smithfield Automotive in Cairns, completed his apprenticeship in July and, according

to Antony Joslin, his MTA Institute trainer, Tye’s enthusiasm and dedication to learning the trade made him an outstanding student.

“He consistently demonstrated a

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fantastic work ethic in both his day-to-day model, Tye has plenty of experience work and in his training . . . he is a credit to working on all manner of jobs on all sorts of himself and his workshop,” said Antony. vehicles fitted with all types of technology.

Working at Smithfield Automotive was “We’ve had Falcons from the 1970s to always a possible career path for Tye. brand new vehicles come through,” he said.

Owned and run by his parents, Louise and “And I enjoy all aspects of what we do. It Gary, who started the business 18 years just depends on the car!” ago, Smithfield Automotive offers the full Tye has considered the direction his range of mechanical services on petrol and career may take and, not surprisingly, it diesel vehicles of all makes and models. revolves around building on the work of However, while Tye’s family have been his parents and the business they have involved the industry for many years, developed over two decades. it was not always a sure thing that Tye “I’ve always been around the workshop, would follow that path, but an unfortunate and I’ve watched mum and dad run things, accident would see his father injured and and we have kind of planned it so that a young Tye step up to help out – a move when I completed my apprenticeship, my that would see him realise that automotive dad is going to lean off of the workshop and might really be a career he could pursue. let me take over,” he said. “I’ve had to do it a “I was always interested because I used few times and, hopefully, I’ll be able to take to race motorbikes, so Dad always had over more and more. That’s the plan.” me on the tools working on bikes. But I Tye will be attending the Industry wasn’t really looking at mechanical Awards Gala with his family and said as a career,” said Tye. “However, he was really looking forward CLICK when I was finishing school, my to being there, though a little TO VISIT THE SMITHFIELD dad had an accident with his anxious.

AUTOMOTIVE foot and couldn’t work for a year, “I am very keen to go and WEBSITE so I chipped in, enjoyed it and a bit nervous,” he said. “But I decided to do my trade.” am looking forward to seeing With Smithfield Automotive and meeting other people in the offering services on any make and industry and the other finalists.”

LIAM SHAKESPEARE APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE EMPLOYER: FULCRUM SUSPENSION SPECIALISTS, CAPALABA LIAM SHAKESPEARE was the MTA Institute apprentice of the month for January 2023.

The 19-year-old is reaching the end of his second year as a light vehicle apprentice

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with Fulcrum Suspension Specialists in Capalaba, south of Brisbane, and is proving to be an excellent student, impressing his employer and his MTA Institute trainer with his skills and his enthusiasm to learn.

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Liam’s abilities have been impressive mechanical workshop,” he said. “We do enough that in November last year he mostly suspension work, and re-bushing, picked up the Fulcrum Suspension wheel alignments and so on. I love the work Superstar award which is given to the I do and am trusted with most jobs. highest achieving technician across the “We work on all makes and models – company, Australia-wide. sports cars, 4x4s, anything. There’s lots of That’s a pretty good start to a fledgling variety comes through the shop and being career, and working with cars is something that we are suspension specialists we do Liam enjoys immensely. get a few interesting requests – that don’t “I eat, sleep and breathe cars!” he said. always get approved!”

“Ever since I got my learners I’ve loved While Liam has a while to go before every bit of it, and had my own car – a 2000 finishing his apprenticeship, he has some Suzuki Jimny – which I pretty much rebuilt ideas about what direction his career and did everything I could to it!” might take.

The enthusiasm that was sparked “I’ll always stay in this industry,” in Liam was helped along by an older he said. “And I’d be quite interested in brother, also a light vehicle apprentice. looking at custom work at some point – “He works at Athena Automatics in custom fabrication and modifications.

Tingalpa, and we had plenty of conversations Maybe I’ll start my own business one day. about cars,” he said with a chuckle.

That would be great.”

As a second-year apprentice, Liam gets Liam will be attending the Industry Awards to work on most of the jobs that come Gala and will have plenty of support with through the Fulcrum Capalaba him as his partner, parents, brothers CLICK TO VISIT workshop. While these are mostly and “all of my colleagues” are THE FULCRUM related to suspension and other coming along to enjoy the event.

SUSPENSION undercar technologies, he does, He said that it was already a great SPECIALISTS WEBSITE he said, get to work on more achievement to be named a finalist. regular mechanical jobs too.

“It is very exciting,” he said.

“Every so often we do servicing, “I am very surprised and glad to but it isn’t as common as at a regular have got this far.”

LEVI FLANDERS APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE EMPLOYER: ROCKHAMPTON VW LEVI FLANDERS was the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for February 2023.

The 19-year-old is just about to start the fourth year of his Light Vehicle apprenticeship with Rockhampton

VW and is proving to be a top-notch employee and student, impressing with his enthusiasm for both the work and training, with his employer stating that Levi “has been an inspiration not only to the other

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apprentices but to the more experienced vehicles, so Levi has the opportunity to mechanics also with his positive attitude work on a wide range of vehicles, as well and willingness to learn.” as being exposed to the latest automotive Having been interested in cars since he technology in the form of the batterywas a young lad, and encouraged to take electric cars from MG. opportunities and seek out experiences While he still has plenty of training to when they arose, Levi successfully applied do with regards to EV technology, the for the apprenticeship with Rockhampton exposure to them now is invaluable, and he VW after completing Year 11 at school. is excited about the direction the industry “I’d always been into cars,” he said. “My is taking. stepdad had a Clubsport and my dad also “Because MG already has an electric car wanted me to get used to all aspects of on the market, we are involved with them life – mechanical, being outdoors, working a little bit . . . I am excited to learn anything hard and so on – so I’ve always been and everything about cars and learn more around, and wanted to work on, cars.” and get better every day. Whatever gets This appreciation for cars, coupled with thrown at me I take on and do to the best a decent work ethic, has proved to be of my ability,” he said. something of gamechanger for Levi who While Levi has almost completed his had got himself into some trouble in his apprenticeship, he is not thinking too far youth. However, thanks in great part to a ahead and is keen to focus on improving supportive employer and teammates, he his skills and becoming a better mechanic. managed to avoid travelling any further “I hope I’ll be still working here because down that potentially damaging road.

