OC T 2021
+ MTA QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY AWARDS | MEET THE FINALISTS INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF MTA QUEENSLAND? CLICK HERE
+ DELOREAN DMC-12
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND
M TA Q U E E N S LAN D DI V I SIO NA L CO M MIT T EE M EET IN GS
MTA QUEENSLAND hosts quarterly Divisional Committee meetings for:
USTRALIAN AUTOMOTIVE DEALER ASSOCIATION › A(NEW CAR DEALERS) UTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS DIVISION › A(MECHANICAL REPAIRERS) UTOMOTIVE PARTS RECYCLERS DIVISION › A(PARTS RECYCLERS) UTOMOTIVE REMARKETING DIVISION › A(USED CAR DEALERS) NGINE RECONDITIONERS ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND › E(ENGINE RECONDITIONERS) ATIONAL AUTO COLLISION ALLIANCE › N(PAINT & PANEL / TOW TRUCKS) UEENSLAND FARM & INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DEALERS DIVISION › Q(FARM & INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY) UEENSLAND MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY DIVISION › Q(MOTORCYCLES) ENTAL VEHICLE INDUSTRY DIVISION › R(RENTAL VEHICLES) ERVICE STATION & CONVENIENCE STORE ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND › S(SERVICE STATIONS) YRE & UNDERCAR DIVISION OF QUEENSLAND › T(TYRES, BRAKES, SUSPENSIONS) The Agenda topics include:
› robust discussions around the priorities of the Division, › issues that need to be directly presented to government and submissions, › skilling needs, › membership representation, › technical and educational updates, and › innovation opportunities. The Committee meetings can be attended in-person at MTA Queensland or online. The meetings are open to members and non-members, but we strongly encourage membership to ensure all member benefits are available.
CLICK HERE FOR MEETING DATES
20200885
CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY
From the Editor Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland HEAD OFFICE Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 P.O. Box 4530, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Tel: 07 3237 8777 Fax: 07 3844 4488 Toll Free: 1800 177 951 Email: publications@mtaq.com.au Website: www.mtaq.com.au
JONATHAN NASH
EDITOR Jonathan Nash
EDITOR
ART DIRECTOR Marco Ilinic
H
ELLO AND WELCOME to the October 2021 edition of Motor Trader. Back in the July edition, we featured some of the world’s fastest, and most powerful all-electric supercars. Electrification, however, means more than just battery power on its own, and in this month’s Motor Trader we take a look at some of the machines that get their incredible performance from hybrid technology. This combination of internal combustion engine, battery and electric motor(s) can deliver amazing power, and the cars featured in our cover story show just how potent the technology can be. You can read more about these amazing machines from page 26. Also in this edition we introduce the amazing people and businesses that
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Evangeline Kannis Ian Naylor POLICY Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
Email: jonathann@mtaq.com.au EDITORIAL Editorial submissions are welcomed but cannot be guaranteed placement. For more information email the Editor at publications@mtaq.com.au SUBSCRIPTION RATES Subscribing to the Motor Trader e-magazine is free. Click here to subscribe MOTOR TRADER PUBLISHING POLICY Motor Trader is the official publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland. The role of Motor Trader is to inform members of current issues and legislation affecting the industry. As such it can be regarded as the business magazine for the Queensland motor industry. The role of Motor Trader is not to be in competition with the technical magazines already on the market. It will advise of new vehicles being released and of the latest technology incorporated into them; it will advise of latest technology affecting members in each of the MTA Queensland Divisions; it will keep members abreast of the latest in motor industry training and industrial affairs; and it will keep members informed of the latest technical aids available through MTA Queensland Member Services, which will assist members in staying ahead of the technological revolution presently being encountered within the motor industry. The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any advertisement and the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher for all damages or liabilities arising from the published material.
MTA QUEENSLAND ABN: 74 028 933 848 CORPORATE PARTNERS
are finalists in the 2021 MTA Queensland business awards. The awards, which will be presented to the winners at the MTA Queensland Industry Awards Gala on 20th November, cover three categories - Community, Innovation, and Women In Industry - and all nine finalists, three in each category, are tremendous representatives of the automotive industry with great stories to share. You can read more about them from page 12.
ALL NINE FINALISTS . . . ARE TREMENDOUS REPRESENTATIVES OF THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY WITH GREAT STORIES TO SHARE. There is plenty more going on inside Motor Trader, of course, including out regular Classic Car feature, which this month focuses on the rather incredible story of that most iconic of motor cars, the DeLorean DMC-12. I hope you enjoy this edition, and if you have any news to share or have a classic vehicle you’d like to see featured in Motor Trader, then do reach out and contact us. Cheers Jonathan Nash, Editor jonathann@mtaq.com.au
20210985
MTA Queensland welcomes the following new member BUSINESS NAME McSweenys Garage
ADDRESS Shed 8-13 Runway Drive, MOUNT COOLUM QLD 4573
DIVISION ERAQ
October 2021 Motor Trader | 1
Contents
26
AMPED UP: SUPERCARS AND THE HYBRID REVOLUTION
04 FROM THE DESK OF MANAGEMENT 06 MTA|Q&A: HANNAM STREET MUFFLERS 12 2021 MTA QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY AWARDS: THE FINALISTS 26 COVER STORY: AMPED UP SUPERCARS AND THE HYBRID REVOLUTION 48 AUTO INNOVATION NEWS 64 CLASSIC CAR: 40 YEARS OF THE DELOREAN DMC-12 78 AUTO NEWS 90 WORKPLACE RELATIONS 93 MTA INSTITUTE NEWS 94 APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH: SEPTEMBER 2021 96 MTA INSTITUTE GRADUATE LIST 102 CONCEPT CORNER 2 | Motor Trader October 2021
100
MCCARTHY PANEL WORKS MARKS 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS
Search for MTA Queensland
66
40 YEARS OF THE DELOREAN DMC-12
2021 MTA QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY AWARDS: THE FINALISTS
102
12
MTA|Q&A: HANNAM STREET MUFFLERS
6
MERCEDES-MAYBACH CONCEPT EQS
October 2021 Motor Trader | 3
From the Desk of Management
I
T SEEMS UNBELIEVABLE that I am approaching my first anniversary at MTA Queensland. I guess that is a sign of having fun! As I continue to ROD CAMM attend the divisional CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MTA QUEENSLAND meetings and visit members throughout Queensland, I am constantly motivated to do more to support the businesses that are the core of our purpose. On my commencement, the Board clearly articulated that member service was the priority, and it has remained the driving force behind a range of new offerings. I am proud to have delivered these initiatives in my first year. • A suite of micro-credentials to ensure members can upskill • An extensive webinar program supporting continuous learning • A bolstered member services team to improve our support • A range of new services, particularly enhanced workplace relations and workplace, health and safety • Queensland regional tours to visit members and understand local issues • Reintroduction of technical support for members through Motortech • Introduction of a leading diagnostic scan tool • Website building and ongoing support service It is my commitment to the membership to constantly improve how we can support businesses. We are acutely aware that almost every member is facing a severe skills shortage and we are actively exploring solutions with government and private entities to try to improve this situation. 4 | Motor Trader October 2021
I
N SEPTEMBER THE Queensland Transport and Resources Committee released its Report entitled Inquiry Vehicle Safety, Standards and KELLIE DEWAR Technology, including DEPUTY CEO | GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES Engine Immobiliser Technology. The committee made seven recommendations on key industry areas such as the written-off vehicle scheme, strengthening the inspection process for repairable write-offs, mandatory requirements that sellers of written-off vehicles notify prospective buyers of the vehicle’s written-off history, and potential changes to the scrap metal industry with a view to improving conditions for reputable operators. Copy of the full Report is HERE. For as little as $2 a day your return on investment for membership is worth it! Corporate Partner savings can contribute up to $2000 in value. The Corporate Partners offer specialist services and savings on banking needs, EFTPOS fees, insurance, buy now/pay later consumer payment options, legal advice and workplace health and safety compliance. This month I’d like to shine a spotlight on Spirit Super, who have over 320 000 members across Australia and offer low fees and competitive investment returns. Read more HERE. Also, remember to utilise the library of BUSINESS RESOURCES including: • website building • digital resources • COVID-19 resources • Workplace environmental improvements and energy check tool • apprentice incentives • tax and financial assistance • mental health support • business advice and mentoring • government services • family business resources • cyber security resources.
Business support every step of the way. Whether you’re starting, running or growing your business, CommBank, proud Alliance Partner of MTAQ can help you do business your way. Dedicated support for your business To help you take your business to the next level, MTAQ members can benefit from direct access to a dedicated CommBank Relationship Manager and team of banking specialists. They’ll work with you through every stage of your business life cycle. You’ll also receive 24/7 Australian based phone support for all your business banking needs. Business products and solutions MTAQ members may be eligible to access the latest innovative business banking products and solutions with preferential pricing applied, making it easier for you to do business. These include: No merchant joining fee
Business Loans and Asset Finance
Same day se�lement every day of the year^
Overdra� Facilities and Bank Guarantees
Daily IQ - free business insights tool with CommBiz and NetBank
Free business financial health checks
To find out how CommBank can help you do business your way, contact MTAQ on (07) 3237 8777 or email info@mtaq.com.au and they’ll put you in touch with a CommBank Relationship Manager.
Things you should know: ^‘Same day’ includes eCommerce card sales before 5:30pm (AEST) and EFTPOS card sales before 10pm (AEST) and is available for eligible customers with a Commonwealth Bank business transaction account and a linked Commonwealth Bank merchant facility. Offers available to referrals made via MTAQ. MTAQ may receive a referral fee from Commonwealth Bank for each successful referral (excludes existing customers). Applications for finance are subject to the Bank’s normal credit approval and suitability of the asset. Other fees, charges, terms and conditions may apply. As this information has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the information, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. Please view our Merchant Agreement, Financial Services Guide and Operator and User Guides at commbank.com.au/ merchantsupport. To find out more about Daily IQ, visit commbank.com.au/DailyIQ. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.
Michael and Robyn Walsh
MTA |Q&A The blue branding of Hannam Street Mufflers and the Walsh name are a common sight in the motorsport circles of Far North Queensland. For more than 50 years, patriarch Michael Walsh has been a serious competitor at local drag strips, tarmac rallies and speedway tracks, and for more than 45 years, Michael and his wife Robyn have worked in the automotive industry in Cairns. Robyn Walsh took a moment recently to chat with Motor Trader about Michael and Hannam Street Mufflers. WORDS AND PICTURES: LARA WILDE 6 | Motor Trader October 2021
Tell us about the products and services that Hannam Street Mufflers provides? RM: Hannam Street Mufflers is a locally
owned and operated family business, and we specialise in exhaust and mechanical work for a wide variety of cars. We see customers bring in everything from their brand-new four-wheel drive vehicles that they want modified to take to the Cape, through to classic cars they are restoring. We also manufacture custom pipe work for industrial machines, boats, trucks, and generators as well as cars.
How long have you been established? RM: Michael has had a mechanical business of one sort or another for more than 45 years. We officially opened the doors to Hannam Street Mufflers together in 1998.
“HANNAM STREET MUFFLERS IS A LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FAMILY BUSINESS, AND WE SPECIALISE IN EXHAUST AND MECHANICAL WORK FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF CARS.” What is your background in the industry? RM: Michael is a qualified mechanic and
a mad-keen motorsport enthusiast. It is one thing to train as a mechanic but being a passionate race car driver who builds and repairs his own race cars provides Michael with another level of expertise. I was an automotive parts interpreter and administrator before we opened the October 2021 Motor Trader | 7
business, and my background has been very useful to provide advice to customers.
Are you still hands on in the business today? RM: Oh yes. We are both here on a
regular basis where Michael oversees the workshop and I manage the office.
Who is your current Hannam Street Muffler team? RM: Our current team is Michael, myself,
“HANNAM STREET MUFFLERS SPONSOR AND ACTIVELY SUPPORTS MOST SPEEDWAY AND MOTORSPORTS THROUGH PRODUCT AND WORK.”
Kerry, Jon, Kham, Matty, Zac, and Donnie. We are also looking to employ another trade-qualified mechanic to be part of our team and contribute to our ever-growing business.
is getting out to the truly passionate motorsport enthusiasts in our region. Brand recognition can go a long way when those race fans are asked by their mates who to go to.
Do you sponsor local motorsport and individual competitors? What role does it play in your marketing activities for the business? RM: We place a large value on supporting
What are your plans for the next few years? RM: We really enjoy our role as mentors
our local motorsport community. Hannam Street Mufflers sponsor and actively supports most speedway and motorsports through product and work. That might mean providing a workshop space for competitors to work on their cars and get assistance from our team, or it might mean a heavy discount on parts and labour to build their car. By having our name on our race cars and many competitors’ cars we know our brand
8 | Motor Trader October 2021
in our business. We are looking forward to keeping the business successful and watching it grow. We are also very passionate about building a successful Sprintcar team that dominates the local competition.
What do you do with your spare time? RM: As a family owned and operated
business, we are lucky to have the opportunity to spend time as a family in and out of the shop. When we aren’t
we always treat our customers, our staff, and our peers in the industry the way we would like to be treated.
How much importance do you place on social media for your business? RM: Social media is a great
there, we spend time together racing speedway, water skiing, and camping.
What advice would you give to a young you starting out in the industry? RM: When you are young and first starting
out you can often think you know best. Our advice would be to learn as much as you can about the industry and never stop bettering your knowledge. That, and always treat people the way you like to be treated. We receive many great reviews on our customer service and that is because
tool to let people know what is happening in your business. Our customers like to keep track of what we are up to - from staff birthdays to cool cars on the hoist through to positions vacant and new products. Using social media, we can reach our existing and potential customers immediately and receive their feedback in real time.
What do you see as the greatest advancement in technology for your business? RM: Generally, modern technology has been the greatest advancement in our business. From computers to streamline stock control and marketing on social media, to eftpos and pay wave for customer convenience through to
October 2021 Motor Trader | 9
diagnostic scanners and tools working on the cars. It is a struggle now to remember what life was like in a workshop before modern technology.
What cars do you and Michael own? RM: We have a small collection of cars
including a 1927 Chevrolet, a 1938 Pontiac, a 1968 Leyland bus, a Hilux ute, a Toyota Prado and two LS Sprintcars which we race.
Do you or your staff actively compete in Motorsport? Does that play a role in the professional development of your team? RM: Michael is currently near the top of the
“MTAQ IS ALWAYS THERE FOR ADVICE. THEY KNOW THE LATEST BEST PRACTICE IN THE INDUSTRY, FROM ADVANCEMENTS IN NEW TECHNOLOGY THROUGH TO HR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS.” RM: Electric cars will still have
mechanical parts so they will still need repairs. We look forward to tapping into the resources that MTAQ offers to get our team up to speed on advancements in electric vehicles in the mainstream automotive industry so that we can service them and repair them.
leader board for the local Sprintcar series and, for the last few years, Michael and his son Brian have competed in Targa Great Barrier Reef. Competing in motorsport What has been the greatest benefit of your has allowed us to get our brand out in the MTA Queensland membership? community, test new ideas for mechanical RM: MTAQ is always there for advice. They repairs and maintenance when building know the latest best practice in the industry, race cars, and for our staff to see their from advancements in new technology work in action. It is very valuable for staff through to HR and industrial relations. to get to know our customer base and We also find that proudly displaying to get hands-on experience in a CLICK our MTAQ membership gives high-pressure environment. TO VISIT THE HANNAM STREET customers a sense of confidence MUFFLERS Do you consider that the advancements that they can trust us as we are WEBSITE in electric cars will have an impact on a member of a well-respected your business? industry association. 10 | Motor Trader October 2021
Dylan, Spirit Super member
It all starts with spirit With low fees and a history of strong returns, we back hard-working Aussies. spiritsuper.com.au Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). Read the PDS and TMD at spiritsuper.com.au/pds before making a decision. Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future performance. The value of investments can rise or fall, and investment returns can be positive or negative.
October 2021 Motor Trader | 11
2021 M TA Q I NDUSTRY
T
HE 2021 MTA Queensland Industry Awards Gala will be held on Saturday, 20th November at the Emporium Hotel, South Bank, in Brisbane, and is a celebration of the automotive industry and training excellence, as well as the achievements of MTA Queensland members and MTA Institute apprentices throughout Queensland over the past 12 months. The Gala will again be hosted by Ben Davis from Channel Seven, who did such an outstanding job of overseeing the evening’s events and entertaining the more than 200 guests who attended the last full Awards Gala, held in the pre-covid days of 2019. This time around, Ben will be joined by special guest Steven Bradbury, the man who created history in 2002 when he won Australia’s first Winter Olympics Gold Medal at the Salt Lake City Games in the US. In that event, we all remember, Bradbury was the outsider who took the win in the 1000m short-track speed skating event after staying clear of the jostling
12 | Motor Trader October 2021
. . . THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA WILL BE THE PRESENTATION OF THE AWARDS THAT RECOGNISE THE TREMENDOUS WORK DONE BY MTA QUEENSLAND MEMBERS AND MTA INSTITUTE APPRENTICES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. amongst his competitors and crusing through for the gold after they all tumbled and crashed out on the last lap. It was an amazing race that capped incredible journey for Bradbury, and he won fans the world over with the honesty and humility he showed after the win. He saw the victory as reward not for one race, but for training seven days a week for 12 years. To hear Steven talk about his journey
THE MTA QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA DINNER IS PROUDLY SUPPOR
U E ENS L AND AWARD S:
The 2019 Industry Awards Gala
and relate his story will make for a terrific evening. However, the highlight of the Industry Awards Gala will be the presentation of the awards that recognise the tremendous work done by MTA Queensland members and MTA Institute apprentices through the year. In next month’s edition of Motor Trader, we will take a look at the finalists for the Apprentice of the Year award. This month, however, we focus on the finalists of the three business awards. These awards are: • THE COMMUNITY AWARD, to be presented to an individual or member business who is a role model in their community and this is evidenced by their actions. • THE INNOVATION AWARD, to be presented to an individual or business that is supporting or implementing innovation in the automotive or mobility industry. • THE WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARD, to be presented to a female leader
achieving success by their commitment to driving change in the automotive or mobility industry. As always, those nominated for the award were all extremely impressive and the finalists this year are outstanding representatives of the industry and an example of what can be achieved through hard work and smart thinking coupled to plenty of drive and enthusiasm. Across Queensland, automotive businesses work tremendously hard to service their communities and adapt to an industry that is going through real and substantial transformation, challenging themselves to be creative and innovative in their approach. Recognising these businesses, and the people that lead them, is a privilege and highlights what tremendous work is being done. Over the next few pages, you’ll discover more about the great people and businesses that are finalists in these award categories.
