Motor Trader e-magazine, May 2021

MAY 2021 INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF MTA QUEENSLAND? CLICK HERE

AUTO SHANGHAI 2021 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND

+ MASERATI BORA

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

MTA QUEENSLAND hosts quarterly Divisional Committee meetings for:

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

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

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

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

CLICK HERE FOR MEETING DATES

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CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY

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

. . . IN THIS EDITION WE CHECK OUT A PRETTY SPECIAL SPORTS CAR, THE MASERATI BORA, THAT IS TURNING 50 IN 2021.

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

JONATHAN NASH

ART DIRECTOR Marco Ilinic

EDITOR

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INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Evangeline Kannis Ian Naylor 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 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

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CORPORATE PARTNERS

ELLO AND WELCOME to the May 2021 edition of Motor Trader.

At the end of last month, China was the focus for the automotive industry as the country hosted the Auto Shanghai 2021 motor show.

As always at such events, carmakers took the opportunity to show off their new vehicles, new concepts, and new technology, and there were plenty of interesting cars making a bow in Shanghai.

It probably comes as no surprise that at an important motor show in China – the world’s biggest market for cars of all kinds, including electric cars (EVs) – EVs were everywhere.

Most of the big international players were there, as were a host of Chinese companies that are relatively unknown . . . relatively unknown for now, that is. Judging from what was on display in Shanghai, and knowing that China is at the centre of EV development and demand, it does seem likely that as the EV market continues to grow, Chinese companies such as NIO, Xpeng,

and Zeekr will challenge the likes of Tesla, VW, GM, and the other major names making a play for EV market share.

This month we take a look at some of the cars that caught our eye at the Shanghai show. The future is looking interesting.

Also this month, we talk with Jerry Withers of Withers Workshop in Ravenshoe in north Queensland. With wife Emily and a team of dedicated employees, Jerry delivers a wide range of services – including servicing and repairs, breakdown recovery, air conditioning servicing, tyre fitting and balancing, and more – to his community. You can read more about Withers Workshop from page 12.

We also check out a pretty special sports car - the Maserati Bora, that is turning 50 in 2021, and, as always, we have plenty of automotive and innovation news from across the globe.

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 in Motor Trader, contact us.

Cheers Jonathan Nash, Editor jonathann@mtaq.com.au May 2021 Motor Trader | 1

Contents

30

AUTO SHANGHAI 2021: SPOTLIGHT ON AN ELECTRIC FUTURE

74

04 FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO 08 POLICY/VIEWPOINT 12 MTA |Q&A 28 SUPERFORMANCE BRINGING MANUFACTURING BACK TO AUSTRALIA 30 COVER STORY: AUTO SHANGHAI | SPOTLIGHT ON AN ELECTRIC FUTURE 48 AN EYE ON INNOVATION 58 AUTO INNOVATION NEWS 62 CLASSIC SUPERCAR: MASERATI BORA (1971-1978) 70 AUTO NEWS 90 WORKPLACE RELATIONS 93 TRAINING GM'S PERSPECTIVE 96 MTA INSTITUTE GRADUATE LIST 98 CONCEPT CORNER 102 MARKET WRAP

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HYUNDAI DEBUTS STARIA PEOPLE MOVER

Search for MTA Queensland

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MASERATI BORA |1971-1978

12

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FORD AUSTRALIA UNVEILS FLAGSHIP FOCUS ST-3 LEXUS DEBUTS LF-Z ELECTRIFIED CONCEPT

MTA | Q&A: WITHERS WORKSHOP

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May 2021 Motor Trader | 3

From the Desk of the CEO

ROD CAMM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MTA QUEENSLAND

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N MY CONVERSATION with you last month, I reflected on the influence and leadership of women in the automotive industry and our pride in their successes and contributions. One month later, as I prepare this column, I now must say it has been with absolute horror I’ve observed the sheer terror of the most recent domestic violence incidents on the Gold Coast and South Australia. This has had a major impact on our people here at the MTA Queensland and we believe all of us need to help make a stand. And we will.

The MTA Institute is the State’s largest independent provider of automotive training. We’re currently training in excess of 2,000 young apprentices, preparing them for careers in the automotive trades and as future entrepreneurs. We are very mindful, in our training role, that what we stand for can have a very real impact on the development of young men. Over

WE ARE VERY MINDFUL, IN OUR TRAINING ROLE, THAT WHAT WE STAND FOR CAN HAVE A VERY REAL IMPACT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG MEN. 4 | Motor Trader May 2021

the years, the Institute has been the provider of Commonwealth and State mentoring programs, providing support for the development of technical skills, supporting off-the-job learning needs, career and pathway advice, and confidence building. In this role, we’ve helped young apprentices with personal issues and struggles but now we’ll include another direction. That is, to be proactive and openly discuss with our young apprentices the prevention of family or gender violence.

Recent domestic violence happenings have left an indelible mark on many of our male employees and apprentices. Indeed, they have requested the opportunity to hear more about stopping violence before it starts and changing the norms and structures that allow it to happen. To do that, we’ll be supporting White Ribbon Australia which is part of the world’s largest movement engaging men and boys to end men’s violence against women and girls. It promotes gender equality and the creation of new opportunities for men to build positive, healthy and respectful relationships.

White Ribbon Day is held on the last Friday before 25 November each year in Australia. This time it is on Friday, 21 November, when communities, organisations, industry, business and services ‘say no to gendered violence’ in our nation. In the lead up to that day, as an organisation we’ll meet together so that we can learn more, support White Ribbon, and consider how we can engage with men in our industry to become active in the change needed to stop violence against women and children.

WOMEN IN AUTOMOTIVE We are committed to growing the number of women employed in our

MTA Queensland is committed to increasing the number of women in the automotive industry

WE ARE COMMITTED TO GROWING THE NUMBER OF WOMEN EMPLOYED IN OUR INDUSTRY. MORE DIVERSE WORKPLACES THAT ARE SAFE AND RESPECTFUL OF WOMEN’S CONTRIBUTIONS AND ADVANCEMENTS ARE CRITICAL TO IMPROVING SOCIETY’S UNDERSTANDING OF APPROPRIATE WORKPLACES AND SOCIETAL STANDARDS. industry. More diverse workplaces that are safe and respectful of women’s contributions and advancements are critical to improving society’s understanding of appropriate workplaces and societal standards. Actions, however, speak more than words. In April’s From the Desk of the CEO, I mentioned the inspiration I drew from women working and achieving in our industry

to introduce a prevocational program designed for women. I’ve now brought its commencement forward to coincide with the National Association of Women in Construction ‘Women on Tools’ breakfast we are hosting on 17 May at our Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence.

We’re honoured to have as a special guest, the Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Development Di Farmer who will launch the inaugural prevocational program for women seeking employment in the motor trades. The breakfast, whilst having an automotive focus, will acknowledge all ‘women on tools’ working in their chosen trade or profession. For more details about attending the event, it is on our website HERE. It’s open to families and a ‘toolbox’ breakfast will be provided but, in the first instance, please register.

INDUSTRY EDUCATION PROGRAM We’ve initiated a comprehensive industry education program specifically to assist members with the management of their businesses and compliance obligations.

Members can access a host of webinars May 2021 Motor Trader | 5

through our Member portal. These are without cost and many are exclusive to our membership. Recently, our workplace relations team delivered a session on how to avoid wage theft to a well-attended and informative hour of facts and advice. I draw member’s attention to two webinars, the first on 17 May at 1.00 pm is exclusive to members on the subject: ‘Getting to the bottom of misconduct’ presented by Ian Naylor, Senior Workplace Advisor to the MTA Queensland. It covers the processes for managing workplace investigations, including principles for natural justice, investigation steps, and outcomes and available disciplines.

The second is a Workplace Planning webinar presented by Workforce Planning Connect. It will provide an overview of the benefits of workforce planning for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Webinar participants will be given an introduction to Jobs Queensland’s Workforce Planning Connect toolkit, which aims to support businesses through the workforce planning process. Times for this webinar are: 17 May 1.30 pm, 18 May 9.00 am and 4.00 pm. The toolkit can be downloaded HERE. Other sessions to keep an eye out for include: ‘Tune up your business with my Business’ and ‘10 powerful ways to drive traffic to your Website’ presented by ASBAS Digital Solutions. The details are on the website.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN The MTA Queensland’s caravan is packed and ready for the road to meet members in Cairns and Townsville. The primary focus of the visits is to deliver information sessions to our valued members outside of the metropolitan area. These relate to: how to avoid unfair dismissal claims; how to influence government decisions; our new services; and to encourage members to promote the Professional Circle so that Queenslanders know the value in selecting an MTA Queensland member for their retail, service, maintenance or repair needs. We are looking forward very much to speaking with members and nonmembers and hearing your views over a relaxing drink and canapes.

AND THE LAST THING The most significant item on the Australian Government’s agenda is the delivery of the 2021-2022 Budget detailing estimates of revenue and outlays for the fiscal year. As we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital the budget provides industry and business with the confidence to invest and employ and households and individuals with the surety their standard of living and quality of life will be sustained. It will be delivered on Tuesday 11 May. As is the practice we’ll provide a synopsis of its content in terms of the automotive value chain.

I look forward to continuing the conversation in next month’s Motor Trader.

MTA Queensland welcomes the following new members BUSINESS NAME

ADDRESS

EMAIL

DIVISION

AAG Automotive Koppe’s Mechanical McMullen Paint & Panel Mopar Recycling Premium Smash Repairs Titan DMS Tough Trucks YSR Smash Repairs Pty Ltd Zappala Diesel

463 Newman Road, GEEBUNG 4034 10 Reardon Street CURRAJONG, QLD 4812 918 Kaban Road KABAN QLD 4888 Unit 6/14 BelconnenSt BRENDALE QLD 4500 30-32 Cameron St, CLONTARF QLD 4019 Building 3B, 2 Flinders Parade NORTH LAKES QLD 51 Ferry Road SOUTHPORT Qld 4215 931 Fairfield Road YERRONGPILLY Qld 4105 153 Warner Road WRIGHTS CREEK QLD 4869

michael@aagautomotive.com.au koppes.mechanical@gmail.com mcmullen412@bigpond.com moparrecycling@gmail.com noel@maqiscorp.com.au matthew.kroll@titandms.com.au mritson@toughtrucks.com.au ysrsmashrepairs@gmail.com accounts@zappaladiesel.com.au

AED AED NACA AED NACA AADA AADA NACA AED

6 | Motor Trader May 2021

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

Things you should know: ^ Offer available on new Low Fee, Low Fee Gold, Low Rate, Low Rate Gold and Low Rate Business (personal liability) credit cards applied for between 26/02/2021 and 30/06/2021. Offer not available on all other card types including CommBank Essentials and CommBank Neo, existing cards and switches from other card types, and will be forfeited if you switch to a different credit card type during the 15 month period. The 0% p.a. interest rate on purchases (but not balance transfers and cash advances) is valid for 15 months from the date of card approval. At the end of the 15 month period, the interest rate will convert to the standard variable purchase interest rate for your card type at that time. We reserve the right to close the offer prior to 30/06/2021. Eligibility criteria applies and can be found at commbank.com.au/biz-creditcards.

1 Subscription to this service may be limited.

2 Excludes some manual transactions and some contactless payments.

3 Unsecured credit limit of up to $50,000 (based on eligibility criteria).

Applications for finance are subject to the Bank’s normal credit approval processes. Full terms and conditions of use are included in the Letter of Offer issued by the Bank, should an offer be made. Fees and charges apply. This advice has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the advice, please consider its appropriateness to your circumstances.

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

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

Policy/Viewpoint

KELLIE DEWAR DEPUTY GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES

E

VERY MONTH WITHOUT fail, and over many years, I’ve received from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) the used vehicle transfers comparisons – dealer-to-private and private-to-private and, each month, I’ve run an eye over the data for the trend.

In recent months, I’ve been taking a closer interest, noting the consistent incremental growth in private-to-private transfers and the corresponding decline in dealerto-private transfers. In addition, I keep a watch on new vehicle sales.

Undoubtedly, 2020 - the year of global COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and recovery - was the boom year for used car transfers. In all, there were 409,975 transfers - that is both private-to-private and dealer-to-private transfers - in Queensland. To put a perspective on that number, 195,769 new vehicles were purchased that year (down 13.7 per cent from the previous twelve months and the lowest tally in seventeen years – since 2003.) New car sales bounced from October / November 2020 and the Federated Chamber of Automotive Industries VFacts data for Queensland show March transactions of 21,588 - a 32.7 per sales growth compared to same time the previous year. But that

8 | Motor Trader May 2021

is only half the picture; the orders from manufacturers are slow. As said in a previous Viewpoint, during the COVID-19 lockdowns, manufacturers misjudged consumer demand, and curtailed production enabling makers of semiconductors for electronic chips to shift production lines for other purposes such as laptops, play stations, computers, webcams, tablets and 5G smartphones.

This phenomenon has been dubbed ‘chipageddon’, the consequence being dealers are unable to fill orders and leading to the demand for used cars.

Private-to-private used car transfers spiked in 2020, peaking at 61 per cent, up some 19 per cent on the previous year.

Whilst a dramatic increase, the long-term trend since 2004 has been for privateto-dealer transfers to diminish with a consequential increase in private-toprivate transfers. The evenness of transfers between the two sectors was shattered at the time of the 2007 -2009 Global Financial Crisis (GFC). Then, in 2008, private-toprivate transfers predominated with 50.1 per cent of the transactions. Prior to the GFC, dealer-to-private transfers prevailed although declining since 2004 when records commenced.

The steady increase in private-toprivate transfers corresponds with the prevalence of digital technology for commercial use by consumers and ongoing used car policy reforms by governments. Across the years, we’ve listened to our Automotive Remarketing Division (ARD) about used car market issues and policies to inspire consumer confidence whether it be a dealer-toprivate or private-to-private transfer. In turn, we’ve represented their concerns to TMR and engaged with departmental officers on key policy reforms.

ENGAGING WITH DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (TMR) In fact, we recently met with TMR officers with the aim of rescheduling the engagement agenda particularly now that some normality is occurring as the recovery from COVID-19 gathers pace. We have policy issues that we want to pursue, and the Department is working with stakeholders, including the Association, considering a range of used car measures. One of these is the review of the vehicle inspection guidelines and the safety certificate required if the vehicle is to be sold. The review aims to better align vehicle inspection guidelines with the new electronic, technical and

safety features in late model vehicles.

In this process, we want to raise issues relating to the inspection of ‘aging’ vehicles; a requirement for odometer reporting at each registration renewal; and odometer tampering. These issues have been raised with us by both our ARD members and consumers.

We have two far-reaching policies included in our recent submission to the Inquiry into Vehicle Safety, Standards and Technology, including Engine Immobiliser Technology. The first has relevance to the pre-sale -certification scheme. Integral to it should be a ‘title’ - similar to a ‘property title’ - being formally attached to the vehicle and a requirement to produce the ‘title’ at point-of-sale to the next owner

Policy/Viewpoint of the vehicle. The intention of the suggestion is to reduce fraud and improve consumer safety and would need to be considered nationally. The second relates to providers and their issuance of safety certificates. Vehicle safety technological advancements will continue into the medium term at least. This means providers will need the competencies to assess these, which will require a more stringent training/ accreditation and application approach than the safety technologies applying to aging vehicles.