I do love it,” he said when asked where his “At the time around when I started the career might take him in a few years’ time. apprenticeship, I was hanging around “However, if I am not here, then hopefully with the wrong crowd, getting into some I am somewhere still doing the best I can mischievous stuff and it took me a bit to and trying to get better.” realise what I was doing and change the Levi will be travelling down from way I was acting,” said Levi. “And that Rockhampton to attend the Industry was mainly because of the boys in the Awards Gala with his mum and said he was workshop. It feels like a family. They were looking forward to the night and excited to always there to support me and it changed meet new and “like-minded people.” my mindset. They treat you like you are one Acknowledging that all the finalists for of their own and, no matter what you do, the Apprentice of the Year award were if you are truthful and respectful towards outstanding, Levi said that whether he was them you get the same treatment back.” announced as the winner or not, being Today, Levi’s attention is fully a finalist was a proud moment.

CLICK on becoming the best mechanic “You do want to get the TO VISIT THE he can be, and he gets that Apprentice of the Year award,” ROCKHAMPTON opportunity at the Rockhampton he said. “But if you don’t, you have VW WEBSITE VW workshop. The business to congratulate the person who also comprises MG and LDV does get it because they’re in the dealerships and also sells used same position.”

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R YA N M AT T H E W S APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE EMPLOYER: TYE’S REMOTE MECHANICAL, NORTH QUEENSLAND RYAN MATTHEWS was the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for March 2023.

The 25-year-old light vehicle apprentice is about to complete his training and has been working for Tye’s Remote Mechanical in North Queensland since 2021. According to his MTA Institute trainer Antony Joslin, he displays an attitude that is always positive, he will independently research and apply knowledge, and he is ‘polite, wellpresented, and an asset to his employer.’

Based out of a cattle station a few kilometres from Georgetown – a small township of around 400 people located 380km southwest of Cairns – Tye’s Remote Mechanical offers services on a wide range of vehicles and machinery. From cars to trucks, from tractors to bobcats and everything in between, Ryan works with business owner Tye Ryan to keep all manner of vehicles and machinery running. And it’s not just for the residents of Georgetown.

Cattle stations dot the region and repairing and maintaining the equipment used by contract mustering crews is part of Tye’s Remote Mechanical’s regular work.

Mustering is, in fact, how Ryan began his working life. Leaving school after completing Year 10, Ryan joined a mustering crew working the Gulf Country and he enjoyed that rugged life enough to stay for five years.

For those that don’t know, mustering crews are usually a group of 8 to 10 people who live and work on cattle station land

and, for much of the year, round up cattle, brand calves and sort them for sale. It is a lifestyle Ryan loves, but he always had the desire to complete an apprenticeship – a wish that was spurred on by the fact that a mustering crew needs to maintain the motorbikes, trucks and other machinery they use.

“When we were contract mustering, we had to do 99 per cent of the work on our vehicles,” said Ryan. “We used them every day, so they had to be working.”

Eventually, the opportunity to take on an apprenticeship came along, and Ryan grabbed it.

“I loved the lifestyle of mustering, so I stayed with that for a while,” said Ryan.

“But when I was 21, I went and saw some family friends – Martin and Judy Vemeer who ran Atherton Mechanical Services – and they offered me an apprenticeship.”

Fortuitously, Tye Ryan was just about to finish up his own apprenticeship at the shop just as Ryan was starting his.

“I have known Tye since I was about 15,” said Ryan. “His parents ran a contract mustering crew and we met each other then and had a few bits and pieces to do with each other over the years.

“When he finished his apprenticeship, he came out here and set himself up with a workshop. He’d had that going for a couple of years when I started to look to move back here.”

Moving in part to be with his girlfriend,

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who works on outback stations, and partly “I would like to get more training and be to get back to the Georgetown region, Ryan better with the electrical side of vehicles reached out to Tye who took him on as an because that is something that is really apprentice. sought after out here,” he said. “I do think While Ryan had started his about EVs too and would like to do a apprenticeship with another training course and get up to speed on them.” provider, a change in ownership at Previously, Ryan had said he would look Atherton Mechanical Services would see to set himself up as a mobile mechanic him swap over to the MTA Institute. He and work station-to-station. Now, with stayed with the Institute when he moved the completion of his apprenticeship to Georgetown – something that has imminent, he is taking steps to prepare proved useful when considering the town’s for that move. remote location and that the Institute’s “I have started to set up a work trailer, so educational model sees the trainer go to the that will happen but there’s no rush – I am apprentice’s workshop to deliver training. not ‘champing at the bit’,” he said.

“Antony coming here is great,” said Ryan.

As for the Industry Awards Gala, Ryan “I can chip away at my own study and know said he would be making the long trip what I need to be looking at and learning down to Brisbane along with his partner and can focus on it. With him coming here, and some family members. He is, he said, it’s one-on-one and I can ask my own excited to be a part of the night but still questions and it is a good system.” somewhat shocked to be a finalist.

CLICK Ryan has given some thought “I am proud about it, but I still TO VISIT THE TYE’S REMOTE to what happens next with his haven’t got my head around it MECHANICAL career. Not surprisingly, one properly yet!” he said. “It is a bit WEBSITE spent in outback Queensland is hard to believe, but I am really likely, with more training on the looking forward to the night and to cards too. meeting the other finalists.”

EMMA MANZELMANN APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE EMPLOYER : JE T MAINTENANCE SERVICE S, MACKAY EMMA MANZELMANN was the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for April 2023.

