Motor Trader e-magazine February 2019

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

JONATHAN NASH

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Ted Kowalski Paul Murray

EDITOR

H

ELLO AND WELCOME to the first edition of Motor Trader for 2019.

This year will, no doubt, be another challenging one for the automotive industry. We all know that big changes lie ahead and that technological disruption will affect every sector of the industry.

We also know that the speed of that change is increasing.

Cast your eye to just about any corner of the industry and you will see evidence of, or hear stories about, new ideas and tech that either is, or soon will be, challenging the status quo.

MTA Queensland continues to offer opportunties to learn about those challenges and technologies and in March, the third edition of the Association's Carmageddon symposium will be a further chance to get the latest

POLICY Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Email: publications@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 (including GST) 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

on those concepts, ideas, and advances. It will be a cracking event, with some true heavyweights of the auto technology scene to deliver presentations. To find out more, click through to pages 32-33.

In our cover feature, we take a look at the North American International Auto Show, held in Detroit. One of the most influential shows of its type, the Detroit show, like many traditional auto shows is, by some accounts at least, losing its sheen in the face of the industry's enormous technological upheaval and the subsequent rise of technology shows such as the Consumer Electronics Show (aka CES).

While that may be true, there were still some interesting things going on in Detroit - including the reveal of the monstrous Mustang Shelby GT500! - and you can find out more on pages 18-28.

As always, the rest of Motor Trader is jam-packed with news and features and I hope you enjoy this month's edition. And remember, if you have any news you'd like to share, then please contact me.

Cheers!

Jonathan Nash, Editor jonathann@mtaq.com.au

20190748

MTA QUEENSLAND WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS Business Name

Principal/s

Address

Email

Division

All Fleet Service and Repairs

Paula Woodhall

31 Andrew Street ROCKLEA, QLD 4106

accounts@allfleet.com.au

AED

Bare Naked Industries

Tony Scott

606 Ingham Rd, MOUNT LOUISA QLD 4814

tony@barenakedindustries.com

AED

Lyons Mechanical Pickering Luxury Garage

Bradley Lyons Peter Lynton

4/18 Devlan Street, MANSFIELD QLD 4122 5 Splendelove Avenue SOUTHPORT, QLD 4215

brad@lyonsmechanical.com.au creditors@scag.com

AED ARD

February 2019 Motor Trader | 1

Contents

18 04 08 12 18

FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO POLICY/VIEWPOINT MTA |Q&A FEATURE: SHOWTIME IN DETROIT: THE 2019 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW 30 AN EYE ON INNOVATION 38 AUTO INNOVATION NEWS 50 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS 52 AUTO NEWS 56 MEMBERS CLASSIC 69 TRAINING GM'S PROFESSIONAL CIRCLE PERSPECTIVE 80 PLUGGED IN 82 CONCEPT CORNER 90 MARKET WRAP 2 | Motor Trader February 2019

34

Search for MTA Queensland

56

38

12

82 February 2019 Motor Trader | 3

From the Desk of the CEO industry a unique alternative to existing disruptions together with many new options. The considered view was it had the potential to enhance business profits, position and sustainability.

An expert panel, that includes industry representation, will develop and test the technology over the next six months. The intention is, from 1 July 2019, to offer the technology to members on trial for 12 months to ensure compliance and risk BRETT DALE management.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MTA QUEENSLAND The technology, underpinned by blockchain, has the characteristics that it VERY GOOD WISH for a thriving and is a trusted record that cannot be altered and allows traceability and accountability. prosperous entrepreneurial 2019 to Trust is of fundamental importance when you all. The digital transformations it comes to sharing assets/information that have challenged adaption within belonging to third parties, or services the automotive value chain will continue rapidly in the coming year and beyond with offered by these third parties. This technology ensures trust and transparency. implications for business sustainability.

The intention is for the MTA As an industrial association for Queensland’s Professional Circles’ 10 employers, the need is to be at the vanguard of understanding the digital and commitments of ‘honesty, professionalism, technological developments impacting the transparency, courtesy, integrity, care, clarity, proactivity, accountability and motor trades and provide the leadership compliance’ to be augmented by the that enables members to be aware of, and inclusion of ‘trust’ as one of the essential have access to, strategic solutions. For ingredients. This will occur after the this purpose, three initiatives to assist conclusion of the trial period. members to adapt to the challenge are in place. They are the MTAiQ Innovation CARMAGEDDON Hub and its activities; the Carmageddon symposiums; and the development of a Carmageddon ‘New World Mobility’ is the unique technology for the automotive prime forum to promote understanding of value chain. the emerging technologies transforming mobility. It is to be held on Thursday, NEW TECHNOLOGY 21 March 2019, at the Sir Jack Brabham As said in my previous column, the MTA Automotive Centre of Excellence, providing members with the opportunity Queensland Board has been considering the investment in, and the merits of, a new to hear first-hand the current and future technological and digital transformations technology specifically for the automotive impacting the automotive industry. value chain. The Board recently met to It will be opened by the Federal Minister consider the due diligence undertaken and was convinced it offered members and for Industry, Science and Technology Hon

E

4 | Motor Trader February 2019

and attracting awareness of emerging technologies. Mentors, investors, coaches, commercial partners and industry experts are able to collaborate with both start-up businesses and established businesses on new and changing innovations. Members are reminded that the hub is available to support their business to help navigate the rapid change facing our industry.

STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-21

“CARMAGEDDON ‘NEW

WORLD MOBILITY’ IS THE PRIME FORUM TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING OF THE EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES TRANSFORMING MOBILITY.” Karen Andrews.

Leading keynote speakers from industry, academia, and professional organisations will address the emerging innovations and mobility trends. Details of the forum and keynote speakers are on the website.

I urge members to book early, as I’ve been surprised at the initial interest. Before going to registration, some fifty percent of the seats have been allocated. It’s not all sitting, listening and learning; there will be displays - including of hydrogen vehicles and electric vehicles from leading brands.

MTAiQ INNOVATION HUB The MTAiQ, Australia’s first innovation hub dedicated to the automotive value chain, has a leading role in promoting

At the next MTA Queensland Board meeting, the review of the Strategic Plan for 2019-21 undertaken by the executive team will be finalised by the Board. Once the Board is satisfied and has its objectives set, it will be approved for implementation and the plan will be published and action commenced immediately.

THE DIARY Prior to Christmas I attended the Queensland Overseas Foundation (QOF) Board meeting at which discussion on the 2018 scholarships and awards - including the Queensland Automotive Trades QOF Scholarship - occurred.

The MTA Queensland, through the Automotive Skills Queensland, had committed to be a sponsor of the QOF and the program that provides vocational education and training graduates with the opportunity to improve their career prospects by working overseas. It was the first time for several years that the scholarship to an apprentice in the light and heavy vehicle trades was to be awarded. We eagerly await the announcement of the scholarship winner!

I’ve been invited to attend the 9th Annual Australian Health Care Week to participate in an expert panel with health professionals and academics with the focus on autonomous vehicles (AV) February 2019 Motor Trader | 5

From the desk of the CEO for the healthcare sector. As a precursor to the conference, I was asked to respond in writing to a range of questions relevant to the application of AV to health care.

Whilst there was general interest in when AV’s would be ‘on the roads’, the prime concentration was on the implications around ethics and liability, the impact on the workforce and the reduction in accidents. The conference is on 27-28 March in Sydney.

It is the practice to reciprocate the support from interstate MTA colleagues who attend our major events, particularly our Industry Dinner. I attended the MTA New South Wales’ Recognition Night which provided an excellent opportunity to network with contemporaries and industry operatives. During the evening MTAA Chairman Neville Gibb spoke with me about the national association’s activities which I have conveyed to our Board. From that discussion, the MTA Queensland Board will invite the MTAA Chairman and CEO to a Board meeting to discuss future collaboration later in the year.

AND THE LAST THING For the first time in my professional life, I attended an event that was truly unique and most inspiring. That was to host a corporate office morning tea and make a presentation to Industrial Relations Manager Ted Kowalski. This was to celebrate and honour his 35 years of service to the Association. Ted commenced work on 9th January 1984 with the then Queensland Motor Industry Association (QMIA) as the Industrial Officer. It was a momentous year for Ted - he started a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in industrial relations at the University of Queensland and, in the month of April, married the love of his life. Some three years later, after commencing work with 6 | Motor Trader February 2019

“TED’S DISTINGUISHED

SERVICE AND HIS EXPERT EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS KNOWLEDGE, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE IS RECOGNISED AND VALUED BY MEMBERS AND THE ASSOCIATION. INCIDENTALLY, I’VE CHALLENGED INDIVIDUALS IN OUR CORPORATE OFFICE TEAM TO EXCEED TED’S SERVICE. .” the QMIA, he was promoted to the role of Industrial Manager, the position he has today.

Ted’s distinguished service and his expert employment relations knowledge, advice and guidance is recognised and valued by members and the Association.

Incidentally, I’ve challenged individuals in our corporate office team to exceed Ted’s service. There are A couple on track to do so – but need a couple of decades or so to match it!

I would also like to pay tribute to Andy O’Hearn, Divisional Executive (North Queensland) for his commitment and dedication to the members in the northern part of our state. Andy has spent countless hours on the road and provided exceptional service to our valued members.

Andy is moving on and will be greatly missed. We are grateful for his service and welcome Ray Bolton to the role. Ray will hopefully get to meet all our northern members very soon.

Until next month, as Henry Ford, the industrialist and the founder of the Ford motor company said, ‘execute ideas with enthusiasm . . . as it is the bottom of all progress’.

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Policy/Viewpoint

KELLIE DEWAR DEPUTY GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES

T

HE FIRST MONTH of the calendar year, along with its pleasures, has evaporated. Now the priorities are the activities and operations that drive the automotive value chain’s businesses and professions.

Every good wish to each of you for a successful and safe 2019. It is clear that all the omens point to it being busy!

I enjoyed a family Christmas and New Year. At the back of my mind, however, was the submission to the Queensland Transport and Public Works Parliament Committee relating to Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill. These included the Fair Trading Act (FT)and the Motor Dealers and Chattel Auctioneers Act 2014 (MDCA Act).

ADVOCACY Briefly, the Bill’s intent confers QCAT with jurisdiction for actions for an amount or value of other relief of not more than $100,000; the FT Act in relation to the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) consumer guarantees for the supply of goods or services, where the action relates to a motor vehicle (including a caravan or a motorhome); and the MDCA Act pertaining to 8 | Motor Trader February 2019

statutory warranties for used motor vehicles (including motorhomes but not caravans). In a nutshell, they focus on achieving improved fairness and providing greater protection for Queensland’s consumers buying new or used vehicles by enabling access to QCAT for statutory resolution for disputed mechanical, technical or equipment defects or manufacturing failures not exceeding $100,000.

The underlying message of the legislative amendments is that the automotive value chain’s consumer retail service and explanation of the ACL is failing some consumers. It is clear that this is so - the Attorney General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’ath's speech when introducing the legislation detailed examples.

Our Automotive Remarketing Division and Chairman Peter Dever, prior to the festive season, considered the proposed amendments and provided views which contributed significantly to the development of the submission. As opposed to the legal remedies proposed in the legislation, the division suggested two proactive solutions. The first, the proposed legislative framework be accompanied by measures that raise the standard of the competencies required to hold a motor dealer’s license or to comply with the requirements for registration as a motor dealer salesperson. This should include education in the ACL obligations, responsibilities and remedies and should be a stand-alone compulsory prerequisite to qualify for a motor vehicles dealer license or to obtain registration as motor vehicles salesperson in Queensland.

The second is a mandatory prerequisite for applicants seeking a motor dealer’s license to complete a traineeship/ internship to be served as a registered

“IN THE COMING YEAR, THE EXPECTATION IS THAT THE LEGISLATIVE AND GOVERNANCE FORUM ON CONSUMER AFFAIRS (CAF) - WHICH CONSISTS OF ALL COMMONWEALTH, STATE, TERRITORY AND NEW ZEALAND MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR FAIR TRADING AND CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS - WILL CONSIDER DRAFT ‘LEMON LAWS’.” salesperson under the supervision of a licensed motor dealer to develop competencies in all aspects of motor vehicle trading. This has the benefit of enhancing practical understanding of a motor dealer’s obligation in relation to statutory consumer protection and fairness. It is the Association’s view that these two remedies should mitigate the number of unresolved disputes that would require arbitration by QCAT. Peter and I will attend the Parliamentary Committee’s Hearings and will give evidence supporting our submission.

In the coming days there’ll be a scheduled meeting with the Office of Fair Trading. The intention is to discuss with Officers the suggested remedies to assist in the redress of disputes arising from the purchase of a new or used motor vehicles.

Our submission is on the website for member’s perusal.

LEMON LAWS In the coming year, the expectation is that the Legislative and Governance

Forum on Consumer Affairs (CAF) - which consists of all Commonwealth, State, Territory and New Zealand Ministers responsible for fair trading and consumer protection laws - will consider draft ‘lemon laws’. There will be the opportunity to submit the Association’s views on any draft proposals. As an interim measure, it may be wise for industry, including the automotive value chain, to focus on customer relationship management to offset negative perceptions of the automotive industry stemming from the Hayne Commission of Inquiry, The Australian Securities and Investment Commission and the QCAT and other legislation amendments.

CONSUMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT Here at MTA Queensland, we take pride in putting members first, and for consumer issues to be handled professionally, courteously and efficiently. Generally, this was not my Christmas/New Year retail experience either in-store or on-line.

Instead, it was is one of general indifference.

With one or two exceptions, professional consumer service was rare, with service staff more interested in the content on point of sale systems, fussing with products or too busy with a customer to courteously acknowledge others patiently waiting.

The on-line experience was performing telephone digital maneuvers ultimately to speak with salespersons unable to answer product description, or brand differentiations. Seemingly, the paucity of consumer service is a common complaint.

A prominent local journalist, writing in the State’s leading daily newspaper, was critical of the service and the wait staff at the city’s leading restaurants. A New Year’s resolution should be for all retail sectors to improve consumer service.

