Motor Trader e-magazine, November 2018

NOV 2018

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND

MEMBER'S CLASSIC: 1969 FORD MARK II CORTINA 220

The benchmark of industry standards.

Pic credit: Rodrigo Garrido // Shutterstock.com

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

Partnering with you to help your business grow.

To run a successful business you need to be an expert in your industry as well as have specialist knowledge. CommBank, proud partners of MTAQ can help.

Working closely with MTAQ, your business and customers can benefit from our direct relationship service and competitive banking rates tailored to help you achieve your business goals.

Dedicated support for your business To support you and your business a dedicated CommBank Relationship Manager backed by a team of specialists will work with you through every stage of your business life cycle. Access the latest innovative banking products and solutions with MTAQ preferential pricing applied to make it easier for you to do business.

These include: • • • • • • •

Competitive Visa, Mastercard and eftpos rates Merchant terminal rental from $24.50 No Merchant Joining fee Same day settlement^ every day of the year Daily IQ - free data analytics with online banking 24/7 help desk for all your banking needs Free business financial check

You can also access other banking solutions including Business Loans, Asset Finance, Overdraft Facilities and Bank Guarantees.

To find out how CommBank can help your business move forward, contact MTAQ on (07) 3237 8777 or email info@mtaq.com.au and we’ll put you in touch with a CommBank Business Banking Specialist.

Things you should know: ^‘Same day’ includes eCommerce card sales before 5:30pm (AEST) and EFTPOS card sales before 10pm (AEST) and is available for eligible customers with a Commonwealth Bank business transaction account and a linked Commonwealth Bank merchant facility. Offers available to referrals made via MTAQ. MTAQ may receive a fee from Commonwealth Bank for each successful referral. Referral Fees are not payable on referrals from existing relationship managed customers. Applications for finance are subject to the Bank’s normal credit approval. Other fees, charges, terms and conditions may apply. As this advice has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the information, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. Please view our Merchant Agreement, Financial Services Guide and Operator and User Guides at commbank.com.au/ merchantsupport. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.

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

JONATHAN NASH EDITOR

H

POLICY Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Email: publications@mtaq.com.au EDITORIAL Editorial submissions are welcomed but cannot be guaranteed placement. For more information email the Editor at publications@mtaq.com.au SUBSCRIPTION RATES (including GST) Subscribing to the Motor Trader e-magazine is free.

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

MTA QUEENSLAND ABN: 74 028 933 848

20180727

CORPORATE PARTNERS

ELLO AND WELCOME to the November edition of Motor Trader.

Later this month, the World Rally Championship (WRC) circus rolls into town for the final event of the season - the Kennards Hire Rally Australia.

This year, the rally will be especially spicy as the drivers' championship has come down to the wire with just three points separating the top two drivers - the Frenchman Sebastien Ogier (who is going for his 6th title in a row) driving the M-Sport Ford Fiesta, and Belgian Thierry Neuville (who has placed 2nd for the past two years) driving the Hyundai i20. It should be an epic showdown.

In our cover feature this month, we take a look at the WRC and, in particular, the era known as the sport's 'golden age' - the mid-1980s and the era of the Group B cars. A pioneering time for rallying, the Group B era was an age of few restrictions and saw the development of some

truly phenomenal - that is to say ferociously powerful - race cars and the sport rival F1 in its popularity.

Read more from page 18.

On 10 November, MTA Queensland will hold the 2018 Industry Ball, the glamorous event at which the industry comes together to celebrate another year of challenges and success. At this event, the association takes the oppotunity to reveal the winner of the Apprentice of the Year award and this year's 12 nominees are a truly outstanding group.

They represent the future of the automotive industry and all are deserving of the recognition the nomination brings. However, there can be only one apprentice of the year, so keep your eye on the MTA Queensland website and social media channels to find out who that will be. Until then, find out more about each of the nominees from page 86.

As always, the rest of Motor Trader is jam-packed with news and features covering everything from training to innovation to new car releases.

I hope you enjoy this month's Motor Trader, and if you have any news you'd like to share, or have a classic vehicle we could feature, then please contact me.

Cheers!

Jonathan Nash, Editor jonathann@mtaq.com.au November 2018 Motor Trader | 1

Contents

18

01 FROM THE EDITOR 04 FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO 08 POLICY/VIEWPOINT 30 AN EYE ON INNOVATION 32 AUTO INNOVATION NEWS 59 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS 62 AUTO NEWS 83 TRAINING GM'S PROFESSIONAL CIRCLE PERSPECTIVE 108 PLUGGED IN 114 CARS & COFFEE 118 CONCEPT CORNER 128 MARKET WRAP 2 | Motor Trader November 2018

72

Search for MTA Queensland

100

114

12

118 November 2018 Motor Trader | 3

From the Desk of the CEO

BRETT DALE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MTA QUEENSLAND

C

HALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES abound with the progression of the emerging technologies into every aspect of the automotive value chain and transport logistics. MTA Queensland has been at the vanguard, informing members of the technological transformations from collaborations with innovators in the MTAiQ Innovation Hub, and engaging with academia and stakeholders. With this comes responsibility to engender consumer confidence in the technologies that will shape future utilisation and attitudes to mobility.

A recent meeting with the Ipswich City Council (ICC) and Fire Station 101 personnel to discuss smart city public transport initiatives, demonstrated the need for public understanding of the digital vehicle solutions that will change mobility. Essential to the success of the emerging technologies and the enterprises that support them is public acceptance.

One of the innovations is the Cooperative and Automotive Vehicle Initiative (CAVI) which lays the technical foundations for the next generation of smart transport infrastructure, in which MTA Queensland is involved.

4 | Motor Trader November 2018

As indicated in a previous From the Desk of the CEO, we’ve collaborated with the Department of Transport and Main Roads officers on this project. Ipswich City is to be the testing ground for this intelligent transportation innovation.

It includes a road-testing trial and large-scale deployment of cooperative and automated technologies. It will commence in 2019 with some 500 Ipswich motorists selected to test the technologies for making roads safer and to validate their impact and benefits.

In addition to CAVI, I discussed with the ICC and Fire Station 101 personnel participation in the Local Motors Olli Global Fleet Challenge initiative. The reason for doing so is that Ipswich is ranked as one of seven worldwide smart cities by the New York based Intelligent Community Forums and has high interest in driverless technology.

The ICC, through Fire Station 101- which is Australia’s only fully local governmentsupported innovation hub - has the expertise to contribute to an expression of interest that may result in two driverless OLLI shuttles being located in Ipswich. It is our intention to work with them as stakeholders on this project. If successful, it will commence the process of engendering public confidence in changing mobility modes.

MEETINGS I met with the Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education Michaela Cash at a policy discussion lunch. Excellent conversation ensued on the key issues that formed her portfolio with questions posed on small business, skills and vocational education policy direction. I represented the views of the motor trades and members on each

“MTA QUEENSLAND

HAS BEEN AT THE VANGUARD, INFORMING MEMBERS OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATIONS FROM COLLABORATIONS WITH INNOVATORS IN THE MTA INNOVATION HUB, AND ENGAGING WITH ACADEMIA AND STAKEHOLDERS.” policy area, particularly emphasising the need for government focus and investment in skills for the automotive value chain. I was encouraged with what I heard.

In the coming month, I’ve been invited to a boardroom lunch at which the Hon Wayne Swan MP, Federal Member for Lilley and newly elected National President of the Australian Labor Party will be the special guest. Joining Hon Wayne Swan will be Queensland Labor’s State secretary Julie-Ann Campbell. This will provide the opportunity to gain both federal and state political and policy insights that will feature over the next six months or so.

As Deputy Group Chief Executive Kellie

Dewar indicates in Viewpoint, I gave evidence at the recent Senate Select Committee on Electric Vehicles public hearings at which I was asked to provide a supplementary submission to two Questions on Notice.

These related to federal government actions to assist the automotive value chain workforce going forward and the composition of the industry’s workforce.

It is my practice, in all federal government fora and meetings, to raise the need for investment in human capital to meet the demand from both the new technologies in the automotive sector and the demands for skills that will continue to be generated from the remaining conventionally powered road transportation and private motoring inventory. The supplementary submissions enabled the provision of fulsome responses to the Questions on Notice, including strategies to address the skills shortages and to attract people to motor trades’ apprenticeships. Nationally, there is a skills shortage of more than 31,000 tradespersons which includes 6,000 from Queensland.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES In October’s From the Desk of the CEO, I overviewed the agreement between MTA Queensland and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University (RMIT).

This set out the terms to work together on an industry integrated learning experience for students to help them develop the skills and capability for the world of work.

The technology covered in the courses is the first of its kind in Australia. MTA Queensland will provide the industry context, relevance and mentoring and our RMIT Online partners will provide the content that will inform innovators on emerging technology that will disrupt our November 2018 Motor Trader | 5

From the desk of the CEO industry and business. This venture demonstrates our innovation leadership in the automotive training field and business.

The agreement will expire in May 2020.

Collaborations continue with Telstra.

Shortly, there will be a workshop with Telstra’s Chief Technology Office personnel to identify the strategic alignments, innovation collaboration and commercial pathways. In addition, there are preliminary discussions regarding opportunities to create value for MTA Queensland members through Telstra products or services such as corporate partnership or bundling.

Recently, I attended a Queensland University of Technology (QUT) lecture on 3D Printing: Intellectual Property and Innovation at the invitation of QUT’s Professor Matthew Rimmer, Professor of Intellectual Property (IP) and Innovation Law. I was keen to attend, as 3D printing has been a central part of the MTAiQ Innovation Hub since its establishment.

The eminent visiting keynote speaker pointed out that 3D printing was gaining a foothold as a viable manufacturing technology especially for small-series, customisable products.

Patent, copyright, trademark, and design laws had not been especially adapted to consider the advent of the decentralised mode of production. As with many new technologies, 3D printing creates friction with IP laws, especially in the form of under-protection.

Professor Rimmer, in conversation with me during the event, intimated that he and a colleague, as part of their Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project, were doing empirical interviews about IP and 3D printing and, as part of that research, would like to conduct interviews with our personnel in this field and with MTA Queensland members. To that end, 6 | Motor Trader November 2018

“COLLABORATIONS

CONTINUE WITH TELSTRA. SHORTLY, THERE WILL BE A WORKSHOP WITH TELSTRA’S CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICE PERSONNEL TO IDENTIFY THE STRATEGIC ALIGNMENTS, INNOVATION COLLABORATION AND COMMERCIAL PATHWAYS.” he indicated a week’s residency at the MTAiQ as he was keen to indicate industry engagement as part of the ARC Discovery Project. Similar work has been done in Canada (Windsor) and United States (Detroit).

We are happy to facilitate that outcome and I encourage interested members to participate in the interviews.

AND THE LAST THING The coming month coincides with the Annual General Meeting. It marks the end of the financial year’s activities and reporting, the retirement of long-term and respected industry leader Chairman David Fraser and a new beginning based on the values, practices, innovative initiatives that has led to our current success. On behalf of corporate office staff, I thank David for his inclusive leadership and support for the executive team and welcome the incoming Chairman and Board of Directors.

And there’s a new beginning for me too.

I’m the proud grandfather of Eli and his newly born brother Weston.

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

CAPRICORN MEMBERSHIP Together, we’re stronger.

“We joined Capricorn back in 1994. The best part was, we weren’t just a so-called ‘small business’ any more. Instead we became part of a huge cooperative of thousands of other like-minded businesses – each pulling together as one. For us, and for the everyday running of our business, that’s the real power of being a Member.”

Woodenbong Driveway - Capricorn Member

Join Capricorn today.

1800 560 554 | join@capricorn.coop | capricorn.coop

Policy/Viewpoint

KELLIE DEWAR DEPUTY GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES

A

CROSS ALMOST 90 years as an industrial organisation of employers, the association’s rules have been amended regularly to comply with State and most recently Commonwealth legislative and regulatory requirements.

Sometimes the changes are extensive, such as in 2014 for registration under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009. Under that Act, we must undertake annually a formal review of our rules. The recent review identified some changes or amendments required for administration, governance, compliance or correction.

Essential to this process is that members are informed on the amendments so as to ‘have your say’ before going to the vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for approval. Ultimately an application detailing the alterations will be submitted to the Fair Work Commission’s Regulatory Compliance Branch for certification.

The underlying strength of MTA Queensland is members ‘having your say’ on rule changes or divisional industry matters for action through the corporate office or through their representative as a Board Director on compliance, administrative and policy issues. This does not mean having to attend meetings, or 8 | Motor Trader November 2018

to participate in a teleconference. There are instances when you can ‘have your say’ by responding to a survey. The general practice is to draw attention to the survey through the weekly industry bulletin which seeks you to register your expression of interest for hosting a specific event. And, you can express your viewpoint at any time directly to me or the corporate office.

Equally important is the corporate office leadership on policy and industry developments occurring in your specific trade so that members are appraised of pending changes or events. This is achieved by government and stakeholders recognising and communicating with MTA Queensland as the effective and recognised peak industry representative for the motor trades.

The weekly industry bulletin is the primary advisory to keep members informed on policy and motor trade transformations. At another level, collaborations with academia, corporations and service professionals facilitate learnings which are conveyed to members through the Motor Trader or fora such as the Carmageddon symposiums, or industry events similar to the Garage at the Myriad Festival.

ADVOCACY Central to successful advocacy is corporate office knowledge of members' views so that these may be accurately represented at stakeholder meetings and in submissions to government and agencies.

As divisional committee members know, I attend meetings to be informed on your views. It is important that you do have your say at these fora. Without your input, the practical knowledge to influence decision-making in the advocacy process

“IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO ‘HAVE YOUR SAY’ AT THESE FORA. WITHOUT YOUR INPUT, THE PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE TO INFLUENCE DECISION MAKING IN THE ADVOCACY PROCESS IS WEAKENED WHERE IT SHOULD BE STRONG AND INFORMED.” is weakened where it should be strong and informed.

By way of example, recent discussions with officers from the Departments of Justice and Energy and Water (the Department) on the real-time fuel price reporting trial was assisted by having first-hand understanding of the views of the Service Station and Convenience Store Association members.

At their divisional meeting, the intent and policy of the trial had been discussed, and this was included in the submission on the consultation regulatory impact statement of the fuel price reporting trial.

It was with confidence that Group Chief Executive Dr Brett Dale, Chairman Tim Kane and I were able to participate in the discussion from the perspective of the members.

All members should note that the Queensland Government will commence a mandatory two-year fuel price reporting trial before the end of this year to give Queensland motorists access to timely and accurate fuel prices. As part of the trial, all fuel retailers will be required to enter their fuel prices into a reporting system within 30 minutes of a price change at the pump. These reported prices will then be provided for free to existing and

new smartphone apps and websites such as MotorMouth, GasBuddy, PetrolSpy, RACQ and Compare the Market, for use by motorists. In the near future, the Department will provide the details to retailers about how to sign up for the system and fulfil the pending fuel price reporting obligations.

Members' viewpoints were represented in two recent submissions. The first was a response to the Queensland Government’s Department of Employment, Small Business and Training Skills for Queensland discussion paper which MTA Institute General Manager Paul Kulpa had carriage.

Drawing on member’s views and long held policy positions, three key strategies to advance the apprenticeship and training system for the motor trades were proposed. They were: • addressing the pre-requisite academic requirements e.g. the foundation skills of literacy, numeracy and digital proficiency for a secondary school student to enter or complete a trade apprenticeship; • resourcing the apprenticeship and traineeship system with the learning environments and the instructors with the skill sets to equip students for the new industry dynamics which includes the emerging technologies, digital literacy, innovation, and automation; and • the recognition of the ‘automotive value chain’ as a ‘key industry area’.

The second was a supplementary submission to the Senate Select Committee on Electric Vehicles following Brett’s evidence at recent public hearings.

Senators sought further information on what the federal government needed to do to assist the automotive value workforce, and an assessment of the workforce November 2018 Motor Trader | 9

Policy/Viewpoint required going forward. Comprehensive responses were provided to each of the questions. Both submissions are on the website for members' perusal.

PAINT AND PANEL AWARDS Each year the national autobody repair industry gathers socially to celebrate excellence. Our National Auto Collision Alliance (NACA) members should be proud of the results arising from the 2018 Paint and Panel Awards. They were: • Eagle Smash Repairs – best boutique; • Holmes Smash Repairs (Toowoomba) – best large shop; • Willmot Smash Repairs Specialist – best new shop; • Willmot Smash Repairs Specialist – best new ship national winner; and • Gold Coast Collision Centre – best customer experience.

Congratulations to each the proprietors and staff on the awards received and for their outstanding shop presentations, professionalism and consumer satisfaction. There was strong competition for the awards, and we share with the winners the joy of their achievements as entrepreneurs and award successes.

INDUSTRY SPECIALIST MENTORING FOR AUSTRALIAN APPRENTICES (ISMAA) PROGRAM In previous Viewpoints, I’ve referred to the ISMAA program. I do so again to highlight that MTA Queensland is a program provider and has a team of highly skilled industry mentors with the passion to nurture individual apprentices through their various courses.

Support options for the apprentices vary, such as face-to-face, email, mobile phone or other preferred contact. Mentors assist with a wide range of matters that may confront the apprentice, including 10 | Motor Trader November 2018

“OUR NATIONAL AUTO

COLLISION ALLIANCE (NACA) MEMBERS SHOULD BE PROUD OF THE RESULTS ARISING FROM THE 2018 PAINT AND PANEL AWARDS.” providing support in the development of technical skills; supporting off-the-job learning needs; career and pathway advice related to the automotive industry; and motivation and confidence building to help achieve potential and build resilience.

The program aim is for apprentices to progress personally, professionally, and successfully through their chosen trade, particularly in the first two years of training. By doing so, this will increase apprentice retention rates, improve completion rates and support the supply of skilled workers in industries undergoing structural change such as the automotive value chain. Contact details for our mentors is on the MTA Queensland website.

FINALLY Following up on defective Takata airbags affecting more than 2,300,000 vehicles across sixty models, two effective and easy websites are available to check whether your vehicles are safe. The Australian car industry led by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, has an online portal www.ismyairbagsafe.com.au. To check, simply enter the number plate details.

The Australian Competition and Commission also has a website: www. productsafety.gov.au/recalls/compulsorytakata-airbag-recall Until next month, take care and stay safe.

Small change.

Big future.

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

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

increased life expectancy, many of us will spend close to a quarter of our lives as retirees.

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

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

He joined MTAA Super as an apprentice in 1989 and now works in an automotive training role in NSW.

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

“I’m really happy I’ve been with MTAA Super. It’s the industry super fund for my trade and has been supporting careers in the automotive industry for over 25 years.”

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

Matt, like many Australians, is not alone in his concern. Thanks to changing work patterns and

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

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

“Small amounts can go a long way.

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

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

Ms Turner also adds that making extra contributions is easy.

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

Give your super a boost!

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

1300 362 415 mtaasuper.com.au

This article is issued by Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238 718) of Level 3, 39 Brisbane Avenue Barton ACT 2600, Trustee of the MTAA Superannuation Fund (ABN 74 559 365 913). Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited has ownership interests in Industry Super Holdings Pty Ltd and Members Equity Bank Limited. The information provided is of a general nature and does not take into account your specific needs or personal situation. You should assess your financial position and personal objectives before making any decision based on this information. We also recommend that you seek advice from a licensed financial adviser.

The MTAA Super Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), an important document containing all the information you need to make a decision about MTAA Super, can be obtained by calling MTAA Super on 1300 362 415 or visiting mtaasuper.com.au/handbooks. You should consider the PDS in making a decision.

Nick Burling

MTA|Q&A

Nick Burling has been working in the motor industry all his adult life. Starting at his family’s Toyota dealership in NSW, he worked his way through the company from stock control to become a stellar salesman, racking up major sales figures.

This year he established the Burling Motor Group – a brokerage and used car dealership. Nick has done all of this even though he has Cerebral Palsy, a physical disability that means he is unable to walk. His is a remarkable career and proof that, no matter what, a positive attitude, confidence and a passion for your work can overcome any hurdle.

What products and services does Burling Motor Group provide?

NB: We conduct the sale of used motor

vehicles as well as a brokerage service for new and used vehicles.

When someone is looking to buy a new 12 | Motor Trader November 2018

car, they may receive one price but think they could do better. They may not want to go around searching multiple dealers so, to get that better price, they can enlist the services of a car broker who will contact multiple dealers on their behalf

“THE BROKERAGE HAS

on one level with no steps which, being disabled, was the number one thing I was looking for!

BEEN RUNNING SINCE THE BEGINNING AND I RECEIVED MY MOTOR DEALER’S LICENCE What’s your background in the industry?

IN APRIL . . . SINCE THE MOVE NB: Well, I love all things motoring – I was born on wheels and I’m still on INTO THESE PREMISES, THE wheels!

BUSINESS HAS GROWN 300I am very fortunate that I had a great father who was also the Dealer Principal 400 PER CENT.” and get them that better price, saving them time, money and effort.

How long have you been operating?

NB: The business turned one year old

in September. The brokerage has been running since the beginning and I received my motor dealer’s licence in April. I moved into this location in August and so the business has been effectively running at a genuine level since then. And since the move into these premises, the business has grown 300-400 per cent.

Starting a dealership from scratch is not easy, but this location works. I have a detailing bay out the back and it’s all

of Windsor Toyota in NSW. In the early ‘90s I was looking for a job, but it was very hard to find one because of my disability.

My mother persuaded my father to give me some work and I landed a role in stock control at the dealership.

I became very good at it I think, and it gave me the grounding and the understanding that to run a dealership is not all about selling cars, but is also about watching the bottom line, about understanding your stock, about understanding and knowing the needs of your customers.

I worked in stock control until 2004 but what I really wanted to do was sell cars.

I asked my dad if I could do that and he gave me a chance but added that I would November 2018 Motor Trader | 13

have to work every second weekend – he wanted to make sure that people would see I wasn’t being given preferential treatment because I was his son and had a disability! So, I did that and worked my way up to new car manager.

In 2006, the dealership was sold and that was probably the thing that really kicked me along the path to become a ‘proper’ salesperson. With the change of ownership came a major staff restructure and I went back to stock control. However, a few months later, the dealership was overrun with customers and the manager

“ . . . EVEN DOING BOTH

ROLES, I STILL MANAGED TO OUTSELL THE OTHER SALESPEOPLE IN THE DEALERSHIP AND IN 2007 I SOLD 282 NEW CARS, 48 OF WHICH I SOLD IN JUNE THAT YEAR. THAT IS, I THINK STILL A RECORD . . . ” Nick has a racing simulator installed at his shop.

He uses it to keep his customers entertained and as a therapeutic tool to keep his own movements as sharp as possible

asked me to come out and talk to a few people. In two days, I sold five cars and I was put back on the floor – although I was still doing stock control as well!

However, even doing both roles, I still managed to outsell the other salespeople in the dealership and in 2007 I sold 282 new cars, 48 of which I sold in June that year. That is, I think, still a record, and I did that at what was the smallest metropolitan dealership in the state.

Over the next six years I reached Toyota Gold Leader status – which meant selling 240 cars a year while also recording a very high customer satisfaction score.

I subsequently moved to the Gold Coast for family reasons before going back to Sydney after my mother died.

I worked there as a stock controller at a large Mercedes-Benz dealership but missed selling and wound up at a Nissan dealership.

Then, last year, my dad became unwell and I came back up to Queensland to be close to him.

When did you decide that you would set up for yourself?