You may have heard Emma’s name before, especially if you are a fan of Rugby League. The 21-year-old, third-year light vehicle apprentice is one of Australia’s top rugby league players and her list of

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accomplishments is extensive. They include twice being named Player of the Year for the North Queensland Gold Stars in the QRL (Queensland Rugby League) BHP Premiership, being part of the 2019 Queensland Women’s under-18 State of Origin squad and winning the 2022 NRLW Premiership title with the Newcastle Knights.

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“I WANT TO GET MY TRADE . . . I WANT TO FINISH MY APPRENTICESHIP, AND THEN, HOPEFULLY, PLAY FOOTBALL AND THEN COME BACK TO AUTOMOTIVE WHEN THAT FOOTBALL CAREER IS FINISHED.”

Earlier this year, Emma became the first signing for the new North Queensland Cowboys NRLW team and stamped her name in the club’s history books by becoming the team’s first try scorer and becoming the club’s inaugural NRLW Cowboy of the Year. In what has been a memorable year, Emma was also named in the national Jillaroo’s squad, debuting in a clash with New Zealand in the Pacific was the bigger, more complex jobs that she Championships Women competition in enjoyed the most. “The bigger jobs are more October. interesting, and time goes heaps quicker!”

While her sporting career flourishes, Given the pressures and expectations Emma – mindful in part of the relatively of playing sport at the highest level, short career of a professional sportsperson Emma’s automotive training does take – continues to work hard at forging a path a back seat during the playing season, in the automotive industry too, working to with both Jet Maintenance Services and complete her apprenticeship with Mackaythe MTA Institute happy to pause that based Jet Maintenance Services, a company apprenticeship training and then pick it that provides mechanical, auto electrical, back up again when she is ready. and onsite field services for light vehicle, At just 21, Emma has plenty of years and mechanical machinery and equipment. ahead of her in Rugby League, but the As Emma told Motor Trader earlier automotive industry is, she said, where her this year, picking automotive for a career future lies once her playing days are over. after her playing days are over was a “I want to get my trade . . . and natural choice.

CLICK TO have that certificate behind “I grew up on a property and VISIT THE JET me,” she said. “I want to finish was always helping dad with MAINTENANCE SERVICES my apprenticeship, and then, fixing things, but it was more WEBSITE hopefully, play football and then tractors and loaders and that sort come back to automotive when of thing,” she said. “I wasn’t scared that football career is finished.” to get dirty or anything, so I thought Sadly, Emma wont be able to I’d just give it a go. I didn’t really know if attend the Industry Awards Gala.

I’d enjoy it, but I love it . . . ” However, having secured her position as Starting out as a trade assistant before a finalist for the Apprentice of the Year taking on her apprenticeship, Emma now award after being named an Apprentice of works on all manner of vehicles and jobs the Month winner, Emma said at the time that come through the Jet Maintenance that she was proud to be named amongst facility. the top MTA Institute apprentices.

“We work on cars and trucks, and we see “It is very exciting and I am very honoured quite a few vehicles that need repairs or . . . ,” she said. “I am very grateful to have such servicing and that need to be made mining site-compliant,” she said, adding that it great support around me.”

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L I A M WAT T APPRENTICESHIP: BODY REPAIR TECHNOLOGY EMPLOYER: M C CARTHY PANEL WORK S, MACKAY

C O O P E R S PA N E L & PA I N T, M A C K AY LIAM WATT was the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for May 2023.

The 22-year-old is in the fourth year of his Body Repair Technology (panel beater) and completed the majority of his apprenticeship with McCarthy Panel Works in Mackay, although he has moved in recent months to another shop – Coopers Panel & Paint, also in Mackay.

Determined and enthusiastic in his work, Liam has, said his trainer Shane Palmer, proven to be an outstanding employee and apprentice. He is already an award-winning apprentice too, having picked up Car Craft’s Second-Year Apprentice of the Year Award.

While he is enjoying and excelling in his role as an apprentice collision repairer, it took a bit of time for Liam to decide that a career in that sector was for him.

After graduating from school, he wasn’t sure what direction to go, and took on a few odd jobs. However, he had always been interested in cars – and had tried his hand at the mechanical and body repair of his own car – so began to apply for roles, mechanical and otherwise, at local shops. Alerted to an CLICK TO VISIT THE opportunity at a local COOPERS PANEL collision repairer, & PAINT WEBSITE Liam applied, deciding to give it a go to see how things went.

He’s never looked back.

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Realising he had a passion for collision repair, 12 months after starting his apprenticeship he sought a move to McCarthy Panel Works – a shop that has serviced the Mackay region for more than 50 years, has recently expanded to include a new facility focused on the repair of electric and hybrid vehicles and which is now also a Tesla Repair Centre.

As a fourth-year apprentice, and now under the guidance of new employers at Coopers Panel & Paint, Liam said he was able to take on lots of jobs to work towards completing his training.

“It was another opportunity to come here,” he said. “I am doing more restoration work, and I have been able to do more modules for my apprenticeship – I’ve done multiple pillar repairs, inners and outers, and rear walls on a ute - and I am pretty ahead in terms of my time.”

When he does qualify, and because of the continuing electrification of the industry,

“GIVEN THE NUMBER OF ELECTRIC CARS THERE WILL BE IN THE FUTURE I WAS THINKING ABOUT THE AUTOELECTRICAL PATH. I’LL WAIT AND SEE UNTIL I HAVE GOT MY TICKET, BUT THAT IS THE WAY I FEEL IT IS GOING”

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there may still be some training in Gala, but he said he was immensely proud Liam’s future. to be a finalist for the Apprentice of the “Given the number of electric cars there Year award. And while he hopes to win, will be in the future I was thinking about he said it was great to see the hard work the auto-electrical path,” he said put in by all the finalists being CLICK when talking to Motor Trader acknowledged in this way and, win TO VISIT THE when he won the Apprentice of or lose, he was proud to be a part MCCARTHY the Month award. “I’ll wait and of it.