RTED BY OUR EVENT PARTNERS SPIRIT SUPER, CAPRICORN, AND BUSY AT WORK
October 2021 Motor Trader | 13
2 0 2 1
MTA Q U EEN S L AN D
James and Erin Robertson
BILL ROBERTSON TOYOTA FIN A L IS T
BILL ROBERTSON TOYOTA (BRT) has been a fixture in Gladstone for nearly 50 years and it’s no surprise to discover the deep connections the award-winning dealership has made with the community in that time. That community encompasses a wide area - including Calliope, Boyne Island, Tannum Sands, Agnes Water, 1770, Miriam Vale, Mt Larcom, and the Builyan region - and the business, run by founder Bill Robertson’s son James and wife Erin, reaches out to support that community through a large number of sponsorships and support programs. The dealership’s biggest sponsorship commitment is with the local Gladstone AFL team, known as the Bill Robertson Toyota Gladstone Suns, while other sponsorships include the Gladstone Harbour Festival, the Mt Larcom Show Society, the Gladstone Orchid & Foliage Society, the Gladstone & Mt Larcom Bowls 14 | Motor Trader October 2021
I N D US
Clubs, National Tree Day local events, Koolyangarra Kindergarten, Gladstone West State School, Gladstone Rugby Union Junior Players Program, and the Cancer Council. The BRT team also supports the RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue through voluntary staff contributions given via their regular pay, and offer pro-bono work with the Gladstone Anglican Church Parish and the Gladstone Men’s Shed for their vehicle services. The business also offers financial assistance to community charity service Heart of Australia which assists rural communities with specialist health services. These are just some of the programs of support that BRT delivers and it’s clear that the team works hard to live up to the community-focused dealership slogan of ‘We love locals’. For Dealer Principal James and wife Erin - who is the Dealership Marketing and Brand Manager - supporting the community is vital to being a good corporate citizen and the duo volunteer their time on local Boards, with Erin a Board Director/Vice Chair of Roseberry Qld and a Committee Member of the Gladstone Chamber of Commerce and Industry, while James is the Secretary of MTA Queensland, Chairman of MTA Queensland’s Australian Automobile Dealers Association committee, Chair of Equip Gladstone, Board Member of Rio Tinto Community Fund, and Committee Member of Gladstone’s
THE MTA QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA DINNER IS PROUDLY SUPPOR
S TRY AWA RDS: Creative Recycling Centre. become known to more members of the For James, Erin, and the BRT team, community. Working with the community being deeply involved with their to ensure local sports, events and services community is vital, and for the business are able to be held is actually a lot of fun to have their expansive efforts recognised and very rewarding. through the MTA Queensland Community “We were really surprised and thankful,” Award is something of which they are he added of BRT being named a finalist rightly proud. for the Community Award. “I think “Local businesses need the it’s important for MTA Queensland CLICK TO VISIT THE support of their local community to highlight what our industry BILL ROBERTSON to survive. It’s a two-way street does in all the communities its TOYOTA WEBSITE – you have to earn support by members run their businesses. giving support,” said James. There are many businesses just “Supporting community activities like mine that make large and also enables you to get to know and small contributions every day.”
IRELAND’S OF CAIRNS FI N A L IS T
THERE CAN BE few names in Far North Queensland that are more associated with the automotive industry than Ireland. Why? Because the Ireland’s of Cairns dealership has been in the car business for nearly a century, and generations of the Ireland family have been involved in the industry since the company was founded in 1923.
Naturally, the business has forged deep roots in the community over that time and supports, or has supported, many local organisations. Amongst these are the Cairns Taipans NBL Basketball team and many other sporting clubs as well as not-for-profit groups such as Rotary, Advance Cairns, the Cairns Choral Society, and the Cairns Regional Art Gallery. Other organisations that have been supported include the Red Cross; the Volunteer
Ireland’s of Cairns
RTED BY OUR EVENT PARTNERS SPIRIT SUPER, CAPRICORN, AND BUSY AT WORK
October 2021 Motor Trader | 15
2 0 2 1
MTA Q U EEN S L AN D
I N D US
Coast Guard; and the Cairns Agricultural, relationships and that is clearly deeply Pastoral & Mining Association. important to the Ireland family. The business also works with local “I think there is a significantly greater high schools delivering work experience connection with the community in programs and in-school presentations, provincial and country dealerships than I’ve and has assisted organisations in pro-bono seen over the years in Metro,” said Richard. positions, including the local planning “I do not doubt there is significant support committee in the Regional Jobs Investment given from Metro dealers, and probably on Program, tasked by the Federal Minister for a grander financial scale every time. But Infrastructure and Regional Development in the regions, it tends to be the dealership to create a local investment plan. owners that personally connect with the Richard Ireland, Dealer Principal and cocommunity, not just the business name. owner of the company, has been involved in “Why do we do it? I guess we don’t know a range of roles that support the community. any difference in our family. We’ve always Since 2015 he has been the President of the done more than we probably need to, and Far North Queensland Youth Assistance it’s not for the warm feeling from others – Fund and he was also Chair of the Reef & we often do things under the radar and don’t Rainforest Research Centre Ltd for 8 years. In fact, in June 2020, Richard’s work with, ask for recognition. It’s just in our DNA.” For Richard, having his team’s work and service to, the Cairns community was acknowledged with a spot on the recognised with the Medal of the Order shortlist at the MTA Queensland awards of Australia – a most prestigious honour is extremely satisfying, and one that and he has received other notable awards everyone in the company is feeling. for his contributions to the region. “There’s a level of pride that is The engagement that Ireland’s undoubtedly felt when a team CLICK of Cairns, as well as Richard TO VISIT is recognised,” he said. “And himself, has developed with the THE IRELAND’S the comments that have been community is very meaningful OF CAIRNS WEBSITE forthcoming from our people and goes well beyond a commonshow that they feel this is personal sense business strategy. Regional to them and the business. It’s a good communities are renowned for their tight and supportive feeling that’s shared.”
FILBY’S MOTORS FI N A L IS T
ONE THING THAT marks out each of the MTA Queensland Community Award finalists this year is their longevity. Filby’s Motors, of Proserpine and Bowen, was founded, and is still run, by members of the Filby family and has been a cornerstone of the town and the wider Whitsunday region for more than 60 years. As with any business that has been 16 | Motor Trader October 2021
successful for so long, Filby’s Motors has a deep engagement with its community that goes well beyond supplying the quality vehicles and top-notch customer service for which it is known. The region has overcome plenty of hurdles over the years - from financial hardships to effects of weather events such as Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017 that threatened the destruction of the local horticulture and tourism industry. But the communities work together to repair and
THE MTA QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA DINNER IS PROUDLY SUPPOR
S TRY AWA RDS: restore each time, and Filby’s Motors plays its part, sponsoring and actively participating in community events, school projects, sporting groups, and fundraisers. Organisations and events it supports include National Tree Day, Whitsunday Suicide Prevention, Bowen Tourism & Business, CQ Rescue, Bowen Men’s Shed, Ronald McDonald House, North Qld Toyota Cowboys . . . and the list goes on. Filby’s Motors’ team members also volunteer for a range of organisations. economy, helps create more jobs, improves These include the Bowen Turf Club, where the wellbeing and mental health of the they have volunteered for more than local community, helps the community nine years and at which the company learn new skills and resilience, and sponsors races, holds various events, and reduces environmental impact.” is the organiser of the 2021 Filby’s Motors While Filby’s Motors doesn’t expect or Fashions on the Field event. hope to receive accolades for its work in “Filby’s Motors has been part of the the community, Emily added that there was Whitsundays community since 1964 and plenty of pride within the business at being strives to give back to the community named finalists for the Community Award. that has supported us for over 66 years,” “Being recognised for the sponsorship, said Emily Harvey, Branding & Marketing support and volunteering the owners and Manager for the business. staff do with local community groups “Supporting the community and local and events is just another reason to keep businesses is contagious – it creates a giving back to the community,” she said. flow-on effect that increases community “Each year, Filby’s Motors looks for pride, local diversity and commerce new ways to support local clubs, for local businesses, which assists CLICK groups, events and individuals in creating opportunities for the TO VISIT THE FILBY’S achieve success, and we share owners and employees of these MOTORS the belief that working together businesses to succeed and in turn WEBSITE for a better community makes support fellow local businesses the community and Filby’s and community groups. “This strengthens our local Motors stronger.”
RTED BY OUR EVENT PARTNERS SPIRIT SUPER, CAPRICORN, AND BUSY AT WORK
October 2021 Motor Trader | 17
2 0 2 1
MTA Q U EEN S L AN D
ACE Cargo electric vehicle
ACE ELECTRIC VEHICLES FIN A L IS T
ACE ELECTRIC VEHICLES is no stranger to the MTA Queensland industry Awards – back in 2018 the company, and its Managing Director Greg McGarvie, won the Association’s Innovation Award. The company, a client of the Association’s MTAiQ innovation hub, won the award for its development of a range of EVs – the ACE Cargo Van and the ACE Yewt, both of which are aimed at the urban light commercial vehicle market, and the ACE Urban passenger vehicle. The vehicles are of an innovative design with a carbon fibre composite ‘skeleton’, panels of ABS plastic, they can be assembled from a modular pack, and have a range of up to 200km. Since 2018, ACE-EV’s innovations have gathered pace and in the past couple of years the company has taken great strides in its quest to be a leader in the electric vehicle 18 | Motor Trader October 2021
I N D US
space and develop a car manufacturing industry in Australia. In 2019, the company signed a deal to assemble is vehicles in Adelaide and in 2020, it received federal government funding to develop bi-directional vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging. Partnering with energy retailer Discover Energy, ACE-EV is set to trial the technology and use Discover Energy’s Virtual Power Plant (VPP) software to optimise charging times, selling excess energy back to the grid at peak prices. Also in 2020, ACE-EV signed a memorandum of understanding with AI solutions company SenSen to develop autonomous driving capabilities for its fleet. To top off a busy few months, in September this year, ACE-EV revealed the newest addition to its burgeoning fleet of vehicles with the innovative modular platform for light electric vehicles, named the V1 Transformer. The V1 Transformer’s architecture offers interchangeable modules for long and short wheelbase, high and low roof, or van and ute, and it will feature the V2G technology amongst other exciting features (you can read more about the Transformer on page 58). For Greg McGarvie, his company being a finalist for the MTA Queensland Innovation Award once again is recognition of the development of
THE MTA QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA DINNER IS PROUDLY SUPPOR
S TRY AWA RDS: the business and also a reminder that the provided by MTA Queensland and the Association played some small role in assistance provided by the team back helping his company gain momentum. in March 2019. “I am very pleased that ACE EV Group “MTA Queensland is a dynamic is a finalist in the category for innovation organisation that recognises innovation, because, in effect, MTA Queensland and that’s very encouraging for Australia commenced this adventure for us when and Queensland’s future. they generously facilitated the build of the “And it is gratifying to have ACE EV very first electric vehicle,” he said. Group’s ongoing development recognised, “MTA Queensland would remember as we are breaking new barriers and our takeover of part of its workshop introducing clever technology and CLICK and that the vehicle was built over solutions for energy management TO VISIT THE six days - with a mechatronics and low-cost practical transport. ACE ELECTRIC engineer from Germany working This signifies a new era in Australia VEHICLES WEBSITE with our local engineer - and for electric vehicle manufacturing then driving out of the workshop that incorporates energy on the seventh day. ACE-EV Group management systems and software will always remember the great start that can apply across all EVs.”
E-MOTION CONCEPTS FI N A L IS T
THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE revolution is well underway, and e-Motion Concepts (eMC), founded by Wolfgang Roffman in Brisbane in 2016 and a client of MTA Queensland’s innovation hub MTAiQ, is well on the way to becoming an important player in that new and ever-changing landscape. The company’s goal is to provide solutions for first- and last-mile transport of goods and people in urban environments and it works to identify future needs by providing access to sustainable and efficient transportation, where Smart Electric Vehicles (SEVs) are part of a connected, integrated transportation system. eMC, under the Electric Mobility Solutions (EMoS) brand, offer a range of light SEVs, that includes the CT-Kargo and
e-Motion Concepts founder Wolfgang Roffman, and company CEO Harry Proskefalas
RTED BY OUR EVENT PARTNERS SPIRIT SUPER, CAPRICORN, AND BUSY AT WORK
October 2021 Motor Trader | 19
2 0 2 1
MTA Q U EEN S L AN D
I N D US
CT-Kube, for deliveries, as well as an additional interest and commitment expanding portfolio of personal mobility from high-profile national companies – scooters such as the iLark, the iTank and including delivery outfits such as DHL the iTango. In late 2020, EMoS launched and Couriers Please, rental firm Neuron, the WYLD Moto chopper-style e-moped and pizza chain Dominos (to which it range which gained widespread attention has delivered more than 50 units) – eMC and strong interest including from is set become a major player in the national motor dealers. All vehicles have electric vehicle space. Indeed, its forward full volume ADR and RVCS compliance. strategy includes the plan to design, eMC clearly see new expectations build, manufacture and service SEVs and demands being made on delivery in Queensland as volume demand and services and logistics and believes the distribution channels grow. future of logistics should be ‘minimal The MTA Queensland Awards are resources, greater efficiency and clean designed to recognise such endeavours energy’. The company provides access and for Wolfgang, being a finalist for to software platforms which include the Association’s Innovation Award is fleet management solutions that give confirmation that his concepts, and the operators efficient route planning company’s work, are charged for growth. integrations to make it possible to “It is truly an honour to be recognised conduct even smarter deliveries. It is as a finalist for the Innovation Award. also working on various software app We are absolutely ‘electrified’!” he said. platforms to support hyperlocal delivery “It is recognition and validation for the and shared solutions for apartment EMoS team of their efforts and dedication complexes, launching in 2021. to change the way we transport goods The company’s developments also and people, whilst making our urban include battery swap, recycling and environments more liveable. We solar charging infrastructure and enjoy forming part of the MTAiQ CLICK it works to continuously evolve, innovation community and greatly TO VISIT THE supporting energy efficient appreciate all the ongoing support E-MOTION urban mobility and long-term provided by MTA Queensland. We CONCEPTS WEBSITE partnerships with companies are looking forward to the event sharing the same core strategies. and to share in the recognition With more than 120 units sold of all finalists, members and over the past eight months and individuals supporting the sector.”
SUPERFORMANCE FI NA L IS T
FOR THOSE WHO have an interest in car restoration, modification, and performance upgrades, the name Superformance is one they likely know well. Established in 1978, the business is located in Capalaba near Brisbane and, since 2017, has been a feature of the television show Rides Down Under Workshop Wars, which pits 20 | Motor Trader October 2021
Australia’s best workshops against each other in a competition to build highperformance machines. It’s a showcase for the talents of the Superformance team - headed by owner Grant Malseed - and their genius in being able to customise, modify, design, and build not only an entire vehicle but just about anything that fits within one and makes it move, has led them into new
THE MTA QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA DINNER IS PROUDLY SUPPOR
S TRY AWA RDS: Superformance LHX IFS
territory in recent months. Earlier this busy online and in the digital space. year, and with funding from the Federal The business has seen its social media Government, the company launched its platforms grow significantly – scoring newest product – a unique, customisable, nearly 14,000 followers on Facebook – and Independent Front Suspension (IFS) has launched its own YouTube channel system designed and engineered entirely with videos being uploaded weekly that in-house using as many Australian-made showcase its Queensland-manufactured components as possible. products as well as its work building street After recognising the demand for cars, muscle cars and hot rods. such a component, the idea, said Grant Looking ahead, Superformance aims when talking to Motor Trader back in to streamline and reduce manufacturing February, was to build an IFS product to times, add more of its own products to its significantly improve braking, steering, website and create a better experience for and handling, and operate in a superior the customer by allowing them to tailor manner to OEM products. their order online and enable the workflow “We saw a massive appetite for IFS process to be simplified. products in the USA and from automotive It’s clearly an interesting time for the businesses and consumers in Australia,” he company and Grant said that their work said. “We are really proud to be leading in being acknowledged with a position on the innovation space for the automotive industry. We have limited competition as it the shortlist for the MTA Queensland Innovation Award was particularly pleasing. is such a niche market, and our product “We had a team meeting where I quality is unrivalled. We are hopeful thanked all my team – from the for future funding to expand this CLICK designer to the builders to the TO VISIT THE manufacturing opportunity SUPERFORMANCE engineer - and we celebrated for Australia’s economy and to WEBSITE with coffee and cakes!” he said. support new jobs.” “Here at Superformance, we feel To market its many products, Superformance has also been very honoured.”
RTED BY OUR EVENT PARTNERS SPIRIT SUPER, CAPRICORN, AND BUSY AT WORK
October 2021 Motor Trader | 21
2 0 2 1
MTA Q U EEN S L AN D
I N D US
FIONNA BLACKBURNE, SOUTHEAST AUTO MECHANICAL
purchase a workshop.” Buying Southeast Auto Mechanical was just the start, and initiatives such as the Women On The Move FIN A L IS T program remain an important innovation for the business FIONNA BLACKBURNE, Fionna is constantly looking OWNER of Southeast Auto for opportunities to expand Mechanical in Beenleigh, south the initiative and get more of Brisbane, is no stranger individuals involved. Most to the MTA Queensland Fionna Blackburne recently, she held a workshop Industry Awards. In 2018, for the Women’s Guild at the Fionna and her team were Queensland University of Technology in recipients of the Community Award, Brisbane, and she has also been reaching in part for their Women On The Move course – a free program that offers women out to local schools with offers to provide free training to upcoming provisional the opportunity to learn basic vehicle drivers who have just received their licence. maintenance skills. It’s a course Fionna Understanding and adapting to the still runs today. changing automotive landscape has This year, the recognition from MTA seen Fionna place high importance Queensland focuses on Fionna herself, on the training of her workforce, and and her story is an interesting one incorporating technology such as the indeed. Having trained and practiced as Repco Smart Inspector digital inspection a lawyer, Fionna purchased Southeast app play a role in the business’s ongoing Auto Mechanical in 2016 after earning her success. On top of all that, Fionna has also light vehicle qualification. From lawyer to implemented several digital strategies to mechanic to workshop owner - that might well be a unique career move, and it was her improve business processes and provide valuable information to customers and search for a more satisfying combination of the wider industry. One of these outlets is work and family life that prompted Fionna through car safety columns she has written to embrace the automotive industry. for the popular AutoGuru website. “I was working as a solicitor and my Searching for ways that can help shape now-husband and I decided to get married a positive view of the automotive industry, and have children and I was seeking a as well as expand efforts to empower and better work/life balance,” she said. support women in the trades, is important “My husband is a technician and has his to Fionna, and to have her efforts recognised own business, and I assisted him for many with the nomination for the Women In years behind the scenes whilst working Industry Award is, she said, very satisfying. full time in my own profession. Eventually, I decided to undertake my automotive “I was surprised and super excited apprenticeship and then ultimately to be named as a finalist,” she said. 22 | Motor Trader October 2021
THE MTA QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA DINNER IS PROUDLY SUPPOR
S TRY AWA RDS: “The automotive industry is very other women is what drives me to CLICK male dominated and can be succeed. If I can do it, anyone can! TO VISIT THE intimidating. My passion for the “And it is vital that women know SOUTHEAST AUTO MECHANICAL industry comes from wanting that this industry is absolutely a WEBSITE to educate women about career option for them. Now more their vehicle in a safe and nonthan ever, there is a high demand judgmental space. This and being a for technicians, so this is a great good role model for my daughter and time for women to get involved.”