A long-term and significant concern for us has been the unsafe written-off vehicles being returned to Queensland’s roads each year without any quality inspections of the repair work. Backyard repairers are exploiting a loophole which only requires a roadworthy certificate and vehicle Identity check to re-register a write off, creating potential death traps. Our position is that action should be taken to implement a ban on the reregistration of repairable write-offs, with all vehicles assessed as a total loss to be declared as statutory write-offs.

The controlled disposal of ‘total loss’ vehicles would eliminate a source of stolen/illegal parts and other related criminal activities.

We welcome the announcement by the Minister for TMR Mark Bailey that laws governing the repair standards for written-off vehicles (WOV) would be updated to reduce the number of unsafe vehicles on Queensland’s roads. The TMR recently completed a review of the WOV management which recommended the significant changes referred to by Minister Bailey. The Association was a part of the review process.

I take this opportunity, again, to remind members of our website program 10 | Motor Trader May 2021

Dob-in-a-Backyarder. This reminder is timely, the Office of Fair Trading is monitoring backyard operators to detect illegal selling practices. Some 62 warning letters and 23 fines have been issued in the past seven months to operators in the motor industry. These included 16 warning and four fines related to unlicensed dealing.

FINALLY In the words of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC): ‘as second-hand car sales increased during the pandemic, unfortunately so did vehicle scams. If current trends continue, Australians could lose much more to vehicle scams this year than the $1 million lost in 2020.’ In a vehicle scam, scammers post fake online listings offering to sell in-demand cars at well below market value to lure potential buyers looking for a second-hand vehicle. Scammers seek payment to secure the car for the buyer but never deliver the vehicle.

Vehicle scams are commonly hosted on sites such as Facebook Marketplace, Autotrader, Car Sales, Cars Guide and Gumtree. The ACCC drew attention to the new technique of scammers pretending to be defence personnel. In 97 per cent of reports it received this year, the scammer claimed to be in the military (navy, army and air force), or to work for the Department of Defence, and said they wanted to sell their vehicle before deployment. This sought to create a sense of urgency with buyers and explained the unusually low listing price of the vehicles and why buyers could not inspect them prior to payment.

In the words of the old proverb: ‘let the buyer beware’. Until next month, take care and stay safe.

FOR T H E MTA Q U E E N SL AND AWAR D S ALL FI NALIS RECEI TS VE ON E NIGH ACCO M T ’S M O DA TION ONE R A ND ETURN FLIGH TO BR T ISBAN E WHE THEY RE ARE LO C AT E D OUTSI DE SO UTH E AST QUEEN SLAND !

Awa rd e d to an in d ivi d u al or m em ber business who is a ro le m od e l i n t h e i r commu n i t y an d this is evidenced by their a ctio n s

Awa rd e d to an i n d i vid u al o r business that is suppo rting or i mp l e m e nt in g i n n ovat i on in the a uto m otive/m o bility indus t r y

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ONLY 5 0 0 WOR D S UBMISS ION R EQ U IR E D

MTA|Q&A The Automotive Industry is filled with plenty of wise old heads. In the tiny town of Ravenshoe in Far North Queensland, there is a young family making a go of their first mechanic shop. Jerry Withers and his wife Emily make the small business work for them and their children as they build Withers Workshop in their local community.

WORDS AND PICTURES: LARA WILDE 12 | Motor Trader May 2021

Jerry Withers with wife Emily and their children Oscar and Tessa

How did your workshop come to be?

JW: In 2018, Emily and I established the

mechanical workshop in the main street of Ravenshoe. The building used to be the local tyre dealership and so it was very easy to convert it to a mechanic workshop with hoists, easy driveway access and storage areas already in place.

What services do you offer at Withers Workshop?

JW: We offer all general servicing for vehicles and provide regular maintenance and repairs on a wide variety of cars.

We take on small and big jobs, from the pensioner through to Government vehicles. We provide roadworthy

“WE OFFER ALL GENERAL SERVICING FOR VEHICLES & PROVIDE REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS ON A WIDE VARIETY OF CARS.” certificates for cars and motorcycles.

Living in the tropics of North Queensland our air-conditioning maintenance and servicing is very popular. Recently, we purchased a tilt-tray tow truck to recover and move local breakdowns for our customers. The latest addition to the workshop is a full suite of tyre equipment May 2021 Motor Trader | 13

so we can now fit, balance and repair tyres and wheels for our clients.

What does the team at Withers Workshop specialise in?

JW: Ravenshoe is a small, close-knit

community and we pride ourselves on being locals. We don’t specialise in a particular service or technique, but we pride ourselves on our local knowledge and our commitment to caring for our customer. We take the time to get to know them and give them the best advice we can. Our focus at Withers Workshop is on building long-term relationships with the people in our community.

Jerry, what is your background in the automotive industry?

JW: I started my career as an apprentice in a small mechanic workshop that worked on just about everything. I quickly learnt to be innovative and adapt solutions to be a jack of all trades. That little workshop

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“RAVENSHOE IS A SMALL, CLOSEKNIT COMMUNITY AND WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON BEING LOCALS. WE DON’T SPECIALISE IN A PARTICULAR SERVICE OR TECHNIQUE, BUT WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON OUR LOCAL KNOWLEDGE AND OUR COMMITMENT TO CARING FOR OUR CUSTOMER.” offered Dyno tuning for customers and I enjoyed the opportunity to work on high-performance vehicles. Once I completed my apprenticeship and became a qualified mechanic, I went contracting as a freelancer working for a variety of other businesses in the region. Eventually, my wife Emily and I decided it was time to take the leap and open our own workshop.

May 2021 Motor Trader | 15

16 | Motor Trader May 2021

“BEING BASED IN A RELATIVELY REMOTE AREA, WE PLACE A LOT OF VALUE ON KEEPING OUR STAFF UP TO DATE AND AS WELL TRAINED AS WE CAN. WE ATTEND NETWORKING EVENTS, TRAINING SESSIONS, AND READ EXTENSIVELY WHENEVER POSSIBLE.”

up to date and as well-trained as we can.

We attend networking events, training sessions, and read extensively whenever possible. Reading industry relevant material such as the MTA Queensland magazine is also very useful to keep us up to date with the latest developments in the industry.

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

JW: The past six months have seen a

current team: myself as head mechanic, our other qualified mechanic Quinton, and our mechanic apprentice Jai. Emily provides administration support in the office and takes care of our marketing.

lot of growth at the Withers Workshop.

New signage on the building, the new shop tilt-tray tow truck and the new tyre machine have raised our profile and increased our opportunities to grow.

Over the next few years, we intend to continue to slowly grow the business and work on some cool cars.

Do you do much to upskill or train yourself and your staff?

JW: Being based in a relatively remote area,

What advice would you give a young Jerry Withers starting out in the automotive business?

JW: Go hard, and don’t work with friends

Who is your current team at the Withers Workshop?

JW: There are three mechanical staff in the

we place a lot of value on keeping our staff

or family!

May 2021 Motor Trader | 17

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

JW: We have a Facebook page and find that

it is something that helps reach our local customers. It allows us to add a human element to our workshop, connecting the stories of our family and staff with our customers in the community. However, we also know that we are not taking full advantage of Facebook as a marketing tool.

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

JW: Scan tools definitely make our lives

easier. They allow us to stop guessing at what the problem might be and cut straight to the solution quickly and easily.

Do you consider that the advancements in electric vehicles will have an impact on your business and if so, how?

JW: I am not sure just yet what impact

the electric vehicle market will have on Withers Workshop as we haven’t seen any electric vehicles in our little town. I’m sure the biggest impact we will have to consider will be the tools and equipment necessary to work on them.

Has Covid-19 affected your business?

JW: We had not been open long when

Covid first hit and so we didn’t have a lot of runs on the board to measure the impact against. Also, North Queensland was a pretty safe zone without many restrictions.

We still followed all of the guidelines we were advised to adhere to and I believe that gave our customers confidence in dealing with us.

What do you do with your spare time?

JW: We love spending time as a

family. We are in prime fishing country and it isn’t too far to the coast to head out on the reef. And we have plenty of lakes locally for Barramundi fishing.

18 | Motor Trader May 2021

“MTA QUEENSLAND HAS BEEN EXCELLENT TO TURN TO FOR HUMAN RESOURCES ADVICE. MOST OF ALL, WE APPRECIATE KNOWING THERE IS SOMEONE TO CALL WHEN WE NEED THEM.” What cars do you own?

JW: I currently have a GQ patrol as my

daily driver and an assortment of old Holdens, including a VH SLX Commodore.

What has been the greatest benefit of your MTAQ membership?

JW: We signed Withers Workshop up as

an MTA Queensland member about a year ago. It has been great to be able to access the resources and to have support when it comes to the running of the business. In particular, and as I am a new employer of staff, MTA Queensland has been CLICK excellent to turn to for human TO VISIT THE WITHERS resources advice. Most WORKSHOP of all, we appreciate knowing FACEBOOK PAGE there is someone to call when we need them.

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2021 INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA SUPPORTER PACKAGES AWARDS • APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – awarded to an MTA Institute Apprentice who demonstrates a dedication to learning and performs above and beyond expectations • INNOVATION AWARD – awarded to an individual or business that is supporting or implementing innovation in the automotive or mobility industry

Saturday 20 November 2021 6:00pm to 11:00pm

• COMMUNITY AWARD – awarded to an individual or member business who is a role model in their community and this is evidenced by their actions

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• WOMEN IN INDUSTRY AWARD – awarded to a female leader or business achieving success by their commitment to driving change in the automotive or mobility industry

Emporium Hotel Southbank PACKAGES

PLATINUM GOLD SILVER BRONZE SUPPORTER (4 available) (1 available) $7,500 $3,000 $750 $10,000 $12,000 + GST + GST + GST + GST + GST

INCLUSIONS Opportunity to present one of four awards

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Speaking opportunity (2-3 minutes) MC recognition during the event Four Motor Trader e-magazine* quarter page advertisements Mentions in media releases, MTA Queensland website and Motor Trader e-magazine* articles One full page Motor Trader e-magazine* advertisement Inclusion in a pre and post-event MTA Queensland Facebook post

Logo and website link featured on MTA Queensland event webpage Logo, summary and weblink on ticketing website Listing on individual attendee tickets Complimentary tickets for 2021 Industry Awards Gala First right of refusal for same package for 2022 Industry Awards Gala *Motor Trader e-magazine 10,500 subscriptions

ENQUIRIES

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For further information contact events@mtaq.com.au | A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your package.

GET INVOLVED WITH MTA QUEENSLAND’S INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA

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WITH MORE THAN 200 STAKEHOLDERS EXPECTED TO ATTEND, IT IS A KEY OPPORTUNITY FOR NETWORKING AND EXPOSURE THROUGH MOTOR TRADER E-MAGAZINE, SOCIAL MEDIA, MAINSTREAM MEDIA, EVENT COLLATERAL AND FOR SOME, A CHANCE TO SPEAK OR EVEN PRESENT ONE OF THE AWARDS ON THE NIGHT.

HE INDUSTRY AWARDS Gala is one of MTA Queensland’s major events being held in 2021.

This prestigious occasion is filled with entertainment and the presentation of awards to celebrate the achievements of outstanding individuals and businesses throughout the state.

With more than 200 stakeholders expected to attend, it is a key opportunity for networking and exposure through Motor Trader e-Magazine, social media, mainstream media, event collateral and for some, a chance to speak or even present one of the awards on the night.

The best way to get involved is through our sponsorship program, but we only have and relevant audience. one Platinum and one Gold package left.

Offered on a first-come-best-dressed There are still Silver, Bronze and Supporter basis, these packages are going quickly, packages available, starting at $750. so get in soon!

These packages offer your CLICK TO VIEW Don’t miss this opportunity to join us at our business a fantastic opportunity SUPPORTER signature automotive event of the year! to directly engage with a captive OPTIONS

April 2021 Motor Trader | 21

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M TA QU E EN S L A N D IS A N I NDU S T RY SKI L L S A DV I S O R TO TH E Q L D G OV T. M AK E YO U R VOIC E H EA R D. CLICK HERE

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As an Industry Skill s Adv is or we en gage with e mployers, small business and industry s takehol ders to p rov ide h ig h qu ality, evidence-based ind us try adv ice an d intel l igen ce abou t cu rrent and emerging industry direc tion , region al s kil l s need s and training so lutio ns, j ob growth an d emp l oy ment opportu nities.

HAVE YOUR SAY ON 2021 AUTOMOTIVE PROJECTS

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WC’S SKILLS FOR Australia has commenced the main round of consultation for their 2021 Automotive Projects.

BACKGROUND Feedback on current automotive training indicates that the skills and knowledge for new technology which have arisen in recent years has created new job requirements in the following areas which are not represented or clearly defined in the national AUR Automotive Retail, Service and Repair and AUM Automotive Manufacturing Training Packages: • Accessory Fitting • Battery Electric Vehicle Repair • Heavy Vehicle Telematics Service and Repair.

If you have experience or interest in the above, PwC’s Skills for Australia is currently undertaking consultations with interested employers, industry

representatives, employees, trainers and assessors, students and other stakeholders to determine what changes must be made to training products to best support these new and emerging skills needs.

If you would like to be part of our upcoming consultation, please register your interest for a consultation and a PwC’s Skills for Australia representative will contact you.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED • Complete a survey. Answer questions via an online survey - click here for the survey.

• Attend a focus group. This can be arranged via a group conference call; • One-on-one phone interviews

FEEDBACK DEADLINE Consultation for these projects will end on Tuesday, 18 May 2021, 5pm AEST.

BUILD YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE BACK TO WORK PROGRAM THE QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT’S Back to Work program is open for applications!

Since 2016, this game-changing program has been providing Queensland employers with the confidence to hire unemployed jobseekers, helping to change lives and improve businesses along the way. And at a time when jobs have never been more important it’s good to know that the Back to Work program has successfully helped connect more than 24,400 unemployed Queenslanders with jobs.

Through the program, eligible employers can access support payments of up to $20,000 when they hire jobseekers who have experienced a period of unemployment.

The program is available throughout regional Queensland and in some areas of South East Queensland. Eligibility criteria apply and applications are currently open until 30 June 2021.

To check eligibility criteria and find out how your business could benefit visit www.qld.gov.au/ backtowork or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

April 2021 Motor Trader | 23

Carmageddon is the fourth event in the Motor Trades Association of Queensland’s series that educate on all aspects of innovation connected to the automotive and mobility industries.

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HE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY is going through incredible transformation. Developments in connectivity, battery-cell technology, fuelcell technology, manufacturing, and digital technology are changing the industry landscape and it can be tricky keeping up to speed with it all and understanding where the industry is heading.

MTA Queensland’s Carmageddon symposium is an event that aims to tackle that problem by bringing together leading figures from industry, academia, and government to discuss the changes, developments, and concepts the industry is addressing today.

This July, the Association will host its fourth Carmageddon event, and a tremendous group of industry and technology leaders – experts in areas including electric vehicles (EVs), digital transformation, the circular economy, recycling, autonomous vehicles, and more – will be in attendance to share their knowledge and experience.

