Motor Trader e-magazine, February 2020

FEB

2020

Toyota's Woven City (plaza festival)

Q&A: HUNTER AUTOMOTIVE MTA QUEENSLAND MEMBERS NAMED AMONGST BRISBANE’S TOP 10 MECHANICS FORMER MTAI APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR SETS HIS SIGHTS ON CANADA IN 2020 ANNUAL CONFERENCE BRINGS MTAI TRAINERS TOGETHER FROM ACROSS QUEENSLAND

MEMBERS CLASSIC: 1949 MORRIS MINOR LOW LIGHT

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF MTA QUEENSLAND? CLICK HERE.

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND

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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 Evangeline Kannis POLICY Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Marc Wilson // Gypsy media & marketing services

M: 0419 107 143 Email: advertising@mtaq.com.au

gypsy

EDITOR

T

HERE ARE QUITE a number of motor shows held each year - take Detroit, Chicago, Geneva, Shanghai, Tokyo to name a few.

These are important events for car makers, giving them the opportunity to showcase their new vehicles and concepts to the public. However, while the traditional motor show survives, the direction and development of the automotive industry is such that the big auto players are just as likely to be found at technology shows. And so it is with the biggest tech show of them all - the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

Over the years, the CES has joined the list of events to which car makers make a beeline and it has become a hotspot for them (and those

media & marketing services

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

Click here to subscribe MOTOR TRADER PUBLISHING POLICY

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

MTA QUEENSLAND ABN: 74 028 933 848 CORPORATE PARTNERS

developing technology for the automotive industry) to show off their big ideas.

At this year's CES, more than 150 vehicle and vehicle tech firms unveiled their latest creations and there were a few eyebrow-raising surprises amongst the exhibits. Go to page 20 to find out more.

Also in this edition, we talk to Glen and Cliff Hunter about their business Hunter Automotive in Cairns for our Q&A feature, and catch up with Deb Osborne and her brilliant 1949 Morris Minor for our classic car feature.

There is plenty of automotive industry, innovation, and training news inside too, including news regarding a former MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year winner.

We also report from the annual MTA Institute trainers' conference where the winner of the trainer of the year award was annnounced.

I hope you enjoy this edition and if you have any news to share or have a classic vehicle you'd like to see featured, then please do get in contact.

Cheers!

Jonathan Nash, Editor jonathann@mtaq.com.au

MTA QUEENSLAND WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS

20190851

Business Name Bridgestone Select North Rockhampton Genesis Equipment Pty Ltd JAT Mechanical The Service Depot Statewide Auto Group Tyrepower Varsity Lakes

Ultra Tune Currimundi

Principal/s

Address

Email

Division

Karl Rasmussen

6/235-239 Musgrave St, ROCKHAMPTON QLD 4701

admin@bselectnorthrockhampton.com.au

TUDQ

Stephen Clifford Snr Daniel Egstorf Hayden Featherstonhaugh John Daniel Pellow Rodger Lincoln Kreyl

70 Telford St, VIRGINIA QLD 4014 4/17 Tombo St, CAPALABA QLD 4157 15/29 Moreton Bay Road, CAPALABA QLD 4157 22 Tombo St CAPALABA QLD 4157 1/489 Scottsdale Dr, VARSITY LAKES QLD 4227

james.macpherson@cj3capital.com jatmechanical@telstra.com hayden.f@servicedepot.com.au danielle@statewideautogroup.com.au varsitylakes@tyrepower.com.au

AED AED AED ARD TUDQ

Graham Nice

678 Nicklin Way, CURRIMUNDI QLD 4511

currimundi@ultratune.com.au

TUDQ

February 2020 Motor Trader | 1

Contents

20 04 08 12 20

FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO POLICY/VIEWPOINT MTA |Q&A A GLIMPSE OF THE FUTURE: MOBILITY AND THE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW 2020 42 AN EYE ON INNOVATION 44 AUTO INNOVATION NEWS 62 CARS & COFFEE CLASSIC 68 AUTO NEWS 78 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS 81 TRAINING GM'S PROFESSIONAL CIRCLE PERSPECTIVE 85 APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH: DECEMBER 2019 86 PROFESSIONAL CIRCLE TRAINING 96 CONCEPT CORNER 100 MARKET WRAP 2 | Motor Trader February 2020

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Search for MTA Queensland

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96 February 2020 Motor Trader | 3

From the Desk of the CEO

BRETT DALE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MTA QUEENSLAND

T

HIS NEW YEAR brings reflection on the events that have challenged yet inspired the outpouring of the renowned camaraderie and the Aussie generousity of spirit. The MTA Queensland members spread across the State, each has diverse experiences on which to reflect.

There is the common bond of helping in fire, flood and drought events and the sustained hope for improving economic circumstances for all. In the coming year, may your challenges be few and undertakings successful.

MTA Queensland members and the State’s automotive value chain experience the economic conditions that stem from drought, fire and flood events. It was the impact of these on the membership - including rural, regional and remote Queenslanders - that shaped the development of the priorities outlined in our pre-budget submission to the Queensland Government for the drafting of its 2020-21 State Budget. It will be early this year, delivered on 28 April.

The automotive sector has experienced economic conditions that, possibly, are the most demanding since the mid-20th century, without signs of improvement in the near term. It is to the forthcoming State Budget that the Association and 4 | Motor Trader February 2020

the entire automotive value chain looks to provide certainty in the economic environment; increase consumer and business confidence; and to stimulate economic growth so that the private sector is encouraged to commit to new investments and increased employment.

We advocated it would be appropriate for the State Budget to reflect the severity of economic conditions and provide significant relief from taxes and stamp duties in order to stimulate consumer demand and underpin economic growth to ensure any further deterioration is avoided. Specifically, we submitted priorities for general application – that is to comprise all business and consumers in declared drought and fire disaster areas.

These included: • near term relief by substantially discounting business and private registration for 12 months commencing from the beginning the 2020-21 financial year; • a moratorium on stamp duties levied on general insurance policies, workers compensation and motor vehicle insurance policies for 12 months commencing from beginning of the 2020-21 financial year; and • the abolition of the premium on motor vehicle duties introduced on 1 July 2018 which increased the amount of registration duty payable on vehicles valued above $100,000.

An additional priority was for funding support for skilling our existing and future workforce. These included: • Autocamp funding for the popular school holiday pilot non-accredited automotive course programs for male and female school students; • Mentoring program funding to

“WE ADVOCATED IT WOULD

BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE STATE BUDGET TO REFLECT THE SEVERITY OF ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND PROVIDE SIGNIFICANT RELIEF FROM TAXES AND STAMP DUTIES IN ORDER TO STIMULATE CONSUMER DEMAND AND UNDERPIN ECONOMIC GROWTH TO ENSURE ANY FURTHER DETERIORATION IS AVOIDED.” invest in matching people to jobs and facilitating the apprentice’s and trainee’s progression; • Maintaining current investment in priority 1 and 2 qualifications; • Provision of incentives for qualified trades persons to become Vocational Education and Training (VET) trainers/assessors; and • Funding support to existing skills programs that include entrepreneurship/innovation; inclusion programs (i.e. women in trades); engagement with employers on skills utilisation and productivity.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES As identified in the Carmageddon series, transportation and mobility is undergoing a period of significant disruption that is challenging traditional methods of transportation, supply chain connectivity and regulation. The establishment of the Innovation Hub (MTAiQ) ensured that the membership and the automotive industry was in the vanguard of emerging

technologies and innovation occurring across the industry. The continuing changes in mobility and connectivity emanating from massive research and development demands ongoing scrutiny.

Recently, I had meetings to discuss research opportunities for the MTAiQ, that would be between MTA Queensland, the Transport and Main Roads Department and iMove, which is Australia’s leading applied research centre in the transportation and mobility sector. Its research activities address challenges and develops solutions in core areas that include intelligent transport systems and infrastructure; end-to-end freight solutions; and enhanced personal mobility.

The discussions indicate there are several joint research project opportunities in the subject areas which would be at a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) level.

In previous From the Desk of the CEO, I’ve referred to the Association’s five-year project with the Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Multiscale 3D Imaging, Modelling and Manufacturing and the role of the MTAiQ. I’ve had several meetings with Queensland University Technology and ARC personnel to discuss the project which involves two research areas: the examination of the potential for 3D printing in the automotive industry; and the examination of how quality control may occur e.g. original parts, parallel parts and counterfeit.

These two examinations will have a scientific focus. There is a third project, which examines the recycling and use potential of end-of-life cars and is oriented towards how business may commercialise opportunities from these new technologies. Each of the projects are at the PhD level and we have agreed as a February 2020 Motor Trader | 5

priority to recruit suitable candidates.

In several previous From the Desk of the CEO, I’ve mentioned collaboration with the Ipswich City Council (ICC) on innovation and connected vehicles.

Considerable progress has been made which includes the release of a discussion paper on the strategic intent of the Mobility Problem Definition and Solutions Project. This is led by the ICC in partnership with MTA Queensland under a State Government Advancing Regional Innovation Program partnership with support from advisors PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

The project seeks to define and generate solutions to challenges in collaboration between government, industry and academia in the mobility technologies and emerging transport services sector. This will begin by first collaboratively defining the problems and opportunities followed by identifying and assessing potential solution options.

A range of infrastructure and noninfrastructure solutions will be identified and considered. Preliminary discussions with MTA Queensland and relevant Departments suggest that the co-location of policy and technological development has the potential to drive a closer relationship between policy and mobility/ transport technological development and adoption.The means through which this could be delivered will leverage the strengths of ICC and the relative advantages of the region.

At present the discussion paper is in the stakeholder engagement processes which will conclude at the end of March.

THE DIARY In December, I attended a design forum hosted by the University of Sydney and organised by IP Australia to discuss intellectual property right and future regulations.

Meetings with industry stakeholders occur regularly. The most recent was with the Australian Automotive Dealers Association’s Chair Terry Keating, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) James Voortman, former CEO David Blackhall and the Operations team to discuss new arrangements and commitment to ongoing collaboration.

AND THE LAST THING The MTA Queensland family, along with all Australians, shared the horror of the fires that caused the loss of lives, destroyed homes and ruined the natural and built environment. Our thoughts are with them as they recover and rebuild.

Each of us would know a person, people or places impacted by the fires.

One place of significance is Kangaroo Island which I personally visited in my previous defence career. It truly is nature’s paradise with its unique ecology, native bushland and wildlife that complements the tourism and business activities.

It remains open for business despite the ravages of the ferocious fire which utterly destroyed the popular Southern Ocean Lodge.

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 “KEY STRATEGY 1 OF THE

ASSOCIATION’S 2019-21 STRATEGIC PLAN IS ‘SERVICE EXCELLENCE’, HAVING ITS FOCUS ON MEMBERS AND CLIENTS AS THE CORE OF THE ORGANISATION.” KELLIE DEWAR DEPUTY GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES

2

020 HAS UNFOLDED for many Australians with devastating challenges and yet inspirational resilience and a compassionate spirit of mateship. Whatever your experience and situation, my best wishes to each of you for the coming year. May it be one of personal achievement and business success.

I returned early from the festive season break to prepare for the year ahead. The quiet time allowed me, as one of a panel of four interviewing applicants for the Queensland Overseas Foundation (QOF) scholarship, to do the necessary reading and to further develop our Membership Engagement Strategy. MTA Queensland is on QOF’s board of directors, represented

by Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Brett Dale. The scholarship is open to trainees, apprentices and vocational education and training graduates up to 30 years of age and provides an opportunity for international travel and work in their chosen vocation for two years. It provides $7,500 towards achieving experience in emerging technologies and to bring back the knowledge to the Australian/ Queensland market.

The calibre of the eight young people presenting for the interviews was of a

8 | Motor Trader February 2020

high standard which provides confidence for the future of the industries they represented. One of the applicants was 2019 Apprentice of the Year finalist Bayley Locker, who is a 4th year heavy vehicle apprentice from Toowoomba.

It is important to note that this scholarship is separate from the Queensland Automotive Trades QOF Scholarship. It derives from a partnership that QOF has with the Association, Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia, Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers and Construction & Mining Equipment Industry Group to offer the Queensland Automotive Trades Scholarship to graduates in the Queensland automotive industry. In 2019, the MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year Elliott Lemmon was the recipient of that scholarship.

Applications for the 2020 scholarship are now open and accessible from the QOF website.

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT Key Strategy 1 of the Association’s 201921 Strategic Plan is ‘Service Excellence’, having its focus on members and clients as the core of the organisation. For this calendar year the emphasis will be on promoting member businesses in MTA Queensland’s Motor Trader e-magazine and on our website. In the coming days, my staff and I will be calling members to speak about this opportunity which will

continue until we fill 100 member profiles to spread across the calendar year.

Motor Trader is a substantial magazine having a reach well beyond its 8,000 subscribers. It is an effective voice for the motor trades and, in its 87th year of publication is one of the oldest trade magazines in the nation. The Association’s website has a strong following with 95,400 users for the 2018/19 FY. The offer, as part of membership, is a free business profile article in the magazine.

This is done via a simple online form and uploading one or two quality photos. For the Association’s website, our marketing team will add the content and post it to Facebook which has over 4,500 followers.

There are 11 Motor Trader editions published over the 2020 year, which means the profile will be in one of these. The marketing team will advise by email when it is published.

I look forward to member engagement in this strategy, particularly as one of the learnings as a provider of the Australian Government’s Small Business

“FOR THIS CALENDAR YEAR

THE EMPHASIS WILL BE ON PROMOTING MEMBER BUSINESSES IN MTA QUEENSLAND’S MOTOR TRADER E-MAGAZINE AND ON OUR WEBSITE. IN THE COMING DAYS, MY STAFF AND I WILL BE CALLING MEMBERS TO SPEAK ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY WHICH WILL CONTINUE UNTIL WE FILL 100 MEMBER PROFILES TO SPREAD ACROSS THE CALENDAR YEAR.”

Digital Champions project is that some proprietors are time poor or with limited resources. This offer for a member’s business to be profiled in Motor Trader and content posted on one of the Association’s social media sites is aimed at promoting the business and the trade. Feedback suggests the concept already has strong support from members and we look forward to rolling it out over the year.

ADVOCACY There’s been a focus on the preparation of the Association’s pre-budget priorities submission to the Queensland Treasury as it drafts the 2020-21 state budget. The submission is on the website for members to peruse. A second submission relates to ‘Enhancement to Unfair Contract Term Practices’. It is a consultation regulation impact statement (RIS) which relates to the review of the extension of the Unfair Contract Term (UCT) regime for small businesses within two years of commencement.

INDUSTRY ISSUES The recall of motor vehicles fitted with Takata airbags continues to be an ongoing issue. Now, vehicles manufactured between 1996 and 2000, due to a serious safety concern relating to faulty airbags, are being voluntarily recalled. In all, there are now eight manufacturers which have issued recalls in relation to defect airbags, amounting to 78,000 vehicles.

Importantly, these manufacturers will buy back vehicles fitted with the defect airbags – vehicles that were not part of existing airbag recalls. In a conversation with the Chair of the Remarketing Division Peter Dever, he told of the incident where the owner of 1998 BMW was subject to the recall and was genuinely surprised at the February 2020 Motor Trader | 9

Policy/Viewpoint manufacturer’s expedient management of the recall, the buyback and the more than fair price received.

Whilst it is appearing that defective Takata airbags fitted in motor vehicles has been problematic for more than 20 years, it only became a significant issue from February 2018 in Australia. It was then that the Australian Government announced the compulsory recall of all cars fitted with Takata airbags – about 2.3 million vehicles. Since then the number has grown exponentially. In September 2019, a total of 3.4 million defective airbags had been replaced with another 400,000 yet to be changed. In Queensland,

“THE LATEST FORECAST FROM

THE COMMONWEALTH BANK’S HOUSEHOLD SPENDING INDEX SHOWS EARLY SIGNS OF THE ‘WORTH EFFECT’ FROM AN IMPROVING HOUSING MARKET, SUPPORTING SPENDING ON MOTOR VEHICLES.”

according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, there has been 711,000 replacements with a further 71,000 to be processed.