NB: Circumstances

in life make these things happen. The car industry has been my life since the day I could talk – when I was 13, I was answering the phone at dad’s dealership – and I established the company not only to help customers but also to give myself a purpose. I will say though, that I started the brokerage never thinking I would get this far!

How does your disability impact what you do?

NB: I’ve had Cerebral Palsy from birth and am unable to

“ THE HARDEST THING I LEARNT WAS BUILDING SELFCONFIDENCE – BEING ABLE TO TALK TO A STRANGER. PEOPLE FORGET THAT WHEN YOU SELL CARS CUSTOMERS ARE RESPONDING TO YOU. THEY WARM TO YOU, AND THAT’S IMPORTANT. ” walk. That is, obviously, quite difficult.

However, I remind myself what my parents instilled into me, and how they drove me and told me that life is what you make it. No one is going to give you a free lunch in this world.

I have had to push myself and the

hardest thing I learnt was building self-confidence – being able to talk to a stranger. People forget that when you sell cars, customers are responding to you.

They warm to you, and that’s important.

You must also have an in-depth understanding of what you’re selling, of course. My dad used to remind me that every morning I should get out in the yard and walk, or scoot, the stock. You should always know your stock and now I can even tell you the rego number of the last five cars I have sold!

You have a great deal of experience but have only recently established the company. What is it that will make it a success?

NB: I like to think I am doing things on a bit more of a personal level. I am a

November 2018 Motor Trader | 15

What are your plans for Burling Motor Group?

“I WOULD LOVE TO EXPAND NB: To work hard and expand into a proper AND, LIKE MY FATHER, dealership, look after my customers and ONE DAY BE THE DEALER staff and have a workplace that is a happy PRINCIPAL AND OWNER OF place to be!

I would love to expand too and, like my MY OWN DEALERSHIP. SO, IF father, one day be the dealer principal and THERE ARE ANY FRANCHISE owner of my own dealership. So, if there OPPORTUNITIES OUT THERE, are any franchise opportunities out there, MY NUMBER IS EASY TO FIND!” my number is easy to find! little bit slower because of my physical challenges but that means I take extra time to get things right, and perhaps that often gets forgotten when we make a purchase – whether it be a motor car or anything for that matter. It’s the personal touch, together with the knowledge and understanding that I have. I know I am not perfect and that I am at a disadvantage, but I make up for that in a way that makes it an advantage, and I think that is what makes people respond.

And you need to know your customers and be seen to be doing things the correct way. That’s why I have my licence number on the front of the building and is why I immediately became a member of MTA Queensland – it’s a recognised industry body that people respect, and they will respect the Burling Motor Group because of relationships like that.

16 | Motor Trader November 2018

What do you do with your spare time, if you have any?

NB: I love motorsport, it’s in my blood –

my godfather Paul Samuels built Wakefield Park back in the day. So, when Bathurst was on, I disconnected the phone and just enjoyed watching that for the weekend! Actually, being involved in motorsport in some way is a personal goal of mine.

And I like to connect with people. I have 17,000 connections on LinkedIn, hundreds on Facebook, and I also have a YouTube channel on which I do car reviews. I love cars and CLICK love talking about them TO VISIT but can’t drive them, so THE BURLING MOTOR GROUP the idea is to do a road WEBSITE test with a view from the passenger seat. I offer a bit of a point of difference!

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO MORE THAN 3000 PEOPLE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE MOTORING INDUSTRY (website or e-magazine options)

CLICK HERE FOR MEDIA GUIDE AND COSTS

Sebastien Ogier driving (perhaps flying) the Ford Fiesta WRC at the 2017 Rally Australia

F

ROM NOVEMBER 15-18, the picturesque countryside around Coffs Harbour in NSW will be the location for one of the great events on the Australian motorsport calendar as the World Rally Championship (WRC) comes to our shores.

The Kennards Hire Rally Australia is the final event of the WRC season and is set to be an absolute barnstormer - the race for the title has come down to the wire with 18 | Motor Trader November 2018

championship leaders Sebastien Ogier and co-driver Julien Ingrassia, in the M-Sport Ford Fiesta, leading Thierry Neuville and Nicolas Gilsoul, in a Hyundai i20 Coupe, by just three points. Ott Tanak and Martin Jarveoja are a further 20 points adrift in a Toyota Yaris.

It’s going to be a humdinger of a rally, but even if the race to the title wasn’t so tight, it would still be spectacular because there is something truly epic about top-

SOURCE: WRC.COM

M-SPORT FORD FIESTA WRC

ENGINE: IN-LINE FOUR CYLINDER, 1.6 LITRE, TURBO Power (max): 380hp (280kW) at 6,000 rpm Torque (max): 450 Nm at 5,500 rpm Transmission type: Four-wheel drive Gearbox: Six-speed sequential with hydraulic shift Differentials: Mechanical front and rear differentials with active centre differential Clutch: Multi disc clutch

T

HREE POINTS SEPARATE Sebastien Ogier and Thierry Neuville heading into the final round of the WRC championship at Kennards Hire Rally Australia.

With five consecutive world titles to his name, Ogier is one of rallying’s most successful drivers. That run of title wins started in 2013 when the Frenchman joined the VW Motorsport team driving the Polo R WRC. When VW withdrew from the WRC, Ogier moved over to the M-Sport team last year to drive the Ford Fiesta WRC. He was immediately successful, securing his fifth championship at the penultimate event of the season the Rally GB. Thierry Neuville is once again on the cusp of his maiden WRC title. He joined the main

Suspension: MacPherson struts with Reiger adjustable dampers Brakes Gravel: (front and rear): 300mm Brembo ventilated discs with Brembo four- piston monoblock calipers)\ Brakes Asphalt: (front and rear): 370mm/355mm Brembo ventilated discs with Brembo four-piston monoblock calipers Wheels: 8 x 18 inch for tarmac, 7 x 15 inch for gravel ; Michelin tyres

competition in 2012 - that year driving a Ford Fiesta RS WRC, before moving to drive for Hyundai and the i20 rally car. He has been runner-up three times.

After scoring three victories so far in 2018, Neuville will be looking to repeat his 2017 victory at Rally Australia and finally take the championship crown.

uv Sebastien Ogier and Thierry Ne

ille

November 2018 Motor Trader | 19

level rallying. and running 13 events, each in a different Unlike its race track-bound motorsport country. cousins, rallying is, arguably, For the first five years of the motorsport at its most raw – race championship, only manufacturers CLICK stages take place on surfaces were awarded titles as the event TO VISIT that range from dusty gravel to was seen very much as a battle of THE WRC WEBSITE slippery ice, from dirt to asphalt, the manufacturers and a testing and through the tight streets ground for new technology. of towns to narrow forest tracks It wasn’t until 1977 that a winning to roads that cling to the sides of driver was recognised, and that year mountains.

Italian Sandro Munari won the title, then It’s exhilarating to watch these incredibly known as the FIA Cup for Drivers, piloting nimble and powerful cars being driven at a Lancia Stratos HF. The manufacturer title their limit by drivers at the absolute top of went to Fiat. their game.

It was all great stuff. the drivers were And the cars really are something brilliant, the racing exhilarating and the else. While a Ford Fiesta, a Hyundai i20 cars were excellent - along with the Lancia and a Toyota Yaris are names that don’t Stratos HF, there was the Ford Escort necessarily sound like world-beating RS1800, the Fiat 131 Abarth, the Toyota speed machines, the truth is these rally Celica 2000GT, the Renault 5 and more. cars are works of genius. Tuned, tweaked However, as good as these cars were and worked to performance perfection, and as exciting as the racing was during they are pretty extraordinary - all the top the late ‘70s and very early ‘80s, there was WRC cars are four-wheel drive monsters a revolution just around the corner and powered by 1.6-litre, turbocharged, things were about to get very spicy indeed.

4-cylinder engines that pump out 380hp (280kW) and 400-450Nm of torque.

Potent stuff.

The mid-'80s has been called the 'golden era' of rallying, and that was all down to the Group B cars.

While rallying has been around for ‘Group B’ was a harmless and rather dull more than 100 years, the WRC was formed name for a category of rally cars that was in 1973, creating a championship from anything but - unless, that is, the ‘B’ stood some of the already established races for ‘bonkers’.

Why bonkers? Well, it basically boils VIDEO: TWO-TIME WRC CHAMPION WALTER ROHRL IN THE down to regulations, or rather the lack GROUP B AUDI QUATTRO thereof.

A reorganisation of rally car categories in the early '80s would see just four emerge – A, B, C and N – with Group B regulations, introduced in 1982, allowing manufacturers plenty of scope for modifications, with little restriction on power development or technology and requiring only 200 models be built for homologation purposes. Additionally, there was an ‘evolution’ clause that meant

GROUP B

A LITTLE HISTORY

20 | Motor Trader November 2018

GROUP B: AUDI QUATTRO ENGINE: 2.1-litre inline 5-cylinder, turbocharged POWER: 550hp+ DRIVE SYSTEM: Four-wheel drive 0-100km/h: Under 3 seconds

developments on a car would only have to see a further 20 cars be built to reflect that change. There were some further rules around engine displacement and weight – and the cars had to have at least two seats – but in many ways it was a technological free-for-all and the light was green for the creation of some truly jaw-dropping rally machines.

The manufacturers took a few months

to work out what exactly they could, and would, do, but from the 1983 season onward, the Group B category was the place to be, and it drew fans in their hundreds of thousands to line the stages to watch.

With few restrictions, Group B cars became lighter and more powerful as manufacturers looked to find the best mix of technologies that would work across the testing and varied conditions of the rally circuits, and by 1985 some true fire-breathing monsters had emerged cars that were called, in some quarters, Formula One cars in disguise.

They were often not the best-looking race cars – many would sport massive front and rear wings and awkward-looking vents designed to suck in cooling air to the engine – but they were at the cutting edge of motorsport design and engineering.

Manufacturers used kevlar, carbon fibre and plastic in the car bodies and once Audi November 2018 Motor Trader | 21

GROUP B: PEUGEOT 205 T16 ENGINE: 1.8-litre inline 4-cylinder, turbocharged POWER: 525hp (390kw) DRIVE SYSTEM: Four-wheel drive 0-100km/h: 3 seconds

had shown the possibilities of 4WD with the imposing Quattro, everyone followed suit. Soon, the power being generated and the speeds the cars could travel was becoming a little frightening.

In 1981, for example, the Audi Quattro A1 - a car rightly considered as one of the gems of rally history with its game-changing 4WD tech - boasted a 2.1-litre turbocharged, 5-cylinder engine 22 | Motor Trader November 2018

that was good for 320hp. In 1984, the championship-winning Quattro A2 was producing 360hp and doing 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds. By 1985, the S1 Quattro was banging out nearly 450hp, while the last Group B Quattro, the S1 E2, was cranking more than 550hp.

Engineers continued to work on upping the power and cutting weight and, in its final incarnation - with which Audi won the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in 1987 - the Quattro, with gargantuan wings front and back, was good for 600hp and a 0-100km/h time of less than three seconds.

And this was the story for Group B manufacturers building and developing their cars into mind-bogglingly powerful performance beasts.

Cars like the all-conquering Peugeot 205 T16, which monstered everybody in taking the manufacturers title in 1985 and 1986, and even the Metro 6R4 from Britain's Rover company. On the surface,

the 6R4 vaguely resembled a popular but very dull and not particularly fun-to-drive small city car (this writer should know as he owned one). However, that similarity was skin deep and the 1-litre, 44hp engine of the road-going version was somewhat overshadowed by the thundering 3-litre, V6, 410hp engine of its rallying cousin!

Another star of the era was Lancia, which developed the stunning Delta S4.

The company had enjoyed much rallying success in the '70s with its purpose-built Stratos HF, but replaced that venerable machine with the 037 for the inaugural 1982 Group B season.

The 037, powered by a 4-cylinder, supercharged, mid-mounted 2-litre engine, was good for 310hp but was only rear-wheel drive. It still managed to win the 1983 manufacturers title for Lancia under the guiding hands of drivers Markku Alen and Walter Rohrl but, when Audi snapped up the 1984 title with driver Stig

Blomqvist, it was clear that the 037's lack of four-wheel drive was a problem.

So Lancia went off to develop the Delta S4, a car that boasted a uniquely supercharged and turbocharged 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder engine. It was capable of a 0-100km/h time of under three seconds, and had 550hp on tap (if rumour were to be believed, an upgraded engine developed in 1986 delivered 750hp!).„

GROUP B: FORD RS200 ENGINE: 1.8-litre inline 4-cylinder, turbocharged POWER: 444hp (331kw) DRIVE SYSTEM: Four-wheel drive 0-100km/h: 3.2 seconds

November 2018 Motor Trader | 23

GROUP B: MG METRO 6R4 ENGINE: 3-litre V6, normally aspirated POWER: 410hp (306kW) DRIVE SYSTEM: Four-wheel drive 0-100km/h: 3.2 seconds TOP SPEED: 200km/h

In its first outing at the 1985 RAC Rally in Britain, the Delta S4 came in first and second, driven by the supremely talented Henri Toivonen, and Markku Alen respectively. The following year, Toivonen won the championship’s opening round at Monte Carlo and then . . . well, then, things started to go very wrong in the world of Group B. It was becoming clear by 1986 that the cars were becoming too powerful and too quick. The number of incidents and accidents were building up and the category had not only turbocharged the cars but the fan base too.

Spectators numbering in the thousands took absurd risks in an effort to get close to the action. Cars were being driven at full speed through crowds of people who had enroached on the track and who would part ways just in the nick of time.

Watching footage taken from the period is heart-stopping and the enthusiasm of 24 | Motor Trader November 2018

the spectators, and the ferociously quick cars, seemd like a recipe for disaster.

So it would prove.

In 1985, driver Attilio Bettega died after crashing at the Corsican Rally. That same year, former world champion Ari Vatanen, driving a Peugeot 205 T16, suffered life-threatening injuries after his car somersaulted and crashed off the road at over 120mph during the Argentina Rally.

At the Rally of Portugal in 1986, three people were killed and 30 injured when a Ford RS200 ran off the road at a corner massed with spectators and, two months later, at the Corsica Rally, Henri Toivonen and co-driver Sergio Cresto were killed in a colossal accident when their Delta S4 left the road, plunged down the side of a cliff and burst into flames.

Realisation finally set in that the whole enterprise was becoming too dangerous and the Group B category was banned by the end of the year.

and overall cost - became the standard.

Over the years, the regulations have continued to be changed and tweaked with the current World Rally Car regulations introduced in 2017.

Under those rules, the WRC cars fighting for the manufacturers' title are based on normal road-going equivalents and have 1.6-litre, fuel injection, turbocharged, four-cylinder engines with power output „

THE MODERN ERA Not surprisingly, following the ban of Group B cars - and indeed the proposed Group S that was expected to be launched in 1987 - rules and regulations were changed to reduce the dangers. Group A cars - production-derived vehicles limited in terms of power, weight, allowed technology

GROUP B: LANCIA DELTA S4 ENGINE: 1.8-litre, inline 4-cylinder, supercharged and turbocharged POWER: 550hp (410kw) DRIVE SYSTEM: Four-wheel drive 0-100km/h: Under 3 seconds

November 2018 Motor Trader | 25

Pic credit: Jeremy Rogers // Rally Australia

Thierry Neuville grabbing some air during a stage at the 2017 Rally Australia

restricted to about 380bhp. from Thierry Neuville, the race for that title There are other regulations too, around is as tight as they come. such areas as aerodynamics and overall The WRC of today then, is as good as weight, but the important bit is that the it has ever been. And the fans know it. In cars can clock 0-100km/h in less than four 2017, WRC events welcomed more than seconds and reach top speeds of more than four million spectators and recorded a TV 200km/h. Now that's quick! audience of more than 840 million across The current WRC cars are blindingly 155 markets. Social media numbers are good, the drivers are surely some of the also gigantic with millions of Facebook and best to ever get behind the wheel of a Youtube users. car, and the competition is fierce.

So, if you’ve got time, you’re in or around Championship leader Sebasten Coffs Harbour on November 15-18, CLICK Ogier, for example, is aiming and you're curious about what it's TO VISIT for his sixth straight title and, all about, do yourself a favour and THE as mentioned earlier, with just get along to one of the greatest RALLY AUSTRALIA WEBSITE three points separating him motorsport shows on the planet.

26 | Motor Trader November 2018

ANNUAL RE P O R T 2018 M O T O R T R A DE S A S S O C I AT IO N O F QUE E N S L A N D

The benchmark of industry standards.

NOW AVAILABLE TO READ ONLINE

T

HE 2018 MTA Queensland Annual Report is a comprehensive review of the work of the association over the past year. Now available to be viewed online, the document includes reports from the executive team covering membership services and advocacy, the training provided by the MTA Institute, and the work of the MTAiQ Innovation Hub. Also included are individual reports from the chairs of the 11 divisions within the association, and a full account of MTA Queensland’s financial position.

To access the 2018 MTA Queensland Annual Report and see how your association has been performing and working for you over the last 12 months, CLICK HERE.

MTAQ Racing

MTAQ RACE TEAM FULL STEAM AHEAD TO FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND AND 2019 THANKS MTAQ RACING TEAM

T

HE MTAQ RACING Team is in full swing preparing for the final event of the 2018 season - the 5th of the Queensland state championship and has been quietly working away to make improvements to strive towards the top of the podium.

"We have a few new things coming in on our suspension and brakes to step forward in that area of the car,: said team driver, David Wood. "We really haven't been that far away from that elusive win and this is more of the ‘evolution not revolution’ mantra we take and keeping pace with our competition in terms of development.

"The rate at which the cars are improving is staggering, and all of the teams are working and testing to get an advantage.

"Unfortunately, it has been an up and down year for us, and after effectively 28 | Motor Trader November 2018

dropping the first round with engine failure we aren't in the championship hunt. We are still entrenched in the top 10 in the standings, and on track to better our 10th place championship finish last year, but this is certainly not a true reflection of our position in the pecking order.

When we are hassle free, we have proven that we can race at the front in any field.

"The final round is about achieving the best result we can and trying some new components with an eye towards 2019.

It would be fantastic for us to finish off with a big result and build some momentum for the new season.

"Speaking of 2019, Excel racing is taking some huge steps as a category and there are a lot of exciting things in the pipeline which should be finalised very shortly. So, stay tuned!"

SPONSORS MTAQ RACING FOUNDATION PARTNER

MAJOR PARTNER

MAJOR PARTNER

OFFICIAL TOOL PARTNER

OFFICIAL INSURANCE PARTNER

SIGNAGE AND DESIGN PARTNER

OFFICIAL LUBRICANT PARTNER

OFFICIAL TYRE PARTNER

ENGINEERING AND INNOVATION PARTNER

An Eye on Innovation

KATHY WINKCUP CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER GENERAL MANAGER INNOVATION

I

T HAS BEEN another busy month for the MTAiQ team as we continue to reach out and collaborate with various organisations, attend events that further explore and expand the opportunities for Queensland and Australian businesses and entrepreneurs, and hold demonstrations and presentations at the MTAiQ hub on new and developing technologies.

Amongst the events the team have attended this past month was the Corporate Innovation Workshop at QUT; a 3D printing event, also at QUT, that focused on intellectual property and innovation; a social enterprise network forum; and a presentation on the emerging trends for 2019.

A particularly interesting event in October was a meet and greet in Brisbane for the Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund - a HK$1 billion fund that invests in companies with breakthrough businesses and technologies.

Alibaba is a Chinese multinational business specialising in e-commerce, retail, the internet and technology and their team discussed how the Entrepreneurs Fund works and explained its Jumpstarter program – an initiative that provides a platform for entrepreneurs and young people in Hong Kong. It is an

30 | Motor Trader November 2018

event focused on ‘showcasing quality start-ups and providing high-impact networking opportunities’ and also is a pitch competition. Excitingly, the Jumpstarter program’s pitch competition is taking place in January and Australian companies are welcome to participate. It is encouraging to see such prestigious and influential players in the innovation and start-up landscape recognise Australia and Queensland as having such potential.

At the beginning of this month, MTA Queensland was also present as a partner at the Something Digital festival in Brisbane.

Aimed to showcase ‘the great innovations, businesses and initiatives’ based in Queensland and Australia, the Something Digital event featured multiple keynote speakers, sessions on subjects including Blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, harnessing digital opportunities, and 5G communication tech, and involved all manner of businesses – from start-ups to traditional long-standing companies.

These types of events are critical for the continuing development of the digital and technological landscape in Queensland.

They are not only an opportunity for likeminded people to network, partner and collaborate on projects, but are a sign of the incredible vibrancy of the innovation ecosystem in our state and of its maturing nature. Queensland, and Brisbane in particular, are recognised internationally as locations where innovation is truly a dynamic enterprise.

MTA Queensland and the MTAiQ innovation hub are right in the thick of things, and our aim of providing the best opportunities for the automotive industry to adapt to and embrace the digital disruptions that are here and on their way, means we will continue to engage and

partner with individuals and organisations across the innovation landscape.

IN THE NEWS On the subject of that landscape, it continues to change as research and development - and an understanding that Australia has to move with the times - gathers pace. In the past few weeks, an autonomous vehicle demonstration has taken place in Adelaide, proving the capabilities of vehicle-to-everything technology to avert a collision at a city intersection; $9.7million is being invested by the federal government in establishing an Office of Future Transport Technologies to help prepare for the pending arrival of automated vehicles and other transport innovations; and a $5 million program to encourage high quality graduate engineers to work in Australia’s automotive sector has been launched – designed to provide a steady flow of qualified, job-ready engineers into the Australian automotive sector. This is on top of news from September that Holden will employ 150 engineers to work on global advanced vehicle development. Each month, announcements are made of new investments in projects across Australia.

It’s very encouraging!

a vast number of customers, and increase foot traffic and loyalty to their business.

The Refueler team recently scored a brilliant second place on the world stage at the Startup World Cup hosted by Fenox Venture Capital at the World Blockchain Summit in Dubai. The team were up against 14 other start-up businesses from around the world and the result proves the Refueler app is a truly fantastic concept.

Congratulations to the Refueler team!

I mention this achievement not only because it deserves to be applauded but because it highlights just how well the Refueler idea has been received and the opportunities that many acknowledge it offers to the consumer and to business.

Part of what we do at MTAiQ is expose MTA Queensland members to these opportunities and I urge you to keep an eye on the association’s Facebook page, our website, and the weekly industry bulletins that are emailed to you, for details on upcoming events being held at which we will demonstrate exciting new concepts and products.

FINALLY

Over the past few months, it has become clear there are amazingly talented people out there with tremendous ideas about how technology can be harnessed to improve their business or our industry.

OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND AS TECH EVOLVES For those of you who think they have You will have read in previous editions just such an idea, MTAiQ is here to help! of Motor Trader about Refueler - a You just have to contact us! As Englishman technology, in the form of a smartphone William Pollard once remarked: “Without app, that enables consumers to prechange there is no innovation, creativity purchase fuel online from a participating or incentive for improvement. Those who service station of their choosing initiate change will have a better when it is at the low end of the opportunity to manage the change CLICK price cycle, and which also helps that is inevitable.”

TO SUBMIT service stations, particularly YOUR IDEA We look forward to hearing independents, to be a part of TO MTAIQ from you. Until next month. the digital environment, reach November 2018 Motor Trader | 31

Auto innovation news

MTAQ PARTNERS WITH RMIT ONLINE TO DELIVER CUTTINGEDGE TECH COURSES

A

S NEW TECHNOLOGY and concepts become ever more commonplace within the automotive industry, it has never been more vital for businesses to keep up to speed with developments.