TANIA MELI FRIZELLE SUNSHINE FI N A L IS T
TANIA MELI IS the Dealer Principal of Audi Centre Gold Coast and Ferrari Gold Coast and a member of the executive management team at Frizelle Sunshine Automotive, a division of Australia’s largest privately owned Automotive Group, Peter Warren Automotive Holdings. If being the Dealer Principal at both an Audi and a Ferrari dealership sounds like a dream job, you might be right, but getting to that position is the result of more than 20 years of hard work, strong leadership of high-performing teams, and a desire to constantly progress, adapt, and cement a reputation of excellence for the brands along the way. 23 years ago, Tania sort of stumbled into her career in automotive as a sales trainee, and it was not, she said, the easiest of paths to begin with. That rather tough start, however, did ignite a determination to succeed. “I fell into it,” she said. “I had a close friend who worked very successfully in aftermarket who thought I’d like it too and funnily enough I went for an interview for that role and failed! “I saw a sales position ad for Tania Meli James Frizelles shortly after
and albeit I had to fight to get noticed or even considered in that process, they gave me a two-week trial as a trainee. “Back in 1999 there weren’t many women in the trade and I certainly had to have strong fortitude back then. I suppose that’s what drove me to succeed. That was near 23 years ago and I haven’t looked back. “So, whilst I’ve had a long career in automotive, my passion is not necessarily in cars, it’s in people. I like to think I’m in the people business.” Honing a strong sales foundation working across brands such as Volkswagen, Audi, and Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Tania’s development of highperforming sales teams in the prestige space became her area of expertise. Over the next few years she would move into the role of general manager Volkswagen, then launch general manager of Audi Centre South Brisbane, and then general manager of Audi Centre Gold Coast. In 2017, she was appointed dealer principal of Alfa Romeo and Fiat, making her the first female dealer principal in Australia for these brands, before moving again, this time into the position of General Manager Ferrari in late 2018 - the only female general manager for the brand. A recipient of numerous national and regional awards - including Audi Australia
RTED BY OUR EVENT PARTNERS SPIRIT SUPER, CAPRICORN, AND BUSY AT WORK
October 2021 Motor Trader | 23
2 0 2 1
MTA Q U EEN S L AN D
I N D US
Podium Dealer of the Year, Volkswagen mention if we widen the net we have a Northern Region Dealer of the Year broader talent pool to recruit from. This and Metro Dealer of the Year - in 2020, way we can always hire the best person for Tania was awarded the Frizelle Sunshine the job, irrespective of gender.” Automotive Leadership award, an award Recognised many times during her career of which she is most proud. for her leadership qualities, Tania said Throughout her career, Tania has been she was proud to be a finalist for the MTA a mentor for young professionals and she Queensland Women In Industry award, and is passionate about women in business, proud too to acknowledge the teamwork regularly opening her dealership as the that has helped her and the businesses and venue for the Gold Coast chapter of Future brands she has represented be successful. Females - a business network for women. “To be honest I was a little embarrassed She is an active volunteer in the initially,” she said of her being shortlisted for community and feels strongly about the award. “I’m extremely conscious to not giving back to the community. She is also play the female card as I find it can be offa mentor to many females across the putting. I want a seat at the table because wider automotive group and recognises of my ability and talent- not to round the the value of women playing a deeper numbers out or be the token female. role in the industry and working strongly “A specific award for a female seems alongside their male colleagues. counter-intuitive to me but then I realised “We must have diversity and inclusion the reason of why there is actually a standfor the health of the industry, and for a alone female category. There’s no male multitude of reasons,” she said. “Of course award because they already naturally sit at culture, and our internal demographic has all the tables, and they don’t ever sit there to mirror our customer demographic. Men quietly questioning the motive of how they and women have a different scope with got the seat. neither one better than the other, just a “So, in saying that I do feel very proud different lens. It’s this mix that enables us of myself and the great women that to grow outside ourselves as individuals supported me and that I support in turn. I and as a business. also feel especially proud of the men that “It fosters a strength in the business that have mentored me and pushed ego to the we wouldn’t otherwise have. I’ve learnt side to learn from me along the way. so much from my male colleagues “With the most respect for CLICK and I hope they from me. this award I look forward to the TO VISIT THE FERRARI GOLD “McKinsey states a gender day we can just have a leader COAST WEBSITE diverse company is 21% more in industry award – not gender likely to experience better specific. What a great day for the than average profitability. Not to industry that will be!”
TRACY RANDALL ANZAC AVENUE WRECKERS FI N A L IS T
TRACY RANDALL HAS been running Anzac Avenue Wreckers, a family-owned automotive parts recycling facility in 24 | Motor Trader October 2021
Toowoomba, for more than 15 years. As the office administrator, customer liaison, and delivery person, Tracy certainly keeps busy, and as any business owner would tell you, a strong streak of determination, as well as a passion for the work and the willingness to work hard
THE MTA QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA DINNER IS PROUDLY SUPPOR
S TRY AWA RDS: and try new things, automotive parts for additive is essential to success. manufacturing. For example, at the A strong supporter of beginning of the coronavirus women in industry, Tracy has, pandemic, when many for nearly nine years, been businesses were challenged involved in the Toowoomba by the effect of the outbreak community through the local and the subsequent youth development group. lockdowns and restrictions, This has, she said, been a Tracy took the opportunity to fantastic opportunity to push assess her business and see back on the stereotypes and Tracy Randall what could be done. It was in normalise the position of the digital space that she saw female tradeswomen and most potential. business owners. She applied for, and received, a digital Though she advocates for more grant of $10,000 through the Queensland women to engage with the industry Government’s Small Business COVID-19 and is constantly searching for ways Adaption Grant Program and undertook to advance the industry - especially for two main digital activities designed women currently in or those wanting to to increase numbers reaching out to commence a career in the trade - Tracy is the business and to give an even more happy to say it is just as vital that the right professional edge to its online activities. person, man or woman, is in the position First, Tracy launched a Facebook of driving a business forward. marketing campaign. Secondly, she built “I believe it is important to have the a photobooth at the store where she right style of person - someone who has could take professional photos of stock. integrity and who wants to improve the Through this, Tracy was able to make parts business of which they are a part. This, in look more appealing for the business’s turn, will improve the industry as a whole,” website and social media posts. Smart she said. “However, women do bring a thinking during a challenging time and particular flair to the conversation. They taking advantage of the assistance offered are willing to ask more questions.” by government - a recipe for success. As a finalist for the MTA Queensland In addition to running the business, Women In Industry Award, Tracy is Tracy is secretary of MTA Queensland’s proud that her work, and the work of her Automotive Parts Recycling Division. For team, in running a successful business, more than five years, she has represented advocating for women in the industry, as this important segment of the industry well as her being a voice for the industry and continues to advocate on important generally and for the recycling sector issues, skilling needs, and innovation specifically, is being acknowledged. opportunities. For example, her “I am delighted to be recognised CLICK TO VISIT THE involvement in the committee by the industry, while at the ANZAC AVENUE has seen her meet with PHD same time reminding myself WRECKERS candidate Sarfraz Ali Kyani, that our successes are never one WEBSITE who is working with MTA person’s effort but are the result Queensland, to discuss his thesis of the team that you surround research involving the recycling of yourself with.”
RTED BY OUR EVENT PARTNERS SPIRIT SUPER, CAPRICORN, AND BUSY AT WORK
October 2021 Motor Trader | 25
26 | Motor Trader October 2021
October 2021 Motor Trader | 27
B
ACK IN THE July edition of Motor Trader, we ran a feature on the rise of the all-electric supercar (click HERE to view that edition of the magazine). Those pure battery-powered machines are remarkable. They are incredibly quick, powerful and technologically advanced. And yet the electrification of the industry encompasses more than just the move to battery power. Hybrids, which combine internal combustion engine (ICE) with batteries and electric motors, are part of the automotive electrical revolution too. Like pure battery technology, hybrid tech allows for incredibly fuel-efficient transport and exceptional high performance. In fact, at the very highest level, hybrids pair
. . . AT THE VERY HIGHEST LEVEL, HYBRIDS PAIR THE VERY BEST OF BOTH ICE AND ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MOTOR TECHNOLOGY TO DELIVER PERFORMANCE THAT RIVALS THAT OF THE FASTEST ALL-ELECTRIC SUPERCARS. the very best of both ICE and electric battery and motor technology to deliver performance that rivals that of the fastest all-electric supercars.
Ferrari SF90 Spider
FERRARI SF90 SPIDER & 296 GTB HYBRID A FEW WEEKS ago, Australia welcomed two absolute rippers from Ferrari into the country - the SF90 Spider and the 296 GTB. Motor Trader had a chance to see these 28 | Motor Trader October 2021
brand-new supercars when they made an appearance at the Gold Coast Ferrari (SF90 Spider) and Brisbane Ferrari (296 GTB) dealerships and we can confirm that, in the flesh, these cars are just as stunning as they are in the images you see here. And while we didn’t get a chance to drive them (we wish!), sitting in them and
Take Formula One race cars, for example. Perhaps the pinnacle of powertrain engineering development, the cars of the world’s leading racing category have been powered by hybrid systems since 2014, combining a turbocharged 1.6-litre V6 engine with Motor Generator Units (MGU) that harness energy via braking and exhaust heat. Stored energy recovered via braking is used via the MGU-K to power an electric motor to assist the ICE, while stored energy from the exhaust is used by the MGU-H to assist the turbocharger and eliminate turbo lag. What this amounts to is a car with 745kW (1000hp) on tap and which can edge toward the 400km/h mark as a top
speed and get to 100km/h in around 2.5 seconds. This is the type of technology that is making its way into the hybrid supercars of today, and with manufacturers long having used motorsport as a testbed for technology that may trickle down to its mass-produced models, we may see it in more regular (and affordable) models at some point. The past few months have seen a handful of hybrid supercars make their debuts with Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Lamborghini all unveiling new models. And so, this month, we decided to take a closer look at some of these amazing hybrid monsters. They are incredible. VIDEO: FERRARI SF90 SPIDER
being able to check out the tech, trim and their overall style just confirmed that these are cars from the very top of the top drawer. The 296 GTB pairs a V6 engine with an electric motor and 7.45 kWh battery set-up – the first time Ferrari has done so on a road car. And the combination delivers thumping performance. The 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbo engine pumps out 488kW and in combination with that 122kW electric motor, power jumps up to 610Kw and 740Nm. That power is directed to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual clutch transmission. The company claims 100km/h can be reached in just 2.9 seconds, and 200km/h
THE SF90 SPIDER, MEANWHILE, IS FERRARI’S MOST POWERFUL SERIES-PRODUCTION SUPERCAR. in 7.3 seconds. Top speed is over 330km/h. Outstanding stuff. The electric part of the powertrain is powerful enough, Ferrari says, for a pureelectric range of 25km. Even with the additional battery and electric motor components, the use of innovative materials and a smaller engine has kept the 296 GTB pretty trim at 1479kg, and there is, of course, plenty of aerodynamic and technical and engineering innovation going on to October 2021 Motor Trader | 29
make the car an outstanding drive. There’s a beefed-up version of the 296 GTB on offer too, with customers seeking to get even more out of the car able to select the Assetto Fiorano package which is even trimmer than the standard version thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre components, and which gets even more extreme handling thanks to racing derived suspension. The SF90 Spider, meanwhile, is Ferrari’s most powerful seriesproduction supercar. It is the convertible version of the company’s SF90 Stradale and is the first hybrid in the Ferrari stable with a retractable hard top. Power comes from a 574kW, 4-litre turbocharged V8 paired with three
electric motors – two at the front and one at the rear – which together pump out some 735kW. Performance is, not surprisingly, outstanding with 100km/h reached in a blistering 2.5 seconds and top
THE 296 GTB PAIRS A V6 ENGINE WITH AN ELECTRIC MOTOR AND 7.45 KWH BATTERY SET-UP – THE FIRST TIME FERRARI HAS DONE SO ON A ROAD CAR. Ferrari 296 GTB
The interior is all of the highest quality, of course, and the digital instrumentation is clear, well designed, and displays crisp and sharp on a large high-definition screen
speed topping out at 340km/h. As with the 296 GTB, there is an Assetto Fiorano pack for the SF90 Spider which offers performance upgrades and the adoption of materials such as carbon fibre and titanium. On the inside of both the 296 GTB and the SF90 Spider, things are high-tech VIDEO: FERRARI 296 GTB
and futuristic. The interior is all of the highest quality, of course, and the digital instrumentation is clear, well designed, and displays crisp and sharp on a large high-definition screen. There’s another, slim screen for the passenger which can control certain infotainment features. On both models, there is an eManettino switch that allows the driver to flick between four different modes including eDrive (which puts the car into electric-only drive), Hybrid (optimising system efficiency), and Qualify ( for maximum power). No doubt you’ll have to part with a fair chunk of change to buy either of these cars but, if you can do that, you’ll surely be piloting one of the best supercars money can buy.
ASTON MARTIN VALHALLA THE VALHALLA IS a mid-engined hybrid supercar, due in 2023, that has at its heart a PHEV powertrain that features a whopping 552kW 4-litre twin-turbo V8, developed in conjunction with Mercedes AMG, paired with dual electric motors – one on the front axis and one on the rear axis – that deliver an extra 150kW. Performance is eye-watering, with Aston Martin claiming that when the Valhalla is running at full steam with all 700KW available, it can reach a top speed of 330km/h and sprint from 0-100km/h in 2.5 seconds. When driven in EV mode, battery power is directed to the front axle and the
The Valhalla is built around a carbon fibre tub and sports high-performance Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes and bespoke Michelin tyres
PERFORMANCE IS EYE-WATERING, WITH ASTON MARTIN CLAIMING THAT WHEN THE VALHALLA IS RUNNING AT FULL STEAM WITH ALL 700KW AVAILABLE, IT CAN REACH A TOP SPEED OF 330KM/H AND SPRINT FROM 0-100KM/H IN 2.5 SECONDS. car can reach 130km/h and has a zero-emission range of 15km. In other driving modes, battery power is split between front and rear axles and,
Aston Martin Valhalla VIDEO: ASTON MARTIN VALHALLA
in certain situations, 100 per cent of battery power can be sent to the rear, combining with the V8 which sends its power to the rear, for maximum performance. Completing the powertrain is an 8-speed DCT transmission. Aston Martin says the paddle-shift gearbox has been
developed specifically for the hybrid era, and features e-reverse (which utilises the PHEV’s electric motors). The transmission also features an Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (E-Diff) on the rear axle. The Valhalla is built around a carbon fibre tub and sports high-performance Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes and bespoke Michelin tyres – 20-inch at the front and 21inch at the rear. The supercar also employs a combination of active aerodynamic surfaces and controlled underbody airflow. Such is the design here, that it can generate 600kg of downforce at 240km/h. On the inside, there’s a pared back cockpit design, a new HMI (Human Machine Interface) system that features a central touchscreen display which incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adjustable pedals and steering column, and raised footwells for a low hipto-heel seating position – a design inspired by F1 cars. There’s full LED Matrix headlights with adaptive functionality and high-beam assist, Dual Zone Air Conditioning and a suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including Auto Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Active Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear View Parking Camera. October 2021 Motor Trader | 33
Czinger 21C
CZINGER 21C EARLIER THIS YEAR, Czinger, the California-based start-up hypercar maker, revealed what it says is the final production version of its first car – the absolutely epic Czinger 21C. First unveiled in 2020, the 21C is partly manufactured using 3D printing (aka additive manufacturing) technology and just by the looks of the thing it’s easy to see its performance is going to be awe inspiring. The sleek, lightweight (1240kg) machine is powered by an in-house developed 2.88-litre, twin-turbo V8 located midships, partnered with an 800V drive system with two high-output electric motors, and a seven-speed sequential transaxle gearbox VIDEO: CZINGER 21C AT LAGUNA SECA
34 | Motor Trader October 2021
TOP SPEED IS, CZINGER SAYS, UP TO 450KM/H WHEN THE CAR IS IN ITS OPTIONAL LOW DRAG VMAX CONFIGURATION. 0 TO 100KM/H ARRIVES IN AN JAW-DROPPING 1.9 SECONDS. with a hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch. There’s all-wheel drive - with the electric motors driving the front wheels – and the combined power from the hybrid system is a blistering
932kW. There is, apparently, an upgrade option that can beef this up to 1000kW. The 2.8kWh battery pack is charged during operation both through regenerative braking and a Motor Generator Unit (MGU) using a gear drive that is attached to the V8.
Top speed is, Czinger says, up to 450km/h when the car is in its optional low drag vmax configuration. 0 to 100km/h arrives in an jaw-dropping 1.9 seconds. 400km/h is reached in a snip over 21 seconds! The design of the 21C allows for 638kg of downforce at 161km/h and a hefty 2,552kg at 322km/h. In July, Czinger showed off the C21’s speed chops by setting a lap record of 1:25:44 at the Laguna Seca race circuit in California. That time beat the previous record, set by the McLaren Senna, by more than two seconds. 80 Czinger 21C units are slated for production.
Lamborghini Countach
LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH WE TALKED ABOUT the new Lamborghini Countach – the LPI 800-4 – in last month’s Motor Trader, but we can’t do a feature on hybrid supercars without mentioning it again. It’s a real beauty, and underneath that beautiful skin is a hybrid system that pairs a 574kW, V12 engine with a 25kW electric motor and permanent four-wheel-drive. The V12 6.5-litre engine is combined with the 48-volt e-motor mounted directly on the gearbox, and the e-motor is powered by a supercapacitor that Lamborghini says
IT’S A REAL BEAUTY, AND UNDERNEATH THAT BEAUTIFUL SKIN IS A HYBRID SYSTEM THAT PAIRS A 574KW, V12 ENGINE WITH A 25KW ELECTRIC MOTOR AND PERMANENT FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE. provides three times more power compared to a lithium-ion battery of the same weight. Performance is, as you’d expect from a Lambo, rather excellent with 100km/h reached in 2.8 seconds and top speed a claimed 355km/h.
Performance is excellent with 100km/h reached in 2.8 seconds and top speed a claimed 355km/h VIDEO: LAMBORGHINI UNVEILS THE NEW HYBRID COUNTACH
The Countach has a carbon fibre monocoque chassis, and carbon fibre body panels, and there’s plenty of exterior carbon fibre features too, both inside and outside. There’s also a photochromatic roof and, on the inside, there’s an 8.4-inch HDMI
centre touchscreen that manages car controls including Connectivity systems. The Countach LPI 800-4 sits on 20-inch ( front) and 21-inch (rear) wheels fitted with carbon ceramic brake discs and Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres. Owners of the limited edition Countach LPI 800-4 can choose from a range of heritage exterior paint options such as Impact White, Giallo Countach and Verde Medio, and contemporary palette offers including Viola Pasifae. Just 112 units of the Countach will be made, and deliveries to customers are expected to begin from the first quarter of 2022.
MERCEDES-AMG PROJECT ONE IN OUR INTRODUCTION to this hybrid supercar feature, we mentioned the cutting-edge tech used in Formula One. The Project One is as close in technology terms to an F1 car as it is possible to get in a raod car, essentially adapting a complete Formula 1 drive unit. The 1.6-litre V6 engine is partnered with four electric motors – the MGU-K that is linked to the crankshaft; the MGU-H integrated into the turbocharger; and two 120kW motors for the front wheels. The VIDEO: MERCEDES-AMG PROJECT ONE GOES TESTING
Mercedes-AMG Project One
500kW ICE engine drives the rear wheels. All up, the carbon fibre-bodied Project One develops more than 740kW (over 1000hp) and its performance is set to be suitably electric. Mercedes-AMG claims the car can reach 100km/h in a smidge over two seconds and has a top speed of more than 350km/h. Its race car foundation is as clear on the inside as it is in the design and the engineering beneath the skin. A minimalist interior is, the company says, inspired by Formula One and there are contoured bucket seats, and pedals plus an F1-style
ALL UP, THE CARBON FIBRE-BODIED PROJECT ONE DEVELOPS MORE THAN 740KW (OVER 1000HP) AND ITS PERFORMANCE IS SET TO BE SUITABLY ELECTRIC.
steering wheel that are adjustable. Hints of the luxury status of the Merc-AMG brand are there though, with nappa leather used for the interior trim and a large infotainment screen for all the connectivity goodies that such top-of-the-range cars must have.
275 of the Project One are to be made, and while the car has been in development for some time, pre-production models have been going through on-track testing. First deliveries are reportedly to take place next year.
