OCT 2026
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF MTA QUEENSLAND? CLICK HERE
+ NISSAN Z KAZE CONCEPT
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND
M TA Q U E E N S LAN D IN D U S T RY M EETINGS
MTA QUEENSLAND hosts quarterly industry meetings for:
USTRALIAN AUTOMOTIVE DEALER ASSOCIATION › A(NEW CAR DEALERS) UTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS DIVISION › A(MECHANICAL REPAIRERS) UTOMOTIVE PARTS RECYCLERS DIVISION › A(PARTS RECYCLERS) SED CAR DIVISION › U(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 industry 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
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From the Editor Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland HEAD OFFICE Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 P.O. Box 4530, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Tel: 07 3237 8777 Fax: 07 3844 4488 Toll Free: 1800 177 951 Email: publications@mtaq.com.au
JONATHAN NASH
Website: www.mtaq.com.au
H
EDITOR
EDITOR Jonathan Nash
ELLO AND WELCOME to the October 2026 edition of Motor Trader. Awards season is upon is and it offers a welcome opportunity to pause and recognise the people and businesses doing exceptional work across Queensland’s automotive industry. MTA Queensland’s Industry Awards Gala, to be held on November 28, is fast approaching, and in this edition we introduce the finalists across five categories - Small Business Excellence, Large Business Excellence, Community, Innovation, and Women in Industry. Reaching this stage really is an achievement worth celebrating. To stand out in an industry that is brimming with skilled professionals and dedicated operators takes some doing. Every finalist has good reason to feel proud. While this month we focus on the business awards categories, in November's Motor Trader, we'll take a look at the 12 amazing apprentices who are up for the prestigious Apprentice of the Year
ART DIRECTOR Marco Ilinic INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Evangeline Kannis POLICY Kellie Dewar, Deputy CEO 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
honour. All winners will be announced at the Industry Gala, to be held at The Star Brisbane. It promises to be a terrific evening and I look forward to seeing you there. If you're after some tickets, click HERE. There is plenty more to enjoy in this edition, including our latest Auto Women: Behind the Wheel profile, featuring Romy Mayer, race engineer with PremiAir Racing from the Supercars series. Our regular Q&A takes us to Toowoomba and Liebke Tyres and Mechanical, where we learn more about the business, the people behind it and their approach to serving the local community and, while we are in Toowoomba, we get to talk with young racer Angus Baills, who has just completed his first Formula Four season. Taking that step into open-wheel competition is a significant milestone, and we hear about his experience and ambitions for the road ahead. There is more motorsport action in our report from September’s World Time Attack Challenge in NSW, while away from the track, we examine new energy incentives for apprentices and training. Of course, there is, as always, plenty of new vehicle news too. I hope you enjoy this edition, and if you have some news you'd like to share, get in touch. I look forward to hearing from you. Cheers Jonathan Nash, Editor jonathann@mtaq.com.au
20261792
MTA Queensland welcomes its new members BUSINESS NAME
ADDRESS
DIVISION
David Nash Smash Repairs Folker Mechanical Pty Ltd Precision Diesel & Plant Services Belyando Motors Stanthorpe Forklift and Tilt Tray Services Pty Ltd
84 Dayman Street URANGAN QLD 4655 127 Campbell St MILLMERRAN QLD 4357 181 Boundary Road ARCHERFIELD QLD 4108 330 Clermont-Alpha Road CLERMONT QLD 4721
NACA AED AED AED
2 Reeves Road STANTHORPE QLD 4380
AED
October 2026 Motor Trader | 1
Contents
32
FINALISTS REVEALED FOR THE 2026 MTA QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY AWARDS
01 MTAQ NEW MEMBERS 04 FROM THE DESK OF MANAGEMENT 06 MTA Q&A: LIEBKE TYRES AND MECHANICAL 16 BEHIND THE WHEEL | CELEBRATING WOMEN IN AUTO: ROMY MAYER 32 MTAQ INDUSTRY AWARD FINALISTS 37 AUTO NEWS 50 WORLD TIME ATTACK CHALLENGE 62 ANGUS BAILLS PROFILE 72 NEW VEHICLE SALES 74 WORKPLACE RELATIONS 79 MTA INSTITUTE NEWS 80 MTA INSTITUTE GRADUATES 82 APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH 84 NEW ENERGY INCENTIVES 88 XMAS GIFT GUIDE 90 CONCEPT CORNER: NISSAN Z KAZE 2 | Motor Trader October 2026
16
BEHIND THE WHEEL: CELEBRATING WOMEN IN AUTO | ROMY MAYER
Search for MTA Queensland
38
POWER PLAY: MG DEBUTS ALL-ELECTRIC MGU9 UTE IN AUSTRALIA
50
QUEENSLANDERS MAKE THEIR MARK AT WORLD TIME ATTACK CHALLENGE
06
MTA Q&A: LIEBKE TYRES AND MECHANICAL
CONCEPT CORNER: Z KAZE CONCEPT
90
October 2026 Motor Trader | 3
From the Desk of Management
I
N JUST A FEW weeks’ time, on November 28, it will be my honour to once again host MTA Queensland members, industry colleagues and stakeholders and, most importantly, finalists and their guests, at the 2026 MTA ROD CAMM Queensland Industry awards. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MTA QUEENSLAND The finalists for the awards were announced at the end of September and these outstanding businesses and individuals demonstrate the commitment, professionalism and ambition that make them such an important part of their communities, and the indsutry such a driving force of Queensland’s economy. Across business innovation, business excellence, community engagement, women’s leadership, and emerging talent, our finalists show what can be achieved through hard work, investment in people and a willingness to embrace change and grasp opportunities. Being named a finalist is an achievement worth celebrating, and I congratulate everyone recognised this year. Tickets are now on sale for the Industry Awards Gala, to be held at The Star Brisbane, and I encourage you to join us, bring your team and join in this celebration of our industry. I can assure you that the evening is terrific fun and this year it will be even more so thanks to Matt Hollywood, the award-winning magician and comedy performer, who will be providing the entertainment. Matt promises to bring plenty of surprises to an evening that includes a three-course dinner, drinks and live music and a program which will be expertly guided by the always brilliant MC Ben Davis. You can find out more by going to page 32, and you can get your tickets HERE. Lastly, I am making a final call to join our study tour to Automechanika Shanghai, which takes place from December 1 to 5. The tour offers an opportunity to explore some of the latest developments in diagnostics, workshop equipment, parts, electric and hybrid vehicle technology, ADAS and workshop software, while also meeting suppliers and exchanging ideas with industry colleagues. It is a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the innovations our industry can expect to see in the near future. Registrations close on 14 October and you can find out more HERE. 4 | Motor Trader October 2026
R
UNNING AN AUTOMOTIVE business means keeping pace with developments that affect everything from workshop operations to workforce planning. Recent industry KELLIE DEWAR news highlights why staying DEPUTY CEO | GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES informed and connected with your industry association matters. Firstly, following ACCC investigations, Mazda, Kia and BYD have improved independent repairers’ access to service and repair information and reduced associated costs. Mazda has enabled access to certain diagnostic information through more commonly used devices, while Kia and BYD have introduced daily access options for diagnostic hardware and software. These improvements reinforce the importance of the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme. You can read more HERE. The second item I wish to highlight is the Chinchilla workplace fatality case in which a young apprentice died when an inadequately supported truck body collapsed. Investigations identified failures in safe work procedures, training, and supervision, and the message here is a sobering, very serious one. A safe working environment is something every employee has a right to expect, and we should all consider what this means for our own workplace. There are no short cuts, and perhaps now should be the time to review the procedures at your business. You can read about what this case means and the steps you should be looking at taking in our Workplace Relations article on pages 74 to 76. The last thing I want to mention is that workforce availability remains central to our advocacy work and we are working to ensure automotive occupations remain a priority under Queensland’s skilled migration settings. Migration should complement investment in apprenticeships and local training, helping our industry address shortages. These issues highlight the value of a strong industry association, and being members of it. We keep members informed, represent their interests, and offer training and support, amongst much else. I encourage you to use your membership, and perhaps contribute through our committees. If you are not yet a member, consider joining us and help shape our industry’s future!
WeMoney Industry Super Fund of the Year CareSuper was recognised in the latest WeMoney Superannuation Awards across several major categories including: Industry Super Fund of the Year Best for Member Benefits Best for Quality For members, it’s a sign we’re focused on what matters most – long-term investment performance, fees, member experience and support.
What sets us apart 1800 005 166 | caresuper.com.au Awards and ratings are only one factor to be considered when deciding how to invest your super. CareSuper was recognised in the WeMoney Superannuation Awards 2026. Award methodology is available at wemoney.com.au/wemoney-superannuation-awards-2026-winners. Issued by CareSuper Pty Ltd (Trustee) ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718. CareSuper (Fund) ABN 74 559 365 913.
Lorena and Chris Liebke, owners of Liebke Tyres and Mechanical
MTA |Q&A Liebke Tyres and Mechanical in Toowoomba began as a one-man tyre shop in 1991. Today, it is a seven-strong operation with a customer database of around 15,000. Chris and Lorena Liebke took over from Chris's father in 2017 and have grown the team, ridden the COVID rollercoaster and rethought what success means for a small business owner. WORDS & PHOTOS: LARA WILDE
TELL US ABOUT LIEBKE TYRES AND MECHANICAL. CL: We're at 46 Clifford Street in the heart
of Toowoomba. The location is fantastic because clients can walk to Grand Central [shopping centre] for a spot of shopping or stroll to work in the city while we have their vehicle. We specialise in tyres and wheels, logbook servicing, wheel alignments and balancing, and all general mechanical repairs. 6 | Motor Trader October 2026
HOW DID THE BUSINESS BEGIN, AND HOW HAS IT CHANGED? CL: My dad, Danny, established the
business in April 1991. Back then it was a one-man show focused on tyres. Over the years it became a family business with me full time in the workshop. Lorena and I took the reins in February 2017. In recent years, we added mechanical services to the tyre business,
“. . . I HAVE GROWN UP WITH THE BUSINESS ON THE TOOLS AND BUILDING FRIENDSHIPS WITH OUR CUSTOMERS.” adding five staff to the team, and developing a database of around 15,000 customers.
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND IN THE INDUSTRY? CL: I started in the workshop
at 14, so I have grown up with the business on the tools and building friendships with our customers. Lorena is a nurse by trade with a passion for looking after people. She resigned just before COVID to work in the business full time and now runs the office.
WAS THERE A MOMENT THAT CONFIRMED YOU WERE ON THE RIGHT PATH? CL: COVID. The business boomed during that period, and it gave us the capacity to contribute to our community with
far greater impact than we had before. We supported a lot of our customers who relied on their car to get to work and medical appointments, but we also managed to help with delivery of meals and support to those who were stuck at home.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST LESSONS YOU'VE LEARNED? CL: As a family we've faced some health challenges, and that forced us to
October 2026 Motor Trader | 7
MEMBER
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF MEMBERSHIP?
MTA Queensland members have access to critical business support and advice that can help save time and money. WORKPLACE RELATIONS Access support through our expert team of Workplace Relations Advisors, helping you navigate staffing issues and ensure you are paying the correct award rates.
Note: Fees may apply for some services or representation.
INSURANCE REVIEW Insurance review conducted through our expert Corporate Partner will ensure you have the best cover for your automotive business, at the right price.
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TRAINING DISCOUNTS WITH MTA INSTITUTE Discounted professional development and training on a select range of courses. Delivered through MTA Institute (RTO No. 31529), the largest independent provider of automotive apprenticeship and training in Queensland.
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re-evaluate the team and our work-life balance. We wanted to build a business that gives us the option of time for our health and for our kids. That shift has shaped almost every decision since.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE? CL: The team starts at 8am every
day, we have a toolbox meeting to go over the priorities of the day, we welcome our customers, and then we get to work. It is important to our business that we work together closely as a team with everyone pitching in and making sure our customers are looked after. We finish early on Fridays and we don't open Saturdays. We're working towards a four-day week for the whole team.
WHO'S ON THE TEAM? CL: There are seven of us.
I manage the business but spend my workshop time focused on wheel alignments. Lorena manages the office and looks after customers. Derek Nichols is our workshop manager, not only managing the mechanics but also providing technical explanations to customers when they pick up their cars. Our mechanics are Mark Nolan and Steven Bonney, with Colby Ickeringill as our apprentice. Sandra Spies looks after admin in the office to support Lorena.
WHAT SETS YOU APART? CL: One of our signature offerings is the
Liebke Safety Plan, designed to make sure a family car is ready to hit the road. It includes a wheel alignment, a wheel rotation and balance, and a comprehensive check of the tyres, brakes, steering and suspension. It's $99 for a passenger car or SUV and $129 for a 4WD. It's a simple, affordable way for customers to get peace of mind before a trip.
WHAT EQUIPMENT HAS MADE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE? CL: Our Hunter wheel aligner makes life much easier. Alignments are a big part of what we do, so having the right machine matters.
HOW DO YOU KEEP UP WITH CHANGING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY? CL: Young Colby is doing his training
through his MTA Queensland [MTA Institute] apprenticeship, and he brings what he learns back to share with the team. We also watch a lot of YouTube videos and do our own research when a particular topic sparks our interest.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES RIGHT NOW? CL: Staff retention and finding people who fit our culture. On top of that we're dealing with the cost of fuel and the tax implications of trade accounts such as Capricorn can be challenging.
October 2026 Motor Trader | 9
HOW ARE YOU ADAPTING? CL: We lean on organisations like MTA
Queensland for the latest news and industry support services. We also use Auto Cartel as a business coach, which helps with our marketing and the way we communicate with customers.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AN MTA QUEENSLAND MEMBER, AND WHAT VALUE DOES IT BRING? CL: We joined in 2019. The apprenticeship
support has been a big help, and the cheaper Commonwealth Bank merchant fees make a real difference to the bottom line. The training for staff has been particularly valuable, especially around new technology and EV developments.
HOW IMPORTANT ARE APPRENTICES TO THE BUSINESS? CL: Very. We're relying on Colby to bring
the latest EV developments to our attention. We encourage everyone to take on short courses and training whenever they're interested, because that's how people grow.
“WE ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO TAKE ON SHORT COURSES AND TRAINING WHENEVER THEY'RE INTERESTED, BECAUSE THAT'S HOW PEOPLE GROW .” WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHEN HIRING? CL: Culture. Skills can be taught, but we
need people who work well with our team.
HOW IMPORTANT IS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT? CL: It's central to who we are. We sponsor
local golf days and support Loads of Love, Protea Place, Emerge and the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation with their Christmas programs, providing toys for the children's hospital and food hampers for families doing it tough at Christmas.
WHAT DO CUSTOMERS VALUE MOST? CL: Straightforward, simple honesty. We build
trust by communicating transparently and in a timely fashion, so customers always know where their car is at and what it needs.
Left to Right: Colby Ickeringill (apprentice mechanic), Steven Bonney (mechanic), Lorena Liebke, Chris Liebke, Mark Nolan (mechanic) and Derek Nichols (workshop manager).
