Motor Trader e-magazine, September 2020 by MTAQ IT

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

JONATHAN NASH EDITOR

POLICY Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland

ELLO AND WELCOME to the September 2020 edition of Motor Trader. It has been a while since we have been able to report on the MTAQ Racing Team - as we are all very much aware, at the beginning of the year the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions put in place to control its spread put pretty much everything on hold. However, in August, the racing team was able to return to the track at Morgan Park Raceway in Warwick to take part in the first round of the Hyundai Excel X3 Queensland championship. While that on its own was something worth celebrating, the really big news for the team was the inclusion of the Excel category as a support class to the Townsville SuperSprint Supercars event held at the beginning of September.

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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.

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Being part of a Supercar events such as the SuperSprint just goes to show what a popular category the Excels have become. It's no surprise really as the competition is fierce, the racing is rough and tumble, and it is relatively inexpensive for anyone with a hankering to get out on the track to be involved. And with the inclusion of some bigname drivers and big-name teams at Townsville - along with national television covergage - the category is just getting stronger. You can read more about the MTAQ Racing Team and their efforts at Warwick and Townsville from page 18. Also in this edition, along with our automotive news and innovation sections, we talk to Angelo De Maria from Advanced Auto Electrics and Mechanical in Innisfail for out MTA Q&A feature, and take a look at the extraordinary T.50 supercar from renowned designer Gordon Murray. I hope you enjoy this edition, and if you have any news to share or have a classic vehicle you'd like to see featured in a future Motor Trader, please do get in contact. Cheers, Jonathan Nash, Editor jonathann@mtaq.com.au

A quick note on imagery in the magazine. We do use older, pre-COVID outbreak images to illustrate some of our articles, as well as stock and supplied pictures. We take the safety of our members, students, staff and the community very seriously and would not want the community to think we have intentionally breached any social distancing safety rules.

September 2020 Motor Trader | 1

Contents

18 04 08 12 18

FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO POLICY/VIEWPOINT MTA |Q&A MTAQ RACING TEAM JOINS TOWNSVILLE SUPERCARS SPECTACLE AS EXCEL CHAMPIONSHIP KICKS INTO GEAR 26 AN EYE ON INNOVATION 28 AUTO INNOVATION NEWS 42 THE GMA T.50 50 AUTO NEWS 62 BUSINESS PROFILES: INTRODUCING OUR MTA QUEENSLAND MEMBERS 68 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS 71 TRAINING GM'S PROFESSIONAL CIRCLE PERSPECTIVE 75 APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH: AUGUST 2020 76 PROFESSIONAL CIRCLE TRAINING 80 PLUGGED IN 84 CONCEPT CORNER 88 MARKET WRAP

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From the Desk of the CEO “WHILST TECHNOLOGIES HAVE ADVANCED, THE MANAGEMENT OF THE INDUSTRY’S PLASTIC WASTE EMANATING FROM REPAIR PROCESSES OR COLLISIONS HAS NOT.” BRETT DALE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MTA QUEENSLAND

LYING UNDER THE radar almost unnoticed is an initiative of longterm benefit to the automotive value chain and to the Australian environment that I now share with members. It is the ambitious Waste Motive initiative that aims to better manage the automotive industry’s plastic waste liability. Over the past two decades, the trend in automotive technologies is to increase fuel efficiency and reduce carbon missions. This has led to a significant increase in the amount of plastics used in automobiles which is now almost a third of the volume of all the materials. Whilst technologies have advanced, the management of the industry’s plastic waste emanating from repair processes or collisions has not. There is little regulation or action taken on how automotive plastic is managed, where it ends up and how it is processed by industry or individuals who pick it up. The current options for the collection and recycling of automobile plastics are limited with the vast majority of it ending up in landfill as there is little reuse or recycling of these parts. The Waste Motive initiative’s core objective is to better manage the automotive industry’s plastic waste. To achieve this, the initiative brings together automotive industry leaders, community 4 | Motor Trader September 2020

groups and government to work cohesively to achieve plastic waste sustainability. A partner in the Waste Motive consortium is Planet Ark - a leader in environmental sustainability. It developed the Australian Circular Economy Hub where research work is undertaken on redesigning our waste and pollution, creating new ownership models and innovative systems to recover material. Currently, Planet Ark is working with members of the Waste Motive initiative to develop a Product Stewardship Scheme under the Federal government’s Product Stewardship Act. The Scheme aims to work with all sectors of the industry to reuse/ repair parts and recover as much ‘end-oflife’ plastic as possible from automobiles to create new high-value output streams. The Federal Government recently introduced the Recycling and Waste Management Bill 2020 that implements the agreement by all levels of Australia’s government to ban the export of waste plastic, glass and tyres. The ban on mixed plastics applies from 1 July 2021, whole used tyres from 1 December 2020, and single resin or polymer plastics from 1 July 2022. The Government made targeted investments to support the objectives of the legislation, including $20 million for the National Product Stewardship Investment Fund (the Fund). Planet Ark, in the capacity of the Waste Motive initiative’s lead partner, applied for a grant from the Product

MOBILITY

Stewardship Investment Fund. MTA Queensland supported in writing Planet Ark’s application to the Fund to define and develop the Waste Motive national automobile plastics stewardship program. Its aim is to divert over 900 tonnes of automotive plastic from general waste per year and create new jobs across Australia. We have a strong relationship with Planet Ark which is reflected in the 2019-2021 Strategic Plan. The Corporate Responsibility Statement includes the use of Planet Ark’s 100 per cent recycled printer paper and hand paper/toilet tissue. Recently, we partnered again with Planet Ark to install an additional 240 265kW solar panels on the roof of the corporate office to augment the original 120 panels bringing the total energy system size to 99.6 kW. Collaboration with Planet Ark and support for its application builds on the investment in the Australian Tyre recycler, Green Distillation Technologies Corporation, which have developed a world-first process that turns end-of-life car and truck tyres into high value oil, carbon and steel. This process is a solution the enormous global issue of stockpiling end-of-life tyres which is a major environmental problem.

Since 2018, MTA Queensland has been working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to contribute to the government’s Cooperative and Automated Vehicle Initiative (CAVI.) Under a State Government Advance Regional Innovation Program (ARIP), we are also in partnership with the Ipswich City Council (ICC) examining opportunities to advance future mobility. Running current to our work is CAVI, which commenced in 2019 and is the nation’s largest connected vehicle trial in Ipswich. The trial involves 500 vehicles retrofitted with Cooperative Intelligent Transport technologies. The introduction of the CAVs to the Queensland network has begun and the transition to full autonomy will continue to be gradual and the work we have done with ICC is likely to complement or advance trials underway through increased collaboration. The ARIP seeks to define and generate solutions to improve collaboration between government, industry and academia in the mobility technologies and emerging transport services sector. We have been collaborating with academia and professional bodies to address mobility issues and a set of problems and opportunities that impact Ipswich. It is recognised that the future of mobility will cause significant disruption in the behaviour and composition of the current workforce. We are in the process of considering a draft Future of Mobility Strategic Assessment prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers for ICC and MTA Queensland. September 2020 Motor Trader | 5

From the Desk of the CEO FEDERAL BUDGET PRIORITIES This 2020-2021 Federal Budget to be handed down on 6 October will be pivotal to the recovery of the Australian economy for the forward years. It will be closely watched for the nation’s forecast financial performance and the government’s fiscal policy but more importantly for the national reconstruction investments and policy measures to assist industries, businesses, households and workers recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic. In our submission to the Federal Treasury outlining our priorities, we stated that the economic stimulus measures proved vital in sustaining businesses in the automotive trades. We stressed that going forward, although resilience was apparent, it was important that there be continued help to businesses to rebuild through the recovery phase. The submission is on the website for members to peruse.

STATE ELECTION PRIORITIES Upcoming is the State general election on 31 October which will determine the government for the next four years. Of crucial importance in this election will be the political parties' policies to rebuild the state’s shattered economy from the COVID-19 pandemic. For this purpose, I have scheduled a meeting with the Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman. I am in the process of seeking a meeting with the Shadow Minister Fiona Simpson. Later in the month I will be meeting with the Leader of the LNP, Deb Frecklington. The portfolio responsibilities and policy measures that fall under the Minister and the Shadow Ministers are the MTA Queensland’s ‘bread and butter’ matters. Whilst I will be keen to hear their policy plans for the coming four years, I will stress the need 6 | Motor Trader September 2020

to support productivity, cut compliance obligations and the cost of doing business. In addition to these meetings, we will be submitting policy priorities and initiatives to the major political parties. These submissions will stress the importance of an economic plan to address the COVID-19 recovery and to take the State’s economy forward over the next four years.

AND THE LAST THING Congratulations to MTA Queensland’s 2019 Apprentice of the Year Kimberley Wallace who was named a finalist in this year’s Queensland Training Awards - the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year Award (Central Queensland region). Kimberley is from Emerald and employed by MTAQ member Morgan Motors in that regional town. She recently completed her parts interpreting apprenticeship in which she achieved 100 per cent in her final examination results - one of only three students to have achieved that grade. Congratulations must also go to several MTA Queensland members who were victorious at the awards, including in the categories of Small Employer of the Year (North Queensland) - R.H.D. Classic Supplies and Services; Large Employer of the Year (South East Queensland) - Frizelle Sunshine Automotive; and MTAQ member Von Bibra Auto Village for their apprentice Alex Lees who was named the Apprentice of the Year & Equity VET Student of the Year (South East Queensland). Not to let technology go unmentioned, but did you know there are currently 700 pieces of legislation that reference a human driver that will need to be modified to suit autonomous technology? Until next month, as Henry Ford, the industrialist and the founder of the Ford motor company said, ‘execute ideas with enthusiasm . . . as it is the bottom of all progress’.

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

Policy/Viewpoint

KELLIE DEWAR DEPUTY GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES

NEXPECTED FINANCIAL TWISTS have emerged in the automotive sector as it transits the COVID-19 lockdown through to the recovery phase, and it is our members who have experienced the twists – some surprisingly good and others grim. I share some insights provided to me. On the positive side of the ledger, after a long period in the doldrums, our Automotive Remarketing Division (ARD) Chair Peter Dever reported the positive business conditions currently being experienced: ‘2020 has continued to be what has been unprecedented for the used car industry. Following the arrival of COVID-19 restrictions, our sector has gone from grinding to a halt, with auction houses forced to cancel auctions and used car stock drying up, to record sales in the space of a few months. Sales of used vehicles continue to be strong, with wholesale prices firming due to a lack of stock.’ Consistent with the strong used car market experienced by our ARD members, a popular selling website indicated that from April to June there was a 19 per cent increase in used car automotive searches amounting to 155 million. Department

8 | Motor Trader September 2020

“FOLLOWING THE ARRIVAL OF COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS, OUR SECTOR HAS GONE FROM GRINDING TO A HALT, WITH AUCTION HOUSES FORCED TO CANCEL AUCTIONS AND USED CAR STOCK DRYING UP, TO RECORD SALES IN THE SPACE OF A FEW MONTHS.” of Transport registration transfer data indicates there were 39,795 dealer-toprivate used car sales for the quarter to 30 June 2020. Of interest too, was the almost 83,000 transfer units for the same period. Household and worker interest in, or the purchase of, used cars and for other discretionary spending may stem from the Federal government’s stimulus measures. On the other hand, the purchase of a used car may be to upgrade to a newer model until an electric vehicle is purchased. A recent Electric Vehicle Council survey indicated of those who responded, 56 per cent would consider purchasing an electric vehicle as their next vehicle. This represented a steady increase from 48 per cent in 2018. In 2019 electric vehicle sales tripled from 2,216 to 6,718 units. So far in 2020, electric vehicle sales have proved to be resilient even through COVID-19, with 3,226 electric vehicles sold in the first half of the year. In contrast to the positive used car and electric vehicle markets, our Australian Automotive Dealers’ Chair James Robertson reports of 28 months of declining new car sales amidst ongoing challenging conditions facing the market, including the COVID-19 pandemic. For the month of July, a total of 72,505 new

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

vehicles were sold across Australia, almost 10,700 fewer than corresponding month last year. This suggests other complicating factors beyond COVID-19 restrictions are in play such as stock shortages and subdued consumer and business confidence. The auto parts recycling industry is regarded in some sectors as the ‘ugly duckling’ of the automotive value chain. It will, in time, turn into the ‘swan’ the industry needs. It may not be as beautiful as the story says, but its value will emerge, providing a significant role in the automotive parts supply chain. It needs to be recognised as an integral part of the automotive value chain and appreciated for its environmental and financial value. The transition to electric vehicles from internal combustion engine vehicles will create an environmental issue for society which the parts and recycling sector will be at the forefront in resolving. Substantial increases in fees and red tape associated with the new environmental application and registration process are having a negative impact on this industry sector. We continue to work through members concerns.

Despite the year becoming filled with ‘cancel culture’ due to the very necessary restrictions placed on the community by COVID-19, we are pleased to be continuing with one of the highlights in our event calendar. Normally taking its place within the spectacular Industry Awards Gala night program, this year the Apprentice of the Year award will be presented at its own stand-alone event. Later in October, 12 outstanding candidates will be vying for the title of MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year. The event will take on a new hybrid format, whereby some attendees will come along to celebrate in person while others will join online via a Zoom link. The Apprentice of the Year candidates come from a pool of winners of the preceding Apprentice of the Month award. The talent this year is quite outstanding, making the executive leadership decision very difficult. We would like to thank the event supporter MTAA Super who have for many years been aligned with this award. We look forward to celebrating this night along with family, friends, trainers, and employers of the apprentices and wish all the finalists the best of luck.