Another issue that has been a concern for our Australian Automotive Dealer membership is the collapse in new motor vehicle sales. For the 2019 calendar year, new vehicle sales fell 7.8 per cent over the previous year to record the lowest annual sales result in eight years. VFACTs data indicate that 1,062,867 new vehicles were recorded as sold in 2019 and December marked the 21st consecutive monthly decline. The latest forecast from the Commonwealth Bank’s household spending index shows early signs of the ‘worth effect’ from an improving housing market, supporting spending on motor vehicles. That is from a low level, but it is a positive outlook to start the new year.

Another positive for the automotive value chain is highlighted in a new Commonwealth Department of Industry report. It reveals that close to 75 per cent of former supply chain companies have remained in business following the closure in 2016 and 2017 of the car manufacturing plants.

FINALLY In the coming weeks, my staff and I will be engaging with members individually about the free promotional offer for their enterprise to be featured in Motor Trader, on the website, and content posted on social media.

An important focus over the coming month or so will be the several industry division meetings that occur quarterly. I attend each of these and the corporate office provides the necessary support services.

Until March, take care and stay safe.

10 | Motor Trader February 2020

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

12 | Motor Trader February 2020 Glen and Cliff Hunter

Hunter Automotive, North Queensland

MTA|Q&A In the Far North Queensland motorsport scene, there are very few names that are known to everyone. One of those is Hunter Automotive. A long-standing mechanic business run by brothers Glen and Cliff Hunter, Hunter Automotive pride themselves on providing reliable maintenance of vehicles but enjoy cutting loose at the track on weekends. Motor Trader caught up with Glen at the Cairns workshop for a chat and to take a tour of the facility. „

February 2020 Motor Trader | 13

WORDS & PHOTOS: LARA WILDE

Tell us about the products and services offered by Hunter Automotive?

GH: Hunter Automotive is a mechanic

business that offers general mechanic repairs and maintenance including logbook servicing, brakes, clutches, suspension, gearbox and differential overhauls. We also provide specialist performance repairs, dyno tuning, ECU remapping, petrol injector cleaning and diagnostics.

How long have you been established in Cairns?

GH: Cliff and I established Hunter

Automotive in 1996. It started with just us but over the last 23 years the team has grown to seven in total.

What is your background in the industry?

GH: I started pumping petrol at the petrol

station when I was 13 years old. That led to an apprenticeship which I completed in

1988 and I was awarded apprentice of the year. I went from the service station to the council apprenticeship and then to a Toyota dealership. When an opportunity arose for my brother and me to create a business, Hunter Automotive was established. It started from a small shed before we moved next door to a slightly larger shed. In 2003 we purchased our own premises which we are still operating out of today.

Are you still hands on in the business today?

GH: Cliff and I still work on the tools in the workshop everyday as well as providing administration management and running our team of mechanics.

Who is in your current team?

GH: Hunter Automotive currently has a

staff of seven. Myself and my brother Cliff, my wife Tracey, my nephew Matt, Jarrod, Thao, and John. „

Cliff Hunter on the tools

14 | Motor Trader February 2020 The Hunter Automotive race car near a customer's Ghia

Hunter Automotive Dyno

February 2020 Motor Trader | 15 Inside the Hunter Race car

Do you or your staff actively compete in motorsport? Does that play a role in the professional development of your team?

GH: All our staff are motor enthusiasts. Our

team compete in a variety of motorsport categories ranging from motocross to drag racing and speedway. This gives them the knowledge they need to help customers to get the most out of their vehicles.

You sponsor a lot of local motorsport and individual competitors. What role does it play in your marketing activities for the business?

GH: Sponsorships allow a marketing opportunity that lets people know of our products and services, as well as giving back to the events. We like to support our customers and the local motorsport community whenever possible and of course it is a great platform for us to showcase the work that we do.

What are your plans for the business over the next few years?

GH: The business is very stable right now. We will continue to provide the best experience for our customers. If we have a successful year at the drag 16 | Motor Trader February 2020

strip, hopefully the business will continue to grow. The priority though will be to continue working and enjoying life.

On your website you have Street Fighter listed as an offering through Hunter Automotive. Tell us more about that relationship?

GH: We became a Street Fighter dealer

eight years ago. We use them for our ECU remapping, dyno tuning, and performance products such as exhaust systems, supercharger kits and cam packages.

What do you do with your spare time?

GH: Hunter Automotive owns a drag car

that we race at Springmount Raceway.

Currently, I am the Vice President of the Cairns Show Association which keeps me busy during the year. I am Chief Steward of the pole climbing, wood chop and car show.

I also have two boys that keep me busy and I like to build small-scale models of cars.

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

GH: Just believe in yourself, CLICK TO

VISIT THE HUNTER AUTOMOTIVE WEBSITE

follow your passions and if the opportunity arises to make your dreams a reality, go for it.

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20 | Motor Trader February 2020

ER ELECTRONICS SHOW 2020

February 2020 Motor Trader | 21

Toyota's Woven City (plaza festival)

SE OF THE

S

INCE THE LATE 1960s, technology companies have been flocking to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to show off their new-fangled products, concepts and ideas.

Over the years, and thanks no doubt to the exponential growth in computing power and development in areas such as wireless and connected technology, the range of industries that now use the CES show as a means to highlight their latest gadgets and gizmos is astounding. It has grown to be the premier event on the calendar for those interested in what tech we can expect to be using across every aspect of our lives in the near future.

At the 2020 edition of CES, held at the beginning of January in Las Vegas, there were, of course, the usual suspects on 22 | Motor Trader February 2020

show – a bewildering array of advanced computer and mobile phone tech is a given at CES – but amongst the 4500 exhibitors, you could find such diverse products as AI-powered prosthetic limbs, internetconnected microwaves with inbuilt touchscreen displays and cameras, apps with realistic digital human assistants, smart toothbrushes that will let you know if you’re cleaning your teeth properly, harnesses that double-up as health monitors for pets, smart beds that track your heart and breathing rate while you sleep . . . even a robot that can fetch toilet paper (seriously!). Astounding stuff.

Just about every industry you can think of had a presence at CES this year, and one of the most well represented was the automotive - perhaps better categorised as ‘mobility’ - industry.

Toyota's Woven City courtyard concept

CES HAS BECOME AN IMPORTANT EVENT ON THE AUTOMOTIVE CALENDAR AND OVER THE NEXT FEW PAGES, AND THROUGHOUT THIS MONTH’S EDITION, WE TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND DEVELOPMENTS SHOWCASED AT THIS YEAR’S SHOW. In fact, CES has become something of a hotspot for automotive manufacturers (and those developing technology for the automotive industry) to show off their big ideas, and many now embrace this type of expo over more traditional motor show events - a reflection, one suspects, of the belief that the industry’s products – the

vehicles they make – are as much about the computing power, the connectivity and infotainment systems within them, and their part in a greater mobility landscape, as the engines and batteries that power them.

And so it was no surprise that big players such as Audi, BMW, Daimler (Mercedes), FCA, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota, as well as a slew of smaller manufacturers, made the trip to Las Vegas and that more than 150 vehicle tech exhibitors unveiled the latest advances for connected, self-driving and concept cars.

CES has become an important event on the automotive calendar and over the next few pages, and throughout this month’s edition, we take a look at some of the highlights and developments showcased at this year’s show.

February 2020 Motor Trader | 23

TOYOTA TO BUILD A CITY OF THE FUTURE IF PROOF WERE needed that automotive companies were thinking of themselves more as mobility companies with an eye on the greater impact that technology can have on society, well, here’s some really interesting evidence.

Toyota revealed at CES that it plans to build a prototype city of the future on a 175acre site at the base of Mt. Fuji in Japan.

Called the Woven City, it will, the company says, be a ‘fully connected ecosystem powered by hydrogen fuel cells’.

Envisioned as a living laboratory, the Woven City will apparently serve as a home to full-time residents and researchers who will be able to test and develop technologies such as autonomy, robotics, personal mobility, smart homes and artificial intelligence in a real-world environment.

Toyota says that building a complete city from the ground up, even on a small scale, is a unique opportunity to develop future technologies, including a digital operating system for the city’s infrastructure.

With people, buildings and vehicles all Toyota's Woven City shared promenade concept

24 | Motor Trader February 2020

VIDEO: TOYOTA CES 2020 WOVEN CITY

connected and communicating with each other through data and sensors, Toyota will test connected Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in both the virtual and the physical states.

The company says it will extend an open invitation to collaborate with other commercial and academic partners and

THE MASTERPLAN OF THE CITY INCLUDES THE DESIGNATIONS FOR STREET USAGE INTO THREE TYPES: FOR FASTER VEHICLES ONLY; FOR A MIX OF LOWER SPEED, PERSONAL MOBILITY AND PEDESTRIANS; AND FOR A PARK-LIKE PROMENADE FOR PEDESTRIANS ONLY.

invite scientists and researchers from around the world to work on their own projects in this unique location.

The masterplan of the city includes the designations for street usage into three types: for faster Toyota's Woven City smart home concept vehicles only; for a mix of lower speed, personal mobility and pedestrians; and will be allowed on the main thoroughfares. for a park-like promenade for pedestrians Toyota e-Palettes - a vehicle that is a sort of only. The street types are designed to help box on wheels and designed to be scalable accelerate the testing of autonomy. and customisable for a range of MobilityThe city is planned to be fully sustainable, with buildings made mostly of as-a-Service businesses - will be used for wood and using traditional Japanese wood transportation and deliveries, as well as for joinery, combined with robotic production changeable mobile retail.

Toyota plans to populate Woven City methods. The roofs will be covered in solar panels and power will also be generated by with company employees and their families, retired couples, retailers, visiting hydrogen fuel cells. scientists, and industry partners with a Residences will be equipped with inpopulation target of 2000 people to start, home robotics to assist residentsand will with that number growing as the project use sensor-based AI to check occupants’ evolves. health and take care of basic needs.

The ground-breaking for the site is To move residents through the city, only planned for early 2021. fully autonomous, zero-emission vehicles

February 2020 Motor Trader | 25

Hyundai's Urban Air Mobility (UAM), Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV) and Hub

HYUNDAI VISION FOR FUTURE CITIES WHILE TOYOTA WAS busy revealing its plans to build a city, Hyundai got in on the future-city concept too, unveiling its vision for urban mobility.

The company showcased three mobility solutions - an Urban Air Mobility (UAM), a Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV) and the Hub, a tranportation transfer facility that doubles up as a location for community activities.

The UAM concept will use Personal Air Vehicles capable of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL), and the company’s concept, designed in partnership with Uber, was shown in full at CES (see more of that on page 28).

The PBV is a bit of an eye-opener, with the box-like vehicles (something like a beefed-up Toyota e-Pallette) offering a platform for all manner of services.

PBVs can, Hyundai says, function as a restaurant, coffee shop, or even a clinic and pharmacy, in addition to being an urban shuttle. That's interesting.

The fully electric PBV concept is highly customisable and adjustable in size from four to six metres and its interior can be personalised to individual needs 26 | Motor Trader February 2020

VIDEO: SMART MOBILITY SOLUTION PROVIDER FOR HUMAN-CENTERED CITIES

HYUNDAI SAYS IT PLANS TO MAKE SMART MOBILITY MORE ACCESSIBLE

BY PLACING HUBS THROUGHOUT FUTURE CITIES AND BUILD A NEW MOBILITY ECOSYSTEM AROUND THE UAM-PBV-HUB NETWORK. by assembling modular parts. Artificial intelligence will be used for navigation and the vehicle can, Hyundai says, travel autonomously in platoon.

The third pillar of Hyundai’s mobility

solution is the Hub, a facility that seems to be designed as a sort of mini airport, connecting air-based UAM and groundbased PBV. The Hub is designed to have a skyport for the PAV on the top and docking stations on the ground for the PBV. The Hub itself can be used for pretty much any

community activity – becoming a concert hall, movie theatre, museum, or whatever the community wishes to house there.

Hyundai says it plans to make smart mobility more accessible by placing Hubs throughout future cities and build a new mobility ecosystem around the UAM-PBVHub network.

February 2020 Motor Trader | 27

UBER AND HYUNDAI ANNOUNCE AERIAL RIDESHARING PARTNERSHIP UBER AND HYUNDAI Motor Company announced a partnership to develop Uber Air Taxis for a future aerial rideshare network and unveiled a new fullscale aircraft concept at CES. Hyundai will produce and deploy the air vehicles - known as the S-A1 - and Uber will provide airspace support services, connections to ground transportation, and customer interfaces.

Both parties are collaborating on infrastructure concepts to support takeoff and landing.

“Our vision of Urban Air Mobility will transform the concept of urban transportation,” said Jaiwon Shin, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai’s Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Division. “We expect UAM to vitalise urban communities and provide more quality time to people. We are confident that Uber Elevate is the right partner to make this innovative product readily

available to as many customers as possible.”

The S-A1, is an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) and features: • It is designed for a cruising speed up to 290 km/h, a cruising altitude of around 300m to 600m above ground, and to fly trips up to 100 km.

• It will be 100 per cent electric, using distributed electric propulsion, and during peak hours will require about five to seven minutes for recharging.

• Distributed electric propulsion powers multiple rotors and propellers around the airframe.

• It is designed to take off vertically, transition to wing-borne lift in cruise, and then transition back to vertical flight to land.

• will be piloted initially, but over time they will become autonomous.

• The cabin is designed with four passenger seats.

Hyundai's PAV (Personal Air Vehicle), the S-A1

Airflow Vision Concept

FCA AIRFLOW VISION CONCEPT FIAT CHRYSLER MADE A couple of intriguing reveals at CES. One was showcasing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles - including the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, while the other was the Airflow Vision Concept, a design that highlights the company's ideas on presenting a cutting-edge user experience.

Use experience (UX) plays a prominent role in the concept and with the connected, high-tech nature of near-future vehicles a certainty, that experience is something all car makers are putting effort into developing. In the Airflow Vision Concept's case, multiple display screens allow the user to access information, determine how it is displayed and even share it with passengers by swiping across the display. Customisation and personalisation are key features of the UX experience.

As for the vehicle itself, there a simple, spacious interior, seating that uses a slim structure that rests on a pedestal base enhancing room and storage space, and there’s some high-tech-looking lighting business on the exterior – a prerequisite for concept vehicles these days.

Bosch IoT Shuttle

BOSCH TECH BOSCH ALSO GOT in on the act at CES and showcased a number of automotiverelevant tech advancements. Amongst these was a rolling chassis for EVs that demonstrated how all Bosch products for electric vehicles can be integrated with one another, and a Performance e-axle, which further increases the efficiency and power density of electrical powertrains.

Other eye-catching tech included: • Interior Monitoring: Technology based on eyelid movements, direction of gaze, and sitting position, the system detects when the driver is drowsy or looks at a smartphone and alerts the driver to critical situations. It also monitors the vehicle interior to determine how many occupants are present and where they are seated, making it possible, Bosch says, to optimise the operation of safety systems such as the airbags in an emergency. The system can also automatically activate stored personal settings such as seat position.

• Bosch IoT Shuttle: Bosch used its IoT Shuttle technology showpiece to present the solutions the company 30 | Motor Trader February 2020

offers automakers and mobility service providers (MSPs) for the electrification, automation, connectivity, and personalisation of shuttles. Going beyond just components, the offering includes connected mobility services that give users flexibility in how they operate, manage, recharge, and maintain fleet vehicles.

• Intelligent front camera: This camera detects objects, categorises them into classes such as vehicles, pedestrians, or bicycles, and measures their movement.

Bosch says the camera is also capable of interpreting what it sees to distinguish Bosch Driver Occupant Monitoring

Bosch 3D display tech

between the lane and the grass shoulder or roadside structures – even in the absence of road markings. In congested urban traffic, the camera can recognise and classify partially obscured or crossing vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, allowing the vehicle to trigger a warning or emergency braking.