There will also be a showcase of some of the latest automotive technology, including new and retro-fitted EVs, last-mile mobility vehicles, and university research projects.

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At the last Carmageddon event, held in 2019, the Hon Karen Andrews MP, then the Australian Government’s Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, opened proceedings by saying: ‘The future of Australia’s automotive sector lies in embracing new technology. It lies in linking into global value chains and developing high value-added clients and services, be they aftermarket manufacturing, engineering and design, servicing and smash repairs, or sales and aftersales. The future also lies in developing a workforce relevant to an era of rapid technological disruption and transformation . . .’

These words hold true today and will become more relevant in a world that’s seeing both the public and carmakers embrace EVs and which, post-COVID-19, demands new thinking about consumer engagement and business strategy.

Events such as Carmageddon are essential in providing a forum for discussion, connection, networking and the sharing of knowledge, and we encourage you to attend this important and informative event.

Of course, here at MTA Queensland we recognise that not everyone who wants to

attend in person will be able to do so - we live in a big State! And so, for the first time, Carmageddon will be broadcast live online, meaning no matter where you are, you can attend virtually. The digital revolution is here!

• Carmageddon will take place on July 22 at MTA Queensland’s head office complex in Brisbane.

• Ticket pricing for in-person attendees is $30 for members and $60 for non-members. This includes the full day program and exhibition (and morning tea and lunch).

• Ticket pricing for online attendees is $20 for members and $50 for non-members.

CLICK HERE to purchase event tickets.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS ROD CAMM Chief Executive Officer – MTA Group

Rod Camm was appointed as Group Chief Executive for the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) in November 2020. A 30-year veteran in policy development, industry engagement and tertiary education, Rod has spent the last 25-years at the executive level, leading significant organisational change at leading government agencies, Government owned companies and industry and private sector organisations. Rod has also been involved in proceedings with international organisations including the OECD, UNESCO and the G20 Human Capital Taskforce and has considerable experience at the Board level.

PROF MICHAEL MILFORD QUT Science and Engineering Faculty, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Professor Milford conducts interdisciplinary research across robotics, neuroscience and computer vision and is a multi-award-winning educational entrepreneur. His research models the neural mechanisms in the brain to develop new technologies in robotics and autonomous vehicles. He is one of Australia’s most in demand technological experts and is a passionate science communicator. He currently holds the position of Acting Director of the QUT Centre for Robotics, Professor at the Queensland University of Technology, Microsoft Research Faculty Fellow and Chief Investigator at the Australian Centre for Robotic Vision.

PROF PETA ASHWORTH Director Andrew N. Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership - University of Queensland

Peta’s contributions to the field of sustainable energy include leading the social science research program of the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute, as well as working alongside Australia’s Chief Scientist in the development of Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy and the COAG Hydrogen Working Group. In addition she is a Research Leader for the Future Fuels CRC Social Licence to Operate work package and was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2019 for her service to science. She has recently been appointed as Chair for the Hydrogen Taskforce.

DR ANNA KAKSONEN Group Leader – CSIRO

Based in Western Australia, Dr Anna Kaksonen leads the Industrial Biotechnology Group in the Industry Environments Program in CSIRO Land and Water. She is a co-author of a National Report providing the Australian Government with a roadmap for transitioning towards a circular economy for plastic, tyre, glass and paper. Anna focused on exploring circular economy opportunities for end-of-life tyres and is well abreast of the issues facing the industry. She believes there is a great potential for businesses to increase value recovery from used tyres, especially off-the-road tyres (i.e. mining and heavy industry tyres), of which only 11 per cent are collected for value recovery, while 89 per cent are disposed onsite, stockpiled, dumped or landfilled.

April 2021 Motor Trader | 25

Carmageddon

PROGRAM | THURSDAY 22 JULY 2021 Time

Presenter/Topic

08:30

Registration

09:00

WELCOME, TRADITIONAL LANDOWNER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & HOUSEKEEPING Paul Kulpa, General Manager MTA Institute

09:10

OPENING ADDRESS The Hon Mick de Brenni MP, Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen & Minister for Public Works

09:20

KEYNOTE 1 – INNOVATION IMPACT & OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDUSTRY Rod Camm, CEO MTA Queensland

09:40

KEYNOTE 2 – CLEAN FUEL Prof Peta Ashworth OAM, Director Andrew N. Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership, Chair Sustainable Energy Futures & Chair Hydrogen Taskforce

10:10

PANEL 1 – CLEAN FUEL & INFRASTRUCTURE Facilitator: Prof Peta Ashworth • Steve Dunton, CTO, Sola-Drive and Hydro-Drive • Behyad Jafari, CEO, Electric Vehicle Council • Ben Warren, National Manager, Nissan Motor Corporation Australia

10:50

Morning Tea Break (15 mins)

11:05

KEYNOTE 3 – NEW TECH AND FUTURE OF MOBILITY Prof Michael Milford, QUT Science and Engineering Faculty, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics and Autonomous Systems

11:35

PANEL 2 – NEW TECH AND FUTURE OF MOBILITY Facilitator: Prof Michael Milford • Wolfgang Roffmann, Founder & CTO, E-Motion Concepts • Cat Matson, Manager, Economic & Community Development Ipswich City Council (Smart Cities Project) • Dr Kellie Nuttall, Partner, Deloitte

12:15

LUNCH & CHECK OUT THE EXHIBITORS EMoS WYLD, EMoS H7-ZAP, RAP CT-KARGO KOOL, Audi E-Tron, Nissan Leaf, ACE Cargo, Renault KANGOO Z.E., retro fitted 1986 Suzuki Swift fitted with a Tesla motor and amazing displays from QUT including the latest in sensor technology and carbon derived from tyres.

13:00

KEYNOTE 4 – UNLOCKING CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR TYRES Dr Anna Kaksonen - Group Leader, Industrial Biotechnology, CSIRO

13:30

PANEL 3 – WASTE MANAGEMENT & OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESS Facilitator: Dr Andrea Walton, Social Scientist and Research Team Leader, CSIRO • Kylie Hughes, Director Waste Management & Recovery Policy, Office of Resource Recovery, Department of Environment • Trevor Bailey, COO Green Distillation Technologies Corporation • Mark Smith, CEO Waste Recycling Industry Association of Queensland

14:50

WRAP UP Paul Kulpa, General Manager MTA Institute

This event is operating in compliance with a COVID Safe Event Checklist.

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MTA QUEENSLAND

2021 EVENTS CARMAGEDDON Thursday 22 July

MTA Queensland, Eight Mile Plains

MOTOR TRADES GOLF DAY Friday 3 September

Virginia Golf Club, Banyo

INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA Saturday 20 November

Emporium Hotel, South Bank

April 2021 Motor Trader | 27

SUPERFORMANCE BRINGING MANUFACTURING BACK TO AUSTRALIA

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HE TEAM AT Superformance are doing something revolutionary for the automotive industry in Australia.

Grant Malseed, and his son Todd, have developed an independent front suspension (IFS) product that is unique, high quality and customisable. With an increasing demand from customers for retrofitted superior front end solutions, Grant and Todd designed a totally new product, engineered and manufactured in their workshop in Capalaba, Queensland.

Grant and Todd wanted the IFS product to significantly improve breaking, steering and handling and operate in a superior manner to OEM products.

Driven by pushing the boundaries of innovation, the father and son decided to apply for a grant that would fund the development of the IFS product. The grant for $50,000 would be allocated towards ‘research and development for new automotive products’. Research and Bespoke IFS production room

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“WE ARE REALLY PROUD TO BE LEADING IN THE INNOVATION SPACE FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY . . .

WE HAVE LIMITED COMPETITION AS IT IS SUCH A NICHE MARKET, AND OUR PRODUCT QUALITY IS UNRIVALLED.” development funding had previously been successful for innovations in the agricultural and mining sectors, so the Malseeds were thrilled to learn of their success and commenced extensive industry consultation in the USA and Australia.

The grant process required a significant investment in product development and testing. The first customised IFS build was for a 1976 Holden LX Torana.

The product needed to meet Australian safety standards and underwent intense

Superformance branding includes the S and wings from their logo

performance testing.

“The application required a notable investment in time, as we needed to establish the product was high quality, safe, marketable, scalable and exportable,” said Grant. “We saw a massive appetite for IFS products in the USA and from automotive businesses and consumers in Australia.”

Todd brought his tertiary industrial design skills into play during the IFS product development, using specialised software to model 3D profiles as well as analysing data on load specifications.

The software combined various parts using a simulator in a 3D environment coupled with data provided by engineers from the USA. Four prototypes were built, compromising of a basic bolt-in IFS as well as a more sophisticated weld-in product.

The funding enabled the purchase of specialised tools and equipment as well as the fit-out of two bespoke rooms to safely build the IFS products.

“The IFS products have also been intensely scrutinised by safety engineers to ensure we have manufactured to the highest safety standards in Australia and the USA, with adherence to tight quality control,” said Todd.

“At this stage we have manufactured IFS products for about 10 models and have completed about 20 builds in total. We are unable to scale up at this time due to a limitation on suitably qualified technicians.”

“We are really proud to be leading in the innovation space for the automotive industry,” added Grant. “We have limited competition as it is such a niche market, and our product quality is unrivalled. We are hopeful for future funding to expand this manufacturing opportunity for Australia’s economy and to support new jobs.”

CLICK TO VISIT THE SUPERFORMANCE WEBSITE

The bolt on IFS

April 2021 Motor Trader | 29

AUTO SHAN Maserati Levante Hybrid SUV

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NGHAI 2021 C

HINA IS PRETTY much at the heart of the automotive world at present.

The country is the world’s biggest car market, with some 20 million vehicles sold there in 2020 (compared to around 15 million in the U.S., and a smidge over 900,000 in Australia).

If you focus just on electrified vehicles, China is the biggest marketplace too. From January to March 2021, production and sales of new energy vehicles (plug-in hybrid, battery-electric, and fuel-cell vehicles) in China reached 533,000 and 515,000 units respectively. Those are big numbers.

The upshot of that sort of market clout is that when automotive news comes out of China, the rest of the world takes notice.

In April this year, the 19th Auto Shanghai motor show was held, and with the theme of ‘Embracing Change’ it was no surprise to find that electric vehicles and advances in autonomous technology and connectivity were to be found everywhere.

Some companies took the opportunity to announce quite significant strategic moves. Toyota, for example, announced it was to make a big shift into battery-electric vehicles (BEV) with a sub-brand called BZ, and revealed its BEV concept, the bZ4X (read more about that on page 40).

A seemingly endless number of electrified vehicles made their debuts at the show, many that are being manufactured with the Chinese market and consumer in mind, and which will be exclusive, for now at least, to that nation.

Chinese brands such as NIO, Li Auto, XPeng, and a host of others, all presented new vehicles, with SAIC Motor - China’s largest automotive manufacturer and the company behind brands including Maxus (LDV in Australia) and MG - showcasing more than 160 vehicles, including 10 debuts. It’s not hard to believe that as the EV market grows, these names and others from China will become serious players globally.

Today’s more recognisable global brands (often in partnership with Chinese companies) such as Ford, GM, Audi, VW and others were also in on the action in Shanghai, and over the following pages we take a look at a handful of the vehicles that caught our eye.

April 2021 Motor Trader | 31

MASERATI LEVANTE HYBRID SUV

MASERATI HAS UNVEILED the Levante Hybrid SUV at the Auto Shanghai show.

It is the company’s first electrified SUV and comes after the launch of the Ghibli Hybrid last year.

The all-wheel-drive (AWD), 8-speed automatic hybrid combines a 4-cylinder, 2-litre turbo petrol engine with a 48-volt Hybrid system with eBooster and BSG (Belt Starter Generator).

It is a ‘mild’ hybrid, not a plug-in, and so energy is recovered during braking and deceleration by the BSG to help charge the battery. This then provides energy to the eBooster which, in turn, works in tandem with the turbo to sustain engine power.

Maximum power output is 246kW with Maserati Levante Hybrid SUV

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torque of 450Nm delivered from 2,250rpm. Top speed is over 240km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h comes in six seconds.

Maserati says that going with a mild hybrid option rather than a plug-in came down to performance – the BSG 48-volt together with the eBooster offers the right combination of performance and efficiency, while a plug-in would have too much weight and jeopardise the

car’s performance characteristics.

The Levante Hybrid launch version comes with a new metallic tricoat colour called Azzurro Astro and some exterior and interior details are highlighted in blue, the shade chosen to identify Maserati’s hybrid cars. On the exterior, these

include the three side air ducts, the brake calipers and the C-pillar logo. The same blue shade appears inside the car on the embroidered seams of the seats.

The Levante Hybrid comes with the Maserati Connect program, meaning the car is connected at all times and allows, amongst other things, for the driver to be alerted when a service is due.

With a Smartphone or Smartwatch, drivers can stay in contact with their car via the Maserati Connect App, and this is also possible from home via a virtual personal assistant such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assist.

April 2021 Motor Trader | 33

Hongqi S9 Hypercar

HONGQI S9 HYPERCAR

SILK EV, AN international automotive engineering and design company, and China’s FAW car manufacturer, announced a joint venture to develop a series of ultraluxury, high-performance, new energy sports vehicles.

The launch of the joint venture follows the announcement by the companies in May 2020 of their plans to partner on automotive, artificial intelligence, connectivity, battery solutions, and IoT development.

The Silk-FAW Joint Venture plans to launch new fully electric and hybrid luxury

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models under the Hongqi ‘S’ series – and the first model of this series will be the ultra-luxury hypercar, the S9, which will be manufactured in Italy where Silk EV has its headquarters.

A concept of the S9 first appeared in 2019, and the car is an absolute beast, with an astonishing 1044kW on tap thanks to a V8 engine/battery hybrid system. The companies claim a top speed of 400km/h and a 0-100km/h time of 1.9 seconds.

Details beyond that are scarce, but who cares . . . the S9 looks fantastic and performance is clearly going to be scorching. That’s a good start.

Polestar 1 Special Edition

POLESTAR 1 SPECIAL EDITION POLESTAR REVEALED a special version of its Polestar 1 electric performance hybrid as the end of production for the model draws closer. The limited-edition has a lightweight body made from carbon fibre-reinforced polymer, twin rear electric motors with torque vectoring, and highperformance components including Akebono brakes and Öhlins dampers.

It features a bespoke matte gold exterior paint job with matching callipers and black wheels while, on the inside, there

is colour-matched gold stitching. A maximum of 25 of the model will be built.

Power for the Polestar 1 comes courtesy of a 2-litre, 4-cylinder twincharger (supercharged and turbocharged) engine that drives the front wheels, paired with the two electric motors at the rear wheels.

With a combined power output of 454kW and 1,000Nm of torque, plus a 34kWh battery set-up that also allows for a pure electric driving range of 124km, Polestar 1 is a performance car that can be driven as a full EV in daily use, while also doubling as a long-distance GT.

April 2021 Motor Trader | 35

Mercedes-Benz EQB

MERCEDES-BENZ EQB

A FEW DAYS on from unveiling its topof-the-range EV model, the EQS (see page 80), and four months on from revealing the EQA small SUV, Mercedes-Benz took the opportunity presented by Auto Shanghai to take the wraps off the third model in its EQ brand of all-electric vehicles - the EQB SUV. The seven-seater will have a Chinaspecific version which come to market in China later this year. A European version will also be launched in 2021, and in the USA the EQB will arrive in 2022.