Koenigsegg Gemera
KOENIGSEGG GEMERA THE WORLD’S FIRST ‘Mega-GT’. That is what Koenigsegg, the Swedish supercar maker, calls the Gemera, its first fourseater car that has oodles of power, luxury and refinement. Whatever the category, the Gemera is a stunning piece of work. The powerful hybrid seats four adults comfortably with space for carry-on luggage, and despite having a focus on traveling long-range on family trips, the four-seater will, Koenigsegg claims, easily outperform most two-seat supercars. Under that exquisite bodywork is a power system that offers 1268kW of power and 3500Nm of torque, propelling the Gemera
from 0 to 100 km/h in 1.9 seconds on to a top speed of 400 km/h. That should convert to plenty of excitement to keep the kids engaged in the back! The powertrain has three electric motors - one for each rear wheel and one on the crankshaft of the engine – that have a combined output of 800kW. On top comes 447kW and 600Nm from the 2-litre, 3-cylinder dry-sumped twinturbo freevalve engine that the company calls the ‘Tiny Friendly Giant’ or TFG. Freevalve? That sounds unusual and comes from the fact that the TFG has no camshaft. Instead, as Koeniggsig describes it on their website, the Freevalve system offers the ability to have independent control of the intake
The powerful hybrid seats four adults comfortably with space for carry-on luggage
WHATEVER THE CATEGORY, THE GEMERA IS A STUNNING PIECE OF WORK. and exhaust valves. ‘For any engine load criteria, the timing of intake and exhaust can be independently adjusted. The system can then “decide” how to operate the valves depending on driving conditions – which combination to use in order to maximize performance, minimize fuel consumption or regulate emissions. Freevalves allows for a greater degree of control over the engine, which in turn provides significant performance and environmental benefits.’ The Gemera’s three electric motors can drive up to 300 km/h.
The car has a range of up to 50km in EV mode and the engine can, apparently, run on a variety of fuels. Features include all-wheel steering and the Gemera has a carbon fibre monocoque body, six smart airbags, stability control, traction control, ABS and an ADAS 2.5 assistant system. A stunning interior layout includes plenty of comforts and decent usability befitting its four-person design. There are four cold and four warm cup holders, front and rear seat central infotainment displays, front and rear wireless phone chargers, Apple CarPlay, internet and Wi-Fi, exterior and interior cameras, four reading lights, memory foam heated seats, electric front seats, three climate zones and plenty more. Stunning stuff ! October 2021 Motor Trader | 41
Mclaren Artura
MCLAREN ARTURA EARLIER THIS YEAR, McLaren pulled the covers off its Artura hybrid supercar. The Artura is the first series-production, high-performance plug-in hybrid from McLaren and it would seem the company has pulled out all the stops to make it deliver on all levels. The Artura gets its grunt by pairing a 430kW/585Nm, 3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 with a 70kW/225Nm electric motor. The ultra-compact electric motor is fully integrated within the transmission bell housing. The combined output of 500kW and 720Nm produces performance figures of 0-100km/h in 3 seconds and a limited top speed of 330km/h. The dual power systems are integrated via an engine disconnect clutch, driving the rear wheels via an all-new, twin-clutch transmission developed especially for the Artura. The 8-speed transmission offers no reverse gear – the electric motor achieves reverse by rotating in the opposite direction. The electric motor is powered by a 7.4kWh battery that can also deliver a pure EV range of 30km. Top speed in EV mode is 130km/h. Plug-in capabilities allow for an 80 per cent charge in 2.5 hours. 42 | Motor Trader October 2021
VIDEO: ARTURA - THE FULL FORCE OF MCLAREN
THE ARTURA IS BUILT ON MCLAREN’S NEW MCLA (MCLAREN CARBON LIGHTWEIGHT ARCHITECTURE), AND THE EFFORT TO KEEP THE CAR’S WEIGHT LOW REACHES SEES IT COME IN AT A TRIM 1,498KG. The Artura is built on McLaren’s new MCLA (McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture), and the effort to keep the car’s weight low sees it come in at a trim 1,498kg. Hybrid power and light weight also makes the Artura McLaren’s most fuelefficient model. The company claims 5.6 litres-per-100km. There’s a new rear suspension system and an electronically controlled
differential to independently control torque moving across the rear axle. The Artura sits on Pirelli tyres wrapping around 19-inch wheels at the front and 20-inch wheels at the back. Pirelli Cyber Tyre tech is used, which features a ‘chip’ inside each tyre generating real-time data that is relayed to the car’s stability
control systems. Carbon ceramic brakes and lightweight aluminium calipers deliver on stopping power. On the inside, there’s an all-new infotainment and connectivity system (MIS II) that includes updated versions of McLaren’s Track Telemetry and Variable Drift Control apps. ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) features include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop/Go, Lane-Departure Warning, and Road Sign Recognition. These and the infotainment features can be enhanced via over-the-air updates. UK pricing for the Artura is £185,500 ($AU332,000). October 2021 Motor Trader | 43
Just 350 units of the Type S are to be built, with almost all destined for the US market
HONDA (ACURA) NSX TYPE S THE FIRST GENERATION of Honda’s NXS appeared in 1990, and it has always been considered an excellent sports car. In August this year, the company unveiled its 2022 NSX Type S in the US (where it is known as the Acura NXS and where the car will also be built) – the last of the secondgeneration models. Just 350 units of the Type S are to be built, with almost all destined for the US market. VIDEO: NSX TYPE S - REVEAL
44 | Motor Trader October 2021
THE NSX HAS ALWAYS BEEN A LOOKER, AND THE TYPE S GETS A MORE AGGRESSIVE STYLE THAT ALSO GIVES SOME IMPROVED AERODYNAMICS. Power for the Type S comes from a 3.5-litre twinturbocharged V6 paired with three electric motors a hybrid system that produces 447kW and 667Nm. One of the electric motors aids the V6 in powering the rear wheels, the other two are up front, with this Twin Motor Unit (TMU), driving
the front wheels. There’s a 9-speed DCT auto transmission and a torque-vectoring system – called Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive – offering top performance. An available Lightweight Package includes Carbon Ceramic Brakes, Carbon Fibre Engine Cover and Carbon Fibre interior package for that extra sporty touch. Performance figures aren’t published but the 2021 NSX was good for a snip over 300km/h and a 0-100km/h time of around three seconds. There are four drive modes – Quiet, Sport, Sport+, and Track – which vary
suspension calibration, performance downshifting speed, and even the sound of the car, and the NSX Type S rides on specifically developed Pirelli P Zero tyres (245/35ZR19 at the front and 305/30ZR20 at the rear) to deliver on handling and braking performance. The NSX has always been a looker, and the Type S gets a more aggressive style that also gives some improved aerodynamics. The new nose has larger, more angular air intakes, and the rear end gets a larger diffuser that creates more downforce. The design also allows for improved air flow to the sidemounted air intakes for the intercoolers. The interior of the Type S gets some extra features, including Alcantara headlining and embroidered Type S logo on the headrests, amongst other touches. In the US, the NSX Type S is priced at $169,500 ($AU233,400) for the standard model and $182,500 ($AU251,290) for the Lightweight Package version.
Porsche 918 Spyder
THE HOLY TRINITY (2013) KNOWN AS THE Holy Trinity of hypercars, the McLaren P1, Ferrari LaFerrari, and Porsche 918 Spyder were all limited-edition hybrid hypercars that appeared in 2013, and all three heralded a future in which hybrid power would be a serious player in the high-performance sector.
PORSCHE 918 SPYDER Designed and built with insight gained from the development of Porsche race cars for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 918 has a 4.6-litre V8 producing 453kW coupled to its hybrid module. There’s a 6.8kWh battery, a 115kW electric motor on the rear axle and a 95kW motor on the front, and combined output for the car is 652kW and 1280Nm. Power to the rear axle is sent through a 7-speed PDK transmission (Porsche’s version of a dual-clutch transmission), and the 918 can do about 19km in pure EV mode. In the tradition of keeping sports cars light but strong, the 918 has a subframe and monocoque made of carbon fibre reinforced polymer. Performance is outstanding. 0-100km/h can be reached in around 2.5 seconds (though independent testing did reportedly send that time tumbling to 2.2 seconds) and top speed was a rip-snorting 345km/h. Late in 2013, Porsche sent the 46 | Motor Trader October 2021
car out to set a time on Germany’s famous Nurburgring track and the 6 minutes 57 seconds time it posted still stands as one of the quickest laps set by a production car. Production of the Porsche 918 Spyder ran from 2013 to 2015, and 918 units were built.
MCLAREN P1 Like the Porsche 918 Spyder, the McLaren P1 production ran from 2013 to 2015 and, also like the Porsche, the P1 has a twin turbocharged V8 at its heart. Unlike the Porsche, the 542kW, 3.8-litre unit is paired to a hybrid system of a 4.7kWh battery and a single electric motor that delivers 132Kw. Total grunt of 674kW and 900Nm is directed through the rear wheels. As an innovator in the use of carbon fibre for the construction of its cars, there’s no surprise in the fact McLaren used the material heavily in the P1 – there’s Ferrari LaFerrari
McLaren P1
THE NURBURGRING WAS ALSO A STOP FOR THE MCLAREN, AN LM MODEL (A MODIFIED RACE VERSION OF THE CAR) STOPPED THE CLOCK AT 6 MINUTES AND 43 SECONDS. THAT’S QUICK. a carbon fibre monocoque and cabin structure called the MonoCage – and plenty of Formula One-inspired features fed into the P1’s design. These included such elements as a Drag Reduction System, Brake Steer, Race Active Chassis Control and KERS energy recovery system. Performance is epic. Top speed is 350km/h, while 0-100km/h is reached in 2.8 seconds. The Nurburgring was also a stop for the
McLaren, an LM model (a modified race version of the car) stopped the clock at 6 minutes and 43 seconds. That’s quick. 375 units of the P1 were made.
FERRARI LAFERRARI Ferrari’s LaFerrari had the biggest engine of the ‘holy trinity’ trio – a 6.3-litre, naturally aspirated V12. That beefy engine pumped out 588kW and 700Nm and was paired with a hybrid system the company called HY-KERS. Developed, like its McLaren and Porsche competitors, with knowledge gleaned from its Formula One endeavours, Ferrari’s HY-KERS uses two electric motors delivering power of 120kW - and a 2.3kWh battery pack. The first motor provides drive to the vehicle and recovers kinetic energy during braking, storing energy in the lithium batteries. The second motor provides energy for standard vehicle ancillaries. Total output for the LaFerrari is 708kW. Plenty of carbon fibre is on show in the car – the chassis features four different types of the material – and there’s active aerodynamics, a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, plus F1 electronic traction control integrated with the hybrid system. Some 500 units of the LaFerrari were built to the end of 2015, with a further 200 or so open-top versions known as the LaFerrari Aperta up to 2018. October 2021 Motor Trader | 47
Auto innovation news
INNOVATIVE NEW OFFROAD PIONEER OFFERS INCREDIBLE RANGE
T
HE AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRIC revolution keeps on turning and a new player has announced its entry into the booming electrified vehicle market with an interesting new product and some claimed performance numbers that will blow your socks off. The company, Fering, has revealed its Pioneer - the brainchild of ex Ferrari and McLaren engineer Ben Scott-Geddes and a vehicle the company calls a ‘sustainable electrified pick-up which is designed to take on the toughest of terrains while treading lightly on the planet’. Power comes via a battery system of 20kWh and an 800cc 3-cylinder rangeextender combustion engine powered by bio-diesel. Power is delivered to two electric motors – one on each axle – that pump out 600Nm. The batteries are of Lithium Titanium Oxide design – a chemistry that the company says offers durability and Fering Pioneer
POWER COMES VIA A BATTERY SYSTEM OF 20KWH AND AN 800CC 3-CYLINDER RANGE-EXTENDER COMBUSTION ENGINE POWERED BY BIO-DIESEL. safety, is designed to survive extreme weather conditions, deliver exceptional performance over a long life, and not degrade with repeated power cycling as other types do. Top speed is 125km/h, and electric-only range is 80km, but the company claims that the Pioneer can, when fitted with long-range tanks, be capable of a jawdropping range of 7,000km. This performance is down to the powertrain efficiency and the design and construction of the Pioneer. While it may
PARTNERSHIP LOOKS TO REMOVE ELECTRIC FREIGHT VEHICLE BARRIERS
look hefty, the vehicle comes in at 1500kg (also the payload weight it can haul) thanks to an aluminium spaceframe with composite elements, and exterior panels made of tough fabric. Fering says the Pioneer is designed with adaptability in mind, and it can easily be modified or upgraded to suit the customer’s needs and intended purpose. Bigger batteries, and different range extenders can be used, such as alcoholfuelled engines or fuel cells. As an example of the ingenious thinking that has gone into making the Pioneer, those massive 22.5-inch rims aren’t just for show – they will, apparently, accept standard size truck tyres to ensure easy availability across the globe. The first prototype Pioneer is currently going through testing and series production will start in the UK during the first half of 2022.
THE AUSTRALIAN TRUCKING Association (ATA) and Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) have announced they will work together to remove barriers to electric freight vehicle uptake in Australia. The two organisations say that Australia has been falling behind in the global uptake of electric freight vehicles, lacks an electric trucks strategy and charging infrastructure, and there is currently limited model availability. “The ATA and the EVC have a shared vision to accelerate the electrification of road transport, and we are thrilled to begin this important partnership,” said Michael Deegan, ATA CEO. “Together, we are leading the country to progress electric heavy vehicle uptake. “This is an important step forward in building Australia’s sustainable heavy vehicle fleet.” The first initiative of the partnership is a series of workshops that will bring together industry and productivity experts. “The workshops will outline the current challenges of electrification for the trucking industry, as well as identifying concrete objectives to move this issue forward,” said Behyad Jafari, CEO of the Electric Vehicle Council. “Our workshop outcomes will also inform a policy paper that will outline the measures government must take to accelerate the electric freight market in Australia.” October 2021 Motor Trader | 49
Auto innovation news
LOTUS REVEALS TECH FOR NEXT GENERATION OF ELECTRIC SPORTS CARS
L
OTUS HAS UNVEILED the innovative new lightweight chassis technology that will underpin its upcoming electric sports cars. The new structure has been developed through Project LEVA (Lightweight Electric Vehicle Architecture) - a research program that’s accelerating the development of all-new lightweight structures for next-generation battery electric vehicles. The versatile nature of the architecture means it is fully adaptable and can provide a platform for a range of EVs with variable layouts, wheelbase lengths, battery sizes and configurations. The three revealed layouts feature a common lightweight die-cast rear subframe with multiple interchangeable components. It means a single vehicle architecture can accommodate two different types of battery configurations: • ‘Chest’ layout, where the modules are stacked vertically behind the two seats. A chest layout is a ‘midmounted power pack’, ideal for sports car / hypercar vehicle types where a low overall ride height and low centre of gravity are required. • ‘Slab’ layout, where the modules are integrated horizontally under the cabin. This, Lotus says, is most suitable 50 | Motor Trader October 2021
VIDEO: LOTUS REVEALS CHASSIS TECH FOR NEW FAMILY OF EV CARS
for vehicles where a higher ride height and a taller overall profile is required. It is often referred to as a ‘skateboard power pack’ layout. The new subframe features cylindrical battery cells for high energy density, with the option of a single or twin electronic drive unit (EDU). Cold cure, spot bonding and advanced weld processes mean reduced environmental impact during assembly.
MTA QUEENSLAND MICRO-CREDENTIAL COURSES SHORT, ONLINE, INDUSTRY-RECOGNISED COURSES THAT ARE YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO UPSKILL AND BUILD YOUR PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS.
COURSES START FROM JUST $35 CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SIGN UP FOR ONE OF MTA QUEENSLAND’S MICRO-CREDENTIAL COURSES.
Auto innovation news
GM UNVEILS ALLNEW MOTORS FOR ITS FUTURE EV RANGE
G
ENERAL MOTORS HAS unveiled three new motors – a 180kW front-drive motor, 255kW rear- and front-drive motor, and 62kW all-wheel drive assist motor – that will power electric vehicles (EVs) using the company’s Ultium Drive system. The 180kW and 255kW units are permanent magnet motors, while the 62kW unit is an induction motor. GM says all are expected to offer excellent torque and power density, enabling a Ultium Drive Power Electronics wide spectrum of vehicle types, from performance cars to work trucks. GM says its engineers have also developed the software for Ultium Drive’s motor controllers, which is key to serving the propulsion needs of various vehicle types with a minimal set of components, and the company has also designed the software of key power electronics Ultium Drive EV motor components such as the inverter. The inverter and other power electronics, such as the accessory power module and onboard charging module, reside outside of the drive units on GM’s current EVs. In Ultium-based vehicles, they will be integrated directly into Ultium Drive units, reducing cost and manufacturing complexity. Ultium Drive stator family In a sign of how complex vehicles are becoming, and highlighting the software serving as a critical pillar of GM’s importance of software development teams vision of an all-electric future. and engineers, GM says it has nearly 11,000 GM’s all-new EV motors and integrated product development teams members power electronics contained within its currently working in software development Ultium Drive units, will debut on the and that number is projected to grow with 2022 GMC Hummer EV.
52 | Motor Trader October 2021
VIEW PAST ISSUES OF MOTOR TRADER MAGAZINE AT WWW.MTAQ.COM.AU/PUBLICATIONS
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS PAST ISSUES OF MOTOR TRADER
With low fees and strong returns, we back hard-working Aussies.
AN EMPLOYER’S GUIDE TO ‘STAPLING’
SuperRatings assessment of MTAA Super as at 31 December 2020: A “best value for money” superannuation fund. The returns described were the returns of MTAA Super based on its funds under management and performance as at 30 December 2020. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance. Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718). Read the PDS at spiritsuper.com.au before making a decision.
F
ROM 1 NOVEMBER 2021, Australian workers will be ‘stapled’ to their existing super fund or the first super fund they join. The new rules, announced as part of the government’s recent Your Future, Your Super reforms, will see workers automatically stay with their existing super fund when changing jobs — unless they actively choose a different fund. The change aims to reduce the number of super accounts Australians accrue throughout their working lives and eliminate unnecessary fees workers pay for multiple super accounts. By reducing the number of duplicate super accounts, Treasury estimates Australians will save about $2.8 billion over the next ten years.
CHANGES FOR EMPLOYERS The new stapling laws will change how employers onboard new employees. The table below shows the current steps versus the new requirements from 1 November 2021. ONBOARDING PROCESS BEFORE 1 NOVEMBER 2021 • STEP 1 If your employee chooses an eligible super fund, you must pay super guarantee contributions into that fund. • STEP 2 If your employee doesn’t choose an eligible fund, you pay super guarantee contributions into your default MySuper fund. ONBOARDING PROCESS FROM 1 NOVEMBER 2021 • STEP 1 No change: If your employee chooses an eligible super fund, you must pay super guarantee contributions into that fund. • STEP 2 If your new employee doesn’t choose an eligible fund, you must search ATO online services to
see if your new employee has an existing super fund. If they do, you must pay super guarantee contributions into that fund. This step can only occur after your employee has commenced working for you and you’ve submitted a Tax file number declaration form or Single Touch Payroll pay event linking them to you. • STEP 3 If your employee doesn’t choose a fund and your search of ATO online services shows they don’t have an existing super fund, you pay super guarantee contributions into your default MySuper fund. Stapling won’t impact existing employees, and employers must continue paying compulsory super guarantee payments into the current nominated fund. It’s important to note that stapling requirements are the responsibility of employers — not employees or super funds. They’re also compulsory, and the ATO will be imposing penalties for employers who don’t comply. Recently the ATO advised that there will be a 12-month ‘introductory period’ from 1 November 2021 to 31 October 2022. Penalties incurred during this time will be reduced to nil if employers can prove they’re making reasonable attempts to comply.