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS? CL: More staff, particularly a service office manager who can talk both sides of the counter. And we're committed to getting the business and the whole team onto a four-day week.
HOW DO YOU SEE THE INDUSTRY CHANGING IN QUEENSLAND? CL: EVs are the biggest change. What
excites us most is seeing where they go, and whether they outlast the rapid development of hydrogen cars.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE STARTING OUT? CL: Learn EV and stay ahead of advancements in technology.
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT THE INDUSTRY? CL: Acceptable pay rates for mechanics.
WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU? CL: Life balance. Time to care for our
health and our family, and to be part of our community.
FAVOURITE VEHICLE YOU'VE WORKED ON? CL: Any Toyota LandCruiser. I have a V8 Cruiser and I think they are the best vehicle to own.
BIGGEST MYTH ABOUT THE TRADE. CL: "Oh, it's only four bolts."
Those are famous last words before a job becomes a huge headache.
ONE TOOL YOU COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT? CL: Stilsons. They make good
CLICK TO VISIT THE LIEBKE TYRES & MECHANICAL WEBSITE
hammers!
October 2026 Motor Trader | 11
Expert diagnostic, service and repair information to your workshop
Access to multiple online technical information systems, including the all-new Rego Look-up feature Access to VACC’s Melbourne-based TechAdvisory Service Access to VACC’s TechTalk magazine
1300 687 288 | motortech.com.au
MOTORTECH DELIVERS POWERFUL TECHNICAL RESOURCE FOR MTAQ MEMBERS
M
TA QUEENSLAND MEMBERS can now access one of the industry's most comprehensive technical information platforms, with MotorTech available through an exclusive member offer. Developed by VACC and powered by HaynesPro, MotorTech provides workshops with 24/7 access to an extensive range of repair and diagnostic resources and support, including: • Comprehensive repair data for cars, motorcycles, light commercial, and truck • Wiring diagrams, fault codes, TSBs, and OEM Technical Service Bulletin • Info by Rego - identify any vehicle in seconds from its registration number • Repair time estimates for accurate quoting and job scheduling • Live support from VACC-accredited technical experts • Tech Talk Magazine - VACC's industry-leading technical journal One of the platform's capabilities is the Info by Rego function, which provides precise vehicle specifications instantly, reducing the likelihood of incorrect parts purchases and minimising the need for multiple diagnostic attempts. Technicians spend less time searching databases and more time producing, allowing workshops to handle more work. MotorTech also includes direct access to VACC's Technical Advisory Service, where qualified technicians are ready to help with the toughest and most complex diagnostics. There’s also Tech Online - an online service, repair and diagnostic information database available 24/7. The launch of MotorTech to MTA Queensland members comes at a time when automotive businesses are facing increasing technical demands as electric vehicles, hybrids and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) become more common. MotorTech keeps you current. New vehicles and data are added every month, and the optional High Voltage module gives workshops the purpose-built EV and hybrid data needed to stay safe and competitive.
VIDEO: MOTORTECH FOR MTAQ MEMBERS
. . . MOTORTECH PROVIDES WORKSHOPS WITH 24/7 ACCESS TO AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF REPAIR AND DIAGNOSTIC RESOURCES AND SUPPORT. With comprehensive technical data, expert support and instant vehicle identification features available, MotorTech can help Queensland workshops spend less time searching for answers and more time repairing.
CLICK TO FIND OUT MORE & ACCESS EXCLUSIVE MEMBER PRICING
October 2026 Motor Trader | 13
MTA Queensland made sure that automotive workshops remain the only place EVs can be serviced and repaired. Following a review of the Electrical Safety Act, which recommended that only licensed electrical workers service EVs, MTAQ successfully protected the industry’s right to service and repair these vehicles. Our new EV Ready program is your industry-backed, no-nonsense way to get informed, equipped, and connected — without the noise.
Stand out as a qualified and EV-safe service provider Demonstrate your commitment to safety, professionalism, and innovation Future-proof your business
READY TO PLUG IN?
MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION
Q U E E N S L A N D
20251530
MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION
HIGH VOLTAGE, HIGH STANDARDS: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE EV READY?
E
LECTRIC VEHICLES (EVS) are rapidly becoming a fixture
on Queensland roads, with more than 58,000 EVs registered as of March 2025 - a number that continues to grow each year. As the market shifts, workshops must be equipped to safely and professionally work on these vehicles. In 2023, the Queensland Government released a Review into the Electrical Safety Act 2002, which included a recommendation that the servicing and repairs of EVs be carried out by licensed electrical workers. MTA Queensland successfully protected the industry’s right to service and repair these vehicles by demonstrating that automotive businesses already have the capability – including a sufficiently trained workforce, as well as the tools, equipment and electrical safe work procedures - to undertake EV servicing and repairs in a safe and compliant manner. As a result, the Government has not pursued the recommendation and supports an industry-led compliance framework - a significant outcome for automotive workshops.
AS EV ADOPTION ACCELERATES, WORKSHOPS MUST NOT ONLY KEEP PACE BUT LEAD THE WAY IN SAFETY, EXPERTISE, AND INNOVATION. INTRODUCING EV READY
In response, MTA Queensland has established EV Ready - a program designed to set a minimum standard for automotive businesses that service and repair electric vehicles. It aims to ensure the automotive industry continues to demonstrate to the Queensland Government that it is the most capable and appropriate sector to perform this work. EV Ready recognises automotive businesses that are: • Properly equipped to handle EVs, • Formally trained to depower and reinitialise EVs, • Committed to industry best practice. Businesses that become EV Ready will be acknowledged as safe and trusted providers for EV servicing and repairs.
Participants will receive an official EV Ready sign to display in their workshop, along with digital assets to help promote their accreditation and build trust with customers.
WHY JOIN EV READY?
As EV adoption accelerates, workshops must not only keep pace but lead the way in safety, expertise, and innovation. By joining EV Ready, you will: • Stand out as a qualified and EV-safe service provider. • Future-proof your business as the EV market grows. • Demonstrate your commitment to safety, professionalism, and innovation. Joining EV Ready is more than just an accreditation - it’s a strategic investment in your business’s long-term success in an evolving automotive landscape.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
To become EV Ready accredited, businesses must demonstrate they are appropriately trained, equipped, and operating in line with national safety standards for EV servicing. This includes having at least one technician who has completed nationally accredited training for the depowering and reinitialising of EVs, or access to a qualified provider, along with meeting appropriate Australian Standards, workplace health and safety requirements, having the correct tools and PPE, and maintaining an EV-appropriate workshop environment. Accreditation is valid for three years and includes an assessment process to confirm compliance. Ongoing accreditation requires businesses to maintain these standards and participate in periodic reviews if requested. The initial accreditation fee is $280 (+GST) for MTA Queensland members and $675 (+GST) for non-members, with a re-accreditation fee of $90.
HOW TO GET STARTED?
Getting EV Ready is simple. Businesses interested in becoming accredited can begin by completing a short Expression of Interest form. Once submitted, MTA Queensland will be in touch to guide you through the next steps — including the assessment process, documentation requirements, and any support needed to help your business meet the EV Ready standard. October 2026 Motor Trader | 15
An extraordinary wave of talented women is making impactful contributions across all levels of the automotive industry — from visionary executives and entrepreneurs leading global brands, to industrious and dynamic owners of businesses across all industry sectors, to apprentices and skilled technicians reshaping workshops from the ground up. The Behind the Wheel: Celebrating Women in Auto project is dedicated to celebrating the stories and journeys of these remarkable women, putting the spotlight on their achievements, resilience, and innovation, providing a platform that highlights their diverse roles, and encouraging a new generation of women to pursue careers in this dynamic industry.
B
ACK IN MARCH, the Formula One circus rolled into Melbourne with all the fanfare that the behemoth of global motorsport commands. The opening round of the season was a blast a three-day festival of speed that, if you are a fan of the sport, should be top of the bucket list of events to attend. However, while Formula One was unquestionably the headline act, for sheer wheel-to-wheel entertainment, the supporting Supercars that shared the Albert Park circuit for a round of their own series arguably stole the show. Across four bruising races, there was epic vehicular brawling that made it fantastically entertaining. It was aggressive and unpredictable, and a potent reminder that while Formula One might bring the global glamour, Australia’s premier racing category can deliver a spectacle every bit as compelling.
16 | Motor Trader October 2026
“MY ROLE AS A RACE ENGINEER INVOLVES OPERATING AND MANAGING ALL KINDS OF ASPECT OF THE RACE CAR, NOT ONLY AT THE WORKSHOP, BUT ALSO AT TEST AND RACE EVENTS.” The drivers are responsible for much of this spectacle, and they are skilful indeed and deserving of the plaudits they receive. But what happens on track is only the most visible part of a massive team effort - behind that driver is a team of engineers, mechanics and specialists, all working together to extract every fraction of a second from the car. And sitting at the centre of much of this activity is the race engineer - the person who is the technical link between the driver and the team, analysing every detail and
Romy has worked as a race engineer with PremiAir Racing since 2023, based at their state-of-the-art workshop facility on the Gold Coast.
responsible for getting the best possible performance from a racing car and its driver. For Romy Mayer, race engineer at the PremiAir Racing Supercars team, it is a role that combines engineering expertise, data analysis, strategy, communication, decision-making and, when required, even a little psychology. “My role as a race engineer involves operating and managing all kinds of aspect of the race car, not only at the workshop, but also at test and race events,” she explains. “The job is kind of divided into three aspects - as the main team hub where I communicate with the team, and the on-track and off-track responsibilities.” Those responsibilities are plentiful. At the workshop, preparation for a race includes analysing data from previous
races, running simulations, determining which settings and components might best suit the next circuit, ensuring the car is compliant, and collaborating closely with others in the team to make certain no detail has been overlooked. “We have meetings with the other race engineers to get their inputs, their thoughts and to bring everyone on the same page so we are ready for the race weekend,” says Romy. At the circuit, the team walk the track looking for changes to the surface, kerbs and other features before practice provides the opportunity to test settings and complete October 2026 Motor Trader | 17
final preparations to the car for qualifying. Even then, there is much still to be done - while qualifying day is about extracting maximum performance for a single lap, race day is a separate beast. “The race is quite different from what an engineer does on the previous day,” says Romy. “It's much more about race strategy and pit crew communication than just single car speed . . . it's all about the strategy - getting a car running well for a whole race, not just for one lap.” Throughout the weekend, the relationship between driver, car and engineer is crucial and during the race, that relationship becomes even more important. The engineer is the voice in the driver’s ear, communicating information about competitors, strategy, Race Control messages, and more while simultaneously monitoring telemetry, tyre performance, weather and even television coverage. Romy typically has several screens displaying all this information. “Each screen has its own data, and they’re always set up the same so it's like a muscle memory when you need to look for them - especially during the race itself when you need to make decisions within a split second,” she says. And decisions sometimes do have to be made in a split second. An incident spotted on the television feed might mean a Safety Car is imminent. That could make an immediate pit stop pretty advantageous. Weather can change, tyres can deteriorate and the job is to separate valuable info from the noise and make the best decision.
Not surprisingly, this is a demanding, stress-filled time - but exciting too. “The pressure is very high on race day,’ says Romy. “There is a lot involved because everyone, the whole team, has worked towards that moment and once the light goes out you can really feel the adrenaline in the garage. “I usually go into my zone, like a bubble, and you're fully focused on what you're doing, on the screens and on all the numbers coming in . . . You need to take all the information in.” The focus on data and information must, however, leave room for another aspect of the race engineer’s role. “. . . the race engineer is also, I feel, like a mental support voice in the driver's head,” says Romy. “When they're on the track battling and they are stuck or if they get overtaken, you are also the motivator to keep going and push forward.”
JOURNEY TO THE STARTING GRID
Romy’s career has taken her across the world from Germany to Australia and to racetracks throughout Europe and Asia, working in DTM, GT3, Super2 and Supercars and alongside some of the biggest names in the sport. But her journey to the Supercars paddock was anything but planned. Growing up in Germany, Romy did not come from a racing family. There were no relatives competing at weekends or working in the garage, trying to squeeze a smidge more performance out of a car. However, living in Stuttgart
meant she grew up in the heart of one of the world's great automotive regions - one that is home to manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. Perhaps more important than that for the young and impressionable Romy was Formula One and, in particular, the superstar of the planet's premier racing series. “. . . it was the time when Michael Schumacher was racing, and a typical Sunday afternoon meant the F1 was on and the whole family was watching together,” she says. While her interest in automotive - not just racing - was flickering into life, Romy went on to study industrial engineering and complete an internship with Mercedes. It was there, watching the technical and design work happening around her, that her ambitions changed and she shifted her studies to automotive engineering. This switch would bring with it Romy's first close contact with racing through her university’s Formula Student program a program that required university teams to design, build and compete with a singleseat racing car. It would be the beginning of Romy’s motorsport career. “I had the idea of working for Porsche or Mercedes, building and designing road cars, but during my studies I joined that Formula Student team,” she says. “I got interested in motorsport, was watching more motorsport, realised all the jobs roles which are involved in motorsport, and that sparked my interest.”
FROM DTM TO AUSTRALIA
After completing her studies. and with motorsport now very much on her mind, Romy
VIDEO: AUTO WOMEN - ROMY MAYER
secured a junior data engineering role with Mercedes Motorsport and entered the fiercely competitive world of DTM - Germany’s premier touring car championship and one of Europe’s top motorsport series. Over the next five years she worked as a data and performance engineer and as driver performance engineer for British racer Gary Paffett. She would go on to work with HWA, a motorsport and high-performance engineering company with links to Mercedes, as it developed the MercedesAMG GT3. Romy volunteered to join the development program as a performance engineer and travelled with the team to circuits across Europe developing the car - an experience that introduced Romy to other types of motorsport series and encouraged her to look beyond DTM. October 2026 Motor Trader | 19
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While Europe looked the likely spot to develop her career, there was a meteorological snag that made it tempting to look further afield. “I had always dreamed of working in Formula One and did some applications there, but I remember that it was supposed to be a summer day in Germany in June, and it was like 14 degrees and raining,” says Romy with a smile. “I was thinking, ‘I'm sick of this weather and of living here,’ and I also knew that F1 teams are all in England and it wouldn’t be much better there! “I had heard about the supercars in Australia, did a bit more research, and sent my CV by email to Red Bull Racing. “The next Monday I got an answer from the team manager - who is still the team manager, Mark Dutton - did some Skype interviews and three months later I was in Australia!”
Romy is a sought-after keynote speaker, particulary on subjects around motorsport, leadership, high-performance teams, STEM and working in male-dominated industries.