February 2019 Motor Trader | 9

Policy/Viewpoint FEDERAL BUDGET The 2019-20 Federal Budget is on Tuesday, 2 April and, as widely anticipated, followed by the general election. In keeping with long-held practice, a prebudget submission outlining the automotive value chain’s priorities for the coming financial year will be forwarded to the Commonwealth Treasury for consideration in preparing the budget.

When the election is called, a further submission will be sent to the Leaders of the major political parties drawing attention to policy positions for the motor trades.

SERVICE TO MEMBERS An exemplar of service to members, as well as knowledge of motor trades’ employment relations, is MTA Queensland’s Industrial Relations Manager Ted Kowalski. In January this year, Ted clocked up 35 years of service, advising and guiding members on a wide range of employment and industrial relations matters. He is the longest-serving employee in the Association’s history and his motor trade industrial relations knowledge is without peer.

Two complex issues that he had to transition through stand out like beacons.

They were the introduction in 2009 of the Fair Work Act to reform the nation’s industrial relations system and the Award Modernisation (1996-2010). The latter resulted in two awards for the motor trades - the Vehicle Manufacturing Repair Services and Retail Award and the Clerks Private Sector Award replacing a number of state awards. Congratulations Ted on the milestone, and thank you for your dedicated service to members and your valued and genial contribution to the corporate office.

10 | Motor Trader February 2019

“IN JANUARY THIS YEAR,

TED CLOCKED UP 35 YEARS OF SERVICE, ADVISING AND GUIDING MEMBERS ON A WIDE RANGE OF EMPLOYMENT AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MATTERS. HE IS THE LONGEST-SERVING EMPLOYEE IN THE ASSOCIATION’S HISTORY AND HIS MOTOR TRADE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS KNOWLEDGE IS WITHOUT PEER.” AREA MANAGER (NORTH QLD) The popular Divisional Executive (North Queensland based) Andy O’Hearn has resigned to take employment elsewhere to enable him to spend quality time with his children. Andy has been working with north and central Queensland members since 2009 and over that time was the conduit for information and policy to and from the corporate office. Although he will be missed, he remains in the industry. We wish Andy the best with his new employment.

Ray Bolton is joining the MTA Queensland team, and will assume the role as the new Area Manager following the two-week handover by Andy.

FINALLY A responsibility I enjoy is interacting with Industry Division members on their diverse trade issues and policies.

Preparations are underway for the first round of Divisional meetings for the 2019 calendar year. Whilst the focus will be on industry issues, there will be discussion on policy priorities for the up-coming election.

Until March, take care and stay safe.

Small change.

Big future.

Matthew Webster (46) has a long way to go before he hangs up his hat, but he can already picture his retirement.

He plans to travel around Australia in a caravan with his wife — once he convinces her that it will be fun!

Matt has spent his career in the motor trades and is well on his way to making sure he has enough super to see the country in comfort.

He joined MTAA Super as an apprentice in 1989 and now works in an automotive training role in NSW. “I’m really happy I’ve been with MTAA Super. It’s the industry super fund for my trade and has been supporting careers in the automotive industry for over 25 years.”

“I’m still a long way off retirement, but I do think about what I will do when I stop working and how I will support myself and my family.”

Matt, like many Australians, is not alone in his concern. Thanks to changing work patterns and increased life expectancy, many of us will spend close to a quarter of our lives as retirees.

For some, the age pension alone or relying solely on your employer’s super contributions may not be enough.

Leeanne Turner, CEO of MTAA Super, says it’s important that workers do what they can to help grow their super throughout their working lives.

“Too many workers are hands-off with their super. Retirement can feel like a lifetime away, so it’s easy to put super on the back burner. But there are a lot of ways you can actively grow your super now.”

She says one of the easiest and most effective ways is to make regular extra contributions.

“Small amounts can go a long way.

Putting as little as an extra $10 per week into your super can add up to thousands over a 30+ year career.”

“This is because of the compounding nature of superannuation. With super, you don’t just grow your employer and voluntary contributions, you also grow the investment returns on these contributions. Every dollar you add to your super account boosts your super’s earning capacity.”

Ms Turner also adds that making extra contributions is easy.

“It’s simple. Just ask your employer to set up a regular (pre-tax) salary sacrifice into your super, or make direct (after-tax) deposits into your super whenever you can afford to put a little aside.”

Give your super a boost!

For ways to give your super a boost while you’re still working visit mtaasuper.com.au/ extra-contributions

1300 362 415 mtaasuper.com.au

This article is issued by Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238 718) of Level 3, 39 Brisbane Avenue Barton ACT 2600, Trustee of the MTAA Superannuation Fund (ABN 74 559 365 913). Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited has ownership interests in Industry Super Holdings Pty Ltd and Members Equity Bank Limited. The information provided is of a general nature and does not take into account your specific needs or personal situation. You should assess your financial position and personal objectives before making any decision based on this information. We also recommend that you seek advice from a licensed financial adviser. The MTAA Super Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), an important document containing all the information you need to make a decision about MTAA Super, can be obtained by calling MTAA Super on 1300 362 415 or visiting mtaasuper.com.au/handbooks. You should consider the PDS in making a decision.

Michael Georgas

MTA|Q&A

Brothers Michael and Steve Georgas are the owners of Absolute Car Care, a mechanical workshop in Brisbane. But what started as a two-man operation nearly 20 years ago has - through hard work, skill, and a big dollop of business acumen - grown to employ 15 staff across a business that now includes the workshop, an exhaust business, a tyre retail and fitting shop, and a prestige car dealership and consignment business. It’s an impressive set up, and part of long-term vision that will see the brothers able to offer customers a true one-stop shop experience.

Motor Trader caught up with Michael to talk about the business, the journey, and his thoughts on the wider industry.

12 | Motor Trader February 2019

What products and services does Absolute Car Care and associated businesses provide?

MG: We provide normal servicing, logbook

servicing, brakes, steering, and suspension services. We also do air conditioning in house and are ARC accredited. We provide exhaust services through our Brisbane Exhaust Centre business, and tyre and wheel alignment services through our Deshon Tyres business. We also own Absolute Prestige Cars - a wholesale, retail and consignment business for prestige, high-end cars.

We pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop. Our vision is that if you bring your vehicle to us, we can solve any issue.

We really don’t want the car to have to go anywhere but here, so we provide a service and process that is seamless. We do sub-contract certain things, such as auto electrical work, but that is also done here.

“WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON

BEING A ONE-STOP SHOP. OUR VISION IS THAT IF YOU BRING YOUR VEHICLE TO US, WE CAN SOLVE ANY ISSUE.” We work on all makes and models, though we are heavily focused towards European cars. Those brands – Mercedes, BMW, Audi and VW – as well as Hyundai and Kia, are a big part of the market and we have three European specialist techs, as well as a specialist on the Korean brands. They are senior guys and very skilled.

We have also invested heavily to be able to service all those brands and models with the technology and equipment specific to them. That is a big investment, but we have to keep up.

February 2019 Motor Trader | 13

How long have the businesses been established and how did you come to be involved?

MG: Absolute Car Care has been running

for 20 years and Brisbane Exhaust Centre for 14 years. We have owned Deshon Tyres for just over two years, but that business had been running for a long time before that. Absolute Prestige Cars has been up and running for 18 months.

Absolute Car Care was started when, effectively, the shell of a previous business was purchased and Steve started it up again with just one apprentice and under a new name. That was back in 1999.

The business grew and grew and after a couple of years, I came in to put some business procedures in place. We found a real synergy between the two of us, with Steve managing the workshop and the production flow, and me on the business side of things working with the customers and on sales.

In the past, I had worked on business anlalysis for big organisations such as Barclay’s Capital and Abbey National Treasury.

That was very interesting, but I had a burning desire to run my own business and I was actually going to go off and open a string of juice bars - I had the business plan and concept all in place.

However, and to cut a long story short, Steve wanted some help and I said I’d come in and assist for the next 3 to 6 months. I’m still here 18 years later! So, I came into the industry by default, but I have loved it.

You are part of the AutoGuru booking network - a business that is part of a new way for workshops to do business. How has the platform worked for you?

MG: I am a fan of the platform and it has definitely worked for us.

While I understand the reservations of some, I do believe that if you use the platform in the right way, it can be very beneficial.

I treat it as a way to generate new business. For instance, a car may need work beyond the job it is booked in for and if you can convert that need to a sale, that’s a real upside. For us, if an AutoGuru client comes to us and it turns out that their car also needs a tyre, then we can offer that service. If we are

“ELECTRIC AND HYBRID TECH IS COMING, WILL BE HERE TO STAY, AND WILL BE A BIG PART OF OUR FUTURE. THE CHALLENGE FOR US AS INDEPENDENTS IS KEEPING OUR SKILLS RELEVANT.”

competitive, we’ll win that work.

It is also worth noting that when a new client comes in and they are impressed with what you do, then they will likely come back to use your services again.

For us, AutoGuru is complementary to our business. Sometimes, the margin on the job may be small, but I take a longterm approach to it.

And it has worked. I get very good clients through AutoGuru. Perhaps as important, the clients like it - they like that it is clear and transparent about the work they are going to get done.

For us, it’s a no-brainer to be on the platform.

You recently joined the MTA Queensland’s Automotive Engineers Division committee.

Why did you want to take on that responsibility and what issues are you looking at tackling?

MG: I guess I want to give something back

to the industry. I’ve been running this business for 18 years, I know the ropes, and using my experience to give a little bit back is important to me.

Amongst the issues to focus on is training. I think it’s essential to look closely at how we are training young people coming into the industry. We know there is a skills shortage and that technology is changing, so I am interested in the education of people coming through into the trades.

The sharing of data and information is important to me too. And that will become more important as technology becomes more and more complex.

Electric and hybrid tech is coming, will be here to stay, and will be a big part of our future. The challenge for us as independents is keeping our skills relevant. So, there is a real need to share information, data, tools and equipment, skilled resources – and I think the industry, given the skilled shortages we face, will have to embrace that.

February 2019 Motor Trader | 15

The Georgas brothers' operation, that began with the Absolute Car Car workshop, now includes an exhaust services business, a prestige car business and a tyre servicing and fitting shop

service and full transparency to the client.

For us, we have some strategic partnerships in our local area. We work Those factors are very important and very closely with an auto electrician and there are strategies in place to support with another European workshop, and them. For example, preparing really good we help each other to solve the complex reports in which you tell the client, warts issues that are presented to us. Without and all, what is going on with their car. that community, things would be quite Show them the old parts you’re replacing difficult. and why they are being replaced. And use Forging those relationship within your technology to show the client what you local community is crucial, and you need are doing. Do a printout and show them to take the approach that they are not your the fault codes - just telling them there is a competitors, but your colleagues and your fault is not enough. ‘cooperative’. If you embrace that, there is plenty of work for everyone and everyone What does the future hold for the business? is a winner.

MG: The vision is to be a one-stop shop, The businesses that won’t survive are and we will continue to refine that. And the businesses that don’t collaborate, and we will have to do that as cars get more don’t invest in people or technology. technologically advanced and present us That may well lead to consolidation with new challenges. in the industry, and I don’t know if, for example, you will get the traditional What do you do with your spare time? one-man show anymore. That used to be MG: I have three young girls, so I spend how independents got started – when a as much time as I can with my mechanic went out on his own and family. I am not materialistic CLICK started his own business that grew TO VISIT about ‘things’ but I really do over the years. But we may have THE ABSOLUTE like to travel and have those seen the end of that.

CAR CARE experiences with the kids and WEBSITE To what do you attribute your success? the family. So, we try and get away a couple of times a year.

MG: For me, it is about customer 16 | Motor Trader February 2019

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18 | Motor Trader February 2019

OIT INDUSTRY’S FOCUS

O

NE OF THE world’s great auto shows took place in Detroit in January as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) rolled into town to take over the massive Cobo Centre and showcase new technologies, production vehicles and concept cars to hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Part of the show is known as Automobili-D, an event that brings together start-ups, technology companies, automotive businesses, and representatives from government and academia to discuss the industry’s future and exhibit new tech and concepts.

65 start-ups from 10 countries attended this year’s Automobili-D event to exhibit their mobility-focused products. These included companies creating connected vehicle solutions, artificial intelligencebased software solutions for self-driving cars, autopilot systems for trucks, driverless delivery systems, cyber security, flying cars, and a plethora of other hightech systems that will impact the industry in years to come.

The main course of the Detroit show, however, is the showcase of vehicles, and once again, there was plenty for the public to see – from muscle cars to electric cars, from trucks to high-performance supercars.

However, while the venerable old event, which has a history running back more than 100 years, has been a monster of the auto show scene for generations, the shifting focus of the industry from ‘automotive’ to ‘mobility’ and the rise of technology as a major part of the shift in focus has seen technology-focused shows, such as CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas start to become the hot spot for manufacturers wanting to show off their latest and greatest innovations.

And auto shows in general, as we know from the demise of our own once flourishing shows here in Australia, have found it difficult to keep manufacturers on February 2019 Motor Trader | 19

“THE MAIN COURSE OF THE

DETROIT SHOW, HOWEVER, IS THE SHOWCASE OF VEHICLES, AND ONCE AGAIN, THERE WAS PLENTY FOR THE PUBLIC TO SEE – FROM MUSCLE CARS TO ELECTRIC CARS, FROM TRUCKS TO HIGHPERFORMANCE SUPERCARS.” side. The Detroit show, despite its history and location at the epicentre of the US motoring scene, had to do without the attendance of several big players (this year Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Porsche and Jaguar were not at the show in an official capacity) who are just as likely these days to look outside of the auto shows for interesting and creative ways to debut their cars and engage with consumers.

The organisers of the Detroit Show – the Detroit Auto Dealers Association recognised that cahnge was required and announced in July last year that the show would, from 2020, be held in June rather than the bitterly cold winter month of January.