ELECTIONS AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS FOR DIVISIONS By way of keeping our members informed, we provide the following update. As the Australian Election Commission (AEC) continues to respond to the developing COVID-19 pandemic, Industrial Elections are on hold until the end of September 2020. Specific information has September 2020 Motor Trader | 9

Policy/Viewpoint been provided to registered organisations, the Registered Organisations Commission, and the Fair Work Commission. However, where elections are essential to ensure the continuing governance of the organisation, the AEC will work with those organisations and the Registered Organisations Commission to ensure these critical positions proceed to election. We offer assurance to members that this does not affect our operations or governance. All elected members will remain in their current positions to represent the interests of your division. As we finalise the outcome on our 2020 elections schedule, members would have seen some Annual General Meetings were cancelled. We hope to reschedule these to be held in October and remind all members that you are welcome to participate. Our Industry Skills Advisor has been an important and regular feature in all our recent division meetings. Our members and committees can provide direct feedback essential to shape current and future policy. As advised previously, MTA Queensland has been selected as the Industry Skills Advisory organisation for the automotive industry, reporting directly to the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training. Industry Skills Advisors will engage with employers, small business, and industry stakeholders to provide high quality, evidence-based industry advice and intelligence about current and emerging industry direction, regional skills needs and training solutions, job growth and employment opportunities. At any time we welcome all feedback from members you can make contact, provide feedback or find out more here. 10 | Motor Trader September 2020

“THANK YOU TO ALL MEMBERS WHO SUPPORTED THE WRITTEN-OFF VEHICLE E-PETITION THROUGH QUEENSLAND PARLIAMENT.” MEMBER FEEDBACK OPPORTUNITIES Thank you to all members who supported the written-off vehicle e-petition through Queensland Parliament. The purpose was to encourage the Government to consider and act on the recommendations of the review and fast track their implementation. The response from the Hon Mark Bailey MP Transport and Main Roads is due shortly. We have also circulated a survey recently to our Engine Reconditioners Division on future member engagement and participation. Your Chairman and committee are very keen to welcome more participants to meetings and will be assessing some of the options that suit you best. Please check your inbox and complete the survey. If it has not come through, please do not hesitate to contact member services on info@mtaq.com.au

FINALLY Some trivia: Did you know that the legendary singer Johnny Cash was a car collector with his best-known car being a 1970 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow? It is now a Tesla-powered electric vehicle. Shift EV, a company in Oregon in the U.S., was given the task of turning it into an electric-powered vehicle. Not only is the ‘man in black’s vintage Roller now battery powered, it also features the Tesla infotainment screen in the boot to keep the interior appearing as original as possible. Until next Viewpoint take care and stay safe.

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Angelo and Teena De Maria

MTA|Q&A Born and bred in Far North Queensland, Angelo De Maria has been committed to his community and his business for more than 30 years. Today, along with his wife Teena, Angelo lives and breathes their business, Advanced Auto Electrics and Mechanical in Innisfail. WORDS & PHOTOS: LARA WILDE

Angelo, how did your career in the Automotive Industry kick off? ADM: In October 1988, I had the opportunity to do a job week, which is similar to the current work experience. The job week was with Ralph Saunders, 12 | Motor Trader September 2020

who kept me on until Christmas that year and then started me as an apprentice auto electrician in January of 1989. I finished my apprenticeship in January of 1993 and kept working for Ralph until April 1997.

Advanced Auto Electrics & Mechanical, Innisfail QLD

"IN 2004, TEENA AND I JOINED FORCES AND IN 2005 WE BOUGHT MORRIS AUTO ELECTRICS IN INNISFAIL." What was your next move after leaving your mentor? ADM: My time with Ralph not only gave

me a skillset in the industry but also the confidence to start my own business. My first business was De Maria Auto Electrics in Innisfail, which went very well but was stressful. While I felt very competent as a tradesman on the tools, I did not feel nearly as competent as a first-time business owner. Soon the lure of a regular pay cheque from the mines meant that I closed the doors. Â&#x201E;

MTA | Q&A So, from employee to business owner to employee. When did you decide to give being a business owner another go? AMD: Working in the mines was good.

The work was solid, the money was consistent and there were plenty of opportunities. In 2004, Teena and I joined forces and in 2005 we bought Morris Auto Electrics in Innisfail. Being partners in the business has made a huge impact on the quality of our family life. As business owners we had the flexibility to attend school camps and sporting events for our five children.

What is the biggest difference between the success of this business and the failure of your first business? ADM: Teena. When Teena and I first

met she was a full-time mum with no experience running a business. In our partnership, Teena quickly stepped up to take on the administration of the business.

14 | Motor Trader September 2020

Today, she manages the business across all aspects - negotiating the best price for stock, handling employees, taking care of our marketing and branding, and running the day-to-day activities in the office.

How much has changed in the business since you bought it? AMD: The current business is almost unrecognisable from the Morris Auto Electrics we bought 15 years ago. The original business had a prime location and the reputation of Mr Morris provided

"OUR STAFF ARE WONDERFUL, AND WE CURRENTLY EMPLOY TWO MECHANICS, FOUR AUTO ELECTRICIANS AND TWO OFFICE STAFF."

plenty of good will with the sale of the shop. We sank our teeth into the business, driving it to provide for our family and contribute to our community. And we changed the name to Advanced Auto Electrics and Mechanical as Mr Morris had retired so it was no longer relevant to keep the old name. We chose a generic name that would encompass all that we do. In 2017 we relocated to our current

location at 59 Grace Street in downtown Innisfail.

What changes have you made to the current premises? ADM: The building has been heavily

modified to meet environmental standards. We installed pits and additional drainage facilities to accommodate the disposal of oils and other fluids safely. We also added Â&#x201E;

September 2020 Motor Trader | 15

MTA | Q&A a floor upstairs and built up embankments to negate local flooding and adverse weather conditions.

What staff do you currently have employed? ADM: Our staff are wonderful, and we

currently employ two mechanics, four auto electricians and two office staff. Teena manages all the administration and dayto-day running of the office while I manage the staff in the workshop on a day-to-day basis and oversee their training.

What is your view on training staff? ADM: I really value the opportunity to train

staff from the beginning. I prefer to start them as an apprentice from the first day rather than inheriting an apprentice who started their trade with someone else. I invest a lot of time and energy in my staff and I value their training. Many of the auto electricians in the region were trained by me and now have successful businesses of their own and I would rather have well-trained staff who leave to start their own business than have

"ADVANCED AUTO ELECTRICS AND MECHANICAL RELIES ENTIRELY ON WORD OF MOUTH TO DRIVE NEW BUSINESS. WE FIND OUR BEST ADVERTISING IS SATISFIED CUSTOMERS WHO TELL THEIR FRIENDS." poorly trained staff working in my shop. Since I began my first business in 1997, I have put 13 people through their trade and in 2021 I will be looking to start a new auto electric apprentice.

What are you doing to prepare for the electric vehicle market? ADM: We have not seen the electric vehicle

market impact our business at all yet there is one Tesla in town, I think. We are considering how best to train our staff for them and are looking at how we will need to adapt our business to service electric vehicles.

What do you do to market your business? ADM: After 15 years in the community

we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do any marketing activities. We do have a Facebook page but it is not very active. Advanced Auto Electrics and Mechanical relies entirely on word of mouth to drive new business. We find our best advertising is satisfied customers who tell their friends.

Do you do any activities to raise your profile in the community? ADM: We sponsor a lot of community

activities. Our main passion is the Coconut Outriggers Canoe Club, but we also sponsor the Innisfail United Soccer club and the local Motocross. We host committee meetings in our boardroom, we attend events and we provide financial support.

What are the main benefits of being an MTA Queensland member? ADM: The day that we took over Morris

Auto Electrics in 2005 we became members of MTA Queensland. It has been great to have access to the resources offered by the Association, particularly the legal advice. CLICK TO VISIT I think MTA Queensland THE ADVANCED membership also gives our AUTO ELECTRICS & MECHANICAL customers confidence that FACEBOOK PAGE we deliver a certain standard of service and that they can trust us as professionals. September 2020 Motor Trader | 17

BACK ON

MTAQ RACING TEAM JOINS THE SUPERCARS SPEC

18 | Motor Trader September 2020

N TRACK

CTACLE AS EXCEL CHAMPIONSHIP KICKS INTO GEAR

September 2020 Motor Trader | 19

MTAQ Racing

EFS 4x4 ACCESSORIES EXCEL INVITATIONAL SEPTEMBER 5-6, REID PARK STREET CIRCUIT, TOWNSVILLE

N A SIGN of just how popular the grassroots Hyundai Excel motorsport championship has become, the weekend of September 5-6 saw a monster group of cars line up on Townsville’s Reid Park street circuit for the three-race, EFS 4x4 Accessories Excel Invitational in support of the Supercars Supersprint event. 35 cars were registered to race and there were some big-name teams and drivers taking spots on the grid. Drivers included Dunlop Super2 Series professionals Brodie Kostecki, Broc Feeney, Will Brown, and Angelo Mouzouris, while cars from teams including Triple Eight Customer Racing and Matt Stone Racing were set to take their chances in the rough and tumble of Excel racing.

Photo: Trapnell Creations

20 | Motor Trader September 2020

“TOWNSVILLE BROUGHT TOGETHER THE BEST EXCEL RACERS IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE COUNTRY AND ALSO A FEW HIGHLY CREDENTIALLED DRIVERS, SO MAKING FORWARD PROGRESS WASN’T EASY.” All in all, it was an epic weekend for the category – a big grid, some big names and, with the event broadcast on national television, big exposure. For the MTAQ Racing Team, getting to Townsville was a job in itself. The weekend before the SuperSprint event the team – comprising of driver David Wood and support crew of Gerard Field, Will Salmon, and Andrew Jackson – had been battling it out in the first round of the Queensland Excel championship at Morgan Park Raceway in Warwick (more on that later). But while it was a daunting task to get the car through the tough set of races at Warwick, and then have just four days to travel

Photos: Darin Mandy at digitalrealism.com.au

the 1,300km to Townsville and get the car prepped and ready for practice for the big televised event, it was well worth the effort. It was an up and down sort of weekend for the team – gearbox issues that had been a problem at Morgan Park resurfaced in Townsville during qualifying and saw David start in 9th place on the grid for Saturday’s first, and what would turn out to be, very eventful, race. “We got clobbered from behind on the first corner of that race, dropping us back to 15th,” said David. “However, by lap 3 we were back to 8th and moving forward nicely. Then, just as we made the pass to 7th, the gearbox destroyed itself and we were out! It was a shame as we were running at the same pace as the leaders. “That gearbox issue meant a late night for the team, as we got stuck into the task

of a gearbox change on Saturday evening. The other unfortunate effect was it meant we had to start 32nd for Race 2 on Sunday.” Race 2 was, as is normal for the Excel category, another frenetic affair and, once again, the skills of the MTAQ team shone through with the repaired car performing well and David battling through from the back to a very respectable finish. “Townsville brought together the best Excel racers in the northern part of the country and also a few highly credentialled drivers, so making forward progress wasn’t easy,” said David. “And being a big meeting too, the level of desperation from everyone to fight towards the front was acute – it was more akin to a street brawl than a motor race! But we were still able to cleanly make our way through to 18th spot. That was very pleasing.” September 2020 Motor Trader | 21

MTAQ Racing

Starting mid-grid for the final race gave David a much better chance of catching the leaders and making a run for a podium finish and the team showed just how good they can be as an incredibly strong effort got them within touching distance of the podium. “Race 3 was the weekend’s ‘big dance’,” said David. “It was held right before the main Supercars race, was on primetime TV, and there was a big crowd. I am happy to say we grabbed the opportunity, racing hard and fair to finish 5th and on the back of the lead group by the end. “The race was punctuated by two lengthy safety car periods which reduced the number of racing laps available to us. Had the race been ‘green’ the whole way, I have no doubt we would have been able to get to 3rd and on the podium. “To be able to come from the back of the field and race to the front against the level of company on the track was a very fitting reward for all the hard work and effort we put in. We are starting to be known as the ‘comeback kings’ - which is a tag I would rather shake – but the TV didn’t miss us and the commentary 22 | Motor Trader September 2020

“TO BE ABLE TO COME FROM THE BACK OF THE FIELD AND RACE TO THE FRONT AGAINST THE LEVEL OF COMPANY ON THE TRACK WAS A VERY FITTING REWARD FOR ALL THE HARD WORK AND EFFORT WE PUT IN.” team gave us a huge wrap for our tail-endCharlie-to-lead-group charge. “If we can put together three good races over a weekend we will always be in contention, and that is something for us to work towards going forward.” With the addition of the Supercar2 drivers for the Townsville event, and with the Excel championship tempting top-level motor racing teams to get involved, the Hyundai category is becoming one to be reckoned with, and that popularity ensures that the racing is as fierce and exciting as any that can be found on a race track. “Appearing at Townsville has well and truly put Excel racing on the map, with

Photos: Darin Mandy at digitalrealism.com.au

motorsport social media absolutely lighting up with praise for the level of entertainment provided and the quality of the racing,” said David. “The racing was brutal with nearly every car in the field leaving with some damage - at least two were writtenoff and a host of others needed extensive repair. The tight confines of the concrete-lined course, along with the high stakes, was always going to lead to some carnage, and so it proved! “It was a terrifically exciting event to be a part of and, hopefully, this is the first of many opportunities we will have to race on bigger stages!” September 2020 Motor Trader | 23

MTAQ Racing

QLD CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND ONE AUGUST 29-30, MORGAN PARK RACEWAY, WARWICK

HE TOWNSVILLE EVENT followed an equally eventful weekend of racing at Warwick’s Morgan Park Raceway. In a truncated, COVID-19-affected season, the weekend represented Round One of the shortened two-round 2020 season and it was filled with highs and lows for the MTAQ team. Most significantly, Friday practice was cut short after the car suffered a cylinder head gasket failure, which meant the team had to shoot back to home base in Brisbane for some late-into-the-night work. “The gasket failure meant we got very little track time to fine tune our race set-up and resulted in the loss of our primary race

Photo: Trapnell Creations

24 | Motor Trader September 2020

“WE MADE SOME SET-UP AND ENGINE TUNE CHANGES FOR SATURDAY AFTERNOON’S RACE 1 AND THIS RACE, I FEEL, WAS OUR BEST EVER.” engine,” said David. “We had to revert to a back-up that we had in the shop which, unfortunately, wasn’t as good as the one we took out. “Still, the team worked through the night to get the car back on the track, arriving back in Warwick at 4:30am on Saturday, ready for qualifying at 9am. It was a great effort.” Having to replace a tuned engine with a back-up at the last minute placed a good deal of pressure on the team, and the lack of time to set up the car meant qualification was tough. An 11th place spot on the grid was a good result in the circumstances and the race result proved just how solid the car was. “We made some set-up and engine tune changes for Saturday afternoon’s Race One and this race, I feel, was our best ever,” said David. “We tore the front half of the field apart, charging from 11th to come home 2nd in a shortened sprint format.