• Virtual Visor: A visor that replaces the traditional vehicle sun visor completely, the Virtual Visor links an LCD panel with a driver or occupant-monitoring camera to track the sun’s casted shadow on the driver’s face. The system uses AI to locate Bosch Virtual Visor

the driver within the image from the driver-facing camera and the algorithm analyses the driver’s view, darkening only the section of the display through which light hits the driver’s eyes. The rest of the display remains transparent.

• 3D Display: A 3D display that uses passive 3D technology to generate a three-dimensional effect for images and warning signals. Bosch says that allows visual information to be grasped faster than when displayed on conventional screens, reducing driver distraction.

HONDA XCELERATOR

HONDA SHOWCASED A bunch of tech being jointly developed by its incubator Honda Xcelerator and start-up businesses.

Headquartered in Silicon Valley - with satellite offices in North America, Europe, Israel, China, and Japan - Honda Xcelerator was created by Honda to engage with innovators across all funding stages who seek to transform technology and business. Its focus areas are intentionally broad and include AI/Robotics, Autonomous Driving, Human Machine Interface, MicroMobility, Connected Car Services, Energy Innovation, Industrial Innovation, and Business Process Innovation.

Businesses present at CES included: • Noonee: a German company working in the field of exoskeletons, which demonstrated the next generation of its Chairless Chair, a passive exoskeleton for employees with standing workplaces.

The Chairless Chair 2.0 enables users to flexibly switch between active sitting, walking and standing – avoiding unhealthy posture and pressure on joints.

• SkelEx: a Dutch company that has developed an ergonomic device that enhances the motion of the arms and torso. The device provides adjustable lift force from 0.5 kg to 4 kg and works as an extension of the body, providing support to the arms without obstructing movement.

• UVeye: A US-based company using AI technology to change how auto makers and dealerships inspect vehicles for quality issues. The company says its systems can check chassis components, bodywork and tyres for external and mechanical flaws and detect other quality issues. The scanning, detecting and alerting process completes within seconds and can be used throughout the entire lifecycle of a vehicle.

VIDEO: HONDA XCELERATOR CES 2020

FISKER OCEAN IT HAS BEEN reported that the rather brilliant Fisker Ocean EV will be available in Australia – perhaps in 2022. And that’s good news because the Ocean looks to be a real winner.

It will be offered in a fourFisker Ocean EV wheel drive configuration on all trims except for the base model. The standard four-wheel drive configuration will deliver an output of more than 225kW with an ultra-high performance version that the company says will go from 0-60mph (96.5km/h) in less than three seconds. That’s properly quick and will give the swiftest supercar and the quickest Tesla a run for their money. Fitted with an +80kWh capacity battery, range should be good for up to 500km and more than 300km of range can be delivered from 30 minutes charging. The company says that 150kW chargers can deliver up to 32km of range per minute.

The Ocean is chock full of state-ofthe-art tech of course, with a heads-up display integrated into the windshield that is complemented by a large 16-inch centre touchscreen and a 9.8-inch cluster screen. Augmented reality and immersive digital experiences will offer some pretty impressive visuals, and the use of a slew of recycled materials – including regenerated nylon carpeting, and repurposed rubber waste - makes the vehicle as eco-friendly as you can find these days.

In the U.S., the Fisker Ocean has a starting price of $37,499 ($AU55,970), but with the U.S. federal tac credit applied, the price drops to $29,999 ($AU44,775). Here’s hoping it’s something similar when the vehicle hits Australian shores.

February 2020 Motor Trader | 33

Sony Vision S

SONY SHOCKS WITH VISION S SONY SURPRISED A lot of folks at CES when it revealed its Vision S concept car – a seemingly near-production ready EV that showcases the company’s technology prowess in imaging and sensing, connectivity, driver assistance and, of course, entertainment/infotainment. And it certainly does all that.

There are a total of 33 sensors installed both inside and outside the car, with this sensing network delivering 360-degree recognition of traffic conditions.

The sensors provide driving assistance, such as advanced cruise control, selfparking and auto-lane change functions, that corresponds to Level 2+ driver assistance. Sony says software updates allow for continual performance upgrades, with the aim of ultimately achieving Level 4 or higher self-driving in the future.

Inside the cabin, sensors monitor the condition of drivers and passengers.

Facial expression and body movement are used to gauge a driver’s concentration and fatigue levels, and alerts are sounded should the system deem it necessary.

With an eye on the increasing power of connectivity through 5G, along with the advancement of self-driving technology, Sony says it believes the car cabin will evolve into a comfortable lounge-like environment.

With that in mind, the Vision S has a host of tech to deliver comfort and entertainment to occupants, including 360 Reality Audio, with sound coming from 360-degrees around the listener, achieved via a speaker layout that includes speakers built into the seats, and based on Sony’s most advanced audio engineering.

Up front in the cabin is a row of displays that create a wide screen with an intuitive user interface,

VIDEO 1: VISION-S CONCEPT

VIDEO 2: VISION-S CONCEPT

34 | Motor Trader February 2020

Content will be accessed via 5G connectivity which will also works to connect the car to a wider network.

Sony says that a single tap on a phone app will allow drivers to summon their parked car to their location and what is being seen or heard on that phone will automatically be transferred to the car.

For example, a map being viewed by a driver outside of the car will display on the car’s panoramic screen as soon as the driver enters, and music that a passenger is listening to on their earphones before getting into a car will automatically be transferred to the car's speakers.

Other features include automatic climate control - if the car detects a

sleeping passenger in the back seat, it will control the climate around that seat to a suitable temperature. And the system will keep learning, whether it is about preferred cabin temperatures, music, driving settings, routes, or various other driver and passenger preferences.

As for the ‘mechanics’ of the Vision S, Sony says the newly designed EV platform is compact and flexible, and can be used for other car types, including SUVs and MPVs. Although the only info on the battery is that it uses ‘ultrathin’ battery packs, the Vision S comes in at a hefty 2350kg, suggesting a sizeable battery system and is therefore probably good for decent range. Power is delivered to the wheels via two 200kW motors and those deliver a good punch – acceleration is claimed as 4.8 seconds to 100km/h with a top speed of 240km/h. The Vision S is allwheel-drive with double wishbone front and rear suspension.

Adopting a next-generation architecture, the Electrical/Electronic (E/E) system is designed to support constant monitoring through connectivity and over-the-air (OTA) system updates.

February 2020 Motor Trader | 35

NAWA TECH UNVEILS HYBRID BATTERY E-BIKE NAWA TECHNOLOGIES, MAKER of ultra-fast energy storage systems and next-generation ultracapacitor cells debuted its NAWA Racer e-bike concept at CES 2020.

The Racer uses a ‘hybrid’ battery which combines ultracapacitors – which the company says offers 10 times more power and five times more energy than existing tech – with conventional lithium-ion cells.

NAWA says that the hybrid ultracapacitor battery system greatly improves energy efficiency, reduces charging times and extends entire system life. Efficiency improvements can reduce the size of the lithium-ion battery by up to half or extend the range by up to double – or a combination in between.

Re-using more than 80 per cent of the energy captured from regenerative braking, the NAWA Racer uses a 9kWh lithium-ion battery.

With the NAWA tech combined with the bike’s carbon fibre frame and composite body panels, the Racer tips the scales at just 150kg, and the hybrid

VIDEO: NAWA RACER

battery system results in an impressive claimed range. NAWA says the Racer can cover 150km on a mixed cycle, including highways, but by capturing energy from stop-start riding, the bike can double its urban range to 300km.

The ultracapacitor system pack can recharge in just two minutes and the entire battery can be charged to 80 per cent in one hour from a home supply NAWA claims.

The hub-less rim motor produces 100PS (73.5kW), giving the Racer a 0-100km/h time under three seconds and a top speed in excess of 160km/h.

NAWA says the Racer’s hybrid battery system can be applied to all forms of electric vehicle and the technology could go into production in the very near future.

NAWA Racer e-bike

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NISSAN’S TWINMOTOR AWD E-4ORCE

VIDEO 2: VISION-S CONCEPT

NISSAN SHOWCASED ITS new twin-motor all-wheel-control technology called e-4ORCE at CES. The technology provides instant torque to all four wheels and the company says its engineers developed the e-4ORCE technology to specifically manage electric vehicle power output and braking performance to be smooth and stable.

Nissan says the e-4ORCE technology has the ability to minimise vehicle pitch and dive.

This is accomplished by employing regenerative braking from both front and rear motors, making city stop-and-go traffic less jostling.

Similarly, on rough, bumpy roads and when accelerating, motor control is optimised to maintain ride comfort by minimising irregular movement.

The company says that e-4ORCE increases driver confidence by faithfully tracing the driver's intended line thanks to ultra-highprecision motor and brake control.

“The e-4ORCE twin-motor all-wheel control technology offers precise handling and stability, which gives drivers greater confidence and even more excitement than ever before,” said Takao Asami, Nissan’s senior vice president of research and advanced engineering. “This technology enables excellent cornering performance and traction on slippery surfaces and comfortable ride for all passengers.”

February 2020 Motor Trader | 37

MTA QUEENSLAND MEMBERS NAMED IN BRISBANE’S TOP 10 MECHANICS LIST

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ATE LAST YEAR, the Courier Mail announced the 2019 Top 10 Mechanics in Brisbane; a list which acknowledged and highlighted Brisbane mechanical businesses going above and beyond and achieving fantastic customer satisfaction results in their day-to-day operations.

MTA Queensland is thrilled to see four members named in the top ten as well as five of the businesses being past or present clients of the MTA Institute - the largest private provider of automotive apprenticeships and training in Queensland (RTO No. 31529).

“When applying to become a member of MTA Queensland, the business undergoes a strict reviewal process undertaken by the Divisional Selective Motors team Chairman, Vice Chairman and committee members,” said Dr Brett Dale, Group Chief Executive. “ . . . BUSINESSES DISPLAYING “MTA Queensland is Queensland’s THE MTA QUEENSLAND most trusted, influential and engaged BRANDING ARE BUSINESSES peak body for the automotive industry THAT CUSTOMERS CAN and this process ensures all members are committed to ten member TRUST, AND THIS IS values which ensure they are honest, EVIDENCED BY THE NUMBER professional, transparent, courteous, OF MEMBERS WHO HAVE integrous, caring, innovative, proactive, BEEN NAMED IN THE TOP 10 accountable and compliant.

LIST FOR BRISBANE.” “This means that businesses displaying the MTA Queensland branding are SELECTIVE MOTORS, ALBION businesses that customers can trust, and this is evidenced by the number of Coming in at tenth, Selective Motors, Albion, is an MTA Queensland member members who have been named in the as well as a previous client of the MTA Top 10 list for Brisbane.”

38 | Motor Trader February 2020

Newman Mechanical

CLICK TO VISIT THE NEWMAN MECHANICAL WEBSITE

NEWMAN MECHANICAL, GEEBUNG Named fifth in the list, Newman Mechanical in Geebung is an MTA Queensland CLICK TO VISIT THE member as well as a SELECTIVE current MTA Institute MOTORS client with one light WEBSITE vehicle apprentice in training. Newman Mechanical’s selling point is their VIP valet Institute. Owned by Frank Cordaro, service and use of the latest technology.

Selective Motors has been operating for Owners Dean and Stacey are proud of almost 30 years and provides excellent their experienced mechanics who provide customer service whilst ensuring customers with down-to-earth advice. customers’ cars are repaired to the “Newman Mechanical takes genuine, oldhighest standard. The business is also fashioned pride in their workmanship and RACQ approved, offers courtesy cars and more than that, genuinely care about their is even a certified inspection station for customers and the overall performance Uber drivers. and safety of vehicles,” said Stacey.

“It’s a great feeling knowing your “To be voted number five is amazing. customers appreciate your work,” said Frank.

We have such an enthusiastic, hardworking, “We perform repair and service work on customer-orientated team in Ian, Mark, all makes and models as well as doing air Jack, Lachlan and Wayne. They always go conditioning, safety certificates and Uber inspections. Our aspirations for 2020 are to above and beyond. We couldn't do this continue with our strong customer service.” without them. Thank you!”

February 2020 Motor Trader | 39

KPR AUTOMOTIVE, SEVENTEEN MILE ROCKS Trustworthy customer service is what the KPR team is most proud of. Owing their success to reliable workmanship at competitive rates, the MTA Queensland member has been named third in the Top 10 mechanic list.

Owned by Peter and Kelly Reynolds and having been in operation for seven years, KPR Automotive looks after all makes and models of cars and light commercial vehicles. Their services include servicing, wheel alignments, safety certificates, auto electrics, repairs, brakes, diagnostics, certificates of inspection and they also supply and fit tyres.

Not only did they receive this accolade in 2019, they were also awarded the overall winner of the Mount Ommaney Small Business Awards. They love supporting the community by sponsoring and donating to fundraising events whenever possible, which also helps them to be widely recognised in the community.

“We love to support those who support us,” said Kelly.

There are eight members of the KPR Automotive team, seven people and one very popular English Staffy named Lolly.

“We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, competitive prices, high quality workmanship and trustworthy advice. We are so excited and honored to be included in the top three of the Top 10 mechanics in Brisbane list,” said Peter.

“WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE, COMPETITIVE PRICES, HIGH QUALITY WORKMANSHIP AND TRUSTWORTHY ADVICE.”

CLICK TO VISIT THE KPR AUTOMOTIVE FACEBOOK PAGE

KPR Automotive 40 | Motor Trader February 2020

Peter and Kelly Reynolds with Lolly

CLICK TO VISIT THE BULIMBA SERVICE CENTRE WEBSITE

Bulimba Service Centre owner-manager Peter Triantafillou

BULIMBA SERVICE CENTRE, BULIMBA Coming in at first place was MTA Queensland member and MTA Institute client Bulimba Service Centre – notable for its amazing turnaround time.

Owner-manager Peter Triantafillou, who previously completed his apprenticeship with the MTA Institute said he was proud to be employing another light vehicle apprentice and was ‘speechless’ after receiving the news that his business had ranked so highly.

“The shop was run-down when I bought it nine months ago, so I’m proud to have turned it around,” he said.

“I’ve worked in the industry for 10 years and credit our success to honest and affordable servicing. The car could be new or old, Japanese or European, Mazda or Lamborghini – we service anything and everything.”

“I’VE WORKED IN THE

INDUSTRY FOR TEN YEARS AND CREDIT OUR SUCCESS TO HONEST AND AFFORDABLE SERVICING. THE CAR COULD BE NEW OR OLD, JAPANESE OR EUROPEAN, MAZDA OR LAMBORGHINI – WE SERVICE ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING.” MTA Queensland would like to congratulate all the additional nominated businesses, in particular the MTA Institute clients employing apprentices - Gladstone Road Garage from Highgate Hill and Rapid Tune from East Brisbane, as well as other nominated businesses Colonel Robinson & Co, Mac’s Auto Service Centre, Dixon’s Auto Care and New Star Centre.

February 2020 Motor Trader | 41

An Eye on Innovation

KATHY WINKCUP

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CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER GENERAL MANAGER INNOVATION

HAT OUR WORLD will, someday, be one full of electrified – that is to say hybrid, battery-powered or fuel-cell powered – vehicles seems certain.

Even in Australia there is, in my view, an acceptance that electric vehicles in some form will play a major role in the nation’s future mobility landscape.

The other big idea for future mobility – autonomous vehicles – has, however, a fair way to go before the same claim can be made for it. And that is not just because the technology to make a car truly selfdriving is proving to be an extraordinarily difficult nut to crack. Public understanding and perception of the technology – of how it works, of its safety, of whether it is even necessary – is a hurdle yet to be cleared.

Highlighting the work that needs to be done regarding public perception are a handful of surveys published recently.

The first comes from AlixPartners, a global business consulting group, that had some interesting results from a survey of more than 6,500 consumers across China, France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and the United States. The results regarding AVs found consumers are willing to spend just an 8 per cent to 24 per cent premium for hands-free autonomy over available technologies such as lane-keeping assistance, automatic braking and so on.