The disruptive technology that is already here and just around the corner is something altogether different to the gradual advances in traditional technology with which we are familiar, and the understanding of concepts such as artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles will be extremely useful additions to the toolbox of any business, or indeed any individual, looking to take advantage of the opportunities the technological evolution will unleash.

To provide members with the knowledge and training to make the most of these opportunities, MTA Queensland has partnered with RMIT Online - the online 32 | Motor Trader November 2018

“PEOPLE ARE LOOKING

FOR ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO CONTINUALLY UPSKILL AND RESKILL SO THEY CAN GET TO THE NEXT STAGE OF THEIR CAREER OR CONTINUE TO PROSPER IN THEIR EXISTING ROLE THAT IS UNDERGOING HUGE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION.” learning arm of world-renowned RMIT University - to offer short courses in a range of cutting-edge disciplines. These include Developing VR and AR Strategy, Developing AI Strategy, Artificial Intelligence in Marketing, and Introduction to Self-Driving Cars, amongst others.

Together, the courses offer a wonderful opportunity to get an early insight and

understanding of some of the technologies The short courses are devised with that will become such an integral part of input from industry and are delivered the automotive industry. fully online, enabling people to complete The courses are part of RMIT Online’s necessary work outside of business hours Future Skills portfolio - short courses and with a minimum of disruption to built in partnership with industry that their regular lives. That delivery has also are focused on developing the skills of been designed to be as inclusive and as those already in the workplace and that collaborative as possible with experts and are delivered in a manner that does not mentors from industry delivering tutorials, involve participants putting work or life Q&A sessions and one-on-one support. commitments on hold.

“You do get a cohort experience,” said “We are in a time of exponential Mr Hylands. “You go into your course with technological change and the things other people starting at the same time and people were learning at university even you receive feedback on your work from just a couple of years ago are no longer industry experts who also deliver weekly necessarily keeping pace with the skills tutorials or live Q&As. That means you that are in demand in the market today,” have the opportunity to interact in a facesaid Jack Hylands, GM of strategy and new to-face manner, as well as have one-on-one product at RMIT Online. mentor sessions and drop-in classes. So, “People are looking for alternative ways although the courses are online, you are to continually upskill and reskill so they getting much more of that personalised can get to the next stage of their career experience and the opportunity to engage or continue to prosper in their existing with peers and experts.” role that is undergoing huge digital While all the courses give important transformation. We therefore focus CLICK lessons on what is needed FOR MORE on areas that align with skills to navigate the future work INFO ON COURSES gaps in the market – skills that environment, the Introduction AVAILABLE THROUGH MTAQ industry and individuals want to Self-Driving Cars course is and that we can supply in order to particularly intriguing. help them be more successful.”

Developed by Udacity – November 2018 Motor Trader | 33

Auto innovation news a world-leading technology education “THE FUTURE DEPENDS ON provider – it delves into one of the most COLLABORATION, AND THE exciting areas of the automotive VENTURE BETWEEN MTA industry’s future.

“If you look at the autonomous vehicles QUEENSLAND AND RMIT movement in Australia, we are now seeing ONLINE IS A GREAT EXAMPLE a huge demand from companies such as OF LEADING INNOVATION IN Bosch and Holden to hire people with THE SPACE OF EDUCATION these skills,” said Mr Hylands. “However, there hasn’t been the educational offerings AND BUSINESS.” in the local ecosystem to help make these aligned with us and with whom we could connections. identify mentors and experts to give “Udacity have really been on the front students the extra value we are trying foot with some of the most exciting to provide.” developments of recent years - be it For its part, MTA Queensland is excited self-driving cars, flying cars, robotics to be able to partner with RMIT Online engineering, or artificial intelligence and help deliver such important learning programs,” he added. “Some of these opportunities. It is part of the association’s experiences include using full virtual 3D ongoing efforts to assist members to environments with datasets where you can put code into your vehicle to see how embrace and adapt to the evolution of the effectively it operates on the road with automotive industry. other vehicles and pedestrians. These are “The future depends on collaboration, skills that Australia needs and that are and the venture between MTA Queensland in demand and is why we partnered with and RMIT Online is a great example Udacity to bring the best of those of leading innovation in the space of courses here.” education and business,” said Dr Brett RMIT Online’s desire to work with Dale, CEO of MTA Queensland. “The industry in developing and delivering their technology covered in the courses is courses brought them into contact with the first of its kind in Australia. We will MTA Queensland, and that relationship provide the industry context, relevance will see Nathan Luu Nguyen, MTAiQ and mentoring and our partners at RMIT Community Manager, and co-founder Online will provide the content that will of NXG3N Robotics and the Pegasus inform innovators on emerging technology Flying Car project, be a mentor on the that will disrupt our industry.

Introduction to Self-Driving Cars course.

“Academia and industry can achieve great “When we were looking to bring these things collectively and this is an excellent courses to Australia, we were looking example of how they can deliver the latest to see where the green shoots of this in skills and knowledge to those who are ecosystem were – to see where the eager to lead industry in the future.” companies and organisations doing CLICK TO RMIT Online and MTA Queensland are really exciting things were,” said VISIT THE offering a variety of future skills courses Mr Hylands. “MTA Queensland RMIT ONLINE to association members at a discount. For was identified very quickly as an FUTURE SKILLS WEBSITE organisation that very strongly more information, visit mtaq.com.au 34 | Motor Trader November 2018

Auto innovation news

HYUNDAI INVESTS IN HUMAN INTUITION SOFTWARE

H

YUNDAI CRADLE, HYUNDAI Motor Company’s corporate venturing and open innovation business, has announced it is investing in Perceptive Automata to develop artificial intelligence software for self-driving cars and automated systems.

Perceptive Automata, a U.S. start-up, has been working to develop predictive technology that enables automated vehicles to make rapid judgments about the intentions and awareness of people on the street. The core technology takes sensor data from vehicles that show interactions with people and uses that data to train deep learning models to interpret human behavior the way people do. The end result, Hyundai says, is sophisticated AI software that can be integrated into autonomous driving systems. With the software installed, autonomous vehicles can anticipate what pedestrians, cyclists and motorists might do next.

Perceptive Automata’s software is particularly useful if a pedestrian begins to cross the street but sees the approaching autonomous car and decides to stop

and ‘wave’ it on. In this situation, an autonomous vehicle without the software would stop and wait, even though the pedestrian has no intention to cross.

Perceptive Automata says its software can read the pedestrian’s intent and pass this information to the autonomous system’s decision-making module.

“One of the biggest hurdles facing autonomous vehicles is the inability to interpret the critical visual cues about human behavior that human drivers can effortlessly process,” said John Suh, vice president of Hyundai CRADLE. “Perceptive Automata is giving the AV industry the tools to deploy autonomous vehicles that understand more like humans, creating a safer and smoother driving experience.”

November 2018 Motor Trader | 35

Auto innovation news

HONDA DEMONSTRATES NEW ‘SMART INTERSECTION’ TECHNOLOGY

H

ONDA HAS HELD a demonstration of its ‘Smart Intersection’ technology for vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication.

Developed in partnership with the U.S. City of Marysville in Ohio as part of the 33 Smart Mobility Corridor project, the pilot project seeks to address the limitations of on-board vehicle sensors in addressing traffic collisions at roadway intersections.

Intersection collisions account for roughly 40 per cent of all collisions and 20 per cent of the nearly 35,000 traffic-related deaths that occur in the U.S. each year.

The ‘Smart Intersection’ technology, utilising Honda’s proprietary object recognition software in 36 | Motor Trader November 2018

conjunction with intersection-mounted cameras and V2X communications, allows cars to virtually see through and around buildings and walls in virtually all weather conditions to help identify and alert drivers to otherwise hidden hazards.

Four cameras mounted above the

MERCEDES-BENZ STARTS CONSTRUCTION OF BATTERY FACTORY NEXT TO U.S. VEHICLE PLANT

traffic lights at each corner of the intersection capture bird’s-eye-view video of surrounding vehicles and pedestrian traffic out to a 90m range. Honda’s proprietary image processing software then creates a 360-degree image of the intersection that classifies vehicles and other moving objects, such as pedestrians, motorcycles and emergency vehicles, and broadcasts pertinent information to surrounding vehicles via a dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) signal.

Each connected vehicle’s on-board computer decodes the information and, when necessary, provides both visible and audible alerts to the driver, supporting them to take corrective action.

“Honda believes that V2X technology is an essential component of a smarter and safer transportation ecosystem and can play a role in our dream for a zerocollision society,” said Ted Klaus, vice president of strategic research at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. “By partnering with the City of Marysville and the State of Ohio, we believe this research will give us a better understanding of how V2X technologies can be further advanced and most effectively deployed for the benefit of all road users.”

MERCEDES-BENZ HAS held a groundbreaking ceremony for the start of construction of a new battery factory to be built next to its MercedesBenz GLE vehicle production plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The plant is set to provide batteries for future electric SUV under the Mercedes-Benz EQ brand.

More than $6 billion has been invested in the Tuscaloosa plant since 1995 and Mercedes says its additional $1 billion investment will help expand its industrial footprint in the region, most of which is slated for the electric initiative. It is expected that, once completed, these investments will create more than 600 additional jobs.

The new battery facility near the Tuscaloosa plant is part of a global battery production network of in total eight factories in Kamenz, (Germany), Stuttgart-Untertürkheim (Germany), Sindelfingen (Germany), Beijing (China), Bangkok (Thailand) and Tuscaloosa (USA). Mercedes-Benz says its worldwide network of battery factories allows the company to react flexibly and efficiently to market demands and requirements.

The different sites supply local vehicle production and are ready to export batteries, if required. Mercedes-Benz Cars will offer at least one electrified vehicle in each model series by 2022 totaling up to more than 130 models.

Mercedes-Benz is about to start the production of electric passenger cars as part of its worldwide electric initiative.

This includes the production of an all-electric SUV in the U.S. November 2018 Motor Trader | 37

SHEDDING LIGHT ON CORDLESS LIGHTING SP’S HIGH PERFORMANCE, QUALITY LIGHTING SOLUTIONS SP’s cordless range of quality work lights are manufactured to the highest standards to suit the needs of the professional and are built to last. The full product range covers a number of lighting needs from small and compact hand-held work lights all the way up to ultra bright flood lighting. SP is constantly pushing the boundaries of LED and battery technology to bring you cutting edge work lights that will ensure you always have the most reliable, best performing tools on the market. Longer run time, brighter lighting and innovative design is at the core of the SP cordless lighting range.

The innovation of today’s modern work lights have come a long way from the wire caged incandescent bulb on a lead.

The most common types of lights used today are LED (light-emitting diodes) and date back to the early 1960’s.

However, for decades LED’s didn’t have much practical application due to their manufacturing cost but as technology grows and steps forward with the introduction of SMD and COB, LED manufacturing has become more cost effective, extremely practical, use less energy and best of all, last 25 times longer.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SMD AND COB LIGHTING AND HOW IS LIGHT MEASURED? SMD, or “Surface Mounted Device” LEDs, are the most common LEDs on the market. The LED chip is permanently fused to a printed circuit board, and is highly popular due to its versatility.

You can find it in light bulbs, string lights and even in the notification light on your mobile phone. SMD chips are small, almost close to the design of the flat, square computer chip.

One of the most distinct features of SMD LED chips is the number of contacts and diodes they have. SMD LED chips can have more than just two contacts. There can be up to 3 diodes on a single chip, with each diode having an individual circuit.

Each circuit would have one cathode and one anode, leading to 2, 4 or 6 contacts in a chip.

This configuration is the reason why SMD chips are more versatile (comparing SMD vs COB). The chip can include a red, green, and blue diode and can virtually create any colour simply by adjusting the output level.

SMD chips are also known to be bright and can produce 50 to 100 lumens per watt.

One of the most recent developments in LED is COB or “Chip on Board” technology and is a giant step forward towards more efficient energy use.

Like SMD, COB chips also have multiple diodes on the same surface but the difference is that COB LEDs have more diodes.

COB chips typically have 9 or more diodes and only have 1 circuit and 2 contacts, regardless of the number of the diodes. This simple circuit design is the reason for the panel-like appearance of COB LED light (SMD light, on the other hand, appears like a collection of smaller lights).

But unlike SMD, COB LED lights can’t be used to create colour changing bulbs or lights (because there are only 2 contacts and 1 circuit). Multiple channels for adjustment are required to create the colour changing effect, thus making COB LED lights efficient in single-colour applications only.

In the past, heavy duty spot lights and flood lights made with LED’s were impractical due to the fact that you’d need multiple LED sources to produce that kind of high lumen output, but now, COB chips can produce a large amount of lumens with less energy and can be found in all kinds of bulbs and applications, such as the flash of your mobile phone or the work lights and flood lights in the SP Tools range.

MEASURING LED LIGHT In simple terms, Lumens (lm) are a measure of the total amount of visible light to the human eye from a lamp or light source.

The higher the lumen rating the “brighter” the lamp will appear.

A 23w spiral compact fluorescent lamp emits about 1,400– 1,600lm. Many compact fluorescent lamps and other alternative light sources are labelled as being equivalent to an incandescent bulb with a specific wattage. The table below shows typical luminous flux for common incandescent bulbs and their equivalents.

Minimum light output (lumens)

Electrical power consumption (watts) Incandescent Compact LED (non halogen) fluorescent

Another aspect of comparing COB vs SMD LED Lights is in the use of energy. COB is known for better lumen-per-watt ratios and heat efficiency. This has a lot to do with the design of COB LEDs, and the cooling ceramic plate the chips lie on.

200lm

25w

3-5w

3w

450lm

40w

9-11w

5-8w

800lm

60w

13-15w

8-12w

COB LED’s range is higher with a minimum of 80 lumens per watt.

1100lm

75w

18-20w

10-16w

1600lm

100w

24-28w

14-17w

2400lm

150w

30-52w

24-30w

3100lm

200w

49-75w

32w

4000lm

300w

75-100w

40.5w

SP WIRELESS CHARGE LIGHTING One of SP’s latest innovative breakthroughs is the incorporation of new wireless charging technology into the work light platform.

No longer do you have to plug your work light into a charger over night. The new pad style charger allows you to simply place the work light on the charging pad and the charging process instantly begins. Magnetic zones on the front of the charging pads firmly hold the work lights in place at any angle, while the heavy duty rear magnets allow for the charging pad to be instantly mounted onto any magnetic surface such as a steel tool box or work top.

The chargers are not only compatible with SP work lights but also the latest Android & iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods, tablets and more.

SP offers a choice of two models, firstly a work light/torch with a single zone charger pad (SP81496) or the dual work light/torch and compact pocket work light/torch with a dual zone charger pad twin pack (SP81499).

SMD LED WORK LIGHT & TORCH • Ultra Bright 5w SMD LED Work light: 500 Lumen • High Power LED Torch/Top Light: 150 Lumen • Adjustable Dimmer Work light: 500 to 75 Lumens • Flexible Magnetic Base • 180° Fold Out Hook • Battery: 3.7v 2600mAH • Charging Time: 4.5 Hours

LUMENS

500 150 WORK LIGHT

TORCH

LUMENS

300 100 WORK LIGHT

TORCH

POCKET WORK LIGHT & TORCH • Ultra Bright 5w SMD LED Work light: 300 Lumen • High Power LED Torch/Top Light: 100 Lumen • Adjustable Dimmer Work light: 300 to 30 Lumens • Flexible Magnetic Base • 180° Fold Out Hook • Battery: 3.7v 1200mAH • Charging Time: 2.5 Hours

SP CORDLESS FLOOD LIGHTING

LUMENS

1000 500 SETTING 1

4 MINI COB LED OPTICAL LENS FLOOD LIGHTS WITH TRIPOD KIT MINI COB LED OPTICAL LENS FLOOD LIGHT - SINGLE

• High power 10w COB LED light • Multifunctional work lamp • 2 brightness settings: 1000lm & 500lm • 3 to 6 hour run time • Compact “pocket” size • Includes 180° rotatable magnetic bracket P/N: SP81482

Includes 4 cordless flood lights & 1 adjustable tripod P/N: SP81489

• Rechargeable micro USB system • IP65 – Resistant to water and dust infiltration • Universal clip secured by M8 connector • Battery charge indicator • Includes 12v car charger adaptor

SETTING 2

SP cordless flood lighting is an essential part of the mobile mechanics tool box. Extremely powerful illumination of up to 1000lm per flood light, these versatile rechargeable mini COB LED optical lensed flood lights will turn night into day and are ideal for applications where power is limited.

The multifunction switch allows you to adjust the light to suit your needs to either half (500lm) or full power output (1000lm) and boasts and impressive 3 to 6 hour run time.

The light includes a built-in 180° rotatable powerful magnetic bracket for fast mounting to any steel surface as well as a removable universal clamp which securely grips to a variety of objects such as doors, benches, ladders etc.

These lights are available separately or in a kit which includes a lightweight, portable tripod, that will easily hold up to 4 lights and adjust from 950mm to 2000mm in height.

Car charger (12v) adaptor included.

SP UNDER BONNET LIGHTING Get a clear view in dark engine compartments with SP’s Premium under Bonnet Cordless SMD LED Work light. Extremely bright and powerful illumination of up to 1000lm light, this work light will allow you to inspect and work in a vehicles engine bay with ease. The light features a diffused lens for softer lighting and reduced shadow with a massive 120° wide, low heat emission light spread.

360° swivel capability for flexible light positioning and extendible for applications between 1150mm and 1800mm, makes this work light a mechanics must-have.

The multifunction switch allows you to adjust the light to suit your needs to either half (500lm) or full power output (1000lm) and boasts and impressive 3 to 6 hour run time.

360° SWIVEL LIGHT

LUMENS

1000 500 SETTING 1

SETTING 2

EXTENDIBLE TO 1.8m • High Power SMD LED Work light • Low Power consumption with low heat emission • Extendible for applications between 1150 and 1800mm • Brightness control - 2 settings • 360° Swivel light for flexible light positioning • Wide 120° light spread • Diffused lens for softer lighting and reduced shadow • Constructed from high grade aluminium • Soft padded bonnet hooks

PREMIUM UNDER BONNET CORDLESS SMD LED WORK LIGHT

SP WORK LIGHT/FLASHLIGHTS Taking advantage of the latest high performance LED technology, the SP range of rechargeable work lights provide extremely powerful light output in both the main work light and the flashlight and feature ergonomic user friendly grips with built-in magnetic bases and flexible heads to offer a diverse range of motion to ensure you always have light where you need it and in any application.

The larger models also include a handy fold out hook to ensure you obtain complete flexibility even when a magnetic surface isn’t available.

COB LED POCKET PEN TORCH/WORK LIGHT

SMD LED SUPER BRILLIANT MAGBASE WORK LIGHT/TORCH

P/N: SP81443

P/N: SP81456

• Bright COB LED Work light - 200Lm • High Power LED Torch - 90lm • Pivoting Mag-Base - 180 ° • Swivelling Magnetic Pocket Clip • Rechargeable Lithium-ion • Micro USB Charging System

• Bright SMD LED Work light - 350Lm • Powerful LED Torch - 80lm • Rechargeable Lithium-ion • Includes AC Charger and 12V Car Charger • Pivoting Magnetic Base to 180° • 2x 180° fold out hooks

LUMENS

200 90 WORK LIGHT

TORCH

180° PIVOTING BASE

FULL RANGE AVAILABLE AT

• Battery Level and Charge Indicator • Dust & Water Resistant - IP65 • Impact Resistant - IK08 • Rechargeable • Battery Level and Charge Indicator • Micro USB Charging System • Battery: 3.7v 4400mAH • Battery Type: Lithium-ion • Charging Time: 5 Hours

SLIMLINE COB LED WORK LIGHT & TORCH P/N: SP81444 • Ultra bright COB LED work light - 600Lumin • High power LED torch/top light - 120Lumin • Adjustable dimmer switch work light • 360° swivel ball joint magnetic base • Base tilt to 45° • 180° fold out hook • Rechargeable Lithium-ion

SLIMLINE HEAD FOR HARD TO REACH AREAS

LUMENS

350 80 WORK LIGHT

TORCH

180° PIVOTING BASE

SPTOOLS.COM

LUMENS

360° SWIVEL BASE

600 120 WORK LIGHT

TORCH

Auto innovation news

HONDA JOINS WITH CRUISE AND GM TO BUILD NEW AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE

C

RUISE AND GENERAL Motors have announced they have joined forces with Honda to fund and develop a purpose-built autonomous vehicle that can serve a wide variety of use cases and be manufactured at high volume for global deployment. In addition, Cruise, General Motors and Honda will explore global opportunities for commercial deployment of the Cruise network.

Honda will contribute approximately $2 billion over 12 years to these initiatives, which, together with a $750 million equity investment in Cruise, brings its total commitment to the project to $2.75 billion.

In addition to the recently announced SoftBank investments, this transaction VIDEO: THE CRUISE AV SELF-DRIVING CAR

40 | Motor Trader November 2018

brings the valuation of Cruise to $14.6 billion.

“This is the logical next step in General Motors and Honda’s relationship, given our joint work on electric vehicles, and our close integration with Cruise,” said Mary Barra, General Motors Chairman and CEO. “Together, we can provide Cruise with the world’s best design, engineering and manufacturing expertise, and global reach to establish them as the leader in autonomous vehicle technology – while they move to deploy self-driving vehicles at scale.”

The Zapp i300 ba tteries can be romoved fo r charging

BRITISH BRAND ZAPP UNVEILS FULLY ELECTRIC I300 SCOOTER

Z

APP, A NEW scooter manufacturer means to slow down in heavy traffic headquartered in the UK, has increases the longevity of the scooter’s unveiled the i300 – a fully electric, brakes and reduces another issue high-performance scooter. particulates pollution.

The Zapp i300 is powered by a pair of The Zapp is fitted with a 140/60 ultra lightweight lithium-ion batteries and a low-profile nitrogen-filled rear tyre that maintenance-free, air-cooled interior the company says ensures an effective permanent magnet electric motor. The deployment of the available torque i300’s 14kW motor produces 587Nm from standstill. Front brakes feature a of torque at the rear wheel which, the cross-drilled vented full-floating disc, company says, is combined with a four-piston calliper and ABS to provide lightweight construction of 90kg, meaning stopping power. a 0-30mph (48km/h) time of less than 2.4 The scooter is fitted with progressiveseconds. Top speed is limited to 60mph rate gas-filled upside-down front forks (97km/h) and range tops out at 60km. with a rear coilover pushrod and mono The easy-to-transport batteries enable rear swing arm suspension inspired owners to charge by simply removing by superbikes. the battery and plugging it into any Zapp says the i300 can be configured to household socket. match any taste or style. Individuality is To give users extra range on encouraged during the build process the go, the Zapp i300 includes of every scooter, with a choice of CLICK TO rider-selectable ‘regenerative colours, comprehensive suite VISIT THE ZAPP braking’, which returns energy of carbon fibre components, WEBSITE when the rider shuts the different seating options and throttle. Using the regenerative other useful storage and sporting braking system as the primary accessories.

November 2018 Motor Trader | 41

Auto innovation news

Nissan LEAF

NISSAN AUSTRALIA TO ELECTRIFY A THIRD OF ITS VOLUME

N

ISSAN HAS ANNOUNCED that overe the next few years, one third of its Australian volume will include electric technology. Led by the launch of the new Nissan LEAF, the company says it is preparing for the expected spike in electrification and electric vehicle interest and sales.

“Electrified vehicles will represent a third of Nissan volume in Australia during our mid-term plan,” said Stephen Lester, Nissan Australia managing director. “By introducing more electric alternatives on several of our key models, we will make mass market electrification a reality.