“THESE MOMENTS, LIKE THE POLE POSITION AND THE PODIUM, WHEN A NEW START EVERYTHING COMES TOGETHER AND It was 2015 when Romy packed up and moved across the world to join Triple Eight YOU'RE UP THERE - IT'S THE BIGGEST Race Engineering / Red Bull Ampol Racing. REWARD FOR ALL THE HARD WORK . . . ” Success came quickly. She worked as a data and performance engineer on Jamie Whincup’s car and, in 2017, was part of the team that secured Whincup his record 7th Supercars drivers’ championship. In 2019, came another major career step. Triple Eight launched a GT3 program in Asia in partnership with Johor Racing, and Romy put her hand up to become race engineer. It was her first opportunity to take responsibility for a car in that role. She also worked for Triple Eight’s Super Two team in 2019 helping driver Kurt Kostecki secure second place in the championship. Her career in motorsport was now well established. Romy became a mother for the first time in 2020 and returned from maternity leave in 2021 to take on another GT3 opportunity, helping the Triple Eight/Johor Motorsports team to victory in the GT
World Challenge Asia series in 2022. At the end of that season, she was keen to return full-time to Supercars and remain with her young family in Australia. The opportunity to do that came in 2023, and Romy joined PremiAir Racing - the Gold Coast-based Supercars team established by businessman and Top Fuel racer Peter Xiberras the previous year. Moving from the powerhouse Triple Eight organisation to a much younger team represented a significant change and challenge, as well as the opportunity to help build something special. And the work from everyone involved at the fledgling outfit began to pay off in 2024, with the team scoring a pole position with driver James Golding at the Supercars series Darwin round. October 2026 Motor Trader | 21
For Romy, that achievement validated not only the work being done at PremiAir Racing but, her decision to leave an established championshipwinning operation. “That was that moment where I realised, yes, that decision was right,” she says. Later that year came another milestone at the Sandown 500 with Golding and co-driver David Russell finishing third, delivering PremiAir Racing its first Supercars podium. “These moments, the pole position and the podium, when everything comes together and you're up there - it's the biggest reward for all the hard work, not only for the race car driver . . . but for the whole team that worked all those months towards that moment.”
THE NEXT CHAPTER
Having welcomed her second child in 2025, Romy is again balancing motherhood with the demands of professional motorsport, and her immediate ambition is to return to a full racing program. Beyond that and the determination to drive PremiAir Racing to continued success, there are pathways out there that might be of interest. “I do still explore other series here and there,” she says. “Just recently I did a one-off round in the Mustang Cup with Radburn Racing. They have an all-female racing team - mechanics, truck driver,
race driver and me - and I was able to bring my son for the weekend as well. That ticked all the boxes obviously! “Long-term goals are to keep working at the highest level possible. In Australia, that's Supercars, but exploring options in Asia like the Super GTs in Japan has been on my radar. One day I would like to do a season there.”
WOMEN IN MOTORSPORT
While Romy has built a career that has taken her to the highest levels of motorsport, she acknowledges that establishing herself in a male-dominated environment was not always straightforward. “As a woman, it's not always easy, especially as a young woman,” she says. “Stepping into it can be quite daunting.” However, today she sees a different landscape to the one she navigated. More women are entering motorsport and social media has made those already in the industry far more visible and accessible. Initiatives such as FIA Girls on Track and Auto Women also provide opportunities
“SOMETIMES, YOUNG WOMEN OVERLOOK MOTORSPORT FOR A CAREER BUT THERE ACTUALLY ARE SO MANY JOBS OR ROLES WITHIN A RACING TEAM WHICH YOU MIGHT NOT SEE DIRECTLY ON THE TV.”
to make the sport their career. Recognising opportunities that might arise is useful too, she adds. “In my early years in motorsport, I doubted myself quite a lot,” she says. “There's a lot of ego in motorsport, and you kind of get thrown around The PremiAir facility includes a pit with your ideas and data lane set up for the team to practice that you analyse and want refueling and tyre-changing stops. to bring up. Believing in your skills, believing in yourself, is essential. for women to meet, build networks and “What I would tell my younger self is discover career pathways they may not to stand up for yourself and don't get previously have considered. hung up too much on certain situations For Romy, these are important or even certain ideas. I mentioned before developments, as is the visibility of the that I had a dream of working in Formula careers available in motorsport. One. I always looked in that direction, not “Sometimes, young women overlook realising there is the world of supercars motorsport for a career but there actually which actually has really cool racing! are so many jobs or roles within a racing The race series is amazing. I would say team which you might not see directly on you get to do much more race the TV,” she says. “Not only are there the engineering than if you go CLICK mechanics and the drivers, but there are also from one F1 race to another TO VISIT THE PREMIAIR numerous engineers . . . and then there are . . . So sometimes new RACING WEBSITE all the other roles like physios, marketing, opportunities, or different journalism. This is all part of a race team.” opportunities, which might Having successfully moved through the not look like the perfect way to motorsport environment herself, Romy your goal, might open more doors than you think.” says that confidence and perseverance It is a lesson she hopes are crucial qualities for anyone looking CLICK TO VISIT THE young women considering SUPERCARS automotive, engineering or WEBSITE motorsport careers will take on board, and her final words of advice reflect that lesson. “If you are interested in cars or racing, have a look on CLICK the racetrack, meet us there, TO VISIT THE and see if there's anything AUTO WOMEN WEBSITE for you there. Don't feel afraid to step into it - there are a lot of opportunities and pretty cool jobs!” October 2026 Motor Trader | 23
AUTO WOMEN AND PERFORMASTERY LAUNCH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
A
“THIS PARTNERSHIP WITH PERFORMASTERY ENABLES US TO OFFER DEDICATED LEADERSHIP PATHWAYS THAT SUPPORT WOMEN AT EVERY CAREER STAGE . . .”
UTO WOMEN IS partnering with Performastery Leadership Facilitation to create a dedicated leadership pathway designed specifically for women working in automotive and other traditionally male-dominated industries. Through two flagship programs, emerging leaders and experienced professionals will have access focuses on leadership to targeted development confidence, communication, opportunities that support emotional intelligence, leadership career progression from firstpresence, and practical people time leadership through to leadership skills. executive-level responsibility. The second pathway, Leaders Auto Women co-founder Kellie Unleashed: Ascension, is designed Dewar said the partnership for experienced leaders seeking represents a major investment in Kellie Dewar to increase their leadership the future leadership pipeline of impact and prepare for more the automotive industry. senior strategic or executive-level "While there are many positions. The 11-week program leadership programs available, focuses on executive influence, very few are designed with the strategic leadership, decisionunique experiences of women making, and organisational in male-dominated industries in thinking. mind," said Ms Dewar. Together, the programs form "This partnership with a comprehensive development Performastery enables us to offer Fiona Cullen pathway designed to strengthen dedicated leadership pathways the pipeline of capable women that support women at every leaders across automotive and career stage, helping them other traditionally male-dominated build the confidence, capability and industries. networks needed to step into leadership Fiona Cullen, Director of Performastery, roles and continue progressing throughout said the partnership addresses a their careers". longstanding gap in leadership The first program, Leaders Unleashed: development opportunities for women. Sprint Hurdles, is designed for women "Leadership development is most who are emerging leaders, supervisors, effective when it acknowledges the realand professionals stepping into leadership for the first time. The 16-week program world challenges participants face,” she 24 | Motor Trader October 2026
Ms Dewar said the partnership aligns with Auto Women's broader mission to create meaningful and lasting career opportunities for women in the automotive industry. "If we want to see more women progressing into leadership and executive positions across automotive, we need to do more than encourage them to enter the industry. We need to support them to stay, grow, and lead. "Investing in women is an investment in the future of automotive. By creating access to leadership development that said. “There is no shortage of capable is practical, relevant, and tailored to the women in our workforce. What we often realities of our industry, we're helping see is a shortage of confidence in women who are more capable and leadership-ready build a stronger and more diverse leadership pipeline for the future." than they realise. The Leaders Unleashed The Leaders Unleashed program programs have been designed specifically marks the beginning of a long-term to change that. To build the confidence, commitment by Auto Women and leadership capability and self-belief Performastery to developing the women need to step forward, lead with next generation of female leaders in impact, and help shape the future of our automotive. By accelerating career companies and industries. We’re excited progression and increasing female to partner with Auto Women to CLICK representation in leadership and create more opportunities for TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT executive roles, the Auto Women women to recognise their potential THE LEADERSHIP Scholarships are building a and confidently step into greater PROGRAMS stronger, more inclusive future leadership responsibility in maledominated industries." for the automotive industry.
“IF WE WANT TO SEE MORE WOMEN PROGRESSING INTO LEADERSHIP AND EXECUTIVE POSITIONS ACROSS AUTOMOTIVE, WE NEED TO DO MORE THAN ENCOURAGE THEM TO ENTER THE INDUSTRY. WE NEED TO SUPPORT THEM TO STAY, GROW, AND LEAD.”
October 2026 Motor Trader | 25
BILL ROBERTSON TOYOTA TAKING PRACTICAL STEPS TO STRENGTHEN WORKPLACE CULTURE
F
INDING GOOD STAFF is one challenge; giving them reasons to stay is another. For automotive businesses, a competitive pay packet is only part of the equation. Feeling valued, having opportunities to develop and knowing support is available all help make a workplace somewhere people want to be. That is Erin Robertson where a focus on people and culture comes in, shaping the experience of employees and helping businesses build teams that stick together and help the business grow. The Bill Robertson Toyota (BRT) dealership in Gladstone is a leader in this area, having expanded its People and Culture program significantly, and investing in staff wellbeing, recognition and communication through initiatives designed to strengthen positive workplace
26 | Motor Trader October 2026
relationships and to support its 70 employees. It’s an approach that has earned national recognition, with Toyota Australia naming it the Best People and Culture Dealership in the rural dealer category earlier this year. New initiatives include a mental health care crew, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), longevity rewards and a staff appreciation day - each of which builds on an already sterling reputation. “We are renowned for being a happy workplace,” said Erin Robertson, Marketing, People and Culture Manager. “We get that comment from our customers, who see it through our interactions with our staff, but also by word of mouth through the business community.” Erin, formally the dealership's Marketing and Brand Manager, officially added
“WE ARE RENOWNED FOR BEING A HAPPY WORKPLACE. WE DO GET THAT COMMENT FROM OUR CUSTOMERS, WHO SEE IT THROUGH OUR INTERACTIONS WITH OUR STAFF, BUT ALSO BY WORD OF MOUTH THROUGH THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY.”” people and culture responsibilities to Mental health support has also been strengthened through the new BRT Care her title this year, formalising the work Crew - staff who have completed a mental she had been doing and kickstarting this health first aid course. Posters around the steady stream of initiatives. dealership provide their personal mobile Amongst these is the Emerging numbers so colleagues know who they can Leaders program, which has seen certain contact if they need some help. individuals promoted as alternative The Care Crew also supports social contacts for staff who feel awkward activities outside work. A recent fun run approaching their immediate supervisor. provided an opportunity for employees to “We understand that sometimes people spend time together, with a lawn bowls may not feel comfortable talking to their event also planned. direct manager and may feel comfortable “It's just a way to build relationships, get talking to somebody else,” said Erin. people talking outside the workplace and Building relationships across give them a safe environment to talk to departments is another priority. For people that have had that first aid/mental a couple of years, the dealership has health training,” explained Erin. run what it calls Thriving Thursdays, Alongside that support, the dealership scheduling time for employees to work has also introduced an Employee alongside colleagues in other areas of the Assistance Program through the Mindway business. Staff can nominate someone they would like to work with and managers App. BRT staff can access confidential counselling and practical wellbeing tools, support and coordinate the arrangements. including mindfulness activities and A parts employee, for example, might breathing exercises. spend time with someone in sales. Recognition, meanwhile, is supported “It gives a better insight into how people through initiatives such as a staff are doing things, and they can see the appreciation day and the established stresses involved that they might Billy Hero Program – an award that CLICK TO not noticed before,” said Erin. “It VISIT THE recognises staff who go beyond gives a better understanding of BILL ROBERTSON their normal duties to support TOYOTA WEBSITE how people are working in their teammates and customers - while role in the business.” October 2026 Motor Trader | 27
long service gets a nod through anniversary gifts as well as financial rewards at five-year milestones. Ensuring her team has a safe and enjoyable work environment means Erin is always alert to innovations and initiatives that might help her build an even more welcoming A Bring Your Dog to Work Day is one of many People and workplace, and she Culture initiatives launched at Bill Robertson Toyota. recently participated in the initial intake was the 30, 60, 90-day touchpoints when you of MTA Queensland’s Shifting Gears for have new staff. What does onboarding look Change program - a program supported like and what are we doing as a business by the Queensland Government which is to ensure that we're supporting those new designed to help automotive businesses people into the workforce? "So, there were some really good things for us to take from the program which we will look at doing.” For Erin, investing in people and culture deserves the same attention businesses give to customers and marketing. If nothing else, a workplace in which people feel recognised and supported means staff retention will build stronger, more inclusive workplaces. be strong – something every business can The program’s four online masterclasses cover inclusive recruitment and workplace recognise as important to success. “I think, traditionally, the motor vehicle entry; pay equity and workplace structure; industry . . . was never staff-focused," she workplace culture and behaviour; and said. "I think our people, our team, are leadership, mentoring and retention. equally as important as our customers and Erin said that the Shifting Gears for I would say to any business that they should Change program highlighted a number of be treating their staff the same. initiatives she could incorporate at BRT. “They need to be just as important as “It offered a great insight into a few areas the money you're spending on marketing that we hadn't touched on yet,” she said. your business and what you're spending on “Understanding bias was interesting,” investing in your customers . . . Your people she added. “I found that really useful are your investment and if your people for us as a business - to take a CLICK FOR aren't happy and healthy, then the microscope to how we're doing MORE ON business isn't going to thrive.” THE SHIFTING things and making sure we're not GEARS FOR bringing in unnecessary biases • The Shifting Gears for Change CHANGE PROGRAM when we're recruiting . . . program is proudly supported by the “The other one that resonated Queensland Government
“YOUR PEOPLE ARE YOUR INVESTMENT AND IF YOUR PEOPLE AREN'T HAPPY AND HEALTHY, THEN THE BUSINESS ISN'T GOING TO THRIVE.”
28 | Motor Trader October 2026
A masterclass program for automotive leaders committed to strengthening their workforce and creating workplaces where women can thrive. ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Level
Leaders at all levels
Shifting Gears for Change is a masterclass program designed to support automotive business owners and senior leaders to build stronger, more inclusive workplaces that attract, support, and retain women in the automotive industry.
Gender
All genders
This program provides practical guidance and leadership strategies to help businesses foster inclusive workplace cultures, improve recruitment pathways for women, and strengthen staff retention.
Fees
Through expert-led learning and real-world insights, participants will gain the tools and confidence to implement meaningful workplace changes that benefit both their teams and their businesses.
Ideal for For individuals or groups Duration 4 x 90-minute masterclasses Fully subsidised through the Queensland Government
Delivery Online masterclass Program Commencing 2026 Masterclass topics: > Inclusive Recruitment and Workplace Entry > Pay Equity and Workplace Structure > Workplace Culture and Behaviour > Leadership, Mentoring and Retention
This Industry Skills Solutions program is proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government.