42 | Motor Trader February 2020

The survey also found that large percentages of consumers who identified as likely buyers of personal-use AVs said they’d wait five or more years after widespread availability to buy one.

Responses to questions of AV safety saw 58 per cent of Chinese respondents confident in higher-level AVs’ abilities, while responses in the other five countries ranged from 36 to just 18 per cent.

You can view the AlixPartner’s Global Autonomous Vehicle Report here.

Also published in recent weeks was the 2019 Q4 Mobility Confidence Index Study from J.D. Power - the U.S. data analytics and consumer intelligence company.

More than 6,000 consumers and industry experts were polled about AVs, and the findings showed that consumers have pretty shaky confidence regarding self-driving vehicles. The results suggest consumers are split about whether traffic safety will be improved, with the majority (59 per cent) of those who said they had a “a great deal” of knowledge about selfdriving technology believing traffic safety will be better, compared to 55 per cent with “no knowledge at all” who believe it will be worse. Only 11 per cent of survey respondents said they were “extremely likely” to purchase or lease an AV. The results varied widely based on respondents’ knowledge of AVs. Of those stating they know “a great deal” about self-driving vehicles, the result showed 32 per cent are “extremely likely” to purchase or lease one.

What do these surveys, and others, add up to? Well, it seems that, as with any new technology, there’s hesitancy and skittishness from the public about embracing AVs and that while the research and development, and the investment, in the technology roars along at an

astonishing pace, it’s important to bring everyone along for the ride. It’s no good creating fantastical vehicles if no one is prepared to buy them.

MTAIQ UPDATE

Recently, MTAiQ was proud to welcome e-Motion Concepts (eMC) as a client of the hub. eMC is a Brisbane-based mobility solutions company that is the exclusive importer, distributor and service agent for two vehicle models - the CT-KARGO and CT-KUBE, which are fully electric, threewheel mopeds designed for the urban transportation of goods. The company recently formed a new business unit, EMoS, to target the personal first and last-mile mobility market with a series of vehicles – the iLark, iTango and iTank.

Seeking solutions to mobility problems such as congestion, parking, pollution, ease of use, cost of maintenance and so on is obviously very important and the fleet of options available through eMC tackles these problems while also opening the door to businesses looking to expand, evolve or develop new business models based on an electrified future.

Find out more about e-Motion Concepts and their vehicle range at emos.com.au and e-motionconcepts.com.au

MTAiQ’s mission is to introduce and nurture innovative solutions and technologies that will assist automotive businesses to adapt to the disruptive era in which it we find ourselves. In recent weeks that mission has seen the launch of 2mota, an online platform that offers businessto-consumer and business-to-business engagement to subscribers.

The first pillar of 2mota is an online booking platform which allows consumers to request a quote for, and then book, a vehicle repair or service from workshops in their area. The second pillar is a B2B marketplace which offers an opportunity for businesses to access a pool of subcontractors and sole traders, and also hire and share tools and other assets from and with other workshops.

In an era in which the automotive GOT AN IDEA? LET US KNOW! industry is facing increased disruption from new technologies and new consumer The MTAiQ has a two-fold mission: behaviour 2mota can help businesses to help industry adapt to the changing become more efficient and productive, and automotive business environment and offer a secure way to share and collaborate, nurture new ideas that can help shape get online and generate more business. that future landscape. To perform that Industry was consulted extensively during mission - and turn a ground-breaking idea the development of 2mota, and that has into an industry-changing product - does ensured the platform delivers features and require us to hear about them! So, if you an experience sought after by businesses are working on, or have designed and built, and it easy to use for consumers. something that might make a difference to As MTA Queensland CEO Dr Brett our industry, get in touch and let us know.

Dale said at the launch of the platform: Don’t hesitate, even if you’ve had a setback “Ultimately, this platform will help or two. MTAiQ is here to help you to take businesses navigate new and uncertain your idea to the next level. times. It will enable them to engage with As American inventor Dean Kamen, the other businesses and the public on a large man behind the Segway, said: “Innovation scale, see how they can collaborate is so hard and so frustrating; it takes with each other, and give them a the intersections of people with CLICK competitive advantage.” courage, vision, and resources.”

TO SUBMIT YOUR IDEA You can find out more about We look forward to hearing TO MTAiQ 2mota at 2mota.com.au from you.

February 2020 Motor Trader | 43

Auto innovation news

AUSTRALIAN TYRE RECYCLER SIGNS U.S. DEAL AND IS NOMINATED FOR INTERNATIONAL AWARD

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USTRALIAN TYRE RECYCLER Green Distillation Technologies (GDT) and New Zealand’s CarbonScape have been nominated in the Environmental Achievement of the Year category in the annual Tire Technology International Awards.

The Awards, which are now in their 12th year, will be announced at a gala dinner at the Tire Technology Expo in Hannover, Germany on February 26.

Green Distillation Technology has developed a tyre recycling process that turns end-of-life car, truck and oversize tyres into high-value oil, carbon and steel.

CarbonScape, based in Marlborough, New Zealand has developed technology turning sawdust and waste biomass into high purity, high-value carbon products, including graphite.

According to GDT, it has been discovered that the carbon produced by the company’s tyre recycling technology is highly compatible with CarbonScape’s own process for producing graphite.

GDT says that Graphite is defined as a ‘critical strategic mineral’ in the USA and Europe and global demand is

44 | Motor Trader February 2020

growing at 5.8 per cent p.a. to 4.2 million tonnes which was worth $US30 billion ($AU44.5 billion) to 2018. Within the global graphite market, high purity graphite for Li-ion batteries is forecast to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 26 per cent to 2029 with pricing estimates of $US5,000 ($AU7,400) per tonne.

As well as Li-ion batteries for use in electric vehicles and stationary storage, potential end use of high-purity graphite includes solar panels, supercapacitors and other electronic applications.

The award nomination is not the only good news for GDT. Recently, the company signed an agreement worth up to $US100 million ($AU148 million) for 10 plants in the United States and a $50 million deal for five tyre recycling facilities in South Africa.

GDT Chief Operating Officer Trevor Bayley said that the award nomination was pleasing as it is an international recognition for a team that has developed innovative world-first technology that could help solve a massive international environmental problem.

“We have a refinery contract for all the oil we produce as it is regarded as light

crude and easy to refine into petrol, diesel, jet fuel and other petroleum products and of course the current world price for oil is very high. Our carbon is high quality and can be used in a variety of products such as printer’s ink, computer cartridges and even cosmetics.

“Now with Carbonscape and by enhancing the carbon to graphite we could sell it for multiples of the current price which is a very significant difference.

“What we have achieved so far is a world breakthrough and we believe that in time our technology will eventually become the preferred means of recycling old tyres throughout the world.”

According to GDT, each typical 10 kg car tyre will yield 4 litres of oil, 4kg of

JAGUAR LAND ROVER REVEALS NEW SHAPESHIFTING SEAT CONCEPT JAGUAR LAND ROVER is developing a shape-shifting, ‘morphable’ seat system designed to tackle the health risks of sitting down for too long.

The seat, being trialled by Jaguar Land Rover’s Body Interiors Research division, uses a series of actuators in the seat foam to create constant micro-adjustments that make the vehicle occupants’ brain think they’re walking.

By simulating the rhythm of walking, JLR says the technology can help mitigate against the health risks of sitting down for too long on extended journeys.

“The wellbeing of our customers and employees is at the heart of all our technological research projects,” said Dr Steve Iley, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Medical Officer. “We are using our engineering expertise to develop the seat of the future using innovative technologies not seen before in the automotive industry to help tackle

carbon, and 2kg of steel, while a 70kg truck tyre will provide 27 litres of oil, 28 kg of carbon, and 15 kg of steel. A 4-tonne oversize mining dump truck tyre will yield 1.6 tonnes of carbon, 0.8 tonne of steel and 1500 litres of oil.

GDT operate a tyre processing plant at Warren in Western New South Wales, which is where the work on the future co-development of graphite will take place and they are in the capital fund raising stage. The company says asecond commercial plant will be in Toowoomba, Queensland, which has secured all the necessary Government approvals, and they have plans for more plants in Wagga, Geelong, Elizabeth, Collie and Gladstone.

VIDEO: JAGUAR LAND ROVER MORPHING SEAT

an issue that affects people across the globe.”

The company says that the research is part of its ongoing efforts to improve customer wellbeing through technological innovation. Previous projects have included research to reduce the effects of motion sickness and the implementation of ultraviolet light technology to stop the spread of colds and flu.

Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles already feature the latest in ergonomic seat design, with multi-directional adjustments, massage functions and climate control fitted across the range.

February 2020 Motor Trader | 45

Auto innovation news

KIA AND HYUNDAI DEBUT VIRTUAL REALITY DESIGN EVALUATION SYSTEM

K

IA MOTORS CORPORATION and Hyundai Motor Company have debuted a new virtual reality (VR) design evaluation system.

The system is part of a KRW 15 billion ($AU18.5 million) investment in the Namyang Research and Development Centre in South Korea and the companies say that with the implementation of the virtual development processes throughout R&D and preproduction stages, they anticipate a 20 per cent reduction in vehicle development times and a 15 per cent reduction in annual development costs.

VR headsets allow the brands’ vehicle designers and engineers to virtually enter developmental simulations, with 36 motion tracking sensors detecting and tracking the locations and movement

46 | Motor Trader February 2020

of all users, enabling each to participate accurately in real time. The new VR design evaluation system can currently support up to 20 simultaneous users, enabling greater cross-team collaboration.

The companies say the new facility allows designers from each brand to more efficiently review a variety of design concepts earlier in the developmental process and in ways that were previously physically impossible.

The system simulates interior and exterior design elements, lighting, colours and materials, and virtual environments.

According to Kia and Hyundai, the VR design quality verification processes show tremendous potential for developing safety technologies, as participants can virtually test vehicles in a variety of simulated environments and situations. Amongst others, these environments include highways, urban roadways, hills, tunnels, and low-lighting conditions.

VR also enables development teams to simulate operations of individual vehicle components such as doors, trunk lids, engine hoods, and windshield wipers.

Furthermore, the system enables teams to test vehicle ergonomics and aerodynamics more efficiently and there are plans to further introduce VR technologies in production and assembly lines to create more efficient and safe working environments.

There are plans to establish remote VR design assessment capabilities that will enable real-time virtual collaboration between each brand’s design centres in Europe, America, China and India.

Further applications will see VR employed in the development of future mobility solutions, such as high-level autonomous driving enabling Hyundai and Kia to react quickly to the rapidly changing mobility landscape.

“The virtual development process is a necessary step for responding quickly and reacting with agility to the needs of customers and paradigm shifts within the automotive industry,” said Albert Biermann, Head of Research and Development Division for Hyundai Motor Group. “Through reinforced virtual processes, we will enhance quality and profitability, ultimately increasing investment in R&D to secure competitiveness in future mobility.”

BMW INTRODUCES ADVANCED LANE CHANGING TECH FOR X RANGE MODELS BMW AUSTRALIA HAS expanded the driving assistance functionality of its X Range models with introduction of advanced Lane Change Assistant technology.

The system is now standard on X6 models from August 2019 production and X5 and X7 models from September 2019 production as part of the Driving Assistant Professional package.

Once Lane Change Assistant is enabled by the driver and the destination lane is free, the system can automatically steer the vehicle into the destination lane once it is safe to do so.

When the move is complete and the vehicle is safely in the destination lane, the vehicle will then return to lane guidance (Steering Assistance).

The system uses a combination of networked radars and cameras to analyse the vehicle surroundings and gauge whether it is safe and that there is enough space to execute the manoeuvre. The radar sensors are responsible for detecting objects and the speed of nearby vehicles as part of the system’s calculation and verification of the road situation.

The operating speed range of Lane Change Assistant is between 70km/h to 180km/h.

February 2020 Motor Trader | 47

Auto innovation news

FORD FIRST CUSTOMER FOR DIGIT ROBOTS

A

GILITY ROBOTICS IS launching Digit, a robot with arms and legs that is designed to work with humans and in human spaces, for commercial sale. Ford is the first customer, receiving the first two robots off the line and the company says it is already working with Agility to explore ways to help commercial vehicle customers, including autonomous vehicle businesses, make warehousing and delivery more efficient and affordable for their customers.

Key applications for further exploration are indoor or first-mile logistics and last-50-feet delivery. Ongoing research will focus on how Ford’s commercial vehicles and Digit “talk” to each other

and their surroundings through advanced connectivity technologies.

The companies expect that, as Digit will be part of a package delivery service, this communication channel will also provide delivery-specific information such as where a customer prefers packages VIDEO: FORD TO USE THE DIGIT ROBOT

Agility Robotics Digit robot

48 | Motor Trader February 2020

to be left, or other delivery needs. This communication channel also allows Digit to ask for help if something unexpected is encountered.

“As online retailing continues growing, we believe robots will help our commercial customers build stronger businesses by making deliveries more efficient and affordable for all of us.” said Ken Washington, vice president, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering, and Chief Technology Officer. “We learned a lot this year working with Agility, now we can accelerate our exploratory work with commercial Digit robots.”

Digit has been designed to walk upright and to easily navigate the same types of environments most people do every day.

The robot's design also allows it to tightly fold itself up for storage in the back of a vehicle until it’s called into action. Once a vehicle arrives at its destination, Digit can be deployed to grab a package from the vehicle and carry out the final step in the delivery process.

NISSAN LEAF NISMO RC MAKES EUROPEAN DEBUT RACING ELECTRIC VEHICLES really isn’t a motorsport sideshow anymore.

Formula E, Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy, Electric Touring Cars, MotoE and other series, -all established in the past six years - are gaining traction and the race to design and build racing EVs is hotting up.

In January, Nissan debuted its Leaf Nismo RC in Europe at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Spain. Originally unveiled in 2018, this Leaf Nismo RC is the second-generation of the EV sportscar and delivers some serious juice – there’s 322hp (240kW) on tap with 640Nm available instantly and, thanks to an all-electric twin-motor and all-wheel-drive drivetrain, a 0-100km/h sprint is achieved in 3.4 seconds. That’s pretty quick.

Nissan says the Leaf Nismo RC is not just for show but is a testbed for future technological evolution, particularly exploring what can be achieved with an all-electric twin-motor and allwheel-drive drivetrain.

February 2020 Motor Trader | 49

Auto innovation news

VOLVO AND CHINA UNICOM COLLABORATE ON 5G TECH DEVELOPMENT

V

OLVO CARS AND telecom provider China Unicom are collaborating on using 5G mobile network technology for communication between cars and infrastructure in China. The companies have agreed to work together in researching, developing and testing automotive applications of 5G and emerging vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology.

5G is much faster, has a higher data capacity, and offers quicker response times than its 4G predecessor and as more data can be transferred to and from cars more quickly and with less latency, more applications for cars become possible.

Volvo Cars and China Unicom say they are investigating a range of different applications of 5G technology, identifying potential improvements in areas such as safety, sustainability, customer convenience and autonomous driving.

“Volvo has been a leader in realising the potential of connecting our cars to enable new features and services such as detecting and sharing locations of slippery roads between vehicles,” said Henrik Green, Chief Technology Officer at Volvo Cars. “With 5G, the network performance is improving to allow for many more real-time critical services that can help the driver be safer and get a smoother and more enjoyable ride. We look forward to collaborating with China Unicom on developing those services for the Chinese market.”

50 | Motor Trader February 2020

China is currently rolling out 5G across major cities with the support of China Unicom and others. Like most regions, China is also widely expected to implement its own regional standards for vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies.

Volvo Cars’ says its collaboration with China Unicom helps it to be suitably prepared for local requirements and create a strong presence in V2X in its biggest market. Volvo Cars plans to introduce 5G connectivity as part of the next generation of Volvos.