“I have no doubt electric vehicles will be a success here, and sooner than many think. Nissan is planning for this now to ensure we meet the future needs of the buyer.”

Further to this, Nissan announced that the deliveries of the new generation Nissan LEAF will begin in mid-2019, and that the Australian-spec model will feature e-Pedal,

42 | Motor Trader November 2018

VIDEO: NISSAN LEAF 2018

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The new LEAF will also provide an expected real-world driving range of up to 270km per charge thanks, in part, to the larger 40kWh battery.

“The new Nissan LEAF has the ability to transform the way we drive and live,” said Lester. “The increase in power and particularly torque make this vehicle a lot of fun to drive, surprising many who get to experience it.

“A larger 40 kilowatt-hour battery will keep the LEAF on the road for longer and

THE MAZDA ROTARY ENGINE SET TO RETURN AS ELECTRIC VEHICLE RANGE-EXTENDER

with bi-directional charging capabilities, you could feed charge from the car to power your home.”

Nissan says it will have the largest EV sales network in Australia, supported by EV installation experts JET Charge.

JET Charge is Nissan’s preferred charger installer at Nissan Dealerships, and for customers is able to fit out homes with charging equipment nationally.

“With more and more choice available, Australians are embracing electric vehicles, sales are going to grow, and Nissan is prepared for this growth,” said Lester. “This means that the Dealership has the expertise and infrastructure in place to charge and service a LEAF, is stocked with spare parts and accessories, and they have trained sales staff and service technicians.

“We also have the relationship with JET Charge who will support LEAF owners with charging infrastructure at their homes."

The new Nissan LEAF has an improved 110kW or power – up 38 per cent versus the outgoing model – and 320Nm of torque, an increase of 14 per cent.

Charging times, depending on the charging connection, range between 24 hours to a less than 60-minute fast charge.

MAZDA WILL LAUNCH its first Electric Vehicles (EV) in 2020 as part of its 'Sustainable ZoomZoom 2030' long-term technology development program.

The company says it will initially launch two battery EVs - one powered solely by battery, the other pairing a battery with Mazda's small, lightweight rotary engine as a rangeextender.

The range-extender will recharge the battery when necessary to increase the vehicle's driving range.

Mazda says the rotary engine's small size and high power output make multiple electrification technology solutions possible via a shared packaging layout.

Taking advantage of the rotary engine’s compatibility with gaseous fuels, the rotary-powered range extender is designed to also burn liquefied petroleum gas and provide a source of electricity in emergencies.

Expecting that internal combustion engines combined with some form of electrification will account for 95 per cent of the vehicles it produces in 2030 (with battery electric vehicles accounting for the remaining 5 per cent), Mazda says it will continue to focus on maximising the efficiency of the internal combustion engine, as exemplified by its new, newgeneration SKYACTIV-X petrol engine, which combusts through compression ignition.

November 2018 Motor Trader | 43

Auto innovation news

AUSTRALIA OFFICE OF FUTURE TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIES REVEALED

T

HE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT is investing $9.7million in establishing an Office of Future Transport Technologies to help prepare for the pending arrival of automated vehicles and other transport innovations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the new Office would enhance the Federal Government’s strategic leadership role, to coordinate more cohesively with other governments and agencies to implement future transport technologies in Australia more successfully and responsibly.

He said the development and uptake of automated vehicle technologies and associated applications would also be managed with a continued focus on improving transport and road safety outcomes.

Mr McCormack said Australian

44 | Motor Trader November 2018

governments and industry needed to collaborate effectively in order to develop the right policy, regulation and infrastructure, to adapt to future technology use.

“Getting Australians home sooner and safer is a core focus of our government and the emergence of automated vehicles represents a significant opportunity to realise safety and productivity benefits while supporting Australian industry and innovation,” he said.

“The Australian future transport and mobility industry is expected generate more than $16 billion in revenue by 2025.

“While representing an emerging business opportunity for the national economy, these technologies also have great potential to reduce the $27 billion cost of road crashes in Australia each year.

“These advances can also help to reduce the significant social impacts that road

“. . . THE EMERGENCE OF AUTOMATED VEHICLES REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY TO REALISE SAFETY AND PRODUCTIVITY BENEFITS WHILE SUPPORTING AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRY AND INNOVATION.” deaths and injuries have on families and the wider community.”

Mr McCormack said he wanted to ensure these new technologies are deployed in a manner which improves safety, productivity and liveability for Australians.

“The establishment of an Office of Future Transport Technologies within my Department will enable the Australian Government to work with industry and State and Territory Governments to ensure Australia is ready for the challenges and

opportunities ahead,” he said.

“I expect the Office to collaborate across governments to ensure automated vehicles are safe, to consider future infrastructure needs, to make sure cyber security safeguards are in place, and to support Australian businesses in taking advantage of new commercial opportunities.

“This new Australian Government $9.7 million investment will ensure the regulatory settings are workable and nationally consistent, that they fit with emerging United Nations regulatory developments and are consistent with related Commonwealth policies and laws; including those relating to privacy and data use.

“While some of this work has already started, we will see the Office of Future Transport Technologies ramping up over the next few months to coordinate Australia’s responses to the challenges ahead.”

TYRE RETAILERS — IMPORTANT COMPLIANCE INFORMATION Do you engage a separate company to transport your tyres?

You must make sure you follow these steps to avoid potential compliance action.

1. Make sure the individual or company that you engage holds an appropriate environmental authority or licence for transporting your tyres.

2. You must record and submit to the Department of Environment and Science specific information relating to each instance of tyre transportation. There are a number of different options available for completing this waste tracking information.

For more information relating to waste tyre transportation in Queensland, including details about waste tracking, please contact the Department of Environment and Science on 1300 130 372 (option 4) or visit the department’s Management of Regulated Waste web page.

November 2018 Motor Trader | 45

Auto innovation news

NEW HYUNDAI NEXO ACHIEVES FIVE-STAR RATING IN EURO NCAP TESTING

H

YUNDAI HAS RECEIVED the maximum five-star overall rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), the independent vehicle assessment organisation, for the new NEXO. Hyundai’s second-generation fuel cell electric vehicle demonstrated high active and passive safety in all four Euro NCAP rating categories. It is the first fuel cell electric vehicle to be awarded the five-star overall rating by Euro NCAP. To comply with the required safety standards, Hyundai says the NEXO features the latest Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driving assistance technologies. They help to significantly lower the risk of collisions and increase comfort on board.

Hyundai says that the Forward CollisionAvoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection was rigorously tested. This system is one of the many advanced active safety features, alerting drivers to emergency situations and braking Hyundai NEXO

46 | Motor Trader November 2018

VIDEO: THE HYUNDAI NEXO

automatically if required. Using front radar and camera sensors, FCA operates in three stages. Warning the driver visually and acoustically, it controls the brakes according to the collision danger level and applies maximum braking force to avoid a collision or minimise damage when a collision is unavoidable.

The Lane Keeping Assist system also received a top-rating. It is enhanced by the standard-fit Lane Following Assist, which keeps the car in the middle of the lane and alerts the driver in case of any unsafe movements at a speed from 0 to 150 km/h.

The new NEXO is on sale now in Europe.

Auto innovation news

SKODA GOES DIGITAL WITH NEW VIRTUAL COCKPIT OPTION

S

KODA IS INTRODUCING a new, fully programmable digital instrument panel to its Karoq, Octavia, Superb and Kodiaq ranges - giving customers the option to replace traditional analogue dials and gauges with a highdefinition electronic display. The Virtual Cockpit advanced display technology has, until now, been reserved for luxury models.

Virtual Cockpit is an advanced digital display that takes the place of traditional dials, gauges and sub-screens. At the heart of the system is a super-sharp TFT display that has been designed for 3D impression graphics and exceptional clarity.

Drivers can customise the layout of the screen to suit their tastes and journey requirements. In total, five different basic layouts are available.

The classic layout presents both the tachometer and the speedometer as round instruments to the right and left of the display. The extended layout has a main display covering the entire width of the

panel. Above and below, there is still space for small digital displays - for instance, for the current speed, gear recommendation, traffic sign recognition, distance remaining, distance to the next turn on the programmed route or the distance remaining to the destination.

The layout has a large display in the centre, which can show the navigation map, amongst other things. Additional information can be placed to the left, right, and above the map.

The basic layout shows two large displays – such as the current speed and the distance remaining. Additional basic information can be displayed at the top and bottom of the display. If the route guidance is activated, the navigation arrow will be displayed in the centre.

The sports layout shows a single, centralised, large dial containing the speedometer and rev counter, with space for additional customisable information to be placed at either side of the dial.

November 2018 Motor Trader | 47

Auto innovation news

Polestar 1

FIRST POLESTAR 1 PROTOTYPE CARS START PRODUCTION

M

OMENTUM IN THE development of the Polestar 1 has increased with the production of the first series of road-going verification prototype (VP) cars in Sweden. Produced for a number of purposes - including crash tests, weather testing and on-road assessment - the VP cars form the first fleet of Polestar 1 cars on the road.

The Polestar 1 is a two-door, 2+2 seat Grand Tourer Coupé with an ‘Electric Performance Hybrid’ drivetrain. An electric car supported by an internal combustion engine, it has a range of 150kms on pure electric power alone while its output of 600hp and 1000Nm of torque places it in the performance car segment.

Construction of the cars takes place in a specialised prototype production 48 | Motor Trader November 2018

VIDEO: POLESTAR 1 PROTOTYPE BUILD

facility in Gothenburg. It acts as the first testing phase for production of Polestar 1 customer cars which will be built at the new Polestar Production Centre in Chengdu, China.

Polestar says the carbon fibre body of the car required the development of new specialised production equipment

and construction techniques that will be transferred to the factory and used to build the production cars.

“The assembly of the VP cars means that the Polestar 1 has taken its next step towards production,” said Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar. “This first batch of 34 cars will enable our engineers

to tune the finer details of the car, ensuring that the Polestar 1 is perfect when we start to produce customer cars in the middle of next year.”

Production of the Polestar 1 marks the first time that a brand in the Volvo Car Group has explored carbon fibre construction.

November 2018 Motor Trader | 49

Auto innovation news

McLaren Speedtail

MCLAREN UNVEILS THE SPEEDTAIL

T

HIS IS THE McLaren Speedtail, a car the company is calling a ‘Hyper-GT’.

Built using a carbon fibre monocage body structure, and with an aerodynamic design that makes it the most aero-drag efficient McLaren, the Speedtail also has a seating arrangement like that of the amazing F1, with a central driving position and two additional passenger seats.

Powered by a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain that deliver a combined 1050PS (1035hp), the Speedtail will, McLaren says, be capable of getting from 0-300km/h in 12.8 seconds and reach 403km/h.

While the aerodynamics is delivered by some cool technology – including active rear ailerons and retractable rear-view

50 | Motor Trader November 2018

VIDEO: MCLAREN SPEEDTAIL

cameras in lieu of mirrors – there’s plenty of other cool stuff going on here. Inside, there's a state-of-the-art control system with hi-def displays and touchscreens that sweep across the dashboard and remove almost every button and switch

“....A STATE-OF-THE-ART

CONTROL SYSTEM WITH HI-DEF DISPLAYS AND TOUCHSCREENS THAT SWEEP ACROSS THE DASHBOARD AND REMOVE ALMOST EVERY BUTTON AND SWITCH TRADITIONALLY FOUND IN A CAR...”

traditionally found in a car. The interior is, of course, beautifully rendered with top class materials and design.

McLaren says the scope for personalisation of the Speedtail will ensure each unit will be unique to its owner and just 106 examples are to be built – all of which are already reserved at a price from £1.75 million ($AUD3.16 million) plus taxes.

PROUD QLD / NORTHERN NSW DISTRIBUTORS OF

Brisbane

Gold Coast

Sunshine Coast

Rockhampton

Toowoomba

Lismore

87 Old Toombul Rd Northgate QLD 4013 Ph: 07 3552 2800 Fax: 07 3256 8798

39 Production Ave. Molendinar QLD 4214 Ph: 07 5594 0963 Fax: 07 5571 7907

58 Hoopers Road Kunda Park QLD 4556 Ph: 07 5445 6337 Fax: 07 3256 8798

298 Alexandra Street Kawana 4701 Ph: 07 4927 1251 Fax: 07 4927 1296

Unit 4d, 7-9 Gardner Court Wilsonton QLD 4350 Ph: 07 4634 9238 Fax: 07 4634 5895

6/7 Snow Street Lismore NSW 2480 Ph: 02 6621 5131 Fax: 02 6622 8574

Auto innovation news

Nearly 1,600 pounds per square inch of force is applied to the graphene composite shown, testing for high strength and stiffness

FORD TESTING GRAPHENE FOR USE IN VEHICLE PARTS

F

ORD HAS REVEALED it is to use graphene in vehicle parts.

Dubbed a “miracle material” by some, graphene is 200 times stronger than steel and one of the most conductive materials in the world. It is a great sound barrier and is extremely thin and flexible.

While not economically viable for all applications, Ford, in collaboration with Eagle Industries and XG Sciences, says it has found a way to use small amounts in fuel rail covers, pump covers and front engine covers to maximise its benefits.

“The breakthrough here is not in the material, but in how we are using it,” said Debbie Mielewski, Ford senior 52 | Motor Trader November 2018

VIDEO: FORD EXPLORING THE USE OF GRAPHENE FOR VEHICLE PARTS

technical leader, sustainability and emerging materials. “We are able to use a very small amount to help us achieve significant enhancements in durability, sound resistance and weight reduction –

to reduce noise inside vehicle cabins means adding more material and weight, but with graphene, it’s the opposite.

“A small amount of graphene goes a long way, and in this case, it has a significant effect on sound absorption qualities,” said John Bull, president of Eagle Industries.

The graphene is mixed with foam constituents, and tests done by Ford and suppliers has shown about a 17 per cent reduction in noise, a 20 per cent improvement in mechanical properties and a 30 per cent improvement in heat endurance properties, compared with that of the foam used without graphene.

Graphene is expected to go into production by year end on over ten under hood components on the Ford F-150 and Mustang and eventually, other Ford vehicles.

In the strength test process, the piece of graphene composite is tested next to a material without graphene - showcasing the ability of the nanomaterial to hold the load.

Members first, always.

For over 25 years we’ve built our name as the leading industry fund for the automotive industry.

“WE ARE ABLE TO USE

A VERY SMALL AMOUNT, LESS THAN A HALF PERCENT, TO HELP US ACHIEVE SIGNIFICANT ENHANCEMENTS IN DURABILITY, SOUND RESISTANCE AND WEIGHT REDUCTION . . . ” applications others have not focused on.”

In 2014, Ford began working with suppliers to study the material and how to use it in running trials with auto parts.

Generally, the company says, attempting

We exist solely to benefit you.

Whether you’re paying your team’s super, or building your own, we have the tools, resources and people to help you make financial decisions that work for you.

To find out how we can support you, call us or visit our website today.

1300 362 415 mtaasuper.com.au/get-started

This document is issued by Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238 718) of Level 3, 39 Brisbane Avenue Barton ACT 2600, Trustee of the MTAA Superannuation Fund (ABN 74 559 365 913). The information provided is of a general nature and does not take into account your specific needs or personal situation.

You should assess your financial position and personal objectives before making any decision based on this information. The MTAA Super Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) can be obtained by calling MTAA Super on 1300 362 415 or visiting mtaasuper.com.au/handbooks.

You should consider the PDS in making a decision.

November 2018 Motor Trader | 53

Auto innovation news

NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMBERS WITH MTAiQ INNOVATION HUB

M

VIDEO: MTAIQ - AUSTRALIA'S FIRST AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATION HUB TAIQ IS AUSTRALIA’S first automotive innovation hub, developed by the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland).

MTAiQ is a subsidiary of MTA Queensland and therefore exists to benefit members. The primary focus of the hub is to assist and support member businesses with the digital disruption occurring across industry and to bring awareness of “By creating opportunities for MTA new products that are entering the market. Queensland members to ‘get on board’ “With the onslaught of technological with innovative technology that is change affecting the automotive transforming the automotive sectors, industry, it is imperative that we are providing the muchCLICK MTAiQ brings start-ups and needed connection between TO VISIT THE MTAiQ automotive disruptors to the business, apps and software, WEBSITE and the emergence of advanced attention of members,” Said technology in the products they Dr Brett Dale, Group CEO.

54 | Motor Trader November 2018

sell. This could represent an members get a premium opportunity for members to tap feature and are not distant into alternate revenue streams.” from a customer’s choice when Another significant role for choosing a repairer from the MTAiQ is to educate. Whilst online platform. Under these new software and apps are arrangements, the reputation often perceived as competition, and reviews are fundamental they should be viewed as an to the platform’s operation and opportunity that may bring a the selection of a business will new customer base. These are be determined by those factors new customers that will go to and pricing to a lesser degree. an actual competitor business The review system allows for if members are not in that subscribers to be competitive online space. based on their star rating.

“Understanding the We encourage members to full potential of so-called be fully informed about new disruptors is critical to the opportunities to avoid ‘missing future of our members and out’ on a new customer base, remaining informed is key,” CLICK which requires very little effort. said Dr Dale.

TO VISIT Another opportunity was THE REFUELER “MTAiQ’s role is not to endorse WEBSITE recently presented to the Service or encourage members to Station and Convenience Store purchase, but rather to provide Association of Queensland that connection and education (SSCSAQ) division - the Refueler app. for members to make their own This is a mutually beneficial platform informed decision about online presence for buyers and sellers of fuel. Refueler also opportunities and its impact on their offers exclusive MTA Queensland member business.” benefits.

Clients of MTAiQ are constantly “Many of the start-ups and disruptors developing new software and apps, and working within the innovation hub have often hold launch events open exclusively products that may present financial to MTA Queensland members. Members benefits for members in various divisions. are strongly encouraged to attend these events to gain an early understanding of the We recommend and encourage divisional product. Often clients provide substantial members to attend launch events and savings and discounts for MTA Queensland stay at the forefront of change,” said Kathy members, and this presents another great Winkcup, General Manager for MTAiQ. incentive to get ahead of real competition.

“It would be tragic for businesses MTAiQ client Auto Guru have provided to experience a ‘taxi-style’ disruption an opportunity for MTA Queensland because they were not informed about members to join the platform. This opportunities to engage new business. app is being widely promoted on Members are encouraged to attend events billboards and TV with a fabulous to hear about new products and their advertising campaign that will benefits to business. Indeed, the CLICK benefit businesses who are opportunities keep coming and TO VISIT subscribed. They have actively many are exciting and require an THE AUTOGURU sought to collaborate with WEBSITE open-minded approach to our MTA Queensland to ensure ever-changing industry.”

November 2018 Motor Trader | 55

Auto innovation news

AUSTRALIA INVESTS IN AUTO ENGINEERS OF THE FUTURE

A

$5 MILLION PROGRAM to encourage high quality graduate engineers to work in Australia’s automotive sector has opened.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews launched the Automotive Engineering Graduate Program, aimed at providing a steady flow of qualified, job-ready engineers into the Australian automotive sector.

“As an engineer myself, I am very pleased to announce the opening of a program that seeks out some of our best and brightest graduate engineers to pursue research projects with automotive businesses,” said Minister Andrews.

“Under the program, graduate students will put forward research proposals and the best of these will receive funding.

“Australia has a thriving automotive components sector and is competitive in global vehicle design. We need more of the highly skilled engineers involved in these areas and across the broader automotive industry, including trucks and buses, in order to compete internationally in the rapidly changing space of vehicle design.

“Engineers, designers and technicians have a key role to play in the transformation of Australian automotive 56 | Motor Trader November 2018

manufacturing to higher value-added products and services.”

The program is part of the $100 million Advanced Manufacturing Fund, announced in the 2017-2018 Budget.

MTA Queensland is very supportive of the announcement, recognising it represents an enormous opportunity for building Australia's capacity in a highly evolving technology and design space, incorporating all forms of mobility.

“This announcement is really exciting for the future of the automotive industry,” said Dr Brett Dale, the Association’s CEO. “We have developed Australia’s first automotive innovation hub at MTA Queensland which is already leading the way for entrepreneurs and start-ups who are disrupting and transforming the industry. This program will really support and boost the work we are doing.

“The funding will see engineers using advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge technology to bring Australia into the global market by CLICK TO commercialising automotive FOR MORE design, resulting in new INFORMATION AND products and services.”

TO APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM Program applications close on 6 December 2018.

SKODA AUTO TESTS AUTONOMOUS DRONE IN LOGISTICS

S

KODA AUTO IS currently testing a drone that can autonomously identify and count containers outside its Mladá Boleslav plant in the Czech Republic. The drone is a result of collaboration between Skoda’s logistics department and the Czech company Robodrone, and is paving the way to implementing drone-assisted stocktaking in everyday operations.

With its six rotors, the drone, based on Robodrone’s ‘Kingfisher’ model, can fly up to 20 km/h and can carry a load of up to 5 kg. During the current testing phase, it fully autonomously records the number of empty containers outside a factory hall in Mladá Boleslav three times per day.

The data is then automatically transferred to the IT systems at Skoda’s logistics department to be processed.

The company says that as GPS is not precise enough to determine the locations of the containers, the drone is equipped with LIDAR (light detection and ranging) technology to accurately measure speed and distance. A LIDAR sensor captures up to 300,000 images per second. The drone

VIDEO: STOCKTAKING FROM THE AIR – SKODA AUTO TESTS AUTONOMOUS DRONE IN LOGISTICS

navigates using a 3D map, which is created based on this technology. Simultaneously it detects and counts the equipment containers.

Skoda says test operations have been running since May and in the medium term, the drone will be integrated into regular operations. In the second development phase, the ‘Kingfisher’ will get its own ‘nest’ and the battery-powered device will then be able to autonomously navigate to a charging station. This will also be equipped with a weather station which will provide the drone with information at short notice.

Energy Efficient Equipment Finance.

Receive a 0.50% p.a. discount on qualifying equipment and vehicles.

You can access a 0.50% p.a. discount and fund up to 100% of the purchase price when you finance qualifying energy efficient vehicles and equipment.

To find out more contact MTA Queensland on (07) 3237 8777 or email info@mtaq.com.au and they’ll put you in touch with a dedicated CommBank Business Banking Specialist.

Things you should know: Qualifying equipment includes cars with low CO2 and trucks or buses powered by an electric, hybrid, natural gas or regenerative drive/engine subject to our approval. Consider if this product is right for you. MTA Queensland may receive a referral fee from Commonwealth Bank of Australia for each successful referral (excludes existing customers). Fees, charges, terms and conditions apply. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.

November 2018 Motor Trader | 57

MTAiQ: THE INNOVATION HUB FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.mtaiq.com.au/submit-idea

Industrial relations the employer would remit the full $200 directly to the employee’s superannuation fund. (The superannuation fund is, of course, still required to deduct 15% contributions tax from all such amounts paid into the fund. This means that $30 of the $200 contribution would go to the Australian Taxation Office with $170 remaining in the superannuation fund).