MORE INFORMATION For more details about stapling, including the processes and requirements for employers to meet your super obligations, see spiritsuper.com.au/stapling. For details about how to request stapled fund details for employees, see ato.gov.au/Business/ Super-for-employers/Setting-up-super-for-your-business/ Offer-employees-a-choice-of-super-fund/Request-stapledsuper-fund-details-for-employees. For details about the full suite of Your Future, Your Super reforms, see treasury.gov.au/publication/ p2020-super.
Any advice given in this article is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) (Spirit Super Advice), which is wholly owned by Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). A copy of the Financial services guide for Spirit Super Advice is available at spiritsuper.com.au/financial-services-guide or by calling us on 1800 005 166. You should consider the Product disclosure statement and Target market determinations available at spiritsuper.com.au/pds or by calling 1800 005 166 before deciding if the fund is appropriate for you. We’re giving you this information in good faith. It comes from sources we think are reliable and accurate. However, we don’t accept any liability relating to any linked external websites.
54 | Motor Trader October 2021
RTO No: 31529
NEW GOVE LIMITED P RNMENT FUND LACES APP ING LY NOW
Right training. Right place. Right way. A
C
C
R
E
D
I
T
E
D
Get Your Trade Skills Recognised Do you have trade skills and experience but no formal qualification? Trade Recognition Trade Recognition is the process of having your skills and work experience formally assessed against industry and educational requirements for the purpose of gaining a formal trade qualification. MTA Institute offers a Government Subsidised Trade Skills Assessment and Gap Training Program for the following qualifications: • AUR30316 – Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology • AUR30416 – Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology • AUR30616 – Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology • AUR30716 – Certificate III in Outdoor Power Equipment • AUR30816 – Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology • AUR31016 – Certificate III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting) • AUR31116 – Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology • AUR31216 – Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology
• AUR32116 – Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology • AUR32416 – Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology • AUR32518 – Certificate III in Automotive Underbody Technology
Eligibility Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria: i) Aged 21 years or over ii) Have not completed a trade qualification in the same industry area iii) Permanently reside in Queensland iv) Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or hold an eligible visa as identified by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training; or v) Meet any additional eligibility requirements identified through this Initiative and: a. Individuals assessed as demonstrating substantial competency in a prospective trade qualification, who require gap training in no more than 40% of the funded competencies of that Priority Trade Qualification; and b. Express a commitment to gain the entire qualification.
Fee information This program is mostly subsidised by the Queensland Government; however, mandatory student co-contribution fees are applicable for all units requiring gap training.
Course length The course duration will depend upon individual circumstances and the amount of gap training required. The duration and applicable fees will be advised upon a successful application.
Enrol Training and assessment can be arranged at either MTA Institute’s premises or an approved automotive workplace. Please refer to www.mtai.edu.au for full details or for further information contact one of our friendly team members using the contact details below.
MTA Institute
Search for MTA Queensland
Free guest Wifi at MTA Institute
20160431
Address Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Postal PO Box 4530, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Tel (07) 3722 3000 Toll Free 1800 884 137 Email courses@mtai.edu.au Website www.mtai.edu.au
Auto innovation news
BlueOvalSK is a joint venture between Ford and South Korean company SK Innovation
FORD TO INVEST BILLIONS IN EV PRODUCTION SITES & BATTERY PLANTS
F
ORD HAS ANNOUNCED it is going to invest $US11.4 billion ($AU15.7 billion) in two new EV-focused facilities at locations in the US. The first, to be called Blue Oval City, will be built on a 3,600-acre site in the state of Tennessee and is marked for the production of the next-generation electric F-Series pick-ups and advanced batteries. The campus will become a vertically integrated ecosystem for Ford with F-Series assembly, a BlueOvalSK battery plant, as well as key suppliers and recycling located there. BlueOvalSK is a joint venture between Ford and South Korean company SK Innovation. The second facility is to be a 1,500acre battery manufacturing campus in Kentucky to be called BlueOvalSK Battery Park. It will consist of twin battery plants that will supply Ford’s North American assembly plants with batteries for nextgen electric Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Production is expected to begin in 2025. All up, the three new BlueOvalSK battery plants will aim for 129 gigawatt hours a 56 | Motor Trader October 2021
year of US production capacity for Ford, and the two huge campus facilities will create some 11,000 jobs. “This is a transformative moment where Ford will lead America’s transition to electric vehicles and usher in a new era of clean, carbon-neutral manufacturing,” said Bill Ford, Executive Chair of Ford. “With this investment and a spirit of innovation, we can achieve goals once thought mutually exclusive – protect our planet, build great electric vehicles Americans will love and contribute to our nation’s prosperity.”
MTAQ MEMBER SIGNAGE MTA Queensland has developed a series of posters that can be downloaded free of charge for members only. These are signs commonly asked for, and used, in workshops. R E PA I R N OT I C E
R E PA I R N OT I C E
R E PA I R N OT I C E
WARNING
RIGHT TO RETAIN
QUALIFIED/TRAINED TECHNICIAN
No admittance into the workshop – Staff Only.
We reserve the right to retain your vehicle until payment is made in full.
A LWAY S C H O O S E A N M TA Q U E E N S L A N D MEMBER
A LWAY S C H O O S E A N M TA Q U E E N S L A N D MEMBER
This automotive business guarantees only qualified and trained technicians will be working on your vehicle. A LWAY S C H O O S E A N M TA Q U E E N S L A N D MEMBER
R E PA I R N OT I C E
R E PA I R N OT I C E
CUSTOMERS RIGHT TO CHOOSE A REPAIRER
CUSTOMER SUPPLIED PARTS
Please note that you, as a consumer, have the legal right to choose who repairs your vehicle.
This automotive business will not install customer supplied parts because it cannot warrant or guarantee the quality, fitment and/ or the intended outcome of fitting these parts.
Independent repairers can complete log book servicing on your vehicle, even while it is under the warranty period, without affecting the manufacturer’s warranty. A LWAY S C H O O S E A N M TA Q U E E N S L A N D MEMBER
This business is willing and able to diagnose and assess the vehicle’s problem and supply you with competitively priced, high quality parts in order to fix your vehicle. This will ensure you are provided with all of the warranties and guarantees in accordance with the Australian Consumer Law. A LWAY S C H O O S E A N M TA Q U E E N S L A N D MEMBER
CLICK HERE TO SIGN-IN OR REGISTER FOR ACCESS TO MEMBER SIGNAGE
A LWAY S C H O O S E A N M TA Q U E E N S L A N D MEMBER
20210946
We hope to build a library of commonly needed signs, so please contact info@mtaq.com.au if you have suggestions.
Auto innovation news
ACE EV REVEALS TRANSFORMER TECH
A
CE EV GROUP has launched a new modular platform for light electric vehicles, dubbed the V1 Transformer (a name change from the original, called the X1). Announced at an online event hosted by the Society of Automotive Engineers – Australiasia (SAE-A), the platform offers a range of modular options beneficial for fleets. The Transformer’s architecture offers interchangeable modules for long and short wheelbase, high and low roof, or van and ute – with just 15 minutes of downtime. The platform will underpin seven different ACE-EV commercial vehicles, with the first being a long-wheelbase, high-roof electric van. ACE EV Co-Founder and Managing Director Greg McGarvie said the Transformer was aimed at major fleets around the world as an integrated energy, transport and communications system. “For busy freight companies with major distribution centres, it enables them to fit a pre-packed module straight into its electric platform and be on its way in 15 minutes,” he said. “One platform can carry whatever car module is required – van or ute, high or
58 | Motor Trader October 2021
“FOR BUSY FREIGHT COMPANIES WITH MAJOR DISTRIBUTION CENTRES, IT ENABLES THEM TO FIT A PRE-PACKED MODULE STRAIGHT INTO ITS ELECTRIC PLATFORM AND BE ON ITS WAY IN 15 MINUTES,” low roof – so it is constantly earning its keep, whatever each individual freight mission may be.” A further feature of the new platform is advanced Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technology. This connects it via the Cloud to telematics, software updates, and emergency power. ACE-EV says it will use the Transformer to trial an energy management platform. “Our Advanced Australian Vehicle to Grid (AAV2G) project will deliver bi-directional transfer between vehicle, building and grid with integrated onboard energy metering,” said Mr McGarvie. “The system will enable the Transformer to power an entire home or business, with the vehicle battery storing energy from
POLESTAR TO EXPAND PRESENCE TO 30 GLOBAL MARKETS BY END OF 2022
ACE EV Transformer, now named the V1
ACE Yewt
rooftop solar cells or from the grid. “It can charge when the sun shines, provide night-time energy needs, supply emergency power when needed, feed back into the grid – and, of course, run the vehicle itself.” The company aims to have Transformer trial vehicles on the road this November, with a view to begin full-scale system testing in April 2022. ACE EV is currently taking reservations for other electric vehicles within its range. These include the ACE Cargo van which has a range of up to 200km, has a top speed of 100km/h, and can carry a load of up to 500kg; the ACE Yewt, a ute that offers similar CLICK performance and load TO VISIT capacity; and the ACE THE ACE EV GROUP Urban, a four-seat WEBSITE city car.
POLESTAR HAS CONFIRMED that it has plans to expand the brand to 30 global markets by the end of 2022. After confirming in July the doubling of its markets in 2021 from nine to 18, the electric performance brand aims to establish itself in a further 12 markets next year “Growth on this scale is unprecedented and confirms our position as a truly global, pure EV brand,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO, speaking at the 2021 IAA in Munich. “Our unique business model has allowed us to develop the manufacturing capacity we need to satisfy demand. Our digital-first approach means we can enter new markets faster. And, crucially, the service network vital to customer peace of mind is already in place.” Polestar’s 2021 expansion plans have been increased since the July announcement and are set to include new markets in the Middle East, including Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Luxembourg and Iceland will also join the growing European base. Further markets will be confirmed in due course. As well as moving into new markets, Polestar is also expanding its retail locations in existing markets where around 100 Polestar Spaces and Destinations will be operational by the end of 2021. October 2021 Motor Trader | 59
Auto innovation news
MITSUBISHI FUSO TO DELIVER 20 ECANTER TRUCKS TO AUSTRALIA POST
A
USTRALIA POST IS to add 20 units of the Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) all-electric eCanter truck to its fleet. The eCanter’s electric drive system has a 135kW/390Nm motor and six high-voltage (370V, 13.5 kWh) lithiumion battery packs. Range is, MFTBC says, about 100km per charge and, with quick-charging stations, the vehicle takes approximately 1.5 hours to fully recharge. Australia Post will be the first local customer to integrate the light-duty truck into its daily operations and will receive the eCanters this month. The organisation has the largest electric fleet in the country, with over 3,000 electric delivery vehicles, and the eCanter trucks will run in major cities across Australia to support parcel deliveries. The organisation’s StarTrack subsidiary, which provides express logistics solutions for enterprises, will also be operating the eCanter. The trucks will be supported by the FUSO retail network and Daimler Truck and Bus Australia, which oversees the import and distribution of FUSO, Mercedes-Benz, and Freightliner brand commercial vehicles. The eCanter is fitted with safety features such as Advanced Emergency Braking System, Lane Departure Warning System, as well as the Electronic Stability Program. 60 | Motor Trader October 2021
NEED A NEW WEBSITE? MTA QUEENSLAND HAS GOT YOU COVERED! With five high-quality template designs to choose from, we can build and maintain your website at a very good price! C L I C K H E R E TO F I N D O U T M O R E L ocally developed A ustralian hosted A brand you can trust
20200890
Auto innovation news
HYUNDAI LAUCHES ‘FACTORY SAFETY SERVICE ROBOT PROJECT
H
YUNDAI MOTOR GROUP has introduced a ‘Factory Safety Service Robot’ it will use for a pilot operation at Kia’s plant in South Korea. The Robot is based on engineering and robotic design company Boston Dynamics’ quadruped robot, Spot, which uses artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous navigation, teleoperation technologies, and computing payload (AI Processing Service Unit) to complete various industrial tasks. Hyundai Motor Group bought a controlling interest in Boston Dynamics earlier this year. “The Factory Safety Service Robot is the first collaboration project with Boston Dynamics. The Robot will help detect risks and secure people’s safety in industrial sites,” said Dong Jin Hyun, Head of Hyundai Motor Group Robotics Lab. Hyundai Motor Group ‘Factory Safety Service Robot’
62 | Motor Trader October 2021
VIDEO: HYUNDAI MOTOR GROUP X BOSTON DYNAMICS ‘FACTORY SAFETY SERVICE ROBOT’
“THE FACTORY SAFETY SERVICE ROBOT IS THE FIRST COLLABORATION PROJECT WITH BOSTON DYNAMICS. THE ROBOT WILL HELP DETECT RISKS AND SECURE PEOPLE’S SAFETY IN INDUSTRIAL SITES.”
“We will also continue to create smart services that detect dangers at industrial sites and help support a safe work environment through continuous collaborations with Boston Dynamics.” Hyundai says that with an integrated thermal camera and 3D LiDAR, the Robot is able to detect people around it, monitor high-temperature situations and potential fire hazards, and perceive whether a door is open or closed. The Robot can be remote-controlled and provides a livestream of its movements around the plant, enabling office personnel to remotely observe industrial areas. The Robot’s AI technology also allows the Robot to detect dangers and send alarms to managers. These functions allow for real-time sharing of photos of on-site situations and support a rapid response in the event of an emergency. Managers can switch to manual teleoperation when needed. Through the pilot operation, the Hyundai Group says it will use the Robot to support late-night security patrols and create a safer environment for workers and assess whether to expand its patrol areas and deploy it to other sites.
VOLKSWAGEN INTRODUCES OVER-THE-AIR UPDATES FOR ALL ID. MODELS WITH NEW VEHICLES becoming more connected and packed with computers and software, car manufacturers are increasingly becoming software companies themselves. Amongst the features they are embracing is overthe-air-updates – the ability to update software via mobile data transfer. Volkswagen has announced that it will now be delivering just such a feature to all its electric ID. models. The updates had previously only been available as part of a test phase for customers who had registered with the ‘ID. First Movers Club’. The company says that networking the entire ID. fleet will allow it to lay the foundation for new, customeroriented business models. In the future, the company plans to provide its customers with free software around every 12 weeks. Volkswagen is also aiming to generate increased revenue during the usage phase with new, data-based business models – for services and functions that the customer can order as required. For example, this could be Travel Assist or improved battery performance for long journeys, or even automated driving at a later point in time. Volkswagen says it sees the potential to generate hundreds of millions in additional revenue over the next few years. October 2021 Motor Trader | 63
Classic Car
40 YEARS OF THE D 64 | Motor Trader October 2021
IMAGES COURTESY OF ZOOMEDIMAGES.COM
DELOREAN DMC-12 October 2021 Motor Trader | 65
40 YEARS OF THE DELOREAN DMC-12
I
F YOU ARE asked to name an iconic motor car, it’s entirely possible the first model you’ll think of is something like the VW Beetle, Mark I Mini, Porsche 911, the Ford Mustang or some other big-selling classic that had a major impact on the automotive industry. And that’s fair enough – they are all influential and special in their own way, have immense longevity and sold by the bucketload. And yet it is also possible that the name you come up with is that of a car that had a production life of just two years, of which just 9000 units were made, which was reportedly hamstrung by build-quality issues, which was not as quick or as slick as its competitors, which was at the centre of one of the most bizarre and scandalous corporate business stories ever, and which found fame as the centrepiece of a series of blockbuster Hollywood movies. That car is, of course, the DeLorean DMC-12, and its story is a ripper of a tale.
66 | Motor Trader October 2021
VIDEO: ORIGINAL 1981 DELOREAN TV COMMERCIAL
The car was the dream project of former GM executive John DeLorean, who had been an engineer with Pontiac and had made a name for himself as the man who, in 1964, kicked off the muscle car craze by stuffing a massive V8 into the midsize Pontiac Tempest, creating the performance-focused Pontiac GTO. Branded as an automotive wunderkind, DeLorean would go on to become the head of Pontiac (at age 40, he was the youngest ever boss of a GM division), and then Chevrolet - turning both into sales monsters - before finding himself
The DMC-12’s body was made of stainless steel panels affixed to a fibreglass body.
THE CAR WAS THE DREAM PROJECT OF FORMER GM EXECUTIVE JOHN DELOREAN, WHO HAD BEEN AN ENGINEER WITH PONTIAC . . . elevated to vice-president at GM and apparently destined for the top job at the world’s biggest carmaker. That was not to be. Considered something of a maverick in the staid and serious-minded world that was corporate America of the time, DeLorean left GM in 1973, determined to make his mark producing his own cars under the banner of DMC – the DeLorean Motor Company. By 1976, the prototype of the first DMC model made its debut. Known as the DSV-1 (DeLorean Safety Vehicle), it was to be a car that was safe, economical and rustproof, and was designed by legendary Italian car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign. Giugiaro followed DeLorean’s requests for a car that had gullwing doors, a midengine layout that utilised a Wankel rotary engine, and a stainless-steel body. Specs
also included using a radical construction method involving Elastic Reservoir Moulding (ERM) - in which 2cm-thick sheets of urethane foam were sandwiched between sheets of fibreglass – a material that was touted as being very light, strong, and stiff enough for the job. As it turned out, meeting these specifications proved a little tough and the rotary engine idea was abandoned in favour of a piston-driven motor. This change necessitated an alteration in engine placement with the fuel-injected, 2.85-litre PRV V6 (jointly developed by Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo) that was ultimately chosen, sitting further back giving the car a rear-engine layout. October 2021 Motor Trader | 67
The ERM material was also problematic and subsequently abandoned in favour of a fibreglass body upon which would be attached the stainless-steel panels. DeLorean contacted Colin Chapman, founder and boss at Lotus, to help get the car ready for production and the British firm worked furiously to meet a tight deadline to get the car done, giving it a backbone frame, independent suspension, and new steering system – a set-up that could be found under the skin of the Lotus Esprit model of the time. These changes to the DeLorean’s original design became a contentious issue, ultimately leading to the departure from DMC of Bill Collins, the company’s chief engineer and the man behind the prototype. It would not be last issue DeLorean would face. Raising the money for his pet project and finding somewhere to build a factory and put the car into production was, of course, a major problem. DeLorean could
Early versions of the DMC-12 had a flap cut into the bonnet which could be flipped open for access to the fuel tank filler.
rely on his up-to-then seemingly spotless record of success in the industry, and the charismatic executive - who was something of a celebrity and had even chosen to have plastic surgery to give himself a more chiselled, movie-star look – approached his
The DMC-12 at the Gold Coast Motor Museum even has a set of original DMC-branded cleaning and protection products, inclulding Stainless Steel Cleaner/Sealer.
Hollywood pals for investment while also raising money from dealerships across the US who were eager to add the stunninglooking car to their inventory in exchange for a share in the company. This was not enough to raise the cash
needed, however, and DeLorean began approaching governments around the world for the funds and a place to build his car, now known as the DMC-12 (with the 12 representing the proposed asking price of $US12,000).
The 2.85-litre V6 engine is accessed by lifting the louvre sunshade panel and then the engine cover.