CARS &

C O F F E E

23 FEB | 31 MAY 30 AUG | 29 NOV YOUNGCARE BBQ FAMILY FRIENDLY PET FRIENDLY ALL CARS WELCOME

20190849

Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains

Auto innovation news

Volkswagen autonomous mobile charging robot concept

VW REVEALS ROBOT EV CHARGING CONCEPT

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OLKSWAGEN HAS UNVEILED a rather neat glimpse into the electrified future with an autonomous mobile charging robot concept from its Volkswagen Group Components arm.

The concept involves a mobile robot driving itself to the vehicle that needs charging and communicating with it.

From opening the charging socket flap to VIDEO: VOLKSWAGEN’S MOBILE CHARGING ROBOT

52 | Motor Trader February 2020

connecting the plug to decoupling – the entire charging process occurs without any human interaction. The robot brings a mobile energy storage device to the vehicle and connects them to charge the EV’s battery. The mobile energy storage device stays with the vehicle during charging while the robot can move on to charge other vehicles. Once charging is complete, the robot collects the energy storage device and brings it back to the charging station.

According to VW, when fully charged, the energy storage devices, or ‘battery wagons’, are equipped with an energy content of around 25 kWh each and a charging robot can move several battery wagons at the same time. Controlled via an app or V2X communication, the robot

RESERVATIONS FULL FOR MUSTANG MACH-E FIRST EDITION FORD’S FORAY INTO the world of electric vehicles seems to have caught on with the public as reservations for the First Edition of the Mustang Mach-E apparently officially full. The First Edition has a tasty 200kW of power and a claimed range of more than 430km. Other models in the Mustang Mach-E range, including the Premium edition and the GT, are still available for pre-order. Some interesting details about the Mach-E reservations beyond the First Edition model popularity are: • Carbonised Gray is the most popular choice with 38 per cent choosing it.

Grabber Blue Metallic sits at 35 per cent and Rapid Red at 27 percent • More than 80 per cent of U.S. customers are reserving Mach-E with an Extended Range Battery • About 55 per cent are opting for all-wheel drive • Almost 30 per cent of U.S. customers are choosing the Mach-E GT • More than a quarter of all reservations are coming from California.

First Edition Rapid Red Ford Mustang Mach-E

is fitted with cameras, laser scanners and ultrasonic sensors. The combination of these systems, VW says, allows the robot to carry out the charging process completely autonomously.

The company adds that the mobile charging robot makes charging a far easier experience with drivers able to park in any available space, independent of whether a charging station is free or not.

February 2020 Motor Trader | 53

Auto innovation news

KIA ANNOUNCES ‘PLAN S’ STRATEGY TO TRANSITION TO EV & MOBILITY SOLUTIONS

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IA HAS ANNOUNCED details of ‘Plan S’, a strategy that outlines Kia’s ‘shift’ to a business system centered on electric vehicles and customised mobility solutions.

By the end of 2025, Kia plans to offer a full line-up of 11 battery electric vehicles.

With these models, the company says it is looking to achieve a 6.6 per cent share of the global EV market (excluding China), while also attaining a 25 per cent share of its sales from its eco-friendly cars. Kia is aiming for 500,000 annual EV sales and global sales of 1 million eco-friendly vehicles (excluding China) by 2026.

Kia CEO Han-Woo Park announces ‘Plan S’ 54 | Motor Trader February 2020

“PLAN S IS A BOLD AND

ENTERPRISING ROADMAP FOR KIA’S FUTURE BUSINESS TRANSITION, BUTTRESSED

BY THE TWO PILLARS OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND MOBILITY SOLUTIONS.” The company says a dedicated EV model is to be launched 2021 which will be built on a unique platform. It will offer a crossover design which ‘blurs the

boundaries between passenger and sport utility vehicles’, offers a future-oriented user experience, and a single-charge driving range of over 500km with sub-20minute high-speed charging time.

Alongside these objectives, Kia says it will offer EV-based mobility services as part of its new business model. In the Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV) market, anticipated to grow on the back of expanding car-sharing and e-commerce businesses, the company says it will secure ‘leading-edge competitiveness’. The plan here includes establishing Mobility Hubs in cities with stricter environmental regulations and greater use of EVs; provide eco-friendly mobility services; explore new business models such as logistics and car maintenance via Mobility Hubs; and operate mobility services based on electric and autonomous vehicles.

Kia says it will invest a total of 29 trillion won ($US25 billion, $AU36.2 billion) by the end of 2025 as part of the plan to establish leadership in vehicle electrification and diversify its business.

“As the auto industry undergoes turbulent changes, today is also an opportune time for Kia Motors to radically transform itself into a global enterprise dedicated to spearheading customer value-led innovations,” said Kia Motors President and CEO Han-woo Park. “Kia Motors will actively innovate to take on the challenges ahead, identifying and capitalising on new opportunities to propel the company forward.

“Plan S is a bold and enterprising roadmap for Kia’s future business transition, buttressed by the two pillars of electric vehicles and mobility solutions.

Our approach is to put customers first, and Kia will reinvigorate its brand innovation by developing products and services that offer new experiences for customers.”

Avinash Rugoobur, CSO of Arrival ; Denis Sverdlov, CEO of Arrival ; Albert Biermann, President and Head of Research and Development Division for Hyundai Motor Group; and Edward Lee, EVP and Head of Hyundai Commercial Vehicle Business Division

HYUNDAI AND KIA INVEST IN ARRIVAL TO CO-DEVELOP ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL VEHICLES HYUNDAI AND KIA have made a €100 million ($AU161 million) investment in a new partnership with Arrival, a UKbased electric vehicle startup.

Through the partnership, Hyundai and Kia plan to introduce small and medium-sized electric vans and other products for logistics and on-demand ride-hailing and shuttle service companies. The companies say that Arrival’s scalable electric platform can be adapted for multiple vehicle categories and types which Arrival, Hyundai and Kia will explore for development of a range of Purpose Built Vehicles (PBV).

Founded in 2015, Arrival has production plants and R&D centres in the US, Germany, Singapore, Russia and the UK. The company has a ‘skateboard’ vehicle platform with a modular component structure which incorporates a battery pack, electric motor and driveline components.

Scalable to accommodate multiple vehicle types, the platform is being used by Arrival in carrying out pilot projects with logistics companies in Europe.

Of the total €100 million investment, Hyundai will contribute €80 million ($AU129 million) and Kia €20 million ($AU32 million).

February 2020 Motor Trader | 55

Auto innovation news

GOODYEAR LAUNCHES ‘ANDGO’ FLEET SERVICING PLATFORM AND ANNOUNCES VENTURE CAPITAL FUND

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OODYEAR HAS UNVEILED AndGo at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). AndGo is a vehicle servicing platform that combines predictive software and a national service network to service consumer fleets.

Beyond just tyre service, Goodyear says that AndGo delivers full vehicle readiness, helping consumer fleets boost their performance. Through monitoring of service needs and quick scheduling, AndGo activates Goodyear’s service network for convenient scheduling to reduce downtime.

Fleets engaging AndGo will, says Goodyear, benefit from continuous care through routine inspections and tyre monitoring leveraging Goodyear’s intelligent tyres.

“AndGo is another Goodyear innovation that will help enable mobility today and in the future,” said Richard J. Kramer, Goodyear Chairman, CEO and President. “There is no one better positioned than Goodyear with our service network, intelligent tyre solutions and predictive software to provide premium fleet readiness.”

AndGo is currently available in select

56 | Motor Trader February 2020

U.S. markets and will expand to additional markets in mid-2020.

Also at CES, Goodyear announced a new venture capital fund, Goodyear Ventures, with $US100 million ($AU149 million) targeted for new investments in future mobility solutions over the next 10 years.

Goodyear Ventures will focus on partnering and investing in start-ups with offering sustainable, safe and new mobility experiences.

“Goodyear is a technology-driven mobility company that seeks out and partners with other mobility thought leaders ranging from small start-ups to proven business models,” said Mr Kramer. “Goodyear Ventures will take this effort to the next level to engage and shape how people move in the future.”

Goodyear Ventures will focus on eight themes: electric and autonomous technologies, connected mobility solutions, next-generation public mobility, next-generation aviation mobility, future transportation infrastructure, future maintenance and operations, emerging technologies, and new tyre materials.

AUTO CAMP During this 3-day course, designed for male and female high school students (14-17yrs), you will get hands-on experience in a range of skills connected to the automotive industry.

This is a great experience if you are interested in electronics, engineering, design or manufacturing.

COURSE CONTENT ■ AUTOMOTIVE PRINCIPLES AND MAINTENANCE ■ ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC FUNDAMENTALS ■ HYBRID BATTERY ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY ■ DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING ■ COLLISION REPAIR TECHNOLOGY Venue: MTA Institute, Building 8, 2728 Logan Rd Eight Mile Plains Dates: 6 - 8 April 2020 Times: 9am - 3pm daily (lunch and morning tea provided) Cost: $275 per person (inc GST) Required: Enclosed foot wear / work boots and work trousers / jeans

ENROLMENT & ENQUIRIES courses@mtai.edu.au or 3722 3002 • Class size limited to 20 students • Includes lunch and morning tea • All safety equipment eg: glasses, face shields, gloves will be provided • Certificate of Completion for students

Right training.

Right place.

Right way.

RTO No. 31529

20180664

The benchmark training standards.

This Advancing Apprentices Fund initiative is proudly of funded by the Queensland Government.

Auto innovation news

FORD DEVELOPS 3D-PRINTED NUTS TO PREVENT WHEEL THEFT

O

NE OF THE many technologies that have appeared in recent years that will likely have a profound effect on the future of the automotive industry is 3D printing. The technology, also known as additive manufacturing, offers design flexibility to help reduce weight, improve performance and create parts that wouldn’t be possible using conventional methods.

Case in point is this development from Ford, which says it has harnessed 3D-printing tech to develop nextgeneration locking wheel nuts.

The company says that as car security systems become increasingly more sophisticated, thieves are targeting car parts instead, including alloy wheels, and together with EOS, a leading supplier for high-end solutions in additive manufacturing, Ford has created locking nuts with contours based on the driver’s 58 | Motor Trader February 2020

voice, making them incredibly difficult nuts for thieves to crack.

So how does this work? Ford says a person’s voice can be used as a unique biometric identification. Engineers record the driver’s voice for a minimum of one second and use software to convert that singular soundwave into a physical, printable pattern. This pattern is then turned into a circle and used as the design VIDEO: FORD DEVELOPS 3D-PRINTED WHEEL NUTS

AIWAYS TO REVEAL CUSTOMER-READY U5 ALLELECTRIC SUV IN GENEVA

for the locking nut’s indentation and key.

With the geometry in place, the nut and key are designed as one piece, then 3D-printed using stainless steel. When finished, the nut and key are separated, with a small amount of grinding required to make them ready for use.

The design also includes secondlevel security features that prevent the nut from being cloned or copied. The unevenly spaced ribs inside the nut and indentations that widen the deeper they go prevent a thief from making a wax imprint of the pattern, as the wax breaks when it is pulled from the nut.

If not using the driver’s voice, the nuts could feature designs specific to a vehicle, such as with the Mustang logo, or use the driver’s initials. Incredible stuff !

“It’s one of the worst experiences for a driver, to find their car up on blocks with all four wheels gone,” said Raphael Koch, Ford Advanced Materials and Processes research engineer. “Some alloy wheels can cost thousands to replace, but these unique rim nuts will stop thieves in their tracks. Making wheels more secure and offering more product personalisation are further proof that 3D printing is a gamechanger for car production.”

Ford says it has increasingly used 3D printing to make prototype parts and to create assembly line tools that are up to 50 per cent lighter than the norm.

AIWAYS, THE SHANGHAI-based electric vehicle manufacturer, will reveal the European version of its all-electric U5 SUV and new business model at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show in March.

The U5 is a mid-sized SUV driven by an electric motor powered by a a 65kWh battery pack. Range is a claimed 313 miles ((503km) on the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) cycle – WLTP (World harmonised Light vehicle Testing Procedure) figures are yet to be confirmed.

AIWAYS will become the first Chinese start-up to bring an electric vehicle to Europe when sales of the U5 commence in April 2020. The company will also reveal more details of its European business model during its press conference at the Show. AIWAYS and its partners say they will offer a unique means of owning a new electric vehicle that will provide users with an ‘original customer experience’.

“The Geneva Motor Show is an important milestone for AIWAYS as we will announce some very exciting news about our plans for Europe,” said Alexander Klose, Executive VP Overseas Operation at Aiways. “We are set to compete with the best, by creating a revolutionary new user experience thanks to unprecedented collaboration with partners.”

Aiways U5 SUV

Auto innovation news

VW EXPANDS WESHARE CAR SHARING SERVICE IN EUROPE

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ESHARE, VOLKSWAGEN AND Škoda’s car sharing service, is to expand into seven cities in Germany and other European countries in 2020. Prague and Hamburg in the early part of the year are to be followed by Paris, Madrid, Budapest, Munich and Milan.

WeShare is a free-floating service meaning there are no fixed collection points to which cars have to be taken and returned - and in all these cities, the company will be offering an all-electric fleet with a total of about 8,400 electric vehicles.

In Prague and Budapest, WeShare will cooperate with Škoda. In the other cities, WeShare vehicles will include VW's e-Golf and e-up! as well as the ID.3.

“For us, 2020 will be a year of dramatic growth,” says Philipp Reth, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WeShare.

“We are convinced that all-electric freefloating car sharing will be a significant, scalable transitional element in the field of sustainable, shared mobility for a considerable time on the way to automated transport systems.”

WeShare started operations in Berlin with 1,500 e-Golf cars in 2019 and the company now has 50,000 registered customers in the city. About three-

quarters of these registered customers are active users.

“In comparison with the sector as a whole, this figure is very high and shows that WeShare is highly relevant for people’s urban mobility,” said Reth.

Over the past six months, the WeShare fleet in Berlin has completed more than three million kilometres.

While the EV market is growing in Europe, one of the major challenges faced

by WeShare in Berlin is battery charging.

To compensate for what the companies say is the inadequate availability of public charging infrastructure, Volkswagen and WeShare have started cooperation with the Schwarz Group, which owns the Lidl and Kaufland retailers, and is installing 140 public charging stations at 60 Lidl and 10 Kaufland supermarket locations in Berlin.

WeShare can use the charging stations for its car sharing fleet on an exclusive basis outside the opening hours of the stores.

During opening hours in the daytime, the charging stations are available to all customers of Lidl and Kaufland.

In addition to the Schwarz Group, WeShare plans to establish further partnerships with a view to expanding the available infrastructure.

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

C

S&COFFEE R A

1949 MORRIS M September2020 2019 62 | Motor Trader February

MAKE: MORRIS MOTORS MODEL: MORRIS MINOR LOW LIGHT YEAR: 1949 ENGINE: TOYOTA 1.3-LITRE 4K OWNER: DEB OSBORNE

MINOR LOW LIGHT

September 2019 Motor Trader | 63 February 2020

XXXX.

1949 MORRIS MINOR LOW LIGHT WORDS & PHOTOS: LINDSAY SAUNDERS

I

T WAS LOVE at first sight when Deb met Millie. And while she hadn’t set out to find a new friend from the UK, as soon as Deb saw this gorgeous 1949 Morris Minor Low Light, she knew this was the car for her.

“I was actually looking for a VW Beetle,” said Deb. “I’ve always loved Beetles and Kombis, but the ever-rising price of old VWs was making it hard for me to find one. So, when I saw this Morrie on Facebook around May of 2015, I knew I had to have a look.”

There was a connection for Deb with the marque.

64 | Motor Trader February 2020

“My first love had a Morris,” she said with a laugh. “Also, my sister and brother-inlaw had a Morris panel van, so I knew the Morris and had always loved them too.”

Millie, as the Morris is known, was living on the north side of Brisbane and was much loved by her then owner. However, he had injured his back and it was difficult for him to get in and out of the 70-year-old car.

“They were not going to let her go to just anyone,” said Deb. “They wanted to be sure she was going to a good home.”

There’s no doubt she has. Spend any time with her and the love and appreciation for what Millie has brought to Deb’s life is very clear.

“She’s my happy place,” Deb explained.