“The ability for participating brands to deliver dynamic exhibits and experiential opportunities outside of the show’s four walls for attending journalists, industry members and consumers, will provide new avenues to showcase the products and technologies on display,” organisers said in a statement. “Delivering greater ROI through reduced costs and dynamic opportunities will be a key aspect of the future show.”

Let’s hope it succeeds, as it would be a strange day indeed if a key auto event such as Detroit were to fall be the wayside. Its battle is, perhaps, indicative of the larger scale disruption and change sweeping the industry as a whole.

Whatever its future, for this year at least, there were still some interesting vehicles taking a bow in the Motor City and here are a few of the choice picks.

20 | Motor Trader February 2019

GAC Entranze

GAC UNVEILS ENTRANZE CONCEPT CAR

C

HINESE CARMAKER GAC Motor debuted its ENTRANZE concept car in Detroit.

Developed by the GAC Advanced Design Centre in Los Angeles, the bullet-inspired ENTRANZE concept is, the company says, designed to meet the needs of American consumers and offers its vision of future mobility, showcasing new energy breakthroughs, an upgraded user experience (UI), unique interior and exterior design concepts, and features including a 3+2+2 seating arrangement, 'aircraft inspired aisle', two-side mounted displays for functional feature control, plus curved displays for passenger entertainment.

GAC Motor also displayed its portfolio of vehicles at the show – an array of SUVs, sedans, minivans and NEVs, including GS8, GS4, GS5, GS7, GS3, GA4, GM8, GM6 and GE3 530.

The company also announced that the GAC R&D Centre Detroit has officially begun operation. Built with an investment of US$ 4.4 million and encompassing nearly 50,000 square feet of real estate, the R&D centre will serve as a hub to assist the design and development of GAC Group's products for the U.S. and other overseas markets. „ VIDEO: GAC ENTRANZE CONCEPT

February 2019 Motor Trader | 21

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

MOST POWERFUL STREET-LEGAL FORD IN HISTORY

F

ORD UNVEILED THE all-new 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 in Detroit.

And the new creation is a real beast - the most powerful street-legal Ford ever with a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 aluminium alloy engine, producing more than 700 horsepower, under the hood.

The Shelby also features a carbon fibre driveshaft and, to channel all that power and torque, Ford Performance selected a TREMEC 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

This dual-clutch transmission is designed for a number of drive modes, including normal, weather, sport, drag and track, and activates features like line-lock and launch control through selectable Track Apps.

22 | Motor Trader February 2019

VIDEO: THE ALL-NEW 2020 FORD MUSTANG SHELBY® GT500®: THE LEGEND RETURNS | MUSTANG | FORD

Shelby GT500 takes advantage of revised suspension geometry, a new electronic power steering unit and lighter-weight coil springs front and rear. There’s nextgeneration active MagneRide suspension along with the latest in advanced drive

mode technologies from Ford Performance.

To provide track-ready stopping power, 16-5-inch (420-millimeter) two-piece rotors are added plus larger, stiffer Brembo six-piston calipers.

Two handling packages are offered.

The first includes adjustable strut top mounts and spoiler with Gurney flap.

A Carbon Fibre Track Package features exposed 20-inch carbon fibre wheels with 0.5-inch-wider rear wheels (11.5-inch), custom Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, adjustable exposed carbon fibre GT4 track wing and splitter wickers with integrated dive plane. The rear seat is deleted to reduce weight.

On the inside, the Shelby GT500’s purpose-built cockpit boasts raceinspired premium materials and unique finishes including Recaro racing seats with firm side bolstering and passthroughs for safety harnesses. Poweradjustable seating with Miko suede inserts is also offered.

There’s a 12-inch full-colour LCD instrument cluster, while a highperformance custom-tuned 12-speaker B&O Play premium audio system is available. All of this is controlled via an 8-inch SYNC 3 touch screen.

New colours for 2020 include Red Hot, Twister Orange and Iconic Silver.

February 2019 Motor Trader | 23

Infiniti QX Inspiration

INFINITI QX INSPIRATION

T

HIS IS THE Infiniti QX Inspiration - a mid-sized SUV that serves as a precursor to the brand’s first fullyelectric vehicle.

Infiniti says that, as a company with technological and powertrain innovation at its core, electrification is a natural next step and the QX Inspiration design study previews the brand’s plan to launch a range of high-performance electrified vehicles.

The all-wheel drive QX Inspiration signals a new era for Infiniti design enabled by technology, with a form language that the company says hints at the potency of electrified powertrains.

The concept sets a precedent for the company’s first fully-electric production 24 | Motor Trader February 2019

VIDEO: THE FUTURE OF INFINITI - QX INSPIRATION

car, illustrating how new architectures and technologies are influencing the company’s design. The interior of QX Inspiration is hand-crafted using traditional techniques and Infiniti says that the development of new electrified vehicle platforms enables the creation of spacious, lounge-like interiors.

CADILLAC SHOWS B R A N D ’ S F I R S T F U L LY ELECTRIC EV

C

ADILLAC REVEALED THE brand’s first EV at the NAIAS in Detroit.

The EV will be the first model derived from GM’s future EV platform and GM announced that Cadillac will be at the vanguard of the company’s move toward an all-electric future.

“Cadillac’s EV will hit the heart of the crossover market and meet the needs of customers around the world,” said Steve Carlisle, president of Cadillac. “It will represent the height of luxury and innovation while positioning Cadillac as the pinnacle of mobility.”

The Cadillac EV’s name and additional details will be revealed closer to launch.

The announcement in Detroit was part of a greater announcement surrounding the company’s aggressive product acceleration — the company also hinted at both a future Escalade and an upcoming performance

sedan. Overall, Cadillac says it will introduce new models at the rate of roughly one every six months through 2021.

GM’s future EV platform, which Cadillac will be the first to use, will, GM says, be flexible, allowing the company to respond quickly to customer preferences with a relatively short design and development lead time. The Cadillac portfolio will eventually benefit from a variety of body styles that can be spun off this architecture.

The most advanced components within the platform are the drive units and battery cells, both of which are being designed for maximum usability throughout GM vehicle lineups in different countries.

The EVs can be configured in front-, rearor all-wheel drive, and the output of their battery systems will be adjustable based on vehicle and customer needs.

Cadillac EV

February 2019 Motor Trader | 25

TOYOTA GR SUPRA MAKES WORLD DEBUT

T

HE FIFTH GENERATION of Toyota's legendary sports car ,and the first global GR model to be produced by Toyota GAZOO Racing, made its world debut at the Detroit show.

The GR sports a classic layout of a frontmounted engine driving the rear wheels and its 3.0-litre, straight-six engine, that benefits from a twin-scroll turbocharger, produces 250kW and 500Nm of torque.

Toyota says that GAZOO Racing was instrumental in honing the new sports car's performance, working extensively on the NĂźrburgring track and surrounding roads in Germany in order to achieve the most agile, stable and rewarding handling.

Further testing was also carried out on roads around the world, including in Australia.

The driver's cockpit combines traditional GT elements with ultra-modern functionality with Toyota saying its design was directly influenced by the layout found in single-seater race cars.

The performance heart of the GR Supra

Toyota GR Supra 26 | Motor Trader February 2019

VIDEO: GR SUPRA

is its 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine.

It is fitted with a twin-scroll turbocharger, high-precision direct fuel injection and continuously variable valve control. It is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission that provides lightning-fast up and downshifts, with short ratios selected for the lower gears. The driver can take control of gear changes using paddle shifts on the steering wheel and can select Normal or Sport driving modes to suit their preference and the conditions.

A Launch Control function enables acceleration from standstill with maximum traction, helping the car move from rest to

100 km/h in a claimed 4.3 seconds.

Engine sound and response, shift pattern, damping, steering and active differential performance are adjusted when the driver selects Sport mode.

The vehicle stability control has a special "track" setting that can be selected, reducing the level of system intervention so the driver has greater control of the vehicle's dynamic performance.

All versions of the Toyota GR Supra sold in Australia will be fitted with an active differential that operates both when accelerating and decelerating and can seamlessly adjust from zero to full, 100%

lock, with instant response.

A dedicated ECU monitors a wide range of inputs, including steering wheel, throttle and brake pedal operation, engine speed and yaw rate, for appropriate triggering of the actuator.

A new suspension design comprises double-joint spring MacPherson struts at the front and a five-link system at the rear. Toyota says the front suspension subframe and control arm mounting points have been made extremely rigid to yield precise cornering characteristics, while the use of aluminium for the control arms and swivel bearings reduces the car's unsprung weight, giving superior agility.

The new GR Supra also features highperformance wheel hubs with sportstuned electric power steering.

The rear suspension benefits from a similarly lightweight design for the rigid subframe and the bracing that connects it to the body, helping ensure extremely precise wheel control.

High-performance systems and features include an active differential, adaptive variable suspension, and available 19-inch forged alloy wheels with a high-performance brake package and an array of advanced safety features.„ February 2019 Motor Trader | 27

Kia Telluride

KIA DEBUTS PRODUCTION TELLURIDE SUV

T

HIS IS THE production Telluride an 8-seater SUV, powered by a 291hp 3.8-­litre V6.

Telluride is the first Kia designed specifically for the U.S. and is a product of the Kia Design Centre in Irvine, California.

The Telluride comes with 8­speed automatic transmission, four-­wheel independent suspension, and self-­leveling rear suspension. It also comes with a choice of four drive modes – Smart, Eco, Sport and Comfort. In addition to the four regular drive modes, drivers can select from two different settings, Snow and AWD Lock, for specific driving conditions.

There is active on-­demand all­-wheel.

During normal driving, power is distributed according to the drive mode selected. “Eco” and “Smart” modes deliver 100 percent power to the front wheels.

“Comfort” and “Snow” modes deliver 80 percent power to the front wheels and 20 percent to rear. Sport mode splits the power 65­/35 percent between front and

28 | Motor Trader February 2019

VIDEO: DESIGN INTROSPECTIVE | 2020 KIA TELLURIDE

back. “Lock” mode delivers power evenly to all four wheels.

Safety features include all the usual suspects such as downhill brake control, hill-start assist and tyre pressure monitoring system, as well as a host of driver-assistance systems such as Forward collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot View Monitor, Driver Attention Warning, Smart Cruise Control and Surround View Monitor, amongst other systems.

The Telluride will go on sale this year.

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An Eye on Innovation freedom and agility to succeed’. The aim of the event was, in part, to give attendees an understanding of a new approach to funding projects and portfolios, and of measuring team performance.

THE PACE OF INNOVATION TO INCREASE While January may be a little slower as everyone recovers from the Christmas and New Year holiday and shift back into ‘work’ mode, we should expect things to speed KATHY WINKCUP up, and quickly.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER GENERAL MANAGER INNOVATION The end of 2018 brought with it to our shores the all-electric Ioniq car from HILE THINGS NATURALLY Hyundai. That car is now on sale at select are a little slower in the postdealerships and will be followed early this Christmas period, the MTAiQ year by the all-electric Kona. Together, team still had plenty going on in January. these vehicles represent the first small Nathan Nguyen, our MTAiQ wave of an expected electric vehicle Community Manager, travelled (EV) tsunami.

CLICK west to give a presentation While EVs are the most obvious TO BOOK YOUR at Startup Toowoomba, an SPOT FOR THE and tangible example of the CARMAGEDDON organisation that looks to advancements and disruptions SYMPOSIUM boost innovation on the Darling to the automotive industry, Downs by running a variety of there are a myriad of other events, workshops and mentoring technological developments being activities. researched and which will have a direct As the co-founder of the Pegasus Flying impact on us all.

Car Project, Nathan was able to give an It is incumbent upon all of us in the insight into an entrepreneur’s journey industry to keep as up to date as possible and share his thoughts on autonomous with what is happening - for the industry vehicles, automotive innovation and the in Queensland to remain vital, there is no future of mobility.

Nathan also went along to an INNOV8 VIDEO: HYUNDAI IONIQ Logan community coffee gathering to catch up and network with local entrepreneurs in the south Brisbane area, and also attended an Oracle Brisbane meetup at which Elijah Eilert, a start-up coach, gave a presentation on 'innovation accounting' which challenges traditional accounting methods.

Innovation accounting is designed to ‘monitor progress, hold intrapreneurs accountable and give them the necessary

W

30 | Motor Trader February 2019

The speed of innovation and disruption in the automotive industry will increase

“IT IS INCUMBENT UPON ALL OF US IN THE INDUSTRY TO KEEP AS UP TO DATE AS POSSIBLE WITH WHAT IS HAPPENING - FOR THE INDUSTRY IN QUEENSLAND TO REMAIN VITAL, THERE IS NO OTHER ALTERNATIVE THAN TO ADAPT TO, TRAIN FOR, EVOLVE WITH, OR EVEN CREATE OURSELVES, THAT DISRUPTIVE TECH.”

display, including electric vehicles.

If you can spare the day, it's an event you shouldn't miss.

GOT AN IDEA? LET US KNOW!

As Dr Brett Dale, MTA Queensland CEO, mentioned in his column, the Association, through the MTAiQ Innovation Hub is interested not just in providing assistance to start-up businesses and entrepreneurs in the form of space, contacts, time and resources. If the right concept, idea or project should come along, then a financial investment may also be considered.

Just such an arrangement has recently other alternative than to adapt to, train for, been made with a start-up business (an arrangement which we will talk about evolve with, or even create ourselves, that in depth in the near future), and that disruptive tech.

Keeping up to speed with those advances agreement is a reminder not to ignore that idea that has been rattling around in can, however, be a little tricky - so much is your head. If it tackles a problem in the happening that it can be a bit bewildering industry, or is something new that can - but a central part of MTA Queensland's help move the industry move forward, mission is to assist industry to recognise then let us know about it. The MTAiQ is and understand these developments. here to help, and who knows where that Since 2017, MTA Queensland has run seed of an idea might lead. the Carmageddon symposiums - events So, if you’ve got an idea, then get in designed to highlight to attendees those contact – it will do no good to keep it very advances - and the third edition hidden. As leading entrepreneur Margaret of Carmageddon will take place on Heffernan said: ‘For good ideas and March 21, at the Sir Jack Brabham true innovation, you need human Automotive Centre of Excellence, CLICK interaction, conflict, argument, with a roster of heavy hitters TO SUBMIT debate.’