Photo: Trapnell Creations

MTAQ RACING TEAM

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To have a car down on power, have little from the outset, we sleep and set-up time, and be able to do fought on and nearly that was just fantastic and a testament to pinched the fairy tale the hard work we have put in.” result. Still, that is the A strong 2nd place in the following sport and the nature sprint race on Sunday morning – setting of what we do – it can the fastest lap of the race meeting in the be as disappointing as process – cemented the team’s comeback, it can be rewarding. and everything was looking rosy for the last We are still within race of the weekend. Unfortunately, and not striking distance of for the first time, luck deserted the team as the championship a podium-topping finish was in sight. with the final round “The race started well for us,” said to come in November. David. “We were running along in the “We will need Lady lead group and then made our move and Luck on our side, but took the lead around one-third distance. we aren’t out of it and We established a handy lead, but we we will certainly do our then suffered a gear selection cable best when we return to breakage that jammed the car in 4th gear. Morgan Park.” Unfortunately, along with the race win, we The MTAQ Racing Team also lost the round win and what would will return to Morgan have been the lead in the championship.” Park Raceway for the As it stands, the MTAQ Racing final round of the Team sits 5th in the championship CLICK TO Queensland Excel standings following Round One. FOLLOW THE championship “It was a cruel end to MTAQ RACING TEAM ON on November proceedings,” said David. “Even FACEBOOK 21-22. though we were up against it

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September 2020 Motor Trader | 25

An Eye on Innovation

KATHY WINKCUP CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER GENERAL MANAGER INNOVATION

HERE WAS A time when batteryelectric power was on the verge of becoming the dominant form of energy for automotive transportation. For a few years either side of 1900 it was quite the rage and, in the U.S., more than 30 per cent of vehicles on the road were electric. Companies such as Elwell-Parker, Argo, Baker, Woods, Pope-Waverley, and the wonderfully monikered Samuel’s Electric Carriage and Wagon Company, were building electric cars. Even Porsche’s first offering, the P1 of 1898, was electric. Battery power was so mainstream that in April 1899, the official land speed record was set at 65.8mph (105.8km/h) by Belgian Camille Jenatzy in the battery-powered Le Jamais Contente. The electric vehicle (EV) reached this level of popularity for several reasons. At the time, road infrastructure was poor outside cities so short urban trips were the norm and, unlike petrol-powered cars, electric cars were quiet, clean, and did not require the sometimes-dangerous task of being hand-cranked to get going. It did not last, of course, and by the 1920s electric cars were falling out of favour. Infrastructure was improving, the electric starter for petrol-powered cars was introduced in 1912, petrol as fuel was becoming widely available, and, perhaps

26 | Motor Trader September 2020

most importantly, in 1908 Ford began using mass production techniques to introduce the affordable-to-everyone Model T (the company would churn out 15 million of them over the 19 years of the model’s production life). The internal combustion engine won the power race and the electric vehicle was consigned to the pages of history . . . almost. By the 1980s, interest in electric vehicle technology began to return as oil crises erupted and a growing awareness of air pollution and climate science came to the fore. Governments across the world began to act, introducing legislation that compelled manufacturers to focus on developing cars that met new environmental and fuel economy standards. By the 1990s, this had prompted serious investigation into EV technology and in 1996 General Motors launched the EV1, the first car from a major manufacturer to be designed from the ground up as an EV. It had a range of 100km, could reach 100km/h in 8 seconds and had a top speed of 130km/h. Pretty decent numbers. Only available to lease, the EV1 was a big hit with those who had one but, promising as it was, the move to push on and mass produce such vehicles faltered. The EV1 program ended and, apparently, the cars were destroyed. Electrification was not completely abandoned - in 1997, Toyota introduced the Prius hybrid – but battery-powered fully electric cars seemed to be going nowhere. Enter Tesla. Say what you like about Elon Musk – and he has plenty of fans and critics – there can be little doubt that his enthusiasm to support Tesla and push the electric vehicle idea set the entire automotive industry on its head. In just 15 years, his company went from being a small start-up to being the world’s most valuable car manufacturer. Which brings us to today – a time when

every manufacturer has electric vehicles on the drawing board or in production; a time when there are a multitude of startup fully electric EV manufacturers around the world; a time when big players are creating EV business units of their own (see Hyundai and the recently established IONIQ business created for just this purpose); and, sadly, a time when sales of new cars are under significant pressure. In Australia, sales of new cars have been on the slide for many months – long before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The pandemic has made things worse, of course, and the revealed sales figures for August 2020 were, as expected, pretty grim with the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) VFACTS reporting that 60,986 sales were made during the month, down 28.8 per cent on August 2019.

“THE EVC REPORT SAYS 56 PER CENT OF AUSTRALIANS ARE NOW CONSIDERING PURCHASING AN ELECTRIC CAR AS THEIR NEXT VEHICLE . . .” In amongst the bad news, however, there was an interesting nugget of information – that the best-selling vehicle in the nation was the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Some 4,405 RAV4 Hybrid variants were sold, and this marks the first time a hybrid-powered version of any model has been the nation’s biggest seller. On that fact alone, it could be argued Australia is finally embracing vehicle electrification, and while the RAV4 is a hybrid and not a fully electric vehicle, it is a start and a significant first step. According to the recent Electric Vehicle Council’s (EVC) State of Electric Vehicles Report, 3,226 EVs (including plug-in hybrids) were sold in the first half of 2020. That number is small (according to VFACTS, 575,906 vehicles have been sold

in 2020 up to August 31) but on a par with last year and headed towards an annual total far more than the 2,216 EV sales recorded for all of 2018. But it’s what is happening behind the scenes that, together with the sign that the RAV4 hybrid sales figure represents, is as important as those growing numbers. The EVC report says 56 per cent of Australians are now considering purchasing an electric car as their next vehicle; that there are 28 electric vehicle models available in Australia with more, and cheaper, models on the way; and that there are now 1,950 standard charging stations (a 16 per cent increase since July 2019) and 350 fast and ultra-fast charging stations (representing a 42 per cent increase since July 2019) installed across the country. Other recent positive news includes the Australian government partnering with Origin Energy to help fund a smartcharging trial (smart charging allows for the control of EV charging in order to avoid negative impacts on the grid), and Australian company Envirostream is reportedly to start the recycling of spent EV batteries. It should not be forgotten either that Australia does have its own EV brand that is making strides. ACE-EV is assembling a range of fully electric models – a cargo van, a ute, and a four-seater city car –and has plans to build 15,000 vehicles in Australia by 2025. The Brisbane-based electric mobility solutions company EMoS also has an impressive and growing range of all-electric vehicles, for both personal and commercial use, that are designed for the urban environment. It is true that Australia has a way to go in catching other countries in the uptake of electric cars. However, I would argue - and as the RAV4 Hybrid news would suggest - that we are beginning to turn the corner. It may be more than a century since electric cars challenged for the automotive industry’s top spot, but that day is getting closer. September 2020 Motor Trader | 27

Auto innovation news

LEXUS JOINS IPSWICH CONNECTED VEHICLE SAFETY PROJECT

EXUS AUSTRALIA IS participating in Australia's largest on-road connected-vehicle project aimed at eliminating crashes or mitigating their effects with the company joining the Queensland Government's Ipswich Connected Vehicle Pilot program. The program enables sensors installed at 29 intersections to 'talk' to vehicles Two Lexus RX 450h F Sport SUVs have been fitted with DSRC equipment equipped with Dedicated Short-Range and are taking part in the Ipswich Connected Vehicle Pilot program Communications (DSRC) technology. Using radio waves, the technology is VIDEO: CAVI: OVERVIEW designed to provide drivers with advance information of road conditions including changes to speed limits, hazards on the road ahead and even that a pedestrian will be crossing a nearby intersection. Two Lexus RX 450h F Sport SUVs have been fitted with DSRC equipment that enables them to communicate with each other and with roadside infrastructure such as traffic lights. on additional safety scenarios involving The Ipswich pilot also involves fitting vehicle-to-vehicle connectivity, such as DSRC technology to 500 cars owned by emergency electronic braking warnings the public, enabling their vehicles to and slow, or stopped vehicle warnings." communicate with the infrastructure. Specialised vehicle-to-infrastructure Queensland Transport and Main Roads technologies added to the two Lexus vehicles Minister Mark Bailey welcomed Lexus include an advanced red-light warning, Australia's involvement in the pilot. "It's great to see major car manufacturers a road hazard warning, in-vehicle speed warning, and road works warning while get involved in the testing of connected specialised vehicle-to-vehicle technology vehicle technology in Australia, especially in the Ipswich pilot as the preferred testing includes slow/stopped vehicle warning, and emergency electronic brake light which site," said Mr Bailey. alerts drivers to a cooperative vehicle that is "The support of manufacturers like Lexus will enable experts to gather data braking hard some distance ahead. 28 | Motor Trader September 2020

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Auto innovation news

EMOS UNVEILS THE ‘WYLD’ ELECTRIC MOPED

RISBANE-BASED ELECTRIC MOBILITY Solutions (EMoS), has launched a very interesting new Harley-style, fat tyre e-Moped, called WYLD. The company said it has received Australian full volume compliance approval for the WYLD and it will join an impressive range of electric roadregisterable vehicles for the urban transport of people and goods that includes the three-wheeler Personal Mobility Device (PMD) iLARK, and the cargo-carrying three wheelers CT-KARGO and the CT-KUBE. The WYLD will be available with a choice of either a 2kW or 1.5kW motor, and three battery options – 60V/12Ah, 60V20Ah, and 60V/30Ah. Range is from 60-90km, EMoS WYLD

30 | Motor Trader September 2020

VIDEO: BORN TO BE WYLD SCOOTER

“WE WANT OUR VEHICLES TO GIVE OUR CUSTOMERS MORE - MORE SAFETY, MORE AGILITY AND MORE FUN.”

top speed is 50km/h, and the battery is removable and can be charged from a standard power outlet – an extremely useful and convenient option as it means it can be taken into the office or home to be charged. Load capacity is 200kg and the WYLD sits on 12-inch tyres making for ‘a smooth and relaxed ride’. The WYLD is a single seater that certainly has appeal with its quirky take on chopper, Harley-Davidson Additio nal 60V/30Ah batteries can be bought for $900 styling, and for those looking for something different, fun aspect of the design - but a 50km/h top the price tag is tempting – for a short speed is plenty for the urban environment time, EMoS is offering the 60V/30Ah 2kW for which it is designed, and the vehicle’s version of the WYLD for just $3599 – a classification means it can be ridden with a decent discount on the recommended normal car driver’s licence in Queensland, retail price of $4,199. Additional 60V/30Ah South Australia, West Australia and the batteries can be bought for $900. EmoS says the WYLD name is somewhat Northern Territory. “We want our vehicles to give our ‘tongue in cheek’ – reflecting, perhaps, the customers more - more safety, more agility and more fun,” said Wolfgang Roffmann, EMoS founder and CTO. “Just putting an electric motor into the frames of previously offered vehicles is not making use of the design freedom that electric motors and batteries can provide.” CEO and co-founder Harry Proskefallas added: “Our philosophy from the start has been to be ‘different’. We want people to turn their heads for our vehicles, we want them to be excited about the form and the function and to make a statement for electric vehicles and that is the same for the WYLD which was ‘Born to be WYLD’.” EMoS said the WYLD continues and complements the company’s ‘out of the box’ thinking and another three vehicles are in the company’s pipeline. September 2020 Motor Trader | 31

Auto innovation news

The infrastructure sensors recognise the vehicle and guide its parking maneuver.