“I can’t drive her without smiling and she makes people smile every time we go somewhere.

“I’ve been going to the Munchies car meet at Acacia Ridge on Friday nights for a long time and dreamt of having my own car to take there. Now I do, which is wonderful.

“There are a few Morries that go to it and the guys with big American or Aussie muscle cars appreciate them. They can see how much pleasure I get from her and appreciate it. It’s really nice.”

That supportive atmosphere is also prevalent among fellow Morris and old UK car owners.

“I am a member of the Southside Morris Minors and it is great,” said Deb.

“I’m no mechanic so the advice and support I get from fellow members in real life and the online Morris owners’ community has been invaluable.”

Deb has also had work done to Millie and received support from well-known custom car ‘guru’ Juice, of Juice’s Customs in Coomera.

“Everyone knows Juice. He’s a good friend of my partner, Mark, and has been awesome with advice about my ideas for Millie and what will work and what won’t,” said Deb. “When I bought her, she already had Toyota Corolla running gear, so there’s disc brakes on the front and drums on the rear. The wheels were on her too, but I February 2020 Motor Trader | 65

did change the front ones to smaller wheels. We also centred the back wheels so it doesn’t look so ‘gappy’.

“She had a 1.2-litre 3K Corolla engine, but I found it was a bit sluggy on the highway - at 90 km/h she was screaming - so I sourced a 4K engine from a Toyota owners’ website.

“When Millie came home with that engine, Juice had also put on the side pipes you see today.

“Initially I had an auto gearbox with the 4K but that only lasted about six months. I really didn’t like it, so a five-speed box went in.”

Many of the other changes since Millie, who was born just the year after the Minor was launched in 1948,

came to live with Deb have been cosmetic, although the paint is ‘as is’.

“The seats in her were getting a bit worn so I got seats from a Nissan Pulsar, without the headrests, and had them reupholstered.

She also has new carpet throughout and had a general tidy up.

“One of the coolest parts of that process has been the panels 66 | Motor Trader February 2020

Juice fabricated for the engine bay to smooth out the look. I love it.”

Deb said that aside from the strong support and advice from the Morris community, finding parts was no issue.

“There’s a great firm in the UK, ESM (East Sussex Morris Minors) who ship to Australia and they’re very fast. Also, one of the car club members, Alex, has an amazing supply and range of parts!”

Deb now has a car that’s very reliable and a joy to drive - yes, she has been on the back of tilt-tray a few times but, as Deb said, let’s not embarrass Millie with those stories - which was the aim all along.

“I didn’t ever want a show car,” explained Deb. “I want to get in and drive her. She always makes me feel good.

“Everywhere we go, people have a Morris story. It’s really nice how people will come

up to talk to you about how their dad or grandad drove one. She spreads a lot of joy.

“I lost my brother in a car crash and it made me reassess things. Life really is short and after raising a family, I was able to spend a bit of money on something to make me happy. That’s Millie.”

Unsurprisingly, this little car is a keeper for Deb. “She’s not going anywhere!” she laughed.

“I will have her forever. The idea of getting a VW has been forgotten.”

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 2020 Motor Trader | 67

Auto news

CALTEX, AMPOL, CHEVRON AND PUMA: IT’S ALL CHANGE AT AUSTRALIAN SERVICE STATIONS

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68 | Motor Trader February 2020

Editorial credit: gmstockstudio / Shutterstock.com

ALTEX AUSTRALIA WILL rebrand to Ampol over the next three years.

The announcement comes after the company said it had received a termination notice from Chevron Corporation regarding its current licence agreement for use of the Caltex brand in Australia.

According to Caltex Australia, 18 months of discussions had taken place with Chevron regarding the future of the licence agreement, and that agreement provides for a three-year transition period consisting of a six-month notice period and 30-month work out period. Caltex has continued exclusive use of the Caltex brand for the notice period and first 18 months of the work out period.

The decision to rebrand to Ampol was taken, the company says, following a detailed brand review and will see the Ampol name return to Aussie service after being retired when, in 1997, and following Ampol merging with Caltex, the company became Caltex Petroleum Australia.

Managing Director and CEO of Caltex, Julian Segal, said the change to the Ampol brand better reflects the organisation’s Australian history, independent

operations and position as the country’s leading transport fuels provider.

“Ampol is an iconic brand in Australia and reflects our deep Australian heritage and expertise,” said Mr Segal in a statement. “Our market research confirms that Ampol continues to be regarded as a high-quality and trusted brand by Australian consumers and resonates across our key customer segments.

“The transition to Ampol also supports our evolution into a growing regional fuels and convenience business and will allow us to invest and build equity in a companyowned brand as we continue the rollout of our retail strategy. This includes capturing benefits from cost synergies of rebranding during the rollout.”

The company says the branding transition will involve some additional marketing operating costs to relaunch the brand but will ultimately deliver cost savings from the removal of annual trademark licence fees of between $18 million and $20 million. The cost of the rebrand is estimated to be about $165 million over a three-year period.

The move comes at an interesting time for Caltex Australia – the company

is an acquisition target of Canadian convenience store and petrol station behemoth Couche-Tard, which launched a bid for the company in 2019. At the time, Caltex Australia announced that its Board had concluded that the Couche-Tard proposal (reportedly worth more than $8 billion) ‘undervalues the Company and does not represent compelling value for Caltex’s shareholders’. However, they had offered to provide the Canadian outfit with selected non-public information to allow it to formulate a revised proposal.

In related news, while Chevron cut its ties with Caltex Australia, the U.S. petrol giant immediately leapt back into the thick of the Australian petroleum action with an announcement that it had signed a conditional Share Sale Agreement with Puma Energy Asia Pacific to acquire all shares and equity interests of Puma Energy (Australia) Holdings Pty Ltd for $425 million.

Puma Energy (Australia) Holdings Pty Ltd and its subsidiaries hold assets that include a network of 270 company-owned and retailer-owned service stations in Australia, a commercial and industrial fuels business, and owns or leases seaboard import terminals and fuel distribution depots. The Puma Energy bitumen business in Australia is not impacted by this transaction.

What does Chevron’s move mean? Well, perhaps the Caltex name won’t disappear from Australia for very long if it chooses to rebrand their Puma Energy purchase.

“The acquisition will provide Chevron with a stable market for production volumes from our refining joint ventures in Asia and create a foundation for sustainable earnings growth,” said Mark Nelson, Chevron’s executive vice president for Downstream & Chemicals. “It will build on Chevron’s strong history of partnership in Australia and our global experience in fuels and convenience marketing and supply.”

MERCEDES-BENZ AND GEELY ESTABLISH SMART JV MERCEDES-BENZ AND China's Geely have established a global joint venture for the smart brand.

The intention, according to the companies, is to transform smart into a ‘leading player in premium and intelligent electrified vehicles’. The global headquarters of the new joint venture will be Hangzhou Bay, China, with operational sales functions based in China and Germany.

The new generation of smart vehicles will be designed by the worldwide Mercedes-Benz Design network and developed by the Geely global engineering network. Future production will be located in China. As part of the vehicle-development program, the smart product portfolio will be extended into the small car B-segment that are in line with smart’s brand positioning with a focus on premium electric and connected vehicles.

“The smart brand has a unique value and global influence, it has grown to be a leader in urban mobility,” said Li Shufu, Geely Holding Chairman.

“Geely Holding will fully support the smart brand with its full advantages in R&D, manufacturing, supply chain and other fields into the joint venture and support its development in China and globally. We will work together with Mercedes-Benz to transform the smart brand into a leading player in urban premium, electric and connected vehicles to successfully develop the brand’s global potential.”

February 2020 Motor Trader | 69

Auto news

GROUPE PSA AND FCA AGREE TO MERGE

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IAT CHRYSLER AUTO and Peugeot S.A. have agreed to merge their businesses to create the 4th largest global auto group by volume and third largest by revenue.

The combined company will, based on 2018 results, have annual unit sales of 8.7 million vehicles, revenues of nearly €170 billion ($AU272 billion) and an operating profit of over €11 billion ($AU17.6 billion), The companies said in a statement that ‘the proposed combination will be an industry leader with the management, capabilities, resources and scale to successfully capitalise on the

Carlos Tavares of PSA

opportunities presented by the new era in sustainable mobility.

‘With its combined financial strength and skills, the merged entity will be particularly well placed to provide innovative, clean and sustainable mobility solutions, both in a rapidly urbanising environment and in rural areas around the world. The gains in efficiency derived from larger volumes, as well as the benefits of uniting the two companies’ strengths and core competencies, will ensure the combined business can offer all its customers best-in-class products, technologies and services and respond Mike Manley of FCA

with increased agility to the shift taking place in this highly demanding sector.’

There are quite a few brands involved in the merger with the new company including Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Chrysler, Dodge, DS, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram and Vauxhall. The companies say that more than two-thirds of its vehicles will be based on two platforms, with approximately 3 million cars per year on each of the small platform and the compact/mid-size platform.

The merger will create a business that will, according to a statement from the companies, be able to ‘invest significantly in the technologies and services that will shape mobility in the future while meeting the challenging global CO2 regulatory requirements. With an already strong global R&D footprint, the combined entity will have a robust platform to foster innovation and further drive development of transformational capabilities in new energy vehicles, sustainable mobility, autonomous driving and connectivity’.

“Our merger is a huge opportunity to take a stronger position in the auto industry as we seek to master the transition to a world of clean, safe and sustainable mobility and to provide our customers with world-class products, technology and services,” said Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing Board of Groupe PSA. “I have every confidence that with their immense talent and their collaborative mindset, our teams will succeed in delivering maximised performance with vigor and enthusiasm.”

Added Mike Manley, Chief Executive Officer of FCA: “This is a union of two companies with incredible brands and a skilled and dedicated workforce. Both have faced the toughest of times and have emerged as agile, smart, formidable competitors. Our people share a common trait - they see challenges as opportunities to be embraced and the path to making us better at what we do."

2019 NEW VEHICLE SALES DOWN IN CHALLENGING MARKET THE FEDERAL CHAMBER of Automotive Industries (FCAI) release in January of new vehicle sales results for calendar year 2019 did not make for pleasant reading.

For the full calendar year 2019, a total of 1,062,867 new vehicles were recorded as sold, a 7.8 per cent decrease on 2018. The 2019 figure of 1,062,867 is the lowest annual sales result reported in VFACTS since 2011.

On a monthly basis, 84,239 new vehicle sales were recorded for December 2019, a decrease of 3.8 per cent from December 2018.

The year saw a further shift to SUV sales which now hold 45.5 per cent of the total market, a 2.5 percentage point increase from 2018.

Light commercial vehicle share grew by 0.6 points to claim 21.2 per cent of the market, while passenger motor vehicles decreased by 3.1 percentage points to 29.7 per cent.

While holding the largest share of market, sales of SUVs declined by 2.4 per cent compared to 2018, sales of passenger vehicles declined by 16.5 per cent and sales of light commercial vehicles declined by 5.2 per cent.

Across the brands, Toyota led the market in 2019 with 19.4 per cent market share, followed by Mazda (9.2 per cent), Hyundai (8.1 per cent), Mitsubishi (7.8 per cent) and Ford (6 per cent).

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Toyota vehicle range

TOYOTA LEADS AUSTRALIAN NEW CAR SALES MARKET

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HILE NEW CAR sales have been falling for many months in Australia and the market is tough, Toyota continues to stay at the head of the pack, and was the best-selling car brand for 2019.

Australian bought 205,766 Toyotas during the year, lifting the company's market share to 19.4 per cent. It is the eighth year in a row that Toyota sales have exceeded 200,000 vehicles in a calendar year.

The HiLux (47,649 deliveries) is Australia's best-selling car for the fourth year in a row - and Australia's most popular commercial vehicle for the past 22 years - and has been the top-selling vehicle in Queensland for 13 years.

Corolla (30,468 sales) maintained its leadership in passenger-car sales for a 7th consecutive year, while Camry sales (16,768) rose by 9.8 per cent to lead the mid-size car segment.

Toyota's tally in 2019 was boosted by a record 27,846 hybrid vehicle sales - more than 13.5 per cent of the brand's total sales and more than double 2018's level.

72 | Motor Trader February 2020

The company says it expects surging demand to accelerate hybrid sales in 2020 to a new record of 40,000 deliveries.

"Our market share was 20 per cent or higher in six months of the year and was 18 per cent or above on a further four occasions, providing a level of consistency that generates confidence in consumers as well as amongst our dealers," said Matthew Callachor, Toyota Australia President.

"This year, we will further strengthen the appeal of our brand and our line-up with the arrival of Yaris and full-year availability of the new-generation Corolla sedan and the upgraded C-HR. All these models offer hybrid powertrains for the first time.

"Along with our existing RAV4, Camry and Corolla hatch hybrids, it is clear our target for hybrid sales in 2020, representing around 20 per cent of our total volume, is well within reach.

"Forecasts for continued low interest rates and slightly stronger economic growth make us cautiously optimistic for the upcoming year."

2020 HONDA CIVIC TYPE R UNVEILED

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HE 2020 HONDA Civic Type R has made its world debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon. The new model year brings a number of changes and improvements, including revised styling, improved aerodynamic performance, and the addition of standard Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technology.

The new Type R includes new two-piece brake rotors and new brake pads designed to reduce fade and improve high-speed braking efficiency. Suspension revisions include updated dampers for better ride comfort, stiffer rear bushings for better grip, and modifications to the front suspension to reduce friction and improve steering feel.

Exterior design enhancements will include a new larger front grille opening for improved engine cooling, and the 2020 model will be available in a new, Type R-exclusive Boost Blue.

Also new is an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and a new shifter with a

restyled knob and shorter shift throws.

The 2020 Civic Type R is powered by a 2.0-litre direct-injected and turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with VTEC valvetrain putting out 306hp (228kW) and 295 lb.-ft.

(400Nm) of torque with power to the front wheels delivered through a closeratio 6-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential. Drivers can choose between three driving modes - Comfort, Sport and +R - that vary suspension firmness, steering and throttle response.

New for 2020 is Active Sound Control, which modifies interior sound in concert with chosen drive mode.

Honda Civic Type R

February 2020 Motor Trader | 73

Auto news

Toyota GR Yaris

THE RALLY-INSPIRED 2020 TOYOTA GR YARIS

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HIS IS TOYOTA'S new GR Yaris.

Powered by a new 1.6-litre, 200kW/360Nm three-cylinder turbocharged engine, the GR Yaris was created with input from Toyota Gazoo Racing and Tommi Makinen Racing, Toyota's partner in the WRC. Toyota says that as well as serving as the official homologation model for development of the next Yaris WRC car, GR Yaris also has all the attributes required for owners looking to compete successfully in local rally competitions.

The GR Yaris, scheduled for an Australian arrival late this year, is positioned at the top of the new-generation Yaris range 74 | Motor Trader February 2020

that will launch locally within five months.

It has a lower, wider, three-door body, 18-inch wheels, extended wheel arches, an imposing front air intake, specially designed brakes with red callipers, and twin exhaust tips.

"The GR Yaris is an exciting wellrounded vehicle that exemplifies Toyota's

commitment to producing ever-better cars, offering compelling performance that will appeal to a broad range of enthusiasts," said Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia Vice President Sales and Marketing. "It is a rally car for the road that pushes vehicle performance to the limit and will enhance the image of the Toyota and Yaris brands.�

Toyota says the WRC-skilled team of designers and engineers at Tommi Makinen Racing focused on perfecting the aerodynamics, weight distribution and light weight of the new car the three qualities essential to achieving the best performance and drivability.

The GR Yaris engine is an all-new, three-cylinder turbocharged unit that includes multi-oil jet piston cooling, large-diameter exhaust valves and a partmachined intake port. The DOHC 12-valve engine features a single-scroll ball-

bearing turbo and is matched to a sixspeed manual transmission, engineered to accommodate high torque levels.