Mercedes says the EQB range will include several models with front-wheel and all-wheel-drive options and various power ratings. Batteries will start at 66.5kWh capacity, but a long-range version is planned.

The European flagship EQB 350 4MATIC

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VIDEO: THE NEW EQB: WORLD PREMIERE

version will deliver over 200kWkW and range is claimed at 419km (on the WLTP standard).

The EQB can be charged at up to 100kW at a DC fast-charging station (Mercedes says a 10-80 per cent charge can be performed in 30 minutes in this situation), or at up to 11 kW with alternating current (AC) using the onboard charger.

Like the other cars in the EQ line, the EQB features the black panel grille with central star up the front, and the

continuous light strip at front and rear. Exclusive to this model are lightalloy wheels in a bior tri-colour design, up to 20 inches in size, in some cases with rosé goldcoloured or blue decorative trim. The body design gives the EQB a slippery aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.28.

On the inside, the EQB does not get the massive MBUX Hyperscreen

that the EQS gets, but it is still a very slick interior, with dual digital displays running the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system, including a standard ‘Navigation with Electric Intelligence’ feature that calculates the fastest route to a destination while taking into account maximum charging power and the duration of possible charging stops.

Intelligent driving assistance systems are comprehensive - and include Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Brake Assist as standard – and the EQB has electric vehicle adaptations to its GLB bodyshell foundation, including a structural function for the frame in which the battery sits. There’s also a guard panel to protect the battery pack from being pierced by ‘foreign objects’.

April 2021 Motor Trader | 37

Zeekr 001

ZEEKR 001

THE ZEEKR 001 is the first car from Zeekr, a pure electric premium brand from Geely Holding Group – the Chinese parent company of Volvo and Lotus.

Designed in Sweden, the 001 is based on Geely’s own global electric architecture called SEA, and does, the company says, have performance as a major part of its brand image.

Consequently, the Zeekr 001 is quick top speed is claimed at over 200km/h while 0-100km/h is reached in 3.8 seconds. Power comes via two electric motors – one on the front axles and one on the rear. 400kW, and more than 700Nm of torque, are on tap.

Two battery packs – 86kWh and 100kWh - will be offered to consumers at launch, and that indicates decent range will be available.

The car will offer air suspension that automatically adjusts ground clearance from 117mm to 205mm based

38 | Motor Trader April 2021

on user requirements. Software and technology will, the company says, allow the 001 to automatically detect approaching users via facial recognition and adjust the 001’s settings to their personal preferences. The 001 will also be able to receive over-the-air updates – a technology that is becoming more and more common in new high-end vehicles.

Zeekr (Geely) has said that the company will sell its products through online and offline sales. In 2021, it plans to open two flagship Zeekr Experience centres with 60 smaller Zeekr Spaces opening in shopping malls and locations across China. These will be supported by 36 delivery centres

FORD EVOS THIS IS THE Ford EVOS – a China-only (at least to start) mid-size SUV. Part of Ford’s China 2.0 plan – a plan to launch more than 30 Ford and Lincoln vehicles tailored to Chinese consumers – the EVOS is the company’s first vehicle developed largely by a Chinabased team and designed entirely around the Chinese consumer experience and ownership scenarios.

It’s a good-looking machine and, inside, reflects the trend for futuristic, clean interiors dominated by huge cabin displays. On that note, the EVOS has a 1.1metre-wide horizontal screen, including a 12.3-inch digital cluster and 27-inch 4K touchscreen.

EVOS is equipped with BlueCruise, Ford’s SAE Level 2 driver-assist technology,

and 60 service centres. A Zeekr app will also allow for the ordering of vehicles and interaction with other Zeekr users.

In addition, Zeekr will look to offer subscription and battery leasing.

Ford EVOS

and has C-V2X (vehicle-to-everything) technology to help drivers navigate potential risks.

No details yet on the powertrain set-up, but it would seem unlikely that anything other than an electrified system – hybrid or otherwise – would be considered for the China market.

Ford says it plans to provide customers on-demand subscription services, including customised on-board content, and over-the-air software upgrades.

The Ford EVOS will be built by Changan Ford and is due to be launched this year.

The company also plans to introduce a Zeekr charging network offering charging speeds of up to 360Kw, effectively giving the Zeekr 001 a range boost of 120km after just five minutes of charging.

Under this plan, Zeekr aims to build 2200 charging stations with over 20,000 charging facilities by the end of 2023.

China will, of course, be Zeekr’s first market, with deliveries slated to begin in October 2021 and global market expansion beginning in 2022.

April 2021 Motor Trader | 39

Toyota bZ4X Concept

TOYOTA BZ4X CONCEPT

TOYOTA UNVEILED THE bZ4X Concept vehicle in Shanghai – the first in a global electrification strategy – along with plans to expand the range in the future.

That electric vehicle future will include Australia, with the local arm of the company pledging its commitment to the strategy, confirming it will introduce the Toyota bZ4X battery electric vehicle (BEV) to the Australian market, with timing to be confirmed closer to launch.

Toyota said there will be seven ‘bZ’ models to be launched globally by 2025, starting with the bZ4X. ‘bZ’ stands for ‘beyond Zero’, highlighting the direction of the company towards a range of future electrified powertrains.

The company said that the bZ series models will be built on new BEVdedicated platforms that can be used with multiple variations in terms of size and design, and is to jointly develop the series with partners with expertise in various fields. Those partners include Subaru, Daihatsu, BYD, and Suzuki.

The Toyota bZ4X has been jointly

40 | Motor Trader April 2021

VIDEO: TOYOTA BZ4X CONCEPT UNVEIL

developed with Subaru and adopts the e-TNGA BEV-dedicated platform that was jointly developed by the two companies.

The vehicle combines a long wheelbase with a short overhang; adopts a steer-bywire system; has a new All-wheel-Drive system jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru; and in addition to the use of regenerative energy systems, it also adopts a solar recharging system to help recharge the battery while the vehicle is stationary.

There’s also a rather futuristic steering wheel that the company said ‘eliminates the need to change grip when steering, and also contributes to a spacious interior’.

Not much more information was given about power, battery sizes, range and performance, but if Toyota is getting

behind the battery-power revolution, that could be big news – the company is much respected in Australia, and is number one in the market with its range of vehicles.

“Adding the first battery electric vehicle to our range builds on our approach of providing a variety of powertrain options, while reducing emissions,” said Toyota Australia Vice President Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley in a statement.

“Further ‘bZ’ series vehicles will be considered and introduced as appropriate for Australia in due course, expanding Toyota’s electrified vehicle choices.

“Our approach reiterates Toyota Australia’s absolute commitment to reducing its CO2 footprint and the adoption of new technologies across our extensive range of vehicles, whilst recognising the different practical needs of Australian customers and geographies.

Offering a number of powertrain choices to suit customer needs is essential.”

By 2025, Toyota said its global line-up will be expanded to approximately 70 models of all electrified vehicles, including hybrids, battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

April 2021 Motor Trader | 41

XPeng P5

XPENG P5

CHINA’S XPENG MOTORS launched its third production model, the XPeng P5 at Auto Shanghai.

Notable amongst its features is the car’s Navigation Guided Pilot (NGP) – part of the XPILOT 3.5 autonomous driving system.

The company says the new XPILOT 3.5 architecture is the strongest autonomous driving system in production cars, comprising 32 perception sensors (including 2 LiDAR units, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 5 millimeter-wave radars, and 13 high-resolution cameras) and one highprecision positioning unit.

The power and ability of this system will, the company says, will allow the

42 | Motor Trader April 2021

autonomous features of the car to be used in an urban environment as well as highway situations (which is where these features are used most by vehicles fitted with such technology). The NGP function will enable the P5 to automatically handle situations and manouvres such as cutting-in, automatic follow and speed limit optimisation on urban roads, and recognising traffic lights as well as small objects.

The LiDAR units will, Xpeng claims, enable the car to distinguish pedestrians, cyclists and scooters, static obstacles, and road works, in challenging scenarios such as night and low-light conditions, backlighting, and alternating light and dark illumination in tunnels.

Lincoln Zephyr

LINCOLN ZEPHYR

LINCOLN, THE LUXURY arm of Ford, debuted the Lincoln Zephyr Reflection in Shanghai.

The company says that consumer demand for luxury sedans in China is strong and the Zephyr Reflection will provide Chinese consumers with a unique vehicle designed for China.

The interior is dominated by a massive ‘coast-tocoast’ screen - somewhat reminiscent of Mercedes’ Hyperscreen – that is composed of a digital cluster and panoramic centre screen. Designed to offer intuitive technologies, the screen combines three advanced displays that offer a range of functions for the driver and front passenger.

The split screen allows both sides to be adjusted independently, offering the driver relevant information, and the front passenger access to entertainment and other information.

Not many details on powertrain, but since the Zephyr Reflection is reportedly destined to be a China-only model, it will surely be either a hybrid or fully electric system underneath that lovely exterior.

April 2021 Motor Trader | 43

Genesis Electrified G80

GENESIS ELECTRIFIED G80 GENESIS, THE LUXURY arm of Korean manufacturer Hyundai, introduced the electric model of its G80 sedan at Auto Shanghai.

The Electrified G80 has decent numbers, with 272kW and 700Nm of torque being delivered to the front and rear wheels by motors of 136kW and 350Nm. Genesis claims a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds.

The battery pack delivers a range of 500km (NEDC standard) while 350kW

44 | Motor Trader April 2021

rapid charging enables the battery to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 22 minutes. The Electrified G80 features a 400V/800V multi rapid charging system, allowing customers to use various charging infrastructures.

A Disconnector Actuator System (DAS) can automatically connect or disconnect the motor and driveshaft based on various driving conditions, including vehicle speed and driving mode, enabling switching between 2WD and AWD to reduce power loss and increase efficiency.

The Electrified G80 also provides V2L

GENESIS X CONCEPT In addition to debuting the Electrified G80, Genesis presented the drop-dead gorgeous Genesis X Concept, an EV GT concept car.

VIDEO: THE GENESIS X CONCEPT REVEAL

(Vehicle to Load) feature that allows for owners to access electric power of 3.6kW and use electric appliances outside of the vehicle.

There are some interesting features on board the Electrified G80, including ANC-R (Active Noise Control-Road; formerly known as RANC), that reduces the level of noise by measuring and analysing road noises with four sensors and six microphones inside the vehicle,

Genesis X Concept

and by simultaneously creating sounds at opposite phase. There’s also Preview Electronic Control Suspension (Preview ECS) - suspension which can be controlled by information supplied through the front camera and navigation system. Also featured is a solar system integrated in the roofline.

A digital instrument cluster and 14.5-inch display deliver data and infotainment to the driver and the interior of the car reflects the eco-friendly nature of EVs, with various recycled materials being used, including ‘forged wood’, which is made from recycled pieces of wood from the furniture manufacturing process, as well as fabric made from recycled PET (plastic bottles).

The Electrified G80 will have exclusive colour options available, including Matira Blue (exterior) and the Dark Green Two-tone (interior).

The Electrified G80 is set to launch in Australia in early 2022.

April 2021 Motor Trader | 45

AUDI A6 E-TRON CONCEPT

AUDI UNVEILED THE A6 E-tron concept in Shanghai, and the new car features some interesting technical developments.

Notably, underpinning the A6 E-tron is the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture developed jointly with Porsche.

PPE will serve as the technology platform for Audi’s first production cars in the C- and B-segment that are due to arrive in late 2022.

The A6 e-tron has a 100kWh battery pack and dual electric motors delivering power to all four wheels. Total output is 350kW and 800Nm. It has – as will all future PPE models – 800-volt charging technology which will allow for the car to be charged with up to 270kW at fast-charging stations. This will enable the battery to be charged with sufficient power for more than 300km of range in 10 minutes, and from 5 to 80 per cent in less than 25 minutes.

Audi says the A6 e-tron is expected to boast a range of more than 700km and the most powerful members of the model range will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than four seconds.

Audi claims the ‘Heliosilver’ exterior paint will reduce energy consumption by reflecting thermal radiation in sunlight, Audi A6 E-Tron Concept

46 | Motor Trader April 2021

allowing less use of the air conditioning.

Other interesting features include highresolution LED projectors built into each side of the body. These display warning symbols on the ground – for example, to warn a bike rider that the car door is about to open. Four more projectors, integrated into the corners of the vehicle, generate turn signal projections.

The Digital Matrix LED front headlights can also act as projectors. Audi says that when the A6 e-tron is parked in front of a wall the driver and passengers can play a video game projected onto it!

While the A6 e-tron is labelled a ‘concept’, it is, reportedly, almost production-ready and due to launch in 2023.

Cadillac Lyriq

CADILLAC LYRIQ

THIS IS CADILLAC’S all-electric Lyriq.

Initially revealed last year, the Lyriq is part of Cadillac’s plan for an all-electric future and, as part of the General Motors group, the car will, as will all future GM electric cars, have the company’s modular Ultium EV platform as its foundation.

At launch, Lyriq will be a full suite of top-notch tech and will be powered by a 100kWh battery pack and a rear-wheeldrive set-up that will deliver 254kW and 440Nm. Cadillac say the car will have a range of over 480km on a full charge.

High-speed DC fast charging for public stations at 190kW is available, allowing for an estimated 122km of range in about 10 minutes of charging time. For home charging, the Lyriq has a 19.2kW charging module, which the company says can add up to 84km of range per hour of charge.

The Lyriq features regenerative braking and a system that allows drivers to control how quickly the car slows down or stops by using a pressure-sensitive paddle on the steering wheel.

Other features include Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance tech, and active noise cancellation.

Clever functions include a ‘greeting’ sequence where the Lyriq recognises the driver approaching and can greet them with a choreographed lighting sequence while also preparing the cabin’s set-up.

Top-notch information, infotainment and connectivity integration is a given, and is delivered via a huge 33-inch advanced LED display and an augmented reality-enhanced head-up display.

The Lyriq is to go into production soon Cadillac says, and the company will begin accepting pre-orders in China later this year, with deliveries starting in early 2022.

Pricing starts at $US59,990 ($AU77,350).

April 2021 Motor Trader | 47

An Eye on Innovation

PAUL KULPA

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GENERAL MANAGER TRAINING & INNOVATION

HE COVER STORY in this edition of Motor Trader concerns the 2021 Shanghai Auto show and some of the vehicles and news that came out of that event. If you have read that feature - or any of the many articles, videos and reports on the show from media outlets across the world - then you’ll know that the show seemed to be dominated by electrified vehicles and it might be hard to escape the notion that electrification is everything and internal combustion is ancient history.

That’s not quite true, but with a theme of ‘Embracing Change’; all those New Energy Vehicles (NEV) – which includes batteryelectric, hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles – on display; and some big announcements from some of the industry’s big players, one takeaway from Shanghai was that, in China especially, if you’re not embracing electrification, then you are old news.

China is, of course, the world’s biggest market for EVs (more than 500,000 electrified vehicles were sold there last year), and the government has spent a lot of time - and offered generous subsidies and incentives to EV carmakers and consumers over the years - in an effort to ignite the industry. The effort, as highlighted in Shanghai, is paying off.