And this is where things get spicy as DeLorean found himself moving from the world of business and celebrity and into a world of business and politics. He managed to get the government of the Republic of Ireland interested in the project, although they ultimately didn’t buy in. However, across the border in Northern Ireland – a province wracked by the sectarian violence of the Troubles, and in dire economic strife and suffering from high unemployment – DeLorean found a willing partner in Britain’s Labour government, which stumped up more than $100 million for DMC to build a factory near Belfast and employ thousands of locals desperately keen to work. Construction of the factory began in 1978 and production of the car finally started in 1980 with the first unit rolling off the production line at the beginning of 1981. 30,000 units were targeted for that first year with all cars destined for the North American market. Quality issues were evident from the start. According to the terrific documentary series Myth & Mogul: John DeLorean (currently available on Netflix) a reporter who was given a pre70 | Motor Trader October 2021
production DMC-12 to test, drove the car up to his camera crew who were waiting for him to open the gullwing door with a flourish and announce that ‘This is the DeLorean Dream’. Unfortunately, the door wouldn’t open. Not only that, but the window wouldn’t either, trapping the reporter inside. It was, apparently, an issue that plagued some of the first display models that eager dealers placed in their showrooms. It was not a good look. These problems would be ironed out over time and DeLorean was confident enough that he was making plans for both a turbocharged version of the car, as well as a four-door version to be called the DMC-24. He also had time to promote a 24k gold-plated version of the DMC-12, of which three were made and were available for a wallet-busting $85,000 each! However, within a few months, the dream would turn into a nightmare. By the end of 1981, sales were not powering ahead as hoped, there were accusations of some financial shenanigans, the sale price of $US25,000 was considerably more than the $US12,000 that had been mooted, and reviews by the motoring press were not all that stellar,
THE DELOREAN DMC-12 AT THE GOLD COAST MOTOR MUSEUM
T
HE GLORIOUS DELOREAN DMC-12 you see on these pages can be found, along with dozens of other beautiful classic vehicles, at the Gold Coast Motor Museum in south-east Queensland. Owned by the museum’s founders, brothers Carl and Grant Amor, who generously allowed Motor Trader onto the premises to take these images, the DMC-12 is in top-top shape and a terrific example of the iconic machine. “We bought it about five years ago in the US,” said Grant. “It had been owned by a lady in California, then it went to a private museum and then we bought it, so we are the third owners. “And it is in the condition that we bought it – it has done 8600 miles (13,840km) and we even have the original tyres. They were hard, and probably unsafe, but we do still have them, and they are barely worn. We took them off just for safety reasons as we have driven it a bit. “We know that it is an early model because the early ones had the petrol flap cut into the bonnet. They made a lot of changes to the car during its production, so they changed that later, but one of the identifiers of the age of the car is that flap.” For most people who have never been inside a DeLorean, let alone driven one, and who may have the idea that it is a fire-breathing performance monster based on those tyrescorching scenes from Back to the Future, the truth, it seems, is rather more down to earth. “It’s not the best to drive,” said Carl with a smile. “I have people asking me that all the time and, while it is OK, it is not anywhere near as stunning to drive as it looks. “I say to people that the best thing about driving a DeLorean is that you are driving a DeLorean! After that, it is just a pretty ordinary car. However, it is a massive piece of automotive history.” October 2021 Motor Trader | 71
with the car’s performance not matching up well against its contemporaries. For example, the 1981 Lotus Esprit Turbo had a 2.2 litre, four-cylinder turbo engine that produced 156kW and 270Nm - good enough to push that sleek car to a top speed of 250km/h and a 0-100km/h time of around 5.7 seconds. The 2.85-litre PRV V6 engine of the DMC-12 produced 97kW and 207Nm that enabled the DeLorean to reach a top speed of 209km/h and a 0-100km/h time of about 9 seconds. As things took a downturn, DeLorean found Britain’s new Conservative government - under the leadership of Margaret Thatcher - loathe to pump more money into the company without private investment also being injected. In February 1982, with its finances on the ropes, DMC was put into receivership,
allowing a slimmed-down version of the company to keep producing cars. DeLorean went on a mission to drum-up support and raise more money. And then everything came crashing down. In October 1982, DeLorean was caught in an FBI sting operation, videotaped at a Los Angeles hotel allegedly agreeing to a drug trafficking deal. While he would be ultimately acquitted of all charges, the damage was done – his reputation was in tatters and his car company beyond saving. It was all over. Well, not quite. In 1985, the DMC-12 found a new level of fame and popularity as an integral part of the story of the blockbuster movie Back to the Future and its sequels. The interest in the car was still there and, as it happened, there were plenty of parts,
The 2.85-litre V6 engine was jointly developed by Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo, and was good for 97kW and 207Nm.
panels and components left over from the demise of the original DMC company. What was left was purchased by Britishborn mechanic Steve Wynne, who founded a new DMC company in 1995 and has been threatening in recent years to relaunch the car. Earlier this year, in fact, the word was the DeLorean could reappear as an EV. Whatever happens in the future, the DMC-12 - even with all the mighty baggage of scandal and mischief that surrounds its creation and production - is an iconic piece of motoring history. It may not be the quickest, the most comfortable, the best driving, or indeed meet any of the high benchmarks by which a sports car of the time might be measured. However, it is, one could argue strongly, amongst the best-looking cars of all time. If it were to be unveiled as a brand-new model today, it would still draw the eye – and that glorious stainlessCLICK TO steel body, those gullwing doors, VISIT THE GC and that very cool, wide and low MOTOR MUSEUM stance are not to be dismissed. WEBSITE Be honest, you’d have one, wouldn’t you? October 2021 Motor Trader | 73
Auto news
MOTORCYCLE SALES REMAIN STRONG THROUGH Q3 OF 2021
J
UST AS WITH new car sales numbers, the figures for motorcycles sales have been encouraging throughout 2021. The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has indicated that total sales for the period from January to the end of September 2021 were 86,239 units, an increase on the corresponding period last year of 6,616 motorcycles, scooters and off-highway vehicles (OHV) when the result was 79,623. “This steady growth of 8.3 per cent over the same period in 2020 shows us that there is strong demand from buyers who want to use a motorcycle as their first choice for the daily commute and for recreation,” said Tony Weber, FCAI CEO. Road bikes recorded an increase in sales, with 26,119 units sold during the first three quarters of 2021. This represents
74 | Motor Trader October 2021
an increase of 2.2 per cent, or 563 units, on the first three quarters of 2020, when 25,556 units were sold. Off-Road motorcycles reported notable growth, with 35,120 units sold – a 10.5 per cent increase on the 2020 figure. OHVs have continued their growth from the past year too, now accounting for sales of 21,590 units. This is an increase of 2,660 units, or 14.1 per cent, over the same period in 2020 when 18,930 units were sold. Scooter sales were up 1.5 per cent to 3,410 units, or 49 units more than in the first three quarters of 2020, when 3,361 units were sold. 2020 was actually quite a good year for motorcycle sales. The FCAI reported total sales for those 12 months of 108,926 units, which was an increase of 19,727 vehicles and 22.1 per cent on 2019 when 89,199 sales were recorded.
LOOKING FOR WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY? Talk to a Milwaukee® Transportation specialist. The Milwaukee Job Site Solutions (JSS) team consists of experienced, trade specialised experts, with knowledge across all modes of transport. Our specialists bring the best advice and the best range of transportation-focused power tools, hand tools, and accessories. From repairs and maintenance to body work and detailing, our site specialists ensure that the tools you have on hand, your ways of working and your workshop’s safety and efficiency are maximised.
BOOK A TEST DRIVE
WITH THE TRANSPORTATION SPECIALISTS milwaukeetool.com.au/transportation-jss/
1300 645 928
ARN-2002
Auto news
DAIMLER TO SPIN OFF TRUCK DIVISION
D
AIMLER AG IS to spinoff Daimler Truck into a separate company by the end of the year with the new company, Daimler Truck Holding AG, to be listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Also on the cards is the renaming of Daimler AG, by February 2022, to MercedesBenz Group AG, emphasising the future focus on the car and van business with the brands Mercedes-Benz, MercedesAMG, Mercedes-Maybach and Mercedes-EQ. Like Mercedes, Daimler Trucks has electrification – both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell - in its sights, with models such as the eActros and eEconic models. Amongst other truck brands, Daimler owns Mitsubishi Fuso, Freightliner, and Western Star. “Daimler is splitting into two strong and independent companies. With this decisive realignment into pure-play entities, we aim to create value for all stakeholders,” said Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Boards of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG in a statement. “Now is the right time to take this step: self-determined and from a position of strength. By unlocking the full potential of both companies, we are establishing two undisputed innovation leaders who will set the pace in the transformation of their industries.” Shareholders of Daimler AG will hold a 65 per cent stake in the new Daimler Truck 76 | Motor Trader October 2021
“NOW IS THE RIGHT TIME TO TAKE THIS STEP: SELF-DETERMINED AND FROM A POSITION OF STRENGTH. BY UNLOCKING THE FULL POTENTIAL OF BOTH COMPANIES, WE ARE ESTABLISHING TWO UNDISPUTED INNOVATION LEADERS WHO WILL SET THE PACE IN THE TRANSFORMATION OF THEIR INDUSTRIES.” Holding AG, which will then be listed on the stock exchange as an independent company. Daimler will retain a minority interest of 35 per cent in Daimler Truck Holding AG and plans to transfer 5 per cent to the Daimler Pension Trust.
MTA INSTITUTE COURSES AIR CONDITIONING COURSE
SKILL SET GAP TRAINING (3 DAY) Dates TBA Click for more information.
SALES/DEALERS/WRECKERS LICENCING COURSES AVAILABLE ONLINE - ENROL NOW Click for more information.
RTO No: 31529
BATTERY ELECTRIC AND HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES COURSE SKILL SET TRAINING (3 DAY)
2 - 4 Nov 2021 (SOLD OUT) 14 - 16 Dec 2021 Click for more information.
VOCATIONAL PREPARATION COURSE Dates TBA Feb 2022 (FOR WOMEN) 27 Sept - 29 Oct 2021 Click for more information.
Enquiries to: courses@mtai.edu.au Website www.mtai.edu.au
MTA QUEENSLAND COURSES MIG WELDING FUNDAMENTALS COURSE 23 Nov 2021, 8:30am - 12:30pm (SOLD OUT) 23 Nov 2021, 8:30am - 12:30pm (BOHLE, TOWNSVILLE) Click for more information.
ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS COURSES AWARENESS COURSE 9 Nov 2021
VEHICLE GLASS COURSE 10 Nov 2021
TECHNICIAN COURSE
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE COURSE
11 - 12 Nov 2021
Click for more information.
23 Nov 2021, 8:30am - 12:30pm Click for more information.
7 - 9 Dec 2021 Click for more information.
22 - 23 Oct 2021 (GLADSTONE) 26 - 27 Nov 2021 (BRISBANE) Click for more information.
Enquiries to: courses@mtai.edu.au Website www.mtaq.com.au
20170566
AUTO CAMP
ULTIMATE COMMON RAIL DIESEL DIAGNOSTICS COURSE
Auto news
The Rolls-Royce ‘Spectre’
ROLLS-ROYCE TO GO ALL-ELECTRIC BY 2040 WITH THE ‘SPECTRE’ TO BE ITS FIRST EV MODEL
R
OLLS-ROYCE, THAT BASTION of uber-luxury cars, is going all-electric with company CEO Torsten MüllerÖtvös announcing in September that a new EV model, to be named Spectre, will see its first deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2023. While Rolls-Royce has been experimenting with electric powertrains for a while in concept and experimental vehicles, this is a major leap for the company, and they will have to go some to prove its electric cars are as worthy of the RR badge as their petrol-powered predecessors. Perhaps with that in mind, some serious testing is going to be done on the Spectre. “This fundamental change in our powertrain technology requires that we challenge every single aspect of the product before we offer it to the most discerning and demanding individuals in the world – 78 | Motor Trader October 2021
VIDEO: ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS ANNOUNCES FIRST FULLY ELECTRIC CAR
our Rolls-Royce clients,” said Müller-Ötvös. “To do this, we have conceived the most demanding testing program in Rolls-Royce’s history. We will cover 2.5 million kilometres – a simulation of more than 400 years of use for a Rolls-Royce, on average – and we will travel to all four corners of the world to push this new motor car to the limit. “You will see these test cars on roads,
NISSAN UNVEILS GT-R LINE-UP IN JAPAN
“WITH THIS NEW PRODUCT WE SET OUT OUR CREDENTIALS FOR THE FULL ELECTRIFICATION OF OUR ENTIRE PRODUCT PORTFOLIO BY 2030,” around the world. Look out for them – they will be in plain sight. They will be tested in all conditions and over all terrains on their multi-million-mile journey – that will literally accelerate Rolls-Royce into the future.” The Spectre will, the company said, be based on an aluminium architecture that debuted in the Phantom in 2017. The technology is unique to Rolls-Royce and was created to form the foundation of not just different internal combustion engine models, as it does with the Cullinan and Ghost models, but models with completely different powertrains. “With this new product we set out our credentials for the full electrification of our entire product portfolio by 2030,” added Müller-Ötvös. “By then, RollsRoyce will no longer be in the business of producing or selling any internal combustion engine products.”
Nissan has revealed the new Japanmarket GT-R, and amongst the model line-up are two limited grades - the GT-R Premium Edition T-spec and GT-R Track Edition Engineered by NISMO T-spec. The two 4WD T-spec limited editions are specially equipped with exclusive carbon ceramic brakes, a carbon-fibre rear spoiler, an exclusive engine cover, and an exclusive badge for front and rear. A total of 100 units of the limitededition models are planned for sale. The GT-R is powered by a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 punching out 419kW and 632Nm through a dual clutch transmission. Two new body colours, Midnight Purple and Millennium Jade, have been added to the T-spec options. The Nissan GT-R Premium Edition T-spec also has an exclusive interior design, Rays forged alloy wheels (bronze), and suspension that takes advantage of weight reductions below the springs. The GT-R Track Edition engineered by NISMO T-spec is specially equipped with an exclusive carbon-fibre roof and trunk lid. This version is a grade based on the standard model enhanced with Nismo technology. It has been reported that the GT-R will not be available in Australia from the end of this year due to it not meeting new regulations that have come in due to changes in Australia’s design rules.
Nissan GT-R
Auto news
E-TRANSIT TO LEAD THE ELECTRIC ERA CHARGE FOR FORD AUSTRALIA
F
ORD AUSTRALIA HAS announced an electrification strategy that will see at least five new electrified vehicles on the nation’s roads by the end of 2024. This will include a new Ford E-Transit van which the company says will debut in mid-2022. The full-size E-Transit will begin to arrive with Australian customers in rear-wheel drive, 420L long wheel-base configuration, after the Escape PHEV makes its debut as Ford’s first locally available plug-in hybrid variant. With a usable battery capacity of 68kWh, the rear-wheel drive E-Transit offers an estimated driving range of up to 317kms on the combined WLTP cycle, and the vehicle’s electric motor has a peak output of 198kW and 430 Nm of torque. E-Transit’s drive modes include a special Eco Mode that provide between eight and Ford E-Transit
VIDEO: FORD’S E-TRANSIT VAN
10 per cent improvement in energy usage if E-Transit is driven unladen, or at highway speeds. Eco Mode limits top speed, regulates acceleration and optimises climate control to help maximise the available driving range. The vehicle also supports Scheduled PreConditioning, enabling the climate control system to be programmed to adjust the cabin to the preferred temperature while the vehicle is still on charge, ensuring that the maximum driving range is available. E-Transit features both AC charging and DC fastcharging. The vehicle’s 11.3kW on-board charger is capable of delivering a 100 per cent charge in up to 8.2 hours. Charging with up to 115kW using a high-power DC fast-charger means the E-Transit can top-up the battery from 15 per cent
CUSTOMERS WILL GET FORD’S FIVEYEAR, UNLIMITED KILOMETRE SERVICE OFFERING THAT SITS ALONGSIDE THE EIGHT-YEAR, 160,000 KM WARRANTY PACKAGE FOR THE BATTERY AND HIGHVOLTAGE ELECTRIC COMPONENTS. to 80 per cent in around 34 minutes. Cargo capacity is up to 11.3 cubic metres in mid-roof specification and 12.4 cubic metres for the high roof version, both of which are identical to the Transit 350L RWD diesel equivalents. Gross vehicle mass of up to 4.2 tonnes is offered, with a targeted payload of 1,616 kg. Customers will get Ford’s five-year, unlimited kilometre service offering that sits alongside the eight-year, 160,000 km warranty package for the battery and highvoltage electric components. Full model specification and pricing details for the E-Transit will be announced
closer to its Australian market launch. Ford Australia is collaborating with electric vehicle charging infrastructure supplier JET Charge to ready its dealer network with charging infrastructure, as part of a launch framework that includes in-house training programs, a select network of dealers with specialist EV workshop equipment and end-user maintenance routines in readiness for the first vehicles to arrive. Ford says its sites will play a role in helping the company to achieve its global ambition of carbon neutrality, including Ford’s new parts and logistics hub at Merrifield in Victoria, and Ford plants around the world, which are targeted to run off 100 per cent local renewables by 2035. The company adds that while addressing climate change through its product line-up is a key focus, it also aims to use recycled and renewable plastics in vehicles, work towards true zero waste to landfill across operations, and phase out the use of freshwater in manufacturing operations. October 2021 Motor Trader | 81
Auto news
ALL-NEW SUBARU WRX REVEALED
S
UBARU HAS UNVEILED the newest incarnation of its iconic WRX. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, which the company says has enhanced the rigidity of the body and chassis resulting in sharper handling and reduction of vibrations, the new WRX is powered by a 2.4-litre direct injection Boxer turbo engine generating 202kW and 350Nm. Every WRX is equipped with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring, and there is either a 6-speed manual transmission, or the new Subaru Performance Transmission (automatic). The automatic transmission incorporates adaptive shift control for a quicker shifting response. Engine and automatic transmission operation can be tailored to driver preferences with three different settings for the Performance Management System. The available Drive Mode Select system offers additional options to configure steering feel, damper settings and more with just a push of a button. There’s a dual-pinion electric power steering system, which has separate axis for the motor assist and the driver’s input, and which is designed to deliver a smooth and responsive, sporty steering feel. For 2022, there’s a new top-of-the-line
GT trim that gets Recaro seats wrapped in black Ultrasuede with contrasting red stitching and the “Recaro” logo embossed on the seatbacks. The driver’s seat includes 8-way power adjustments. The GT also features exclusive 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels in matte grey finish paired with 245/40 R18 summer performance tyres. Design-wise, the WRX retains an aggressive and performance look, and on the inside, there is a flat-bottom, leatherwrapped steering wheel with integrated switches for audio, voice recognition, and EyeSight control. The centrepiece is an 11.6-inch high-definition information display that integrates various functions. The advanced driver assistance system includes an improved Lane Departure Prevention function and Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring, and Automatic Emergency Steering that works in conjunction with
VIDEO: THE ALL-NEW 2022 SUBARU WRX TM
the Pre-Collision Braking System to assist with steering control to help avoid a collision at speeds under 80km/h. The exact features available for the models to be sold in Australia will be revealed closer to its launch date here, which is anticipated to be in the second quarter of 2022.
You’re fiercely independent. Joining us will help you stay that way. We understand that being independent is important to you, just as it is for our Members. We also understand the pressures of running an independent operation. This knowledge helps us provide the tools and support that keep our more than 20,000 Members’ businesses strong. It could help keep yours strong, too.