YOUR IDEA within the automotive TO MTAIQ We look forward to hearing R&D space due to deliver from you. presentations. There will also be a selection of technology on Until next time.

February 2019 Motor Trader | 31

THIS ONE-DAY AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATION SYMPOSIUM WILL BRING TOGETHER SENIOR GOVERNMENT, ACADEMIA, THE INNOVATION ECO-SYSTEM, AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY BUSINESSES AND STAKEHOLDERS AS WELL AS MEDIA. The event will feature panels and presenters covering topics such as smart

cities and the future of mobility, renewable fuel technologies and blockchain.

There will also be an impressive vehicle showcase featuring the latest hydrogen and electric cars from Tesla, Hyundai, Jaguar and Renault.

TICKETS WILL BE LIMITED FOR THIS FREE EVENT. DATE: Thursday 21 March 2019 | 8:30 am – 3:00 pm LOCATION: Sir Jack Brabham Centre of Excellence, MTA Queensland Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, SEQ

20190759

REGISTER HERE

Carmageddon | New World Mobility

CARMAGEDDON INNOVATION EVENT TO RETURN IN MARCH

Prof Michael Milford

M

TA QUEENSLAND WILL be holding its third Carmageddon automotive innovation symposium on March 21 and, as with the previous events, this edition of Carmageddon will focus on the new and developing technologies, ideas and concepts that are disrupting the automotive industry.

With a theme of ‘New World Mobility’, Carmageddon will host attendees from senior government, academia, the innovation eco-system, automotive industry businesses and stakeholders as well as media, and will be opened by the Hon Karen Andrews MP, Minister for Industry, Science and Technology.

As the theme suggests, the event will feature panels and presenters covering topics such as smart cities and the future of mobility, renewable fuel technologies and blockchain technology.

There will also be an impressive vehicle showcase featuring the latest hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric cars from Tesla, Hyundai, Jaguar and Renault.

The program will include presentations

from some of Australia’s leading subject matter experts including: • Cat Matson, Brisbane’s Chief Digital Officer • Dr Kellie Nuttall, Partner Deloitte • Prof Michael Milford, QUT Science and Engineering Faculty, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics and Autonomous Systems • Dr Sue Keay, Research Director Cyber Physical Systems, CSIRO’s Data 61 • Dr Brett Dale, CEO, MTA Queensland • Dr Paul Sernia, Chief Product Officer | Founder, Tritium • Eden Spencer, Founder | CEO, Block Two Pty Ltd • Mark Dutton, Team Manager and Racing Engineer, Triple Eight Race Engineering • Scott Nagar, Public Relations | Manager of Future Mobility & Government Relations, Hyundai • Graeme Manietta, Chairman Queensland Branch, Australian Electric Vehicle Council Tickets will be limited for this free event, so if you wish to attend, register HERE. February 2019 Motor Trader | 33

WORKGURU AIMS TO INCREASE EFFICIENCY AND BOOST PROFITS

B

EING THE OWNER of a small business is a tough gig. It’s unlikely you are nestled in a luxurious office, behind a grand desk, pondering what wine to have with lunch before your afternoon round of golf. Far more likely is that you’re on the tools, getting stuck into the business of your business, with a full day of work ahead and an evening of reviewing the books to follow.

Instead of an accountant, it’s you who is thinking about cashflow, productivity and profitability; instead of a general manager, it’s you who is contemplating regulations, processes and development; instead of a marketing manager, it’s you who is thinking about social media, advertising and online engagement . . . the jobs to be done seem endless.

It would be a great help then, if there was a way to bring at least some of these chores

34 | Motor Trader February 2019

together into one system and simplify and streamline the process to such a degree that not only do you save time, you also make money.

Enter WorkGuru, a cloud-based application that promises just that.

It’s an easy-to-use, simple solution (as the best ideas often are) to some of the frustrations of running a small business. It brings together the disparate administrative parts of the process and offers real-time visibility on a business’s performance, allowing for clarity over where money is made and lost, business capacity, and predictability of revenue through scheduling and forecasting.

With some tweaks and customisation to the auto industry’s specific requirements, it looks set to become the central tool a workshop business needs to run smoothly and efficiently.

project management combined with inventory; or project management combined with scheduling; or asset management combined with inventory; all manner of things.

There wasn’t a viable solution to offer them, so we decided to create a product that could do the job.

“So, we built WorkGuru to deal with the fundamental business processes – everything from scheduling to job management to stock usage and so on,” added Michael. “Those fundamental processes are applicable to any business. For instance, we have construction clients who use it, and do so in exactly the same way that workshop clients use it.”

For workshops, the program can be used to create a quote for a job; schedule that job into a bay or to a particular technician; record the time taken for the job and, if it’s a fixed price piece of work, invoice at Michael Davis and Tony Harcourt that fixed price while also recording the actual, true costs. It can raise an invoice to send to the client, and WE WERE CONSTANTLY information on components and stock “ needed for jobs is recorded and used to BEING ASKED ABOUT THE ensure that inventory levels are always SAME THINGS . . . THERE WASN’T A VIABLE SOLUTION TO where they should be.

There is also a nifty feature called OFFER THEM, SO WE DECIDED ‘Project Groups’ – a handy component for TO CREATE A PRODUCT THAT workshops with a fleet servicing aspect to COULD DO THE JOB.” their business.

“If, for example, you’re servicing 20 WorkGuru was developed by Tony vehicles for a client, you can create a Harcourt and Michael Davis, business project group to record the servicing of consultants who, after years of advising each one of those vehicles and, when they companies on how to solve problems and are complete, roll up all of those jobs and improve profitability, saw how a program package them, with the click of one button, such as WorkGuru could be a reasonably to create either an invoice per vehicle, priced competitor to the massively or one invoice for the entire job which expensive Enterprise Resource Planning contains the information on all the work systems employed by large corporations. that has been done,” said Tony.

“We were constantly being asked about “That is useful to a fleet manager the same things,” said Tony. “People wanted customer who may well want only one February 2019 Motor Trader | 35

“WORKGURU’S DIGITAL

WORKSHOP MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY PRESENTS A REAL OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR MEMBERS TO BENEFIT AND PARTICIPATE IN DEVELOPING A SOLUTION THAT MEETS INDUSTRY NEEDS.” invoice. It’s also useful to the workshop as project groups mean they keep those jobs together and also track them individually, drill down into the detail of the work, and see where and how money was made.”

With WorkGuru’s foundation of wellproven processes, systems and procedures already in place, it means that a little customisation is all that is required to tailor it precisely to the needs of the auto industry. And that customisation is currently underway with what is known as ‘beta’ testing being conducted by a number of workshops.

36 | Motor Trader February 2019

“Beta testing means the system is used in a live environment before being officially launched,” said Tony. “It allows us to find the feature sets that industry really wants, that we can add on, and that will make it genuinely valuable to them. For example, customer relationship management is one item now on our roadmap.”

Beta testing is important and the WorkGuru team, who are a client of the MTAiQ Innovation Hub, is looking for more workshops to participate in this phase before launching into the market later this year.

It’s a great opportunity for MTA Queensland members to have a direct influence on a product that is being built to help them become more efficient, more productive, and more profitable.

“A key focus of the MTAiQ Innovation Hub is to attract and foster technology that has the potential to help industry navigate new and emerging challenges in the business environment,” said James Orr, Chief Technology Innovation Officer for MTA Queensland. “WorkGuru’s digital workshop management technology presents a real opportunity for our members to benefit and participate in developing a solution that meets industry needs.

“End users and customers are rarely provided the opportunity to help shape a product’s outcome. WorkGuru wants to work closely with members to understand the needs of businesses within the automotive industry, which will enable them to deliver a product fit for purpose and designed to create value for industry.”

If you’re interested in WorkGuru or want to find out more about the Beta testing phase, contact the WorkGuru team at tony@workguru.io or michael@ workguru.io

VIEW PAST ISSUES OF MOTOR TRADER MAGAZINE „

AT WWW.MTAQ.COM.AU/PUBLICATIONS

February 2019 Motor Trader | 37 CLICK HERE TO ACCESS PAST ISSUES OF MOTOR TRADER

Auto innovation news

HYUNDAI REVEALS WALKING CAR CONCEPT AIMED AT EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICES

T

HE NEED FOR efficient, rapid, resilient transportation for disaster assistance has led Hyundai to develop a vehicle concept with moveable legs. Known as ‘Elevate’, it is, says Hyundai, the first Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV), blending technology found in electric cars and robots, which allows it to traverse terrain beyond the limitations of even the most capable off-road vehicle.

“When a tsunami or earthquake hits, current rescue vehicles can only deliver first responders to the edge of the debris field. They have to go the rest of the way by foot. Elevate can drive to the scene and climb right over flood debris or crumbled concrete,” said John Suh, Head of Hyundai 38 | Motor Trader February 2019

VIDEO: ELEVATE WALKING CAR CONCEPT

CRADLE, the company’s venture capital and innovation arm.

“This technology goes well beyond emergency situations. People living with disabilities worldwide that don’t have access to an ADA ramp could hail an

The legs also fold up into a stowed drive-mode, where power to the joints is cut, and the use of an integrated passive suspension system maximises battery efficiency.

This, says Hyundai, will allow Elevate to drive at highway speeds.

Elevate can can climb a fivefoot wall, step over a five-foot Hyundai Elevate Concept gap, walk over diverse terrain, and achieve a 15-foot wide track width, all while keeping its body and autonomous Hyundai Elevate that could passengers completely level. walk up to their front door, level itself, and “By combining the power of robotics allow their wheelchair to roll right in. The with Hyundai’s latest EV technology, possibilities are limitless.”

Elevate has the ability to take people The Elevate concept, developed in where no car has been before, and redefine conjunction with industrial design our perception of vehicular freedom,” said consultancy Sundberg-Ferar, is based on David Byron, design manager, Sundberga modular EV platform. The robotic leg Ferar. “Imagine a car stranded in a snow architecture has five degrees of freedom ditch just 10 feet off the highway being plus wheel hub propulsion motors and is able to walk or climb over the treacherous enabled by electric actuator technology. terrain, back to the road potentially saving This design allows for both mammalian its injured passengers – this is the future of and reptilian walking gaits, allowing it to move in any direction. vehicular mobility.”

February 2019 Motor Trader | 39

Auto innovation news

HONDA DEMONSTRATES DREAM DRIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND SERVICES SYSTEM

H

ONDA HAS REVEALED its prototype Dream Drive - an integrated driver and passenger infotainment, commerce, services and rewards dashboard within the vehicle environment. First shown as a concept at CES 2017, Honda Dream Drive has evolved to offer drivers and passengers a broad range of services and entertainment options. The system was developed in collaboration with Connected Travel, a connected vehicle platform and application services company.

The new prototype mobile-based dashboards provide services and experiences designed specifically for both drivers and passengers: 40 | Motor Trader February 2019

VIDEO: HONDA DREAM DRIVE IN-VEHICLE EXPERIENCE

• Honda Dream Drive: Driver demonstrates the expansion of Honda’s in-vehicle payment technology concept, first introduced at CES 2017 with Visa.

It enables drivers to pay for goods and services like fuel, movie tickets and parking, make restaurant reservations, food ordering for pickup or delivery, and

UK SAW ‘SPECTACULAR’ INCREASE IN ONLINE CAR SALES IN 2018

even share the driver’s location with friends and family.

• Honda Dream Drive: Passenger offers passengers the ability to play mixed reality games, watch movies, listen to music, read original comics stories, use travel applications, explore new points of interest along the route, and control the radio and cabin features – all from the passenger’s mobile device.

Moreover, customers will have access to purchase Honda Dream Drive content, movie or event tickets, order ahead, and a variety of other convenience options provided by Honda’s collaborators.

Since 2016, Honda says it has worked with Visa to build and enhance the in-vehicle payment experience. Now, the company is expanding its in-vehicle payment collaboration to include Mastercard and PayPal, and is testing a new points-based rewards program.

Drivers and passengers can earn rewards points for participating in a variety of activities including purchasing services, watching and listening to media, and playing games.

THERE HAS REPORTEDLY been a spectacular spike in used car sales at one of the UK’s leading online motor retail specialists. During 2018, BuyaCar.co.uk says it saw sales grow more than 70 per cent – figures that contrasted sharply with fewer sales in the conventional ‘bricks and mortar’ dealer market.

Factors such as ease of shopping online are, the company says, playing a part in the results but another notable factor in the swing toward online motor retail is that for the third year running growth in online sales to female customers significantly outstripped that for men.

While men still form a majority of BuyaCar.co.uk’s customers, and the platform takes no special steps to attract women, purchases by women increased during 2018 by 83 per cent, well ahead of the 74.3 per cent increase for men.

It means women are now heading toward representing 50 per cent of the platform’s customers.

BuyaCar.co.uk also says its annual results consistently reveal women and younger buyers in general – up to the age of 40 – as the fastest growing segments of the rapidly expanding internet car market.

“Our results continue to reinforce all the consumer research in recent years that consistently shows that the frictionless experience of buying online is a growing preference for car buyers,” said Austin Collins, Managing Director of BuyaCar.co.uk.

February 2019 Motor Trader | 41

Auto innovation news

SENATE REPORT CALLS FOR BOOST IN SUPPORT OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES

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N JANUARY, THE Senate Select Committee on Electric Vehicles (EVs) released a report into the status of EVs in Australia, finding that “EV uptake in Australia lags behind that of other comparable countries due to a relative absence of overarching policy direction from Australian Governments. The higher upfront costs of EVs, concerns about driving range, lack of recharging infrastructure, and limited model availability are key factors hindering consumer uptake.”