FORD EXPLORING AUTOMATED PARKING TECHNOLOGY

ORD MOTOR COMPANY, Bosch, and Bedrock (a Detroit-based Real Estate firm) are launching a project, using connected Ford Escape test vehicles, to demonstrate technology that allows vehicles to drive and park themselves. The research will take place at the site of Ford’s new mobility innovation district in Detroit, on the ground floor of Bedrock’s Assembly Garage - the developer’s first residential redevelopment project in the area. The project is the first U.S. infrastructure-based solution for automated valet parking where the vehicle will park itself inside a parking garage. The test vehicles operate in a highly automated fashion by vehicle-toinfrastructure (V2I) communication with Bosch’s intelligent parking infrastructure technology. The infrastructure sensors recognise the vehicle and guide its parking maneuver. If the infrastructure senses something in the vehicle’s path, such as a pedestrian, it can stop the vehicle immediately. 32 | Motor Trader September 2020

VIDEO: FORD AUTOMATED PARKING

“WITH AUTOMATED VALET PARKING, THE SAME AMOUNT OF SPACE CAN ACCOMMODATE UP TO 20 PER CENT MORE VEHICLES.” Upon arriving at the garage, a driver can leave the vehicle in a designated area and use a smartphone app to send the vehicle into its automated parking maneuver. Drivers can also use the app to request the return of the vehicle to the designated pick-up area, removing the need of finding

VW ID.3 BREAKS 530KM MARK ON SINGLE CHARGE

A driver can leave the vehicle in a designated area and use a smartphone app to send the vehicle into its automated parking maneuver.

the vehicle upon return to the garage. The company’s say that automated parking solutions bring value to garage owners by allowing for the more efficient use of spaces inside a parking garage. With automated valet parking, the same amount of space can accommodate up to 20 per cent more vehicles. The solution can be deployed and retrofitted into existing garages, or with embedded infrastructure planned into construction of new ones that are designed for maximum capacity. In addition to simply parking, a vehicle could also drive itself to areas within the garage for specific services such as vehicle charging or a car wash. “We are continually searching for opportunities to expand our leading suite of Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist technologies that help people drive more confidently and we believe automated valet parking technology holds great promise,” said Ken Washington, chief technology officer at Ford Motor Company. “Our work with Bosch and Bedrock also aligns with our vision for the future, which includes increasingly automated vehicles that are more aware of their surroundings while requiring less onboard computing to help improve design, packaging and affordability.”

THE NEW VW ID.3 has put range anxiety to the test and covered the 531km from Zwickau in Germany to Schaffhausen in Switzerland on a single charge and at an average speed of 56km/h. Officially, the model has a range of up to 420km. The model used was a series production ID.3 1st Pro Performance with a 58kWh battery and the route consisted entirely of public roads and highways. The vehicle was driven using ‘hypermiling’ techniques - techniques that maximise efficiency and minimise consumption. While focus was put on being economical with power, the ID.3 had a payload of around 250kg, and auxiliary systems such as navigation, daytime running lights, and radio were either temporarily or permanently in operation. VW reported power consumption was just 10.9 kWh/100 km. The standardised consumption rating of the ID.3 is 15.4-14.5 kWh/100 km. Although the journey was not entirely comparable with day-to-day trips, VW said it highlights the everyday practicality of the ID.3 VIDEO: RANGE RECORD: ID.3 MAKES THE JOURNEY FROM ZWICKAU TO SWITZERLAND ON A SINGLE CHARGE

September 2020 Motor Trader | 33

Auto innovation news

VOLTA TRUCKS LAUNCHES VOLTA ZERO ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL VEHICLE

WEDISH COMPANY VOLTA Trucks has launched the Volta Zero, its first vehicle and the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first purpose-built fully electric 16-tonne commercial vehicle designed specifically for inner-city parcel and freight distribution. The Volta Zero will start undertaking operator trials in Europe in the first half of 2021 and Volta says that orders have already been taken from companies wanting to secure the first customer-specification vehicles. Those are due to be delivered when production starts in 2022. The Volta Zero will use 160 - 200 kWh of battery power and have a pure-electric range of 150-200km. This is sufficient, the company says, for the inner-city logistics requirements for which the truck was designed. Volta Zero

34 | Motor Trader September 2020

VIDEO: LAUNCH OF THE VOLTA ZERO

Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are used that will be highly modular, enabling Volta Trucks to adapt the vehicle to an operatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specific requirements. The company claims that Lithium Iron Phosphate battery technology is well suited to large commercial vehicle use, delivering a long cycle life, robust cell

“THE VOLTA ZERO WILL USE 160 - 200 KWH OF BATTERY POWER AND HAVE A PURE-ELECTRIC RANGE OF 150-200KM.” design, good thermal stability and, along with the placement of the battery between the chassis rails, excellent safety. The Volta Zero uses an e-Axle to drive the rear wheels, rather than a conventional electric motor and driveshaft set up. The single electric motor, transmission, and axle of the Volta Zero are contained in a lightweight and compact e-Axle unit that the company says is lighter and more efficient, delivering better range as a result. The Volta Zero is 9,460mm in length, 3,470mm high and 2,550mm wide, with a wheelbase of 4,800mm. It’s Gross Vehicle Weight is 16,000kgs and the vehicle is limited to a top speed of 90km/h (56mph). It has been built to offer a payload of 8,600kgs and is designed to accommodate 16 Euro pallets. A refrigerated cargo box will also be available. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are available. These include Active Steering, Road Sign Assist, and Reversing Assistant with reversing camera, Lane Change Assist and Lane Departure Warning systems. There is also a technical status monitoring system, based on artificial intelligence, designed to avoids breakdowns

and maximise the uptime of the vehicle. The driver of a Volta Zero has a central driving position with a swivel seat and enjoys 220-degrees of direct vision around the vehicle.This panoramic view of the surroundings through a glasshouse-style cab is designed to deliver a Transport for London five-star Direct Vision Standard rating for optimum visibility and the reduction of blind spots. The protection of vulnerable road users is also enhanced by the use of rear-view cameras that replace traditional mirrors, a 360-degree birds-eye camera showing the driver their complete surroundings, and blind-sport warning systems that detect objects down the sides of the vehicle. Easy access to the cabin comes via fast-opening sliding doors – useful when the truck is parked for delivery jobs in busy or narrow streets. The next stage of development for Volta is the production of 12 pilot fleet vehicles. These vehicles will be built in the UK and used for testing and evaluation with a number of Europe’s leading logistics companies to provide operator input and feedback on the final production specification. Production, anticipated to be in the UK, is due to commence in 2022, and by the end of that year the company aims to have built around 500 customer-specification vehicles, rising to 5,000 vehicles a year by 2025, and increasing thereafter. September 2020 Motor Trader | 35

Auto innovation news

NIO Power

NIO LAUNCHES BATTERY-AS-A-SERVICE IN CHINA AND REDUCES EV PRICE TAG

LECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) manufacturer NIO has launched Battery as a Service (BaaS) in China. The company, headquartered in Shanghai, says its NIO BaaS users can purchase a car without the battery - a move that will mkae EVs much more price competitive while also providing the flexibility to change battery capacity depending on the needs of the vehicle owner. BaaS users are also entitled to NIO’s Power Swap and flexible battery upgrade services, as well as the national NEV subsidies and purchase tax exemption enjoyed by users who purchased batteries. The company claims that BaaS represents a solution to the ‘long-existing challenges for EV penetration, including battery degradation, battery upgradability, and lower resale value’. With the battery price not included in the vehicle sales price, nor in the finance payments, the costs are significantly lower to switch to an EV. Users who choose to purchase NIO cars with BaaS can benefit

36 | Motor Trader September 2020

ES6-84Kwh-Battery

from RMB 70,000 (about $AU14,000) off the car price across all NIO models, and subscribe to a 70kWh battery pack for RMB 980 ($AU195) per month. For users who do not subscribe to NIO’s Worry-Free Service Plan – which includes no usage limits on repairs and maintenance within the plan’s duration, door-to-door pick-up and delivery, a free courtesy car, and free cellular data, amongst other things – there’s a battery guarantee fee of RMB 80 ($AU16) per month. BaaS is based on NIO’s battery swapping technologies and national network of 143 Power Swap stations and services, and the company says it has already completed over 800,000 swaps for users. The company currently manufacturers three EV SUV models – the EC6, ES8 and ES6 – and has plans for more.

MAHINDRA AND REE AUTOMOTIVE AGREE TO COLLABORATE ON DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

AHINDRA & MAHINDRA, the Indian vehicle manufacturer that is part of the Mahindra Group, and REE Automotive, the Israelbased developer of electric vehicle technology, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore development and manufacturing of electric commercial vehicles. The collaboration will leverage REE’s electric vehicle corner module and platform technology of integrating powertrain, suspension and steering components in the arch of a vehicle wheel. REE says its technology is designed for current and future e-mobility applications, including autonomous vehicles, and offers significant benefits in terms of weight, space and body design flexibility. The scalability of the platform means it can work for any form of electric vehicle such as commercial vehicles, mid-duty delivery trucks, last mile delivery, passenger cars, taxis and shuttles. The companies say that REE’s architecture will enhance Mahindra’s capabilities in the electric vehicle

sector while REE will leverage Mahindra’s global presence and its volume flexibility capability as well as its engineering and product development expertise. “Our collaboration with REE has the potential to bring a disruptive approach to a new age of vehicles capitalizing on our respective strengths,” said Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director (Auto and Farm Sectors), Mahindra & Mahindra. “The competitive advantages of REE’s corner modular architecture with our experience in conventional vehicle system design, engineering, sourcing ecosystem and significant production capacity, provides a perfect match to deliver exciting zero emission vehicles, including autonomous vehicles, that can meet customer needs as never before.”

The collaboration will leverage REE’s electric vehicle corner module and platform technology.

September 2020 Motor Trader | 37

Auto innovation news

HYUNDAI SETS DISTANCE RECORD WITH KONA ELECTRIC Hyundai Kona Electric SUV

F THERE IS one thing that electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers must battle, it is the public’s concern with range. Range anxiety – and you can group that in with lack of charging infrastructure and initial unit cost – is an issue that has to be tackled and there is little doubt that the race is on to develop EVs that have at least as much range per charge as any combustion engine vehicle can muster per tank of fuel. In recent times, Hyundai has become a leader of the EV pack, with its Kona Electric SUV passing 100,000 global sales. The Kona Electric does have a decent range for an EV – some 450km according to the company – but Hyundai recently demonstrated just how far it could go by pushing three of the models to set a new range record. Over the course of three days, the units covered 1,018.7, 1,024.1 and 1,026 kilometres respectively, exceeding the goal of 1,000km on a single battery charge. Each distance also represents a record in terms of 64kWh battery capacity, as the power consumption figures of 6.28, 6.25 and 6.24kWh per 100km were below the standard value of 14.7kWh per 100km determined by the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). All vehicles used in the test were factory-spec and unmodified, equipped with standard Nexen N Fera SU1 low rolling resistance tyres in the 215/55R17

38 | Motor Trader September 2020

size. Each vehicle’s air conditioning and entertainment systems remained off, with available power used solely for propulsion. Only the daytime running lights remained on to comply with the legal requirements for road traffic. The Konas were travelling at low speeds – an average between 29 and 31km/h - but those do reflect typical inner-city traffic speeds. “With this test, the Kona Electric confirmed what many of our customers already know: it is a reliably efficient and eco-friendly lifestyle SUV that is practical for everyday use,” said Jürgen Keller, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor Deutschland GmbH.

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September 2020 Motor Trader | 39

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Auto innovation news

GOVT FUNDING TRIAL INTO EV SMART CHARGING TECHNOLOGY

HE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT is partnering with Origin Energy and providing $838,000 funding for a new trial designed to evaluate the benefits and barriers to electric vehicle (EV) smart charging, including understanding of EV driver behaviour, willingness to accept third-party control, and what incentives are needed to encourage future participation in charge management programs. Smart chargers allow for the control of EV charging in order to avoid negative impacts on the grid and maximise the use and value of renewable energy. The trial will see 150 smart electric chargers installed at residential, commercial and industrial premises of new and existing EV owners and fleets in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT. They will be integrated into Origin’s existing platform for managing distribute energy and there use will be monitored 40 | Motor Trader September 2020

over the course of the two-year trial. The $838,000 of funding will come via the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) – the organisation established in 2012 to encourage the uptake and delivery of renewable energy power. “As the uptake of EVs increases, it will be important to efficiently manage the charging of vehicles, to avoid potentially costly impacts on peak demand, associated network charges and grid security issues,” said Darren Miller, ARENA CEO. “Smart charging enables charging at times when demand is lowest and electricity is cheapest, which reduces the burden on the network and the cost to the customer.” ARENA is also funding a vehicle-togrid trial in Canberra which will see 51 electric Nissan Leafs used to explore the possibility of supplying electricity from the battery back into the grid to stabilise the network when demand is high.

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MA T.50 September 2020 Motor Trader | 43

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Gordon Murray

“. . . THE T.50 IS THE CULMINATION OF A LIFETIME’S WORK IN THE AUTOMOTIVE AND MOTORSPORT ARENAS FOR MURRAY . . .”

OMETHING A LITTLE different this month, as we take a look at what may be the ultimate naturally aspirated supercar. Revealed in August, the T.50 has sprung from the keen mind of automotive design guru Gordon Murray, the main brain behind the McLaren F1, the car that in most people’s estimation currently sits atop the mountain of great ‘analogue’ supercars. 38 years after that masterpiece, September 2020 Motor Trader | 45

the T.50 is the culmination of a lifetime’s work in the automotive and motorsport arenas for Murray – he designed cars for both the Brabham and McLaren Formula One teams in the 1970s and 1980s as well as the McLaren F1 - and his new supercar, built by his company Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA), features technology and innovations pulled from across his extraordinary career. Most obvious of these is the three-seat arrangement of the mid-engine, rearwheel-drive T.50 cabin. With this set-up, the driver is sat in the centre with two passenger seats flanking and slightly behind the driver’s seat. This layout is one we all recognise from the McLaren F1. The second obvious feature is the massive fan at the rear of the car. An innovation that Murray first utilised in the controversial Brabham BT46 B Formula One ‘fan car’ that competed in 1978 (that car raced just once, winning the Swedish Grand Prix), the fan is a radical piece of engineering that draws air from under the car, reducing pressure and creating huge amounts of downforce. The T.50’s 400mm fan and associated ducting system will, GMA says, manage The T.50’s 400mm fan and associated ducting system will manage both underbody and overbody airflow.