The body shell is constructed predominantly from light-weight materials, including a new carbon-fibre polymer for the roof. Aluminium is used for the bonnet, doors and tailgate. As a result, the GR Yaris has a kerb weight of 1,280kg and a power-to-weight ratio of 156kW per tonne. That helps deliver 0-100 km/h acceleration in less than 5.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 230 km/h.

GR Yaris performance is supported by a new GR-FOUR AWD system. The distribution of torque between the front and rear axles is governed by a highresponse coupling.

The system uses slightly different gear ratios for the front and rear axles and allows for a theoretical range of front/ rear torque balance from 100:0 (full front-wheel drive) to 0:100 (full rear-wheel drive). Toyota says this flexibility gives a performance advantage over AWD ondemand systems that use twin-coupling or permanent AWD systems with a centre differential.

The driver can adjust the system's performance to suit their preference or the driving situation using an AWD mode dial switch. In normal mode, the base front/ rear torque distribution is 60:40; in Sport mode the balance shifts to the rear, with 30:70 distribution; and in Track mode the base setting is 50:50. In each mode, the torque balance will automatically adjust in response to the driver's inputs, vehicle behaviour and road or track conditions.

Toyota says that a lower roofline improves the car's ability to cut through the air, while positioning the new 1.6 turbo engine further back towards the centre of the car and locating the battery in the boot helps produce a better chassis balance for improved handling, stability and responsiveness.

February 2020 Motor Trader | 75

Auto news

The all-new Yaris hybrid will be Toyota’s most fuel-efficient car

NEW TOYOTA YARIS HYBRID OFFERS OUTSTANDING FUEL EFFICIENCY

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ROM THE SPORTY Yaris GR to the fuel-efficient Yaris hybrid. And when Toyota says fuel efficient, they really mean it, with the company claiming the all-new hybrid model will be the company’s most economical petrol drinker when it goes on sale in May. How efficient? Well, Toyota says the new 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain will deliver a pretty astonishing fuel consumption figure of just 3.3 litres per 100km. That’s a sniff under the 3.4 litres per 100km claimed for the Hyundai Ioniq hybrid and will make the Yaris the most fuel-efficient non-plugin car in the country.

Built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the Yaris 76 | Motor Trader February 2020

hybrid will come stocked with a suite of safety features that include the most advanced pre-collision safety system in the Toyota range and active cruise control.

"The all-new Toyota Yaris is a marked step up from the current car in every respect and will deliver the outstanding fuel efficiency and advanced safety technology that our customers demand," said Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia Vice President Sales and Marketing.

"It will also offer a substantially more engaging drive, superb comfort and refinement and the sort of contemporary styling to make it truly stand out in the crowd.”

It’s Time For An Employment Audit!

Attention business owners – we’ve entered a new decade, and the big question you need to ask is, when did you last take a close look at your business to see whether it is protected should any unforeseen employment issues arise?

The start of the year is always a good time to review your internal systems and processes to ensure they are reflective of your current business set-up and operational needs.

Taking the time to review these allows you to not only identify any incorrect, obsolete or inadequate documentation but also determine if you are missing any key documents that could come back to bite you throughout the year.

It is also essential to consider if you are across changes to a dynamic and rapidly evolving industrial relations and employment landscape. It’s quite easy to miss important updates and amendments to workplace instruments and/or legislation when you’re busy running your business.

For example, have you got casual employees working in your business?

How many hours are they working each month? It’s important you know this because if they come to you asking to be converted into part-time or full-time employees, and are successful, your business may be liable for annual leave entitlements (amongst other entitlements).

This was a result of the WorkPac v Skene (Skene) decision where a new clause was added into modern awards giving casual employees the right to request conversion to full or part-time employment.

Why is this important? You should be assessing your current workforce, how many hours are being worked by team members, and determining whether any casual employees (if you have any) may request a conversion.

Taking time to understand awards and to ensure you are paying employees their correct entitlements will minimise the chance of underpayment (wage theft) and dealing with the associated financial repercussions (fines and reimbursement) as well as reputational harm.

To get you started, we’ve prepared some short questions that you should consider. By answering them, you’ll get a better picture of your current workforce, and if your current approach to managing it is fit-for-purpose.

1. How many employees do you have now?

2. Is your workforce a mix of casual, part-time and full-time employees?

3. H ave any casual employees requested conversion to a part or full-time employee?

4. Do you have formal employment contracts?

5. Do you have required policies and procedures in place and are you actively communicating these and enacting them (including but not limited to): a. Bullying & Sexual harassment b. Discrimination c. Disciplinary procedures & termination 6. Have you got performance management processes in place for underperforming employees?

7. Are you paying your employees in line with their legislated award rates?

Finding a few gaps when answering the above? If so, it might be time to talk to an experienced employment law practitioner who will take the time to understand your business and discuss strategies you can use to mitigate the risks of any employment-related matters.

This could include a review of existing contracts through to the drafting of new contracts, procedures and policies aimed at protecting your business, now and into the future.

If you’d like to learn more about workforce planning and human resource audits, contact Brian Smith or Lachlan Thorburn by calling 07 3001 2999.

Brian Smith I Director T: +61 7 3001 2914

Lachlan Thorburn I Senior Associate T: +61 7 3001 2957

Looking after MTAQ and its members Complimentary telephone advisory service Don’t quite know where you stand on a legal issue? - Your MTAQ Membership entitles you to find out — before you pay any legal fees. Our initial legal advice is free and easily accessed – the advantage for Members is it provides immediate and direct access to senior lawyers who can give the right advice at the right time – avoiding potential problems. Simply ask MTAQ for a referral to Bennett & Philp Lawyers.

Automotive Dealers and Industry Suppliers Dealers and suppliers need to know their legal advisors can expertly guide them through the sale and purchase of dealerships and related businesses throughout Australia. It’s also important for dealers and suppliers to know their lawyers are experts in pursuing litigation for unpaid debts and other matters, and also counselling clients in areas such as alternate dispute resolution processes.

As industry specialists we are ideally positioned to assist dealers and suppliers with operational issues such as commercial leasing, supply agreements, employment issues and franchise and consumer law. We have expert advice available to assist with dealership and business acquisitions and sales, financing, negotiations with lenders to the automotive industry, and business succession and restructuring issues.

We take pride in knowing our team focus their considerable knowledge and experience to deliver specialist, value-added and cost-effective legal services to the automotive industry. Take advantage of our expertise today.

Bennett and Philp are the chosen legal firm of the MTAQ, and proud supporters of the industry - including being a major partner of the MTAQ Racing Team.

For more information contact: Phone: 07 3001 2999 Website: www.bennettphilp.com.au

20190817

Appointed by Motor Trades Association of Queensland in 2010, Bennett & Philp Lawyers is the MTAQ’s law firm of choice in providing MTAQ members with business and commercial advice and legal assistance. Our expertise has proven a vital resource for MTAQ, its members and the automotive industry.

Industrial relations

EVANGELINE KANNIS SENIOR WORKPLACE RELATIONS ADVISOR

IS CCTV EVIDENCE ENOUGH?

T

HE MTAQ INDUSTRIAL Relations team is occasionally asked by members if CCTV footage is enough evidence to dismiss an employee for misconduct.

In a case last year, the Fair Work fraudulent and dishonest", and told the Commission upheld the dismissal of an Commission about a previous incident employee based on "damning" CCTV where seven employees had been footage, but nevertheless reproached the dismissed for falsifying timecards. employer for "turning a blind eye" to other The footage shows him reaching for the workplace problems. middle of the timecard rack, where his The case involved an armoured vehicle own timecard is located, and then moving operator (AVO) with 20 years' service who his hand to the top and picking up his was captured on camera 'clocking on' his colleague's card, apparently deliberately. colleague, who was running late.

The employer referred to CCTV footage but He later explained his actions by saying didn't show this evidence to the employee. that after clocking himself on several Robinson v Prosegur Australia Pty Ltd minutes early, he remembered discussions [2019] FWC 4629 (31 July 2019) about that issue and had returned to the bundy clock to correct it, not realising he'd It is always helpful to discuss whether picked up his colleague's card. the employer has valid reason and due Two days later, his employer issued process when considering appropriate strategy and process about dismissing a letter detailing two allegations of an employee. Contact MTAQ’s IR serious misconduct, and inviting team to discuss all workplace and him to respond then listened to his CLICK TO VISIT THE MTAQ employment matters no matter version. The employer dismissed KNOWLEDGE BASE how big or small your business is. him "because his actions were

78 | Motor Trader February 2020

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

February 2020 Motor Trader | 79 CLICK HERE TO ACCESS PAST ISSUES OF MOTOR TRADER

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

Member benefits include: Advocacy MTA Queensland will represent you to state & federal governments on BIG issues affecting your business & the industry.

Service Receive FREE expert advice on going digital & Industrial Relations matters.

Training Receive 20% discount on MTA Institute’s non-government funded short courses for MTA Queensland members.

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

Innovation Stay ahead of the automotive digital revolution with access to MTAiQ, Australia’s first automotive innovation hub.

20170597

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

E S S E N T I A L S

PAUL KULPA GENERAL MANAGER MTA INSTITUTE

2

MEMBERS' ESSENTIALS Contents 85 Apprentice of the Month: December 2019 86 Professional Circle training 88 Former MTAI apprentice of the year sets his sights on Canada in 2020 92 Annual conference brings MTAI trainers together from across Queensland

February 2020 Motor Trader | 81

E S S E N T I A L S

hoping to spark an interest. We also have the MTAI Automotive Pre-Voc course, which is designed to give learners a basic introduction to the automotive industry.

Students undertaking this course will learn a range of tasks relating to identifying and inspecting mechanical and electrical components and systems of light vehicles.

It’s a course to focus the interest.

M E M B E R S

020 . . . the beginning of a decade that is predicted to see more change in the automotive industry than ever seen before.

Changes in mobility continue and how we get from one place to another evolves.

The future will see workforce demands change and require multidimensional skills and ability. But where will this workforce come from? I believe there’s several levels to this question, but it still has a core element – interest. Does the person have an interest in the automotive industry and an inquisitive nature to continue to evolve with the industry?

The MTA Institute is setting the platform to support the entry for this workforce.

We support the MTAQ Auto Camp, which is a non-accredited course for male and female high school students aged between 14-17 years. This provides the learner an insight into the automotive industry,

M E M B E R S

Training GM's Professional Circle perspective

MTA INSTITUTE COURSES AIR CONDITIONING COURSE

SKILL SET GAP TRAINING (3 DAY) 26 - 28 February 2020 20 - 22 April 2020 19 - 21 August 2020 Click for more information.

SALES/DEALER/WRECKERS LICENCING COURSE

RTO No: 31529

HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE COURSE

SKILL SET TRAINING (3 DAY) 6 - 8 May 2020 2 - 4 September 2020 Click for more information.

PRE-VOCATIONAL PREPARATION COURSE 27 April - 29 May 2020 24 July - 28 August 2020 Click for more information.

AVAILABLE ONLINE - ENROL NOW Click for more information.

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

MTA QUEENSLAND COURSES 11 February 2020, 8:30am - 12:30pm 12 May 2020, 8:30am - 12:30pm 11 August 2020, 8:30am - 12:30pm Click for more information.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE COURSE 11 February 2020 12 May 2020 11 August 2020 Click for more information.

AUTO CAMP

6 - 8 April 2020 30 June - 2 July 2020 22 - 24 September 2020 Click for more information.

CERT IV AND DIPLOMA OF LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT Click for more information.

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

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MIG WELDING FUNDAMENTALS COURSE

E S S E N T I A L S

Ultimately, we like to see these learners go into an apprenticeship and we have the MTAQ Jobs Board to support this chosen career pathway.

Landing an apprenticeship can be exciting and daunting given the duration and requirements, but it’s something, when finished, that will be an achievement of a lifetime. Once the apprenticeship is finished, we mark this accomplishment and celebrate the achievement with the MTA Institute Graduation Ceremony.

As always, we are grateful for employers and learners who choose us as their Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and have been honoured to receive news from the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research (NCVER) that provided a summary of the outcomes of students who completed nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) during 2018, using data collected mid-2019.

The MTA Institute prides itself on student satisfaction and we are proud of the outstanding results achieved in the report.

M E M B E R S

Training GM's Professional Circle perspective

Highlights of graduates at (MTAI) include: • 93.5% were satisfied with the overall quality of their training.

• 95.2% would recommend the training.

• 96.2% would recommend their training provider.

• 97.5% achieved their main reason for doing the training.

It’s great to see these outstanding results and we will always strive to keep doing a great job for the automotive industry and keep the interest in training and workforce development ongoing.

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 2020 Motor Trader | 83

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

84 | Motor Trader February 2020

WEBSITE

February 2020 Motor Trader | 85

E S S E N T I A L S

However, after 12 months of work of work and training, Gabrielle said things weren’t really working out and she made the move to Highfields, switching to a light vehicle apprenticeship and to training with the MTA Institute.

“It’s true that, originally, light vehicle was not my first pick but, honestly, it has been the best change,” she said. “I thoroughly enjoy it. For me, there is just more variety and we do a bit everything at Highfields.

Gabrielle with Craig Baills, owner GABRIELLE CLIFT IS the Apprentice of the Month of Highfields Mechanical & Offroad From tuning to mechanical servicing to wheel alignments to four-wheel-drives to for December 2019. suspension kits, even the occasional truck – The 21-year-old light vehicle apprentice at we do it all, and I get to work on everything.”

Highfields Mechanical & Offroad in Highfields near As a young woman making her way in an Toowoomba is in her third year of training and industry in which women have been, and still are, has proven to be an outstanding apprentice and under-represented, Gabrielle said that, for her, employee. gender wasn’t an issue.

“Gabrielle is an excellent student who achieves “I don’t think of it as a male/female thing,” she very good results in exams and practical said. “Obviously it is a male-dominated industry, but I assessments,” said Colin Crawford, her MTA don’t have a problem with that. I know where I am and Institute trainer. “She is very dedicated to her who I am as a person. I think it is really a personality training and workplace and is an excellent example thing. It’s your personality that drives you, not whether to other apprentices and tradespeople.” you are male or female. At the end of the day, we While Gabrielle is fully committed to her light vehicle training, it isn’t her original apprenticeship. In are here to do a job and we all have something in common – we love working on cars. It’s the same fact, she began her training as a heavy commercial as if a bloke wants to go into hairdressing or beauty vehicle apprentice at a diesel mechanical workshop therapy – if they’re passionate about, then go for it! in the major agricultural centre of Moree in northern “It can be daunting for a girl, but all the guys I work NSW. It’s an area where diesel, heavy vehicle and with are respectful and kind, more than happy to help agricultural mechanical skills are in demand and, and more than happy to ask me for help. We treat naturally, those were the skills to which Gabrielle each other as equals who are getting the job done.” found herself drawn.

While only 21, Gabrielle seems absolutely certain “It all started with my dad,” she said. “He’s a about her future in automotive and can see that the contractor and a truck driver for his own business evolving nature of the industry is one to which she and does a lot of mechanical work himself. So, from will have to adapt. a very young age I would go to work with him, and I “I’d like to stay here at Highfields for a long time found it all very interesting. It was cool and different. and gain experience in every field – rebuilding engines And as a young kid I didn’t mind getting covered in and gearboxes, auto electrical, air conditioning, oil and grease! everything,” she said. “And I’d definitely look at “After I finished school, I had a gap year and worked on various properties driving a lot of heavy machinery. It auto-electrical training. Nowadays, the mechanical field has gone so far into the electrical area was interesting to me to know how it all operated CLICK TO that a firm understanding of auto-electrical, rather than just being an operator, and that’s VISIT THE HIGHFIELDS and learning how different manufacturers’ when I decided to go for an apprenticeship as MECHANICAL & a diesel mechanic.” systems work, is very important.”

OFFROAD APPRENTICE: GABRIELLE CLIFT WORKPLACE: HIGHFIELDS MECHANICAL & OFFROAD APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE

M E M B E R S

Apprentice of the Month: December 2019

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

Professional Circle Training

MTA INSTITUTE RATES HIGHLY WITH GRADUATES

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HE NATIONAL CENTRE for Vocational Education and Research (NCVER) has released an in-depth report which provides a summary of the outcomes of students who completed nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) during 2018, using data collected mid-2019.