Join Australasia’s largest automotive cooperative join@capricorn.coop | capricorn.coop | 1800 327 437
Auto news
Hyundai Staria
HYUNDAI STARIA DEBUTS IN AUSTRALIA
H
YUNDAI’S FUTURISTIC-LOOKING EIGHT-SEATER people mover, the Staria, has arrived in Australia. A replacement for the iMax within Hyundai’s range, the Staria has been engineered from the ground up on a dedicated passenger car platform shared with the Santa Fe SUV, and is offered with all-wheel-drive (AWD) or front-wheel-drive (FWD) and comes packed with technology and safety features. Three trim levels are available –the entry-level Staria, the midrange Elite, and the flagship Highlander. FWD models are powered by a Smartstream 3.5-litre, V6 MPi petrol engine producing 200kW and 331Nm. AWD models come with a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder CRDi diesel delivering 130kW and 430Nm. Both engines send their power through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Staria’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system features an electronic, variable-torque-
84 | Motor Trader October 2021
FOUR DRIVE MODES - NORMAL, ECO, SPORT AND SMART – ARE AVAILABLE AND APPLY A RANGE OF POWERTRAIN RESPONSE SETTINGS, INCLUDING VARYING THE AWD’S TORQUE DISTRIBUTION. split clutch with active torque control between the front and rear axles. As well as apportioning torque between the front and rear, the system can vary the torque distribution between left and right wheels. Additionally, Staria features a 4WD lock to distribute power evenly to all four wheels in off-road situations. Four drive modes - Normal, Eco, Sport and Smart – are available and apply a range of powertrain response settings. On the inside, the interior is pretty cutting edge, with either an 8-inch or
The interior is cutting edge, with either an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia/navigation unit atop the centre stack, and a 10.25-inch fully digital virtual instrument cluster
10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia/ navigation unit (depending on the variant) atop the centre stack, and a 10.25-inch fully digital virtual instrument cluster. There are also sliding and folding seats inside - which are leather in the flagship Highlander - as well as a wireless smartphone charger, five USB charging ports, power operated smart sliding side doors and a power tailgate with walk-away function. The seats can be adjusted in a variety of configurations, with the benefit of flat-folding rear seatbacks, and a third-row bench tip-up function. Sliding second-row seats sit on long runners designed to enable easy entry and exit, and there are ISOFIX anchors for two child seats as well as three top tether points. A boarding step and ‘walk-in device’ sliding function for the second row creates up to an extra 100mm of foot clearance for third-row access. There are also two USB-A charging ports for each rear row. The Highlander variant gets a front and rear sunroof.
Tech features include a Smart Key with Push Button and Remote Start, and top-notch safety and driver assistance systems abound. There’s Blind Spot View (BVM), Surround View (SVM) and a Rear Passenger View Monitor, as well as a suite of seven airbags, and Forward Collision AvoidanceAssist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance-Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic CollisionAvoidance Assist systems. There’s also High Beam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Safe Exit Assist, and a host of other safety features. Also included is Passenger View, which uses a wide-angle, high-definition camera to present a video image of second- and third-row occupants on the multimedia display – a key feature, perhaps, for those who want to keep an eye on a horde of kids in the back.
The Staria is in showrooms now and prices start at $48500 (Manufacturer’s List Price) for the FWD entry-level model, rising to $66,500 for the top-of-therange AWD diesel Highlander. October 2021 Motor Trader | 85
NEW CAR SALES CONTINUE UPWARD TREND IN SEPTEMBER
T
HE LOCAL NEW car market continues to show its resilience in the face of lockdowns and supply chain issues surrounding the global microprocessor shortage, with Australians purchasing 83,312 new cars in September, an increase of around 21 per cent on the same period last year, according to VFACTS figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI). Queensland saw a terrific 24.3 per cent rise, with 20,062 vehicles sold in September this year against 16,149 in September 2020. Victoria recorded a gangbuster increase of 96 per cent, while the Northern Territory, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia all recorded positive growth greater than 16 per cent. The ACT was down 35 per cent and New South Wales was down 8 per cent. The Passenger Vehicle Market was up by
86 | Motor Trader October 2021
“IN MANY RESPECTS THESE FIGURES GIVE THE INDUSTRY GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT AND EXCITEMENT FOR WHAT WILL BE POSSIBLE IN 2022 WHEN LOCKDOWNS WILL HOPEFULLY BE A THING OF THE PAST.” 811 vehicle sales (4.6 per cent) over the same month last year; the Sports Utility Market was up by 8,185 vehicle sales (25.1 per cent); the Light Commercial Market was up by 4,263 vehicle sales (27 per cent) and the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market was up by 1,068 vehicle sales (37.5 per cent). Toyota was market leader in September with 20,216 sales (24.3 per cent of the market) followed by Mazda
Toyota was market leader in September with 20,216 sales (24.3 per cent of the market)
on 6,555, and Ford with 5,759. Top seller for the month was the Ford Ranger with 4,192 units sold. Perennial favourite the Toyota Hi-Lux was in second spot on the sales ladder with 3,635 units sold, and Toyota had the next three places with the Corolla (3,487), the RAV4 (3,390), and the Prado (2,173). “To see an increase of 21 per cent on 2020 figures is definitely encouraging news,” said Tony Weber, Chief Executive of the FCAI. “For many manufacturers it is bittersweet with the knowledge of what could have been achieved in a normal trading environment. “These are challenging times, but automotive manufacturers are rising to meet them. Brands are working across their supply chains to deal with microprocessor issues and consumers are embracing online purchasing through click and collect delivery options. “In many respects these figures give the industry great encouragement and excitement for what will be possible in 2022 when lockdowns will hopefully be a thing of the past.” The September total sales number of 83,312 is impressively close to the September 2019, pre-COVID-19 sales
numbers of 88,181, and the year-to-date sales for 2021 of 816,150 reflect a similar trajectory – in 2019, sales through to September had reached 811,464.
Recruiting an Apprentice or Trainee? BUSY At Work take all the hassle out of recruitment and make it easy for you to take on an apprentice or trainee. Our careers and placement team know that every industry requires a different set of skills, and they are dedicated to finding the right person for your job.
Contact us today and let us get started! busyatwork.com.au or call today 13 28 79
Auto news
MERCEDES-BENZ EQE TO LAND IN AUSTRALIA IN 2022
T
HE MERCEDES-BENZ’ EQE EV will arrive in Australia next year. Following the company’s EQS luxury saloon revealed earlier this year, the EQE business saloon is to run on the same premium-class electric architecture (EVA2). While two models are to be available at launch, just one variant – the EQE350 – was revealed in September. Energy comes via a 90kWh battery pack that is good, the company says, for up to 660km of range. Powering the EQE350 is an 215kW electric motor on the rear axle. Mercedes says future versions of the EQE will come with dual-motor 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, with motors located on the front and rear axles. A DC box with a charging capacity of up to 170kW is fitted on board for fast charging via direct current. Power for up to 250km can be achieved in 15 minutes. Charging from 10-80 per cent comes in at 32 minutes. Mercedes-Benz EQE350
88 | Motor Trader October 2021
AC charging at 11kW will see a full charge achieved in 8 hours and 25 minutes, while where 22kW AC charging is available, that charge time comes down to 4 hours and 25 minutes. Recuperative braking is featured and, in versions available in Japan at least, the EQE will be available with bidirectional charging capability enabling V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) and V2H (Vehicleto-Home) applications.
THE EQE’S STYLING AND DESIGN IS VERY SLICK, AND THE EXTERIOR IS MATCHED BY A TOP-CLASS INTERIOR WHICH IS LUXURIOUS AND HIGH-TECH WITH ALL THE FLASH GADGETRY YOU WOULD EXPECT IN A MERC.
VIDEO: THE NEW EQE: WORLD PREMIERE | TRAILER
The EQE’s styling and design is very slick, and the exterior is matched by a top-class interior which is luxurious and high-tech with all the flash gadgetry you would expect in a Merc. The interior design and equipment are based on the EQS, and available as an option is the MBUX Hyperscreen – which is actually three screens sitting under a common glass cover and which stretches the width of the cabin. Standard models get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.8-inch central touchscreen. The ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant is available and it is, the company says, more capable of dialogue and learning by activating online services in the Mercedes me App. With the Online Music service, Mercedes-Benz has now fully integrated Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Music
into the MBUX infotainment system. Like the EQS, the EQE offers the possibility to activate completely new vehicle functions via over-the-air updates (OTA) in many areas. Various optional ‘packages’ are available with the Premium Plus Package offering the top equipment level. It includes Active Ambient Lighting, Parking Package with 360° Camera, Digital Light with projection function, MBUX Augmented Reality for Navigation and the Driving Assistance Package Plus, KEYLESS-GO with automatic comfort doors at the front, Burmester surround sound system with Sound Experiences and MBUX Entertainment, head-up display and THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, USB package Plus and more. Safety and driver assistance features are extensive and with the full Driver Assistance Package Plus include Active Steering Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Active Blind Spot Assist and exit warning function, Evasive Steering Assist and more. The Parking Package a includes Remote Parking Assist, an SAE Level 2 feature which means the driver can park and unpark the vehicle by smartphone from a short distance. October 2021 Motor Trader | 89
Workplace relations
CHANGES TO EMPLOYEE SUPERANNUATION FUND CHOICE RULES IAN NAYLOR SENIOR WORKPLACE RELATIONS ADVISOR
FROM 1 NOVEMBER 2021, employers 1. log into ATO online services. 2. enter the employee’s details, including: will need to undertake an extra step while - TFN – an exemption code can be onboarding new employees to comply entered where an employee cannot with the choice of superannuation fund provide their TFN, but this could rules. Penalties may apply if the choice result in processing delays requirements are not met. - full name – including ‘other given Under current rules, when onboarding name’ if known new employees, employers can add them - date of birth to their default superannuation fund if the - address (residential or postal), employee has not chosen a superannuation if TFN not given. fund. Going forward, for any new It is expected that employers will receive employees starting from 1 November 2021, the stapled fund details within minutes employers will be required to contact the and the ATO will notify the employee of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) if the employee has not chosen a fund and check stapled super fund request and the fund whether the employee has a “stapled fund”. details provided to them. Bulk requests can be made to the ATO for up to 100 new If the employee has a stapled fund, the employees at once. employer will need to make contributions When to use default funds going forward: to that fund as opposed to the employer’s From 1 November 2021, employers default superannuation fund. can only pay superannuation guarantee These provisions were enacted to contributions into their default fund, or prevent individuals from having multiple another fund that meets the choice of superannuation funds and to reduce fees fund rules only if: associated with setting up new funds each • an employee doesn’t choose a super fund, time an employee changes jobs. and Employers will need to use the ATO’s • the ATO has advised them that they don’t online services and request their employee’s have a stapled super fund. stapled super fund after they have submitted For more information contact the ATO. a Tax file number declaration or Single CLICK TO This is provided as general information only. Touch Payroll pay event. To request VISIT THE For more detailed and comprehensive industrial a stapled super fund, the employer MTAQ MEMBER PORTAL relations advice, you should contact the (or their authorised representative) workplace relations advisors at 3237 8777. will need to: 90 | Motor Trader October 2021
LOOKING FOR WORK? Check out MTA Queensland’s Job Board for all the latest opportunities in the automotive industry. Visit www.mtaq.com.au today
91 | Motor Trader September 2020
October 2021 Motor Trader | 91
OUR VISION IS TO BE QUEENSLAND’S MOST TRUSTED, INFLUENTIAL & ENGAGED INDUSTRY BODY The Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) is the peak organisation in the state representing the specific interests of businesses in the retail, repair & service sectors of the automotive industry. Member benefits include: Advocacy MTA Queensland makes representations to state and federal governments on the BIG issues affecting your business and industry.
Services Our members can utilise free Workplace Relations advice and Consumer Complaint support; access a cost-effective website building service and, through our self-service Member Portal, access information regarding wages & awards, health & safety, public holidays and more. There also is a FREE-to-use online Jobs Board platform to advertise open positions, plus discounted signage & stationery products are available through the online MTA Queensland shop.
Training The MTA Institute (RTO 31529) is the awardwinning, leading provider of automotive training and apprenticeships in Queensland. Course & training options include: • Apprenticeships • Traineeships • Skills Recognition • Automotive Licensing • Short Automotive Courses (including some which attract a 20% discount for members) • Pre-apprenticehips
Support Members can take advantage of a wide range of services & benefits, including: •B anking, insurance, payment options, legal advice and workplace health & safety compliance advice, offered by our Corporate Partners. • A library of small business resources. • A Weekly Industry Bulletin containing updates on industry news and events, workplace relations, divisional updates and training courses. •C omprehensive webinar and micro-credential program (coming soon). •M onthly subscription to the Motor Trader e-magazine and free business profiling. •S avings and discounts from a range of industry stakeholders. • I nvitations to industry signature events Industry Awards Gala, Golf Day, and Carmageddon.
Innovation Stay at the front of cutting-edge information and business solutions connected to the automotive digital revolution with access to events and MTAiQ – Australia’s first automotive innovation hub which is a facility offering an eco-system that supports innovation in the motor trades.
20190801
Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains www.mtaq.com.au | info@mtaq.com.au (07) 3237 8777
M E M B E R S
MTA Institute News
WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE TRAINING TO SUPPORT THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY, THROUGH EITHER OUR ACCREDITED COURSES OR OUR MICROCREDENTIALING SUITE OF PRODUCTS. maintained will also change, as hybrid cars rely less heavily on the internal combustion engine, while electric cars do not require petrol to run at all. • New vehicles will be fitted with advanced telematics technology, which will require sophisticated remote diagnostics equipment. Telematics refers to the technology used to facilitate the retrieval of electronic data from a vehicle. This trip down memory lane reinforced to me that technology continues to wash through the automotive industry and that continuing to upskill is vitally important. We need to continue to provide training to support the automotive industry, through either our accredited courses or our microcredentialing suite of products. Education never gets old! Additionally, a quick shout out to the recipients of our 2021 Vocational Education and Training (VET) Trainer Scholarships. They have been awarded to Felicity Wright from the Gold Coast, who works at RDO Equipment in Loganholme, and Jack Cunnington from Manly West, who works at Mechanix Plus in Wynnum. All the best in your training journey. October 2021 Motor Trader | 93
E S S E N T I A L S
A
DECADE AGO, BACK in August 2011, I wrote an article looking ahead at a 10-year skilling and workforce development outlook PAUL KULPA for the Queensland GENERAL MANAGER automotive industry. MTA INSTITUTE What did I forecast? I said sophisticated diagnostic equipment will become more common over the next 10 years, that the rise in electronic contents in vehicles will also contribute to the growth in technology in the future, and that this will need to be reflected in future training packages. I mentioned that: • Opportunities will exist in developing a service base for four-wheel-drive vehicles and sport utility vehicles. The use of these vehicles grew strongly in the past decade and will continue to represent a large proportion of vehicles on the road (although decreasing as consumers switch from the larger cars). This is because there are a number of smaller four-wheel-drive vehicles on the market that are affordable to younger working people. • The introduction of new types of cars into the market will create additional demand for mechanics. The technology of hybrid and electric cars is relatively new. As a result, these cars will require new types of repairs that do not exist in the more common cars that have been on the road for decades. Companies need to keep up with these potential repair areas and this can be done by constantly training staff. The way hybrid-electric vehicles (and electric vehicles in the longer term) are
E S S E N T I A L S M E M B E R S
Apprentice of the Month: September 2021 was in the industry, and doing what I enjoyed,” he said. “And we do a wide variety of work here. We work on passenger vehicles, 4WDs, light trucks, caravans - all sorts of things. There’s quite a variety of work, although I prefer working on older vehicles and engines – anything that is a bit older really.” As Cam Duffy Autos is also an RACQ ITCHELL JOHNSTON Approved Repairer and RACQ Road Service IS the MTA Institute Contractor, Mitchell also gets the opportunity Apprentice of the to get mobile. Month for September 2021. “I do enjoy getting out on the road doing In fact, Mitchell, at 18 years old, recently RACQ work,” he said. “There’s a lot of travelling and completed his light vehicle apprenticeship – training having to think on the spot, and I like a challenge.” that he started at school when he was just 15. Having trained with the MTA Institute and Scott Clearly talented and passionate about the work, Buckley since the beginning of his apprenticeship, Mitchell has impressed with his work ethic and skills. Mitchell said that the Institute’s model of one-on-one “Mitchell has demonstrated focus in training visits, training at the student’s place of employment was one has always complied with requests, and completed that he could readily recommend. training tasks to a very high standard,” said his MTA “I didn’t have to travel away for weeks at a time, Institute trainer Scott Buckley. “I have seen Mitchell and it was all done at the workshop,” he said. “You grow with knowledge and confidence in his light get a lot more time with the trainer and are able to go vehicle mechanical trade and I believe he will become through things a lot better. The other way of training a top technician.” – when you go away for a time to learn – does mean Mitchell works for Cam Duffy Autos in Malanda, you get to meet new people and make new contacts, Far North Queensland, and started work there as a but the Institute training did work well for me.” school-based apprentice. While he is now qualified as a light vehicle His family owns a dairy farm and a concrete mechanic, Mitchell, like many young people entering business, so he grew up around trucks and heavy the industry, is aware of the changes in vehicle tech machinery, helping out where he could and, he said, that are on the horizon such as electric vehicles. More he ‘loved to get involved’. training, he said, is likely to feature down the track, While that meant that initially he was interested and he is keen to follow up on his first interest – heavy in becoming a heavy vehicle technician, chances vehicle - while gaining plenty of experience at Cam to get an apprenticeship in that trade were limited, Duffy Autos. so he took the chance to get into the industry and “I’d like to stay here for a few years,” he said. “I am start learning when a light vehicle apprenticeship really enjoying it, I really like working with the people opportunity emerged at Cam Duffy Autos. here, and I do need to thank Cam and Andrea for With the business being involved in everything giving me the chance at the apprenticeship, and my from general vehicle servicing to autoglass to wheel mum and dad for supporting me. alignments and pretty much everything in between, “I haven’t had a lot to do with electric vehicles, so I’ll Mitchell has been able to gain experience see what happens there and adapt to the changes across many vehicle maintenance as they happen, but one day I would like to go CLICK TO VISIT THE requirements. into heavy vehicle and maybe even have my CAM DUFFY AUTOS “The opportunity was close to home, own mobile heavy vehicle business.” WEBSITE APPRENTICE: MITCHELL JOHNSTON WORKPLACE: CAM DUFFY AUTOS, MALANDA APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY
M
94 | Motor Trader October 2021
N OM IN AT E FOR T HE MTA INS TIT U TE APP R E N TIC E O F T HE MONT H AWARD • Are yo u em p loyi ng a n a p p re nti ce wh o is excelling i n th e wor kp l a ce? • Do yo u have a hi g h- a chi ev i n g ap p rent ice co lle a g u e? • Are they t rainin g wi th MTA Ins ti tu te? If th e ans wer is ‘ye s ’, the n nom i nate th e m fo r t he M TA In s ti tute Ap p re nti ce of th e Mo nt h Awa rd.
C L I CK H E R E FO R M O R E I N FO R M AT IO N
E S S E N T I A L S M E M B E R S
MTA Institute Graduates
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MTA INSTITUTE’S LATEST GRADUATES THE MTA INSTITUTE is the largest independent provider of automotive apprenticeships and training in Queensland and it is always a proud moment when its APPRENTICE Lachlan Boyle-Bridgens David Salmon Jack Carew Gregory Caruana Will Costabeber Nicholas Dawes Thomas Farr David Wigfull Dylan Da Silva Joseph Fajler Zane Hannan Michael Hay Hayden Johnson Aaron Robertson David Robertson Connor Blades Timothy Herrick Benjamin Lobb Jack Parks Samuel Edmondson Mikey Evans Brady Hatchman Todd Marshall Marc Micieli Jamie Milburn Daniel Mould Layton Rupp Jonty Rushton Chandler Smith Adrian White Joshua Mohammed Keith Golchert
students complete their trade qualification. Congratulations to everyone who was issued a qualification in September 2021 - it is a fantastic achievement!