46 | Motor Trader September 2020

VIDEO: GORDON MURRAY AND THE T.50 SUPERCAR

both underbody and overbody airflow and through the application of two automatic and four driver-selected aero modes which alter the settings of the fan and other aerodynamic features such as the pair of active spoilers at the rear - increase downforce by 50 per cent, reduce drag by 12.5 per cent, add around 50hp (37kW) of output, and cut braking distance by 10m from 150mph (241km/h). Incredible stuff. While the rear fan and three-seat layout may catch the eye, it is the bespoke engine, developed by Cosworth, that will give the T.50 its as yet unpublished, but sure to be staggering, performance. The 3.9-litre V12 redlines at 12,100rpm, making it the highest-revving naturally aspirated road car engine ever, and

The bespoke Cosworth, 3.9-litre V12 engine

delivers its maximum power of 654hp (488kW) at 11,500rpm. That means it is punching out an astonishing 122kW per litre. Using V-Max Boost mode raises that output to 690hp (515Kw). Max torque of 467Nm arrives at 9,000rpm, but GMA claims that 71 per cent of that power is available at just 2,500rpm. Pretty

spectacular stuff, and all coming through a six-speed manual transmission. Oh yes, and the whole engine weighs just 178kg. Weight is important for a supercar, of course, and the T.50’s chassis and body are entirely constructed from high-grade carbon fibre, making it both light and strong. Remarkably, the T.50’s body, including the carbon monocoque and all body panels, tip the scales at less than 150kg. All-up, in fact, the T.50 weighs just 986kg. “Weighing just 986kg, the T.50 undercuts the average supercar weight by almost a third,” said Murray. “A heavy car can never deliver the dynamic attributes of a lighter car – even if it has the same power to weight ratio. While it is possible to disguise a heavy car’s dynamic capabilities with complex active suspension and sophisticated electronics, the agility, responsiveness and reward of a lightweight vehicle simply cannot be matched.” On the inside, plenty of effort has been put into making the T.50 as comfortable for the enthusiastic driver as possible. To the right of the driver, the titanium September 2020 Motor Trader | 47

On the inside, plenty of effort has been put into making the T.50 as comfortable for the enthusiastic driver as possible

gearstick sits on an arm that extends alongside the driver’s seat. The arm itself features controls including the drive mode selector, infotainment rotary control, and a centrally positioned engine start / stop button. There’s a three-spoke carbon-fibre steering wheel behind which are left- and right-hand paddles that enable the driver to sound the horn or flash the headlights without taking their hands off the wheel. There are no touchscreens and no stalk controls – even the indicators are operated by thumb-buttons on the steering wheel’s horizontal spokes. Sticking to the analogue philosophy for the T.50, GMA says that ‘every control is analogue, every display is designed for functional clarity, every primary and secondary control switch is satisfyingly tactile and ergonomically positioned for ease of use’. “Everything about the interior starts with the driver – the central driving position is the clearest demonstration of this approach,” said Murray. “Building on this starting point, every control is arranged within easy reach of the driver. Purity of design was our goal, with the 48 | Motor Trader September 2020

utmost quality applied to every element.” Light, powerful, comfortable, and beautiful, the T.50 could be the supercar every serious enthusiast has been waiting for. “From the first touch of the titanium throttle pedal to the V12 screaming at 12,100rpm, the driver experience will surpass any supercar ever built,” said Murray. “No other road car can deliver the package of power, instant responsiveness and driver feedback in such a direct and focused way while remaining comfortable, refined and usable every day.” For anyone thinking they might want a piece of this particular supercar action, deep pockets are a must. Just 100 T.50s are to be made, and the price tag is a whopping £2.36 million ($AU4.31 million) price tag. It might be worth remembering, however, that the McLaren F1 was priced at £635,000 ($AU1.16 million) when it was released in 1992. Today, you’ll need somewhere around £16 million ($AU29.2 million) to get your hands on one. If the T.50 is anywhere near as good a car – and it certainly sounds like it will be – then it may well be a good investment.

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HYUNDAI LAUNCHES PERFORMANCE I30 SEDAN N LINE MODEL

AVING LAUNCHED THE new-look i30 (Elantra) sedan earlier this year, Hyundai has now unveiled the N line performance version of the popular model offering, the company says, an ‘attractive entry point to the Hyundai’s high-performance N Brand line-up’. The i30 Sedan N Line is powered by a 1.6-litre GDI turbocharged engine with sixHyundai i30 Sedan N Line

speed manual or seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) that produces 150kW and 265Nm. Mechanical improvements to the i30 Sedan’s suspension have increased stiffness, and there are 18-inch alloy wheels, plus multi-link independent rear suspension and larger front brake rotors. Hyundai says the model will receive a bespoke Australian suspension tune.

THE I30 SEDAN N LINE IS POWERED BY A 1.6-LITRE GDI TURBOCHARGED ENGINE WITH SIX-SPEED MANUAL OR SEVEN-SPEED DOUBLE CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT) THAT PRODUCES 150KW AND 265NM. Visually, there is a sharper, performance feel to the N Line with some restyled elements to the front and rear, including integrated spoiler, chrome twin exhaust and N Line rear diffuser. Inside, there are paddle shifters and a Drive Mode Selector system and interior design elements include a leatherwrapped, perforated N steering wheel with

metallic spokes, N sport seats with leather bolsters, gearshift with metal accents and leather inserts, and alloy pedals. An array of driver assist, safety and convenience features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW) and Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) with Rear Cross-Traffic CollisionAvoidance Assist (RCCA). In addition, i30 Sedan N Line comes with Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Hyundai says that following the launch of the i30 Sedan N Line, it plans to launch a Sonata N Line with 2.5-litre turbocharged GDI engine. The new i30 Sedan range (including N Line) will launch locally in Q4 2020. September 2020 Motor Trader | 51

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TOYOTA FORTUNER GETS MORE POWER, BETTER ECONOMY AND NEW LOOK

OYOTA HAS UPDATED its sevenseat Fortuner SUV, giving it more power and torque, better fuel consumption, increased braked towing capacity, higher equipment levels, and a refreshed design. An extra 20kW of power and 50Nm of torque comes from the upgraded 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, lifting maximum outputs to 150kW and 500Nm. However, the higher outputs do not come at the expense of economy, with fuel use cut by 11.6 per cent on the official combined cycle. Consumption is now claimed at 7.6 litres/100km, providing a theoretical range of more than 1,000km from the 80-litre fuel tank. Toyota says the improvement is even better on the urban cycle at 9.1 litres/100km, a reduction of 17.3 per cent. Maximum braked towing capacity has been expanded by 300kg to 3100kg, and handling has benefited from a new variable-flow power-steering pump. Advanced Toyota Safety Sense technologies include a pre-collision safety

52 | Motor Trader September 2020

system with pedestrian (day and night) and cyclist (daytime) detection, lanedeparture alert with steering assist, and high-speed active cruise control. All three Fortuner equipment grades - GX, GXL and Crusade - benefit from exterior styling changes, including a revised front end, while the Crusade benefits from high-grade headlights and a new taillight design. GX and GXL retain their 17-inch alloy wheel while Crusade receives a newly designed 18-inch alloy with a flanged-spoke design. Inside, GX and GXL interiors have changed to a dark-grey fabric while the leather-accented Crusade interior is available in either black or fawn. Instrument dials have a new look while the 4.2-inch multi-information display now provides front-tyre angle and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) status. New range-wide features include an 8-inch multimedia screen operated by buttons rather than by touch. The system now incorporates access to Apple CarPlay,

NEW CAR SALES FALL AGAIN IN AUGUST 2020 FORTUNER PRICES

Toyota Fortuner SUV

GX: $49,080 GXL: $54,350 Crusade: $61,410 GX option pack: $1,000 GXL option pack: $2,500 Premium paint: $600

Android Auto and the myToyota app as well as enhanced voice activation. Other standard equipment includes an air-conditioned cool box, audio and phone controls mounted on the steering wheel, soft-touch instrument panel, 60/40 tumble-and-slide second-row seat, tiltand-telescopic steering column, and sixway driver and four-way front-passenger seat adjustments. The GX grade can be specified with satellite navigation and DAB digital radio for $1,000. These features are standard on GXL, which also gains automatic climate-control air-conditioning. Other standard GXL equipment includes keyless smart entry and start, roof rails, fog lamps (now LED), privacy glass and downhill assist control. A $2,500 option pack for GXL includes leather-accented seats and eight-way power adjustable front seats - both of which are standard on Crusade. The top-of-the range model now has an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror and darker woodgrain-look trim on the centre console, in addition to other fittings that include a power tailgate and an 11-speaker premium JBL sound system. Fortuner's recommended retail price continues to start under the $50,000 threshold, at $49,080. The new range arrived in local showrooms at the end of August.

NEW VEHICLE SALES figures for August 2020 have revealed a continuing downturn in the industry. The number, released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) through the national VFACTS report, show a total of 60,986 sales were reported during the month, down 28.8 per cent on August 2019. On a year-to-date basis, VFACTS reported 575,906 sales for the eight months ending 31st August 2020, down 20.4 per cent on the same period in 2019. The automotive industry figures were released one day after the Australian Bureau of Statistics announced a seven per cent drop in Gross Domestic Product for the June quarter â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the largest drop ever recorded in a single quarter. On a state-by-state basis, Victoria, which was under Stage 4 Restrictions when the figures were recorded, suffered a 65.9 per cent downturn with just 8,347 sales for the month. Toyota was the top selling brand for the month, with 12,449 sales, followed by Mazda with 6,921 sales, Hyundai with 4,525 sales, Kia with 4,521 sales, and Mitsubishi with 4,308 sales. There were 14,758 Passenger Vehicle sales (24.2 per cent market share), 32,378 SUV sales (53.1 per cent market share), and 11,234 Light Commercial sales (18.4 per cent market share) during the month.

September 2020 Motor Trader | 53

Auto news

ALL-NEW AUDI S8 ARRIVES IN AUSTRALIA

HE ALL-NEW AUDI S8, the fifth generation of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flagship luxury sedan, has arrived in Australia and it looks to be a brilliant piece of work. At the heart of the S8 is a brutal 4-litre TFSI V8 engine sporting two twin-scroll turbochargers and generating 420kW and 800Nm of torque from 2,000 - 6,000 rpm. The potent engine propels the S8 to some truly impressive performance numbers. 0-100km/h is reached in just 3.8 seconds, and top speed is limited to 250 km/h. The engine is made with a cast aluminium crankcase that weighs just 39.1kg, has an advanced variable oil pump arrangement, variable camshafts and a sophisticated fuel injection system. Intelligent efficiency systems further enhance the engine's performance. Its 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system can recover up to 8 kW of power while coasting or under light throttle. The start/stop system also draws on the 48v electrical system, saving up to 0.8 litres of fuel, per 100km. Additionally, cylinder on demand (CoD) technology Audi S8

54 | Motor Trader September 2020

can shut down four cylinders under light throttle load. All of this is contributes to a decent 10.5L/100km fuel consumption. To harness the engine's power, the all-new S8 is equipped with a fastshifting eight-speed tiptronic transmission, directing power to the road via Audiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Under normal driving conditions, torque is distributed asymmetrically: 40:60, front to rear respectively. However, up to 85 per cent of engine torque can be directed to the rear wheels for especially sporty handling. The quattro sport differential can provide further VIDEO: 2021 AUDI S8

adjustment, directing almost all of the rear axle's torque to either wheel during particularly dynamic driving. For the first time in an Audi, predictive active suspension technology debuts standard in the S8. The system works in combination with multiple sensors throughout the car, including the video camera, to influence and actively control the S8's body and adapt to road conditions. In 'Comfort plus' mode, the system reduces the effect of g-forces felt by passengers by 'leaning' into the pitch/roll inertia movements of the car. In dynamic mode, it delivers on cornering performance. Agility is further enhanced by the standard Dynamic All-Wheel-Steering system. Standard features include 21-inch aluminium wheels, accentuated with red brake calipers, metallic paint and privacy glass for the rear windows. As expected on such a car, technology is top-notch. There’s seamless integration of Audi smartphone interface via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unique displays in the standard Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, along with a head-up display, provide all necessary information for the driver, enhanced by the high-resolution MMI touch response system. There’s a Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system (17 speakers, 730W) plus a rear seat remote control and Audi music interface with two USB outlets in the backseat for passengers to connect their devices.

Those extra, special touches one might expect on such a top-end car abound. Before the driver or passenger even enters the cabin, the S8's predictive active suspension lifts by 50mm when a door handle is opened – a feature designed to make entry and exit more comfortable. The interior is upholstered in Valcona leather, complete with carbon vector and dark brushed aluminium inlays. The leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel offers heating for cooler climates, matched by heating, ventilation and massage functions in the front seats, and the colour interior lighting allows for settings dependant on the mood. Other highlights include electric outer rear seats with memory and heating functionality, as well as two panel sunroof and electric sunblinds - all operable from the rear remote control. Exclusively offered within the A8 and S8 are Matrix LED reading lights in the rear. On top of this is a full suite of driver assistance systems, including park assist, 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go and traffic jam assist, exit warning and rear cross traffic assist. Passive safety features include a front centre airbag. The all-new S8 4.9 TFSI Quattro is priced at $260,000. It will be available in Audi dealerships from October and is also available to order through the new Audi online purchase platform, at audi.com.au September 2020 Motor Trader | 55

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NEW YARIS RECEIVES UPGRADES IN STYLE, PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY

OYOTA'S ALL-NEW YARIS has arrived in Australia, with new technologies and safety features. The fourth-generation Yaris is built on the new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform and along with the new platform comes new 1.5-litre threecylinder powertrains that Toyota says develop more power than their fourcylinder predecessors, while offering better fuel economy and cutting emissions. Included in these is Toyota's latest hybrid system that achieves the best fuel economy of any Toyota ever offered in Australia - 3.3 litres/100km and just 76 grams/km of CO2. The Ascent Sport, SX and ZR equipment level models remain, but advances in active and passive systems are, Toyota says, designed to create the world's safest compact car.