PANEL WORKS WEBSITE see until I have got my ticket, but “It is a great feeling to be that is the way I feel it is going.” recognised,” he said. “And it’s Unfortunately, Liam will be great either way, but it would be unable to attend the Industry Award awesome to win!”

DY L LO N B ROW N E APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE EMPLOYER : HERVE Y BAY RENT A CAR, HERVE Y BAY DYLLON BROWNE was the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for June 2023.

The 20-year-old is in the third year of his Light Vehicle Mechanical apprenticeship and since 2021 has worked at Hervey Bay Rent A Car in the coastal tourism hotspot of Hervey Bay, three hours north of Brisbane.

While the name might suggest a car hire enterprise, part of the Hervey Bay Rent A Car business is also a full-service workshop, with owner David Taylor and his team offering mechanical repair and maintenance services to the general public on all vehicle makes and models, including scooters, caravans and trailers, smallengine machinery, and even bicycles.

It’s a workshop that offers the wide variety of jobs that instantly appealed to Dyllon, who has been fixing and repairing things since he was old enough to walk. And while he was not exactly certain about a career in automotive when he finished high school, his longtime interest in things mechanical

ensured it was always on the list.

“I was always good at the hands-on stuff. From when I was about 11, every afternoon I’d help my dad work on his cars – he had a few projects – and I was also making a bit of money working on pushbikes, motorbikes, doing them up and selling them,” said Dyllon. “When I finished school, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do but I did sign up to do an automotive course at TAFE.” However, before attending that introductory auto program, Dyllon was made aware of an opportunity at Hervey Bay Rent A Car. “My mum actually saw an advert on Facebook about the apprenticeship and I came down to the workshop here and had an interview straight away,” said Dyllon.

“I was already enrolled at TAFE, but I thought if I got this job, I wouldn’t do that course. I went for the interview and David said, “Do you want to start now?” because

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I had rocked up in my boots and was ready apprenticeship that he can confidently to go! So, I started a week’s trial there and do all manner of jobs, Dyllon said that then, and David was more than happy with the one-on-one, in-the-workshop training me and that was it.” he receives from the MTA Institute and Dyllon said that the Hervey Bay Rent A trainer Ross Wilson has been excellent Car shop was currently expanding, had and enjoyable, and that more training, added a fourth hoist, and that he and particularly as electric vehicles become the other staff members – another more common, was on the cards. apprentice, plus David and another “I wouldn’t mind doing that training,” qualified tradesperson – were always busy he said. “We don’t see electric vehicles with a variety of work. And those jobs are really, but we do see hybrids and we don’t a really interesting mix which extends do anything electrical to them, just the beyond the norm of a regular independent straight mechanical things. So, I would workshop. like to do some training, I am always up for “We work on all cars, motorbikes and learning something new!” bicycles, but we do jobs out at the airport Dyllon will be attending the Industry as well,” said Dyllon. “That includes Awards Gala with his partner, his dad working on things like the Trepel Champ and his boss and his wife, and said that [a machine that is used to load cargo onto as the event got closer - and with a bit planes], loading belts, and big Ground of a reminder from his boss about how Power Units that supply power to the prestigious that award is - he was getting planes when they’ve landed. We do excited about the event.

CLICK all sorts of stuff.

“With work and so on, I didn’t TO VISIT THE “That’s what I love about really think too much about HERVEY BAY working here. There’s always it for a while but my boss has RENT A CAR WEBSITE something to do, and there are so reminded me that it really is a big many different things to learn it’s achievement,” he said. “So, yes, I not funny!” am excited, and my boss is over the Now at the stage of his moon!”

ALICIA BYRON APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE E M P L O Y E R : M O S E LY ’ S A U T O M O T I V E , S L A C K S C R E E K ALICIA BYRON was the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for July 2023.

The 33-year-old is in the third year of her Light Vehicle Mechanical apprenticeship and has worked at Mosley’s Automotive in Slacks Creek, south Brisbane, since 2021.

78 | Motor Trader November 2023

Before taking on an automotive apprenticeship, Alicia spent more than a decade in the electrical industry in her hometown of Canberra. However, it had been, she said, a long-held dream to start a mechanical career.

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FIN ALIS TS

“Straight out of school I went into an electrical apprenticeship, but I injured my back and I had to give that away before I finished,” she said. “I then went into electrical wholesaling for about 10 years.

However, I always had that interest in cars.”

That interest saw Alicia attempt to secure a mechanical apprenticeship back in 2011 after first moving to Queensland.

Sadly, at that time she was frustrated in her efforts to secure a position. Several years later, however, and a chance meeting of jobs right from day one,” said Alicia. delivered the opportunity she had been “That is a great challenge. As a first year, searching for.

Nige had me working with him pulling “I worked with my dad whenever he gearboxes out and doing clutches, and it’s was doing something on his cars, and great to have a boss who has that sort of I was helping him with an engine swap faith in you.” one day when a family friend, who was a While Alicia is deep into her mechanical mechanic, came by. He said, ‘You should apprenticeship, the rise of electric vehicles have been a mechanic!’, and I jokingly (EVs) is a development which has her replied, ‘Hook me up with a job then.’ The thinking of further training. Perhaps her next thing I knew I had an interview set up years working in the electrical industry at Moseley’s Automotive! I went in on the give Alicia a good head-start.

Monday for the interview, had a trial day, “I suppose it helps a little bit . . . and have been here ever since.” especially with a basic understanding Mosley’s Automotive is a fine shop for an of it all, and I will definitely consider apprentice to get their start. Established EV training,” she said. “I know Nige is in 1988 by Nigel Mosley, it’s a one-stop considering putting us all through an auto shop offering a broad range of EV course, which is good because it will services from general automotive repair become a big part of the industry. And you and maintenance, diagnostics, tyres, can’t limit yourself. The industry is always tuning, vehicle compliance, pre-purchase evolving . . . you have to have knowledge inspections, roadworthy certificates, 4WD across the board and always keep your and AWD servicing, and more. It offers knowledge growing.”