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AUTO WORKFORCE MUST BE PART OF AUSTRALIA'S SKILLED MIGRATION PRIORITIES
T
HE MOTOR TRADES Association despite the essential role our industry plays of Australia (MTAA) is calling for in keeping other priority sectors moving. automotive trades to be recognised "The Government has rightly identified alongside other priority occupations industries facing workforce challenges. following Home Affairs Minister Tony What appears to have been missed is Burke's skilled migration announcement how dependent those industries are on the skilled technicians and mechanics in September. who keep their vehicles, machinery and With a workforce shortfall estimated equipment operating. at 38,000 motor trades professionals and "Ambulances need servicing. technicians, MTAA says the Government's Construction equipment needs focus on addressing critical skills shortages is encouraging, but the omission maintaining. Trucks need repairing. These essential services all depend on skilled of automotive trades from priority visa automotive workers. processing overlooks a workforce "We hope this oversight essential to keeping Australia's can be addressed through economy moving. further engagement with the The Government's skilled visa Government, and that the processing framework prioritises central role of the motor trades occupations supporting law is recognised in future migration enforcement, defence, healthcare, priority settings." teaching and construction, MTAA's 2026 Industry Skills with agriculture and fisheries Bruce Billson Shortages Survey, submitted to also identified in September’s Jobs and Skills Australia, provides announcement. Automotive clear evidence of the recruitment pressures trades remain outside these facing the sector, reinforcing the estimated occupational priority categories. MTAA Executive Director, the Hon Bruce shortfall of 38,000 automotive trade professionals and technicians. Billson, said the Minister's recognition of More than 90 per cent of automotive skilled migration as an important driver of economic prosperity was encouraging, but employers report that recruitment is the current priorities appeared to overlook difficult or very difficult. The industry's vacancy fill rate is just 48 per cent, while the automotive workforce that supports average applicants per vacancy have fallen many of the industries identified. from 8.2 in 2024 to three in 2026. Almost "We welcome the Minister's focus on seven in ten employers expect shortages to identifying the skills Australia needs and worsen over the next 12 months. ensuring our migration program supports "These are genuine and persistent skills economic prosperity," Mr Billson said. shortages affecting an industry that "But the significant and persistent employs more than 320,000 Australians workforce shortages in the automotive and supports almost every other sector of trades appear to have been overlooked,
30 | Motor Trader October 2026
“WHILE AUTOMOTIVE OCCUPATIONS REMAIN ELIGIBLE FOR SKILLED VISAS, THEIR EXCLUSION FROM THE PRIORITY PROCESSING CATEGORIES MEANS THEY DO NOT RECEIVE THE SAME PROCESSING PRIORITY AS OCCUPATIONS IN THE SECTORS THE GOVERNMENT HAS IDENTIFIED.”
the economy," said Mr Billson. "While automotive occupations remain eligible for skilled visas, their exclusion from the priority processing categories means they do not receive the same processing priority as occupations in the sectors the Government has identified." Mr Billson said the Government's focus on construction was understandable given Australia's housing and infrastructure ambitions, but the automotive workforce was integral to delivering those objectives. "Construction needs skilled automotive workers too. Excavators, cranes, trucks training with targeted skilled migration. and mobile equipment all require qualified "Skilled migration must complement, technicians to maintain and repair them. not replace, a strong domestic "The same applies to healthcare, training system. We also need better education, agriculture, mining and freight. apprenticeship pathways, stronger These industries depend on reliable training incentives and continued vehicles and machinery, and the skilled investment in developing Australia's own people who keep them operating. automotive workforce," Mr Billson said. "Recognising the occupations that MTAA will seek a meeting with the directly deliver these services is Minister and the Department important. Recognising the skilled CLICK of Home Affairs in the coming workers who enable them is TO WATCH weeks to discuss the sector's THE MINISTER'S equally important." ADDRESS ON workforce needs and how Mr Billson said MTAA MIGRATION automotive trades can be better supported a balanced approach recognised in Australia's skilled to workforce development, combining investment in domestic migration priorities.
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M
TA QUEENSLAND HAS announced the 2026 Industry Award finalists, unveiling the Queensland businesses and individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the automotive industry over the past year. Winners will be revealed at the Industry Awards Gala on Saturday, 28 November 2026, at The Star Brisbane, Queen’s Wharf, bringing together automotive businesses, industry leaders, apprentices, and guests from across the state for an evening of celebration, entertainment and recognition. Recognising outstanding businesses, innovators, community leaders and emerging talent, the awards celebrate the people and organisations driving excellence and shaping the future of Queensland’s automotive industry.
“BEING NAMED A FINALIST IS A SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT AND RECOGNISES THE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION EACH OF THESE BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS IS MAKING TO QUEENSLAND’S AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY.” MTA Queensland CEO Rod Camm said the calibre of this year’s finalists reflects the strength, diversity, and professionalism of the sector. “From family-owned workshops and large automotive groups to apprentices beginning their careers and individuals driving positive change in their communities, these finalists
M TA Q U E E N S L A N D T H A N K S S P O N S O R S C A R E S U P E R , TA N D A A U T O M O T I V E D E A L E R A S S O C I AT I O N , A N D M A S N AT I O N A 32 | Motor Trader October 2026
Rod Camm, MTA Queensland CEO
represent the innovation, commitment, and leadership that continue to strengthen our industry,” he said. “Being named a finalist is a significant achievement and recognises the outstanding contribution each of these businesses and individuals is making to Queensland’s automotive industry.” Congratulations to the 2026 finalists:
SMALL BUSINESS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE FINALISTS: • Accelerate Automotive • Empire Auto Garage • Exclusive Auto Centre • Hi-Mech Auto Solutions • Ja-Max Industries
CLICK FINALIST LINKS TO LEARN MORE
LARGE BUSINESS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE: • ASR Collision Specialists • DMH Group • Bundaberg Motor Group • Q Automotive Group • Sommerville Smash Repairs
, B U S Y AT W O R K , S P T O O L S , P E N R I T E O I L , T H E A U S T R A L I A N A L FO R T H E I R S U P P O RT O F T H E I N D U S T RY AWA R D S GA L A October 2026 Motor Trader | 33
2025 Apprentice of the Year winner Wade Burgess (third from left) with Darren Van Der Ryken from Penrite Oil, Adam Cohen from Capricorn, and Brett Hutchinson from SP Tools
WOMEN IN INDUSTRY: • Ange Thornton, Ultra Tune Macgregor • Bec Marsh, Varsity Lakes Mechanical • Caitlyn Hayes, Komatsu • Jessica Colucci, Isuzu • Taylor Deeth, MLG
COMMUNITY AWARD: • B&B Fibreglass • Bill Robertson Toyota • BMAS Biloela • Pearson Automotive • Toowoomba Steering & Suspension
INNOVATION AWARD: • BodyShop Solutions • Foton Mobility Distribution • Premium Diagnostic Equipment
• Track Back Auto • Vesta Workwear Mr Camm added that the awards provide an opportunity to recognise excellence across all areas of the industry and celebrate the people driving Queensland's automotive industry. “The Industry Awards are about recognising those achievements and bringing our industry together to celebrate the people who make it such a strong and vibrant sector.”
• Tickets are now available for the 2026 MTA Queensland Industry Awards Gala, with early bird pricing available until Friday, 30 October 2026. Guests can CLICK expect an unforgettable evening TO LEARN celebrating Queensland’s MORE AND PURCHASE automotive industry, with TICKETS gourmet dining, drinks, awardwinning entertainment, live music and more.
M TA Q U E E N S L A N D T H A N K S S P O N S O R S C A R E S U P E R , TA N D A , B U S Y AT W O R K , S P T O O L S , P E N R I T E O I L , T H E A U S T R A L I A N A U T O M O T I V E D E A L E R A S S O C I AT I O N , A N D M A S N AT I O N A L F O R T H E I R S U P P O R T O F T H E I N D U S T RY AWA R D S GA L A
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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 ER PA IR I CTEI C E EP A INR ONTO
REP RA EP I RA INRONT O I CTEI C E
REP TO I CTEI C E RA E IPRA INRON
WARNING WARNING
RIGHTWARNING TO RETAIN
QUALIFIED/TRAINED WARNING TECHNICIAN
NoNo admittance admittance into the workshop into the workshop – Staff Only. – Staff Only.
We reserve the right No admittance tointo retain your vehicle the workshop until payment is – Staff Only. made in full.
Noautomotive admittance This business guarantees only into the workshop qualified and trained – Staffwill Only. technicians be working on your vehicle.
A LWA S EO O AN AYL S WC AH Y SO O CH SE AN M TA M Q TUAE EQNUSELEANNSDL A N D M E MM B EE R MBER
A L W AAYLSWCAH YO S O C SHEO A ON SE AN M TA M QU TA E EQNUSEL EANNSDL A N D MEMM B EERM B E R
A L W AAYLSWCAHYO S OCSHEOAONS E A N M TA M QU E EQ NUS EL E AN NSDL A N D TA MEMB MEERM B E R
REP RA E IPRA INRON TO I CTEI C E
RER PA I RA INRONTO I CTEI C E EP
CUSTOMERS RIGHT TO WARNING CHOOSE A REPAIRER
CUSTOMER WARNING SUPPLIED PARTS
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SURVEY FINDS WORKERS SATISFIED BUT RELUCTANT TO RECOMMEND CAREERS
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NJOYING THE WORK does not they see where their career is going? necessarily mean recommending Do they believe staying in automotive the career, according to a new study will give them the future they want?” highlighting concerns about progression, The study collected 718 accepted staffing and the employment experience in Australian responses between 27 June Australia’s automotive industry. and 10 August 2026, covering a range The inaugural Australian Automotive of roles, workplaces, experience levels Workforce Pulse, developed by automotive and locations. industry platform and trade The overall Workforce community Mechanic. Health Index, which com.au, found that while combines Job Satisfaction, respondents generally Feeling Valued, Career reported positive job Outlook and Career satisfaction, more than half Pathway Clarity, was 68 out were uncertain whether of 100. they would recommend “Getting someone into automotive as a career. automotive is only the The findings highlight that beginning,” said Mr Davis. attracting new workers is “The industry also has only part of the industry’s to give people reasons to workforce challenge, with develop, progress and stay.” greater attention needed on The survey also what encourages people to found that recruitment develop their skills and stay difficulties were in the industry. widespread, with around two-thirds of Mechanic.com.au CEO Ryan Davis said current workforce respondents reporting the difference between job satisfaction challenges finding suitable staff. and career advocacy was one of the Pay was the leading consideration study’s clearest findings. when choosing an employer, but work-life “You can have someone who enjoys balance, respect from management, team the work they do today, but still hesitates environment and career progression also to tell another person to build a featured prominently. career in automotive," he said The results point to the CLICK TO ACCESS in a media release. importance of the broader THE WORKFORCE “That raises a different set of employment offer, alongside PULSE REPORT questions. Do people feel their remuneration, in attracting and skills are properly valued? Can retaining workers. October 2026 Motor Trader | 37
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LECTRIFICATION HAS MOVED firmly into the mainstream of Australia’s new-vehicle market, with battery-electric vehicles accounting for almost a quarter of vehicle sales in September 2026. The next frontier could be the ute segment. As more manufacturers
38 | Motor Trader October 2026
introduce battery-electric models with meaningful towing capacity, payload and driving range, electric utes are, perhaps, becoming an increasingly credible alternative to traditional diesel workhorses. And they may become even more attractive as the continuing global oil crisis drives fuel-price volatility.
MGU9 EV
MG MOTOR AUSTRALIA IS STEPPING INTO THAT ARENA WITH THE MGU9 EV AND AUSTRALIA WILL BE THE FIRST MARKET GLOBALLY TO RECEIVE THIS NEW BATTERY-ELECTRIC UTE . . .
MG Motor Australia is stepping into that arena with the MGU9 EV and Australia will be the first market globally to receive this new batteryelectric ute, underlining the importance of our local market as manufacturers broaden their electrified offerings beyond passenger cars and SUVs. The MGU9 EV combines a 430km October 2026 Motor Trader | 39
WLTP driving range with a 3,500kg braked towing capacity, with power coming from dual electric motors producing a combined 325kW and 700Nm and driving all four wheels. MG claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.8 seconds.
40 | Motor Trader October 2026
PAYLOAD IS RATED AT 685KG, WHILE A 236-LITRE FRONT STORAGE COMPARTMENT PROVIDES ADDITIONAL CARRYING CAPACITY.
A 102.2kWh lithium iron phosphate battery supports 11kW AC charging and DC charging at up to 115kW, with a 20 to 80 per cent charge taking about 42 minutes under suitable conditions. Payload is rated at 685kg, while a
236-litre front storage compartment provides additional carrying capacity. Vehicle-to-Load functionality can supply up to 6.6kW externally and 2.2kW inside the vehicle, targeting customers using powered equipment at worksites, campsites and recreational locations. The MGU9 EV also uses four-wheel electronic air suspension, supporting MG’s push towards a more SUV-like driving axperience. Inside, standard equipment includes dual 12.3-inch displays, leather front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a JBL eight-speaker audio system and wireless phone charging. The driver’s seat also receives heating, ventilation and massage functions. For MG, the MGU9 EV represents a significant expansion beyond its established passenger-car and SUV business. Available for $78,990 before on-road costs, its combination of electric performance, 3.5-tonne towing capacity and sub-$80,000 pricing will surely be appealing and will offer an interesting test on how willing Australian ute buyers are to move away from diesel as battery-electric alternatives become more capable and widely available. October 2026 Motor Trader | 41
NEW HYUNDAI TUCSON SET FOR HYBRID-ONLY AUSTRALIAN LAUNCH
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YUNDAI HAS UNVEILED its next-generation Tucson, confirming a hybrid-only Australian range arriving in mid-2027 with a larger body, redesigned cabin and new infotainment technology. Revealed in New York this month, the SUV will reach Australia in longwheelbase form with the outdoororiented XRT variant confirmed for the local market. The XRT PRO model, which is designed with a more off-road focus, will be restricted to North America.
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The attractive, rugged-looking design reflects Hyundai’s new ‘Art of Steel’ styling incorporating pronounced wheel arches and crisp body lines, and underneath that tough exterior sits a next-generation hybrid system. That system combines a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine with two electric motors, rated at 13kW and 47.7kW, a 1.49kWh battery and a six-speed automatic transmission. Combined outputs are listed at around 180kW with around 380Nm of torque.
Hyundai says the sprint to 60mph (approximately 97km/h) takes 8.5 seconds and fuel economy is up to 42mpg (5.6L/100km) under U.S. testing. Australian outputs and consumption figures remain to be confirmed. An E-Traction system manages torque to reduce wheel slip during cornering while HEV Stay Mode allows occupants to use climate control, audio and device charging with the engine switched off. Inside, a two-layer dashboard pairs a horizontal upper section with an open storage tray below. Soft padding extends across the October 2026 Motor Trader | 43
dashboard, doors and console armrest, while there are physical buttons for frequently used climate and audio functions. There’s a columnmounted gear selector and available comfort features include massage seating, reclining relaxation seats, dual 15W wireless charging pads and three-zone climate control. Pleos Connect - Hyundai’s infotainment system - runs on Android Automotive OS, pairing either a 17-inch or 12.9-inch touchscreen with a 9.9-inch driver display. Gleo AI supports conversational requests, while integrated third-party apps and over-the-air updates add extra functionality. Safety technology is comprehensive and includes driver fatigue monitoring, child presence detection and rear 44 | Motor Trader October 2026
occupant alerts. Intelligent Speed Limit Assist recognises speed signs, while navigation-linked cruise control can anticipate curves, intersections, roundabouts and speed bumps. The Australia-bound XRT model features expanded black wheel-arch cladding, distinctive bumper treatments and skid-plate styling. Australian pricing, model grades and detailed equipment specifications are to be confirmed.