Toyota Yaris ZR Hybrid

The new Yaris is shorter and lower than its predecessor with a longer wheelbase and on the inside, there is a safety-inspired "hands on the wheel, eyes on the road" concept resulting in intuitive placement of controls and a smaller-diameter steering wheel with fingertip switches. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster, and ZR variants have a 10-inch colour head-up display.

THREE NEW POWERTRAINS New Yaris is powered by a 1.5-litre inline three-cylinder Dynamic Force engine with the choice of a six-speed intelligent manual gearbox on Ascent Sport or Direct Shift CVT. SX and ZR grades can also be specified with Toyota's latest hybrid system. The new direct-injection 1.5-litre petrol

engine's 88kW and 145Nm represent gains of 10 per cent and 2.7 per cent over the previous 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine outputs, courtesy of a lighter block and crankshaft, reduced frictional losses and high-speed combustion technology. At the same time, new Yaris uses less fuel - just 5.4 litres/100km for the manual and 4.9 litres/100km for the CVT. Toyota says the latter is an improvement of more than 23 per cent over the equivalent outgoing model. Toyota's fourth-generation hybrid system's petrol engine adopts port injection with 10-hole injectors, variable valve timing and the world's fastest combustion speed. An electric motor instead of oil pressure controls intake variable valve timing, resulting in a wider adjustment angle. Operating on the Atkinson Cycle, its 67kW/120Nm outputs are supplemented by a 59kW/141Nm electric motor-generator and a compact lithium-ion battery. Combined maximum power output is 85kW. Yaris hybrid can be operated in a fuelsaving eco mode or power mode. It can also run on electric power alone. The hybrid transaxle adopts a compact dualaxis structure with the power-control unit installed directly above it. The Yaris chassis has been engineered to improve dynamic qualities, reduce body roll and improve braking stability and stopping distances.

The revised front MacPherson struts and rear torsion-beam layout includes reduced friction, softer springs and an increase in rear roll stiffness. The new platform also underpins an increase in body rigidity. Safety features include front-centre airbags, sensors that can detect vehicles or pedestrians at intersections when making turns, and a secondary collision brake. Other advanced safety technologies include a pre-collision safety system with autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control, automatic high beam, and technologies to assist with cornering, staying in the intended lane and detecting speed signs. A reversing camera and a full suite of brake assist and traction-control systems including active cornering assist are also standard. ZR variants gain front and rear parking sensors and a parking support brake system that can warn the driver of objects around the vehicle and even apply the brakes if necessary. Other standard equipment on Ascent Sport include Apple Carplay and Android Auto; LED daytime running lamps, tail and stop lamps; and auto retractable door mirrors. Additional equipment on the SX includes satellite navigation; speed-limit display and warnings; keyless smart entry; smartstart ignition button; 15-inch alloy wheels; LED headlamps, indicators and rear combination lamps; and privacy glass. Top-of-the-line ZR gains 16-inch alloys; rear spoiler; head-up display; sports front seats; blind-spot monitor; intelligent clearance sonar; parking support brake system; and paddle shifter on the petrol variant.

YARIS PRICES Ascent Sport manual: $22,130 Ascent Sport CVT: $23,630 SX CVT: $27,020 ZR CVT: $30,100 SX Hybrid CVT: $29,020 ZR Hybrid CVT: $32,100. September 2020 Motor Trader | 57

Auto news

HYUNDAI ANNOUNCES IONIQ BRAND DEDICATED TO EVS

YUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY has launched IONIQ - a new brand dedicated to battery electric vehicles. The establishing of the brand is, the company says, a response to ‘fast-growing market demand’ and three new EV models will be launched under the brand name in the next four years with more to follow. The creation of the brand is not, however, just about the production of EVs. There’s a broader vision at play here and the

VIDEO: IONIQ: IN CHARGE OF TURNING THE WORLD

company says IONIQ will also be about offering ‘customer-centric EV experiences centred on connected lifestyle solutions . . .’. Hyundai will combine its current EV capabilities with future innovations that combine design, technologies and services to integrate in-car and out-of-car experiences. “The IONIQ brand will change the paradigm of EV customer experience,” said Wonhong Cho, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer at Hyundai Motor Company. “With a new emphasis on connected living, we will offer electrified experiences integral to an eco-friendly lifestyle.”

Hyundai EV ‘Prophecy’ concept

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REGISTRATIONS FOR EVS IN EUROPE HIT RECORDS IN JULY

IONIQ 5 / IONIQ 6 / IONIQ 7 Hyundai will launch a range of numerically named EVs under the new brand, with the even numbers used for sedans and the odd numbers for SUVs. The first model will be the IONIQ 5 midsize CUV that will launch in early 2021. IONIQ 5 is based on the concept EV ‘45’, which Hyundai unveiled at the International Motor Show (IAA) 2019 in Frankfurt. In 2022, Hyundai will introduce IONIQ 6 sedan, which is based on the company’s concept EV ‘Prophecy’, unveiled in March; and that will be followed by IONIQ 7, a large SUV in early 2024. IONIQ brand models will sit on an Electric Global Modular Platform, known as E-GMP, designed to enable fast charging capability and long range. Hyundai Motor Group aims to sell 1 million battery-electric vehicles and take 10 percent share to become a leader in the global EV field by 2025.

JATO DYNAMICS, the automotive business data and analysis company, released some interesting research for July 2020. According to the company, the motor industry in Europe is slowly reverting back to normal with data for 27 markets showing the industry registering 1,278,521 new passenger cars, down only 4 per cent month-onmonth from 2019. However, the really interesting information are the numbers surrounding electric vehicles (EVs). According to JATO’s research, July saw EV registrations up 131 per cent year on year to 230,700 - the first time that these vehicles were bought by more than 200,000 consumers in a single month. As a result, EVs accounted for 18 per cent of total registrations in July, far greater than their market share of 7.5 per cent in July 2019. Half of these cars were hybrids (HEV), with demand soaring by 89 per cent. Plug-in hybrids (PHEV) followed with 55,800 units, up by 365 per cent from July 2019. Pure electric cars also showed encouraging results. Registrations jumped from 23,400 units in July 2019 to 53,200 this year, and models on offer increased from 28 to 38. While the results for EVs were terrific, it’s worth noting that SUVs stole the show. They accounted for almost 42 per cent of total registrations – some 530,800 units.

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TOYOTA HYBRID IS AUSTRALIA’S BEST SELLER

HE TOYOTA RAV4 Hybrid has taken the crown as Australia’s best-selling car - the first time that a hybrid vehicle has been on top of the sales podium. RAV4, which is also sold with petrol versions, has now led the market for the past two months, but of the 4,825 sold in August, a monster 4,405 were hybrids. RAV4 lifted Toyota's overall hybrid tally in August to 6,142 cars Australia best-selling vehicle in August 2020 was the hybrid RAV4 - or 49.3 per cent of the company's total deliveries to customers. Toyota reports that this means it has also set a record for annual hybrid sales, reaching 33,462 vehicles to the end of August or 26.6 per cent of the brand's total sales. The previous full-year record was 27,846 hybrid vehicles sold by Toyota last year. RAV4 sales, particularly for hybrid variants, have been supplemented recently by a substantial increase in supply to shorten the time between a customer Mr Hanley said the recent upswing in placing an order and receiving their vehicle. RAV4 sales was likely to moderate towards Toyota Australia Vice President Sales the end of the year as the additional stock and Marketing Sean Hanley said the surge in demand for Toyota's hybrid vehicles was enabled back orders to be filled. "Nevertheless, customer demand having a big impact on the industry. continues to remain strong for a vehicle "Seeing a Toyota hybrid become with the performance, safety, technology, Australia's best-selling car was a distant dream when we introduced the technology style and refinement that has made it Australia's best-selling SUV in 2020," he said. to Australia almost 20 years ago with the "It also reflects consumer acceptance original Prius," said Mr Hanley. and understanding that hybrid is a "It took us more than 17 years to deliver practical and affordable choice that offers the first 100,000 hybrids in Australia, but remarkable savings at the petrol pump, an it has taken us just 16 months to sell more advantage that is particularly welcome in than half as many again with total hybrid the current economic climate." sales now exceeding 155,000 vehicles.”

“IT ALSO REFLECTS CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE AND UNDERSTANDING THAT HYBRID IS A PRACTICAL AND AFFORDABLE CHOICE THAT OFFERS REMARKABLE SAVINGS AT THE PETROL PUMP . . . ”

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SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2020 MILES P

LATTIN

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MTA QUEENSLAND | FREEWAY OFFICE PARK, BUILDING 8, 2728 LOGAN ROAD, EIGHT MILE PLAINS

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M TA Q U E E N S L A N D M E M B E R

AV R A U T O M O T I V E HOW LONG HAS YOUR BUSINESS BEEN OPERATING?

20 years. WHAT SETS YOUR BUSINESS APART FROM YOUR COMPETITORS?

CLICK TO VISIT THE AVR AUTOMOTIVE WEBSITE

Our expert technicians are trained to work on all vehicle makes and models. If you live in Brendale, Queensland and its surrounding areas, we are your one-stop auto repair workshop. DO YOU UTILISE INNOVATION OR TECHNOLOGY IN YOUR WORKPLACE?

BUSINESS ADDRESS 3/19 Kremzow Road, Brendale. SERVICES PROVIDED All vehicle servicing, new car logbook servicing, all mechanical repairs, safety inspections, prepurchase inspections, fuel injection servicing, diesel performance upgrades, cooling system & radiators, brake & clutch repairs, touring suspension upgrades, light truck services & repairs, automatic transmission servicing, tyres & wheel alignments, 24 months/40,000 km Warranty.

We ensure vehicles are diagnosed using the latest equipment and technology. Our technicians have the necessary skills and tools to perform premium maintenance and repair. DO YOU HAVE WAYS OF SUPPORTING YOUR COMMUNITY?

We provide work experience opportunities supported and promoted through the local schools. DO YOU HAVE ANY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENTS (OR PEOPLE) YOU ARE PARTICULARLY PROUD OF AND WHY?

In 2018, AVR Automotive was a finalist at the Brendale Business Awards.

September 2020 Motor Trader | 63

M TA Q U E E N S L A N D M E M B E R

ALL CAR ENGINE RECONDITIONING SERVICES DO YOU UTILISE INNOVATION OR TECHNOLOGY IN YOUR WORKPLACE?

CLICK CLICKTHE TO VISIT VISIT ALL TO CAR ENGINE THE XXXX RECONDITIONING WEBSITE SERVICES WEBSITE

We keep up to date with all the latest diagnostic and scan tools and have the equipment to allow us to work on all current vehicle makes and models. BUSINESS ADDRESS XXXX. Burnside Rd, Ormeau. 10/10 SERVICES PROVIDED XXXX. and cylinder head reconditioning, Engine performance engines, upgrades, mechanical servicing, logbook servicing, dyno. HOW LONG HAS YOUR BUSINESS BEEN OPERATING?

14 years. WHAT SETS YOUR BUSINESS APART FROM YOUR COMPETITORS?

We can take care of every mechanical aspect of our customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cars and can use a substantial network of mobile subcontractors to assist in carrying out that work.

64 | Motor Trader September 2020

DO YOU HAVE WAYS OF SUPPORTING YOUR COMMUNITY?

We support local sporting clubs and local charities, and also support struggling members of our local community with free services, brakes and tyres. DO YOU HAVE ANY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENTS (OR PEOPLE) YOU ARE PARTICULARLY PROUD OF AND WHY?

We work very hard to deliver the absolute best service and service experience to our customers. We keep them informed all the way through the process, always take time to listen, and strive always to do the right thing by them. If we can save them money by repairing a part rather than replacing it, then that is what we will do. That commitment has meant we have some long-term clients and we are very proud of that.

September 2020 Motor Trader | 64

M TA Q U E E N S L A N D M E M B E R

B AVA R I A M O T O R T U N I N G & SERVICE

BUSINESS ADDRESS 1/12 Johnstone Road, Brendale. SERVICES PROVIDED Early bird key drop-off service, local pick-up and drop-off service, courtesy cars available on request, school-hour servicing completed between 9:00am-3:00pm, free battery checks, free tyre checks, fully detailed, comprehensive reports on all work carried out. Roadworthy certificates, pre-purchase inspections, wheel alignments, shock absorbers, springs and struts, wheel balancing, bushing replacement, power steering repairs and replacement. Automatic and manual transmission servicing, transmission and clutch repairs and servicing CV Joints, brake component replacement (pads, rotors, drums), brake machining, brake hose repairs, exhaust repairs and replacement, exhaust modifications and upgrades, timing belt replacement including full inclusive kit, turbo replacement/intercoolers, DPF and fuel system cleans.

HOW LONG HAS YOUR BUSINESS BEEN OPERATING?

The shop has been operating for 33 years. Mick, the current owner, has worked here for 16 years and bought the business three years ago.

CLICK TO VISIT THE BAVARIA MOTOR TUNING & SERVICE WEBSITE

WHAT SETS YOUR BUSINESS APART FROM YOUR COMPETITORS?

Conveniently located in central Brendale, our well-equipped automotive repairs workshop is a European vehicle specialist. DO YOU UTILISE INNOVATION OR TECHNOLOGY IN YOUR WORKPLACE?

The latest tools and equipment are used to accurately diagnose current European and Australian vehicles.