Recognising the opportunities that EVs and EV technology offer, the Select Committee made 17 recommendations, including: • Develop a national EV strategy to facilitate and accelerate EV uptake and ensure Australia takes advantage of the opportunities, and manages the risks and challenges for the transition to EVs; • Develop a national strategy for consumer education to raise awareness of the capabilities and benefits of EVs; • Develop and implement a comprehensive 10-year EV manufacturing roadmap; • In conjunction with industry stakeholders, fund apprenticeships and traineeships in the local EV and associated manufacturing sector; and • Work with state and territory governments, and other stakeholders to render all new dwellings 'electric vehicle charger ready'.

• introduce more stringent vehicle emissions standards, and establish a new CO2 standard, informed by those

42 | Motor Trader February 2019

“THE REPORT IS ABSOLUTELY CORRECT IN STATING THAT EV UPTAKE IN AUSTRALIA FALLS WELL BEHIND THAT OF OTHER COMPARABLE COUNTRIES WHICH IS MOSTLY DUE TO A LACK OF POLICY DIRECTION FROM GOVERNMENT.”

implemented in other developed countries and the findings of the Ministerial Forum on Vehicle Emissions.

The Senate Select Committee took submissions and conducted public hearings around the country in 2018, providing an opportunity for businesses, academics and members of the public to give input into how the nation prepares for EVs and their impact on society and the economy.

“The Report is absolutely correct in stating that EV uptake in Australia falls well behind that of other comparable countries which is mostly due to a lack of policy direction from government,” said Dr Brett Dale, CEO of MTA Queensland.

“EVs are transforming the mobility sector globally and sales are growing significantly in countries where government policy supports their uptake.

“Without an effective regulatory framework, Australia's imminent EV

uptake is likely to be slow resulting in EV manufacturers unlikely to bring their various makes and models to the Australian market.”

Other automotive-related organisations also supported the Committee’s findings.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) applauded the recommendations, with its CEO, Tony Weber, saying they will serve as a kick start for the take up of EV technology in Australia.

“The international automotive industry has a strong focus on low emission and electric vehicles.

Most brands have models either in concept form, in planning, or in production – and we even have several of these innovative vehicles on sale here in Australia right now,” Mr Weber said.

“The recommendations made by the Senate Select Committee will provide a much-needed boost to ensure EVs increase on Australian roads, and our country keeps up with the rest of the world in terms of environmentally innovative mobility.”

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) also issued a statement supporting the recommendations and reiterated that new car dealers recognise the future and value of EVs. “There are some important recommendations in this Report and new car dealers are looking forward to playing our part in supplying EVs to the Australian market,” said David Blackhall, AADA CEO. February 2019 Motor Trader | 43

Auto innovation news

HYUNDAI UNVEILS EV CHARGING AND AUTOMATED PARKING SYSTEMS CONCEPT

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YUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY has revealed an electric vehicle (EV) wireless charging system concept with an Automated Valet Parking System (AVPS).

The company says the system will offer a convenience to drivers who are faced with an overcrowding of both parking and charging locations as EV numbers grow steadily. It relocates fully charged vehicles from charging stations and allows other awaiting electric vehicles to charge.

Upon commanding the vehicle to charge using a smartphone, the vehicle will automatically cruise to a vacant wireless charging station. When the vehicle is fully charged, it will relocate to another vacant parking space using the 44 | Motor Trader February 2019

Automated Valet Parking System (AVPS), allowing other vehicles to charge at the spot. When the driver calls for the vehicle, it will then autonomously return to the location of the driver.

VIDEO: THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE WIRELESS CHARGING SYSTEM & AUTOMATED VALET PARKING SYSTEM

DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES TO COLLABORATE WITH TOMTOM ON INTELLIGENT DRIVING

The overall process is performed by continuous communication between electric vehicle, parking facility, charging system and driver. The parking facility sends the location of empty parking spaces and charging stations, while the charging system updates the charging status of the vehicle in real-time.

Hyundai is considering commercialising the technology upon the launch of level 4 autonomous vehicles. Hyundai also plans to commercialise autonomous vehicles in various smart cities from 2021 with a goal of launching fully autonomous vehicles by 2030.

LEADING ADVANCED AUTOMOTIVE propulsion solutions provider Delphi Technologies is to collaborate with navigation, traffic and map products developer TomTom on electronic and software applications designed to further optimise vehicle fuel efficiency and emissions through the use of realtime mapping data.

Delphi’s Intelligent Driving controls will use real-time mapping data to predict changing driving conditions, such as route infrastructure and topography, traffic congestion and weather, which the company says will improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and shorten commute times.

“Smart propulsion solutions are the next logical step in transportation,” said Mary Gustanski, chief technology officer, Delphi Technologies. “Our collaboration with TomTom will help us to find new opportunities to integrate more information about a driver's route, in order to enhance our proprietary Intelligent Driving controls and allow vehicles to drive better, cleaner and further.”

February 2019 Motor Trader | 45

Auto innovation news

TOYOTA AND KENWORTH COLLABORATE TO DEVELOP ZERO EMISSION TRUCKS

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ENWORTH TRUCK COMPANY and Toyota Motor North America are collaborating to develop 10 zero-emission Kenworth T680s powered by Toyota hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrains.

The collaboration is part of a$US41 million ($AU57.3 million) Zero and Near-Zero Emissions Freight Facilities (ZANZEFF) grant preliminarily awarded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), with the Port of Los Angeles as the prime applicant.

The grant monies are part of a larger $US82 million ($AU114.6 million) program that will put fuel cell electric tractors, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, and zero emissions cargo handling equipment into operation in the ports and Los Angeles basin in 2020.

The Kenworth T680s will transport cargo across the Los Angeles basin and to inland cities while generating zero emissions, other than water vapor, thanks to their fully electric hydrogen fuel cell powertrain integrations co-developed by Kenworth and Toyota.

The Kenworth T680s with the Toyota hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrains combine hydrogen gas and air to produce electricity. The electricity powers electric motors to move the trucks, while also charging the lithium-ion batteries to

46 | Motor Trader February 2019

Zero-emission Kenworth T680e

“THE KENWORTH T680S

WITH THE TOYOTA HYDROGEN FUEL CELL ELECTRIC POWERTRAINS COMBINE HYDROGEN GAS AND AIR TO PRODUCE ELECTRICITY.� optimise performance as needed.

Power management systems apportion electrical power from the fuel cells to the motors, batteries, and other components, such as electrified power steering and brake air compressors. The hydrogen fuel cell electric powered Kenworth T680s will have a range of over 300 miles (483km) under normal drayage operating conditions.

The program will also fund foundational hydrogen fuel infrastructure, including two new fueling stations.

Auto innovation news

Volkswagen MEB Dune Buggy concept

VW TO UNVEIL EV DUNE BUGGY AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

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HE GENEVA MOTOR Show, to be held in March, will feature the unveiling of the first fully electric version of a new dune buggy. Taking its cues from popular American dune buggies, the concept vehicle is based on VW’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB).

“A buggy is more than a car. It is vibrancy and energy on four wheels,” said Klaus Bischoff, Head Designer at Volkswagen.

“These attributes are embodied by the new e-buggy, which demonstrates how a modern, non-retro interpretation of a classic can look and, more than anything else, the emotional bond that electric mobility can create,” The concept of the fully electric buggy

is based on the vehicles that were created in the 1960s in California. Back then, the Beetle chassis served as the basis for these buggies. True to the original vehicles, the reinterpretation of a dune buggy has no fixed roof or conventional doors, while the large wheels and off-road tyres and open side sills dominate the overall look.

Volkswagen says the new MEB concept vehicle shows that its fully electric platform can be used for more than just large-scale series production models - the MEB has the potential to facilitate the development of low-volume niche vehicles.

The fully electric concept buggy will be shown at the 89th International Geneva Motor Show, from March 7-17.

February 2019 Motor Trader | 47

Auto innovation news

VOLKSWAGEN OFFERS FIRST GLIMPSE OF MOBILE CHARGING STATION

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OLKSWAGEN HAS REVEALED a glimpse of the company’s future mobile quick charging station.

The mobile charging station works according to the principle of a power bank and VW says it can be set up flexibly and independent of the power supply wherever it is needed: for example, in public parking lots in the city, on company premises, or as a temporary charging point at largescale events.

The charging capacity of up to 360 kWh enables up to 15 electric vehicles to be charged in stand-alone operation and, with quick charging technology, the charging process only takes 17 minutes on average.

If the energy content of the integrated battery set is less than 20 percent, the depleted charging station is exchanged for a charged one. If, however, it is permanently attached to the power supply with up to 30 kW via alternating current, the battery pack perpetually recharges itself. If the charging process is based on renewable power supply, the charging station allows

48 | Motor Trader February 2019

the temporary storage of sustainably generated power.

VW says the first mobile quick charging stations will be set up as early as the first half of 2019 in the company’s hometown as part of a pilot project. As of 2020, the charging station will also be implemented in other cities and communities.

In addition to electric cars, e-bikes can also be charged and up to four vehicles can be charged simultaneously: two with DC and two with AC connections.

There is also the possibility of connecting to the power supply directly, allowing the station to be charged with up to 30kW via alternating current by means of a permanent standard grid connection.

This enables charging points for electric vehicles to be set up quickly and simply, without any structural changes or major financial outlay.

VW says the battery pack in the charging station can be recharged around the clock thanks to the direct power connection.

MTAiQ: THE INNOVATION HUB FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Do you have an idea, a concept or an innovation that could make a difference in the automotive world? Do you need assistance in taking that idea to the next step in its development and to the wider world?

The auto industry is evolving quickly – technology is pushing the industry forward in directions we could scarcely imagine a decade ago and in another 10 years the vehicles that will be cruising our highways and byways (and maybe skyways!) will be vastly different to what we see today.

New ideas and new thinking are the fuel of this evolution and MTAiQ has a mission to not only help nurture new concepts, but to educate and assist the industry to adjust to, and embrace, this evolution.

At MTAiQ, we know there are creative and innovative thinkers and doers in the automotive sector who are constantly working on new ways to advance their business and their industry – and we are here to help.

With a purpose-built workshop, hot-desk working area with high-speed internet, an environment humming with start-up creativity, the backing of an association with more than 80 years working for the automotive industry, and a dedicated team with links and contacts across the worlds of investment, research and government, MTAiQ can help give your idea the development and backing it needs to shift into top gear.

Click here and submit your ideas, or problems that need solving, to MTAiQ for consideration. Come on . . . Let’s get started!

www.mtaiq.com.au/submit-idea February 2019 Motor Trader | 49

Industrial relations

TED KOWALSKI INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MANAGER

MODERN AWARDS TO PROVIDE FOR FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS

TO BE ABLE TO REQUEST FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS, AN EMPLOYEE MUST HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED BY THAT EMPLOYER FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTHS AND BE A PARENT WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CARE OF A CHILD WHO IS OF SCHOOL AGE OR YOUNGER; OR BE A CARER.

the employer; • That there is no capacity to change the working arrangements of other employees to accommodate the new working arrangements requested by the employee; AS PART OF the ongoing review of • That I would be impractical to change all modern awards, the Fair Work the working arrangements of other Commission has decided that a employees, or recruit new employees, model clause, which will set out the to accommodate the new working circumstances under which an employee arrangements requested by the employee; can apply for flexible work arrangements, • That the new working arrangements will be inserted into all modern awards. requested by the employee would be To be able to request flexible work likely to result in a significant loss in arrangements an employee must have efficiency or productivity; been employed by that employer for at • That the new working arrangements least six months and be a parent with the requested by the employee would be responsibility for the care of a child who is likely to have a significant negative of school age or younger; or be a carer. impact on customer service.

The request must be in writing and must Before refusing a request, the employer set out the change sought and the reason must seek to confer with the employee for the change. and genuinely try to reach agreement on a The employer has 21 days to provide a change in working arrangements that will written response to the request and may reasonably accommodate the employee’s only refuse the request on reasonable circumstances. business grounds. “Reasonable While similar provisions already business grounds” could include form part of the National CLICK TO VISIT THE MTAQ the following; Employment Standards, the above KNOWLEDGE • That the new working model award provisions will BASE simplify access to an employer’s arrangements requested by the obligations. employee would be too costly for 50 | Motor Trader February 2019

MTAQ Racing

WANT TO WORK IN MOTORSPORT? JOIN THE MTAQ RACING TEAM SUPPORT CREW

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OIN IN ON all the action of the MTAQ Racing Team, now in its third year, by applying to join the MTAQ Racing Team support crew!

The successful applicants will be integral to the success of the team and will have the opportunity to work at MTA Institute’s state-of-the-art workshop when preparing the car for the track, as well as work in pit lane on race days.

This opportunity has the potential to open doors into the world of motorsport.

REQUIREMENTS: Members of the support crew will need to be available for vehicle preparation and maintenance (at dates to be determined, but usually outside work hours) as well as attend race meetings on the dates listed below. We understand that some flexibility with racing dates and preparation times is required, particularly considering employment obligations.

PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO: • present and graduate apprentices of the MTA Institute; and • members of MTA Queensland.

KEY DATES: • March 29-31 – QLD Championship Round 1 (Warwick) • April 19-21 – Federal Tyres Bathurst Challenge (Bathurst) *TV Event* • June 28-30 – QLD Championship Round 2 (Warwick) • July 12-14 – Excel Australian Championship (The Bend Motorsport Park – SA) *TV Event* • August 1-3 – Federal Tyres Invitational incl. QLD Championship Round 3 (Queensland Raceway Ipswich) *TV Event* • Sept 27-29 – QLD Championship Round 4 (Warwick) • Dec 1-3 – QLD Championship Grand Final Round 5 (Warwick)

DUTIES: • Vehicle preparation • Mechanical work on vehicle • Repairs • Paint / panel repairs as required • Race Day crew work • Tuning and other maintenance Support crew will be provided with safety gear and team shirts.

This is a non-paid volunteer opportunity and food/ accommodation will be covered for event days that require travel. Annual ‘volunteer agreements’ are required to be signed by all support crew team members.