This arrangement is advantageous TED KOWALSKI for the tradesman, even allowing for INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MANAGER the contributions tax deducted by the superannuation fund, as he is only taxed SALARY SACRIFICE (INTO A by his employer on $800 rather than $1000 SUPERANNUATION FUND) ie., he would be taxed $113 rather than SALARY SACRIFICE OCCURS $183. While his take home pay will drop when an employee decides to direct to $687 versus his original $817 he will a part of his gross wage into a have gained a $170 nett advantage (in superannuation fund. superannuation) for the reduction of $130 This is usually done to build up the in take home pay. balance in the employee’s superannuation Such an arrangement would have to be fund to ensure that there will be a confirmed in writing and could only apply sufficient amount available to allow for a to future earnings. The parties need to comfortable retirement. clarify that the salary sacrificed amount In a decision of Fair Work Australia, will not take the place of the employer’s Vice President Lawler confirmed that obligation to pay 9.5% superannuation on employees are able to set up a salary the full gross amount of $1000 and that sacrifice arrangement which takes their annual leave, sick leave and long service net pay below the award rate. (Casey leave accruals will still be paid at the full Grammar School v Independent Education gross amount of $1000/wk. By agreeing Union of Australia, 25 October 2010. to this the employer encourages the PR503051.) employee to take responsibility for his Example: A tradesman being paid $1000 per week wants to salary sacrifice $200 per retirement - and without any direct cost to the employer. week into his superannuation fund. This NB; The Tax Office has set maximum would leave him with a gross payment, before tax, of $800 - while the award rate amounts that can be contributed into for a tradesman is currently $837.40/week. superannuation so anyone contemplating The case quoted above indicates such an a salary sacrifice arrangement should arrangement is valid under the Fair check that the limits have not been Work legislation. In this example, exceeded. These limits apply to the CLICK TO VISIT THE MTAQ the tradesman would be taxed by combined employer and employee KNOWLEDGE his employer only on the $800, and BASE contributions.

A

November 2018 Motor Trader | 59

SHINING A LIGHT ON KEEPING IT LOCAL

O

PERATING IN MOST cases for facility at Helensvale.

24 hours a day and 7 days a week, Aqualuma says companies make huge lighting plays a crucial role in how energy savings by switching to energy well your dealership creates an impression efficient LED lighting. Often in the on your prospective clients. Good lighting commercial market, buildings will have levels with good visual acuity can enhance outdated metal halide lights which generally the look of your showroom floor and can consume 400 watts per unit. Replacing also save you costs in the process. these old lights with energy efficient LED The Aqualuma range of lighting products lights from 90 to 125 watts can reduce are designed specifically to replace energy costs by more than 75 per cent. conventional fixtures used in existing or Aqualuma Director Carl Amor says new-build showrooms and workshops. the market for LED commercial lighting Aqualuma’s range of suitable LED fittings has been flooded over the past few years deliver safe, clean workplace illumination, with imported product, inevitably driving tested reliability and ultimate energy quality down. However, Aqualuma is a efficiency. The vast range of lighting options proud advocate for bringing manufacturing ensure that all environments are catered back to Australia, saying it is now greater for - from open-plan areas and storage value to produce in its hometown for areas to warehouses and workshops. domestic and international markets.

Owned by brothers Carl “What gives us the competitive and Grant Amor, Aqualuma edge?” asks Carl. “The fact that we CLICK TO VISIT THE manufactures the world’s most are Australian made – designed AQUALUMA energy efficient commercial LED and made – is a big thing.

WEBSITE lighting from its purpose-built “I firmly believe that the worm

60 | Motor Trader November 2018

has turned in that people are sick of buying stuff from overseas, particularly when it comes to products that they rely on.

“For example, take high bay lighting in factories and warehouses. It is very expensive to get up there and replace it and if you buy a cheap one it is going to cost you twice as much to replace than it is to buy a decent one in the first place. It is expensive, so you want it to be quality. People want to buy once, and they want to buy right.”

However, Carl says selling an Australian-made product doesn’t come without challenges.

“The challenge of being Australian made is that you have to go out there and sell it - you are not selling it on price, you are selling it on quality,” he says.

“The challenge is really being able to relay that message to people and get them to understand it.”

Aqualuma's clients are very impressed with the product - the company was

engaged to supply high-quality energyefficient LED lighting to the new Mercedes Benz showroom in Castle Hill and the Seven Hills processing centre and Mercedes was particularly pleased with the result.

“Aqualuma is a great story, a Queensland business that exports across the world - so it is terrific to be able to work with them and their support for the MTAQ Racing Team has been invaluable” said MTAQ Racing Team driver David Wood. “It is a relationship we are thoroughly enjoying.

Carl and Grant are ‘car guys’ and love racing, so we are working towards doing them proud during the rest of the season.”

November 2018 Motor Trader | 61

Auto news

ALPINE A110 AUSTRALIAN LAUNCH AT MOTORCLASSICA

T

HE ALL-NEW A110 Australian Premiere Edition of the Alpine 110 was unveiled and on display at Motorclassica 2018.

A lightweight (1094kg) sports coupe, the Alpine A110, designed and manufactured in France, is a mid-rear engined, rearwheel drive, two-seater. Featuring aluminium construction to keep weight to a minimum, and thanks to a turbocharged 1.8-litre engine that develops 185kW and 320Nm, the car has a 0-100km/h time of just 4.5 seconds and a top speed limited to 250km/h.

Weight saving measures include aluminium suspension components, Sabelt sports seats that weigh just 13.1kg each and Brembo brakes that incorporate the parking brake into the main rear calliper. This alone, Alpine says, saves 2.5kg in weight.

Alpine 110

62 | Motor Trader November 2018

VIDEO: ALPINE A110

There’s double wishbone suspension all around – a feature that will, the company says, ensure all versions of the A110 exhibit the 'dynamic poise and responsiveness of a true Alpine'.

The 110 will wear Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres measuring 205/40 R18 at the front and 235/40 R18 at the rear. They are mounted on forged 18-inch Otto Fuchs wheels, which reduce unsprung weight.

There are three driving modes - Normal,

Sport and Track. As the driver switches up through the modes, such parameters as throttle response, steering assistance, gearshift speeds, exhaust sound and stability control intervention are all adapted to deliver a sharper driving experience.

The 10-inch digital TFT display within the instrument binnacle also changes with each driving mode, favouring the rev counter, gear display and gear shift lights in Sport and Track.

The engine delivers its power to the rear wheels via a wet clutch seven-speed Getrag dual-clutch transmission, which features Alpine-specific ratios.

The A110 Australian Premiere Edition comes packed with standard features.

Included on each are an active sports exhaust, Focal audio system, carbon fibre interior accents, brushed aluminium pedals and footrests, leather-trimmed Sabelt one-piece sports seats, a numbered Australian Premiere Edition (XX/60) plaque on the centre console and Tricolore badges on the rear pillars.

Satellite navigation, climate control and cruise control also are standard, as is MySpin mobile phone connectivity, which mirrors the driver’s smartphone.

The Alpine A110 Australian Premiere Edition will have an RRP of $106,500 excluding on-road and statutory charges.

Deliveries commenced in October.

NUMBER PLATE AUCTION REACHES $3.5 MILLION IN SALES AT MOTORCLASSICA MORE THAN $3.5 MILLION was paid for just 30 rare number plates at an auction held at Motorclassica Australia’s premier event for vintage, classic and exotic motoring enthusiasts.

Highlight of the night was the winning bid of $525,000 for the Victorian ‘911’ number plate. Other high marks set included plate ‘105’ at $325,000, ‘104’ at $291,000 and ‘106’ at $265,000. The aircraft-inspired plate ‘747’ sold for $195,000.

Staged at Motorclassica’s Royal Exhibition Building venue in Melbourne, the ‘Rare Heritage Number Plate Auction’ was conducted by Shannons Auctions in conjunction with VicRoads Custom Plates.

“Number plates is one area of speciality for Shannons, so we are delighted with the outcomes achieved tonight,” said Christophe Boribon, National Auctions Manager for Shannons. “It has been a number of years since there has been a specific number plate-only Auction in Melbourne and we felt Motorclassica was the perfect platform to showcase some of the best number plate combinations to come on the market in recent times.”

The most affordable collector plate at the auction turned out to be ‘100-700’ which went for $20,000.

Other notable number plates sold included the Toorak postcode ‘3142’ which went for $56,000, and ‘569’ which achieved $125,000.

November 2018 Motor Trader | 63

Auto news

Nissan Juke Nismo RS

JUKE NISMO RS COMPLETES NISSAN’S NISMO RANGE IN AUSTRALIA NISSAN JUKE NISMO RS MSRP PRICING

N

ISSAN HAS INTRODUCED the Juke Nismo RS to its SUV range, making it the third Nismo model to be sold in Australia.

The limited edition Nismo special edition has race-inspired styling and increased driving performance compared to the standard Nissan Juke. It features bespoke front and rear bumpers, side skirts and roof spoiler as part of its Nismo RS aero package. It also includes a Nismo front grille, exhaust system, rear diffuser and signature red mirror caps and detail line, plus RS badging.

The interior has a Nismo RS leather-accented shift knob and leather and Alcantara steering wheel with red stitching and the iconic red centre mark, plus Nismo suede sports seats with 64 | Motor Trader November 2018

Grade JUKE NISMO RS JUKE NISMO RS

Transmission 6MT CVT

MSRP $37.790 $41,490

red stitching. It also has an intelligent key with Nismo RS push button engine start, a red Nismo tachometer and Nismo-branded front kick plates and carpet mats.

The Juke Nismo RS also has gloss black centre console, door trim and air vent finishers, a black roof liner, a carbon-

look finish on the head unit and gear shift surrounds. The RS also has unique 10-spoke Nismo RS alloy wheels.

Under the hood is a 1.6-litre turbocharged sequential high-pressure direct injection petrol engine that has been tuned to output 160kW of power and 280Nm of torque for the 6-speed manual option, and 157kW of power and 250Nm of torque for the CVT alternative.

The engine’s connecting rod durability has also been improved for use with higher torque settings on the manual transmission, along with a strengthened clutch cover and dual mass flywheel.

On the 6-speed manual variant, the transmission has an improved gear set and a shorter final drive ratio for faster acceleration, and the helical-geared limited slip diff directs more power to the front wheel with the most traction to maintain acceleration during cornering.

The Xtronic system on the All-Wheel Drive model offers eight step gearing and an advanced torque vectoring system limits understeer.

A series of body and chassis reinforcements are designed to increase the vehicle’s rigidity, steering precision and response.

Suspension and steering updates include the re-tuning of the spring rates, damping force and electric power-assist steering (EPS), the reinforcement of the front suspension link and the slight lowering of the suspension to improve aerodynamics.

The Juke Nismo RS also features 4-wheel vented discs, larger 12.6-inch front brake rotors and vented rotors in the rear, plus red-painted calipers and upgraded brake pads.

Standard safety features include front, front side and curtain airbags, two ISOFIX child restraint anchorage points, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and the Nissan Intelligent Mobility active safety technology, the 360 degree Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection.

There is also Anti-Lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TCS), a 5.8 inch touch screen display, satellite navigation, digital radio and Bluetooth.

The Nissan Juke Nismo is available in three colours including Ivory Pearl, Pearl Black and Platinum with a premium suede sports seat and red stitching interior trim.

November 2018 Motor Trader | 65

Auto news

HYUNDAI I30 FASTBACK N ON ITS WAY VIDEO: ALL-NEW I30 FASTBACK N

H

YUNDAI IS EXTENDING its N range with the all-new Hyundai i30 Fastback N. It is due to be available across Europe by the end of 2018.

It sports high-performance design features - such as a rear spoiler, alloy wheels as well as the N side sill – and a 202kw, 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. The car has an overboost function which is activated as soon as maximum torque (353Nm) is achieved, enabling the torque to be further increased up to 378Nm. The five-door coupe accelerates to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 250km/h.

The Hyundai N models have been equipped with the N Grin Control system that allows drivers to choose from five different drive modes by using the i30 Fastback N

66 | Motor Trader November 2018

dedicated buttons on the steering wheel.

The different settings – Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom – change the character of the car, adjusting various driving parameters.

There’s also an N Corner Carving Differential, which stands for the Electronically Controlled Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD) device, which Hyundai says guarantees exceptional traction. By

increasing the cornering speed, the company says it provides a unique carving feeling when the driver accelerates the car through a curve, reduces wheel slip and understeering in specific conditions.

The Variable Exhaust Valve System also enables the driver to select different exhaust sounds depending on the drive mode. Drivers can activate a rev-matching function with a single touch of a button mounted on the steering wheel. The system synchronises the engine’s speed to the input shaft speed for the next gear during the shift process, enabling sportier downshifts.

The Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) further adjusts the performance according to the requirements during cornering, accelerating and braking.

Four variable dampers, mounted on the independent four wheels guarantee immediate damping force control, improving the ride and handling as well as the vehicle’s overall stability on the track.

The i30 Fastback N is equipped with floating brake callipers allowing the driver to lock the brake before cornering as late as possible.

Hyundai says it is less sensitive than a fixed calliper system and prevents early brake fade. Air curtains located at the front cool the brakes.

The i30 Fastback N comes with state-of-the-art connectivity features. The standard factory 8” satellite navigation system comes with an integrated dynamic

rear-view camera, DAB+ digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity.

There’s also smartphone connection with the infotainment system via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the new model also provides a wireless inductive charging pad (Qi standard) for mobile phones and a USB port located in the centre console. The specific N mode screen menu also offers customisable settings for the engine, Rev matching, exhaust sound and Performance Package settings.

The i30 Fastback N features Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driving assistance technologies: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (standard), Driver Attention Warning (standard), Lane Keeping Assist (standard), High Beam Assist (standard) and Intelligent Speed Limit Warning.

A total of up to seven airbags are installed around the interior. Besides the six standard airbags (two front airbags, two side airbags and two curtain airbags from first to second row protecting both driver and passengers), the knee airbag is an additional safety feature for the driver in the event of a frontal collision.

November 2018 Motor Trader | 67

Auto news

KIA e-Niro

THE NEW ALL-ELECTRIC KIA E-NIRO

K

IA HAS UNVEILED the e-Niro fully electric crossover utility vehicle, to be available in European markets by the end of the year.

The company says the Niro will be equipped with a high-capacity 64 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack providing a driving range of more than 485km on a single charge. On the WLTP urban cycle, the e-Niro is capable of driving up to 615km. Buyers will also be able to specify their e-Niro with a 39.2 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, with a

68 | Motor Trader November 2018

range of up to 312km from a single charge.

The company says that when plugged into a 100kW fast charger, it takes only 42 minutes to recharge the e-Niro’s battery from 20 per cent to 80 per cent.

Models equipped with the long-distance 64 kWh battery pack are paired with a 150kW motor, producing 395 Nm torque, enabling the e-Niro to accelerate from

VIDEO: NIRO EV CONCEPT UNVEIL

0-to-100km/h in 7.8 seconds. The standard 39.2 kWh battery pack is matched to a 100kW motor, also producing 395 Nm torque, and accelerating to 100km/h from a standstill in 9.8 seconds. Like the Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variants, the new electric model is front-wheel drive.

The e-Niro has a hi-tech interior. With no need for a traditional gear stick and gear

linkage, the physical transmission has been replaced with a new shift-by-wire rotator dial drive selector. The drive selector dial sits on its own panel. In addition to the rotator dial, this panel also houses buttons for the electronic parking brake, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, drive mode selector, parking sensors, and braking Auto Hold function.

There’s a new mood lighting system that illuminates the centre console and shift dial with subtle lighting in one of six colours - white, grey, bronze, red, green, and blue. The shelf at the base of the instrument panel features a high-grip rubberised surface to hold the driver’s smartphone in place. There’s an optional wireless smartphone charger.

The 7.0-inch touchscreen HMI (humanmachine interface) in the centre of the dashboard offers a series of features. It enables owners to locate nearby charging points and monitor the level of remaining charge and range. It also lets owners gauge their trip and lifetime CO2 reduction from driving the e-Niro, compared to a gasoline car of a similar size. The HMI lets owners set an approximate departure time for their next journey, enabling the car to heat itself to a set temperature before the driver departs. The charge management function also manages the flow of electricity to the battery when charging, to help extend the life of the battery.

The colour-LCD driver instrument cluster - also 7.0-inches wide - shows driving and battery charge information on-the-move. The display also gauges the driving style of whoever is sitting at November 2018 Motor Trader | 69

Auto news

the wheel, attributing a percentage to the amount of economical driving they manage on each journey.

Regenerative braking technology allows the e-Niro to harvest kinetic energy and recharge the battery pack while coasting or braking, while the Eco Driving Assistant System (Eco DAS) provides drivers with intelligent guidance on how to drive more efficiently. Eco DAS includes Coasting Guide Control (CGC) and Predictive Energy Control (PEC).

CGC alerts drivers as to the best time to lift off the accelerator and coast towards a junction, allowing the battery to regenerate under engine deceleration.

Operating at certain speeds when a navigation destination is set, the system alerts drivers when to coast via a small icon in the instrument cluster as well as an audible warning.

Paddles behind the steering wheel let drivers choose between three levels of energy recuperation. The higher the level chosen by the driver, the more energy the regenerative brakes try to harvest.

The e-Niro is also fitted with an advanced heat pump, which draws on heat energy from the air-conditioning and electrical systems. Instead of relying entirely on battery power to heat the cabin, 70 | Motor Trader November 2018

the heat pump recycles this heat energy to improve the efficiency of the cars heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system.

There’s a Drive Mode Select system, enabling owners to tailor their driving experience. Switching between Normal, Eco and Sport modes.

The e-Niro offers drivers a range of Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.

The car is equipped, as standard, with Kia Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). If VSM detects a loss of traction, it uses the cars Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system and the electric motor-driven power steering to help the driver retain control.

Other active safety systems available include Forward Collision Warning with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Lane Following Assist. Lane Following Assist is a Level Two autonomous driving technology which tracks vehicles in front of the car in traffic and detects road markings to keep the e-Niro in its lane on the motorway.

The system controls acceleration, braking and steering depending on the convoy of vehicles in front. Lane Following Assist operates between 0 and 130km/h.

Lexus LX 570 S

LEXUS LAUNCHES NEW LX VARIANT

L

EXUS HAS LAUNCHED a new variant of the Lexus LX flagship SUV. The Lexus LX 570 S is equipped with a body kit, large new alloy wheels, front performance damper, semi-aniline leather-accented trim, alloy pedals and other features exclusive to the new variant.

Exterior enhancements include aggressively styled front and rear bumper skirts, gloss black 21-inch forged alloy wheels and an exclusive sports mesh pattern for the signature spindle grille.

Lexus says the power and aesthetics highlighted by these upgrades are complemented by a front performance damper that improves body rigidity and steering stability.

Inside, alloy pedals add to the sporty feel while other features include courtesy lamps in the exterior mirrors that project "LX S" branding on the ground and a LX 570 S badge on the rear.

As the premier variant of the LX 570 range, the new model offers an impressive list of technology, safety and luxury features. The Lexus Safety System + incorporates a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian detection, radar active cruise control, lane departure warning, adaptive high-beam system, head-up

display, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.

Other standard equipment includes a reversing camera with an almost 180-degree field of view, 10 airbags, four-camera multi-terrain monitor and panoramic view monitor, heated steering wheel, and ventilation and heating for the front and outboard second-row seats.

The LX 570 S also has a 12.3-inch highdefinition screen, satellite navigation, and four-zone climate control air conditioning.

Power comes from a 5.7-litre V8 engine with 270kW/530Nm outputs and eightspeed automatic transmission, capable of towing up to 3500kg. The vehicle can carry 138 litres of fuel with 93-litre main and 45-litre sub tanks.

The LX 570 S is priced at $168,089.

November 2018 Motor Trader | 71

C

S&COFFEE R A

FORD MARK 72 | Motor Trader November 2018

MAKE: FORD MODEL: 1969 MARK II CORTINA 220 ENGINE: 2-LITRE 4-CYLINDER SOHC PINTO OWNER: MARK ARMASTYS OWNED SINCE: 2013

Mark Armatys with his awesome Mark II Cortina

II CORTINA

November 2018 Motor Trader | 73

B

ACK IN 1962, Ford in the UK introduced the Cortina, a car designed to be an inexpensive, reliable and cheap-to-run vehicle for the working family.

Available in a variety of models, from two-door to five-door wagon, the Cortina proved to be a massive hit for Ford and across the course of its 20-year production life, nearly 3 million Cortinas were sold in Britain.

While it was built as a family car, there were some rather nifty sporty versions of the Cortina over the years. Most famous was the Lotus Cortina – a highly modified version of the car that was available from 1963 and which had an illustrious racing career throughout the decade.

In Australia, where the Cortina was assembled for the local market, a Cortina GT was driven to victory at the 1963 Armstrong 500 (the first year the ‘great race’ was held at Bathurst) by motorsport legends Harry Firth and Bob Jane. Jane won again the next year, also in a Cortina GT, and in 1965 a Cortina was once again on the top of the podium, this time in the form of a GT500 – a beefed up racing version of the GT developed by Firth.

The Cortina has plenty of history then, and there are some smashing examples of this classic, in all its versions, still cruising around. Like this one.

A 1969 Mark II Cortina 220, this example is owned by Mark Armatys, Area Manager with MTA Queensland.

Bought in 2013 from a Brisbane local, the Cortina was already in good condition when Mark bought it, but a fair amount of work has been done to give it better performance and a GT-like appearance.

“It was pretty well completed when I bought it, but I have changed it to give it more of a GT spec look with the dash and so on,” says Mark.

“It also has a 2-litre Pinto engine and a whole front cross-member that has been grafted from the Escort. So, it has rack and 74 | Motor Trader November 2018

November 2018 Motor Trader | 75

pinion steering as well. I also changed the carburettors to twin Weber copies from AJS as I wanted them to be brand new and reliable.

“A lot of people might have put GT badges on the side, but I decided to pay homage to the 220 and put those badges on instead. The paint and the interior was as you see it when I bought it.”

A mechanic by trade, Mark started his career in automotive in the 1970s as an apprentice at Stillwell Ford in Adelaide. That experience gave him an appreciation of the Cortina and other Ford models of the time - even given their shaky reputations for needing lots of maintenance. It’s an appreciation that hasn’t diminished over the years.

“I’ve always had an interest in the early 4-cylinder English Fords,” he says.

“Everybody does the V8 thing these days, but I worked on the early Cortinas and Escorts, and my first car was a Mark I Capri. I wanted something just for a bit of 76 | Motor Trader November 2018

fun and that was a bit different.

“Working on the Cortina has been, and will be, an ongoing project,” he adds.

“You’re always doing things, modifying and tweaking and so on and, being an English Ford, there are always things to do - it’s probably left some oil on the ground as we’ve been talking! But I love it.

“I love tinkering with these cars much more than new cars that seem to require you have a degree in electronics to make sense of them!”

A true and knowledgeable enthusiast, Mark likes to drive and enjoy his Cortina and as a member of the British Ford Club of Queensland, has taken it on plenty of trips to shows, meetings and the like.

While he does, on occasion, show the car in competition, it is not, he says, with the expectation of winning trophies.

“I use the Cortina as my stress relief,” he says with a smile. “I’ll drive it during the week sometimes, but definitely on weekends. I don’t keep it hidden in the

garage that’s for sure. As a member of the British Ford Club of Queensland I go on regular runs and there are events such as the Cortina Nationals, the annual British Car Show and the Ford Show at Willowbank. There are a lot of events and I get to as many of them as I can.

“While my Cortina does get a good reaction, there are plenty of others out there that are absolutely beautifully prepared. And I don’t often enter competition because to the purists, and people who do the judging, this car is a ‘bitser’ – it’s a bit Cortina and a bit Escort because the engine and the steering and so on has been changed.

“Actually, I don’t believe the interior is correct either - I don’t think they were ever built with a white interior. That does mean that judges, who often like things to be period correct, don’t go for it.”

Not that winning trophies or satisfying the wishes of the purists is what interested Mark when he bought the car.