Alicia the chance to gain experience As one of few women working on the on just about every type of job a tools in a mechanical workshop, CLICK mechanic can expect to see, and Alicia said it was a tremendous TO VISIT with the guidance of Nigel, Alicia THE MOSELY’S feeling to be able to pursue her AUTOMOTIVE said she is getting plenty of that goal of an automotive career. For WEBSITE practice on vehicles of all makes other young women out there and models. considering it as a career, she has “We do a bit of everything here some clear and simple advice. and you get experience in all sorts “If someone has the interest, I say

“. . . IT CAN BE HARD TO FIND SOMEWHERE THAT IS GOING TO GIVE YOU A GO, BUT DON’T GIVE UP. KEEP PUSHING AND EVENTUALLY YOU’LL FIND SOMEONE WHO WILL GIVE YOU A GO . . . ”

November 2023 Motor Trader | 79

2 023 A P P RENT ICE go for it,” she said. “It can be hard to find somewhere that is going to give you a go, but don’t give up. Keep pushing and eventually you’ll find someone who will give you a go like Nige did for me.

There’s nothing quite like the sense of achievement you get when you diagnose something, fix it and see it rolling out the door.”

With perhaps a year to go before completing her apprenticeship, Alicia has given some thought to what she will do upon qualifying. Not surprisingly, staying at Mosley’s and absorbing as much as possible is top of the list.

“The short-term goal is to complete my apprenticeship and learn as much as I

OF THE

can. Nige has lots of knowledge to share – there’s always some trick and technique he can show us,” she said. “Long term, I will hopefully help run the workshop, and super-long-term, I would hope to one day open my own business. We’ll see.”

With MTA Queensland’s Industry Award Gala now just a few days away, Alicia said she would be attending with boss Nigel, and was looking forward to enjoying the evening. And regardless of whose name will be announced as Apprentice of the Year, Alicia said she was proud to be amongst the finalists.

“I am excited to find out who will be taking it home,” she said. “And it is definitely a big achievement to be here.”

JACK LANCASTER APPRENTICESHIP: AUTO ELECTRICAL EMPLOYER : KINE TIC FLEE T SERVICE S, MACKAY JACK LANCASTER was the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for August 2023.

The 23-year-old is in the fourth year of his auto-electrical apprenticeship and works for Kinetic Fleet Services in Mackay, which services and maintains the buses and coaches for the Kinetic transport fleet in the region.

Jack started his career as a technical assistant at Greyhound Resources – a transport business focused on the mining sector – in Brisbane before moving to that company’s workshop in Mackay to start his apprenticeship. Kinetic would subsequently acquire that company in 2021.

2023 has been an interesting year for Jack, with Kinetic – Australia and New Zealand’s biggest bus operator – bringing

80 | Motor Trader November 2023

two all-electric buses to its Mackay routes earlier this year. As an auto electrical apprentice, that has given Jack the opportunity to get a close look at the technology that will play a major role in the future of the automotive industry, and he has already been able to travel to China to visit the factory of the vehicle manufacturer, Yutong, for a week-long training program.

“When the buses turned up, the question around the workshop was who was going to work on them?” said Jack. “I kept asking whether I could get high-voltage training so I could work on them and out of the blue I got a call from the boss saying would I like to go to China to the Yutong factory in Zhengzhou.

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“There were 11 people in total on that trip – including four, I think, from Kinetic in Sydney and the Gold Coast – and I was the only person from Mackay.

“We did the factory tour and completed some theory work, and they showed us everything – from the battery packs and how they worked, how they were wired, the buses and how they operate and even the air con side.”

Jack’s interest in the electrical side of automotive started at a young age. He was, “High-voltage systems is what I am he said, always interested in how wiring leaning towards working on, but being and electricity could make things work. able to work on diesel and electric buses “I just like wires!” he said. “I used to get means you can go anywhere, and Kinetic those kits from Jaycar that you’d have to have locations across the country.” solder together. I’d buy them and tinker He has taken the opportunity to take about with them and then, when I was older, I would be doing stuff on the Subaru on a bit of extra work with Kinetic. As he has an HR licence, when Kinetic needs a that I had at the time, and so on.” bus moved from one location to another, It’s an interest that will be extremely Jack puts his hand up to take on the bit useful as the industry shifts to an allof extra work required to do the driving. electric, battery-powered future.

“It’s the way things are going. Everything It’s a fun gig and has seen him do the long drives from Adelaide to Mackay, and from is going electric, and this is one of the Mackay to the Gold Coast and back. trades to be in – there’s certainly a future “They are just buses that are being in that trade,” said Jack. relocated from depot to depot, but it’s For the moment, Jack will continue to pretty cool.” train to service and maintain Kinetic’s bus Jack will be attending the Award Gala and coach fleet – including those two new electric buses when they require it – and do with a sizeable group offering their the jobs that come his way in the workshop. support, with his mum and dad, Jack’s boss and his wife and a handful of others from As well as the regular electrical upkeep of Kinetic coming to Brisbane to enjoy the the fleet, those jobs include installs, which event. For Jack, being a finalist is already he particularly enjoys, of items such as camera, tracking, driver fatigue monitoring, a great achievement, but to win would be very special, even if a speech might and digital UHF systems. be required.

Always looking to increase his CLICK TO VISIT “I’m excited but a bit nervous knowledge and skills, Jack is THE KINETIC at the same time,” he said. “To aware that working for a major FLEET SERVICES win would be pretty cool and I’m national company such as Kinetic WEBSITE excited about it, but I’m not sure can offer plenty of opportunities I’d be looking forward to jumping to train and establish a long career up one stage!” just about anywhere in Australia.