HOW TO APPLY: Email marcellor@mtai.edu.au and tell us in 150 words or less why you should be chosen for this opportunity.

Deadline: Friday 22 February 2019 Successful support crew applicants will be notified early March.

Decisions are final, and no appeals will be entered into.

February 2019 Motor Trader | 51

Auto news

Brabham BT62

BRABHAM CONFIRMS ROAD LEGAL OPTION FOR BT62

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RABHAM AUTOMOTIVE HAS revealed a new Road Compliance Conversion option for its limited edition BT62 track car, which will make the vehicle road legal.

The Australian high-performance BT62 was designed to be an unrestricted track car and while that hasn’t changed, the company says it is responding to some customers’ desire for occasional road use.

For the European market, the road compliant conversion process for the BT62 will take place in the UK and costs £150,000 ($AU268,000) in addition to the list price of the car. It will be handled

52 | Motor Trader February 2019

VIDEO: BRABHAM BT62 - IN ACTION AT PORTIMAO

by Brabham Automotive ahead of registration. A similar process is being undertaken in Australia and Brabham says it will aim to fulfill requests for a similar

conversion in other jurisdictions.

“Customers have the flexibility of completing the Brabham Driver Development Programme before converting their BT62 or requesting that their BT62 be delivered as a road compliant version,” said Dan Marks, Commercial Director of Brabham Automotive. “Given these cars are limited editions, tailored to the needs of each owner, we are keen to provide this flexibility to our customers where we can.”

In addition to meeting regulatory requirements, specification changes will also be made to make the vehicle more usable on the road. This will include raising the ride height with a front and rear axle lift kit, increasing the steering lock range, adding air conditioning, fitting door locks and immobilisers, and including

additional high-quality upholstery in the interior.

Whilst there will be a slight increase in weight there will be no reduction in power, retaining the 700bhp power output.

The first road-compliant BT62 is expected to be delivered in summer 2019.

“We designed the BT62 to be an unrestricted, thoroughbred track car and our extensive test programme has revealed it to be all of those things,” said David Brabham, Managing Director of Brabham Automotive. “This isn’t a car designed for the road. With that said, it’s clear some customers are keen to have a road compliant option with their BT62, particularly to drive to and from the track. My father Jack was always customer focused and we will continue with that ethos.”

February 2019 Motor Trader | 53

Auto news

TOYOTA INTRODUCES WARRANTY ADVANTAGE

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OYOTA AUSTRALIA IS introducing the Toyota Warranty Advantage - a standard five-year manufacturer warranty for all new Toyota vehicles sold from January 1, 2019. The Toyota Warranty Advantage includes unlimited kilometres for private buyers and 160,000km for vehicles used for commercial purposes.

The new five-year protection and other benefits apply to all models across the range. Owners of new vehicles are entitled to a full refund for any failure that prevents the vehicle being driveable within 60 days of collecting their new vehicles.

This 60-day money-back guarantee also applies where there have been multiple unsuccessful attempts to repair a vehicle.

Toyota and its dealers will cover the cost of towing and a loan vehicle if an owner's vehicle requires a warranty repair and is undriveable.

54 | Motor Trader February 2019

Further coverage is available beyond the five-year period for vehicles that undergo scheduled log-book servicing, including up to seven years for the engine and transmission.

The warranty for hybrid batteries can be extended to 10 years/unlimited kilometres with an annual hybrid health inspection carried out as part of normal 12-monthly servicing from the fifth year.

Coverage can apply beyond the Toyota Warranty Advantage period where the dealer or Toyota determines a component has failed due to a manufacturing defect.

Toyota genuine parts and accessories also benefit from the new warranty with coverage up to five years, linked to the vehicle's warranty coverage.

All new Toyota vehicles are also covered

by Toyota Service Advantage capped price servicing.

MINI’S MILLBROOK EDITION BRINGS COOL TOUCH TO JCW HATCH

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INI AUSTRALIA HAS announced the pricing and specifications for the Millbrook Edition, a limited-production machine based on the John Cooper Works Hatch.

The new edition receives a vintage motorsport-inspired exterior finish with metallic ‘Heritage’ paintwork, known as Ice Blue, exclusive to the Millbrook Edition JCW Hatch.

There are black, 17-inch light-alloy wheels that feature performance tyres over the standard run flat tyres.

Additional differentiation Mini Millbrook Edition JCW Hatch comes from the standard-fit additional driving lights and covers, a nod to the original Mini’s giantadaptive suspension, park assist, LED killing rallying endeavours in the 1960s.

Headlights with Union Jack-styled LED tail Both the Millbrook Edition’s roof and lights and anthracite roof lining. mirror caps are finished in Black, with Model specification highlights: Black Line exterior trims and JCW bonnet • MINI Connected 4G with MINI Find Mate stripes. Sun protection glazing and a • Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity sunroof are fitted as standard. with Wireless Phone Charging Inside, the high-end Lounge leather • 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder upholstery is standard, along with seat heating. There’s Piano Black dash surfaces petrol engine with specific JCW tuning, and display surrounds, while the eightgenerating 170kW and 320Nm speed sports automatic transmission with • Front and Rear Park Distance Control gear shift paddles and Launch Control is with Park Assist function fitted as standard.

• Dual-zone climate control These additions build on the standard • DAB+ digital radio tuner specification of the MINI John Cooper • Rain sensing wipers with automatic Works Hatch, including the 8.8-inch headlights touchscreen control system with The MINI Millbrook Edition is available professional navigation, Head Up Display, 12-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system, to order in Q1 2019, priced from $57,275.

February 2019 Motor Trader | 55

HSV GTO 56 | Motor Trader February 2019

MAKE: HSV (HOLDEN MONARO) MODEL: 2002 GTO COUPE ENGINE: 5.7-LITRE LS1 OWNED SINCE: 2009 OWNER: MARCELLO RIOTTO

O COUPE

February 2019 Motor Trader | 57

XXXX.

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HE MONARO IS one of the great names of Australian motoring. For nine years between 1968 and 1977 it proved itself as a genuine muscle car contender – a powerful coupe that was a winner on the road and, when tweaked for racing, a monster on the track.

While its lifespan was relatively short, throughout its seven variants – from the HK to the HZ - it left an indelible mark on the psyche of Australian motoring enthusiasts and, not surprisingly, there came a time when Holden revisited its most iconic creation, bringing to life a new and improved monster for those still clamouring for a piece of potent Aussie grunt.

In 2002, the company released the allnew Monaro – a two-door coupe that was sleek and sexy and based on a concept car revealed at the 1998 Sydney Motor Show that had garnered an ecstatic response from car enthusiasts or all persuasions.

58 | Motor Trader February 2019

While a cracking car without modification, the new Monaro found its way into the hands of the engineering wizards at Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) who tinkered with, and upgraded, the base model and conjured muscular treats for Holden petrolheads everywhere in the form of two exceptional variants – the HSV GTO and the HSV GTS. The GTO came with an upgraded Chevy LS1 V8 engine pumping out 255kW (342bhp) – up from 235kW in the standard Monaro - and a bunch of tweaks that improved handling, performance and drive characteristics.

As both the GTO and GTS were HSV models, they were built in relatively small numbers (maybe as few as 3000 altogether were made, with the GTS being the rarer of the two), and given that Holden has now ceased to manufacture cars at all meaning the Australian-made foundation

that HSV built on is no more - they look like very attractive investment opportunities for the savvy enthusiast.

A decade ago, Marcello Riotto, Operations Manager for the MTA Institute, went searching for just such an opportunity and found this excellent example of the GTO in Bundaberg.

“I was looking around for what I thought would be a good investment as well as something with a bit of history and potential – a future collectible,” says Marcello.

“At the time, it was an option between the current model HSV or something older and I ended up picking up something older because the coupe, the twodoor, was fairly rare.

February 2019 Motor Trader | 59

“I think only 2000 or so were made, and that rarity certainly did influence my decision a fair bit.

“And it’s definitely an appreciating asset,” he adds. “When I bought it, I never envisaged that Holden would not be building vehicles, and while the fact they aren’t is a shame, it does mean that this GTO is looking like a very good investment.”

Even without its rarity and increasing value, this GTO was a solid purchase. It had been well looked after and driven sparingly, meaning little work had, or has, to be done beyond some low-level maintenance. Of course, many a muscle car fan puts their own mark on their pride and joy, but even then, Marcello has an eye on future value.

“I was after something with low miles, that was nice and clean and original, and this car really was immaculate when I bought it from its first owner with only 43,000kms on the clock,” he says.

“I have done some minor mechanical upgrades. It’s had a tune to give it a sharper shift and more ponies, and a change to the exhaust to give it a bit more of a note - a bit more of that oldschool V8 sound. I’ve also put on some tail lights from the 2006 GTO, which I think look a bit cooler, but those are the only modifications.

“And I have kept the original parts and components, and the original ECU, to bolt back on should I need to do so.”

While his purchase of the GTO was in part driven by the value the car will reach in years to come, buying it was not a decision driven solely by the likelihood of a financial windfall.

“My dad had Monaros and Toranas when I was a kid and I like that I grew up with that,” says Marcello. “I am a Holden man, and while I like cars such as the Mustang, I wasn’t going to get into one - going from red to blue was too much of a transition for me!

“So there was an emotive reason to buy the GTO, but it was a rational decision to 60 | Motor Trader February 2019

buy one in this condition – the brain said ‘no’ to purchasing something that I could drop a lot of money on!”

Ensuring the GTO is in tip-top condition is one of the easier tasks for Marcello.

A mechanic by trade, he has spent his entire career immersed in the auto industry, either through working in independent or dealership workshops, in research & development at automotive data and information firm ElectraJet, or in developing and training the next generation of technicians through the MTA Institute. In other words, he knows a thing

or two about keeping a car in good nick.

“Maintenance is fairly easy,” he says of the GTO. “It’s pretty old-school technically, so it has really only needed a few oil changes and a few other minor things here and there. It is in good condition and it’s a very good drive too. It may be a few years old now, but it goes well, stops well, steers well. It is heavy compared to modern cars and you feel that in the steering and suspension, but it is still very comfortable.”

And still pretty powerful too. While the highly-tuned, turbo-wearing missiles of today might be swift, the LS1 still packs a punch, and the look and sound of the car attracts plenty of admirers, as well as the odd Fast and Furious-style challenge from the young and reckless.

“The enthusiasts know what it is and appreciate it, and I do get a few people - the boy racers - who will challenge me at the lights and so on,” says Marcello with a laugh.

“And I must confess it is tempting! I do give it a bit of a stab sometimes, but within limits!”

That is a relatively rare occurrence, however, with Marcello treating the GTO with a good deal of care – only 17,000kms driven in 10 years is testament to that.

In fact, the car can normally be found in

partnership with two other collectibles Marcello has picked up over the years.

“I do have a couple of VH Commodore SLEs from 1981,” he says. “Back in the day, when I was between 17 and 21, that was the car I really wanted. They were well out of my price range at the time, but I have managed to get my hands on a couple of them – a blue-over-silver model and a brown one that I am restoring.

“Those will, I hope, be cars that I can hand down to my kids, and hopefully the GTO will be handed down too.”

There are, of course, one or two other cars that any Holden fan worth their salt would want to add to that rather nice trio of heirlooms, and Marcello is no different.

“If money were no object, I’d probably go with an LH Torana coupe, or perhaps an A9X,” says Marcello. “I’d be very happy with one of those!”

!

DO YOU HAVE A PRIDE AND JOY IN THE GARAGE THAT YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE IN THE PAGES OF MOTOR TRADER? Contact Jonathan Nash at jonathann@mtaq.com.au and let’s see if we can share your classic with other members.

February 2019 Motor Trader | 61

Auto news

ALL-NEW SUZUKI JIMNY LAUNCHES IN AUSTRALIA

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HE ALL-NEW SUZUKI Jimny has landed in Australia.

The all-new small lightweight 4X4 features a functional exterior and interior, ladder frame body, ALLGRIP PRO 4WD system with a low range transfer gear, which can be easily switched from 2H (2WD-high gear), 4H (4WD-high gear) and 4L (4WD-low gear).

The Jimny has Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS), hill descent control, lane departure warning, six airbags, high beam assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESP), reversing camera and LED headlights all fitted as standard equipment.

62 | Motor Trader February 2019

VIDEO: THE NEW SUZUKI JIMNY

For the powertrain, there’s a 1.5-litre engine with an output of 75kW. Available in a 5-speed manual transmission and also a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Suzuki Jimny

Other specifications include: • Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) • 7-inch multimedia satellite navigation • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto • Reversing camera • Digital climate control & air conditioning • Cruise control • Bluetooth connectivity • Front fog lamps • 15-inch alloy wheels • Privacy glass Six body colours will be made available including a new colour developed exclusively for the all-new Jimny:

a high-visibility “Kinetic Yellow”.

• Kinetic Yellow + Bluish Black Pearl • Brisk Blue Metallic + Bluish Black Pearl • Chiffon Ivory Metallic + Bluish Black Pearl • Jungle Green • Medium Gray • Superior White Recommended retail pricing: • 5-speed manual transmission: $23,990 • 4-speed auto transmission: $25,990 With an additional paint charge of $500 for metallic and $1,250 for two-tone.

February 2019 Motor Trader | 63

Auto news

THE NEW BMW 7 SERIES

BMW M760Li xDrive

B

MW IS SHARPENING the profile of its flagship models in the luxury segment. There’s a new exterior design for the upmarket sedan and on the inside more luxuries and top-line digital systems, including the BMW Operating System 7.0 and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

The line-up of power units for the new BMW 7 Series has also been updated and includes a new eight-cylinder engine, a VIDEO: THE NEW BMW 7 SERIES

64 | Motor Trader February 2019

six-cylinder in-line unit and plug-in hybrid systems offering extended electric range.

Driver assistance systems now boast a broader range of functionality, with the latest advances towards automated driving highlighted by technology such as the new Reversing Assistant.

There’s standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional with Navigation system, and fully digital, 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch Control Display.