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MITSUBISHI DETAILS ELECTRIC ASX VR-E AHEAD OF LOCAL ARRIVAL
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ITSUBISHI HAS DETAILED the powertrains, equipment and safety technology of its ASX VR-e electric small SUV ahead of its Australian showroom later this year. The four-model range comprises rear-wheel-drive LS, Aspire and Exceed variants, topped by the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive GSR. All use a 57.7kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. The rear-drive models produce 171kW and 350Nm, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds. Adding a front motor raises the GSR outputs to 342kW and 700Nm, cutting the sprint to 3.9 seconds. Mitsubishi says this makes it the fastest-accelerating model it has officially sold in Australia. Charging capability is rated at up to 134kW DC through a CCS2 connection and 6.6kW AC through a Type 2 port. 46 | Motor Trader October 2026
THE FOUR-MODEL RANGE COMPRISES REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE LS, ASPIRE AND EXCEED VARIANTS, TOPPED BY THE DUAL-MOTOR, ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE GSR. There is a vehicle-to-load function. Drivers can select Eco, Comfort and Sport modes, three steering-weight settings and five regenerative braking levels. In Sport mode, the GSR changes its torque distribution from an even split to a rear-biased 30:70 arrangement, except at full throttle. Inside, all variants feature a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, 9.2-inch digital instrument display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual-zone climate
control. Physical switches support key functions, while voice commands can adjust cabin temperature. The LS has grey and black cloth upholstery. Aspire adds black artificial leather, powered front seats with heating and cooling, driver memory and selectable 64-colour ambient lighting. The Exceed variant adds a panoramic glass roof, hands-free electric tailgate, 20inch wheels and 12-speaker SEAS audio. The GSR combines artificial leather and microsuede upholstery with blue stitching. Driver assistance features are comprehensive and include adaptive cruise control with lane following, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assistance, blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert. Driver monitoring, traffic sign recognition and traffic jam assistance also feature. Aspire and higher grades add adaptive driving beams, a 360-degree camera and parking assistance, including straight-line remote parking. The ASX VR-e measures 4315mm long, 1885mm wide and 1535mm high, with a wheelbase of 2800mm. October 2026 Motor Trader | 47
AUSTRALIA OPENS FIRST OVERSEAS NISMO CENTRE
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ISMO, NISSAN’S MOTORSPORT and performance division, has opened its first Performance Centre outside Japan at Ferntree Gully Nissan in Victoria, providing Australian enthusiasts with access to technical expertise, performance parts and vehicle restoration support. The early October opening marked the first stage of an Australian expansion that will see additional centres open from 2027. The Melbourne facility establishes a direct connection with NISMO’s Omori Factory in Japan. It will support restoration programs, offer NISMO performance and heritage parts, and feature factory-certified NISMO Meisters ( factory-certified NISMO specialist technicians). In a recorded message for the opening, global NISMO brand head Yutaka Sanada identified Australia’s performance culture and GT-R community as reasons for prioritising the market. “The opening of the first NISMO Performance Centre outside Japan is an important milestone in our global expansion. “Our focus is on bringing the brand closer to customers in the right markets, with the right products, services and experiences. Australia is a natural priority because of its mature performance culture, strong GT-R community and clear appetite for authentic NISMO heritage, performance parts, technical expertise
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and motorsport-driven experiences.” The opening follows NISMO’s December 2025 announcement of plans to expand its global restoration, restomod and parts businesses, initially concentrating on the Nissan Skyline GT-R R32, R33 and R34. Additional vehicles and regional programs are expected to follow as the brand expands its heritage activities, model range and international presence. Further details of Australian Performance Centres and other elements of the program are to be announced.
LAWS PROTECTING AGAINST HARASSMENT
A positive duty already exists under model WHS laws for employers to ensure
RECENT MEDIA STORIES about what June 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.
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 25,000 PEOPLE DIRECTLY INVOLVED workplace. This will help to increase THE MOTORING INDUSTRY POSITIVE DUTY ALREADY IN EXISTS awareness (website or e-magazine options)of the duty to manage
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
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WORDS: LARA WILDE // PHOTOS: BROWN TOWN MEDIA
VERY SEPTEMBER, SYDNEY Motorsport Park becomes the epicentre of global time attack and drift culture, drawing the fastest track-day weapons and some of the biggest names in tuning from Japan, Europe, the US and beyond. This year's Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge (WTAC) ran from September 3 to 5, with its rapid-fire lap battles, the Exedy Australia International Drifting Cup and the after-dark Mayhem drift show filling the paddock with more energy than any other date on the Australian motorsport calendar. For Queensland, WTAC isn't just a spectacle to watch online. It's one of
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. . . LINING UP AT WTAC MEANS REPRESENTING CENTRAL QUEENSLAND ON A STAGE SHARED WITH SOME OF THE BEST DRIVERS IN AUSTRALIA AND THE WORLD. the few events on the national calendar big enough to put a regional driver, a homegrown content creator or a small Toowoomba business in front of an international audience in a single weekend. Five Queenslanders who made the trip south this year show exactly what that opportunity looks like: on the drift hill, behind the camera and on the trade stands.
Mercury Liens
FLYING THE QUEENSLAND FLAG ON THE DRIFT HILL For Rockhampton drifter Mercury Liens, lining up at WTAC means representing Central Queensland on a stage shared with some of the best drivers in Australia and the world. It's an honour, she says, but also intimidating: the drift hill is a technical, unforgiving track, competitors get no private practice, and a mistake can have a huge impact.
"There's a whole schedule, and I'm only one small part," she says. "It's not the time to drive at 100 per cent." Getting the car and the team to Sydney relies on a network of Queensland backers working alongside her international sponsors, including Rockhampton Tyres, RoadX Australia/Freedom Tyres, Revs Paint Supplies, The Wrap Boutique and MCA Suspension. "We all work together as a team," says Liens, describing her local sponsor relationships as friendships rather than transactions. A WTAC run also raises her profile back home, for better and worse. "Some people are supportive and proud. Some assume I've got a big head," she says. "But at the end of the day, I'm just me, doing my best always." This year's event has already opened doors, with two potential major brand partnerships on the table - conversations Liens says grew naturally out of who she is rather than a sponsorship pitch. Her advice for Queensland's drift scene to produce more WTAC-calibre competitors: less gatekeeping, more cooperation. "The community is what we make it." October 2026 Motor Trader | 51
EXTENDING THE REACH THROUGH CONTENT Brisbane drifter and content creator Mika Tatjana went to WTAC with a different brief: capture the event for Queensland followers who couldn't be there in person. Rather than polished race footage, she focused on the atmosphere behind the scenes, chasing the feeling of the event rather than the results sheet.
“IT WAS ABOUT BRINGING THE BRANDS THAT ALREADY SUPPORT MY MOTORSPORT JOURNEY WITH ME TO A MUCH LARGER INTERSTATE EVENT AND GIVING THEM EXPOSURE OUTSIDE OF QUEENSLAND AS WELL.” She brought a stable of Queensland, family-owned businesses along for the ride, including ASG Motorsports, HART Transmissions, Auto Garage Paint and Panel, Sakura Creative and Ecstatik.jp, all featured on her car and across her social channels throughout the weekend. "It was about bringing the brands that already support my motorsport journey with me to a much larger interstate event and giving them exposure outside of Queensland as well," she says. The scale took some adjusting to. WTAC's mix of drifting, time attack, static displays and interstate and international faces made for a bigger canvas than her usual coverage of Queensland Raceway. The payoff has been tangible: a wave of proud, engaged Queensland followers, new connections across the industry, and three additional interstate events she's since been invited to cover. Tatjana points to WTAC's festival-style 52 | Motor Trader October 2026
Mika Tatjana presentation, the displays, branding and fan interaction built around the racing as a benchmark for what Queensland's own events could aim for.
CAPTURING THE ACTION FOR THE RECORD WTAC 2026 also drew a different kind of Queensland talent to Sydney Motorsport
Nick Devane (left) from Tokyo Tom's and a chance for a regional operator to sharpen their craft against the best in the field.
TRADE STANDS MAKING THE LONG DRIVE WORTHWHILE
Park: photographers. Clevo, a Sunshine Coast-based photographer who runs Brown Town Media, made the trip to shoot the event, including the images accompanying this story. "I've always loved cars, and events like WTAC give me a reason to travel and see the sport at its highest level," he says. "Every trip teaches me something new behind the lens." It's another example of how a weekend at WTAC can double as both a business trip
WTAC's drawcard isn't only what happens on track. The event's trader village and food precincts turn it into a genuine festival, and Queensland businesses are among those making the near 10-hour drive to be part of it. Nick Devane, owner of Brisbane-based online retailer Tokyo Tom's, brought five staff down for the weekend to sell JDMfocused merchandise and accessories, one of a handful of interstate events, alongside Jamboree and Drift Matsuri, that the business returns to every year. For an online-only retailer, a stand at WTAC is a rare chance to put products directly in front of the car culture audience that already follows the brand online, face to face rather than through a screen. It's a reminder to other Queensland traders that WTAC's audience isn't limited to competitors: with thousands of spectators moving through the precinct over three days, exhibiting is its own route to interstate exposure. October 2026 Motor Trader | 53
Andy Young from Street Race Solutions
TURNING A WTAC RUN INTO TRADE EXPOSURE For Andy Young at Toowoomba's Street Race Solutions, the car ran well across the weekend at WTAC 2026, even if it didn't pick up quite as much track time as hoped. It's a fair trade-off, he says, when competitors are one part of a much bigger festival program rather than the sole attraction. The business side of the trip delivered in full. A steady stream of visitors stopped by to ask about Street Race Solutions' carbon car, currently based in Japan and showcased on the business's YouTube channel, conversations Young puts down as great exposure for a regional operation competing for attention against national and international names. Street Race Solutions isn't done with Sydney Motorsport Park for the year, either. The team is heading back for State of Origin, the roll racing event held at the same circuit, another trip south turning into a recurring fixture on the business's calendar.
THE 2027 OPPORTUNITY Between a regional drifter turning local support into international sponsorship conversations, two Brisbane creators using 54 | Motor Trader October 2026
the trip to open doors to new events, a JDM retailer treating a 10-hour drive as a standing fixture, and a specialist builder gaining international recognition for their innovation, WTAC 2026 shows what's on offer for Queensland businesses and drivers willing to make the trip south. None of it depended on being a household name first. It came from turning up, doing the work in the paddock or on the stand, and letting genuine relationships with sponsors, followers and fellow traders do the rest. With WTAC continuing to grow on the international calendar, Queensland's motorsport and automotive businesses that back competitors, cover the event or set up a stand have a clear run at 2027, and a proven track record from this year's crop of Queenslanders showing what's possible.
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BENTLEY UNVEILS NEW TORCAL ELECTRIC SUV
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ENTLEY HAS JOINED the allelectric revolution with the unveiling of the Torcal, a slick and potentlooking SUV that is the first batteryelectric production model in the British marque’s history. To be launched in standard and high-performance S variants, the Torcal introduces a new design language, an 800-volt electrical architecture and what Bentley calls ‘most advanced chassis technology to date.’ It also brings, as Bentley’s often do, some monster performance numbers. The company founder, W.O. Bentley, supposedly said that ‘There’s no replacement for displacement’, but while there is no combustion engine involved in the Torcal, the power is extraordinary.
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That power comes from two permanentmagnet synchronous electric motors driving all four wheels. The standard Torcal produces 604kW (821PS) and 1194Nm, delivering 0-100km/h acceleration in 3.4 seconds and a 250km/h top speed. The Torcal S increases output to 653kW (888PS) and 1350Nm with Launch Control, cutting the 0-100km/h time to 2.9 seconds and increasing top speed to 260km/h. Energy is supplied by a 113kWh lithiumion battery. Bentley claims up to 600km of WLTP driving range. DC fast charging at up to 400kW allows a 10-80 per cent recharge in around 16 minutes, while
approximately 161km of range can be added in seven minutes under suitable conditions. The Torcal measures five metres in length and adopts a low, upright SUV profile with short overhangs. There’s a bunch of new stylish feature here too, including an illuminated diamond-pattern grille and slim lighting signatures – a change from the circular lights we are used to seeing. The Torcal also becomes the first production Bentley to wear the company’s redesigned emblem. Five wheel designs will be available, with 21-inch wheels standard on the core model and 22-inch wheels fitted to the S.
The Torcal introduces fully active suspension to Bentley for the first time, paired with adaptive two-valve dampers. The system can control each wheel independently and replaces conventional anti-roll bars. Electronic all-wheel steering is standard, with up to five degrees of rear-wheel steering helping reduce the turning circle to 11.1 metres. Inside, Bentley has retained an emphasis on physical controls while adding new curved OLED displays and an augmentedreality head-up display. Materials used for the interior trim are, of course, top-notch and include leather, wool, aluminium, and veneer. Front seats offer 16-way electric adjustment, heating,
October 2026 Motor Trader | 57
ventilation, adjustable bolsters and massage. Optional systems can automatically adjust seat pressure distribution and heating or ventilation over longer journeys. Rear passengers receive a three-seat bench with power-fold functionality. Technology includes facial recognition for loading driver preferences, smartphone-based digital key functionality and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems supported by 25 cameras, sensors and radars. Features include remote parking, automated garage and parallel parking, towing assistance and powered doors capable of opening and closing automatically. Audio choices include a 620W, 16-speaker system or an optional 1,780W, 28-speaker Naim system with Dolby Atmos and headrest speakers. The arrival of the Torcal marks a turning point for Bentley, bringing full battery-electric power into a model range that has long been associated with potent petrol power and, more recently, hybrids. Electrification is now part of the company’s future product strategy, and 58 | Motor Trader October 2026
while the grand brand may be embracing battery power, the Torcal shows it remains firmly focused on the luxury, craftsmanship and high performance that have defined its cars for a century.