Almost every OEM present at the show unveiled new electrified vehicles - some 48 | Motor Trader May 2021

specific to the China market - and amongst them were a slew of names that are likely little-known outside of China.

There were the recognisable players present such as VW, Audi, Ford, Polestar, and so on but there was also NIO, Li Auto, XPeng, Zeekr, Hozon, Ora, Arcfox, HiPhi, Geometry and a host of other Chinese brands showing some very impressive, competitive, products.

Some of those names are sub-brands of bigger firms (Zeekr, for example, is owned by Geely) and can be considered as much more than just another hopeful start-up.

And along with the carmakers, China’s tech companies were there too, with players such as Huawei (known for its phones) and DJi (known for its drone technology) displaying intelligent driving solutions.

What does this all indicate? Well, while Tesla has made all the early running (and rightly deserves the recognition of kickstarting the EV revolution) and the ‘legacy’ carmakers - like GM, Ford and VW - pour billions into playing catch-up, it does feel like China and its EV industry has weight and momentum on its side. In a future destined to be powered by electrified vehicles, China and its carmakers will, at the very least, play a major role in the direction that future takes.

Which brings us back home and the disheartening state of the EV market/ industry here in Australia.

Most recently, the media has focused on the Victorian government and, in part, its

IN A FUTURE DESTINED TO BE POWERED

BY ELECTRIFIED VEHICLES, CHINA AND ITS CARMAKERS WILL, AT THE VERY LEAST, PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN THE DIRECTION THAT FUTURE TAKES.

proposed electric vehicle tax – a 2.5 cents per km charge for battery-electric vehicles and 2 cents per km for plug-in hybrids.

Coming out in opposition to the tax is a coalition of 25 companies and organisations – including Hyundai, UBER, Jet Charge, Tritium, and the Electric Vehicle Council - which published an ‘open letter’ in April arguing against the tax move.

The group notes that the Victorian tax would be ‘the only stand-alone electric vehicle tax in the world’, and that the tax ‘means the world’s manufacturers are far less likely to send Victorians their best, most affordable, zero emissions vehicles’.

Interestingly, a few days after this news, the Victorian government announced it was to introduce a $100 million Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV) investment package. This would include, according to the a media release, ‘. . . a $3,000 subsidy for new Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV) as a part of our comprehensive plan to meet our target of net zero emissions by 2050 and support new jobs’.

The subsidy will be available for more than 20,000 new ZEV purchases and will be delivered in stages. The government also said it would introduce a 2030 target that will see half of all new car sales be ZEVs, and invest in charging infrastructure and adding ZEVs to its fleet.

While this is good news, what hasn’t changed is the tax, which is to be introduced, the government said. Other states are pondering such a move.

While the argument of how much EV owners should pay for infrastructure maintenance (and how that should be accomplished and what form it should take) is one that should be had, it is astounding to see that while other nations fully embrace the possibilities that the EV mobility revolution offers, Australia – and its various governments - are barely dipping a toe into the pool of possible incentives and subsidies for consumers, manufacturers, technology developers and so on.

This is the opportunity that comes along

maybe once in a lifetime - maybe once a century. A whole new industry is being born and beginning to bloom right before our eyes, but it is doing so somewhere else.

Australia could, and should, be in the thick of it, using the tremendous natural and human resources at its disposal to be designing, building, and exporting not only ideas and tech but, perhaps, vehicles too.

Why not? It is not all that long ago that we had a robust automotive manufacturing industry here employing thousands of skilled workers. With the right support, and in this fast-moving automotive landscape, anything is possible, isn’t it?

Apart from Victoria proposed new investment, there is other investment out there, of course. For example, the federal government’s $74.5 million Future Fuels Fund is set to invest in fast-charging infrastructure and proposes to help business fleets transition to battery-electric vehicles. However, compare that to the U.S. Government’s recently announced American Jobs Plan, which aims to invest in the country’s infrastructure and proposes to drop a staggering $174 billion ($AU224 billion) into the EV industry.According to a statement on the White House website the EV part of the Plan includes the aim to ‘enable automakers to spur domestic supply chains from raw materials to parts, retool factories to compete globally, and support American workers to make batteries and EVs. It will give consumers point of sale rebates and tax incentives to buy American-made EVs, while ensuring that these vehicles are affordable for all families and manufactured by workers with good jobs. It will establish grant and incentive programs for state and local governments and the private sector to build a national network of 500,000 EV chargers by 2030 . . .’

We know the U.S. has deep pockets, but that is a whopper of a plan, and it can be frustrating sitting here in Australia watching others aim high while we seem to be letting the opportunities drift by.

May 2021 Motor Trader | 49

Auto innovation news

BENTLEY UNVEILS PIKES PEAK RACER & NEW FUEL INITIATIVE

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HE PIKES PEAK International Hill Climb event, held in the mountainous ranges of Colorado in the U.S., along a tortuous 20km course, is a beacon to car manufacturers wanting to stretch their performance muscles.

Bentley has done so, successfully, several times, and is doing so again this year, but with more than just a mighty sports car and thoughts of record-breaking times in

mind. Instead, its assault on the hill climb course will be part of a new sustainability initiative, with the company announcing a renewable fuels research and development program to be spearheaded by its new Continental GT3 Pikes Peak race car – a car it says is the most extreme road-carbased Bentley in its history.

The car will be the first competition Bentley to run on renewable fuel, ahead of a goal to offer sustainable fuels to Bentley’s customers around the world.

The GT3 will run the course on a biofuel-based gasoline.

Various blends of fuels are currently being tested and evaluated and Bentley says this first step marks the start of a longer project that will

GM and LG Energy are to invest $US2.3 billion in a new battery cell factory

GM & LG ENERGY TO OPEN SECOND BATTERY PLANT investigate both biofuels and e-fuels for their potential to power the Bentleys of past and present in a sustainable way.

Bentley has already announced – via its Beyond 100 project - that its entire model range will be offered with Hybrid variants by 2023, and that the company will manufacture only Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) models by 2030.

Combustion-engine Bentleys will still be produced for the next nine years and with more than 80 per cent of all Bentleys ever built still on the road, the company says that a genuinely sustainable renewable fuel offering will allow customers to enjoy their current and classic vehicles responsibly for years to come.

The engine in the GT3 Pikes Peak is a racing power unit, developed from the 4.0-litre turbo V8 fitted to the Continental GT V8. Engine modifications, together with the use of biofuel will, Bentley says, ensure the engine develops significant horsepower despite the rarefied conditions it will operate in on the Pikes Peak course.

Testing and development of the car is continuing ahead of the Hill Climb event in June.

ULTIUM CELLS LLC, a joint venture of LG Energy Solutions and General Motors, is to invest more than $2.3 billion ($AU2.97 billion) to build its second battery cell manufacturing plant in the U.S. The facility will be located in Tennessee.

Ultium Cells will build the new plant on land leased from GM and the company says the plant, which is scheduled to open in late 2023, will create 1,300 new jobs and supply battery cells to GM’s Spring Hill assembly plant.

“The addition of our second all-new Ultium battery cell plant in the U.S. with our joint venture partner LG Energy Solution is another major step in our transition to an all-electric future,” said GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra in a statement.

The Ultium battery technology is at the centre of GM’s strategy to compete in the EV marketplace across all categories of vehicle. The cells can be stacked vertically or horizontally inside the battery pack, allowing engineers to optimise battery energy storage and layout for each vehicle design.

April 2021 Motor Trader | 51

Auto innovation news

HONDA COMMITS TO ELECTRIFIED FUTURE

H

ONDA IS AIMING to increase its ratio of battery-electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles to 100 per cent of sales by 2040. So said the Japanese manufacturing giant and its President, Toshihiro Mibe, at a press conference held in Tokyo at the end of April.

The company said it is aiming for overall unit sales of these electrified offerings to by at 40 per cent by 2030, 80 per cent by 2035 and 100 per cent by the end of that decade.

And it’s not just Honda’s four-wheel products getting the electrified treatment.

The company also aims for significant electrification of its motorcycle products too, saying that it will ‘strive to lead the motorcycle industry at the forefront of its environmental initiatives with an approach which will include not only electrification but also the improvement of the fuel efficiency of gasoline engines, utilisation of biofuels and other strategies.’

As well as enhancing its two-wheel product line-up – with new ‘personal use’ electric bikes due by 2024 - Honda says 52 | Motor Trader April 2021

THE COMPANY SAID IT IS AIMING FOR OVERALL UNIT SALES OF THESE ELECTRIFIED OFFERINGS TO BY AT 40 PER CENT BY 2030, 80 PER CENT BY 2035 AND 100 PER CENT BY THE END OF THAT DECADE. it will look at strategies such as batteryswapping stations, and working with other OEMs in Japan and Europe to develop battery swapping tech.

The company is currently researching all-solid-state battery technology – a technology that is recognised as one that will offer batteries of higher capacity and lower cost. Honda says it will accelerate this research with an aim to make all-solidstate batteries available for its new models to be introduced in the second half of the 2020s.

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Auto innovation news

Polestar 2

POLESTAR AIMS FOR CLIMATE NEUTRAL CAR BY 2030 & EXPANDS POLESTAR 2 RANGE

P

OLESTAR, THE SWEDISH electric performance car brand, has announced it has a goal to create a climate neutral car by 2030 via its Polestar 0 project.

What does that mean? Well, the project will aim to cut carbon emissions by ‘changing the way that cars are made’ – an approach that will include collaboration across its development process and value chain, from suppliers to retailers - rather than using traditional processes and then offsetting CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) through planting trees. The company says environmental experts had warned that those practices were not sustainable in the long term.

“Offsetting is a cop-out,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO. “By pushing ourselves to create a completely climateneutral car, we are forced to reach beyond what is possible today. We will have to question everything, innovate and look to exponential technologies as we design

54 | Motor Trader April 2021

“BY PUSHING OURSELVES TO CREATE A COMPLETELY CLIMATE-NEUTRAL CAR, WE ARE FORCED TO REACH BEYOND WHAT IS POSSIBLE TODAY. WE WILL HAVE TO QUESTION EVERYTHING, INNOVATE AND LOOK TO EXPONENTIAL TECHNOLOGIES AS WE DESIGN TOWARDS ZERO.” towards zero.”

The company added that it will apply ‘sustainability declarations’ to all future vehicles – starting with Polestar 2 – and initially disclose ‘carbon footprint and traced risk materials’ via labeling that will appear on the company website and in Polestar Spaces – its showroom locations.

“We’re electric, so we don’t have to worry about combustion engines producing toxic emissions - but that doesn’t mean our job is

POLESTAR TO EXPAND INTO AUSTRALIA & ASIA PACIFIC MARKETS IN 2021

done,” said Polestar’s Head of Sustainability, Fredrika Klaren. “We will now work to eradicate all emissions stemming from production. Now is a historic and exciting time for carmakers, an opportunity to seize the moment, do better and dare to build the dream of climate-neutral, circular and beautiful cars.”

“Consumers are a huge driving force in the shift to a sustainable economy,” added Ingenlath. “They need to be given the right tools to make informed and ethical decisions. This makes things very clear.

Today, Polestar 2 leaves the factory gates with a carbon footprint. In 2030 we want to present a car that does not.”

POLESTAR 2 RANGE EXPANDS The company also announced that is was expanding its Polestar 2 model range to three models.

Powertrains now available include the existing 300kW dual motor setup with a 78kWh battery pack, which is now joined by two front-mounted single-motor variants – available either with the same long-range battery and a 170kW motor, or a smaller 64kWh battery and a 165kW motor.

The long rage dual motor setup has a range of 450km – 480km, the Long Range single motor model gets 515km – 540km of range, while the smaller battery single motor model can get between 420km – 440km of range.

POLESTAR WILL EXPAND its market footprint further in 2021 with the addition of five new markets in the Asia Pacific region. The new markets include South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand.

“The brand is gathering real momentum, and it is great to be expanding with Polestar 2 beyond our initial global markets in China, North America and Europe,” said the company’s CEO, Thomas Ingenlath.

Preparations in these markets are at different stages and specific dates and details for each market are yet to be announced.

In South Korea and Australia, the company says that local, independent Polestar sales units are being established and new Managing Directors have already been appointed.

In Australia, the local organisation will be led by Samantha Johnson, who has served as Volvo Car Australia’s director of business control, financial services and digital transformation. The other markets will likely be operated on an importer basis, with local partners to be confirmed.

“Specific roll-out timing is at an advanced planning stage and the recruitment of key individuals has begun,” comments Nathan Forshaw, Polestar’s head of the China and Asia Pacific. “While we are growing rapidly, we are ensuring both our organisation and processes ensure a consistent and truly Polestar experience for our customers, wherever they are based.”

Exact model specifications and pricing information will be confirmed closer to market launch.

April 2021 Motor Trader | 55

Auto innovation news

ECANTER ELECTRIC TRUCK LAUNCHED INTO AUSTRALIAN MARKET

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ITSUBISHI FUSO TRUCK and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), which is part of the Daimler Group, has launched the all-electric light-duty truck, the eCanter, in Australia.

The truck is designed for inner-city distribution service, has a range of 100km and a load capacity of up to 3.5 tons. The electric powertrain consists of six highvoltage lithium-ion battery packs with 420V and 13.8kWh each. An electric motor delivers 129kW to the rear axle via a single-speed transmission.

Safety features include an Advanced Emergency Braking System, Lane Departure Warning System, and Electronic Stability Program.

Fuso says that before its launch in Australia, the truck was tested in a sixmonth local trial, during which it was operated with a maximum load.

More than 200 of the eCanter trucks are in daily operation worldwide across Japan, the U.S., and Europe. The model for Australia will be shipped from European production in Portugal and comes with the same standard specifications as the models available in Japan and Europe.

56 | Motor Trader April 2021

THE TRUCK IS DESIGNED FOR INNER-CITY DISTRIBUTION SERVICE, HAS A RANGE OF 100KM AND A LOAD CAPACITY OF UP TO 3.5 TONS. THE ELECTRIC POWERTRAIN CONSISTS OF SIX HIGH-VOLTAGE LITHIUM-ION BATTERY PACKS WITH 420V AND 13.8KWH EACH. Fuso says that eCanter customers will be supported by selected FUSO dealers - where they can also be advised on optimal charging infrastructure and charging patterns – and that it is seeing interest among leading businesses and local governments.

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FORD TO OFFER BLUECRUISE HANDS-FREE DRIVING TECH IN U.S.

F

ORD IN THE U.S. will begin offering its new BlueCruise handsfree highway driving system to customers later this year.

BlueCruise is, the company says, an evolution of its Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology which already offers a comprehensive collection of driver-assist features. By using both advanced camera and radar-sensing tech - and building upon Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centring and Speed Sign Recognition - BlueCruise is designed to allow a driver to operate hands-free on prequalified sections of divided highways called Hands-Free Blue Zones. A driver-facing camera in the instrument cluster monitors eye gaze and 58 | Motor Trader April 2021

head position to help ensure the driver’s eyes remain on the road.