“I got into the automotive trade because

I loved cars, loved tinkering with cars,” he says. “And with this I one, I wanted a car that I could enjoy now, and I am really happy with the result. It’s a keeper.”

A ‘keeper’ it may well be, but there are, said Mark, a couple of other models from the Blue Oval that he wouldn’t mind getting his hands on down the track.

“I have a few on my wish list,” he says. “A V6 GT Capri would be one, and a Lotus Escort . . . there are a few of the limited production vehicles they produced in the early days that I wouldn’t mind owning! We’ll see what happens. But this Cortina was an excellent buy. It drives very well, is very capable and has good performance and I have fallen in love with it.”

!

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

November 2018 Motor Trader | 77

IS YOUR EMPLOYMENT FUNCTION RUNNING ON ALL CYLINDERS?

E

MPLOYEES ARE THE lifeblood of any business.

For your automotive business to be successful, having your employment function operating seamlessly is vital.

How do you achieve this? Well, it all depends on where you are in your business lifecycle: 1. Are you just looking to get started?

2. Is your business new or recently established?

3. Is your business mature?

This is important as it allows you to identify how established your employment process is and whether or not it is a) working for you and b) reflects your current business position. Also, do you have resources allocated to managing your human resources in a full or part-time capacity or do you, as a business owner, handle this yourself?

The employment function within your business should mature as time goes on. As it grows and expands, the needs of your business and employees will change, and it is vital that you manage this change effectively.

your employment function.

1. Understanding your workforce needs – structuring 2. Documents, systems and processes 3. Operations and day-to-day management – business health checks 4. Manage end of the employment relationship 5. Dispute resolutions and litigation

1. UNDERSTANDING YOUR WORKFORCE NEEDS

When you are looking to start a new business, understanding what your workforce should look like and how it should be structured is essential.

Will you need full-time workers, part-time workers, contractors or casual team members? These decisions will have significant impacts on the range of documents, systems and processes you will need to adopt in the next stage.

In many cases, small and medium business operators fail to undertake the proper due diligence in understanding how their workforce UNDERSTANDING THE EMPLOYMENT JOURNEY should be structured and how it should operate.

Assessing and identifying your workforce needs It’s quite easy to align your employment will also allow you to understand what sorts function alongside the growth and stage of wages, awards and salaries you might of your business. The diagram below CLICK TO VISIT THE need to adopt. It also gives you some demonstrates the process you should go BENNETT & PHILP insight into what documents, systems through from start to finish with regard WEBSITE to the establishment and management of and processes you need.

78 | Motor Trader November 2018

2. DOCUMENTS, SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES Getting this right from the outset is critical.

Ensuring your documents, systems and processes are created to support your overall employment goals and business objectives, and also legally compliant, will mitigate risks later on if issues arise.

Documents, systems and processes could include employment contracts for all employee types (fulltime, part-time, contractor etc.), workplace health and safety policies, unfair dismissal polices, and other important human resources documentation.

Investing the time and effort in getting this appropriately completed, and in line with legal requirements, is well worth the effort. Engaging the services of a qualified legal professional is highly recommended to ensure you and your business is protected.

3. OPERATIONS AND DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT Managing the employment function on a daily basis can be daunting, especially if you do not have a dedicated human resource employee within your business. In many instances, issues and matters may arise which are outside your expertise.

Depending on whether or not you have well mapped out documents, systems and processes, handling these can be fraught with danger. Mitigating risks and managing employee issues can always be outsourced to qualified legal professionals who can assist in navigating more complex problems.

Alternatively, if you are looking to avoid issues arising, or if you’re trying to bring your employment function to best practice levels, undertaking a full business health check may be worth considering.

These health checks encompass a full audit and overview of your current human resource function including contracts, policies and procedures. The results of the health check can then be built into your business.

4. MANAGING THE END OF THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP The end of an employment relationship needs to be handled in a careful and procedural manner.

Depending on how this is handled, the chances of disputes arising can be mitigated. Many issues need to be considered including: • Are you terminating the employee on performance-based issues?

• Are you making the employee redundant?

• Are you summarily sacking the employee due to a breach of conduct?

Depending on the avenue you are pursuing, a different process must be followed. If performance is an issue, have you been documenting and communicating issues of performance to the team member in question? Have you given him/her written warnings? Not following the correct procedure could result in the employee disputing the termination and potentially raising an unfair dismissal claim.

When making an employee redundant, it’s critical that as an employer, you understand what constitutes a genuine redundancy. As with a performance-based dismissal, taking a processoriented approach to redundancy will manage the risk of it being mishandled and potential disputes and litigation arising.

Engaging the services of experienced advisors prior to the commencement of the employment relationship will ensure you have the documentation and processes you require to reduce the risks of litigation down the track. However, circumstances do arise where you should consider obtaining legal advice to assist in managing termination or redundancy properly, and most importantly, legally.

5. MANAGE DISPUTES AND LITIGATION Sometimes, disputes and litigation are unavoidable and your goal should be to minimise the damage to your business from a financial and reputational perspective. This is where seeking legal advice is important. An experienced legal advisor can guide you down the best path and work with you to get the best outcome for your business.

It’s also important to note that sometimes, through no fault of your own, an employee may raise a complaint or grievance. In some cases, this can be via the Fair Work Commission, Anti-Discrimination Commission or even a Court of Law. If it does reach this point, it is highly recommended that you do seek legal advice as such proceedings can be costly, complex and incredibly time-consuming, ultimately distracting you from running your business!

Auto news

PETER BROCK’S BATHURST-WINNING COMMODORE SELLS FOR $2.1 MILLION

P

ETER BROCK’S 1982/1983 BathurstWinning HDT VH Commodore has sold for $2.1 million at auction, setting an Australian record.

The VH sale was part of the Brock Collection auction, held by Lloyds Auctions, that saw more than 30 Brockrelated cates go under the hammer at Bathurst - the track where Brock’s unparalleled nine wins set the benchmark for Australia’s greatest motorsport event.

The collection also featured cars such as the ‘Big Banger’; the Group C Commodore in which Brock won the James Hardie 1000 in Bathurst, Sandown 500 and Surfers

80 | Motor Trader November 2018

Paradise 300.

That car, however, did not sell, with debate still raging as to whether it is the actual Brock Bathurst winner or the car that finished second in that race.

Whatever the truth there, the fact that an astonishing $2million has been paid for a 35-year-old car is pretty mind-boggling and goes to prove how popular the classic and motorsport markets are in Australia.

“Thousands of people came through our doors on Saturday, taking photos, sharing stories, parents passing on the legacy of Peter Brock to their children.

This passion and enthusiasm for Peter Brock and these cars will definitely continue to live on,” said Bill Freeman Head Auctioneer of Lloyds Auctions.

“The amount paid for this car doesn’t surprise me with its rich history and shows that the market is strong and is continuing to grow.”

DEALER SATELLITE BROKERAGE

A

S THE WHEN DEVELOPING THIS MARKET BUSINESS, I THOUGHT, changes the way we “WHAT IS MISSING IN do business, THE INDUSTRY?” Dealer Business Solutions has need to be successful. Our focus is to assist developed a range either established brokerages to expand of aggregation and new start-up brokerages to become support solutions established.

Angelo Lauro designed Some of the benefits and solutions of our specifically for programs include: the motor dealer sector and that currently 1. No cost set up of brokerage support these changes.

2. Turn key business start-up support Many dealers want to enable themselves 3. Full compliance support and with more lenders to build out another management business from within their already 4. Technology platform for processing successful operations and to remarket deals including introducer portals other services to their clients. These can (Business Manager & Group Business include commercial and leisure loans, Manager Views) business loans and even home loans, 5. Extensive lender panel- Deal support meaning they have a complete solution to 6. Processing centre support program offer their large customer databases.

7. Recruitment & HR support Another key area of focus for many 8. Training dealerships is to retain control over the 9. Marketing support programs transactions and improve penetration of 10. Business Mentoring deals by bringing the business manager We have worked hard and invested in internally. the support structure to make the whole Programs include: process easy for our partners to ensure 1. Managed in-house finance department their success.

2. Dealer Satellite brokerage Feel free to contact us to discuss your options and When developing this develop a strategy in building a successful brokerage business, I thought, “What is or Internal finance department. missing in the industry?”

CLICK TO and then worked on CONTACT DEALER BUSINESS building a business that SOLUTIONS supplies all those things brokerages or businesses November 2018 Motor Trader | 81

RTO No. 31529

Can you afford not to be in the circle?

Advocacy

e

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

Available to MTAQ members at a 20 per cent discount.

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

n r s

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

MTAA Superannuation is the industry’s superfund. Our superannuation partner has over 200,000 members who enjoy excellent service and returns.

t

Innovation

r Safety Help provides the automotive industry with a service dedicated to making your business complaint properly and professionally.

MTA Queensland | Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence Address Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113 Phone (07) 3237 8777 Fax +61 7 3844 4488 Email info@mtaq.com.au Website www.mtaq.com.au Postal PO Box 4530 Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113

Search for MTA Queensland

20150315

⑤

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

a

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

P

Support

Dun and Bradstreet is the nation’s foremost credit control and debt collection agency. Members are eligible for substantial savings on annual subscriptions.

e

④

Specalising in matters such as print solutions, finance, electricity, gas rates and solar; Core SME is a vendor neutral business with one simple objective; reduce costs, increase profits and streamline workflows for your business.

t

Receive 20% off MTA Institute short industry courses, including licensing and management courses.

a

Training

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

r

③

o

Receive FREE expert advice on Industrial Relations matters, saving your business thousands on legal expenses!

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

p

Services

r

②

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

o

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

C

①

Save with our Corporate Partners

GENERAL MANAGER MTA INSTITUTE

T

HE QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT recently released the discussion paper Skills for Queensland for public consultation. This discussion paper invited Queenslanders to have their say on how to build a Queensland vocational education and training (VET) sector to deliver job-ready graduates for current and emerging occupations to the labour market. These are a few of the suggestions we had to help the automotive industry.

“TO ASSIST THE AUTOMOTIVE

VALUE CHAIN WITH THE NECESSARY SKILL SETS AND TO UP-SKILL THE WORKFORCE, THE MTA INSTITUTE CONTINUES TO PROVIDE ACCREDITED APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINEESHIPS FOR EACH OF THE VALUE CHAIN’S PRIME SECTORS.” To assist the automotive value chain with the necessary skill sets and to up-skill the workforce, the MTA Institute continues to provide accredited apprenticeships

MEMBERS' ESSENTIALS Contents 86 2018 Apprentice of the Year Nominees 104 Professional Circle training 108 Plugged In: Explaining Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Tech

November 2018 Motor Trader | 83

E S S E N T I A L S

PAUL KULPA

M E M B E R S

Training GM's Professional Circle perspective

QUEENSLAND AUTOMOTIVE TRADES – QOF SCHOLARSHIP The Queensland Automotive Trades – QOF Scholarship assists high achieving vocational education and training graduates (Certificate III and above) in the Queensland automotive industry to travel and work overseas in their chosen vocation for 12 months.

ELIGIBILITY To be eligible for this award, applicants must:

✔ Have completed an apprenticeship (Certificate lll or above) in the automotive industry; ✔ Have current work experience in the automotive industry; ✔ Be a Queensland resident (Australian citizens only); ✔ Be eligible for a work visa to the country in which they wish to travel;

✔ Be at least 18 years of age at the time the scholarship is awarded; ✔ Be prepared to take up the scholarship within 12 months of it being awarded; and ✔ Intend to return to Queensland after their placement.

APPLY • Applications open 30th July 2018 and close 26th October 2018 • Visit http://qof.org.au/qof-scholarship/ queensland-automotive-trades-qofscholarship to apply and find more information including Tc & Cs and selection criteria

20180679

The scholarship funds travel related expenses and a settling in allowance up to $7,500. Recipients will gain valuable international work experience, improve their career prospects and return to Queensland to contribute more broadly from their learnings.

M E M B E R S

Training GM's Professional Circle perspective

E S S E N T I A L S

and traineeships for each of the value chain’s prime sectors. In addition, there are accredited short courses, gap training and other non-accredited industry courses to meet the demands of the consumer/ client and the technological and workplace changes.

As at September 2018, in Queensland there were 5,512 automotive sector apprentices in training, and there is a continuing need for apprentices and a relatively stable line of apprenticeship requirements. In the context of the priority skills shortages, ‘the apprentices in training pipeline’ has an insufficient capacity to meet the forecast demand of the automotive value chain.

The most appropriate way to address the forecast deficit of priority skills over the long term would be to develop a defined pathway for secondary school students to be inducted directly into the apprenticeship and traineeship system.

We need to consider the following issues in formulating the state’s vocational education and training strategy: • addressing the pre-requisite academic requirements e.g. the foundation skills of literacy, numeracy and digital

“AS AT SEPTEMBER 2018, IN

QUEENSLAND THERE WERE 5,512 AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR APPRENTICES IN TRAINING, AND THERE IS A CONTINUING NEED FOR APPRENTICES AND A RELATIVELY STABLE LINE OF APPRENTICESHIP REQUIREMENTS.” proficiency for a secondary school student to enter or complete a trade apprenticeship; • resourcing the apprenticeship and traineeship system with the learning environments and the instructors with the skill sets to equip students for the new industry dynamics which includes the emerging technologies, digital literacy, innovation, and automation; and • the recognition of the ‘automotive value chain’ as a ‘key industry area’.

Whilst these points seem obvious, it takes a concentrated effort to get this work off the ground and deliver on what I believe can make entrants into the automotive industry a success.

November 2018 Motor Trader | 85

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

2018 Apprentice of the Year

2018 MTAQ APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

MTAA Super CEO Leeanne Turner, supercar Legend Craig Lowndes, and Apprentice of the Year 2017 Elliott Lemmon

H

ERE AT MOTOR TRADER, we talk often about the great disruption that the automotive industry will undergo in the next few years. The industry as we have known it will change remarkably as new technology and new concepts become commonplace in the vehicles of the near future. For the next generation of automotive tradespeople, an exciting and challenging career, with opportunities aplenty, lies ahead of them.

And that next generation should be well prepared for the demands of their trade, for apprenticeship training is an exacting four-year calling that requires dedication, passion and plenty of hard yakka.

Throughout the year, MTA Queensland and the MTA Institute recognises the efforts of these apprentices via the Apprentice of the Month award, with the winners of that award going forward as nominees for the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Year Award, presented each year at the MTA Queensland Industry Dinner.

86 | Motor Trader November 2018

With more than 1500 students being trained by the Institute, it is certain that each of this year’s nominees is of outstandingly high calibre and choosing just one from this list of 12 to carry the Apprentice of the Year title through 2019 has been extraordinarily difficult - each of them have already proven to have the passion, drive and skills to succeed.

However, the interviews are now over and the judging completed, and the successful nominee will be announced, and presented with their award and special prizes, at the glittering awards dinner on November 10.

The Industry Dinner is the signature event for Queensland’s automotive industry. Hosted by actor, writer and comedian Shane Jacobson, and featuring special guest speaker, and renowned professional drifter and stunt driver, Jack Jones, the evening will be the perfect way to acknowledge and recognise a group of highly talented apprentices.

Congratulations to all the nominees.

We'll see you at the Ball!

E S S E N T I A L S

SHANDYN KRONK

M E M B E R S

2018 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology MACKAY TRANSIT COACHES

S

HANDYN KRONK WAS the MTA a job. It has turned out well – it’s really a Institute Apprentice of the Month for great place to work.”

September 2017.

Shandyn added that he enjoys a The 20-year-old, who works for Mackay challenge. And there are plenty of those at Transit Coaches in Mackay, has recently Mackay Transit Coaches. completed his apprenticeships was “We do everything from servicing presented with that award on the back of to rebuilding engines, electrical work, his impressive work ethic, exemplary skills pneumatics, bodywork, paint – Shandyn and willingness to learn. is certainly learning a great “He does everything well,” range of skills,” said his HE DOES said Neville Donaldson, supervisor Michael Horder. “ EVERYTHING WELL . “And he is a great kid.

Shandyn’s MTA Institute trainer, at the time. “He’s . . HE’S POPULAR IN He has bucketloads of popular in the workplace, THE WORKPLACE, confidence and common puts in plenty of effort and PUTS IN PLENTY OF sense, and he pays goes above and beyond in attention, so you don’t EFFORT AND GOES his work.” have to worry about what ABOVE AND BEYOND Shandyn’s career with he’s doing. He’s not afraid IN HIS WORK.” Mackay Transit Coaches to have a go but will started with a two-week always clarify what needs Work experience placement while at doing if he does get into a spot where he school. It was just the thing he was looking is unsure. And that’s what you want – you for because of the work the company does want your apprentice to have a bit of – they have 70 coaches and run school bus, courage and to have a go. urban bus and charter coach work.

“He’s a great kid, a real credit to his “What attracted me was the range parents and we’re very proud of him.” of different things you can work Now that he is qualified Shandyn CLICK TO on and I thought the bigger said he plans to continue to work VISIT THE machines were really cool and with Mackay Transit and look MACKAY TRANSIT interesting,” said Shandyn. “I did to expand his knowledge even COACHES WEBSITE some school-based work there further by taking auto-electrical and they ended up offering me and air conditioning courses.

November 2018 Motor Trader | 87

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

2018 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE WILLIAM RUDD Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology SLEEPING BEAUTIES

3

3-YEAR-OLD WILL RUDD has just mechanic apprenticeship at school but a few months left before completing circumstances would conspire to see him his Automotive Body Repair move into construction and become a apprenticeship. However, the Apprentice carpenter. However, that career was cut of the Month for October 2017 is not new short too when his father became sick. to the apprenticeship game – a stint in “My father was terminally ill and I the construction industry a few years ago became his full-time carer,” said Will. “I saw him qualify as a carpenter. It’s a skill looked after him for a year-and-a-half he has been able to put to until he passed away and I good use for some of the MY FATHER WAS decided then that I wanted “ coachbuilding work he to go back and do what I TERMINALLY ILL . . .

I does as he learns his new always wanted, which was LOOKED AFTER HIM trade at Sleeping Beauties, to work with cars.”

FOR A YEAR-ANDa classic car restoration Taking it upon himself A-HALF UNTIL HE business based in Brisbane. to knock on the door of A hard worker with a PASSED AWAY AND I just about every shop desire to get the job done DECIDED THEN THAT from the Gold Coast to right, Will has, said his I WANTED TO GO Brisbane to get back into MTA Institute trainer Alfio the auto industry, Will BACK AND DO WHAT Rotolone, a terrific eye for struck gold with Sleeping I ALWAYS WANTED, detail and is doing a great Beauties, where he works WHICH WAS TO job with the breadth of on stunning cars and works work required of him.

WORK WITH CARS.” alongside some highly“The work they do at skilled tradespeople.

Sleeping Beauties is quite remarkable,” said “The day I started we were working on Alfio. “They rebuild and restore old cars a 1913 Vulcan,” he said with a laugh. and Will has done everything from “Everything is done in house and CLICK TO small dents to major modifications there are some great tradesmen VISIT THE to help bring those cars back to here I can learn from. We don’t do SLEEPING their original condition.” normal work here. It’s more of a BEAUTIES WEBSITE Always interested in craft – a dying art that I am lucky to cars, Will started a diesel be learning. I absolutely love it.”

88 | Motor Trader November 2018

E S S E N T I A L S

JACK GOODRICH

M E M B E R S

2018 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology TWIDALE AUTO & MOTORCYCLES

J

ACK GOODRICH WAS the MTA to training to repair and maintain cars Institute Apprentice of the Month for does seem like something of a leap.

November.

“I had always wanted to do an The 27-year-old, who works at Twidale apprenticeship but, like many people, I Auto & Motorcycles in Goondiwindi, has went to university because that’s what was recently qualified and was a standout expected to get a good job,” said Jack. “But I apprentice, impressing with his passion for knew it wasn’t for me and when I finished my the work and the trade. honours I went to work at a “Jack loves the work and bicycle shop and intended HE IS VERY “ he is one of the smartest to become a bike mechanic.

FOCUSED AND apprentices I have ever However, my fiancé got REALLY WANTS seen,” said Zak Zuiderduin, a job as a paramedic in Jack’s MTA Institute trainer TO LEARN AND HE Goondiwindi, so we ended when Jack was presented ASKS QUESTIONS up moving out here.” with the Apprentice of the Although always THAT DEMAND Month award. “With his interested in cars, it wasn’t VERY DETAILED bookwork, he is always until Jack had reached ANSWERS. ” two units ahead, and in the Goondiwindi that a career My Profile system he has in automotive, with the records of all the jobs he has done back to apprenticeship at Twidale Auto, became and 2015. The amount of exposure he has had option. And there is plenty to do at Twidale, to different jobs is phenomenal. with the team working on a broad range of “He is very focused and really wants to vehicles – from 4WDs, diesels, passenger learn and he asks questions that demand cars, trucks and even a tractor or two. very detailed answers.”

Now qualified, Jack is looking at to Jack’s route to a career in the expand his focus to include other areas automotive industry has been of automotive, including electrical, unusual. He has an honours and always challenge himself to CLICK TO VISIT THE degree in biomedical science and improve.

TWIDALE AUTO worked for a year in a Brisbane “The plan is to keep working WEBSITE laboratory, working in the field hard and keep getting better,” of stem cell research. From there he said.

November 2018 Motor Trader | 89

JOEL TRAVERS

M E M B E R S

E S S E N T I A L S

2018 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology EXTREME DENTS (QLD) PTY LTD

J

OEL TRAVERS WAS the MTA was for me. I never had it in mind to be a Institute Apprentice of the Month for panel beater but I seem to be good at it December 2017. and really enjoy it!”

The 21-year-old automotive refinishing Joel works with a strong team at the technology apprentice, who works for Extreme Dents Geebung shop, one of Extreme Dents in Geebung, has done several that the company operates across some sterling work and is well ahead in Queensland and Victoria, and when he his training, expecting to complete his picked up the Apprentice of the Month apprenticeship before award for December 2017, the end of this year, some he had already reached a I’VE BEEN WORKING “ months ahead of schedule. level of skill that saw him HARD AND TRYING An enthusiastic working on pretty much TO DO WELL. IT IS apprentice, Joel’s success any job that came into is a direct result of his VERY EXCITING . . . the shop had even seen conscientious approach to him sent to Melbourne MY MAIN GOAL both training and work. to work in the Extreme IS TO FINISH MY “Joel is well-mannered, Dents shops there.

APPRENTICESHIP interested, has a mature Surprised to be named AS EARLY AS outlook and always has Apprentice of the Month POSSIBLE. ” questions,” said Scott and be in the running for Gehrke, Joel’s MTA Apprentice of the Year, Institute trainer. “He wants to learn, Joel’s aim has been to get stuck into his wants to succeed and is proud of the career as quickly as possible. work he is doing.”

“I’ve been working hard and trying Always interested in the automotive to do well. It is very exciting,” he industry, Joel started his career by said. “My main goal is to finish completing an automotive premy apprenticeship as early as apprenticeship course. possible and I am working CLICK TO VISIT THE “I’ve always liked cars, and hard to do that. And I’ll stick EXTREME DENTS when I left school I did a Cert II with Extreme Dents. I really WEBSITE course for mechanics,” he said. appreciate the company, so I “However, I didn’t feel that area give them 100 per cent.

90 | Motor Trader November 2018

E S S E N T I A L S

TIM WARD

M E M B E R S

2018 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology YATALA HEAD WORX AND AUTOMOTIVE SERVICING

T

IM WARD WAS name Apprentice of training is, Tim said, a really the Month for January 2018. useful exercise.