“HIGH-VOLTAGE SYSTEMS IS WHAT I AM LEANING TOWARDS WORKING ON, BUT BEING ABLE TO WORK ON DIESEL AND ELECTRIC BUSES MEANS YOU CAN GO ANYWHERE, AND KINETIC HAVE LOCATIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY”

November 2023 Motor Trader | 81

DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT WITH OUTDATED OR NON-COMPLIANT HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

I

S YOUR BUSINESS struggling with all things Human Resources (HR)?

Are you up to date with the most relevant HR material and DANIEL NICHOLSON practices in the INDUSTRY WORKFORCE ADVISOR market today?

Why not join the many businesses that have already been successful in securing a $5,000 small business HR grant to implement or update an HR system or practice into their workplace.

In today’s ever-changing world it has never been more important to ensure your HR needs are in order and with the Queensland government’s workforce connect HR grant, part of the good people, good jobs Queensland workforce strategy 2022-32, now is the best time to take advantage and ensure your business is up to date with its HR practices and processes.

Whether it’s making sure your onboarding process is correct to ensure motivated and productive staff, ensuring your staff retention stays at manageable levels, or ensuring you have a robust diversity and inclusion policy, accessing the HR fund could help your business.

Applying couldn’t be easier, simply contact your Industry Workforce Advisor 82 | Motor Trader November 2023

. . . JOIN THE MANY BUSINESSES THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN SECURING A $5,000 SMALL BUSINESS HR GRANT TO IMPLEMENT OR UPDATE AN HR SYSTEM OR PRACTICE INTO THEIR WORKPLACE. (IWA) at the Motor Trades Association of Queensland, Daniel Nicholson, for a chat and see what’s possible.

Once approved, the funding can be used to update a current HR system or to develop a new system to be implemented into the business.

• HR Support Grants provides funding to CLICK small businesses with an immediate need FOR MORE INFORMATION for new and innovative human resources ON HR SUPPORT (HR) solutions to support their business.

GRANTS Up to $5,000 is available for HR support and advice (subject to funding availability).

Can you afford not to be in the circle?

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

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

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Zembl (formerly Make it Cheaper) help Aussie businesses buy better. As Australia’s leading energy comparison service, we work with energy retailers to find our customers the most competitive energy plan. Electricity, Gas, Green, Solar; Zembl sorts it.

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

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

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INNOVATION

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

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

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SUPPORT

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• Apprenticeships • Traineeships • Skills Recognition.

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

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

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TRAINING

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

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

The Commonwealth Bank offers members some of the lowest EFTPOS charges in the country. Members have saved thousands with CBA.

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SERVICES

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

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

SAVE WITH OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS

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ADVOCACY

MTA Queensland 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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NEW ELECTRIC VEHICLE APPRENTICESHIP DECLARED IN QUEENSLAND

E

LECTRIC VEHICLES (EVS) are here and registrations in Queensland have increased by 466 per cent over the last three years.

MTA Queensland BRAD FLANAGAN has been talking DIRECTOR INDUSTRY INITIATIVES to automotive businesses across Queensland about the emergence of EVs, providing them with information on how businesses can adapt to the changing environment.

The business capability workshops have revealed that many automotive businesses are already tooling up and getting themselves prepared for the emergence of EVs in their workshops.

Skilling up the workforce is a critical feature of preparing the industry for the changes that EVs will bring.

The Queensland Government has also recognised the changes on the horizon and has supported the industry through the declaration of new EV apprenticeships to support employers to train the future workforce.

The new apprenticeships are: • Light Automotive EV Mechanic • Heavy Automotive EV mechanic Both apprenticeships are drawn from the AUR32721 Certificate III in Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology qualification, which requires learners to develop their skills across 29 units of competency, including the depowering and reinitialising of battery electric vehicles, and the units required to diagnose faults and to service 84 | Motor Trader November 2023

THE QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT IS PROVIDING SUBSIDIES OF $14,910 FOR THE TRAINING OF THE APPRENTICESHIP . . . and repair these vehicles.

The Queensland Government is providing subsidies of $14,910 for the training of the apprenticeship, and there are currently two supervising registered training organisations (SRTOs) that interested employers and apprentices can contact – TAFE Queensland and the Motor Trades Association Institute (MTA Institute).

More information for the apprenticeships can be found on the Queensland Training Information Service (QTIS) website: • Certificate III in Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology: Queensland Training Information Service (QTIS) • Certificate III in Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology: Queensland Training Information Service (QTIS) • The role of the Automotive Industry Skills Advisor (ISA) is aligned to the Skills for Queensland – Great training for quality jobs priorities, which include delivering an expanded focus inclusive of employment, small business and regional skills needs.

The ISA engages with employers, small business and industry stakeholders to provide high quality, evidence-based industry advice and intelligence about current and emerging industry direction, regional skills needs and training solutions, jobs growth and employment opportunities. This advice informs the Queensland Government on its priority setting for skills and workforce development for the Automotive Industry in Queensland.

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

November 2023 Motor Trader | 85

20221044

MEMBER

Apprentice of the Month: October 2023 The MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month is proudly sponsored by Spirit Super

APPRENTICE: BRADLEY BULL WORKPLACE: BOWEN MAZDA APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE MECHANICAL

B

RADLEY BULL IS the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for October 2023.

The 31-year-old is in the fourth year of his light vehicle apprenticeship and works for the Bowen Mazda and MG dealership in Bowen, north Queensland.

He has proven to be an outstanding apprentice, overcoming a troubled past to become a valued member of the workshop team and someone who has, his employer says, ‘the required skillset to liaise with customers well, actively provide input on best practice ideas for the workshop, and enjoys mentoring and helping the junior apprentices in our team.’

It says much about Bradley that he has overcome a history that has seen him spend time incarcerated, only to come out the other side, draw a line under that past, and grasp the opportunity offered to him by a forward-thinking business.

The road to his apprenticeship was a rocky one.

“When I first left school, I went to the mines but was hurt in a motorbike accident and couldn’t pay my bills,” said Bradley. “I turned to selling drugs, was caught, and got five years in prison.