Currently, more than 100,000 miles (161,000km) of highways across North America are dedicated Hands-Free Blue VIDEO: INTRODUCING BLUECRUISE

NIO Power Swap Station 2.0

NEXT-GEN BATTERY SWAP STATION ENTERS SERVICE IN BEIJING Zones in the Ford GPS mapping system.

BlueCruise uses blue lighting on the digital instrument cluster to indicate when the vehicle is in a hands-free zone.

In addition to the full hands-free mode, equipped vehicles will also feature Lane Centring mode.

BlueCruise is an SAE Level 2 driverassist technology – that is where the car can do the steering and acceleration, but the driver must be ready to take control – but, Ford says, with the advantage of offering a true hands-free driving experience while in Hands-Free Mode that does not require a driver’s hands to stay in contact with the steering wheel, unless prompted by vehicle alerts.

Ford says 500,000 miles (804,000km) of development testing was done on BlueCruise before the company completed a road test of 110,000 miles (177,000km) across the U.S. and Canada to prove the technology in a wide range of driving and weather conditions.

Via over-the-air software updates, BlueCruise will be offered later this year on 2021 F-150 and 2021 Mustang Mach-E models equipped with the available Ford Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 Prep Package.

Ford is targeting the sale of more than 100,000 vehicles equipped with BlueCruise in the first year.

NIO, THE CHINESE electric vehicle manufacturer, has unveiled the first of its second-generation battery swap stations – the NIO Power Swap Station 2.0 – in Beijing. The new station is the first such facility to be deployed under a partnership between NIO and Sinopec, the Chinese energy giant, and is located at at Sinopec’s Chaoying Station.

NIO says the Power Swap Station 2.0 is the world’s first mass-produced battery swap station that allows the vehicle to manoeuvre into the station automatically. Each NIO Power Swap Station 2.0 uses sensors and cloud computing systems to allow users to complete a self-service battery swap with only one click while staying in the car.

The company says the system is capable of completing up to 312 battery swaps per day.

In addition to a battery charging and swapping network development, Sinopec and NIO will cooperate in fields such as new materials, smart EV technology, and Battery as a Service (BaaS). The partnership is, NIO says, an important milestone for the development of China’s smart EV industry.

NIO itself it on something or a roll.

Founded in 2014, the company recently built its 100,000th production vehicle – an ES8 SUV - and in March recorded the April 2021 Motor Trader | 59

Auto innovation news

REE AUTOMOTIVE AND MAGNA TO WORK ON MODULAR EVs REE EV platform

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EE AUTOMOTIVE, THE Israelbased e-mobility company, is to collaborate with Magna International Inc., a mobility and automotive technology company, to develop Modular Electric Vehicles (MEVs) for tech companies and new electric mobility players.

The collaboration will explore the combination of REE’s technology with Magna’s expertise and manufacturing capabilities to develop MEVs that allow commercial clients to customise vehicles based on their specifications and branding.

The cornerstone of the collaboration is REE’s proprietary REEcorner tech which integrates critical vehicle components steering, braking, suspension, powertrain and control - into an area between the chassis and the wheel, creating a compact single module where each corner is controlled by X-by-Wire control technology. This results in a flat

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“REE AND MAGNA WORKING TOGETHER UNDER THE ‘POWERED BY REE’ APPROACH CAN HELP BRING THEIR VISION TO LIFE.” ‘skateboard’ EV platform with plenty of space and interior room for passengers, cargo, and batteries.

“We are thrilled to reach a collaboration agreement with Magna, which should help put us on the fast track to support a broad range of electric vehicles (EVs),” said Daniel Barel, REE Co-Founder and CEO. “We see a growing demand for highly modular EVs from leading tech companies and new electric mobility players who have set their sights on entering the EV realm and building a brand in automotive. REE and Magna working together under the ‘Powered by REE’ approach can help bring their vision to life.”

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Classic supercar

MASERA

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1 97 1 -1 97 8

TI BORA

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The Maserati Bora at the Geneva Motor Show 1971

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1971-1978

M A SE R AT I BOR A OUNDED IN 1914 in the Italian city of Bologna by brothers Alfieri, Ettore and Ernesto, Maserati is one of the great names in automotive – forging a name for itself over more than a century by producing title-winning racing cars and high-performance luxury road cars.

It has created a fair few classics over the decades and from the mid-1950s through to the mid-1970s, it produced some very cool cars indeed. These included the

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. . . THE BORA, A TWO-SEATER COUPE THAT IS AN IMPORTANT CAR IN MASERATI HISTORY AND ONE WHICH CELEBRATES ITS 50TH BIRTHDAY THIS YEAR. elegant 3500GT from 1957, the equally smart 5000GT launched in 1959, the sporty Ghibli coupe of 1967, and the sleek Merak and Khamsin sports cars of 1972.

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BUILT TO OFFER TERRIFIC PERFORMANCE, DECENT COMFORT AND SAFETY, IT WAS INITIALLY POWERED BY A 231KW, 4.7-LITRE V8 WHICH WAS MOUNTED LENGTHWAYS ON A SUBFRAME INSTALLED ON THE MONOCOQUE. Sandwiched amongst these was the Bora, a two-seater coupe that is an important car in Maserati history and one which celebrates its 50th birthday this year.

The first mid-mounted rear engine road car in Maserati’s history, the Bora made

its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show on March 11, 1971.

Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign, the Bora made quite an impression. Built to offer terrific performance, decent comfort and safety, it was initially powered by a 231kW, 4.7-litre V8 which was mounted lengthways on a subframe installed on the monocoque.

Top speed was a tasty 280km/h.

The car’s distinctive features included retractable headlights, projecting differential on the rear axle, independent suspension on all wheels ( for the first time in a Maserati), disc brakes, dry-mounted single disc clutch, 5-speed gearbox and telescopic suspension dampers.

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Styling was very nice and equal to anything its Italian rivals at Ferrari and Lamborghini were producing. The low, slender front led over some elegant lines to a rear that ended in a Kamm or truncated tail. Inside, there were bucket seats; leather dash, door trim, centre console and rear bulkhead; and electric windows and air conditioning were standard.

Two years after its launch, the Bora 68 | Motor Trader May 2021

STYLING WAS VERY NICE AND EQUAL TO ANYTHING ITS ITALIAN RIVALS AT FERRARI AND LAMBORGHINI WERE PRODUCING. became available with a beefed-up to 246kW 4.9-litre V8, and over its production years of 1971-1978 a total of 564 cars were built.

Inside, the Bora had bucket seats; leather dash, door trim, centre console and rear bulkhead; and electric windows and air conditioning were standard

NISSAN UNVEILS THE NEW 441KW GT-R NISMO

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ISSAN HAS TAKEN the wraps off the newest iteration of the Nissan GT-R NISMO, the company’s flagship GT-R. It is planned to launch in Japan in October, alongside a special edition version.

Both models will be offered in the new,

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NISMO-exclusive Stealth Gray body colour, with the special edition featuring a carbon fibre bonnet, and 20-inch Rays aluminum forged wheels sporting a red accent that matches existing accents around the body.

The large Brembo calipers and carbon ceramic rotors are the biggest ever fitted to

RENAULT AUSTRALIA JOINS THE ATECO GROUP Nissan GT-R NISMO

a Japanese performance car, at 410mm in the front and 390mm at the rear.

Power and performance will be delivered by a 3.8-litre twin turbo V6, rated at 441kW. The built-to-order GT-R NISMO special edition uses new high-precision, weightbalanced parts including the piston rings, connecting rods, crankshaft, flywheel, crank pulley and valve springs dialed in with tighter tolerances, delivering snappier revs and quicker turbo spooling. Each engine is handcrafted.

RENAULT AUSTRALIA HAS officially joined the Ateco Group, becoming part of a Group that sells the LDV, Maserati, RAM Trucks and Upfitter in Australia, alongside Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati and RAM in New Zealand.

The Renault Australia passenger car portfolio currently comprises Megane RS, all-new Captur, and Koleos. The commercial portfolio is made up of Kangoo, Trafic and Master.

The Renault business will be led by Glen Sealey, former COO of Maserati Australia and New Zealand.

“Product will always be key,” said Mr Sealey. “The launch of the All-New Captur marks the start of a product offensive from Renault, not just in terms of new vehicles but drivetrains, too. Renault is well positioned to capitalise on the rising EV trend once it’s strongly adopted in Australia.”

Neville Crichton CNZM, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Ateco Group said the Renault deal was a ‘significant milestone’ for the company.

“History shows we usually initiate the presence of automotive brands in Australia, but this is the first time in over 30 years we have taken on an established OEM – we’re delighted to welcome Renault Australia to the Ateco Group,” he said.

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Auto news

NEW TOYOTA KLUGER AVAILABLE WITH HYBRID POWER

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OYOTA’S NEW KLUGER SUV, due to arrive in Australia in June, is the eighth model in the company’s range to feature a hybrid drivetrain.

The new model, priced from $47,650, will also offer improved safety and technology, and will be available in three trim levels - entry-level GX, mid-range GXL and top-of-the-range Grande - with all grades offered in petrol 2WD or AWD versions, and hybrid AWD drivetrains.

Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, it features a 60mm longer wheelbase, 60mm more in overall length and is slightly wider than the current generation.

The new hybrid system combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two front and one rear-mounted motor generators that deliver a combined maximum output of 184kW. Combined cycle fuel consumption is 5.6l/100km.

Driving through an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), the AWD system allows up to 100 per cent

of drive to be sent through the front wheels or up to 80 per cent through the rear.

The transmission offers three modes ECO, NORMAL and SPORT - while hybrid models are also fitted with a Trail mode switch for better traction in slippery offroad conditions.

The 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine generates a maximum power of 218kW and peak torque of 350Nm that is delivered through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

GX and GXL petrol versions use a new Dynamic Torque Control AWD system that allows the rear driveline to be ‘disconnected’ when AWD is not necessary with the front/rear drive torque split between 100:0 and 50:50, depending on conditions.

The Kluger Grande AWD petrol model features a more advanced Torque Vectoring AWD system that not only splits drive torque as needed front to rear - from 100:0 to 50:50 - but adds a pair of couplings on the rear axle to enable independent torque control of the rear left and right wheels.

All AWD petrol models also feature a multi-terrain select system with Rock & Dirt and Mud & Sand modes that automatically adjusts throttle, transmission, steering and brake control to provide the maximum traction and stability in all conditions.

There’s a new multilink front and rear suspension system and braking comes courtesy of 340mm front and 338mm rear ventilated disc brakes.

Safety features are comprehensive with new features for Toyota Safety Sense including Road Sign Assist, Emergency Steering Assist and Intersection Turn Assistance on every model. Standard safety features include, amongst others, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear-Cross Traffic Alert, Reversing Camera, and Front and Rear Parking Sensors.

Infotainment is delivered via the a multimedia system with controls via the steering wheel or large 8-inch touchscreen display atop the centre console. The system incorporates Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Standard equipment includes smart entry and start, manual dual-zone air conditioning, rain sensing wipers, and five USB ports. GXL models gain power-heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, power tailgate and satellite navigation. The Kluger Grande adds a panoramic roof, hands-free opening for the power tailgate, head-up display, a panoramic view monitor, and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

FORD PRESENTS MUSTANG MACH-E CUSTOMERS WITH 3D-PRINTED GIFT 3D-PRINTING TECHNOLOGY (aka additive manufacturing) is now a well-established technology within the automotive industry. Current use includes, amongst other things, rapid prototyping and the manufacturing of special parts or low-number production runs of some components.

MTA Queensland itself is involved in researching the technology - the MTAiQ Innovation Hub has QUT’s PhD candidate Sarfraz Ali in residence working on his Recycling of Automotive Parts for Additive Manufacturing thesis.

In the U.S., Ford is employing the technology to create a gift for customers purchasing the Mustang Mach-E First Edition model. Those buyers are to receive a wireframe pony sculpture, created through 3D printing.

The sculptures are created in white plastic and then dyed to one of three First Edition colours – Rapid Red Metallic, Grabber Blue Metallic or Carbonised Gray. Included is a baseplate with the vehicle’s VIN. It’s a nice little extra for the customer, and Ford says that it is allowing additive manufacturing to establish a new-use case within the enterprise.

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Auto news

HYUNDAI DEBUTS THE NEW STARIA PEOPLE-MOVER

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YUNDAI HAS LAUNCHED its nextgeneration Staria people-mover, and the new vehicle is pretty versatile.

Its available configurations of between two and 11 seats offer a wide range of set-ups (although the 11-seat version will only be available in Korea).

Available in two variants – Staria and Staria Premium – the people-mover has a pretty futuristic look, with a sleek exterior highlighted by low-set headlights, and daytime running lights spanning the width of the front of the vehicle. The Premium model gets a tinted brass chrome treatment, applied to the Hyundai emblem, grille, headlamp bezels, front and rear bumpers, wheels, side mirrors and door handles. At the rear, the Premium model gets a Parametric Pixel lamp design and garnish on top.

Eight exterior colours are available: Abyss Black Pearl, Creamy White, Graphite Gray Metallic, Moonlight Blue Pearl, Shimmering Silver Metallic, Dynamic Yellow, Olivine Gray Metallic and Gaia Brown Pearl.

Up front in the cabin, the Staria has a 10.25-inch front display screen, touchbased centre fascia and a button-type electronic shift lever.

The digital cluster is located on top of the dashboard, providing an unobstructed view for the driver.

Storage space is available on top of the overhead console, bottom of the cluster, and top and bottom of the centre fascia.

Staria Premium offers a variety of additional interior features. The seven-seat Premium model is equipped with Premium Relaxation Seats in the second row that recline electronically and also have sliding capabilities to maximise cargo space. The nine-seat Premium model’s individual seats in the second row can swivel 180 degrees to face passengers in the third row.

There’s a 64-colour ambient mood lamp, available in all Premium variants. The lighting can selectively illuminate the cockpit, console, doors and cargo areas.

Staria Premium

The interior of all models is available in Black, Black and Beige two-tone, Black and Blue two-tone. The Premium variant offers additional options of Gray and Brown two-tone as well as Gray and Light Gray two-tone.

Hyundai says that the Staria’s legroom is among the best in its segment and can be converted into expansive additional cargo space when all seats are pushed together.

A full-flat mode applied to rear passenger seats of the standard model offers plenty of interior flexibility.

The cargo space availability varies depending on the seating configuration.

For example, the two- and three-seater models, optimised for business use, offer maximum cargo space of almost 5,000 litres. The cargo space dimensions have also been increased to carry three Euro pallets at once.

Powertrain options are a diesel-powered turbocharged, 2.2-litre VGT engine and a petrol-powered Smartstream G6DIII 3.5-litre MPI engine.

The diesel engine is mated with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering an estimated power output of 130kW and 431Nm of torque. The G6DIII 3.5-L MPI is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission,

delivering an estimated power output of 200kW and 331Nm of torque.

Hyundai says it has optimised each powertrain option for low noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), and improved acceleration. It says it has also optimised the direct valve control body for increased hydraulic efficiency, the oil pump for fuel efficiency, and the multi-plate torque converter for control and fuel efficiency.

Safety features are comprehensive and include seven airbags, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist and Blind-Spot CollisionAvoidance Assist, Wireless Module Seat Belt Reminder, Safe Exit Assist, and Rear Occupant Alert (ROA).