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Staria Load Electric
HYUNDAI LAUNCHES STARIA LOAD ELECTRIC IN AUSTRALIA
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YUNDAI HAS EXPANDED its Staria Load commercial van range with the launch of the all-electric 2027 Staria Load Electric, offering up to 450km of driving range (WLTP) and more than one tonne of payload capacity. The electric model joins existing turbodiesel and hybrid variants and is offered in two-seat Liftback and Twin Swing rear-door configurations. The Staria Load Electric is powered by a 160kW, 350Nm electric motor driving the front wheels, with energy supplied by an 84kWh battery. Built around Hyundai’s 800V electrical architecture, the van can accept DC fast 60 | Motor Trader October 2026
THE ELECTRIC MODEL JOINS EXISTING TURBODIESEL AND HYBRID VARIANTS AND IS OFFERED IN TWO-SEAT LIFTBACK AND TWIN SWING REARDOOR CONFIGURATIONS. charging at up to 350kW, enabling the battery to be charged from 10 to 80 per
cent in a claimed 20 minutes. Hyundai says cargo capacity is 4,935 litres with the load area measuring 2,607mm long, 1,640mm wide and 1,436mm high. Maximum payload is rated at 1,005kg. Braked towing capacity is 2,000kg, with unbraked towing capacity of 750kg. A key feature aimed at commercial users is an interior Vehicle-to-Load outlet in the cargo area, enabling the van’s high-voltage battery to supply power through a
standard three-pin outlet for tools and other electrical equipment. Standard equipment includes 12.3-inch multimedia and instrument displays, satellite navigation, Hyundai Bluelink connected services, over-the-air software updates, a battery heating system and heat-pump technology. The electric model also receives EV-specific exterior changes including a closed front panel incorporating the charging port and underbody aerodynamic treatments. Safety equipment includes seven airbags, Forward CollisionAvoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist 2 and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go.
The Staria Load Electric is priced at $70,990 (excluding delivery and on-road costs). October 2026 Motor Trader | 61
FROM THE WORKSHOP TO THE WORLD STAGE
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OR 18-YEAR-OLD QUEENSLAND racer Angus Baills, the ambition is clear: build a career as a professional racing driver and earn a place with a manufacturer competing in some of the world's great endurance races. It is a long road from Queensland motorsport to the world's iconic circuits, and Toowoomba-born Angus knows there are no guarantees. But that is also what makes his story worth following. The son of a mechanic, Angus hasn't followed the traditional pathway of extensive junior karting and unlimited budgets. His journey has instead been built around family, grit, hard work, learning quickly and making every
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opportunity count. And he is most definitely taking those opportunities. Just a couple of years ago, he began taking racing seriously in the excellent grassroots X3 Series racing Hyundai Excels. A blockbuster couple of seasons there - peppered by crashes, podiums, a race at Bathurst, a third-place championship finish and a Rookie of the Year award! – led to the opportunity to move into open-wheel racing in 2026 and to taking that next step on a journey that could lead to a professional racing career at the highest levels of international motorsport. It has been an interesting year and an interesting journey so far.
Angus Baills
A ROOKIE YEAR IN OPEN-WHEEL RACING Stepping into open-wheel racing in 2026 has seen Angus race in both the Queensland Formula Ford series and the national AU4 Formula 4 Championship – a racing schedule that meant taking on two very different cars and navigating a pretty steep learning curve. A modern Formula 4 car represented an enormous step. The Tatuus T-421 is a genuine wings-and-slicks racing car, and introduced Angus to aerodynamics, significantly higher braking performance and a much greater emphasis on precision, data analysis and technical feedback.
An introductory drive in an older-generation Formula 4 car helped prepare him for a test in the Tatus with Tim Macrow Racing - a team he would eventually join for 2026. It was, he said, a thrill to get behind the wheel of the open-wheel speedster. “I jumped in the car for the first time and absolutely hit it off. I loved it,” says Angus. “It was an unreal feeling.” Climbing into that Formula 4 car meant discovering new levels of speed and grip, with its aerodynamic downforce allowing him to brake later, carry more speed into corners and push harder. “The bit that was most Angus with his father, Craig mentally challenging for me was trusting the car because it has so much aero,” says Angus. “And it is a weird feeling driving the car really fast into a corner, trusting that it’s going to stick. But once I got my head around that, it was just awesome.” His AU4 Formula 4 debut at Winton provided an early indication of Angus’ potential. Unsettled conditions made things challenging, but he secured
“. . . IT IS A WEIRD FEELING DRIVING THE CAR REALLY FAST INTO A CORNER, TRUSTING THAT IT’S GOING TO STICK. BUT ONCE I GOT MY HEAD AROUND THAT, IT WAS JUST AWESOME.”
third place in the weekend’s third race. “It was in the rain as well and on a slick tyre,” says Angus. “I don’t know how I kept it on the track, but to get a podium in the rain was really awesome!” It was a tremendous result for his first competitive weekend hit-out. However, while the result was welcome, the objective for the year has been development. Every session has been about understanding what the car needs, learning how to extract performance from the tyre, improving braking technique and building the confidence required to carry speed in a car that rewards commitment. Alongside AU4, Formula Ford has played an important role in Angus’ development through the Queensland Formula Ford series. Without the aerodynamic assistance found on Formula 4 cars, Formula Ford cars demand mechanical grip, momentum, race craft and control. “You have to wrestle it a lot more because it doesn't have aero and it doesn't have slicks, so it's constantly sliding around,” explains Angus. “It's a handful to drive! “It’s taught me a lot of car control, which has really helped in F4.” Combined, the two categories have provided Angus with a demanding but valuable education in open-wheel racing. Working with a dedicated engineer and mechanic at Tim Macrow Racing, and learning alongside his Formula 4 teammates, has added to that development.
“They’ve been great and you’re constantly pushing yourself to be as good as them, if not better,” Angus says of his teammates. “You’re constantly learning off each other and there’s always something new to learn.”
A PODIUM AND PLENTY TO LEARN For a young driver trying to develop a complete skill set, the 2026 experience has been invaluable. Angus' AU4 debut delivered that thirdplace finish and an early highlight, and his hard work through the year has seen him record some good results while falling just shy of repeating that podium spot. The final AU4 round at Queensland Raceway on 25–27 September offered the opportunity to finish strongly at home, but the weekend proved challenging, with pace difficulties and a Sunday morning bingle affecting his chances. In the end Angus collected enough points to finish the season in seventh place on the championship ladder – a more than respectable effort for an open-wheel rookie with just a couple of previous racing seasons under his belt. Angus sees the 2026 AU4 season in a positive light too, and as a valuable foundation on which to build. “I reckon it went pretty alright. Considering I've been racing people that have been racing since they were seven years old or since they could walk, and I've only been racing for three years, I think I've done an alright job,” he says with a smile. “All I can do is learn as much as I can from this year and go into next year and hopefully do a bit better, get more podiums and hopefully some wins.”
THE SON OF A MECHANIC Angus' motorsport story is also very much a family story. Growing up as the son of a mechanic meant cars, workshops and motorsport October 2026 Motor Trader | 65
were never far away. But it also provided an early understanding that mechanical things don't fix themselves and racing cars don't magically arrive at circuits ready to compete. There are late nights, preparation, damaged parts, long drives home, budgets to find and then Monday morning waiting when the racing weekend is over. The Baills family has approached Angus' racing in much the same way they have approached business and life: work hard, learn, make the most of what you have and keep moving forward. There isn't an unlimited chequebook behind the program. Progress has required support from sponsors and partners, family commitment and plenty of work away from the circuit. For Angus himself, that means understanding that becoming a professional driver involves far more than simply being fast. Training, simulator work, understanding data, technical feedback, media commitments, sponsor relationships and presenting himself professionally are increasingly becoming part of the job.
“KEEP LEARNING. KEEP IMPROVING. KEEP EARNING THE NEXT OPPORTUNITY.”
There is still plenty to learn but he has come a long way in the handful of years since he first thought racing was something he would like to pursue. While always interested in the sport, that journey arguably began in earnest thanks to a simple gift - a simulator steering wheel that allowed the then 14-year-old Angus to race online. take to the track with Angus at Bathurst as “That just ignited my spark even part of the national Excel series. It was a more,” he says. shared experience that Angus describes as The opportunity then came along “absolutely awesome.” to take his blossoming enthusiasm to the racetrack and Angus was hooked. THE ROAD AHEAD Within a year he was ready to tackle his With the 2026 season all but wrapped first competitive series – the Hyundai up - there's just the last round of the Excel X3 Series in Queensland. Formula Ford series to come in November Angus began competing in Series - Angus’ is looking ahead to 2027. Plans X3 in 2024, finishing 15th in the remain provisional, but another Formula championship. His father, Craig 4 campaign is the likely focus, potentially perhaps scratching his own motor alongside a move from state to national racing itch - decided to get behind the Formula Ford competition and perhaps a wheel too for that first season. test in a GT-style car. “Dad raced Series X3 in 2024 Beyond that, in the years to come, he alongside me but when we started hopes to progress into Australian GT3 taking racing a bit more seriously, he racing, compete internationally, and hung up his boots and focused more on me,” says Angus. eventually earn his living behind the wheel It was an entertaining, incident-filled racing iconic circuits like Le Mans and first year of competitive racing that Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. included a nasty crash in which Angus “The long-term goal is to get picked broke his wrist and arm. up by a manufacturer and race all those For many a teenager, that endurance races . . .” he says. “It's full experience might have brought an end steam ahead!” to the dream of a racing career. For There is, of course, considerable distance Angus, it was a learning experience. between a rookie open-wheel season in “I think it actually made me a better Australia and a factory contract overseas, driver,” he says. “It made me think but there is a plan, plenty of ambition more before I acted on track, so I'm and enough evidence over three short grateful it happened in a way because years to suggest there is plenty of skill and I've learned a lot from it. It matured potential upon which to build. me a bit as a driver.” For now, the task is to turn the lessons It clearly did, for the following of his first open-wheel season and season brought regular podiums concentrate on the next corner. and third place in the X3 Series CLICK TO At 18 years old, Angus has plenty championship. Not only that, VISIT THE ANGUS BAILLS of corners ahead - and a clear idea but dad Craig was able to don RACING the racing gear once more and of where he wants them to lead. WEBSITE
“THE LONG-TERM GOAL IS TO GET PICKED UP BY A MANUFACTURER AND RACE ALL THOSE ENDURANCE RACES . . . IT'S FULL STEAM AHEAD!”
October 2026 Motor Trader | 67
Auto news
FORD OUTLINES AUSTRALIAN GROWTH PLAN
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ORD HAS OUTLINED an ambitious expansion strategy for Australia, aiming to more than double its coverage of the new-vehicle market and significantly broaden its product portfolio. The plan, Bronco Basecamp revealed at the Ford Uncovered media and dealer event in Melbourne, will see the company expand across electrified vehicles, commercial models, performance cars and adventure-focused SUVs. Ford also wants more than 90 per cent of the vehicles it sells in Australia to be either all-new or significantly refreshed by the end of 2030. Among the new models announced was the Bronco Basecamp, which will arrive in the second half of 2027 with what Ford describes as a super hybrid extendedrange electrified powertrain. The company also confirmed the allelectric Transit City van, with Australian customer deliveries scheduled to begin in November 2026. At the performance end of the range, Ford will introduce an Australian-exclusive Mustang Dark Horse with T8-Spec Pack, developed with Triple Eight Race Engineering. First deliveries are
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“OUR FUTURE DIRECTION IS CLEAR: GREATER CHOICE FOR CUSTOMERS, DEEPER LOYALTY TO THE FORD BRAND, MORE FOOT TRAFFIC INTO OUR DEALERSHIPS AND A MUCH MORE DIVERSE LINEUP TO SELL.” planned for the fourth quarter of 2026. The expansion will be supported by the local
Mustang Dark Horse introduction of Ford Pro, an integrated commercial customer ecosystem combining vehicles, vehicle customisation, finance, servicing and software. The system is designed to simplify fleet and business Transit City vehicle management by bringing functions traditionally handled by separate suppliers into one wplatform. Ford sees considerable opportunity in the commercial market, noting that around half of Australian vehicle transactions are made through an Australian Business Number. The company is also introducing a seven-year, unlimitedkilometre warranty for new commercial customers from September 1, 2026, provided vehicles are serviced exclusively
through the Ford dealer network. Ford currently operates through around 180 Australian dealers and more than 220 service outlets. The company said that the new strategy builds on the strength of Ranger, Everest and Mustang in their respective segments. It also highlighted its Australian engineering base as a central part of its future product strategy. At the same time, Ford said it intends to draw more heavily on its broader global product portfolio, including vehicles sourced from markets such as China, as it works to increase model choice and respond more quickly to changing customer demand. "Our future direction is clear: greater choice for customers, deeper loyalty to the Ford brand, more foot traffic into our dealerships and a much more diverse lineup to sell," said Fadi Mawal, President and CEO of Ford Australia and New Zealand in a media release. "We will keep designing and engineering vehicles right here that are made for Australian drivers and our tough conditions, while leveraging the best of Ford’s global portfolio to move fast and stay affordable for local customers. "The best is still ahead, and our customers will be the ones who benefit. The next chapter of Ford in Australia is here." October 2026 Motor Trader | 69
Auto news
FORD CONFIRMS ELECTRIFIED BRONCO BASECAMP FOR AUSTRALIA
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HE BRONCO NAMEPLATE is one of Ford’s most recognisable, and that iconic name is preparing for an Australian arrival, with the new electrified Bronco Basecamp set to arrive in the local market from the second half of 2027. The Bronco Basecamp combines a monocoque platform with a range-extender hybrid powertrain and a range of integrated camping and outdoor-lifestyle features. Ford says its powertrain pairs two electric motors with a usable 49kWh battery and a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that operates solely as a range extender. The company estimates the system will deliver a combined driving range of between 800km and 900km.
The Bronco Basecamp will also offer up to 6.6kW of Pro Power Onboard allowing the vehicle’s battery to supply electricity to appliances and equipment while parked. Ford says the system can support devices such as induction cooktops, coffee machines, camping lights, laptops and photography
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Bronco Basecamp
THE BRONCO BASECAMP COMBINES A MONOCOQUE PLATFORM WITH A RANGE-EXTENDER HYBRID POWERTRAIN AND A RANGE OF INTEGRATED CAMPING AND OUTDOOR-LIFESTYLE FEATURES.
equipment, extending the vehicle’s appeal beyond conventional SUV use. The model has been designed around several integrated outdoor features rather than relying heavily on aftermarket accessories. For example, a variant known as Outer Banks will be available with an electrically operated pop-up roof. It also has a 7.5-litre heated and cooled storage console. The cabin of the Bronco Basecamp can also be converted into a sleeping area and used with an optional fulllength inflatable mattress.
At the rear, there’s what Ford calls the Wild Kitchen, built into the swing gate and featuring a fold-down work surface for food preparation and camp equipment. For Australian buyers, the Basecamp will give Ford a new offering in the growing electrified SUV market while retaining the Bronco nameplate’s association with outdoor use and exploration. Local specifications, model grades and pricing have not yet been confirmed. Ford says further details will be released closer to the Bronco Basecamp’s Australian and New Zealand launch in the second half of 2027.