September 2020 Motor Trader | 65

M TA Q U E E N S L A N D M E M B E R

F O S T E R S AC E AU TO R E PA I R S we deliver and the CLICK care we take with TO VISIT our customers' THE FOSTERS ACE motor vehicles is AUTO REPAIRS WEBSITE if they were family. We report to our customers before any work is carried out. We are a family-owned business and our reputation is based on our honesty and reliability. We have built close relationships with our customers and suppliers alike. DO YOU UTILISE INNOVATION OR TECHNOLOGY IN YOUR WORKPLACE?

BUSINESS ADDRESS 38 Charles Street, Aitkenvale. SERVICES PROVIDED Everything and anything to do with motor vehicles - air conditioning, safety certificate inspections, transmission service, cooling systems/radiators, 4WDs, trailers . . . the list is endless!. HOW LONG HAS YOUR BUSINESS BEEN OPERATING?

We have been in business since 1977. WHAT SETS YOUR BUSINESS APART FROM YOUR COMPETITORS?

We take pride in our work, the service

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Our workshop is fully equipped with the latest up-to-date scan tools for diagnosing any vehicle issue. DO YOU HAVE WAYS OF SUPPORTING YOUR COMMUNITY?

We are sponsors of one of the local junior football clubs. We do offer lifts home for the elderly. DO YOU HAVE ANY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENTS (OR PEOPLE) YOU ARE PARTICULARLY PROUD OF AND WHY?

Our owner Shaun has received a ‘Pride of workmanship’ award from the local rotary club.

ACKNOWLEDGING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES IN QUEENSLAND I-CAR AUSTRALIA - the organisation that delivers information, training and education to the collision repair industry - is acknowledging the achievements of industry employees from across the country who have achieved I-CAR Platinum Individual accreditation and I-CAR Welding Certification. The following is a list of Queenslandbased collision repair industry employees who received I-CAR Platinum Individual Accreditation in July 2020: • Damian Charrington Suncorp • Darren Howlett IAG • Adam Scott Repair Hub Brisbane I-CAR Welding Certifications issued in July 2020: • Nathan Hodgkinson Sowerby's Crash Repairs • Gerry Sua Sowerby's Crash Repairs • Craig Bull Holmes Panel & Paint • Stacey Minall Hadwens Prestige Collision Repairs The following is a list of Queenslandbased collision repair industry employees

who received I-CAR Platinum Individual Accreditation in August 2020: • Graham Parkinson Suncorp • Adam Craft Auto & General Insurance Services • Aaron McCabe MSR Collision Centre - Springwood • Calum Bingham Sowerby's Crash Repairs • Brendan Moschetti Auto & General Insurance Services • Paul Marriott Auto & General Insurance Services • Julius Viljoen Auto & General Insurance Services • Gordon Buckley Auto & General Insurance Services • Rodne Laing Auto & General Insurance Services • Dean Jones Suncorp • John Clark Suncorp • Adriano Sabaini Willmot Smash Repairs • Jayden Dore Hylands Panel Works • Chris Fui Domroy's Prestige Autobody I-CAR Welding Certifications issued in August 2020: • Codie Carpenter Mangano Body Repairs • David Douglas Douglas & Miller Motor Body Repairs • Jamie Ratten Douglas & Miller Motor Body Repairs

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Industrial relations

EVANGELINE KANNIS SENIOR WORKPLACE RELATIONS ADVISOR

THE WORKPLACE RELATIONS advisors at MTA Queensland assist and represent members during workplace investigations, correctly wording warning letters and representations in the Fair Work Commission. We also provide help with wages and Awards interpretation.

OUT-OF-HOURS CONDUCT CAN WARRANT DISMISSAL An employee who was sacked for misconduct that occurred while he was off duty failed to convince the Fair Work Commission his dismissal was unfair. In February 2020, a shuttle driver borrowed $90 from a passenger after dropping him at the Crown Casino. The passenger reported the matter to Crown when he wasn't repaid as expected the following day, and Crown contacted the employer. By the time the employer contacted the passenger the employee had repaid him, but it nevertheless issued him a warning and removed him from driving the Crown Casino shuttle. The employee subsequently approached Crown management on two occasions to complain his employment was in jeopardy. The employee was then sacked and claimed unfair dismissal saying he didn't ask to borrow money nor did so while driving the bus, rather he went into the casino after a shift and, after telling the passenger he had no money and was going home, accepted a loan from him. He further claimed the passenger was a friend, and had tried to repay him. The employer, on the other hand, told the FWC 68 | Motor Trader September 2020

that the employee verbally abused his manager when she first confronted him about the money, that he was not told to sort the matter out with Crown, and there was evidence he had received warnings in the past. The Commissioner found that the employee’s actions had clearly damaged the employer's relationship with Crown, as they were "forced to repeatedly apologise to its client" for his conduct, concluding there was a valid reason and due process in the employee's dismissal. • Refer: [2020] FWC 3361 (30 June 2020)

COUGH BROKE SAFETY RULES, WARRANTED SACKING An employee has failed to claim he was unfairly dismissed for coughing in a nurse's face while she took his temperature. The employee's workplace, a Sydney nursing home, introduced new safety protocols to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 in early March. Having signed off on strict hygiene instructions designed to prevent coronavirus outbreaks, the employee then coughed on a nurse while she was taking his temperature. Later that month, a nurse tasked with checking staff temperatures said the employee, who'd seemed annoyed and impatient, had coughed on her without covering his mouth. Further, he only apologised after she complained to a manager, and she said the apology didn't feel genuine. The employer investigated, then dismissed the employee because his behaviour was inexcusable. He lodged an unfair dismissal claim. Deputy President Geoffrey Bull found in the circumstances that the incident was serious and agreed with the employer that such behaviour is unacceptable and "inconsistent with all expectations of his employer". • Refer [2020] FWC 4371 (20 CLICK TO VISIT August 2020) THE MTAQ KNOWLEDGE These stories are provided as BASE general information only and should not be taken as advice.

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PAUL KULPA GENERAL MANAGER MTA INSTITUTE

“THE EFFORT PUT IN BY THE TRAINING TEAM IS ALWAYS TOP-SHELF AND SUPPORTS AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF ANY BUSINESS - ITS STAFF. WITH THIS IN MIND, WE HAVE OUR APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR EVENT COMING UP AND WE WILL BE HOSTING A SPECIAL EVENT FROM 6PM-8PM ON FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020.” MEMBERS' ESSENTIALS Contents 75 Apprentice of the Month: August 2020 76 Professional Circle training 80 Plugged In

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HOPE THIS UPDATE finds everyone well and COVID-safe. Over the last couple of months, we have seen how challenging it can be for businesses to navigate their way through the mountain of information available regarding COVID support. However, reading the MTAQ Weekly Industry Bulletin and the COVID Business Updates certainly helps pinpoint what is available to support automotive businesses. Whilst it has been a challenging period, we still forge ahead to support industry with its training and skilling requirements. The effort put in by the training team is always top-shelf and supports an important element of any business - its staff. With this in mind, we have our Apprentice of the Year event coming up and we will be hosting a special event from 6pm-8pm on Friday 16th October 2020. You can choose to attend the event in person at the MTA Institute, Eight Mile Plains (and we will of course be following a COVID-Safe checklist). Alternatively, you can join us online - we will send a link to you to view the event on your device. I would encourage you to support the event whether

M E M B E R S

Training GM's Professional Circle perspective

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Training GM's Professional Circle perspective you have an apprentice in the running or not. This event brings together the finalists who are all winners of the apprentice of the month award and eligible as apprentices trained by the MTA Institute. Interesting to note, most traditional trade apprentices who do not complete their training cite employment-related reasons for leaving, highlighting how crucial the employer’s role is in supporting them to finish their apprenticeships. The apprentice of the month and apprentice of the year awards support both the employer and apprentices by recognising the work of both parties – one cannot exist without the other. Whilst our primary focus is on training and skilling apprentices, it is important to note we also have a wealth of resources available to support our apprentices through their training journey. These dedicated resources can be found at mtai.edu.au/ resources/ and cover off areas such as: • Literacy/Numeracy and Life Skills Programs • Financial Wellness Programs • Mental Health Programs • Health Programs • Workplace Resources • Relationship Support • Professional Communication

“WHILST OUR PRIMARY FOCUS IS ON TRAINING AND SKILLING APPRENTICES, IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE WE ALSO HAVE A WEALTH OF RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT OUR APPRENTICES THROUGH THEIR TRAINING JOURNEY.” The resources area of the Institute’s website is well worth checking out and has a lot of great information to support apprentices. On the training package front, we’ve seen the Australian Industry Skills Committee approve the AUR version 6.0 Case for Endorsement. It has been estimated that the training product will be available online on the training.gov.au website by late September. What does this mean for students in accredited courses (i.e. apprentices) and employers? It basically means a transition into the latest qualification with current knowledge and performance criteria that industry has identified. We look forward to working with everyone to make this a seamless process.

NOMINATE FOR THE MTA INSTITUTE APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH AWARD • Are you employing an apprentice who is excelling in the workplace? • Do you have a high-achieving apprentice colleague? • Are they training with MTA Institute? If the answer is 'yes', then nominate them for the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month award.

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September 2020 Motor Trader | 73 Enquiries to: courses@mtai.edu.au Website www.mtaq.com.au

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74 | Motor Trader September 2020

QUINTIN SMITH IS the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for August 2020. The 23-year-old, fourth-year, auto-electrical apprentice works for the SMW Group in Rockhampton and has impressed with the top-notch quality of his work as he pushes towards completing what will, in fact, be his second apprenticeship – he completed his diesel fitter trade qualification with SMW a few years ago. Working towards being dual-qualified gives an idea of Quintin’s passion for the industry but also the wide variety of work done at SMW Group. The company offers a wide range of services including mechanical servicing, engineering, fabrication and the manufacture of heavy equipment components for the mining industry. “We do a wide range of work, but mostly mining equipment such as haulage trucks, dozers, graders, and ancillary machinery,” said Quintin. “We do go out to mining sites every now and again to do support work, but I do enjoy being in town because when equipment comes to the workshop it usually needs pretty major diagnostic work, which I enjoy. “In the whole facility there are about 60-80 people at any one time on site – boiler makers, painters, fitters – and in our shop there’d be about 20 fitters, auto-electricians and machinists. We are a pretty big business and there is quite a bit going on. “It is good working for a big company because you do get diversity in your work. You’re not working on just one type of equipment all the time but doing all manner of jobs such as diagnostic work, installs and fitouts and so on.” CLICK With his dad being a diesel fitter, TO VISIT THE SMW GROUP it’s no wonder Quintin first became WEBSITE

interested in that work. However, like many of the younger generation who enter the industry, there is recognition that the emergence of electric vehicles and new digital technologies means that having auto-electrical skills will be very useful. “I started that first apprenticeship when I was about 16 and left school to take the opportunity,” said Quintin. “My dad has been a diesel fitter for many years and I liked the nature of the bigger equipment - it is different to what you see driving around town and you have to go out of your way to work on that type of equipment. “Back then, I didn’t think about auto-electrical or knew much about it, but after doing the diesel trade I thought, ‘I like the electrical side a bit more’. I find auto-electrical to be more involved and it's a trade to build on. Electric vehicles are appearing and there are autonomous systems in mining and haulage, and all that is tied into auto-electrical.” Quintin completed his first apprenticeship with another provider but has been working with the MTA Institute for all of his current training. And the one-on-one training method used by the Institute has, he said, been particularly useful for him. “That method is good because, with the trainer coming to where you work, you can discuss the jobs you are doing at that time. That is useful because there are differences between auto-electrical in a light vehicle workshop and the mining industry.” With just a handful of modules left of his autoelectrical apprenticeship to complete, Quintin will soon be dual-qualified and looking to make the most of the skills he has worked hard to acquire. “I enjoy working for SWB and I like the idea of working up through the ranks from apprentice to tradesman to senior tradesman and so on. And there are opportunities here, which is great.” Winning the Apprentice of the Month award means Quintin is now a finalist for the MTA Queensland’s Apprentice of the Year award, the winner of which will be announced at a special event on October 16. He is, he said, a little nervous but proud to be a finalist. “I’ve never had anything happen to me like this before,” he said. “It is great to be recognised.” September 2020 Motor Trader | 75

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APPRENTICE: QUINTIN SMITH WORKPLACE: SMW GROUP, ROCKHAMPTON APPRENTICESHIP: AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY

M E M B E R S

Apprentice of the Month: August 2020

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Professional Circle Training

MTAI APPRENTICE A RISING SOCIAL MEDIA STAR

OCIAL MEDIA GETS something of a bad press these days. However, while the comment sections of political, sport and celebrity gossip posts can be a graveyard of unpleasant, and often anonymous, nonsense, social media platforms have also provided a positive outlet for people to share important life moments and entertaining and uplifting stories, and enabled businesses to forge new and positive channels for their products and services. For those who are truly enthusiastic about a particular thing – be it music, Anisha Page films, photography, pretty much anything really – social media can also be a great way to share that passion with like-minded souls. And no matter how niche that ‘thing’ may be, there will likely be plenty of people out there equally fascinated by it. For Anisha Page, that ‘thing’ is the Holden Torana and at just 18 years of age, the light vehicle apprentice with Currey Custom and Mechanical in Yatala, south of Brisbane, already has 3200 followers of her

“I DIDN’T KNOW HOW IT WOULD GO WHEN I DECIDED TO START THE INSTAGRAM PAGE . . . I JUST THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE MY PASSION AND HOPE PEOPLE WOULD LIKE IT.”