There is also a wide-angle camera that allows the driver and front passenger to view passengers in the back seat on the infotainment system’s display screen.

That infotainment system also enables the driver and front passenger to communicate with rear passengers using a unique speaker function.

The Staria will be launched in Australia in the second half of 2021 and Hyundai says that Special Vehicle models such as limousines, ambulances, camping model and eco-friendly variants are on the drawing board and will be added to the line-up in the future.

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Auto news

SUBARU FAREWELLS CURRENT WRX STI WITH LIMITED EDITION MODEL

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UBARU IS SAYING farewell to the current generation All-Wheel Drive WRX STI with a final special edition. Just 75 of the WRX STI EJ25 Final Edition models will be sold, each individually numbered.

EJ25 refers to the code of the current WRX STI 2.5-litre turbocharged engine – the last in line ahead of an all-new powerplant for the next generation. The EJ25 debuted in 2005, in the Model Year 2006 WRX STI. Amongst many other special features, the limited-edition final model will gain EJ25 Final Edition badging, 19-inch BBS forged aluminium wheels, Silver Brembo brake calipers with STI logo, RECARO sports bucket front seats with silver highlights, Ultrasuede steering wheel, Red STI push-start button, and carbon fibrelook instrument panel decoration.

50 of the models will be available in WR Blue Pearl, 15 in Crystal White Pearl, and 10 in Crystal Black Silica.

The company said in a statement that for an additional $1,000 donation to the Australian Road Safety Foundation, 76 | Motor Trader April 2021

Subaru WRX STI EJ25 Final Edition

online buyers will have the option of an individualised delivery experience, in which Subaru rally aces Molly Taylor, Cody Crocker, Mark Stacey or Dean Herridge can hand-over the vehicle at their home or office location.

30 of the final edition models will be available for sale online at www.subaru.com.au, with the balance through the 24-strong STI network nationally. The WRX STI EJ25 Final Edition is priced from $62,440 (Manufacturer’s List Price).

SKODA’S NEW OCTAVIA ARRIVES IN AUSTRALIA

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KODA’S NEW-GENERATION OCTAVIA has arrived in the country, with the A8 series introducing a number of firsts for the model line. These include a 10-inch infotainment screen with touch slider, the newest versions of Virtual Cockpit (the company’s advanced digital display that takes the place of traditional dials and gauges), head-up display, wireless Apple Carplay and Android auto, shift by wire driving, LED Matrix headlights, LED fog and taillights, traffic jam assist, emergency Skoda Octavia RS assist and as many as 10 airbags.

Three model grades – entry-level customers select one or more option Ambition, mid-level Style, and rangepackages with their new vehicle, more topping RS – are available, along with two standard equipment has been included in engines options. A 1.4-litre, four-cylinder, each variant. The company says there is turbo petrol engine delivers 100kW $6250 worth of equipment now present in and 250Nm through an 8-speed auto the Ambition variant as standard over the transmission, while a 2-litre, four-cylinder, turbo petrol engine churns out 180kW and previous generation model.

370Nm and pumps that through a 7-speed The Octavia Ambition is priced at $30,390 for the wet clutch Direct Shift Gearbox. sedan and $31,690 for the wagon; the Style comes Tech and safety features abound, in at $34,890 and $36,190; while the performanceand Skoda says that as most Australian oriented RS is priced at $47,790 and $49,090.

Auto news Haval Jolion LE SUV

HAVAL JOLION SUV LAUNCH EDITIONS LAND IN AUSTRALIA

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AVAL’S ALL-NEW JOLION LE (Launch Edition) SUV arrived in Australia in April and will be available in two grades initially - the midgrade Lux and range-topping Ultra. The Launch Edition models will be limited to a total of 300 units and are priced at $27,990 driveaway for the mid-spec Jolion Lux LE and $30,990 driveaway for the rangetopping Ultra LE. Power for both models is delivered to the front wheels by a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with 110kW of power and 210Nm of torque mated to a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). Four drive modes are available on demand - Standard, Eco, Sport and Snow.

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POWER FOR BOTH MODELS IS DELIVERED TO THE FRONT WHEELS BY A 1.5-LITRE TURBO PETROL ENGINE WITH 110KW OF POWER AND 210NM OF TORQUE MATED TO A 7-SPEED DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT).

With a wheelbase of 2700mm, length of 4472mm and width of 1841mm, the Jolion is a sizeable SUV for the money and the technology on offer is plentiful.

The Lux LE sits on 17-inch alloy wheel and its spec list includes a 10.25-inch

colour multimedia touchscreen, 7-inch LCD instrument display, Dual zone automatic climate control, roof rails, Apple CarPlay, Electronic anti-glare rear view mirror, and 360-degree camera.

Advanced driver assist features include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and bicycle detection, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Change Assist / Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic

Alert (RCTA), and Camera-based Driver Fatigue Monitoring system.

Step up to the Ultra LE model and you get 18-inch alloys and can add a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch colour multimedia touchscreen, wireless charging, and a Head-Up Display.

That’s a pretty solid list of high-quality features and makes the Jolion look like crackingly good value.

All models come with a 7-year, unlimited km warranty and 5 years roadside assist.

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Auto news

MERCEDES REVEALS FLAGSHIP EQS EV SEDAN

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ERCEDES HAS UNVEILED its EQS – the top-of-the-range model for the company’s all-electric range that comes under the EQ brand banner.

Style and design is terrific and recognisably Mercedes – it is based on the S-Class – but it is on the inside where things get futuristic.

Two models – the EQS 450+ and the 580 4MATIC – are to be launched first. Two battery pack sizes are available – 90kWh or a 107.8kWh – and range is claimed as high as 770km with power on tap of between 245kW and 385kW (a performance version with 560kW is on the drawing board).

THE 450+ CAN REACH 100KM/H IN 6.2 SECONDS AND A TOP SPEED OF 210KM/H, WHILE THE 580 4MATIC CAN DO THE SPRINT IN 4.3 SECONDS WITH THE SAME TOP SPEED. The 450+ is driven by an eATS single motor assembly at the rear axle and gets 245kW and 568Nm, while the 580 4MATIC thas an eATS on the front axle too. Power here is a combined 385kW and 855Nm. Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC

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The 450+ can reach 100km/h in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 210km/h, while the 580 4MATIC can do the sprint in 4.3 seconds with the same top speed.

The EQS’ battery can be charged with up to 200kW at fast charging stations with DC power and can receive enough power for 300km of range in 15 minutes. At home or at public charging stations, it can be charged with up to 22kW with AC power using the on-board charger (an 11kW on-board charger is standard).

The interior of the EQS is dominated by the MBUX Hyperscreen - the massive, one-piece dash panel that incorporates three displays – a 12.3-inch driver display, a 17.7-inch central display, and a 12.3-inch passenger display – and from which the car’s many tech infotainment features are controlled.

Loaded with AI software, the control

and display concept is able to adapt to its user and makes personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions.

Available interior features include an ambient lighting system, a Burmester sound system, head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, displays for rear-seat passengers and more.

Safety and driving assistance features are legion and amongst the many available are Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Changing Assist, Active Brake Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and exit warning function, driver attention monitoring, and Evasive Steering Assist.

Parking assist features are also available.

The EQS is reportedly to be available in Australia towards the end of 2021.

Auto news

Ford Focus ST-3

FORD AUSTRALIA ADDS PERFORMANCE FLAGSHIP ST-3 TO FOCUS MODEL RANGE

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ORD AUSTRALIA HAS added the Focus ST-3 performance flagship to its range. Numbers will be limited to 200 units for the local market.

Available as a single, range-topping model with standard 7-speed automatic transmission only, the ST-3 is powered by an all-aluminium, 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine which produces 206kW at 5,500rpm and 420Nm of torque at 3,000–4,000 rpm.

The ST-3 features driver-selectable Drive Modes, with an electronic Limited-Slip Differential (eLSD), Launch Control, Performance shift-lights, Flat-Shift and Anti-Lag technology as well as Continually Controlled Damping (CCD) with Pothole Detection system.

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There’s also a panoramic sunroof, heated and electrically adjustable front Recaro sports seats with lumbar support, B&O PLAY 10-speaker sound system with subwoofer, and head-up display (HUD).

Also standard is Ford’s Advanced Front Lighting System (AFS), which uses a camera to detect curves in the road and turn the headlights, and which can adapt its beam shape to the road and driving situations, like widening the beam at a junction. Also standard is Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with CrossTraffic Alert.

The ST-3 rides on 19-inch machined alloy wheels fitted with 235/35 Pirelli P-Zero tyres. Red brake calipers grip 330mm front and 302mm rear ventilated discs.

Controls include the current-generation e-shifter, and an electronic park brake, while the steering wheel, wrapped in perforated leather, houses audio and SYNC 3 controls.

SYNC 3 includes an 8-inch touchscreen display which incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone capability.

Functions, including Siri, can be accessed via the steering-wheel mounted voice

activation controls. The ST-3’s built-in sat-nav can also be accessed by voicecommand.

The Focus ST-3 also features wireless smartphone charging as standard, as well as keyless entry and push-button engine start, ambient LED lighting and dual-zone climate control.

The Focus ST-3 will be available from Ford dealers nationally later this year.

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Auto news

TRIUMPH LAUNCHES LIMITED EDITION STEVE MCQUEEN SCRAMBLER 1200 MODEL

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OR THOSE WHO know a thing or two about motorcycles, they’ll probably know that Steve McQueen, the King of Cool and one of cinema’s great screen icons, was very much a bike enthusiast. And while he owned many bikes from different manufacturers over the years, he had an affinity for Triumphs, riding and racing them – notably the TR6 Trophy – in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Most famously, the incredible barbed wire Triumph Limited Edition Steve McQueen Scrambler 1200

THE SCRAMBLER IS POWERED BY THE LATEST EVOLUTION OF TRIUMPH’S 1200CC 8-VALVE PARALLEL TWIN ENGINE GENERATING 110NM AT 4,500RPM, WITH PEAK POWER OF 66KW ARRIVING AT 7,250RPM.

fence-jumping stunt from the McQueenstarring WWII epic The Great Escape was performed by his good friend Bud Ekins on a TR6 Trophy (made up to look like a German WWII-era motorcycle, the BMW R75).

In 2021, Triumph is celebrating its connection to the movie star legend by launching a Steve McQueen Limited Edition version of its new Scrambler 1200 bike – two versions of which, the XC and XE, have been updated for 2021.

Developed in partnership with VIDEO: TRIUMPH SCRAMBLER 1200 STEVE MCQUEEN EDITION

McQueen’s family, the limited-edition bike is based on that XE model and just 1000 of the limited-edition models are to be built, each of which will come with a certificate of authenticity stating the bike’s VIN number, and carrying the signatures of Triumph’s CEO, Nick Bloor, and Chad McQueen, Steve’s son.

The Scrambler is powered by the latest evolution of Triumph’s 1200cc 8-valve parallel twin engine generating 110Nm at 4,500rpm, with peak power of 66kW arriving at 7,250rpm. It’s fitted with Öhlins long-travel fully adjustable RSUs and long-travel Showa forks; twin Brembo M50 radial monobloc calipers; long-travel aluminium swingarm; full-colour TFT instruments with illuminated switches; has up to 6 riding modes - including Off-Road Pro; has optimised cornering ABS and cornering traction control; and keyless ignition, single button cruise control and USB charging socket.

The Scrambler 1200 Steve McQueen edition is also pre-enabled for the My Triumph connectivity system that allows the rider to access phone calls, operate music, use turn-by-turn navigation and manage a Go-Pro through the intuitive handlebar controls and TFT interface.

A unique paint scheme features a Competition Green tank with brushed foil knee pads, hand-painted gold lining, gold heritage Triumph logos, dedicated Steve McQueen tank graphic, brushed aluminium Monza cap and brushed stainless steel tank strap. Also featured is the aluminium high-level front mudguard, which, along with the rear mudguard, is also painted in Competition Green; engine protection dresser bars; and an aluminium radiator guard with laser etched Triumph branding.

With a selection of accessories also available, Triumph says the Steve McQueen Edition is the highest specification Scrambler ever.

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Auto news

Toyota GR 86

TOYOTA GAZOO RACING UNWRAPS THE NEW GR 86

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OYOTA GAZOO RACING has revealed the third model in its series of sports cars with the GR 86.

The company says that substantial gains to performance, agility and stability have been achieved, with a larger, more powerful engine; lightweight aluminium roof and fender panels; and a stiffer body all designed to enhance handling and responsiveness. Performance also benefits from aerodynamic components derived through motorsport, including air outlets, side-sill spoilers and other parts.

The GR 86 joins the GR Supra and GR Yaris under the Toyota Gazoo Racing banner, and features a lightweight, horizontally opposed ‘boxer’ engine with displacement

THE NEW GR 86 FEATURES A LIGHTWEIGHT, HORIZONTALLY OPPOSED ‘BOXER’ ENGINE WITH DISPLACEMENT INCREASED FROM 2.0 TO 2.4 LITRES. increased from 2.0 to 2.4 litres. The new powerplant - driven through a six-speed manual or automatic transmission delivers 173kW and 250Nm of torque.

Originally launched in 2012, the 86 has achieved solid popularity in Australia with 20,800 sales since launch. Toyota says this equates to around 10 per cent of the global tally.

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

R E PA I R N OT I C E

R E PA I R N OT I C E

R E PA I R N OT I C E

WARNING

RIGHT TO RETAIN

QUALIFIED/TRAINED TECHNICIAN

No admittance into the workshop – Staff Only.

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

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

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

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

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

R E PA I R N OT I C E

R E PA I R N OT I C E

CUSTOMERS RIGHT TO CHOOSE A REPAIRER

CUSTOMER SUPPLIED PARTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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April 2021 Motor Trader | 87

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

Auto news

VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT AIMS FOR HALF OF STATE’S NEW VEHICLE SALES TO BE ELECTRIC BY 2030

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ICTORIA’S LABOR GOVERNMENT, the focus of some frustration over its plans to introduce a road user tax for electric vehicles (EV), has announced that it will introduce a $3,000 subsidy for new Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV) valued at up to $69,000 as a part of a net zero emissions plan.

At the beginning of May, the government revealed plans for a $100 million investment package that will include the subsidy for more than 20,000 new electric vehicles. The plan also aims at a 2030 target for half of all new car sales to be zero emission; will deliver investment in charging infrastructure across the state; will look to assist the uptake of ZEVs in the commercial sector; and add ZEVs to the government’s fleet of vehicles, with 400 to be added in the next two years.

An expert advisory panel will be established to advise the Government on policies, programs and infrastructure required to meet the 50 per cent ZEV target by 2030.

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“THIS IS EXACTLY THE KIND OF MOMENTUM WE NEED IN AUSTRALIA IF WE WANT TO JOIN THE REST OF THE WORLD IN EMBRACING THE TRANSITION TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES.”

However, the proposed road user tax plan for EVs remains, with the government statement saying: ‘The $100 million package has been made possible by a zero and low-emissions road user charge that will be introduced at a fraction of the motor vehicle-related taxes and charges other vehicle owners pay, and ensures all road users contribute to the upkeep of our roads.’

The road user tax is proposed to be set at 2.5 cent/km charge for electric and other zero-emission vehicles, including hydrogen vehicles, and a 2 cent/km for plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles.