As the largest independent Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for automotive apprenticeships and training in Queensland, the MTA Institute (MTAI) prides itself on student satisfaction and are proud of the outstanding results achieved in the report.

Highlights of graduates at (MTAI) include: • 93.5% were satisfied with the overall quality of their training.

• 95.2% would recommend the training.

• 96.2% would recommend their training provider.

• 97.5% achieved their main reason for doing the training.

These figures are derived from the National Student Outcomes 2019 Survey, which is an annual survey of students awarded a qualification (graduates), or who completed at least one subject before leaving the VET system without obtaining a qualification (subject completers).

MTA Institute’s General Manager, Paul Kulpa, said the results were indicative

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“TO RECORD SUCH POSITIVE

RESULTS IS EVIDENCE WE ARE ACHIEVING THESE GOALS AND PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION OF AUTOMOTIVE PROFESSIONALS FOR THE EVOLVING INDUSTRY.” of the emphasis placed on the quality of training being delivered.

“We are really proud of these results across the board,” said Paul.

“We strive to provide the highest level of training quality at all times while ensuring that our training delivery is relevant to the real-world and directly connects

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

CLICK TO students’ ability and VISIT THE employers wants. To MTA INSTITUTE WEBSITE record such positive results is evidence we are achieving these goals and preparing the next generation of automotive professionals for the evolving industry.”

Paul also took the time to applaud the efforts of all staff and trainers in continually raising the bar and improving expectations.

“Our team of staff and trainers are the hardest working group of people I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and the

results of their efforts speak for themselves.”

In comparison to other RTO’s, the MTA Institute has performed exceptionally well and student satisfaction continues to be a priority for the team.

s X3 Excel Serie rew. i a d n u y H the ort c f racing in am’s supp o e t n o e s h t a e f s o ther part nce up for ano ices to be t g n e in r r in experie p a a p e g ; g a s r y is o a f m d t a u e rac ok o of a Racing Te pit lane on st performance out is on the lo in d n k The MTAQ a r o s w ip ; h g the be eekends ampions ff and the in h u w t t c t e s e d c s g n a u r la in io r s r lf n rse nd fu car fo Quee d push you pping the . It’s fast a n e t a r s p e k b c h a s it r it t w t e d h ga Get involve ed environment at t roots racin eer in motorsport. s s a r g c is a s -p car erie in the fast e road to a s! The X3 s h it t m n o li p s e it t s o st dt car pushe perfect fir

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FORMER MTAI APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR SETS HIS SIGHTS ON CANADA IN 2020

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O SAY THE past two years have been a whirlwind would be an understatement for former MTA Institute (MTAI) light vehicle apprentice, Elliott Lemmon.

Fresh off 2019 where he was awarded the Queensland Automotive Trades Scholarship (QOF) which allowed him to head overseas to Asia to follow his motorsport dream, the 2017 MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year is planning to go even further abroad in 2020.

“In 2020, I’ve decided to kick off my

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“I’M TAKING A BRAVE

APPROACH AND I’M JUST GOING TO REALLY TEST MY SKILLS AND PROVE TO MYSELF THAT I CAN MAKE IT WITH A GOOD ATTITUDE AND HARD WORK.” career in Canada,” said Elliott.

“I’ve just had my visa approved, so I will be heading over to Vancouver to explore the country and most importantly I will

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

Through the QOF scholarship, Elliott received the opportunity to travel to Asia where he worked with Absolute Racing, one of the largest racing teams in China, working on one of their vehicles in the Blancpain Asia Series.

Elliott Lemmon

be exploring the mechanical trade from yet another perspective.

“I’m taking a brave approach and I’m just going to really test my skills and prove to myself that I can make it with a good attitude and hard work.”

It’s this attitude and dedication to going above and beyond that got Elliott started on his journey back in 2017.

The then 19-year-old was in the third

year of his light vehicle apprenticeship when his trainer James Dixon nominated him for the MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year award, noting his dedication to excellence.

“Elliott’s attention to detail is brilliant, he lives and breathes cars and is always willing to try something new,” said James.

“He faces new challenges head-on every day and will always put himself forward to help his peers in the workshop.”

Winning the MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year award opened new doors for Elliott, one of which was two-weeks work experience with Triple Eight Race Engineering in early 2018, an opportunity Elliott said he would not soon forget.

“The opportunity to work for Triple Eight Race Engineering, and seeing the cars, the drivers and the seamless operation of the team first-hand was incredible. I hope that one day I’m lucky enough to work for a team like Triple Eight Race Engineering!”

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This experience, coupled with his work with the MTAQ Racing Team where he was a member of the inaugural Support Crew in 2017, was perfect preparation for where Elliott would find himself in 2019.

Through the QOF scholarship, Elliott received the opportunity to travel to Asia where he worked with Absolute Racing, one of the largest racing teams in China, working on one of their vehicles in the Blancpain Asia Series.

“My time with Absolute Racing was absolutely mind blowing! I learnt so much about the whole operation,” said Elliott.

“It took me to some world class tracks such as Sepang International Circuit (Malaysia), Chang International Circuit (Thailand) and my favourites: Suzuka and Mount Fuji in Japan.

“I had to learn what it takes to move multiple purpose-built race cars around the world and have them be competitive on the track. From maintenance, to repairs, to setting up the car with engineers, to performing pitstops during races. I did it all.

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“I also worked with most of the Audi Customer Racing side and they were unreal at making split-second decisions and making things happen. I am very grateful for the experience.”

While an incredible experience, Elliott admits he did experience some growing pains that came with getting acclimatised in a new country.

“I was primarily working on the #59 Bhurit/Kusiri car with two very skilled Chinese mechanics – Momo and Ahong.

There were struggles at first with the language barriers, but we eventually worked everything out.”

Looking back at a frantic last 12 months, Elliott still can’t quite believe where his

“I HOPE MY JOURNEY

INSPIRES OTHER APPRENTICES LOOKING TO FORGE THEIR OWN SIMILAR PATH. THE RESULTS ARE DEFINITELY REWARDING.”

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

career has taken him.

“A little over a year ago I was just finishing my apprenticeship and if you had told me I would be tackling international challenges so soon I wouldn’t have thought it was possible.

“I hope my journey inspires other apprentices looking to forge their own

similar path. The results are definitely rewarding.”

We will be sure to follow Elliott’s progress with great interest as he heads to Canada for the next chapter of his career and wish him all the best with his endeavours.

The opportunity to work for Triple Eight Race Engineering, and seeing the cars, the drivers and the seamless operation of the team first-hand was incredible.

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Professional Circle training

ANNUAL CONFERENCE BRINGS MTAI TRAINERS TOGETHER FROM ACROSS QUEENSLAND

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HE MTA INSTITUTE is the largest private provider of automotive apprenticeships in Queensland, delivering face-to-face, on-site training to more than 1700 students across the state.

The organisation is able to accomplish this by employing 29 highly experienced trainers, each based in areas that allow for delivery of the Institute’s world-class programs to any location in Queensland.

Covering such a huge geographic area means that most of the Institute’s trainers work autonomously, linking into head office remotely via industry-leading software and hardware solutions. However, at the end of each year, the Institute brings the trainers together at its Brisbane base

“IT’S ALWAYS GOOD TO

BRING THE TRAINING TEAM TOGETHER TO LOOK AT WHAT WE’VE ACHIEVED OVER THE YEAR AND LOOK AT WHAT WE’LL BE FOCUSING ON OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.” for the annual trainers’ conference.

A two-day event packed with workshops and group training sessions, the conference is aimed at bringing the group together to discuss the developments and advances in the MTA Institute trainers came from across the state to participate in workshops and training sessions at the annual trainers’ conference

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

training sector, compare experiences of the past year and look ahead to 2020.

Covered at the 2019 conference were validation and moderation of assessment tools; technical and professional development; the updating of trainers’ equipment to new hardware, including the latest iPads and smartphones that are used to communicate with and teach students via the My Profile online training platform; and information technology advancements and the efficiencies such technology brings

to training. All of which is targeted at continuing the MTA Institute’s position as the leading provider of innovative, exceptional, automotive training.

“It’s always good to bring the training team together to look at what we’ve achieved over the year and look at what we’ll be focusing on over the next 12 months,” said Paul Kulpa, General Manager MTA Institute. “This year’s meeting gave us an opportunity to develop and refine our processes further.

It also provided feedback and actions on ways we can improve our engagement with all stakeholders and ensure we continue to meet our quality agenda.

“We ticked a lot of boxes throughout 2019, including increasing our apprentice numbers, upgrading our trainer VET and Trade qualifications, hitting our compliance RTO (Registered Training Organisation) standards, maintaining our top position in the market for automotive training and keeping our high level of staff professionalism.

“It was a very good year, but we always strive to improve where we can, and our focus and hard work will not change in 2020.”

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Professional Circle training TRAINER OF THE YEAR 2019 A highlight of each year’s conference is the announcement of the Trainer of the Year award recipient. The accolade for 2019 was presented to Light Vehicle and Parts Interpreting trainer Derrick Pratt.

A highly experienced trainer and mechanic, Derrick has spent more than 30 years in the industry with the past 23 of those years in apprenticeship training.

He joined the MTA Institute in 2016, Aynslee Bell was presented with the Service Excellence Award taking on the training responsibilities for for her outstanding work in 2019 that saw MTA Queensland apprentices in the south Brisbane region. introduce a new and proactive member engagement strategy It was, said Derrick, a very special moment to receive the award.

Aynslee Bell was presented with the Service Excellence Award “To be named as Trainer for her outstanding work in 2019 that saw MTA Queensland of the Year is a great honour,” introduce a new and proactive member engagement strategy said Derrick. “I have a passion for training, I thoroughly enjoy my job, and I look forward to going out every day to do what I love doing.

“I have been in the industry a long time and as far back as I can remember I have enjoyed showing and teaching apprentices how to diagnose and repair vehicles.

The satisfaction I get from seeing them excel later in life is priceless.”

Paul Kulpa, General Manager MTA Institute; Derrick Pratt, Having worked in the Trainer of the Year; and Dr Brett Dale, CEO MTA Queensland Group training sector for many years, Derrick said that the delivery method offered by what is being taught and what they need MTA Institute was one that was to learn. The employer, the apprentice, me particularly effective.

- we are all on the same page and all have “The employers appreciate the one-onthe same goal. We want the apprentice to one training that is delivered and feel that be the best they can be.” the students are of a higher standard. And Starting in the industry in 1988 as a the students prefer that type of training diesel mechanic, Derrick went on to train too as they can ask me questions directly as a light vehicle mechanic and then and I am able to use as many mediums as became a workshop manager before needed to ensure they fully understand moving into the training sector. His wide 94 | Motor Trader February 2020

M E M B E R S

“TO BE NAMED AS TRAINER OF THE YEAR IS A GREAT HONOUR . . . I HAVE A PASSION FOR TRAINING, I THOROUGHLY ENJOY MY JOB, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO GOING OUT EVERY DAY TO DO WHAT I LOVE DOING.” range of experience means he watched the evolution of the industry with great interest and having seen that evolution pick up speed in just the last few years, Derrick had some sage advice for apprentices and those looking to enter the auto industry.

“The industry is changing quickly and there is much to learn. And that is exciting and challenging,” he said. “I would encourage all current and future students to embrace and understand electrical systems - this is already an important part of what we do and will be even more so as the industry is actively involved in improving vehicle emissions.

This is an industry that is always changing and is always interesting. It’s a great

industry to be a part of.”

Of course, all the MTA Institute trainers work hard to deliver top quality training and, according to Paul Kulpa, choosing one to be named as trainer of the year is always a terrifically difficult decision.

“It is always hard because all the trainers put in a big effort over the year,” said Paul.

“However, the feedback from students and employers was exceptional regarding the quality Derrick’s training delivery.

He has well established systems in place, follows procedures correctly, and actively participates in professional development.

His administration work is excellent, as is the customer service he provides.

“He’s always on the lookout for business development leads too, has an excellent understanding of our operations and is able to execute work directions with minimal direction. He assists other areas of the Association too, even providing story leads to our communications team that help to promote the Institute. His commitment to the business, to training students and helping employers is absolutely second to none.”

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Derrick Pratt, 2019 MTA Institute Trainer of the Year

Marcello Riotto, Operations Manager MTA Institute, was presented with the Individual Contributor Award. “Marcello has been instrumental in streamlining our training processes and is highly respected amongst his peers,” said Paul Kulpa. “He always places the welfare of the Institute above all else and his unwavering professionalism and commitment to the Institute and the MTA Queensland Group saw him recognised with this award.”

Concept corner

M ERCEDE S -BEN 96 | Motor Trader February 2020

Z V ISION AV T R February 2020 Motor Trader | 97

Concept corner

ME

T

HE PURPOSE OF a concept car is to highlight the designs, styling and technology that the public can expect in future vehicles from the manufacturer.

They are often spectacular, and in the current automotive environment in which cars are becoming stuffed to the grilles with new tech, those concepts can become an even more jaw-droppingly marvel.

Case in point, the Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR (which stands for Advanced Vehicle Transformation), or AVATAR. It’s actually a little more bonkers than most, inspired as it is by the movie Avatar and that film’s look, feel, and concept of humans and machines being able to interact on a very high level.

For example, according to the info released by Daimler, there is a biometric connection feature in the AVTR that means ‘instead of a conventional steering wheel, the multifunctional control element

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VIDEO: MERCEDES-BENZ VISION AVTR

in the centre console allows human and machine to merge. By placing the hand on the control unit, the interior comes to life and the vehicle recognises the driver by his or her heartbeat and breathing.

‘By simply lifting the hand, a menu selection is projected onto the palm of the hand, through which the passenger can intuitively choose between different functionalities . . . The curved display module creates the visual

ERC E D E S -BE N Z V ISIO N AV T R

connection between passengers and the outside world.’

Pretty wild stuff.

Perhaps just as cool is that the electric AVTR uses a graphene-based organic cell chemistry battery technology that Daimler says is completely free of rare earths and metals. The materials of the battery are, apparently, compostable and completely recyclable. That environmentally friendly philosophy continues the inside where sustainable materials are used.

On the outside, the very futuristic vehicle has 33 moving ‘bionic flaps’ or scales that affect aerodynamics and can be used to communicate with the outside world.

There are also spherical(ish) wheels and the car can, Daimler says, move sideways by approximately 30 degrees.

Who knows how much, if any, of the tech and ideas in the AVTRwill make it into a production vehicle but, as with every concept car, the fact that designers are thinking this way is pretty exciting.

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Investment matters

MARKET WRAP

G

LOBAL MARKETS WERE up strongly in December, underpinned by a 3.4% surge in the MSCI World Index in the final month of the decade.

President Trump’s commitment to a ‘Phase One’ trade deal which includes significant tariff roll-backs, saw emerging markets (EM + 7.2%) markedly outpace developed markets (DM +2.9%) signalling that global trade is back on the agenda for markets. Strong gains in particular were seen in Argentina, Brazil and China; key EM countries.

Domestically, the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index was down 2.2% during December. The best performing sector was Materials (+1.5%) driven by strong commodity prices and limited global iron ore supply. Utilities (+0.8%) was also up, as investors were excited

by APA’s (APA) announcement of a new gas transportation agreement. The worst performing sector was Consumer Staples (-8.4%), which was buffeted by the headwind of rising treasury yields following the general market positivity from Brexit and trade war progress.

Communication Services (-5.7%) also underperformed, with Telstra Corporation (TLS) continuing to suffer, after an underwhelming investor day late in November.

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DOMESTICALLY, THE S&P/ASX 200 ACCUMULATION INDEX WAS DOWN 2.2% DURING DECEMBER. THE BEST PERFORMING SECTOR WAS MATERIALS (+1.5%) DRIVEN BY STRONG COMMODITY PRICES AND LIMITED GLOBAL IRON ORE SUPPLY. 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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