When I got out I worked at Hamilton Island for a while as a plasterer but then the pandemic happened and things shut down.”

Out of work and back in Bowen, Bradley saw a Facebook post advertising for an apprentice at Bowen Mazda. Encouraged to apply for the job by his partner, that post signalled the beginning of a journey to a career that had actually been a long-held dream.

“When I was a little kid, I always wanted to be a mechanic – it was a dream,” said Bradley. “I grew up around Speedway – my nanna and pop were involved with the Collinsville Speedway track back in the day – and my dad is a motor trimmer, and I spent a lot of time around cars, pulling them apart to see how they worked.”

Taking the chance to apply for the apprentice spot, Bradley would successfully complete a two-week trial, and was fortunate to find himself in the hands of a business ready to take a chance on him.

“I did my two weeks, gave it my best, and they came up to me

86 | Motor Trader November 2023

and said, ‘We’ve been told that you’ve got a bit of history.’ I told them I had been incarcerated but that I wanted to do the right thing, and they said, ‘We are all about second chances.’

I am blessed with the opportunity I have been given.”

He has grasped that opportunity with both hands and now, as a fourth-year apprentice, works hard to develop his skills, helps mentor junior apprentices in the team, and is able to do most jobs that come through the workshop – from general servicing to engine swaps. He enjoys every moment of the job and the satisfaction that comes from doing it well and seeing customers drive home happy.

“I love it all,” he said. “People need their cars to go to work to pay their bills. It’s the biggest investment they’ll make other than their house, so I take my time and take pride in what I do.

“This job to me is everything. There’s lots of positive energy and positive people around, and it has made me a positive person.”

As the industry moves towards electrification, Bradley is keen to gain the skills to work on electric vehicles (EVs). And as the Bowen dealership includes both Mazda and MG, he is being exposed to that technology.

“We do get a fair few electrified MGs through, and I am doing the EV modules through the MTA Institute. Those extra modules were added into my apprenticeship so I can do them and have them under my belt,” he said. Further manufacturers’ training is also on the cards after he qualifies.

Bradley is scheduled to complete his qualification in just a few months and his training with the MTA Institute has, he said, been a great experience, with the one-on-one, in-the-workshop training delivery helping him tremendously.

“Because I do lack a bit in reading and writing, if something is worded a certain way, sometimes it can be confusing,” he said.

“That’s when my trainer Gareth really helps, because he might say it another way and then I get it.

“And when it is just me and him, it also means there are no interruptions and you don’t have other people judging you. That training does work well for me.”

Once he has qualified, Bradley said he would be looking to stay on with Bowen Mazda. They gave him the chance to succeed, and for someone with a growing family, working at a place you enjoy going to every day is a bit of a blessing.

“I love to be home every afternoon with CLICK TO VISIT THE the kids, and I love dropping them off at BWOEN MAZDA school in the morning,” he said. “So I will WEBSITE stay here. It’s a great place.”

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

MTA Institute Graduates

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MTA INSTITUTE’S LATEST GRADUATES THE MTA INSTITUTE is the largest independent provider of automotive apprenticeships and training in Queensland and it is always a proud moment when its

APPRENTICE

Bradley Beutel Lachlan Kliese Dylan Reber Harley Ogden Adam Williams Mekhi Milne Thomas Atherley Damien Conlan Stephanie Gelens Melissa Keates Samuel Fry Donovan Hall Brock Hamsik Andrew Howard John-Keith Robson Nicholas Schellnegger Ifran Ali Matthew Botefuhr Seth Carrasco Samuel Carter Damien Christ Tyler Crawford Jonathan Faatoe Hamed Farahani Samuel Gallagher Jacob Grant Pierre Grard Bray Hagstrom Owen Hyden James Janke YwarMoo Pler David Rhoden Arron Sharp Lachlan Silver Jainesh Singh Levi Vincent Aaron Ryan-Jones Taylor Teske

88 | Motor Trader November 2023

QUALIFICATION

students complete their trade qualification.

Congratulations to everyone who was issued a qualification in October 2023.

It's a fantastic achievement!

Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical 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 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 Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting) Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in 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 Mobile Plant Technology (Mobile Plant Equipment) Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology

TRAINER

Terry Palfrey Shane Palmer Alfio Rotolone Roger West Gareth Hartley Shane Palmer Derrick Pratt Steven Cameron Neil Bovey Neil Bovey Lloyd Cross Steve Adams Damien O'Connor Terry Palfrey Jeff Mann Damien O'Connor James Dixon James Dixon Roger West Neville Donaldson Jens Puder James Dixon James Dixon James Dixon Frank Crause David Twidale James Dixon James Dixon Ross Wilson Colin Crichton Stephen Blaauw Andrew Keys Simon Verkroost Neville Donaldson Jens Puder Damien O'Connor Ross Wilson Neil Bovey

LAWS PROTECTING AGAINST HARASSMENT

A positive duty already exists under model WHS laws for employers to ensure

RECENT MEDIA STORIES about what June 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.

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 15,000 PEOPLEworkplace.

DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE This will help to increase MOTORING INDUSTRY POSITIVE DUTY ALREADY EXISTS awareness (website or e-magazine options)of the duty to manage

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

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

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

CLICK HERE FOR MEDIA GUIDE AND COSTS

Motor Trader’s Christmas Gift Guide

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❸

NBELIEVABLY, THE END of 2023 is nearly upon us, and that means we are just a few short weeks away from celebrating Christmas. We reckon that there’ll be quite a few of you who have yet to turn your mind to the thought of gifts, so here are a few ideas for those last-minute stocking fillers.

❶ WHISTLE KEY FINDER Constantly misplacing your keys?

That is a real nuisance. Here’s a little gadget that could be useful – a handy little key finder that attaches to your keys and, if you need to find them, will respond to a whistle. It lets out a little beeping tune and flashes an LED until you find it and turn it off. It’s a practical gift for anybody!