The tax aside, Victoria’s EV plan was met with approval by many organisations, including the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC).

“This is exactly the kind of momentum we need in Australia if we want to join the rest of the world in embracing the transition to electric vehicles,” said EVC chief executive Behyad Jafari.

“We know from surveys that Australians are eager to get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle, they just need to know their governments will back that decision.

Policies like this tell Australians that buying an electric vehicle is a choice they can make with confidence.

“Only 0.1 per cent of Victorian cars are currently electric. The subsidies announced could help drive that figure up sharply and put a huge dent in Victoria’s carbon emissions.”

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), while welcoming the move by the Victorian government, noted that a national response was important to consider.

“The FCAI has consistently advocated for a national approach to these issues that ideally would be Federally-led to avoid the prospect of individual State Governments introducing their own standards and incentive programs in support of ZLEVs,” said FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber in a statement.

“Consistency is the critical element for Australian customers. If other States introduce their own programs, they must align. Otherwise, the result will be another disjointed and chaotic system like the introduction of different rail gauges across the country.”

While Victoria’s move is a start, and will, hopefully, encourage the uptake of EVs, the state, and the country, is still way behind other advanced nations in EV numbers.

In 2020, there were 6,900 electric cars sold in Australia. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in the UK, 108,205 battery-electric vehicles were sold there in 2020. We have a way to go.

SALES IN NEW CAR & BIKE MARKETS CONTINUE TO GROW SALES OF NEW vehicles continued to grow in March, with figures released by the FCAI showing a total of 100,005 vehicles were sold during the month.

That was an impressive 22.4 per cent up on March 2020 sales when 81,690 vehicles were sold. Following on from 5.1 per cent growth in February 2021 (over Feb 2020), and 11.1 per cent growth in January 2021 (over Jan 2020), and 2021 has started well for the sector.

The positive result in March was reflected across all states and territories apart from ACT (down 43.8 per cent).

Queensland was up 32.7 per cent.

SUV sales were up 32 per cent and Light Commercial vehicles were up by 28 per cent. Eight of the top ten selling vehicles for the month were SUVs or Light Commercials.

Toyota was the leading brand in March with sales of 21,319 vehicles (21.3 per cent of the market), followed by Mazda with 10,785, Hyundai with 6,852, Mitsubishi with 6,430, and Ford with 5,977.

The Toyota Hilux was the best-selling vehicle with sales of 5,319 vehicles.

The positive result in the new car market was more than matched by rocketing sales in the motorcycle/OHV sector. Total sales for the period from January to March 2021 were 27,256 units - a 51.6 per cent increase on the same period in 2020. Road bike sales were up 20.9 per cent to 8,684 units, and Off-Road motorcycles were up 88.9 per cent to 11,642 units.

OHVs continued their sales growth, accounting for sales of 5,455 units for the quarter. This is an increase of 1,984 units, or 57.2 per cent, over the same period in 2020. Scooter sales were up 26.9 per cent to 1,475 units, or 313 units.

April 2021 Motor Trader | 89

Workplace relations

EVANGELINE KANNIS SENIOR WORKPLACE RELATIONS ADVISOR

LAWS PROTECTING AGAINST HARASSMENT

THE FAIR WORK ACT AND REGULATIONS WILL SOON BE AMENDED TO GIVE EMPLOYERS MORE POWER TO SACK PERPETRATORS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT.

RECENT MEDIA STORIES about POSITIVE DUTY ALREADY EXISTS what may be happening in some parliamentarian’s offices is a reminder A positive duty already exists under to all employers and business owners model WHS laws for employers to ensure that no-one is immune from a sexual workers are not exposed to health and harassment claim. safety risks, which includes the risk of The Fair Work Act and Regulations sexual harassment. Safe Work Australia will soon be amended to give employers guidance recently released, specifically more power to sack perpetrators of describes sexual harassment as a systemic sexual harassment. risk employers must approach with a safety mindset.

The Federal Government has announced it will amend section 387 of the Act to clarify that sexual harassment can be a valid PSYCHOSOCIAL RISKS CODE OF PRACTICE reason for termination when determining A code of practice on managing psychosocial risks is currently being whether a dismissal was unfair. developed by Safe Work Australia, which It will also amend the definition of is to cover sexual harassment in the “serious misconduct” in the Fair Work workplace. This will help to increase Regulations to include sexual harassment, awareness of the duty to manage to clarify that this behaviour can justify psychosocial health and safety risks and summary dismissal. improve compliance, it says, adding it In addition, education and guidance on will continue to support this work. unfair dismissal and other workplace The aim is to create an improved rights will be updated. The Act will CLICK TO VISIT THE culture of respectful workplace include a ‘stop sexual harassment MTAQ MEMBER behaviour. order’ by clarifying that a stopPORTAL bullying order is available in the For further information about Policy for your context of harassment. workplace, please contact MTA Queensland.

90 | Motor Trader May 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TO MORE THAN 8000 PEOPLE DIRECTLY workplace.

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

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

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

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

April 2021 Motor Trader | 91 CLICK HERE FOR MEDIA GUIDE AND COSTS

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 & Workplace 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.

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

E S S E N T I A L S

PAUL KULPA GENERAL MANAGER TRAINING & INNOVATION

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who have used us know they will have received quality service (i.e. training with good outcomes and greater knowledge). So, the next time you have a training provider come into your business promising the world, take care, ask questions about what you want to get out of the training and make sure they are reputable.

MEMBERS' ESSENTIALS

Contents 95 MTA Institute Courses 96 MTA Institute Graduates 97 Jobs Board information 102 Market Wrap May 2021 Motor Trader | 93

E S S E N T I A L S

TRAINING IS OUR BUSINESS, WE HAVE BEEN DOING THIS FOR 40 YEARS, AND MOST PEOPLE WHO HAVE USED US KNOW THEY WILL HAVE RECEIVED QUALITY SERVICE (I.E. TRAINING WITH GOOD OUTCOMES AND GREATER KNOWLEDGE).

M E M B E R S

HAVE BEEN THINKING about what makes a quality training organisation. This is the question I have been asked many times from employers, trainers, and government.

I believe we all strive for good outcomes given the service-based industry we work in, but what is quality?

For training, I don’t think there is a single answer to this question but rather a number of elements, which include experience, value, student and employer satisfaction, and productive gains (I am sure you can think of plenty more).

Anyone who is going to put on an apprentice, or go through training themselves, needs to be aware this is an investment, not a short-term fix. The time spent training and gaining knowledge increases your business services and this can only be a good thing. Take the time to know your training provider, make sure they have experience and can deliver the product you know you will get benefits from. Training is our business, we have been doing this for 40 years, and most people

M E M B E R S

Training GM's Professional Circle perspective

M E M B E R S

E S S E N T I A L S

Training GM's Professional Circle perspective For those that have been involved in the update of the automotive training package (which is the basis of all apprentice/trainee training), we will be planning to commence the transition of students into the new AUR20 training package from July 2021.

For those who don’t know, the training package is the fundamental learning product that has been the basis of apprenticeship training over the past 30 years. Its development, and ongoing review, is to make sure it is contemporary to meet the wide variety of jobs a mechanic would do in the workplace. I know this is a pretty hard thing to achieve given the variety of jobs a mechanic has to do on a day-to-day basis, but it makes sure, as I mentioned before, that the fundamentals are covered.

Unlike previous transitions, not all units have been updated in the AUR20 training package. Approximately three-quarters of the units we currently deliver have been superseded and are equivalent to the current units, and we have been busy preparing these ready for the transition.

What you will begin to notice is greater assessment requirements to be completed

. . . THE UPDATE OF THE AUTOMOTIVE TRAINING PACKAGE (WHICH IS THE BASIS OF ALL APPRENTICE/TRAINEE TRAINING), WE WILL BE PLANNING TO COMMENCE THE TRANSITION OF STUDENTS INTO THE NEW AUR20 TRAINING PACKAGE FROM JULY 2021. before an apprentice/trainee can be deemed as competent. Our training model allows us to visit your workplace and apprentice regularly to ensure training is completed and learning is comprehended - this will be reflected in the assessment outcome.

We have always ensured our assessment tools meet the requirements of the training package and having the MTA Institute as your training provider means you can have confidence your apprentice is competent.

As with all employers that use MTA Institute, we will keep you posted on the transition to the updated training package.

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 94 | Motor Trader May 2021

MTA INSTITUTE COURSES AIR CONDITIONING COURSE

SKILL SET GAP TRAINING (3 DAY) 18 - 20 August 2021 6 - 8 October 2021 Click for more information.

SALES/DEALERS/WRECKERS LICENCING COURSES AVAILABLE ONLINE - ENROL NOW Click for more information.

RTO No: 31529

BATTERY ELECTRIC AND HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES COURSE SKILL SET TRAINING (4 DAY)

31 August - 3 September 2021 26 - 29 October 2021 Click for more information.

VOCATIONAL PREPARATION COURSE 26 July - 27 August 2021 (FOR WOMEN) 27 September - 29 October 2021 Click for more information.

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

MTA QUEENSLAND COURSES MIG WELDING FUNDAMENTALS COURSE 11 May 2021, 8:30am - 12:30pm 10 August 2021, 8:30am - 12:30pm Click for more information.

ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS COURSES AWARENESS COURSE 25 May | 27 July

VEHICLE GLASS COURSE 26 May | 28 July

TECHNICIAN COURSE 27-28 May | 29-30 July Click for more information.

11 May 2021, 8:30am - 12:30pm 10 August 2021, 8:30am - 12:30pm Click for more information.

AUTO CAMP

29 June - 1 July 2021 21 - 23 September 2021 Click for more information.

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

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VEHICLE MAINTENANCE COURSE

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

MTA Institute Graduates

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MTA INSTITUTE’S LATEST GRADUATES THE MTA INSTITUTE is the largest independent provider of automotive apprenticeships and training in Queensland and it is always a proud moment when its APPRENTICE Lachlan Abela Cody Anderson Mitchell Burstall Jack Outhwaite Nicholas Bufi Luke Carmody Jay Leckenby Lachlan Ross Ryan Shoobridge Quintin Smith Scott Bell Ali Sina Reyn Campbell Daniel Bauer Callum Chalmers Brodie Chatham Jian Yang Bradley Barbeler Nathan Cicero Tylor Hobart Braden Kenyon Donal Watson Scott Dean Marcus Disiot Jake Kither Michael Wilson Daniel Cowling Kye Van Es

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

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

96 | Motor Trader April 2021

TRAINER Neville Donaldson Alfio Rotolone Alfio Rotolone Brett Baker Ty Morrison Lloyd Cross Gavin Jacobs Dennis Shaw Ty Morrison Lloyd Cross Brett Baker Luke Cooper Roger West Steve Hudspith Wayne Abrahams Steve Adams Steve Hudspith Dennis Shaw Terry Palfrey Jim Emblen Wayne Abrahams Scott Buckley James Dixon James Dixon Don Lerm Derrick Pratt Scott Buckley Terry Palfrey

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

97 | Motor Trader September 2020

April 2021 Motor Trader | 97

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LF-Z ELECTRIFIED CONCEPT L EXUS HAS UNVEILED the LF-Z Electrified - a battery-electric (BEV) concept that the company says, ‘incorporates driving performance, styling, and technologies envisioned for realisation by 2025’.

Striking good looks show the direction that Lexus is heading with its design, and the concept adopts a BEV-dedicated platform that features a new four-wheel control technology known as DIRECT4, which uses the instant responsiveness of an electric motor to control the vehicle’s four wheels.

Steer-by-wire eliminates the need for a mechanical connection through the steering shaft, resulting in, Lexus says, a more direct response between steering

100 | Motor Trader May 2021

VIDEO: THE FUTURE OF DRIVING | LEXUS

operation and driving force. This enables the vehicle to turn with less steering angle and more precision.

Power comes via a 90kWh battery pack connected to dual electric motors, and Lexus claims power and torque figures of 400kW and 700Nm and a range of 600km.

Charging tech enables 150kW DC fastcharging. Performance numbers are 3 seconds for the 100km/h sprint and a top speed of 200km/h. Nice.

The interior features an open and minimalist design and technology that includes Artificial Intelligence (AI) that acts as a ‘lifestyle concierge’, proposing routes and restaurant reservations, among other things.

There’s an augmented reality head-up display, while gauges, touch display, and other information functions are grouped into a single module. Driving system functions are concentrated around the steering wheel.

Along with the AI-powered features, tech includes a smartphone digital key, sensors that scan the surrounding environment for oncoming and adjacent traffic prior

to a passenger exiting the car, and an electrochromic glass panoramic roof that can be dimmed. In the centre of the roof is a touch-panel that connects the front and rear seats and is used for communication between passengers. The reclining rear seats are equipped with a massage function.

At the LF-Z reveal, Lexus also confirmed that by 2025 it would aim to introduce 20 new vehicle models - including BEVs, PHEVs, and HEVs - and is establishing a new business and technical centre that integrates development, design, production technology, and planning departments, to encourage innovative vehicle development.

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Investment matters

MARKET WRAP

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OMESTICALLY, THE S&P/ ASX 200 Accumulation Index was up 3.47% during the period.

Information Technology (+9.7%) was the best performing sector. Growth stocks in general performed well with bond rates falling, forcing investors to consider a potential return to a duration-friendly, low-rate environment. Materials (+6.8%) also outperformed.

Global commodities prices continued their recovery-led run, with iron ore prices reaching new highs. Energy (-4.9%) was the worst performing sector.

Oil prices were lower during the month following an extended period of strength post the vaccine recovery trade. Consumer Staples (-2.6%) also underperformed. The quarterly updates from many retailers disappointed investors, as they cycle earnings from the COVID-19 lockdown activity surge.

Internationally, markets finished largely higher during the month. The US exchanges were the key outperformers (NASDAQ +5.4%, S&P 500 +5.2%) as President Biden’s proposed stimulus measures encourage the growth outlook and key technology names reported strongly during the period. The UK (FTSE 100 +3.8%) and Europe (MSCI Europe ex-UK +1.5%) also finished the month higher as vaccine rollouts allow for a gradual reopening of their respective economies.

The Asian markets were mixed as Korea 102 | Motor Trader May 2021

THE US EXCHANGES WERE THE KEY OUTPERFORMERS (NASDAQ +5.4%, S&P 500 +5.2%) AS PRESIDENT BIDEN’S PROPOSED STIMULUS MEASURES ENCOURAGE THE GROWTH OUTLOOK AND KEY TECHNOLOGY NAMES REPORTED STRONGLY DURING THE PERIOD. (KOSPI +2.8%) and Hong Kong (+1.2%) gained while China (CSI 300 +0.0%) came in flat and Japan (Nikkei 225 -1.3%) was down, as a spike in COVID-19 cases led to a state of emergency declared for Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures.

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.

MTAQ are a Charity Partner of Youngcare and our staff show support by wearing casual clothes on Friday and donating gold coins.

Please join us and donate to this life-changing organisation!

It all starts with spirit.

MTAA Super and Tasplan have merged to become Spirit Super.

Spirit Super provides quality, customised service across Australia and secures better retirement outcomes for members. Our scale will deliver improved products and services, low fees and a focus on competitive investment returns.

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