The 36-year-old light vehicle “I do quite enjoy the training. Although apprentice is no stranger to the there is a lot of stuff I have to go through automotive trade – he is already a again, there are always new things that qualified engine reconditioner and has you learn and pick up along the way. worked in the industry with Repco.

“I’ve been around a long time so that For the past 11 years he was worked at does make it easier!” current employer Yatala Headworx and Gaining the light vehicle Automotive Service – a ticket won’t be the last bit family business founded “WE ARE A ONE- of training Tim does - he by his father and at which has his eyes set on further STOP SHOP, SO Tim’s two brothers also qualifications down the GETTING THAT work.

And that is not EXTRA TRAINING IS track.

Why then, after years surprising, as Yatala of being in the industry, A GOOD THING . . . Headworx offers a wide would a well-qualified and I WILL LOOK TO DO range of services, from experienced tradesman AN AUTO-ELECTRIC general servicing to EFI take it upon himself to go QUALIFICATION TOO. diagnostics to dyno tuning through training again? and a fair bit in between, THAT’S THE WAY “We are a small family THE INDUSTRY IS including installing ECUs business and I thought it and doing the wiring and would a good thing to have HEADING.” tuning for circuit and another ticket under my drag racing cars. belt,” said Tim. “I am pretty experienced “We are a one-stop shop, so getting at what I do, but it’s nice to have that extra training is a good something on paper.”

CLICK TO thing,” said Tim. “And once I While his experience means VISIT THE have completed this course, I his understanding of the YATALA will look to do an auto-electric training requirements is very, HEADWORX WEBSITE qualification too. That’s the and he is on course to finish the apprenticeship early, doing the way the industry is heading.”

November 2018 Motor Trader | 91

REED LENNOX

M E M B E R S

E S S E N T I A L S

2018 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology T.G. SPARE & REPAIRS

A

T JUST 19 years of age, Reed of an apprenticeship with T & G Spares Lennox, is already closing in on and Repairs after completing some work completing his Heavy Commercial experience while at school.

Vehicle apprenticeship.

“My family has always been involved Expecting to finish in mid-2019, the in the trade - my grandparents are MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month mechanics - and it always interested me,” for February 2018, has been working at he said. “I left school in Grade 11 to start T&G Spares and Repairs in Ayr, north my apprenticeship after doing some work Queensland, since 2015. experience and I enjoy A young man who THERE’S STILL A every part of the work. We “ enjoys everything about have a lot of sugar cane BIT TO LEARN AND his job, Reed’s enthusiastic up here, so we do a lot of I ENJOY WHAT I AM approach to training and work and maintenance on DOING . . .

THIS IS work has, said Neville machinery like trucks and WHAT I ALWAYS Donaldson, his MTA cane haulers and so on, and Institute trainer, made Reed WANTED TO DO AND the training has been great.” an excellent student to train.

With just a few months IT IS GOING WELL, “He is very diligent about SO I’LL DEFINITELY to go before qualifying as doing his book work, is a tradesman, Reed said STICK AROUND, GET always finished on time and he hadn’t thought too far SOME EXPERIENCE puts in a lot of work,” said ahead regarding where his AND THEN SEE WHAT Neville. “He’s well-liked by career might lead, wanting all the other guys who he to concentrate instead on HAPPENS.” works with, and his boss finishing his training and Troy speaks very highly of him. He’s one of getting some experience. those guys who loves what he is doing “There’s still a bit to learn and and the enthusiasm and effort he I enjoy what I am doing,” he said.

CLICK TO puts into it is proof of that.”

“This is what I always wanted VISIT THE Working in the automotive to do and it is going well, so I’ll T&G SPARES industry is something of a definitely stick around, get AND REPAIRS WEBSITE family tradition and at aged some experience and then 16, Reed took the opportunity see what happens.”

92 | Motor Trader November 2018

E S S E N T I A L S

FRANCOIS WELMAN

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

F

M E M B E R S

2018 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE BRIDGESTONE SELECT TOOWOOMBA/ GOLDEN WEST APPRENTICESHIPS

RANCOIS WELMAN WAS the MTA Francois began his automotive career Institute Apprentice of the Month for with a spell of work experience at Highfields March 2018. The 22-year-old was on Mechanical, near Toowoomba. He moved the cusp of completing his Light Vehicle on to Bridgestone after a couple of years and apprenticeship at the time, and now has has flourished there, enjoying the diverse a few months under his belt as a fullyjob requirements – requirements that have qualified tradesman. seen him step up to help run the shop when Working at Bridgestone Select Tyre management is away. & Auto in Toowoomba, "My role in the workshop Francois picked up the changed a lot since “MY ROLE IN THE has Apprentice of the Month I first came here," said WORKSHOP HAS award in recognition of his Francois. "I was just a CHANGED A LOT passion for the trade, his technician but now, while SINCE I FIRST CAME I still do that work, I am dedication and his skills development.

HERE . . . I WAS answering phones, making Having started his JUST A TECHNICIAN sales, talking to customers. training with other BUT NOW, WHILE It's a lot more customer apprenticeship training oriented.

I STILL DO THAT providers, Francois take a lot of pride in WORK . . . IT'S A LOT my"Iwork. switched to the MTA I enjoy working MORE CUSTOMER with customers and I Institute in his third year.

"Francois came over and ORIENTED.” wouldn't let a job go out we pushed him pretty hard if I wasn't 100 per cent to complete," said David Twidale, his MTA happy with it."

Institute trainer. "And his attitude was Francois said he had plans for later in his excellent. The effort he put in to get career, though he hoped to stay with over the line was tremendous.

Bridgestone for some time to come.

CLICK TO "I really like his diagnostic "My dream is to one day open VISIT THE BRIDGESTONE ability and he really wants to test my own workshop with my SELECT things and find out what has father," he said. "He's a great TOOWOOMBA gone wrong – I like his tenacity. organiser and I believe we would WEBSITE He is very deserving of the award." make a good team!"

November 2018 Motor Trader | 93

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

2018 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE SCOTT BEADEL Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology LEDA MECHANICAL REPAIRS

S

COTT BEADEL WAS the MTA apprenticeship training.

Institute Apprentice of the Month “Doing the training was difficult at my for April 2018. The 23-year-old previous employer,” said Scott. “I wasn’t fourth-year light vehicle apprentice has given the time and was there for nine been working at Leda Mechanical Repairs months and completed just one module. at Burleigh Heads for a little over two years It was difficult. and received the award in recognition of “It has been so much better at Leda. a terrific work ethic, excellent skills and My boss, Garry, has been working in the an enthusiasm to learn trade for 50 years, has an that saw him overcome a unbelievable amount of I REALLY ENJOY “ number of hurdles to be on knowledge, and has all the THE DIAGNOSTICS the cusp of completing his time in the world to show AND ELECTRICAL apprenticeship - he finished me how things are done his final training module at SIDE OF THE TRADE, and explain things to me the beginning of October. if needed. There’s just the AND I WOULD An early starter, Scott two of us and we work LIKE TO GET MY was just 13 when he began really well as a team.”

AUTO-ELECTRICAL working weekends at his At Leda Mechanical, the QUALIFICATION. ” uncle’s wrecking yard and skills Scott picked up over he has been involved in the the past couple of years industry ever since, completing a TVET are extremely useful as a wide variety (Technical and Vocational Education of vehicles come through the workshop and Training) course through school and door. And they are skills he plans to going on to work at a range of businesses develop further as he looks to the future. on a variety of vehicles – from Jeeps to “I really enjoy the diagnostics and Skylines to Ferraris – where he picked electrical side of the trade, and up knowledge in the use of the I would like to get my autoCLICK TO latest diagnostic and computer electrical qualification,” he said.

VISIT THE equipment. It’s experience that “And I do want to have my own LEDA helped him land the job with business at some point, which MEHANICAL WEBSITE Leda Mechanical after struggling is why I am striving to learn as to find the time to dedicate to his much as I can.”

94 | Motor Trader November 2018

E S S E N T I A L S

MARK BERRY

M E M B E R S

2018 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology COUNTRYWIDE SUZUKI SPARES & REPAIRS

2

7-YEAR-OLD MARK BERRY is concepts and ideas into practical everyday currently in the second-year of his use. I decided to follow this passion, light vehicle apprenticeship and was finding casual work with a marine the MTA Institute Apprentice of the mechanic while searching for an adult Month for April. apprenticeship in the light automotive A hard grafter, committed to his work field. After six months of applying to every at Countrywide Suzuki Spares & Repairs, advert I saw, I received a call from Andrew Mark has shown real enthusiasm for the Paterson at Countrywide Suzuki and have trade and his training. worked here ever since.”

“Mark makes a Countrywide Suzuki consistently good effort . . . I’M ENJOYING offers a range of services – “ with all his assignments," the business is a wrecking THE LARGE AMOUNT said Andrew Bellars, his yard as well as a servicing OF PRACTICAL WORK MTA Institute trainer. "He and paint and panel COMPARED TO THE has a genuine passion for shop - meaning that along the work and he has the SMALL AMOUNT OF with his training, Mark ability to contribute in the THEORY INVOLVED IN experiences a wide range automotive industry at the COMPLETING EACH of jobs. highest level.”

“An average week might TRAINING MODULE. Something of a latecomer consist of a customer I LIKE KNOWING NOT to the industry, Mark engine or gearbox swap, ONLY HOW BUT WHY said that it took time for wrecking out cars for A PART WORKS.” saleable parts, fixing our him find his way to the automotive profession. own sale cars, sourcing “I finished school and worked in shops customer spares and preparing items for to fund my part-time engineering/ freight,” he says. “And I’m enjoying the business degree,” he said. “After a large amount of practical work CLICK TO few years of study, I realised that compared to the small amount of VISIT THE although I enjoyed the theory theory involved in completing COUNTRYWIDE and principles of engineering, I each training module. I like SUZUKI WEBSITE was more excited by physically knowing not only how but why a working on machinery, putting part works.”

November 2018 Motor Trader | 95

AYDIN HAMMOND

M E M B E R S

E S S E N T I A L S

2018 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology COL SUMMERHAYES CRASH REPAIRS

A

YDIN HAMMOND WAS the MTA is excellent. And the work is good to, of Institute Apprentice of the Month course. I am enjoying it all.” for June. The 22-year-old, 3rd-year Interested in cars since he was a kid, panel beating apprentice has been with and with his father also working in the Col Summerhayes Crash Repairs in industry, it was always likely that Aydin Townsville for the past two years. was going to look at automotive for a Having started his apprenticeship at career path. He did, however, choose another business and with a different a slightly different journey to his dad training provider, Aydin moved to Col when he went for the paint & panel Summerhayes and the MTA apprenticeship.

Institute two years ago and “I’m not entirely sure why I’M NOT ENTIRELY “ has made brilliant progress.

I didn’t follow dad into the SURE WHY I DIDN’T According to Shane industry as a mechanic," FOLLOW DAD INTO Palmer, Aydin’s MTA he said. "Perhaps it was THE INDUSTRY Institute trainer, he is because it was something truly enthusiastic and different but in the same AS A MECHANIC has a bright future in the industry - I can always . . . PERHAPS IT industry. learn the mechanical side WAS BECAUSE IT “He is always keen to of things from him!”

WAS SOMETHING learn and very attentive,” Aydin said he's lucky DIFFERENT BUT IN THE said Shane. “He is very to work with a great team SAME INDUSTRY . . . ” at Col Summerhayes and motivated and will go a long way.” that when he finishes his For Aydin, moving to work with Col apprenticeship, he hopes to stay on at Summerhayes Smash Repairs and the MTA the business.

Institute has been very positive.

“I work with a couple of great panel “I had heard good things about beaters and they're really good at CLICK TO the MTA Institute and the showing me the ropes,” he said.

VISIT THE training has been very good,” “I’d possibly like to own my own COL SUMMERHAYES he said. “I do like the different business someday, but I do really CRASH REPAIRS WEBSITE ways we train, for instance with like it here and I definitely want the My Profile system, which to stay around.”

96 | Motor Trader November 2018

E S S E N T I A L S

JADE TARRANT

M E M B E R S

2018 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology ACCELERATE AUTO ELECTRICS

J

ADE TARRANT IS the MTA “We know that hybrids and so on Institute Apprentice of the are going to be a part of the industry, Month for June. so there will always be auto electrical The 21-year-old, 4th-year auto electrical work,” he said. “Also, my uncle owned apprentice works for the award-winning an auto electrical shop in NZ, and I Accelerate Auto Electrics and Jade has was interested in what he was doing. grasped the opportunity of working for I also knew I wanted an the forward-thinking business with both apprenticeship and thought auto hands - his work ethic and understanding electrical suited me best. of the industry marking “I really enjoy the him out as an outstanding work,” he added.

I REALLY ENJOY “ future tradesman.

“I do pretty much THE WORK . . .

“The attitude and everything a tradesman I DO PRETTY MUCH determination to be the does and my boss EVERYTHING A best is what drives Jade,” has given me lots of said Paul Tugwell, his TRADESMAN DOES opportunities to work MTA Institute trainer. “Any AND MY BOSS HAS with many different task I give him is achieved cars. And I enjoy the GIVEN ME LOTS OF with fantastic results – I training too. Paul has OPPORTUNITIES TO even have an assignment trained me from the WORK WITH MANY on autonomous sensors start and he is very DIFFERENT CARS. passionate about what from Jade that I use in my lectures. That’s about the AND I ENJOY THE he does.” highest honour I can give Jade said that he had TRAINING TOO.” my students!” not yet thought too Jade said he had decided much about where his on an auto electrical career might take him, CLICK TO apprenticeship not only because but that he hoped to stay on VISIT THE his family had a connection to with Accelerate.

ACCELERATE AUTO the trade, but because of the “This business is growing ELECTRICS WEBSITE direction in which the industry fast and I definitely want to is headed. stay on when I finish.”

November 2018 Motor Trader | 97

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

2018 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEE ZACHARIAH WILLIAMS-HOOK Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology EXCLUSIVE AUTO CENTRE

Z

ACHARIAH WILLIAMS-HOOK some very unique new cars. There's a lot WAS the MTA Institute Apprentice of money being thrown around and quite of the Month for August 2018. early on I was working on the restoration The 28-year-old, 3rd-year panel beating of a Ferrari Dino - I was a bit nervous doing apprentice works for Nick Contarino at that!"

Exclusive Auto Centre in Brisbane. Already With a terrific work ethic and an qualified as a sheet metal worker, Zac enthusiasm to learn, Zac has impressed his made the decision three years ago to move MTA Institute trainer, Alfio Rotolone, who to another trade. said Zac has proven to be "I always wanted to one of his most outstanding I WANT TO “ expand my skills levels students.

CONTINUE and when I came for an “He is extremely hard interview with Nick, he working and always LEARNING, AND really convinced me that I KEEP IMPROVING . . . shows initiative," said could do that here," he said.

Alfio. "He has amazing AND I AM IN THE "And that is exactly what I to detail, great RIGHT PLACE TO DO attention am doing." patience, and an awesome THAT. THERE'S SO scope of problem-solving It is little wonder, as MUCH GOING ON IN techniques. And he's always Exclusive works on exactly the kind of vehicles that the THE INDUSTRY AND eager to take on something name implies - exclusive THEY ARE REALLY new. He's a credit to himself vehicles. With Ferraris, SUPPORTIVE HERE.” and his employer.”

Lamborghinis and other A worthy Apprentice of high-end cars all part of a the Month winner, Zac day's work, the requirement for employees shows no sign of resting on his laurels. with top-notch skill sets is clear, as is a "I want to continue learning, and steady hand and nerves of steel. keep improving," he said. "And I CLICK TO "I do have some transferable am in the right place to do that.

VISIT THE skills – we shape panels and There's so much going on in EXCLUSIVE AUTO fabricate some elements - so the industry and they are really CENTRE WEBSITE my other trade does come in supportive here - it’s a great place handy," said Zac. "And we work on to work."

98 | Motor Trader November 2018

Right training.

Right place.

Right way.

RTO No: 31529

MTA INSTITUTE

COURSES MIG WELDING FUNDAMENTALS COURSE

HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE COURSE

SKILL SET TRAINING (3 DAY) 5 - 7 February 2019 7 - 9 May 2019 Click for more information.

20 November 2018, 8:30am - 12:30pm 12 February 2019, 8:30am - 12:30pm 14 May 2019, 8:30am - 12:30pm Click for more information.

COMMON RAIL DIESEL INJECTION COURSE INTRODUCTORY

27 November 2018, 6pm - 9pm 12 February 2019, 6pm - 9pm 14 May 2019, 6pm - 9pm Click for more information.

AIR CONDITIONING COURSE

SKILL SET GAP TRAINING (3 DAY) 27 Febraury - 1 March 2019 1 - 3 May 2019 Click for more information.

SALES/DEALER LICENCING COURSE

CERT IV AND DIPLOMA OF LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

Click for more information.

Click for more information.

AVAILABLE ONLINE - ENROL NOW

NOW AVAILABLE

All Courses are held at the MTA Institute

Search for MTA Queensland

Free guest Wifi at MTA Institute

20170566

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

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

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR NOMINEES SOAK UP THE ATMOSPHERE AT THE GC600

T

HE SUPERCARS CIRCUS was back in Queensland in October, with the streets of the Gold Coast reverberating to the thunder of the nation’s premiere motorsport competition at the GC600.

Held from 19-21 October, the event was severely hampered by some unpredictable weather, with Saturday’s first race going the distance, while Sunday was a write-off after a monster downpour caused the second race to be halted with less than half the laps completed.

Fortunately, Friday’s practice day was a cloudless and warm one, giving nine of the MTA Institute’s Apprentice of the Year nominees the opportunity to fully enjoy the motorsport festivities on offer. The 100 | Motor Trader November 2018

IT IS ALWAYS A GREAT EXPERIENCE TO TALK TO YOUR HEROES AND IT WAS NO DIFFERENT FOR THE YOUNG NOMINEES, WHO PEPPERED THE MOTOR RACING GREATS WITH QUESTIONS AND MANAGED TO GET A FEW ITEMS AUTOGRAPHED FOR GOOD MEASURE. nominees were attending the event as part of their prize for being nominated for the prestigious Apprentice of the Year award, and it was not just a case of grabbing a beer and finding somewhere comfortable

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

Lowndes and Richards at Bathurst

to watch the on-track competition.

Thanks to Autobarn Lowndes Racing and MTA Queensland corporate partner MTAA Super, the apprentice nominees were able to experience a tour of the racing team’s pit garage and some were even able to catch up with Craig Lowndes and co-driver Steven Richards – the racing legends giving up a few minutes of their

time between practice sessions to talk about their car and their careers.

It is always a great experience to talk to your heroes and it was no different for the nominees, who peppered the motor racing greats with questions and managed to get a few items autographed for good measure.

Some of the nominees took the

November 2018 Motor Trader | 101 Craig Lowndes with some of the Apprenitce of the Year nominees and their guests

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

Apprentice of the Year nominees were given a tour of the Autobarn Lowndes Racing team garage

opportunity to stay on through the weekend to catch the whole event which, for the record, saw Chas Mostert and James Moffat claim the event’s opening race, while Scott McLaughlin secured the championship points lead after finishing fifth with co-driver Alax Premat.

On another note, Lowndes and Richards secured the 2018 PIRTEK Enduro Cup after the Sunday storm brought the

WINNING AT BATHURST AND TAKING OUT THE ENDURO CUP IS A FITTING END TO LOWNDES’ FULL-TIME SUPERCARS CAREER - THE 44-YEAR-OLD ANNOUNCED EARLIER THIS YEAR THAT THIS SEASON WOULD BE HIS LAST AS A REGULAR SUPERCAR DRIVER.

MTA Institute Operations Manager Marcello Riotto (left) with the Apprentice of the Year nominees who were able to attend the GC600

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

Supercars legends Craig Lowndes and Steven Richards were on hand to chat with the nominees

second race to an end with no points awarded in that particular category.

The PIRTEK Enduro Cup is awarded to the most consistent Supercars driver and co-driver pairing across Australia’s endurance events, and the Lowndes/ Richards pairing had already finished third at Sandown and taken out the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 in an inspiring effort at

the Mount Panorama circuit.

Winning at Bathurst and taking out the Enduro Cup is a fitting end to Lowndes’ full-time Supercar career – the 44-yearold announced earlier this year that this season would be his last as a regular Supercar driver.

Since his debut in touring car competition in 1994, Lowndes has contested more than 600 races, won more than 100, taken out the championship three times and won the great race at Bathurst seven times. It’s a wonderful record, and while this year will be his last in Supercars full time, he has been signed to continue as an endurance race co-driver for the Triple Eight Race Engineering team in 2019. The story is not over yet.

November 2018 Motor Trader | 103

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

Professional Circle training

The Auto Camp group

SCHOOL’S IN FOR AUTO CAMP IN THE HOLIDAYS!

T

HE MTA INSTITUTE recently held its second Auto Camp, a three-day course designed to immerse high school students in the automotive industry.

Held for the first time in the July school holidays and again in September, the course is conducted at MTA Queensland’s Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence and its state-of-the-art workshop. Students aged between 14 and 17 received handson experience in a range of different automotive skills, from new technology such as hybrid/electric vehicles to the principles and maintenance of a vehicle.

And not only is it practical, it’s also

104 | Motor Trader November 2018

“I’VE LOVED LEARNING ABOUT ENGINES AND HOW THEY OPERATE, AND IT HAS BEEN AMAZING TO USE THE TOOLS AND GET SOME REAL-LIFE WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE.”

very popular. The course saw another full cohort of enthusiastic students getting involved in the program and coming away with an excellent set of baseline skills and knowledge of the industry.

Daniel Schuh, a 14-year old student from Aviation State High School decided to attend

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

An Auto Camp student completing an electronics project

Daniel Schuh (right) being shown the next step in the electronics project by MTA Institute trainer Russell Sticklen

the Auto Camp course after discovering a love for all things automotive when introduced to the motor trades by his family.

“I love everything automotive and am interested in all things with a motor, so when I heard about Auto Camp it just made sense to do it,” said Daniel.

“AUTO CAMP HAS

CONFIRMED TO ME THAT I’D LIKE TO WORK IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY IN THE FUTURE.” November 2018 Motor Trader | 105

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

Professional Circle training “It was my first time in a mechanical workshop, so it was really cool to work with the tools and get my hands dirty with motors and learn about servicing a car things that are really handy to know.”

But Auto Camp isn’t just for those passionate about the trade. The course is suited to all high school students and experience isn’t necessary.

“Auto Camp will show the future generation of workers where the automotive industry is now and where it is heading, in a fun, hands-on environment,” said Paul Kulpa, General Manager of the MTA Institute.

“We are aware that technology in the

“I’VE REALLY ENJOYED AUTO

CAMP, IT’S BEEN A GREAT WAY TO SPEND THE HOLIDAYS AND I’VE LEARNT MECHANICAL SKILLS I CAN USE IN MY DAY-TO-DAY LIFE AND THE INDUSTRY MAY BE SOMETHING I WILL CONSIDER AS A POSSIBLE FUTURE CAREER.” Suet Yee Kong (aka Shirley), centre, with MTA Institute trainer Anthony Bonaccorso, right

106 | Motor Trader November 2018

motor trades is evolving at a rapid pace and the purpose of Auto Camp is to show young men and women that there are many opportunities within the automotive industry and many more to come as innovative technology such as autonomous cars and electric vehicles enter the market.”

Suet Yee Kong (otherwise known as Shirley), a 16-year-old student from Stretton State College, heard about Auto Camp through her school and decided to jump on the opportunity to take part.