Price: $10.95 Available from Latest Buy

❷ COMBI VAN TABLE LAMP Take a trip back to the ‘60s with this rather cool table lamp in the shape of a classic VW van. Made with a combination of poly resin and fibreglass, this table lamp comes in a choice of colours and measures 13cm x 16cm x 22cm.

Would look good on a desk, a living room or your kid’s bedroom.

Price $59.95 Available from Latest Buy

90 | Motor Trader November 2023

❷

❹

❸ FORMULA ONE CIRCUITS POSTER One for motor racing fans, this one – a poster, in beige and black, with an outline map of the 2023 F1 circuits. Measuring 21 x 30cm, this would pair up nicely with all those F1 racing car posters we all have!

Price: $21.95 Available from Poster Store

❺

❹ TOP GEAR THE STIG &

RACETRACK BOXED MUG

A fan of Top Gear? Of course you are. And as there's a bit of racecar driver in everyone, you could surprise family or friend with a little nod to their inner track enthusiast with this The Stig mug.

Price: $10.95 Available from Latest Buy

❺ RACING CAR SKETCH POSTER

❶

If a Formula One Circuits poster isn't your thing (see opposite page), then perhaps a sketch illustration of a retro F1 car is more appropriate? Would look pretty nice on any wall and just about perfect for the racing enthusiast in us all.

Dimensions: 21cm x 30cm.

Price: Approx. $19 Available from Desenio.com

November 2023 Motor Trader | 91

Concept corner

K I A TA K E S T HE

EV3 & EV4 92 | Motor Trader November 2023

W R AP S OFF T HE

CONCEPTS [KIA CONCEPT EV3]

November 2023 Motor Trader | 93

Concept corner

KiaKiaConcept ConceptEV4 EV3

K I A TAHE S T H E W R AP S O FF T HE

EV3 & EV4 CONCEPTS

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S PART OF its EV Day held in October, Kia presented its strategy to expand its electric vehicle model line-up and also achieve its goal of an annual sales target of one million EVs by 2026, increasing to 1.6 million units per year by 2030. It seems likely that two new concepts that the company unveiled at the event – the EV3 and EV4 – will form part of that push.

THE CONCEPT EV3 IS THE COMPANY’S VISION FOR AN ELECTRIC COMPACT SUV, PICKING UP THE TECHNOLOGY, PRACTICALITY, AND DESIGN OF KIA’S FLAGSHIP SUV, THE EV9 . . .

Reports suggest both will be built on the company’s E-GMP electric car platform and will likely offer vehicle-to-grid and vehicleto-load capabilities.

The Concept EV3 is the company’s vision for an electric compact SUV, picking up the technology and design of Kia’s flagship SUV, the EV9, in a smaller form – and, the word is, it will come in at a properly affordable price point when it reaches production.

The EV4 is a most striking look at an

electric sedan – something welcome in this world of innumerable SUV-style designs.

A handful of years ago, the styling of these EVs would have seemed somewhat outrageous, but the company appears to be sticking to its guns with concept designs reaching production models, and that’s a cool thing because both the EV3

Kia Concept EV4

and EV4 (as with the EV models already available) are truly striking.

And it’s not just the looks that make these concepts something special.

Inside, both the Concept EV3 and Concept EV4 are, as many EVs are, somewhat minimalist – offering big digital displays and not, it would appear, much else in terms of push-button gadgetry – but there is some interesting technology being used to create those interiors.

Kia says its team ‘utilised an array of

innovative sustainable materials that reduce the vehicles’ environmental impact, provide greater design freedom, and afford unprecedented levels of color choice and trim finish.’

Those materials include mycelium – derived from mushrooms – as well as natural dyes, recycled cotton, and hemp fibres, amongst other sustainable materials.

Reports suggest the EV3 is being readied for production in 2024, while the EV4 may appear in 2025.

MTA INSTITUTE

ACCREDITED COURSES

RTO No: 31529

Accredited courses are nationally recognised and lead to a formal Vocational Education and Training qualification being issued.

AUTO READY

BATTERY ELECTRIC AND HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES COURSE

4 - 8 December 11 - 15 December

TO BE ADVISED

AIR CONDITIONING COURSE 15 - 17 November

SALES/DEALERS/WRECKERS LICENCING COURSES AVAILABLE ONLINE

AUTOMOTIVE VOCATIONAL PREPARATION COURSE TO BE ADVISED

COMMENCES ON ENROLMENT

Enquiries to: courses@mtai.edu.au Website www.mtai.edu.au

MTA QUEENSLAND

NON-ACCREDITED COURSES Non-Accredited courses equip the learner with specific knowledge and skills but do not lead towards a recognised qualification.

MIG WELDING FUNDAMENTALS COURSE TO BE ADVISED

POST-TRADE TRAINING AVAILABLE ONLINE

ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS COURSES AWARENESS COURSE TO BE ADVISED

VEHICLE GLASS COURSE

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE COURSE

TO BE ADVISED

TECHNICIAN COURSE TO BE ADVISED

TO BE ADVISED

*Course dates subject to change

20170566

Enquiries to: courses@mtaq.com.au Website www.mtaq.com.au

WeMoney names Spirit Super best fund for value in 2022 and 2023 As a profit-for-member industry super fund, everything we do is for your benefit. We're proud to be named Best for Value in the WeMoney Superannuation Awards two years in a row. Our members enjoy outstanding value and truly personalised service.

spiritsuper.com.au

Awards and ratings are only one factor to be taken into account when deciding how to invest your super. | Spirit Super has an agreement with WeMoney Pty Ltd (ABN 88 633 007 860) permitting it to use the WeMoney logos, and for WeMoney to promote Spirit Super’s recognition through the WeMoney Awards. Read about the award methodology at wemoney.com.au. | Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). Consider the PDS and TMD at spiritsuper.com.au/pds before making a decision. A copy of the Financial services guide for Spirit Super Advice is available at spiritsuper.com.au/financial-services-guide.