October 2026 Motor Trader | 71
New vehicle sales
SALES HIGHER AS BUYER PREFERENCES SHIFT
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EPTEMBER WAS ANOTHER decent month for new vehicle sales across Australia. According to data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and VFACTS - together with data from the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) which reports on Tesla and Polestar deliveries - 108,778 new vehicles were delivered across the month. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were the star of the show once again, with 26,287 delivered – 24.2 per cent of the market. There was a solid showing for other categories of electrification too. Plug-in hybrid sales rose 122.7 per cent compared to September 2025 with 10,072 sales in September this year. Hybrid sales grew too, up 20.7 per cent to 17,843 over September 2025. Meanwhile, petrol sales fell by 36.2 per cent and diesel by 18.4 per cent. During 2026, the FCAI says BEVs represent 18.9 per cent of the entire market, compared with 8.1 per cent at the same time in 2025. Acting CEO of the FCIA, Dianne O’Hara, said the result showed that the shift towards electrified vehicles was being sustained. “Australian motorists are embracing a broader range of powertrains, following greater model choice offered by manufacturers and growing competition,” she said in a media release. A 13.2 per cent decline in light commercial vehicle sales in September, compared to September 2025, was offset by 6.3 per cent growth in passenger vehicle sales and 6.1 per cent growth in SUV sales. “The changes seen throughout this year are continuing. Many consumers are making practical decisions and selecting from the 72 | Motor Trader October 2026
“ MANY CONSUMERS ARE MAKING PRACTICAL DECISION AND SELECTING FROM THE RANGE OF AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGIES THAT BEST MEET THEIR NEEDS ” range of available technologies that best meet their needs,” said Ms O’Hara. China was the largest source for vehicles sold in September, supplying 35.5 per cent of the market. Japan supplied 22.5 per cent, Thailand 17.3 per cent and South Korea 9.6 per cent. The best-selling models recorded by VFACTS were the Ford Ranger (5,062), Toyota RAV4 (4,624), Toyota HiLux (4,455), BYD Sealion 7 (2,687), Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (2,059), GWM Haval Jolion (2,018), Geely EX5 (2,008), Toyota Prado (2,006), Isuzu D-Max (1,866) and MG ZS (1,805). Tesla delivered 5654 vehicles. FCAI data showed Toyota leading manufacturer sales with 17,682 vehicles, with BYD (8,191), Ford (7,592), Kia (5,901) and Mazda (5,702) rounding out the top 5. Queensland sales were marginally up over September 2025 with 22,153 sales this year compared to 21,929 last year. NSW recorded a small fall of -0.8 per cent to 31,038; Victoria grew 3.5 per cent to 27,529; Western Australia shrank -1.6 per cent; and South Australia marked a small decrease too, down -0.3 per cent. The NT had a more significant fall of -13.3 per cent, while decent growth was recorded in the ACT (up 16.3 per cent) and Tasmania (up 8.5 per cent).
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Workplace relations
WHAT QUEENSLAND AUTOMOTIVE EMPLOYERS SHOULD TAKE FROM THE CHINCHILLA FATALITY CASE
BEN SWAN DIRECTOR WORKPLACE RELATIONS
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RECENT QUEENSLAND WORKPLACE prosecution is a sobering reminder of how quickly an ordinary workshop job can turn into a tragedy. It also carries some important lessons for automotive businesses, particularly those employing apprentices and young workers. In August, a Chinchilla heavy vehicle mechanical repair business was fined $550,000 following the death of a 16-yearold school-based apprentice. The company’s sole director was also fined $100,000, with a conviction recorded against him. Both the business and the director pleaded guilty to Category 2 offences under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld). The penalties are significant. But the circumstances leading up to the incident are probably more important for employers to understand, because many of the issues identified by the investigation could arise in an ordinary automotive workshop.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The incident occurred on 17 December 2021. The 16-year-old apprentice was working at a heavy vehicle mechanical repair business when an inadequately supported truck body collapsed, killing him. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland investigators found 74 | Motor Trader October 2026
that the truck’s on-board safety prop had been used contrary to the manufacturer’s instructions. It was positioned incorrectly and at the wrong angle while a detachable bin remained fitted to the truck. A technical report later identified that the bin should have been removed before the repair work was carried out. Investigators also found there had been no risk assessment for that category of work and workers had not been provided with, or instructed in, a safe work instruction for the task. Those findings should cause any automotive employer to stop and think about the way similar jobs are actually being performed in their own workshop. Is the safe method written down? Have workers been trained in it? Are the manufacturer’s instructions being followed? Or has the job simply been done the same way for years because “that’s how we’ve always done it”? This distinction matters.
SMALL WORKSHOP, SAME WHS OBLIGATIONS Being a small automotive business does not mean the basic WHS obligations are reduced. An apprentice or trainee is a “worker” for the purposes of Queensland’s WHS laws. A
person conducting a business or undertaking must, so far as is reasonably practicable, protect the health and safety of workers. That includes providing safe plant, safe systems of work and the information, training, instruction and supervision workers need to perform their jobs safely. The WHS Regulation also requires information, training and instruction to be “suitable and adequate”, taking into account the work being performed, the risks involved and the control measures being used. Training and instruction also needs to be provided, so far as reasonably practicable, in a way the worker can readily understand. For a workshop employing young apprentices, that last point should not be overlooked. Experience, familiarity and common sense all have their place. None of them replaces a proper safety system.
APPRENTICE SUPERVISION WAS A MAJOR ISSUE
The Chinchilla case was not only about the way the truck body had been supported. The business employed two 16-year-old school-based first-year apprentices who attended the workshop for only one or two days each week. The investigation found that their workshop managers had not received structured training or instruction about supervising that type of worker or carrying out competency assessments. The apprentices had also not been adequately trained or instructed in the relevant safe working methods. The managers told investigators they relied on their own experience when deciding what work apprentices could perform and how they should be supervised. That approach proved inadequate. Importantly, the Magistrate accepted that there were two separate problems with the business’s systems. The first problem concerned the training, induction and supervision of the young workers themselves. The second problem concerned the training provided to the people responsible for supervising them. A good mechanic is not automatically a good apprentice supervisor. Someone may have 20 years of trade experience and know a workshop inside out. That does not necessarily mean they have been taught how to assess an apprentice’s competence, explain hazards, check understanding or decide when an apprentice is ready to perform a task with less supervision.
WHAT SHOULD APPRENTICE SUPERVISION LOOK LIKE?
For higher-risk work, training should be practical and specific to the task. The apprentice should understand what can go wrong, what controls need to be used, what the manufacturer requires and, importantly, when the job needs to stop.
SOMEONE MAY HAVE 20 YEARS OF TRADE EXPERIENCE AND KNOW A WORKSHOP INSIDE OUT. THAT DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THEY HAVE BEEN TAUGHT HOW TO ASSESS AN APPRENTICE’S COMPETENCE, EXPLAIN HAZARDS, CHECK UNDERSTANDING OR DECIDE WHEN AN APPRENTICE IS READY TO PERFORM A TASK WITH LESS SUPERVISION. Competence should also be demonstrated rather than assumed. A sensible process is straightforward: explain the job, demonstrate the safe method, watch the apprentice perform it and confirm they can do it safely before reducing the level of supervision. The amount of supervision should then reflect both the risk involved and the apprentice’s actual level of competence. A first-year apprentice working around elevated vehicles, suspended components, stored energy or heavy plant plainly presents a different risk profile from an experienced tradesperson performing the same job. Having a tradesperson somewhere else in the workshop may not be enough.
THE VEHICLE AWARD ALSO PUTS BOUNDARIES AROUND APPRENTICE WORK The Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020 also needs to be kept in mind when deciding what work an apprentice can perform. The Award applies to apprentices subject to their apprenticeship or training contract, and requires employees to perform work within their skill and competence and consistently with the relevant skill definitions. In other words, employing someone as an apprentice is not a licence to give them any job that happens to come through the workshop. The Award does not contain a simple list of jobs that an apprentice is prohibited from doing, but the work allocated should be appropriate to the apprentice’s training, competence and stage of development. In Queensland, this sits alongside the employer’s obligation under the Further Education and Training Act 2014 (Qld) to provide the apprentice with the range of work, supervision and training required by their training plan. October 2026 Motor Trader | 75
For automotive industry employers, the practical question is not just “Can an apprentice do this job?”. To the contrary, the real question to ask is “Has this apprentice been trained and assessed as competent to do this job, and what level of supervision does it require?”
. . . THE REAL QUESTION TO ASK IS “HAS THIS APPRENTICE BEEN TRAINED AND ASSESSED AS COMPETENT TO FIVE THINGS AUTOMOTIVE EMPLOYERS DO THIS JOB, AND WHAT LEVEL OF SHOULD CHECK NOW 1. Risk-assess the jobs that can seriously hurt someone: SUPERVISION DOES IT REQUIRE?” Identify the workshop tasks where a mistake could have serious consequences. Vehicle hoists, elevated truck bodies, suspended loads, heavy components and stored energy are obvious examples. Look at the manufacturer’s requirements and consider whether the hazard can be eliminated altogether. If a body, bin, attachment or load can reasonably be removed before someone works underneath it, that option should be considered before relying on procedures, warnings or supervision alone. 2. Put the safe method in writing and train people in it: Do not rely on an apprentice learning a hazardous task by watching other mechanics. For recurring higher-risk work, have a clear task-specific procedure or instruction and train the apprentice against it. Keep a record of what was taught, who provided the training and whether the apprentice demonstrated that they could perform the job safely. A formal safe work method statement is appropriate where the legislation requires one. For other work, a clear and practical safe work procedure may be the better tool. The important thing is that the system reflects how the job should actually be done. 3. Train the people doing the supervising: Workshop managers and tradespeople responsible for apprentices need to understand more than the trade itself. They should know how to allocate work according to competence, explain hazards, check that instructions have been understood, step in when something is being done unsafely and gradually adjust supervision as an apprentice develops. The Chinchilla prosecution shows that the training of supervisors can itself become part of the scrutiny following a serious incident. 4. Match supervision to the worker and the job: “Supervised” should not simply mean that a qualified tradesperson happens to be somewhere on the premises. For work involving crushing hazards, elevated plant, suspended loads or similar risks, decide beforehand what level of supervision is required. 76 | Motor Trader October 2026
There should also be clear boundaries around tasks an apprentice cannot perform without approval, assistance or direct observation. Those boundaries matter most before something goes wrong. 5. Owners and directors need to check that the system actually works: Owners and directors have their own WHS responsibilities. It is not enough to have a safety manual, risk assessments and training forms sitting in a folder. Those responsible for the business should be getting into the workshop, checking whether procedures are actually being followed, reviewing training and competency records, making sure supervisors are doing what the system requires and responding to hazards and near misses when they arise. A safety system that exists only on paper is not much of a safety system at all.
THE KEY TAKEAWAY
The Chinchilla case involved the worst possible outcome with the tragic, but avoidable death of a 16-year-old apprentice. For automotive employers, the lesson is not that every workshop needs another layer of paperwork. It is that the systems used to manage hazardous work need to be real, understood and followed. That means identifying the dangerous jobs, working out the safe method, training workers properly, making sure apprentices are competent before they are left to perform higher-risk work and ensuring the people supervising them know what effective supervision actually requires. For owners and directors, it also means checking for themselves that those systems are operating in the workshop and not simply making an assumption that they are. MTA Queensland members are encouraged to complete a complimentary workplace health & safety audit as part of their membership. ◆ The information in this article is general and does not constitute legal advice. For more information, or any other workplace relations advice and assistance, contact MTAQ on 07 3237 8777.
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UPSKILL TODAY TO EXPAND YOUR WORKSHOP SERVICES TOMORROW
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HE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY continues to change, and for MICHELLE KING workshops, staying ahead DIRECTOR, MTA INSITITUTE isn’t just about investing in OPERATIONS new equipment or technology. It’s also about making sure your people have the skills and confidence to take on new work when it comes through the door. At MTA Institute, we’re encouraging businesses to think about upskilling before the demand is already there. Electric and hybrid vehicles are a good example. Workshops don’t need to transform into EV specialists overnight, but there is an opportunity to start building capability now based on the type of work you want your team to be able to undertake. For technicians who are new to EVs, introductory training can provide a foundation in electric vehicle technology, high-voltage safety, hazards, PPE and basic systems. For workshops wanting technicians to safely work with high-voltage vehicles, accredited training in depowering and reinitialising hybrid and battery electric vehicles provides more targeted practical capability. For qualified technicians ready to go further, MTA Institute also offers the AURSS00064 Battery Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing Skill Set and AURSS00037 Hybrid Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing Skill Set. Delivered together, these skill sets build more advanced capability across high-voltage systems, isolation and depowering, servicing, diagnostics, battery systems and EV and hybrid repairs.
WORKSHOPS DON'T NEED TO TRANSFORM INTO EV SPECIALISTS OVERNIGHT, BUT THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO START BUILDING CAPABILITY NOW . . . The depower and reinitialise competencies are already included within these broader skill sets, so businesses can choose the level of training that best matches what they actually want their technicians to be able to do. And it’s not only emerging technology where planning ahead matters. With summer approaching, now is also a good time for workshops to look at their automotive air conditioning capability. If air conditioning work is something you want to offer or expand, getting technicians trained and ready before the summer rush is much easier than trying to build capability once customers are already asking for it. MTA Institute’s training is designed to help automotive businesses build practical skills across their workforce, whether that’s responding to new technology, expanding workshop services or developing existing technicians. The key is to start with the outcome: What work do you want your workshop to be able to do? From there, we can help identify CLICK TO the training that makes sense for VISIT THE MTA INSTITUTE your technicians, your business WEBSITE and where you want to go next. To discuss upcoming training or upskilling opportunities for your team, contact MTA Institute.
September 2026 Motor Trader | 79
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 Jacob Litfin
QUALIFICATION
students complete their trade qualification. Congratulations to everyone who was issued a qualification in September 2026. It's a fantastic achievement!
Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology Braiden Channells Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Charles Clark Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Francis Narciso Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Zane Quattromani Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Blaze Turner Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Al Kenneth Dee Vergara Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Curtis Vidulich Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Brock West Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Matthew Williams Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Joshua Agius Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology Benjamin Baker Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology Chloe May Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology Yyaell Myers Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology Dru Thompson Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology Ethan Thompson-Jensen Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology Levi King Certificate III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting) Rueben Bishop Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Blake Bulow Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Jacob Holloway Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Jake Nolan Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology William Stankunas Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Zackary Tagget Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Bejay Andersen Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Bailey Baker Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Samsyn Banks Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Lyndon Boddice Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Frankie Brica Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Jackson Butler Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology James Cochrane Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Luke Dasecke Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Jake Day Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Chloi Drury Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Jonas Gibson Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Lincon Howitt-Steven Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Hudson Inches Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Hayden Jacobsen Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Ben Jones Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Nicholaos-Constandinos Lampropoulos Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Marvin Ling Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Caleb McLean Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Merlin Merkel Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Tanner Moratti Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Jesse Randall Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Caleb Seng Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology 80 | Motor Trader October 2026
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Hannes van der Walt Antony Joslin James Ortiz Domenic Pagano Gareth Hartley Stephen Blaauw Michael De Waard Stephen Blaauw Michael De Waard Adrian Renton Patrick Cranitch Alfio Rotolone Alfio Rotolone Ronil Datt Alfio Rotolone Alfio Rotolone Ivan Aird Wayne Fitzgerald Hannes van der Walt Wayne Fitzgerald Scott Buckley James Westerman Craig Langson Gareth Hartley Adrian Renton David Twidale Colin Crichton Hannes van der Walt Andrew Kruisdyk Domenic Pagano Terry Palfrey Colin Crichton Phillip Liebel Damien O'Connor Jens Puder Scott Buckley Grahame Phillips Jens Puder James Tuttle Stephen Baker David Twidale Wayne Fitzgerald Domenic Pagano John Harrison David Twidale
NEED HELP FINDING STAFF? Talk to MTA Queensland today! At MTA Queensland, our Industry Initiatives Team works alongside automotive businesses across Queensland to help them grow, diversify, and future-proof their workforce. Whether you’re looking for entry-level staff, eager new apprentices, or to establish longterm workforce planning in your organisation, we deliver tailored, practical solutions to help your business thrive – and ensure the industry stays competitive, diverse, and future-ready.