“I’ve really enjoyed Auto Camp, it’s been a great way to spend the holidays and I’ve learnt mechanical skills I can use in my day-to-day life and the industry may be something I will consider as a possible future career,” she said.

“Auto Camp has confirmed to me that I’d like to work in the automotive industry in the future,” added Daniel. “I’d recommend Auto Camp as a good way to spend the holidays. I’ve learnt heaps, the trainers have been good and overall it’s just been a great experience.”

“Students who are interested in electronics, engineering, design or

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

Auto Camp Students with MTA Institute Paint and Panel trainer Warren Archer

manufacturing will ultimately find high school.

Auto Camp a worthwhile and perfect “The MTA Institute plans to take Auto introduction to the automotive industry,” Camp to regional Queensland in 2019 and said Mr Kulpa. we hope to give high school students “The course is an initiative to give across the state exposure to the young adults an opportunity to CLICK HERE possibilities and opportunities TO FIND OUT get a start in the industry and that pursuing a career in the MORE ABOUT our goal is to ignite passion and AUTO CAMP automotive industry can offer.” interest, so students may have a The next Auto Camp course take place better idea of that pathway as a potential choice when they leave from 4-6 December

ACKNOWLEDGING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES IN QUEENSLAND

I

-CAR AUSTRALIA, THE organisation that delivers information, training and education to the collision repair industry, is acknowledging the achievements of industry employees from across the country who have achieved I-CAR Platinum Individual accreditation and I-CAR Welding Certification.

The following is a list of Queenslandbased collision repair industry employees

who received I-CAR Platinum Individual Accreditation in August:

• Antony Savva Mangano Body Repairs • Mark Robinson MSR Collision Centre -

Mansfield • Scott Morgan MSR Collision Centre -

Springwood • Michael Smith Auto & General Insurance Services November 2018 Motor Trader | 107

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

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

W

ELCOME TO THIS month’s Plugged In in which we continue the journey explaining different types of storage accumulators or batteries and some of the terminology that is associated with these power sources.

Past articles have focused on the history of batteries and types of batteries.

In this article, I want to discuss what the characterisation of batteries mean and terminology such as kilowatt (kW) specific energy, specific power, and the C rating. Grasping these definitions is very important in understanding how this power source will behave in our HEV/EV. The first rating I will discuss is battery capacity C-rate or, as it is commonly known, ampere-hour (Ah).

“IN THIS ARTICLE, I WANT

TO DISCUSS WHAT THE CHARACTERISATION OF BATTERIES MEAN AND TERMINOLOGY SUCH AS KILOWATT (KW) SPECIFIC ENERGY, SPECIFIC POWER, AND THE C RATING.” The battery industry uses the C-rate to scale the charge and discharge current of a battery. Physicist and engineer Charles de Coulomb developed the description of the electrostatic force of attraction and repulsion, known as Coulomb’s law, and ruled that a battery that receives a charge current of one ampere (1A) passes one coulomb (1C) of charge every second.

If a battery was rated at 100Ah and is discharged at 1 C-rate (1C), in theory it should, under ideal conditions, provide

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

a current of 100 amperes for one hour (100Ah / 100A = 1hr). Other C-rating would look like this: • 2C would discharge at 200 amperes for 30 minutes (100Ah / 200A = 0.5hr) • 0.2C or C5 would discharge at 20 amperes for 5 hours (100Ah / 20A = 5hr) • 0.5C or C2 would discharge at 50 amperes for 2 hours (100Ah / 50A = 2hr) • 0.05C or C20 would discharge at 5 amperes for 20 hours (100Ah / 5A = 20hr)

CAPACITY Using the analogy of a petrol tank, capacity is how many litres a tank can hold. A battery with a big Wh (Watt hour or energy) capacity is like a car with a big tank.

Although you can compare two battery capacities by Amp-hour (the amount of energy charge in a battery that will allow one ampere of current to flow for one hour), you can only do so if they have the same voltage. If two batteries have different voltage, using Watt-hour will be

more accurate.

• A 1 Amp-hour battery can deliver 1 Amp of current power for 1 hour.

• 1 Watt-hour = Amp-hour × Voltage • Rated Wh Capacity = Rated battery voltage × Rated Ah Capacity • Example: 201.6 V × 6.5Ah = 1310 Wh = 1.31 kWh

OUTPUT POWER The analogy here would be the speed that a car can drive. A car with a big petrol tank may drive very long distance, but it does not mean the car can drive at a very fast speed. A battery with large amps capacity may go a long distance, but it does not mean the battery can output large amps /current.

ENERGY Energy stored in a battery is dependent on battery voltage and the amount of charge stored in the battery (the Wh is the SI unit for energy).

Energy (Wh) = V (voltage) × C (capacity) November 2018 Motor Trader | 109

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

Plugged In: Explaining Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Tech EV BATTERY PACKS MODEL Chevy volt Ford Focus BEV Tesla S Nissan leaf Tesla Roadster A123 PHEV Prius

BATTERY CAPACITY 16KW/h 23KW/h 42KW/h 24KW/h 53KW/h 5KW/h

SPECIFIC ENERGY Specific energy of a battery is the parameter for determining the total battery capacity in weight for a given kilometre range of an EV. The SI unit for this quantity is the Watt-hour per kilogram (Wh/kg).

SPECIFIC POWER = RATED PEAK POWER / BATTERY MASS IN KG Specific power, also called gravimetric power density of the battery is the peak power per unit mass. It is expressed in W/ kg. This quantity is dependent on the load served by the battery and is highly variable.

Specific power is the ability of the battery to supply energy. The higher the specific energy the quicker it can give and take energy.

EV RANGE 70Km 120km 260 km 160 km 370km 50km (top) ENERGY SOURCE Petrol Natural gas Methanol Hydrogen Lead acid battery Nickel metal hydride battery Lithium-polymer battery Lithium-ion battery Ultra capacitor

POWER DENSITY

KM PER KW/H 2.00 2.5 2.8 3.6 4.2 4/5 SPECIFIC ENERGY (WH/KG) 12500 9350 6050 33000 35 50 200 120 3.3

Power density is the peak power per unit volume of a battery - Watts/Intensity (Amps)(W/I).

M E M B E R S

ENERGY DENSITY

Energy density, also referred to as volumetric density, is the nominal battery energy per unit volume - Watt hours/ Amps (Wh/I) KW/h is unit of energy equal to 3.6 megajoules (1kWh = 1kW × 3600kWs = 3600kJ = 3.6 MJ for one hour) This means that 1 Watt second is equal to one Joule, and 1 kilowatt hour is 3.6 megajoules • KW = one thousand Watts (Watt is equal to one Joule of energy per second) • KW/h = using a thousand Watts for an hour (3,600,000 Joules) • KW = Power KW defines how much energy a device uses or generates in a given amount of time.

• KW/h = Energy KW/h defines the how much energy that device actually uses or generates.

Example: 100W light bulb on for 10 hours needs 1KW/h (1000 Watt hours).

S.O.C (STATE OF CHARGE) S.O.C (state of charge) is a critical condition for battery management.

Accurate gauging of S.O.C is key to the health of the battery and for its safe operation. S.O.C. can be measured by voltmeter or hydrometer.

D.O.D (DEPTH OF DISCHARGE) D.O.D (depth of discharge) is used to indicate the percentage of total battery capacity that has been discharged.

S.O.H. (state of health) can be defined as the ratio of maximum charge capacity of an aged battery to the maximum charge capacity when the battery was new. S.O.H. is an important parameter for indicating the degree of performance degradation of a battery and for estimating the battery’s remaining lifetime.

E S S E N T I A L S

DEFINITION OF KW AND KW/H

CYCLE LIFE (NUMBER OF CYCLES) Cycle life is the number of discharge– charge cycles the battery can handle at a specific D.O.D. (normally 80 per cent) before it fails to meet specific performance criteria. The actual operating life of the battery is affected by the charging and discharging rates, D.O.D., and other conditions such as temperature. The higher the D.O.D., the shorter the life cycle.

To achieve a higher cycle life, a larger battery can be used for a lower D.O..D during normal operations.

Calendar Life is the expected life span of the battery under storage or periodic cycling conditions. It is related to temperature and S.O.C. These are the main battery characterisations you will see when looking at HEV/EV battery specifications.

The main ones will be C-Rate, KW (Power) and kW/H (Energy), but it is important to know what the others mean. Battery capacity is dependent on age, but batteries for HEV/EVs are continually being charged and discharged, and I find the best way to test these batteries is in the car under load by using the scanner and then printing off the results.

Thanks for reading, and in next month’s Plugged In, I will start discussing drive trains and electric motors.

November 2018 Motor Trader | 111

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

Member matters

WILLMOT SMASH WINS NATIONAL RECOGNITION AS MTAQ MEMBERS FILL TOP AWARDS SPOTS

M

TA QUEENSLAND MEMBERS are the best in the business. This is no idle boast and more proof of that truth can be seen in the results of the recent 2018 Paint & Panel Bodyshop awards - presented by Australasian Paint & Panel magazine at a glamorous event held at the Melbourne Arts Centre in October.

Winners of the Queensland state awards were all MTA Queensland members and the national award for best new shop also went to an association member - Willmot Smash Repairs Specialist in Cairns. The Willmot business also picked up the best new shop in Queensland gong.

It’s a brilliant result all round and especially so for the Willmot team.

The business, founded in 1977 by Allan Willmot, marked its 40th birthday last year and the current owners, Helena Willmot and Wes Jenkins, had a busy 2017 overseeing the design and construction of their new purpose-built facility that 112 | Motor Trader November 2018

opened last December.

While a massive amount of work went into the development of the new shop (and it clearly meets the very highest of industry standards) for Helena and Wes, being announced as the national award winners came as a big surprise.

“I honestly didn’t believe we would take out the national award,” said Helena.

“We were absolutely gobsmacked when our name was called out and we were lost for words. It is such an honour to be recognised and we are extremely proud.”

While the new shop is certainly designed beautifully and now utilises state-of-theart Pan booths, just as important, said Helena, were the processes and workflow that dictated the shop’s design – a feature that, perhaps, swayed the Paint & Panel judges in their favour.

“We spent countless hours on how the process would work within the new floor space,” she said. “Yes, we did build a new

M E M B E R S

Wes Jenkins and Helena Willmot of Willmot Smash Repairs Specialist with Sam Street of Paint & Panel magazine

shop, but I think it was the whole package that was important. It is one thing to build a nice shed and make it look all pretty but it is everything else, from the front end to the back and all the processes in between, that count.

“The first day we opened was a hairy moment for us,” she added. “It is one thing to think, in your mind, about how it is all going to flow, but quite another to be physically there with the cars coming in and production ready to go!

“But Wes did a really great job, and while he has done some tweaking and a little fine tuning, production really has been seamless and efficient.”

For Helena, Wes and the 26-strong Willmot team, the bar has been set incredibly high – winning a prestigious national award less than 12 months into operation is no small feat – but no one will be resting on their laurels.

“We are in a very exciting industry that is going through many changes and we have to make sure we keep on top of that,” said Helena. “We are all proud of what we have achieved but we will make sure the standards stay high – that work never stops.”

E S S E N T I A L S

Wes Jenkins and Helena Willmot at the award-winning Willmot Smash Repairs Specialist workshop

Our congratulations go to all Paint & Panel award winners, and especially to the MTA Queensland members who were successful: • Best boutique QLD: Eagle Smash Repairs • Best large shop QLD: Holmes Smash Repairs CLICK TO VISIT • Best new shop QLD: Willmot Smash THE WILLMOT Repairs Specialist SMASH REPAIRS SPECIALIST • Best new shop national winner: WEBSITE Willmot Smash Repairs Specialist • Best customer experience: Gold Coast Collision Centre.

MTA QUEENSLAND WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS Business Name

Principal/s

Address

Email

Division

Autohub - Mechanical, Panel & Paint Bushy’s Georgetown Tyre & Mechanical Sharp’s Heavy Equipment Repairs Pty Ltd Up 2 Scratch Western Truck Group Zuce Tech Pty Ltd

Shane Holley Judy Hawking Andrew Kerr Dale Purdie Jamie Little Glen Hadden

11 Judds Court SLACKS CREEK 4127 6 High Street GEORGETOWN, QLD 4871 163-173 Connors Road PAGET 4740 4 Garret Street BRENDALE 4500 373 Anzac Ave TOOWOOMBA, QLD 4350 Unit 10, 75 Flinders Parade NORTH LAKES, QLD 4509

shane@cabs2000.com BGTMNQ@westnet.com.au Andrew.kerr@sharpsheavy.com.au dale@up2scratch.com.au info@wtg.com.au glen@zuce.com.au

AED AED AED NACA AADA AED

November 2018 Motor Trader | 113

CARS &

C O F F E E

MIX OF CLASSICS AND EXOTICS MAKE CARS AND COFFEE A TASTY EVENT

A

HOT AND SUNNY Sunday morning greeted car enthusiasts from across Brisbane and the southeast as they converged for the October edition of the MTA Queensland Cars and Coffee gathering.

As usual, an exciting mix of classic and exotic cars made the trip to the association’s head office at Eight Mile Plains.

Included in the mix were a pristine 1978 Ford Falcon sedan, an equally mint 1949

114 | Motor Trader November 2018

. . . AS USUAL, AN EXCITING MIX OF CLASSIC AND EXOTIC CARS MADE THE TRIP TO THE ASSOCIATION’S HEAD OFFICE AT EIGHT MILE PLAINS. Morris Minor Coupe, a 1970 MercedesBenz 280 sedan, a 1991 Lamborghini Diablo Coupe and a really interesting guest – an orange 1975 Chevy Monza Hatchback.

November 2018 Motor Trader | 115

CARS &

C O F F E E

There were, as you can see from these pictures, plenty of other stunners that turned up for the morning meet.

With Zali’s Café open for business during the event, and the facilities of MTA Queensland on hand, the Cars and Coffee gathering continues to be a top-class event that offers a truly easy-going affair for 116 | Motor Trader November 2018

enthusiasts of vehicles of all types.

It’s an event that shouldn’t be missed and it kicks off again on Sunday, 25 November, between 7:30am and 9:30am.

So, why not come along if you’re in the area and want some good food and good conversation while checking out some great cars! See you there!

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

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS PAST ISSUES OF MOTOR TRADER

Concept corner

PEUGEOT UNVEILS VISION OF FU 118 | Motor Trader November 2018

UTURE WITH e-LEGEND CONCEPT November 2018 Motor Trader | 119

Concept corner

Peugeot e-Legend Concept

T

HIS IS THE e-Legend Concept – an autonomous, electric and connected vehicle from Peugeot.

The e-Legend is powered by a 100 per cent electric power train, with the 100 kWh batteries delivering 800 Nm torque and 340 Kw power. This level of performance offers performance of 0/100 km/h in less than four seconds and a maximum speed of 220km/h. The range is 600 km, of which 500 km are accessible in 25 minutes thanks to a fast recharge.

The e-Legend offers four modes of driving – two autonomous and two manual – which can be selected depending on the road and traffic conditions, as well as the driver’s preference.

The two autonomous modes are SOFT, which focuses on the comfort of the vehicle’s occupants - with projection on digital material screens and information displays reduced to a minimum - and SHARP, which features maximum connectivity for digital activities, such as engaging on social networks, arranging electronic calendars and so on.

120 | Motor Trader November 2018

The two manual modes are LEGEND, a cruising mode with the dashboard showing three dials and a digitally-created wood effect display on various screens, and BOOST, a mode that Peugeot describes as offering more dynamic and stimulating driving thanks to 180-degree immersion for the driver, with projection of the road on a single, large screen.

When the e-Legend Concept is in either

VIDEO: PEUGEOT'S E-LEGEND CONCEPT

of the autonomous modes, the interior configuration changes, with the steering wheel retracting under the sound bar to make the 49-inch central screen fully visible. The front seats recline for extra comfort and the side armrests deploy automatically, freeing up a large storage area and an induction charging area for smartphones and other devices.

The fully autonomous capabilities of

the vehicle are designed to give drivers more time to themselves, with Peugeot’s i- Cockpit system offering an environment in which to pursue other activities.

The immersive nature of the vehicle is enhanced by a partnership with AI technology company SOUNDHOUND Inc, which offers a voice-activated personal assistant. Using this, the driver can change the driving style of the car, listen to music or even open and close the electrified doors. Peugeot says a version of this will be available in production vehicles within two years.

November 2018 Motor Trader | 121

Motor Trades Golf Day

AUTO INDUSTRY SWINGS INTO ACTION AT MOTOR TRADES GOLF DAY

Q

UEENSLAND’S AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY gathered at the Virginia Golf Club near Brisbane on October 5 for the 69th annual Motor Trades Golf Day. The event has been a popular one since its inception and this year more than 80 members of the motor trades community participated.

MTA Queensland, now the promoter and organiser of the event, had a number of staff members taking part and the gallant 'air-swingers' proved, yet again, that their expertise lies in the automotive industry, not on the golf course, and they wouldn’t be giving up their day jobs!

The competition, played to four-ball Ambrose rules, was a tight affair with the 122 | Motor Trader November 2018

“WE MADE A FEW CHANGES

TO THE FORMAT WHICH MADE IT MORE APPEALING TO A WIDER AUDIENCE, INCLUDING HACKERS LIKE ME . . . AND IT WAS A GREAT EVENT!” VIDEO: 69TH ANNUAL MOTOR TRADES GOLF TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS

November 2018 Motor Trader | 123

Motor Trades Golf Day

team of Paul Klease, David Hodges, Jason Murray and Craig St Clair, representing Bremer Ford, emerging as worthy winners, and pipping the Auto Leaders Caloundra team of Ray Miller, John Legg, Ken Bridges and David Tedge to the winner’s trophy.

Nearest-the-pin trophy winner was Ray Miller, while the longest drive - a prize sponsored by automotive parts sourcing software company Parts Check - was taken out by Adrian Harrison from Adrian’s Autos.

It was a great day and plenty of fun and the ‘competition’ ended with a hearty meal and plenty of liquid refreshments at the 19th hole with prizes presented by Paul Kulpa, MTA Institute General Manager.

The event was, said Paul, a different format from previous years but had gone down a treat with the players.

“We made a few changes which made it more appealing to a wider audience, including hackers like me!” he said. “And it was a great event. We were happy with the turnout and it was great to see a mix of industry and support services for the automotive industry there.

“It’s difficult at the best of times to get away from work, but seeing the numbers supporting the event, having a good time 124 | Motor Trader November 2018

“. . . SEEING THE NUMBERS

SUPPORTING THE EVENT, HAVING A GOOD TIME AND NETWORKING, IS SOMETHING WE WANTED TO ACHIEVE AND DID. WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO RUNNING THE EVENT AGAIN NEXT YEAR.” and networking, is something we wanted to achieve and did. We’re looking forward to running the event again next year.”

MTA Queensland would like to thank Virginia Golf Club and the Club’s Operations Manager Andrew Halliday, and our prize sponsors, who were most generous: • A H Knowles & Co • Mack Trucks • Active Forklift Service Pty Ltd • Auto Leaders (AUST) Pty Ltd • Tridon Australia • Metro Ford • QG Auto Electrical & Air-conditioning • KT Cable Accessories Pty Ltd • Infinity Wheels • Virginia Golf Club We’ll see you all again next year!

Jason Murray, Paul Klease, Craig St Clair, David Hodges

November 2018 Motor Trader | 125

MT’s Christmas Gift Guide ❶

❶ MINI TRUCK BAR A rather cool mini Tata Truck Bar cabinet makes a great conversation piece when parked up in your living room. Handmade with recycled motor parts and reclaimed boat wood, the Truck Bar is a totally functional mini bar. $1620 From: www.smithersofstamford.com

❷ FAST & FURIOUS SPEEDOMETER HEAT CHANGE MUG

❸

An officially licensed Fast & Furious Heat Change Mug. When cold, the mug features a simple graphic of a speedometer, but add hot liquid and a glowing, colourful design appears before your very eyes!

Comes boxed and ready for gifting. $14.99 From: www.yellowoctopus.com.au

❸ CAR SEAT SOFA Recycled from an old classic car, this Car Seat Sofa is pretty special. Car front end comes complete with front headlights, so this will need wiring by a qualified electrician. It ain’t cheap but it is very cool. Sit back and enjoy the ride! $5370 From: www.smithersofstamford.com 126 | Motor Trader November 2018

❺

❹ MUM’S TAXI CAR SEAT HEADREST COVER

❻

Bit of fun here! While there are plenty of other eye-catching headrest designs available, we thought this one might sum things up nicely for the mums out there!

The design is double sided and you get two individual covers. Fits most standard size car head rests. $28 From: britishmade.gifts

❺ CAFÉ RACER COLLAPSIBLE STAINLESS STEEL CUP

❷

One for the bike-lovers out there. This Café Racing collapsible cup pays homage to the TonUp-Boys of yester-year with its stainless-steel, leather strap and etched mantra of “Ride Low Stay Lucky”. Compact, convenient and incredibly cool. $24.99 From: www.yellowoctopus.com.au

❹

❻ BLUETOOTH EDUCATIONAL ROBOT STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) learning is invaluable for today’s kids – and here’s something that might get them interested – the programmable mini robot called mBot A build-it-yourself robot that exposes children to STEM principles, the mBot is apparently easy to assemble and free software ( for laptop or PC) and an app ( for smartphone or tablet) are available for download from the mBot website. $149.99 From: www.yellowoctopus.com.au November 2018 Motor Trader | 127

Investment matters

MARKET WRAP

I

N THE MARKETS, the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index was down 1.26% in September. Health Care was the worst performing sector (-8.0%) as rising bond yields weighed on lofty valuations and a royal commission into the aged care sector was announced. Meanwhile, the banks continued to struggle beneath the weight of their own Royal Commission, with the Interim Report handed down by Commissioner Kenneth Hayne at month end. The market found some reprieve in Materials (+2.6%) and Energy (+4.0%) as China reaffirmed its dedication to growth.

Domestically, housing and high household debt remains a weak spot. We are seeing home sales slow and house prices fall, given slowing demand and difficulty accessing credit for investors. Despite this, business confidence remains surprisingly robust. Infrastructure activity remains strong and mining investment is returning.

Corporate gearing is low in Australia and we are seeing some signs of growth emerging. Australia remains finely balanced at present—a soft landing for the housing market would be helpful but is not assured.

Digitisation and disruption are creating opportunities, but at a price. The question is what price to pay for these types of opportunities. The gap between marketloved stocks and unloved stocks is high by historical standards, but then we would also argue the gap in the opportunity between a stock with a global growth opportunity and a stock facing disruption 128 | Motor Trader November 2018

DIGITISATION AND DISRUPTION ARE CREATING OPPORTUNITIES, BUT AT A PRICE. THE QUESTION IS WHAT PRICE TO PAY FOR THESE TYPES OF OPPORTUNITIES. from, say, an Amazon entering the market, has never been greater. We believe it is time for some caution. Market optimism means many businesses have been rerated higher and some of these will not deserve the market darling status that they currently enjoy. Further, higher bond yields can place pressure on these extended valuations, given a significant level of value is in the terminal year. In some cases, the opportunities are difficult to ignore and a business that creates a large global presence will be interesting regardless of where bond yields land.

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!

Steven Tong, Mechanic Member since 2002

It’s my choice.

Make it yours.

I’ve always loved working with cars.

When I retire, I want to continue to share this passion with others, spend time with my family, and travel.

With MTAA Super, I know I’m in good hands.

1300 362 415 mtaasuper.com.au

05/18

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