BMW says the new Operating System 7.0 enables extremely fast access to settings. The functions, customisable displays and multimodal operation are accessed via a touchscreen display, iDrive Controller, steering wheel buttons, voice control and gesture control.

BMW says the Intelligent Personal Assistant acts as a digital co-driver and expert on

the car and is controlled by natural voice commands. There’s also Integration of Microsoft Office 365, Skype for Business and capability of remote software upgrades for updating vehicle functions over the air.

The choice of power units for the new BMW 7 Series includes petrol and diesel engines with six, eight and twelve cylinders, as well as an all-new plug- in hybrid drive system. Topping the range is the 6.6-litre V12 engine at the heart of the BMW M760Li xDrive, which produces 430 kW/585 hp and now comes with a particulate filter to minimise emissions.

The BMW 750i xDrive features a newly developed V8 engine with 4.4-litre displacement and maximum output raised by 60 kW/80 hp to 390 kW/530 hp.

The plug-in hybrid variants of the new BMW 7 Series employ a specially adapted six-cylinder in-line petrol engine and a more advanced high-voltage battery. As a result, the system can generate a combined output of 290 kW/394 hp.

The combined fuel consumption of the BMW 745e, BMW 745Le and BMW 745 Le xDrive is between 2.6 and 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres. The three models achieve an electric range between 50 and 58 kilometres.

Three efficient and low-emission sixcylinder in-line diesel engines, each with 3.0-litre displacement and up to four turbochargers round off the drive system line-up.

AUTO INDUSTRY'S TAKATA WEBSITE TOPS SIX MILLION AUSTRALIANS HAVE NOW made more than six million vehicle checks on the automotive industry’s Takata Airbag recall website www.ismyairbagsafe.com.au.

In checking these six million vehicles, they have identified more than 915,000 vehicles whose airbag inflators are affected by the safety recall.

A faulty Takata airbag has the potential to seriously injure, or even kill, vehicle drivers and passengers.

The website was developed for the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries in response to a compulsory national recall called by the Australian Government. Its launch has been supported by an extensive “Don’t Die Wondering” national advertising campaign including television, press, radio, cinema, outdoor billboards and social media.

“This is an excellent response to a major public safety campaign,” said Tony Weber, FCAI Chief Executive.

“There has been an average of more than 32,000 vehicle checks made every day since the website was launched six months ago.”

Mr Weber said the industry had completed rectification of nearly twothirds of the three million vehicles that are affected by the national recall.

February 2019 Motor Trader | 65

Auto news

ASTON MARTIN LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE TRACK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM

A

STON MARTIN LAUNCHES exclusive track experience programme Aston Martin is to launch a brand-new program in 2019, where customers can enjoy race track experiences at iconic circuits, with expert guidance available through the AMR Drivers’ Club. The customer-focused driving academy will offer various levels of experiences and tuition to suit each driver.

AMR ACADEMY

AMR EXPERIENCE

One and a half days of one-to-one tuition in a race-prepared GT4 Aston Martin. The AMR GT Academy provides the platform to support drivers working towards a racing licence.

The entry level of AMR Experience is called Discovery and provides an introduction to the brand and products, with 1-to-1 tuition from a dedicated Aston Martin instructor. The next level is known as Performance, and is an opportunity for owners to fully explore the capabilities of their own Aston Martin with the additional option of a dedicated instructor to provide appropriate guidance.

66 | Motor Trader February 2019

Drivers will train with professional Aston Martin instructors and experience the latest Aston Martin models, working from Level 1 to Level 3 for one and a half days per level. As they develop their track capabilities, the customer will then progress to the next level, until they are ready for the AMR GT Academy.

AMR GT ACADEMY

The track experiences in 2019 will take place at nine significant race circuits and packages will range from £750 ($AU1355) to £7,600 ($AU13,740), which can include car, hospitality and accommodation depending on the course selected.

W O R K S H O P

PRACTICAL TAX FOR AUTOMOTIVE SMALL BUSINESSES This Lunch and Learn Workshop is presented by an Australian Tax Officer (ATO) expert and will cover the following points:

What’s new - initiatives Protecting small business Claims - concessions and deductions Supporting small business – record keeping app and tools Resources and takeaways to implement now Date:

Thursday 14 February 2019

Time: 12:30pm - 1:00pm - Lunch (sandwiches included in price)

1:00pm - 2:00pm - Workshop - Practical Tax

FOR MORE INFO AND TO BOOK YOUR PLACE, CLICK HERE

Venue: MTA Queensland, Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains Presenter: ATO expert

20180744

Cost: $20 + GST for MTA Queensland members $30 + GST for non-members

RTO No. 31529

Can you afford not to be in the circle?

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MTA Queensland | Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence 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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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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• Our corporate partners offer substantial savings on EFTPOS fees, electricity & gas bills and business & residential insurance • Library of online business resources and templates • Weekly industry bulletin • FREE Jobs Board • Discounts on stationery & workshop products • Monthly subscription to the Motor Trader e-magazine • Regular specials & discounts

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Support

OurAuto Tech-Centre is a repair information service offering technical information on more than 90 per cent of passenger vehicles on our roads.

Available to MTAQ members at a 20 per cent discount.

OurAuto Digital specialises in online marketing solutions that are tailored to your business, including website design, online marketing, and website hosting.

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

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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.

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①

SAVE WITH OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS

GENERAL MANAGER MTA INSTITUTE

I

F YOU ARE like us, you’ve hit the ground running for 2019 and it doesn’t feel like there was much of a break!

We’re now back into the swing of things and have a lot coming up over the next couple of months.

If one of your new year’s resolutions was to get your trade officially recognised, we can assist you through our trade recognition program. Depending on your

“IF ONE OF YOUR NEW

YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS WAS TO GET YOUR TRADE OFFICIALLY RECOGNISED, WE CAN ASSIST YOU THROUGH OUR TRADE RECOGNITION PROGRAM.” eligibility, this can be done through either the state government subsidies program or as a fee for service.

There is no better time than now to be recognised for all the work you’ve done over the years in the industry and to have

MEMBERS' ESSENTIALS Contents 72 Professional Circle Training 77 Apprentice of the Month November 79 Apprentice of the Month December 80 Plugged In: Explaining Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Tech February 2019 Motor Trader | 69

E S S E N T I A L S

PAUL KULPA

M E M B E R S

Training GM's Professional Circle perspective

Right training.

Right place.

Right way.

RTO No: 31529

MTA INSTITUTE

COURSES

HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE COURSE

SKILL SET TRAINING (3 DAY)

MIG WELDING FUNDAMENTALS COURSE 12 February 2019, 8:30am - 12:30pm 14 May 2019, 8:30am - 12:30pm 13 August 2019, 8:30am - 12:30pm 26 November 2019, 8:30am - 12:30pm Click for more information.

COMMON RAIL DIESEL INJECTION COURSE INTRODUCTORY

12 February 2019, 6pm - 9pm 14 May 2019, 6pm - 9pm 13 August 2019, 6pm - 9pm 26 November 2019, 6pm - 9pm Click for more information.

5 - 7 February 2019 7 - 9 May 2019 3 - 5 September 2019 29 - 31 October 2019 Click for more information.

AIR CONDITIONING COURSE

SKILL SET GAP TRAINING (3 DAY) 27 - 28 February and 1 March 2019 1 - 3 May 2019 19 - 21 August 2019 8 - 10 October 2019 Click for more information.

SALES/DEALER LICENCING COURSE

CERT IV AND DIPLOMA OF LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

Click for more information.

Click for more information.

AVAILABLE ONLINE - ENROL NOW

NOW AVAILABLE

All Courses are held at the MTA Institute

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Free guest Wifi at MTA Institute

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Address Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Enquiries to: courses@mtai.edu.au Website www.mtai.edu.au

“. . .OUR AUTOMOTIVE PRE-

VOCATIONAL PROGRAM STARTS UP IN FEBRUARY, AND THAT WILL SEE ASPIRING STUDENTS TAKING A LOOK AT WHAT IT TAKES TO WORK IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY. . .” apprentices and employers is that they’ll always know when the next appointment is and can make the suitable arrangements for the apprentices to have all their work up to date and ready for that session.

This year will also see the charging of the guard for a few long-established trainers looking at retirement. To say their contribution will be missed is an understatement! However, with these changes comes opportunities, including the chance to work for the MTA Institute as a trainer.

So, if you’ve got what it takes, and are looking for a new challenge, please submit you details HERE. As always, If you have any questions regarding training, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

February 2019 Motor Trader | 71

E S S E N T I A L S

that piece of paper that confirms you’ve got what it takes in the trade. It’s also great opportunity to take on an apprentice as you need to have the qualification to legally put on an apprentice in the same trade.

Speaking of apprentices, our automotive pre-vocational program starts up in February, and that will see aspiring students taking a look at what it takes to work in the automotive industry and discovering if they’ve got what it takes.

This course is run over five weeks and provides some fundamental skills and an understanding of what goes on in an automotive workshop. Having spent time talking to employers about trying to find the right apprentice, I hope that, with this program, we’ll be able to link these prospective up and coming mechanics to employment opportunities in the industry.

We’ve also initiated on online scheduling system, called the ‘Organiser’, through our My Profile learning management system.

This system is taking us to the next level as it schedules training sessions and provides reminders to apprentices, supervisors and employers of these upcoming appointments. The advantages for

M E M B E R S

Training GM's Professional Circle perspective

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

Professional Circle training

The MTA Queensland team

TRAINERS GATHER FOR MTA INSTITUTE ANNUAL CONFERENCE

I

N DECEMBER, MTA Queensland brought together its trainers from across the state to participate in the MTA Institute’s annual trainers’ conference.

The conference is the only time of the year that all MTA Institute trainers come together in person, and the two days of workshops and group discussions focus not only on the experiences of the past year but look forward to the next 12 months, the developments and advances in the automotive training sector, and the introduction of any new training systems.

“It’s always good to bring the training team together for the conference,” said Paul Kulpa, General Manager of the MTA

72 | Motor Trader February 2019

“WHEN WE LOOKED

BACK AND REVIEWED THE PAST YEAR, 2018 CERTAINLY PROVIDED SOME CHALLENGES, BUT WAS ALSO PACKED WITH GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS, INCLUDING INCREASING OUR APPRENTICE TRAINING NUMBERS. . .”

Institute. “The agenda was pretty packed this year, with the main objectives to upskill our trainers by further developing their training and assessment techniques.

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

The annual MTA Institute trainers' conference brings together the Institute's trainers from across Queensland

“We also introduced our ‘Organiser’, that works through the My Profiling online learning system, to help with our apprenticeship scheduling. This is a digital scheduling system that helps organise the trainers’ time with students and employers. It also sends a reminder to students and employers about when their next training session is scheduled, which is very useful.

“When we looked back and reviewed the past year, 2018 certainly provided some challenges, but was also packed with great achievements, including increasing our apprentice training numbers; increasing our presence on social media; the delivery of pre-vocational, trade recognition, and higher-level skills programs.

“We also saw an increase in trainer professional development; have been supporting the automotive mentoring program and the MTAQ Race Team, as well as providing overseas scholarship opportunities.

“It was a very challenging but successful year, and we’ll be working to see 2019 be just as successful.”

TRAINER OF THE YEAR 2018 One of the highlights of the trainers’ conference is the announcement of the recipient of the Trainer of the Year award – an accolade that this year was presented to senior collision repair and refinishing trainer Scott Gehrke.

A 30-year veteran of the vehicle body repair and refinishing trade, Scott has spent the past 14 years as a trainer, the last seven of those with the MTA Institute, and Paul Kulpa said that Scott was a very worthy recipient of the award this year.

“Scott has come close to winning the trainer of the year award before, but this year he could not be denied,” he said. “He achieved this honour because of his hard work and leadership of the collision repair and refinishing team. He has always gone above and beyond, gets in and gets the February 2019 Motor Trader | 73

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

Professional Circle training job done, and the results he achieved for his students, employers and his team are outstanding.”

A highly skilled but modest tradesman, Scott said it was a great surprise to be named trainer of the year, especially as the other members of the MTA Institute team are such a hard-working bunch.

“I was surprised, and a little embarrassed,” said Scott. “I am involved in many meetings throughout the year where the trainers’ performance is discussed, and I am well aware that all of them work really hard and offer that little bit of extra service to the apprentices and businesses to whom they deliver training. They all deserve an award!”

A testament to this sense of teamwork and camaraderie was on show when Scott accepted the award from Mr Kulpa - he brought all his paint and panel training colleagues, as well as a handful

of administration staff, up to receive the award with him.

“We have a great paint and panel team,” said Scott. “And I also invited the Institute’s administration staff, as well as our Operations Manager Marcello Riotto, to join me to accept the award. I appreciate the work they do behind the scenes for all

“SEEING THE YOUNG

APPRENTICES GROW, WATCHING THE MORE MATURE APPRENTICES ACHIEVE A LIFE GOAL, SEEING FEMALE APPRENTICES PROVE THE BOYS WRONG, AND WATCHING ALL OF THEM BECOMING TRADESPEOPLE – THAT IS VERY SATISFYING.”

Scott Gehrke (centre) was named MTA Institute's Trainer of the Year and received his award from Dr Brett Dale, CEO of MTA Queensland (left) and Paul Kulpa, General Manager of the MTA Institute

74 | Motor Trader February 2019

Also recognised for outstanding work in 2018 was Clancy Harrip from the Marketing team

M E M B E R S

of the trainers. Without them I would not be able to do my job successfully - they are an integral part of my apprentices’ success and of my working life.”

With the apprentices in his charge located in an area that covers from Brisbane in the south to Gladstone in the north and as far west as Biloela, Scott is always busy and always on the move.

It’s a job that requires the support of colleagues, a love of automotive, and a passion for teaching.

“Seeing the young apprentices grow, watching the more mature apprentices achieve a life goal, seeing female apprentices prove the boys wrong, and watching all of them becoming tradespeople – that is very satisfying,” said Scott.

“I enjoy passing on my experience and knowledge, but a trainer’s job is not just about passing on knowledge,” he added.