SUPPORTING WORKFORCE GROWTH Providing tailored solutions to small and medium employers, helping to address challenges, diversify their workforce, and support productivity growth.
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Apprentice of the Month: September 2026 The MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month is proudly sponsored by CareSuper
For a 27-year-old with a young family, becoming an apprentice again was not an easy decision to make. “I had a chat with the wife and we thought well, if I'm going to do it, I might as well just jump in the deep end and go from there,” said Cameron. The apprenticeship opportunity he sought came via a Facebook post he made asking whether anyone in automotive was seeking a mature-age apprentice. That post brought a message from BMG’s then service AMERON RANKIN IS the MTA manager inviting him for an interview. Institute Apprentice of the “I came in and had a chat and everything seemed Month for September 2026. to go very well,” said Cameron. “This was late November/ The 30-year-old, fourth-year light vehicle apprentice at early December, and they told me that I probably wouldn’t Bundaberg Motor Group (BMG) has been recognised for his hear back from them until after the New Year. Two days later, I technical ability, commitment to learning and contribution to received another call from the service manager asking me to the dealership’s team, and this award marks a milestone in a come in, do some paperwork, and start the next Monday!” long journey to establishing an automotive career. For Cameron, working for BMG means working mainly on That journey began when Cameron was a youngster Nissan and Isuzu, although he has gained experience across helping his father work on cars. Although his dad was not a the dealership’s many other brands. He enjoys all aspects of mechanic, his practical knowledge, along with many hours the job, he said, and is already on the training track to become spent working on his prized HQ Premier, helped introduce an Isuzu Master Tech. Cameron to mechanical work. Thanks to the variety of models sold at BMG, he is also However, although Cameron harboured the interest in gaining experience across a wide range of vehicle technologies, becoming a technician, the path to the automotive industry including electric vehicles (EVs). It's a tech he recognises will was not straightforward and, initially, he found himself play an important part in his career, although his personal heading in a different direction. “My school was not the biggest - we only had maybe 300 to preference remains firmly with internal combustion power. “It interests me as to how it all works and where it's 350 from Prep to Grade 12 - and we only had minimal options heading, but I'd much prefer a V8,” he said with a laugh. towards that sort of thing,” said Cameron. “So I was doing a Whatever powers the vehicle, however, the part of his job school-based apprenticeship as a boilermaker.” he enjoys most is ensuring the customer gets their car back in However, that wasn't the career he wanted and, after leaving school, he left that behind too. Unfortunately, pursuing the best condition. “It’s all good but it’s more the satisfaction of having a mechanical training seemed out of reach at the time. customer come in with an issue and being able to help with “When you leave school, life hits and you need steady that issue and sort it out,” he said. income and it wasn't an option at that point to chase the Looking ahead, Cameron hopes to one day put his skills, and dream of becoming a mechanic,” he explained. that commitment to customer service, into building a business Instead, Cameron spent the next few years working in of his own. It is an ambition he and his wife discussed before Bundaberg in security and parcel delivery, while also getting he began his apprenticeship, and one that gives his career married and starting a family. change a purpose beyond becoming qualified. While his personal life couldn’t have been better, CLICK “I'd love to open up my own business – a there was the nagging feeling of unfinished TO VISIT THE BUNDABERG family-run business – and have something for business where automotive was concerned, and MOTOR GROUP the kids when they get older,” he said. as his work shifts began to make it difficult to WEBSITE With qualification a handful of months away, balance work with family life, his desire to build a that goal is moving ever closer. solid career as a technician resurfaced.
APPRENTICE: CAMERON RANKIN APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE MECHANICAL WORKPLACE: BUNDABERG MOTOR GROUP
C
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NOM IN ATE FOR THE MTA INS T IT U TE A PP RE N TIC E O F T H E M O NT H AWARD • A re yo u employ i ng a n a p p re nti ce wh o is excelling i n the wor kp l a ce? • Do yo u have a h i g h - a ch i ev i ng ap p rent ice co lle a g ue? • A re they t rainin g wi th MTA In s ti tute? If th e a ns wer is ‘ye s ’, the n nom i nate t h e m fo r t he M TA Ins ti tu te Ap p re nti ce of th e Mo nt h Awa rd.
C L I C K H ER E FO R MOR E I N FO R M AT IO N
NEW ENERGY INCENTIVES OPEN OPPORTUNITIES FOR AUTOMOTIVE APPRENTICES & EMPLOYERS
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USTRALIAN AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESSES taking on apprentices who gain genuine experience working with electric and hybrid vehicles may be eligible for thousands of dollars in Australian Government support under the Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP). Changes to the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System introduced from 1 January 2026 placed greater emphasis on apprenticeships supporting new energy and housing construction, with eligible full-time apprentices able to receive up to $10,000 over their apprenticeship and employers potentially receiving up to $5,000. For eligible full-time apprentices under the KAP program, payments of $2,000 are available at six, 12, 24 and 36 months and on completion. Part-time apprentices may receive up to $5,000. Eligible employers taking on a full-time KAP apprentice can receive up to $5,000. For part-time apprentices, there’s an up to $2,500 incentive. While electric vehicle (EV) technology is the most obvious fit for a New Energy Incentive, the potential reach within automotive is broader. The current Australian Apprenticeships Priority List includes Electric Vehicle Technician, Automotive Electrician and Automotive Technician (General) as occupations within the new-energy area. Qualifications associated with those occupations include Automotive Electrical Technology, 84 | Motor Trader October 2026
Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Mobile Plant Technology, Motorcycle Mechanical Technology, Automotive Body Repair Technology and Automotive Engine Reconditioning, among others. Access to the New Energy incentives is subject to eligibility requirements and these were part of a discussion between Automotive Industry Skills & Jobs Advisor Wayne Lee, Apprenticeship Support Australia Business Relationship Manager Scott Lawler, and Apprentice Employment Network QLD & NT Executive Officer Craig Westwood. Mr Lawler said eligibility required genuine alignment between the qualification, training and work performed in the workplace. “Some automotive apprenticeships are eligible for New Energy Incentives.
However, it is not automatic. To be eligible for the KAP program, both the employer and the apprentice must meet the set requirements and the intent of the program underlined under the Australian apprentieship incentive system,” he said. That means a traditional workshop may qualify even if it services a mixed fleet of petrol, diesel, hybrid and EVs, provided the apprentice receives ongoing exposure to new-energy work and training. For employers, consideration of the apprentice’s training plan is important. Craig Westwood said businesses should examine whether their actual work matches the qualification being undertaken and ensure that supervision is appropriate to meet incentive requirements. “It’s important to note that meaningful supervision is directive, supportive and consistent oversight of the apprentice’s work - not simply that the supervisor is present in the workplace,” he said. With electrified vehicles increasingly forming part of everyday workshop operations, the new energy incentives offer automotive businesses an opportunity to invest in apprentice skills while preparing their workforce for changing vehicle
VIDEO: NEW ENERGY INCENTIVES DISCUSSION
technology. They are, said Wayne Lee, a positive step that should be considered by all employers. “They support both businesses and apprentices as the industry adapts to changing vehicle technology,” he said. “They provide an opportunity to build the skills our workforce will need while helping employers invest in the next generation of automotive professionals.” • T his incentives scheme is set
to undergo amendments that are scheduled to be introduced in 2027. ◆ Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor program is proudly funded by the Queensland Government.
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AUTOMOTIVE TALENT RECOGNISED AT STATE TRAINING AWARDS
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UTOMOTIVE TALENT GOT its moment in the spotlight last month at the 2026 Queensland Training Awards state final, and a team from MTA Queensland - which was a sponsor of the awards - and the MTA Institute were in attendance to support finalists and acknowledge achievements across the vocational education sector. Held in Brisbane on 19 September, the Tahlia Mundraby-Holmes awards brought finalists together from from across Queensland, including MTA Institute trainer Colin Crichton who was in the running for VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year after earlier winning the Central Queensland regional award. Although he missed out on the big prize, reaching the final recognised Colin's contribution to developing the automotive industry’s next generation of workers and also highlighted the skill and experience that runs deep through the ranks of the Nicola Todd MTA Institute training team. III in Mobile Plant Technology through Other standout results on the night for FNQ Vocational Academy and the MTA the automotive industry saw Townsville Institute. Tahlia won the School-based heavy vehicle mechanic Nicola Todd Apprentice or Trainee of the Year award. claim the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice Congratulations to all! of the Year award. Nicola, who works at Penske Australia and New The MTA Queensland team Zealand, now holds three trade qualifications and will be the subject of an Auto Women profile feature in an upcoming edition of Motor Trader. Also a winner was Cairns apprentice CLICK TO VIEW ALL THE Tahlia MundrabyFINALISTS & Holmes, who WINNERS AT THE QTA AWARDS is completing a Certificate 86 | Motor Trader October 2026
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Motor Trader’s Christmas Gift Guide ❶
❷ ❸
❶ TORANA ACROSS THE AGES BAR RUNNER Few cars are as unmistakably Australian and iconic as the Holden Torana. Featuring vibrant artwork created from an original pencil sketch by StreetPrintz owner and artist Mark, this Torana bar mat is digitally airbrushed for a striking look. The Rubber backing is non-slip and offers stability for your drinks, making this a fun, practical gift for any Torana fan. Size: 88cm x 25cm
Price*: $50 (plus postage) Available from: www.streetprintz.com.au
❷ BUILT TO STAND OUT. JUST LIKE HELLVETTE. Inspired by Cris Cross and his legendary HELLVETTE Corvette, these Octane Legends aren’t made to blend in. 88 | Motor Trader October 2026
• Polarised lenses • Bold Legend frame • Maximum attitude HELLVETTE - now available in the Octane Legends range.
Price*: $49.95 Available from: www.hi-octane.com.au
❸ MERCEDES BENZ 300SL KEYRING
& WOODEN GARAGE
Celebrate the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing with this keyring and beechwood wall-mounted garage. Featuring a detailed 1:87-scale Schuco die-cast model, the solid timber garage mounts easily to the wall with the included wall mounting bracket and accessories. Supplied in a gift box, this might be perfect for Mercedes enthusiasts. • Die-cast metal car with plastic parts
❺
❹
• Scale 1/87, length approx. 50 mm • Colour of car is red • Garage of beech wood, 46 x 50 x 44 mm
Price*: $79.90 Available from: www.thedesigngiftshop.com
❹ PORSCHE GT4 3D WALL ART A Porsche GT4 sculpted in relief and handgilded in gold or silver leaf, set against black in a 33 x 33 cm box frame with a glass front. Each piece is made to order in JP Designs' UK studio. A distinctive addition to a study, garage or games room, and an ideal gift for a Porsche enthusiast.
Price*: £39.99 ($76.09) Available from: www.jp-designs.co.uk
your team this Christmas? Surprise your staff with an Automotive Themed TradeMutt Work Shirt - designed for our industry, made to make a difference. These bright, bold shirts do more than just stand out - they support mental health across the blue-collar community. Each shirt helps fund TIACS, a free text and call service connecting tradies, truckies, and blue-collar workers with qualified mental health professionals. Featuring the tagline “Don’t shut the bonnet on it”, this special automotive edition reminds us all to stay open and check in with those around us. Order your shirts and help drive awareness for mental health across our industry.
❺ GIVE THE GIFT THAT STARTS
Price*: $75 Available from MTA Queensland
Looking for a meaningful way to thank
* Price at time of writing
A CONVERSATION
October 2026 Motor Trader | 89
Concept corner
Z KAZE CONCEPT REWINDS TO THE TUNER ERA
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ISSAN HAS REVEALED the Z Kaze concept at the 2026 ZCON enthusiast convention in Arizona in the U.S., blending modern Z performance with styling and engineering cues inspired by the brand’s open-top sports cars and 1990s tuner culture. The concept was developed by Nissan North America product planners and designers as a heritage-focused
90 | Motor Trader October 2026
project celebrating seven generations of Z sports cars. Finished in Pacific Teal, the Kaze has a custom-engineered T-top roof, plus a vented carbon-fibre bonnet, fender flares and a custom carbon-fibre aerodynamic body kit. It rides on restored 18-inch NISMO LMGT2 forged multi-piece wheels, measuring 10 inches wide at the front and 11 inches at the rear.
October 2026 Motor Trader | 91
Inside, the concept features white leather-appointed seats, carbon-fibre trim and Bose Personal Plus headrest speakers intended to maintain sound quality with the roof panels removed. Mechanical upgrades continue the tuner theme. The Z’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 is paired with GReddy components including a SUPREME SP exhaust system, front-mount air-toair intercooler and Airinx air filter kit. The suspension has also been upgraded with NISMO components. While Nissan has not announced production plans, the Z Kaze serves as a showcase of how the currentgeneration Z can be reinterpreted through the brand’s performance heritage and the Japanese tuner scene of the 1990s.
THE CONCEPT WAS DEVELOPED BY NISSAN NORTH AMERICA PRODUCT PLANNERS AND DESIGNERS AS A HERITAGEFOCUSED PROJECT CELEBRATING SEVEN GENERATIONS OF Z SPORTS CARS.
MTA INSTITUTE
ACCREDITED COURSES
RTO No: 31529
Accredited courses are nationally recognised and lead to a formal Vocational Education and Training qualification being issued.
AUTOMOTIVE VOCATIONAL PREPARATION COURSE
BATTERY ELECTRIC AND HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES COURSE 13 - 16 Oct 2026 LIMITED PLACES 10 - 13 Nov 2026
AUTO CAMP SOLD OUT ALL LOCATIONS
9 Nov - 10 Dec 2026
DEPOWER AND REINITIALISE HEVS AND BEVS 12 Oct 2026 9 Nov 2026
AIR CONDITIONING COURSE 6 - 7 Oct 2026 SOLD OUT 26 - 27 Oct 2026 4 - 5 Nov 2026
Enquiries to: courses@mtai.edu.au Website www.mtai.edu.au
MTA QUEENSLAND
NON-ACCREDITED COURSES
Non-Accredited courses equip the learner with specific knowledge and skills but do not lead towards a recognised qualification.
MIG WELDING FUNDAMENTALS COURSE TO BE ADVISED
ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS COURSES AWARENESS COURSE
POST-TRADE TRAINING AVAILABLE ONLINE
24 Nov 2026
VEHICLE GLASS COURSE TO BE ADVISED
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE COURSE
TECHNICIAN COURSE TO BE ADVISED
17 Oct 2026
*Course dates subject to change
20170566
Enquiries to: courses@mtaq.com.au Website www.mtaq.com.au
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