QUALIFICATION Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology
96 | Motor Trader October 2021
TRAINER Alfio Rotolone Shane Palmer Don Lerm Dennis Shaw Zak Zuiderduin Ross Wilson Ty Morrison Kevin Ryan Shane Palmer Shane Palmer Shane Palmer Alfio Rotolone Shane Palmer Luke Cooper Brett Baker Steve Adams Wayne Abrahams Steve Adams Frank Crause Keith Minchin Jeff Mann Terry Palfrey Lloyd Cross Scott Buckley Terry Palfrey Andrew Bellars Zak Zuiderduin Terry Palfrey Wayne Abrahams Don Lerm Jim Emblen Ross Wilson
Can you afford not to be in the circle?
P a r t n e r s
Stay ahead of the automotive digital revolution with access to events and the MTAiQ Innovation Hub.
illion is the leading independent provider of trusted data and analytics products and services in Australasia. Members are eligible for substantial savings on annual subscriptions.
e
INNOVATION
Safety Help provides the automotive industry with a service dedicated to making your business compliant.
t
Our corporate partners offer a wide range of services & benefits, including banking, insurance, payment options, legal advice, and advice on workplace health & safety compliance Library of online business resources and templates Weekly industry bulletin Webinar and micro-credential program (coming soon). FREE Jobs Board Discounts on stationery & workshop products Monthly subscription to the Motor Trader e-magazine Regular specials & discounts
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.
a
SUPPORT
openpay is a leading buy now, pay later service favoured by the automotive industry. Openpay gives customers longer to pay for servicing and parts through interest-free payment plans, while you get paid the next business day. Not just a payment method, but a smarter way to triple your Average Transaction Value.
r
• Apprenticeships • Traineeships • Skills Recognition. • Automotive Licensing • Short Automotive Courses (including some which attract a 20% discount for members) • Pre-apprenticehips.
Guard Insurance Brokers specialises in insurance and risk management solutions and offers dedicated service to MTAQ members at market leading rates.
o
TRAINING
Capricorn makes it easier for its members buy parts, earn reward points and share in the benefits of being a member of the largest and oldest automotive parts buying cooperatives in Australasia.
p
Receive FREE expert advice on Workplace Relations matters & Consumer Complaint Support. Access a website building service and, through the Member Portal, information regarding wages & awards, health & safety, public holidays and more. There also is a FREE-to-use online Jobs Board platform, and discounted products available through the online MTA Queensland shop.
The Commonwealth Bank offers members some of the lowest EFTPOS charges in the country. Members have saved thousands with CBA.
r
SERVICES
Spirit Super is a multi-industry super fund with over 300,000 members and $23 billion funds under management. We put the spirit in your super.
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.
SAVE WITH OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS
C
ADVOCACY
MTA Queensland
Search for MTA Queensland
October 2021 Motor Trader | 97
20150315
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
E S S E N T I A L S M E M B E R S
Craig and Andrea McCarthy
MCCARTHY PANEL WORKS MARKS 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS
5
0 YEARS AGO, in 1971 - the year of Cyclone Althea, of Australia deciding to pull out of Vietnam, and of Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen declaring a state of emergency in Queensland during the South African Springboks rugby tour - a new paint and panel shop opened on O’Loughlin Street in Mackay. Co-founded by husband-and-wife team Ted and Lorraine McCarthy, the business saw out that interesting year and grew steadily, building a reputation that reflected its motto of ‘We never compromise on quality’. Fast forward to 1988 and Ted and Lorraine’s son Craig took over the running of the shop and through the years that followed, together with wife Andrea, 98 | Motor Trader October 2021
“WE HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL, AND IT’S SPECIAL TO LOOK BACK AND REALISE WE’VE HELPED A LOT OF PEOPLE . . . FOR EXAMPLE, OVER THE YEARS, WE’VE HAD 30 APPRENTICES GO THROUGH THE BUSINESS AND HAD A 75 PER CENT SUCCESS RATE ON THEM COMPLETING . . .”
successfully grew the business, expanding the premises to include new facilities and nearby buildings, incorporating new technologies and new techniques to its services, becoming the first collision repair
M E M B E R S
specialist in Queensland to achieve I-CAR Australia Gold Class status, and achieving a reputation in the industry as amongst the best in the business. To mark the significant 50-year milestone, Andrea, who is Chair of MTA Queensland’s National Auto Collision Alliance division, organised a big bash to celebrate and more than 90 people – including staff, family, friends, business associates who had helped out on the journey, and special guests including the Mayor of Mackay – joined in the fun. Also on hand for the festivities was a welcome mechanical guest – a 1971 HQ Monaro. And a bonnet of another HQ, painted and decorated with the McCarthy Panel Works logo, was on site as well to be
signed by guests and which is to be hung in the business’s office as a memento. Part of the fun of the evening included seeing just how much the business had physically grown, with Andrea marking out the original 1971 layout, and the subsequent expansions over the years, on the floor. Suffice to say, it has grown considerably. While the evening was a celebration, the anniversary did also give everyone a chance to reflect on how far the business had come, on what had been achieved, and where things were headed. There had, said Andrea, been hurdles to clear over the years - such as the effects of the Global Financial Crisis and, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic - and there were the constant, ongoing, challenges October 2021 Motor Trader | 99
E S S E N T I A L S
Craig and Andrea with the Mayor of Mackay, Greg Williamson
E S S E N T I A L S M E M B E R S
McCarthy Panel Works has expanded to include a new site over the road from the original workshop. The renovated buildings will house the business’s main office, and be where staff will work on the new breed of vehicles, such as EVs, that are beginning to arrive in Australia.
IT IS NO SURPRISE TO FIND THE MCCARTHY’S TEAM IS AHEAD OF THE GAME WITH ITS PLANS, WITH NEW BUILDINGS ALREADY MARKED FOR THE TIME WHEN ELECTRIC VEHICLES, AND VEHICLES CONSTRUCTED OF NEW AND DIFFERENT MATERIALS, ARE COMMON.
surrounding staffing, dealing with the whims of the insurance companies, and the other regular ups and downs of business life. So, taking the chance to pause, take a breath and look back was welcome. “Stopping to reflect is important,” said Andrea. “There have been times when we had to dig deep and maybe not do everything we wanted, but you work to keep ticking along and run your own race. “We’ve been successful, and it’s also special to look back and realise we’ve helped a lot of people,” she added. “For already marked for the time when electric example, over the years, we’ve had 30 vehicles, and vehicles constructed of new apprentices go through the business and and different materials, are common. had a 75 per cent success rate on them “We are looking to where the future is completing – that is good, and obviously headed and what we think is coming, and means we can’t be that bad a place to be!” we are preparing for that,” said Andrea. 50 years is a long time to be in business While the business strategy is in place to and plans are in place that should see see McCarthy’s Panel Works be a leading McCarthy’s Panel Works power through paint and panel shop for, perhaps, the next the next five decades. 50 years, whether a McCarthy will actually Andrea and Craig have always ensured still be running the show is not so certain. their team are well-trained and that the “Do my kids look like they are interested business is at the leading edge when it in taking over? Not so much,” said Andrea comes to technology and equipment. with a chuckle. “We have two boys And so, as the industry as a CLICK who are off doing other things with whole grapples with its current TO VISIT THE their lives, but hopefully we can evolution, it is no surprise MCCARTHY encourage someone here to step up to find the McCarthy’s team PANEL WORKS WEBSITE and to have a crack. I do hope I’m is ahead of the game with its plans, with new buildings not still doing this in 50 years!” 100 | Motor Trader October 2021
October 2021 Motor Trader | 101
E S S E N T I A L S
M
TA QUEENSLAND IS Jack is an experienced light thrilled to announce vehicle technician with over the second round of 18 years in the trade. He holds various qualifications including the 2021 Vocational Education a Certificate III in Light Vehicle and Training (VET) Trainer Mechanical Technology, Scholarships have been awarded Certificate II in Automotive Air to Felicity Wright from the Felicity Wright Conditioning, Certificate II in Gold Coast, who works at RDO Small Business Management, as Equipment in Loganholme, and well as both Battery Electric and Hybrid Jack Cunnington from Manly West, who Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing works at Mechanix Plus in Wynnum. Skill Sets. Jack is extremely passionate Through the scholarship, one female about sharing his knowledge with others and one male automotive professional and believes becoming an can further their career by automotive trainer is the next undertaking a Certificate IV step in his professional journey. in Training and Assessment “Both recipients are truly (TAE40116) valued at up to deserving of this scholarship,” $2,500. This highly sought-after said Paul Kulpa, MTA Institute course provides the skills and General Manager. “Becoming knowledge to deliver training an automotive trainer takes in the VET sector. Jack Cunnington dedication and tenacity, and I Felicity is a qualified parts have no doubt that these two interpreter with over 20 years in individuals will strive for greatness. the automotive industry. She possesses a “MTA Queensland supports career strong passion for customer service and advancement for automotive employees holds a Certificate III in Automotive Sales. and this scholarship shows our Her knowledge stems from a wide breadth commitment to progressing the careers of of experience in the field, from customer those within the industry.” service roles to becoming a spare CLICK HERE parts manager for Southeast One male and one female are awarded the FOR MORE Queensland. Felicity has shown VET Trainer Scholarship twice per year. INFORMATION great interest in becoming an It is open to trade-qualified automotive ON THE SCHOLARSHIP automotive teacher and hopes employees in Queensland with at least five years’ experience. The next scholarship to use the scholarship to advance round will open 1 February 2022. her career in this direction.
M E M B E R S
FELICITY WRIGHT AND JACK CUNNINGTON AWARDED THE MTA QUEENSLAND 2021 VET TRAINER SCHOLARSHIP
Concept corner
MERCEDES-MAYBA
102 | Motor Trader October 2021
ACH CONCEPT EQS
October 2021 Motor Trader | 103
Concept corner
L
UXURY CARMAKER MERCEDESMAYBACH is to expand its product line with an all-electric SUV, and the Concept EQS is a preview of the first fully electric series-production model for brand. Based on the modular architecture for luxury and executive-class electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz – so all-wheel-drive is likely and it will be able, the company claims, to deliver a range of 600km – the near-production concept has details that mark it out as a Maybach, including the twotone paint finish and a luxurious interior that includes the Chauffeur Package. The look and the luxury are where the Maybach is different – it has a unique design with that two-tone finish complemented by plenty of chrome trimming; pronounced wheel wells with
104 | Motor Trader October 2021
. . . THE NEAR-PRODUCTION CONCEPT HAS DETAILS THAT MARK IT OUT AS A MAYBACH, INCLUDING THE TWO-TONE PAINT FINISH AND A LUXURIOUS INTERIOR THAT INCLUDES THE CHAUFFEUR PACKAGE.” cladding in high-gloss black; an upright black panel front that flows into the wraparound bonnet and headlights; and the vertical Maybach pinstripes and chrome-plated louvres on the air intake in the bumper.
There are 24-inch light-alloy wheels in the Maybach “bowl” design – with five short spokes and a flat centre section and, at the rear, a continuous helix light strip. Another exclusive equipment option is provided by the automatic comfort doors front and rear. When the user approaches the vehicle, the door handles first extend. As the driver approaches further, the driver’s door opens automatically. The inside is, as you’d expect, spectacular.
The front seats show parallels to the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. The First-Class rear suite with two individual seats – also inspired by the S-Class – offers the High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System. Eye-catching up front is the MBUX Hyperscreen, with its huge, curved screen unit extending almost from A-pillar to A-pillar and which includes three screens under a glass cover that appear to merge into one. While all the fine details are yet to be announced, there’s little doubt that, being a Maybach, the production EQS will be absolutely stacked to the limit with all the latest and greatest, top-notch connectivity, infotainment, and driver assistance and safety systems. October 2021 Motor Trader | 105
Motor Trader’s Christmas Gift Guide ❶ PERSONALISED GEAR STICK CUFFLINKS Off out for a night on the town? Have to dress up for an important occasion? How about these cufflinks – a smart accessory and a reminder to others of your passion for cars. They can be personalised too, with up to 3 lines of 12 characters per line. A cool gift for any petrolhead. Dimensions: 1.5cm x 1.5cm x 2cm Price: £12.99 ($24.50) Available from www.foryougifts.co.uk
❷ ULTIMATE 8-IN-1 PEN TOOL Everyone likes those Swiss Army knife-like multi-tools, right? Well, here is a nice one that could sit in your glove box or slip into your jacket pocket and be used every day. The Tacticool multi-tool pen is a smart bit of kit made from aluminium that includes a black pen, bottle opener, saw, flat blade screwdriver, 6mm wrench, ultrastrong security glass breaker and hi-strength LED tactical standard and strobe flashlight. Included is a gift box, spare ink refill, and spare torch batteries. Price: $39.95 Available from www.gyrofish.com
❸ LUXURY LEATHER WALLETS & CARD HOLDERS Another top-quality product from Italian luxury accessory-maker Outlierman, the six-slot card holder and 12-slot long wallet are made from full-grain calfskin leather, have contrast stitching, and are available in blue and black racing colours. 106 | Motor Trader October 2021
❸
❷
❸
❹
On the inside is a 100 per cent cotton drill lining showcasing the ‘Outlierman’s Roads’ pattern. Nice. Card holder dimensions: 10.5cm x 7.5cm Price: $165 Available from www.outlierman.com Long wallet dimensions: 8.5cm x 18cm Price: $229 Available from www.outlierman.com
❶
❹ TYRE RUBBER WASH BAG
❺
A one-of-a-kind wash bag, this is a hand made and really nicely designed piece of kit created from quality upcycled truck tyre rubber saved from going to waste. Waterproof, durable and longlasting, featuring a strong handle and zip closure, it is eco-friendly and unique, and each product features the original tyre markings. Dimensions: W 22cm x H 10cm x D 12cm Price: £40 ($75.50) Available from www.treatrepublic.com
❺ LUXURY STRINGBACK DRIVING GLOVES Top quality driving gloves made from nappa lambskin leather and cotton crochet, these driving gloves come from the Heritage Collection of Italian company Outlierman. Available in fingerless and full finger designs, the gloves are available in a variety of colour combinations inspired by the interior and exteriors of iconic classic cars. Price: $348 Available from www.outlierman.com October 2021 Motor Trader | 107
DAPPER TAKE TO THE ROAD IN SUPPORT OF MEN’S HEALTH
DRIVERS ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF WWW.ZOOMEDIMAGES.COM
(Right) Drive organiser Bill Key, with his 1969 Triumph GT6 MKII
108 | Motor Trader October 2021
BEING A ‘DRIVE FOR MEN’S HEALTH’ MEANS DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN’S DRIVE PARTICIPATNS ARE ENCOURAGED TO RAISE SPONSORSHIP IN SUPPORT OF THE CHARITY MOVEMBER.
I
F YOU WERE out and about taking a drive on the morning of Sunday, September 26, in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Cairns, or Noosa, you may have noticed more than the average number of classic pre-1980 cars cruising about. You may also have noticed the rather dapper get-up of the drivers and their passengers - stylish and sophisticated, with a dash of humour mixed in, was the order of the day. The reason for all this tasteful cruising was the inaugural Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive - a celebration of classic style and
classic cars with a cause at its heart. Being a ‘drive for men’s health’ means Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship in support of the charity Movember. Funds are to be used to tackle prostate cancer and men’s mental health issues. This year was the event’s debut, and Distinguished Gentleman’s Drives were held across the world – from Argentina to Pakistan, from the UK to Uruguay, from the USA to Australia. And Australia, as it always seems to when an endeavour is worth doing, pulled out all the stops, with the most drivers of any country taking part, and scoring the largest amount of donations. According October 2021 Motor Trader | 109
VIDEO: DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN’S DRIVE, GOLD COAST
to the event’s website some 576 drivers were registered to take part across the nation with nearly $95,000 raised. On the Gold Coast - which saw more than 20 beautiful cars take part in the 50km cruise from the Classic Car Clinic automotive shop in Burleigh Heads to the Espresso Twenty5 café at Coomera - the Drive was organised by Bill Key, who some of our readers may remember as a former editor of Motor Trader. The owner of a beautiful 1969 Triumph GT6 MKII, Bill said that that while the drive was geared to be a fun cruise, the serious matter of raising money for, and awareness of, a worthy cause, was at the core of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive and that was a big reason 110 | Motor Trader October 2021
ACCORDING TO THE EVENT’S WEBSITE SOME 576 DRIVERS WERE REGISTERED TO TAKE PART ACROSS THE NATION AND NEARLY $89,000 WAS RAISED.
“I IMAGINE NEXT YEAR I MIGHT HAVE TO CAP IT BECAUSE THERE HAS BEEN SO MUCH INTEREST . . . I CAN SEE IT GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH AND BEING A REGULAR ON THE CHARITY AND MOTORING CALENDAR.” amount. Our little group here on the Gold Coast has raised over $3,500, and Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast has also done a sterling job of it all. “I think Australians just love getting behind a good charity and a good cause and we have the ultimate lifestyle and weather to do it.” Australian car enthusiasts had Categorising the event as a grand success dusted off their classics for the day. in its inaugural year, Bill said the future “Australia had the largest number looked bright for what is the newest event of participants for the drive, which is on the classic car enthusiast’s to-do list. fantastic, and we have raised the most “This year I was hoping to get 12 cars amount of money,” he said. “Some of and I had 27 registered,” he said. our cities have been in lockdown “I imagine next year I might have VISIT THE and couldn’t take part – they to cap it because there has been DISTINGUISHED are going to postpone and do it so much interest . . . I can see it GENTLEMAN’S DRIVE WEBSITE another day – but all the ones in going from strength to strength the states where we have been and being a regular on the charity able to do it have raised a huge and motoring calendar.” 112 | Motor Trader October 2021
LAWS PROTECTING AGAINST HARASSMENT RECENT MEDIA STORIES about what may be happening in some parliamentarian’s offices is a reminder to all employers and business owners that no-one is immune from a sexual harassment claim. The Fair Work Act and Regulations will soon be amended to give employers more power to sack perpetrators of sexual harassment. The Federal Government has announced it will amend section 387 of the Act to clarify that sexual harassment can be a valid reason for termination when determining whether a dismissal was unfair. It will also amend the definition of “serious misconduct” in the Fair Work Regulations to include sexual harassment, to clarify that this behaviour can justify summary dismissal. In addition, education and guidance on unfair dismissal and other workplace rights will be updated. The Act will include a ‘stop sexual harassment order’ by clarifying that a stop-bullying order is available in the context of harassment.
model WHS laws for employers to ensure workers are not exposed to health and safety risks, which includes the risk of sexual harassment. Safe Work Australia guidance recently released specifically describes sexual harassment as a systemic risk employers must approach with a safety mindset.
PSYCHOSOCIAL RISKS CODE OF PRACTICE A code of practice on managing psychosocial risks is currently being
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS developed by Safe Work Australia, which is to cover sexual harassment in the
TO MORE THAN 8000 PEOPLE DIRECTLY workplace. This will help toINVOLVED increase POSITIVE DUTY ALREADY EXISTS IN THE INDUSTRY A positive duty already existsMOTORING under awareness of the duty to manage (website or e-magazine options)
psychosocial health and safety risks and improve compliance, it says, adding it will continue to support this work. The aim is to create an improved culture of respectful workplace behaviour.
For further information about Policy for your workplace, please contact MTA Queensland.
CLICK HERE FOR MEDIA GUIDE AND COSTS
It all starts with spirit With low fees and a history of strong returns, we back hard-working Aussies. spiritsuper.com.au Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). Read the PDS and TMD at spiritsuper.com.au/pds before making a decision. Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future performance. The value of investments can rise or fall, and investment returns can be positive or negative.