“We are mentors, confidants, sometimes a parental figure. While that part of the job can be difficult, I get a feeling of great achievement when my advice has helped a

E S S E N T I A L S

Other trainers recognised for their performance in 2018 were Derrick Pratt(left) and Ross Wilson (right)

student avoid the speedbumps of life.

I hope I have been a positive influence in their life.”

While Scott aims to keep delivering superior training to his apprentices in 2019, like many in the trades, he recognises that the changes coming to the industry mean that even for someone like him, development of knowledge never ends.

“While the priority for 2019 is to continue to focus on my apprentices and their employers, I do aim to spend some professional development time concentrating on what is happening in the industry regarding the latest repair methods, electric and hybrid vehicles, and the latest paint colours and application techniques.

“I would also like to build the student numbers in the paint and panel area, and work with the mentors from the ISMAA program MTA Queensland offers to first- and second-year apprentices. I have seen the benefits of this program and I know it has been helpful in increasing the retention rate of apprentices.”

February 2019 Motor Trader | 75

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

Visit www.mtaq.com.au today

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ASEY STEEL IS the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for November 2018.

The 20-year-old, light vehicle apprentice has been working at Dean's Performance Autos in Malanda, Far North Queensland for three years and he is, according to his trainer Scott Buckley, flying ahead with his training and achieving all his goals thanks to an outstanding commitment to his work and his willingness to learn and understand all he can about the light vehicle trade.

And Casey has plenty of opportunity to learn alot. The Dean's Performance Autos team work on a wide variety of vehicles, including older generation vehicles, and that has exposed Casey to just about every aspect of light vehicle work.

"We really do work on everything," he

said. "We do suspensions, engine rebuilds, gearbox rebuilds, diff rebuilds, electrical work - a bit of everything - and it it has been very good for me, having that variety of work. We also go out on site and work on light tractors and things like that too."

Like many young auto apprentices, Casey got the bug for cars from working with his dad, although he did flirt for a time at working in a completely different trade.

"Dad's a Jack of all trades and he'd always have an old Kingswood or HiLux in the shed and be working on that," said Casey.

"But when I finished school, I moved down to Cairns and got the first apprenticeship I could get which was in cabinet-making.

However, after about a year, I came back home, and worked for Dean for about six months before scoring the apprenticeship."

With the completion of his trade not far off, Casey said he would like to stay on with Dean's Performance Auto and, perhaps, expand his training to incorporate other areas of the auto trades.

"I would like, perhaps, to do some further training, maybe in diesel or another area," he said. "I'd like to look at furthering my skills."

NOMINATE FOR THE MTA INSTITUTE APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH AWARD • Are you employing an apprentice who is excelling in the workplace?

• Do you have a high-achieving apprentice colleague?

• Are they training with MTA Institute?

If the answer is 'yes', then nominate them for the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month award.

CLICK FOR MORE INFO February 2019 Motor Trader | 77

E S S E N T I A L S

APPRENTICE: CASEY STEEL WORKPLACE: DEAN'S PERFORMANCE AUTOS APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE

M E M B E R S

Apprentice of the Month: November

CARS &

C O F F E E

FEATURING

SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY 7:30-9:30AM Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains

20170624

Enquiries: www.mtaq.com.au/cars-coffee

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ACKNOWLEDGING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES IN QUEENSLAND I-CAR AUSTRALIA, the organisation that delivers information, training and education to the collision repair industry, is acknowledging the achievements of industry employees from across the country who have achieved I-CAR Platinum Individual accreditation and I-CAR Welding Certification.

The following is a list of Queenslandbased collision repair industry employees who received I-CAR Platinum Individual Accreditation in Novembers and December 2018.

These are the latest Platinum Individuals in QLD for November:

• Bryce Muller • Luke Vaughan

McCarthy Panel Works Sommerville Smash Repairs

There were no welding certifications issued in November.

These are the latest Platinum Individuals in QLD for December:

• Ryan Anderson Morayfield Smash Repairs • Grant Millichip RACQ Insurance • Peter Mees RACQ Insurance • Macauley Kippen Bissell's Paint & Panel • Mark Hooper Stanley's Panel Works • Brett Anderson Auto & General Insurance

Services There were no welding certifications issued in December.

February 2019 Motor Trader | 79

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in March 2016 as a mature-age apprentice and his progression has been remarkable," said Zak Zuiderduin, his MTA Institute trainer. "His passion for the trade is at the highest level, he is always willing to learn more, and he has great respect for all around him."

A motorcycle enthusiast who has been riding since he was a child, Dusty worked as a farmhand for a few years USTY AUSTIN IS the MTA Institute after graduating from high school before Apprentice of the Month for being offered the apprenticeship at Top December 2018.

Two Motorcycles - a Honda and Yamaha The 29-year-old has been working at dealership. And while he has squeezed Top Two Motorcycles in Warwick for the plenty of training into his three years, there past three years and actually completed is, he said, more to be done before he looks his motorcycle mechanical technology at where his future might lead. apprenticeship back in November. He "I will look to learn more," he said. managed to qualify in in super-quick "We have the opportunity to take the time - less than three years - and Honda and Yamaha dealership CLICK TO VISIT THE that can be put down to him being training - I am Level One Honda TOP TWO MOTORCYCLES a skilled and concientious worker certified at the moment - so I'll WEBSITE who wanted to get the job done. take advantage of that. I'll be taking the opportunities as they come."

"Dusty started his apprenticeship APPRENTICE: DUSTY AUSTIN WORKPLACE: TOP TWO MOTORCYCLES APPRENTICESHIP: MOTORCYCLE MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY

M E M B E R S

Apprentice of the Month: December

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

Plugged In: Explaining Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Tech PAUL TUGWELL TECHNICAL ELECTRICAL TRAINER MTA INSTITUTE

W

ELCOME TO THE New Year, the first edition of Plugged In for 2019, and the start of the vehicle revolution.

This year, we will see many new hybrid and electric vehicles (EV) coming into our market. In Europe, there are more than a 100 fully or part electric vehicles available to buy or lease, and this is set to increase.

Global vehicle manufacturers are planning to invest $US300 billion ($AU418 billion) to electrify vehicles and billions more as they work towards a driverless future. In the U.S. last year, plug in car sales reached 361,307 - an 86 per cent increase over the 194,479 sold in 2017.

The revolution is upon us, and not only should we be gearing up our workshops to be able to deal with these vehicles but there should also be a focus on training. The MTA Institute is a leader in this respect, offering skill sets including AURETH010 (Diagnose and repair high

voltage rechargeable energy storage systems in hybrid electric vehicles), AURETH011 (Depower and reinitialize hybrid electric vehicles) and AURETH012 (Service and maintain electrical components in hybrid electric vehicles).

I recommend you enroll in these courses and join our network so we can help each other to prepare and adapt to the coming EV revolution.

These Plugged In articles are designed mainly for those in the trade, so a certain amount of knowledge is expected.

However, my goal is to take away the mystery about this technology, encourage those in the trade to take on the challenge of working with this technology and encourage the public to have the

“THE REVOLUTION IS UPON

US, AND NOT ONLY SHOULD WE BE GEARING UP OUR WORKSHOPS TO BE ABLE TO DEAL WITH THESE VEHICLES BUT THERE SHOULD ALSO BE A FOCUS ON TRAINING.”

LEVEL 0

LEVEL 2

You are driving whenever these driver support features are engaged - even if your feet are off the pedals and you are not steering You must constantly supervise these support features; you must steer, brake or accelerate as needed to maintain safety

These are driver support features

LEVEL 3

LEVEL 4

LEVEL 5

You are not driving when these automated driving features are engaged - even if you are seated in "the driver's seat" When the feature requests, you must drive

These automated driving features will not require you to take over driving

These are automotive driving features

What do these features do?

These features are limited to providing warnings and momentary assistnace

These features provide steering OR brake/acceleration support to the driver

These features provide steering AND brake/ acceleration support to the driver

These features can drive the vehicle under limited conditions and will not operate unless all required conditions are met

This feature can drive the vehicle under all conditions

• lane centering OR • adaptive cruise control

• lane centering AND • adaptive cruise control at the same time

• traffic jam chauffeur

Example features

• automatic emergency braking • blind spot warning • lane departure warning

• same as level 4, but feature can drive everywhere in all conditions

confidence to consider purchasing electric-powered vehicles, knowing that there is the expertise out there within the trade to service them.

The first articles for this year will focus on SAEJ3016 Levels of Driving Automation.

These are levels of autonomous listed by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) – an organization of which I am a member and one that I would advise the trade to consider becoming members of too.

‘Autonomous’ is a word some are fearful of. However, there are levels of autonomy - from zero (a standard car driven and controlled by a human) to level 5 ( full automation). It’s worth remembering that in other transportation areas, automation is becoming more prevalent - trains have been doing this for a while, and if you have ever been to Japan, you may know that at Narita Airport, a fully autonomous electric

• local driverless taxi • pedals/ steering wheel may or may not be installed

“THE FIRST ARTICLES FOR

THIS YEAR WILL FOCUS ON SAEJ3016 LEVELS OF DRIVING AUTOMATION. THESE ARE LEVELS OF AUTONOMOUS LISTED BY THE SAE (SOCIETY OF AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS) . . . ” train will take you to the main terminal.

In Sydney, driverless passenger trains are currently being test.

Above is a graphic showing the different levels of autonomy and, at a later date, I will discuss V2V – systems that allow a vehicle’s electronic sensing systems to distinguish the elements in the environment around it. This is part of the greater technology that will allow for fully autonomous vehicle travel.

February 2019 Motor Trader | 81

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What does the human in the driver's seat have to do?

LEVEL 1

M E M B E R S

SAE J3016TM LEVELS OF DRIVING AUTOMATION

Concept corner

NISSAN IMs 82 | Motor Trader February 2019

s CONCEPT February 2019 Motor Trader | 83

Concept corner

NISSAN IMs CONCEPT T

HIS IS THE Nissan IMs concept, revealed at January’s North American International Auto Show.

Nissan has called the concept an ‘elevated sports sedan’ and it is the latest in a series of electric vehicle concepts from Nissan that includes the recent IDs and IMx models.

Beneath the sensational-looking body, the IMs sports a dual-motor, all-wheel drive platform with the company claiming the front and rear motors will pump out 360kW and 800Nm of torque, with the 115kWh battery providing 600km of range.

An extended wheelbase and the space created by the low-sitting electric platform components mean there is some

84 | Motor Trader February 2019

pretty sensational stuff going on inside the IMs, including a unique passenger seating layout with a ‘Premier Seat’ – an oversized centre seat that emerges from the threeacross rear seat when the slim outboard positions are folded.

Designed to be driven or to allow for autonomous motoring, the IMs will, no doubt, be loaded up with intuitive safety features but also has an adaptive display and controller; a super-thin instrument panel; retractable steering wheel; and an integrated and adaptive information display with two-layer floating screen.

There also is, apparently, a customisible augmented reality avatar that can keep the driver/passenger company!

Impressive stuff.

February 2019 Motor Trader | 85

Investment matters

MARKET WRAP

T

HE S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index was down 0.12% in December.

The flavour of the month was riskoff, as Utilities (2.88%) and Healthcare (2.94%) were among the only positive sectors, given their historically defensive nature. Renewed confidence in Chinese stimulus pushed Materials (5.31%) higher.

Information Technology (-3.97%) followed its US peers lower, while Financials (-3.08%) were dragged down by the banks as housing prices continue to decline in the major capital cities.

Weaker domestic data (Q3 GDP Growth was below expectations) and hawkish action from the US Federal reserve saw the Australian yield curve flatten. The RBA will be inclined to keep the cash rate on hold as they balance moderate growth with a volatile and still overheated housing market. Further declines in property prices are expected and the RBA will be monitoring closely to see if there is any negative spill over into the broader economy.

Global equities remained under pressure in December as fears about global growth loomed large. The inversion of the US 5-year and 3-year yield curve spooked markets and a deterioration in US–Chinese relations continued to fuel concerns of a trade war. US markets were fiercely down over the period with the S&P 500 (-9.2%) and the Nasdaq (-9.5%) both struggling.

Europe was also weaker (MSCI Europe -5.5%) as political turmoil in the Italy, UK 86 | Motor Trader February 2019

GLOBAL EQUITIES REMAINED UNDER PRESSURE IN DECEMBER AS FEARS ABOUT GLOBAL GROWTH LOOMED LARGE. and France create investor concern.

Emerging Markets fared better than their Western counterparts as Chinese stimulus and a reprieve in materials prices gave some relief (MSCI EM ¬ 2.8%).

We expect ongoing volatility, but are finding good bottom-up opportunities.

Some of our strongest periods of outperformance have emerged from downturns as we use the volatility to add to our holdings in quality businesses at attractive valuations. We have identified a number of high conviction ideas with significant excess returns on offer and are building strong active positions in these companies.

DISCLAIMER This document has been prepared by DNR Capital Pty Ltd, AFS Representative - 294844 of DNR AFSL Pty Ltd ABN 39 118 946 400, AFSL 301658. It is general information only and is not intended to be a recommendation to invest in any product or financial service mentioned above. Whilst DNR Capital has used its best endeavours to ensure the information within this document is accurate it cannot be relied upon in any way and recipients must make their own enquiries concerning the accuracy of the information within. The general information in this document has been prepared without reference to any recipient’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making any financial investment decisions we recommend recipients obtain legal and taxation advice appropriate to their particular needs. Investment in a DNR Capital managed account can only be made on completion of all the required documentation.

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This document is issued by Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238 718) of Level 3, 39 Brisbane Avenue Barton ACT 2600, Trustee of the MTAA Superannuation Fund (ABN 74 559 365 913). Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited has ownership interests in Industry Super Holdings Pty Ltd and Members Equity Bank Limited. The information provided is of a general nature and does not take into account your specific needs or personal situation. You should consider the MTAA Super Product Disclosure Statement in making a decision (mtaasuper.com.au/handbooks).