Image courtesy of @torana_rama

76 | Motor Trader September 2020

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Image courtesy of @torana_rama

ToranaRama Instagram page, with that followers at the end of last year and after number growing fast. I went to Summernats this year, I gained While Anisha is of the generation known another 2000 followers pretty quickly.” as ‘digital natives’ – that is to say those It is worth noting that Anisha’s born and brought up in the era when ToranaRama social media presence on digital technology is the norm and an Instagram – and now Facebook too – is everyday feature of life – she wasn’t sure not just limited to static photographs. what the reaction would be when, at the Her posts highlight her passion for the age of just 16, she branched out from the Torana but include other classic cars, and standard personal life stuff so many of there are also interviews with car owners, us might put on social media and began posts shared from other enthusiasts, as presenting her passion for Toranas to the well as videos from the car shows and wider world. events she attends. “I had been going to car shows and “I try and post every day and when I go taking heaps of photos and I was to shows I do live stream videos that are wondering just what I was going to do with saved so people can watch them later,” she them all,” she said. “I didn’t know how it said. “And while I love Toranas, the pages would go when I decided are broader than that to start the Instagram with lots of classic cars page and I was a little bit - from old Holdens and nervous because there Fords to older American are a lot people who muscle - and I do love can be quite rude and to talk to the owners of don’t really understand the cars. For example, I women who like cars. posted a story last year CLICK However, I just thought I of an older couple who TO VISIT THE would share my passion restored an LJ Torana TORANARAMA INSTAGRAM and hope people would that had belonged PAGE like it. to their son who had “And it did take off tragically passed away. quite well. I reached 1000 The response to that September 2020 Motor Trader | 77

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Professional Circle training story was incredible and it is very cool to get those stories out there and share them. “While I am not a member of a Torana club – you kind of need to own one! –I am lucky to know groups such as the Torana Appreciation Club on the Sunshine Coast and I go to a lot of their runs and meets and keep in touch with them.” So why would Anisha focus her social media efforts on the Torana - a car that went out of production in 1979, more than 20 years before she was born? The answer to that question also partly Image courtesy of @torana_rama answers the question as to why she has looked to the automotive industry as a career, and it goes back a few years to when a very young Anisha would accompany her dad to the drag racing track. “I have always been into cars - dad is a mechanic and boilermaker and had his own mobile business, and I would sometimes accompany him on jobs - but the main thing that really clicked it for me was when I was about 6 or 7 and dad said to me, ‘You have a choice. You can come with me and your uncle to the Winternationals, or you can go shopping with your mum and auntie’. I went with dad! opportunities - notably securing her drag “After that, you couldn’t drag me away from the track. That was a pivotal moment racing licence and working regularly for me and now drag racing is in my blood. with one of Australia’s top teams, Zappia Racing, with whom she teams up when And my love of Toranas comes from drag they come to Queensland and for whom racing. Lots of people choose to run them – they are small, light, the power-to-weight she raced at the Western Nationals in Perth a couple of years ago. ratio is good – and when I saw them at Not surprisingly, drag racing is the track I was always asking my dad an area of motorsport in which ‘What’s that?’.” CLICK Anisha would like to be involved Incidentally, that passion for TO VISIT THE TORANARAMA to a greater extent in the future. drag racing has led to some FACEBOOK Right now, however, she is just a incredible experiences for PAGE handful of months into the first Anisha. Those regular trips year of her apprenticeship, and the to the Winternationals as a apprenticeship at Currey Customs, young fan would lead to fantastic

“. . . MY LOVE OF TORANAS COMES FROM DRAG RACING . . . LOTS OF PEOPLE CHOOSE TO RUN THEM – THEY ARE SMALL, LIGHT, THE POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO IS GOOD – AND WHEN I SAW THEM AT THE TRACK I WAS ALWAYS ASKING MY DAD ‘WHAT’S THAT?’.”

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Anisha with Currey Customs founder, Chris Currey

and that is, she said, just where she XU-1 – I am currently rebuilding the wants to be. transmission on my 1975 HJ station “I started my apprenticeship in April wagon and I do think that videoing and Currey Customs is a brilliant place to the building of cars is something that learn your trade as we do a broad range people would find interesting. So, I of work on classics to modern vehicles,” might do that. she said. “Personally, I wouldn’t be able “But the main thing I have gained to work in a normal dealership because from social media and from creating I have such an interest in older cars and these pages is that I think I can be a high-performance vehicles, so it is such a role model for others - to meet young blessing to work here and be able to have women and girls who are in the the dynamics of both. When I come here, position I was in, and instead of them it doesn’t feel like a job – I’m working, I’m hearing ‘Oh, she’s a woman, she doesn’t happy, and I’m learning.” know anything about cars’, it will be, While the training and the work means ‘That’s awesome. Keep going with Anisha is not, as she says, ‘sitting on social whatever it is you’re passionate about’. media as much as I was’, the effort to build Media-savvy, passionate in what she her following and share her passion will is doing, sharing that passion on social continue apace, and there is a publicmedia, loving her job, keen to learn, spirited edge to her thinking now – and and with long-term plans to race drag a consideration of how her growing cars and build her own ‘street-andinfluence might benefit others. strip’ drag car . . . Anisha is a CLICK “I am just on Instagram and brilliant young ambassador TO VISIT Facebook at the moment, but I for the automotive industry. THE CURREY may expand into other channels CUSTOMS Get online and follow WEBSITE if I find I have more time,” she ToranaRama and let’s watch said. “While I don’t have a Torana where all that passion and yet – I would love to have a LJ GTi energy leads. September 2020 Motor Trader | 79

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Plugged In: Explaining Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Tech KEITH MINCHIN TECHNICAL ELECTRICAL TRAINER MTA INSTITUTE

MODERN VEHICLE ELECTRIFICATION AND HYBRIDISATION ALL VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS - whether manufacturing cars, trucks, motorcycles, or buses - are in some way electrifying vehicles. It is no secret that manufacturers spend billions of dollars annually to meet automotive emissions targets, and various methods of vehicle hybridisation have been developed by vehicle and component manufacturers to reduce average CO2 emissions levels across their product range. At first glance, identifying a hybrid vehicle may seem obvious. The definition of a hybrid vehicle is one that relies on two different power sources for motion. However, a range of electrical technologies have been implemented into the modern car which can improve efficiency and engine torque available to drive the wheels. For example, legacy systems such as the traditional alternator have been improved in their operation to recover otherwise wasted energy and free up additional engine torque when required. In some cases, the alternator can double up as a 3-phase motor to start the engine and provide additional torque to the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) on demand. Combined with stop-start systems, fuel savings of around 80 | Motor Trader September 2020

“ALL VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS WHETHER MANUFACTURING CARS, TRUCKS, MOTORCYCLES, OR BUSES - ARE IN SOME WAY ELECTRIFYING VEHICLES.” 8 per cent can be achieved, in addition to a reduction in CO2 emissions. A myriad of other technologies such as electric turbocharging, electric steering and so on can further increase efficiencies and blur the line between a conventional vehicle and a micro-hybrid vehicle. The power sources of HEV’s (Hybrid Electric Vehicles) are typically petrol and electricity. Hybrid vehicles can be classified in different ways. One classification refers to the amount of electrification contributing to the power output of the vehicle. This is split into three categories: micro-hybrid, mild-hybrid and strong hybrid. Another classification refers to how the electric motor/s work in conjunction with the vehicle’s drivetrain. The classifications are, typically, series, parallel, and series-parallel. A third classification will determine

THE 48V MILD HYBRID SYSTEM There are many electrification choices available to design engineers. However, one system that has proven to be a viable option is the 48V mild hybrid system. The 48V system has the advantage of providing four times the power capability of the legacy 12V system (P=V x I) while keeping the voltage level below 60V which substantially reduces design and component costs associated with high-voltage vehicles. The additional September 2020 Motor Trader | 81

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be used to monitor charge entering or leaving the battery. The shunt assembly typically measures voltage, temperature and current and is communicated via a data bus to the controlling ECU. As an example, an inductive clamp can be seen on the negative battery cable of a VE Commodore with a LIN bus connection to the BCM, providing information to the ECU of the battery’s state of charge. On other vehicles, you may notice a current shunt on the negative battery terminal. Further investigation of the controlling ECU’s actual values/live data will reveal three important values used in calculating the battery state of charge: battery temperature, voltage and current. Mazda i-ELOOP (a regenerative braking system) takes this idea a step further by varying the alternator output between 12V and 25V. Under normal conditions, the alternator performs as a standard 12V alternator. On deceleration, the alternator output voltage is increased to charge a capacitor, taking advantage of the vehicle’s kinetic energy. A DC-DC converter steps the voltage down to be used by the car’s electrical components. The engine is relieved of driving the alternator for periods of time which increases fuel economy and reduces CO2 emissions.

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whether the vehicle’s battery can be charged with an external charger in addition to having an on-board motor/ generator which is driven by an ICE. On the other hand, the vehicle may simply rely on the internal combustion engine linked to a generator with no external charge facility namely PHEV (plug-in hybrid EV) and HEV. Despite the categories mentioned, almost all modern vehicles incorporate some level of electronic management aimed at increasing efficiencies and reducing CO2 emissions. Therefore, it could be argued that some degree of hybridisation has crept into all modern vehicles. Modern internal combustion enginepowered vehicles take advantage of an electronic battery management system controlling the alternator’s output remotely. In this system, when power is demanded, the alternator load on the engine is reduced by decreasing the alternator’s rotor field strength, making additional torque available to drive the vehicle at the expense of battery charge. The alternator field is increased on deceleration and braking, taking advantage of the vehicles kinetic energy to charge the battery. This type of battery management provides greater cyclical demand on the battery which necessitates the need for AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) or EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) lead-acid batteries. A current-shunt or inductive clamp will

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Plugged In: Explaining Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Tech power capability can support improved steering, braking, suspension, electric turbocharging, and hybridisation of the vehicle’s driveline. A 48V system can provide additional torque to an existing ICE on demand and is capable of recuperating otherwise wasted energy on deceleration/overrun. Existing mild-hybrid systems are slowly adding 48V loads but, in the main, use a centralised 48V to 12V DC-to-DC converter so that legacy 12V components and architectures can be used, thus reducing overall costs to the build design. One type of design which has gained some traction is to decentralise the DCDC converter by installing smaller/lower power modular units throughout the vehicle close to, or built into, the 12V loads. 48V is far more efficient to distribute than 12V due to a reduction in I²R losses (voltage drop). Smaller modular DC-DC converters can take advantage of newer topologies using higher switching frequencies, providing a reduction in size and weight. In a 48V system, the current will be four times lower with 16 times less overall power loss.

“WHILE THE JOB OF A MODERN TECHNICIAN IS NOT TO DESIGN AND DEVELOP THIS TECHNOLOGY, WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT, PROVIDE SUPPORT, IDENTIFY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, AND ADAPT TO FUTURE TECHNOLOGICAL TRENDS.”

for some distance in pure electric mode. Although it is beyond the scope of this article to discuss all of the various hybrid system designs peculiar to each manufacturer, it is important to be aware that hybridisation comes in various forms and is implemented into almost all modern vehicle design. We need to familiarise ourselves with the various systems, operating principles and safety precautions working with HEV/EV components. Things are changing rapidly in the HEV/ EV sector. Large electronics corporations that were once identified with making domestic appliances and the like are STRONG HYBRID SYSTEMS making huge investments into automotive R&D - everything from fuel cells to Strong Hybrid vehicles employ motorbatteries, more efficient semiconductors, generators with power ratings above 25kW. software and so on. In order to provide the higher power levels While the job of a modern technician is a high voltage system is needed. The high not to design and develop this technology, voltage system introduces added electrical system design costs and complexities which we need to understand how to deal with it, provide support, identify business are associated with full EV’s. As discussed opportunities, and adapt to future in my previous article, high voltage technological trends. isolation, leak detection, isolated CAN The MTA Institute is a provider etc., are all mandatory for vehicle of accredited HEV/EV training CLICK TO systems over 60V. The added VISIT THE focusing on a range of design complexity and higherMTA INSITUTE technologies relevant to the voltage rated componentry adds WEBSITE demands of a modern workshop. significant cost to the build of Until next time work safely and the vehicle. Strong hybrid systems usually have the ability to be driven take care. 82 | Motor Trader September 2020

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Concept corner

JEEP GLADIA 84 | Motor Trader September 2020

ATOR FAROUT

September 2020 Motor Trader | 85

Concept corner

HIS IS JEEP’S Gladiator Farout concept, a tough-looking 4x4 powered by a 3-litre EcoDiesel V6 engine that generates 194kW and 600Nm of torque and is, Jeep says, good for fuel economy of 8.4 litres per 100km. The eye-catching feature of this fully functional concept is a neatly contained, deployable roof-top tent. 4.9m long and 2.3m high, the tent can be opened and closed in seconds and can sleep up to four people. On the inside, ambient lighting is on hand to set the right camping mood, and the Farout has a wood-lined interior and incorporates a fully functional refrigerator and stove, plus hanging storage racks, built-in seats and table space. The concept’s rugged stature is emphasised with a Jeep Performance Parts two-inch lift kit, 17-inch matte charcoal rims, 37-inch mud-terrain tyres, a modified Gladiator Rubicon steel bumper equipped with a 12,000-lb. Warn winch, custom front

86 | Motor Trader September 2020

and rear rock rails and FOX performance shocks. Its integrated roof-rack system allows for hauling additional gear topside. The Farout concept builds on the Wayout concept that was revealed in 2019. The Wayout also showcased a full rooftop tent (this time for two people), and similar off-roading abilities to the Farout but is powered by a 213kW, 353Nm 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine mated to an eightspeed automatic transmission. “We’re pleased to introduce the Jeep Farout concept as a vehicle that blends Gladiator EcoDiesel’s fuel efficiency with an area of features fans of overlanding will love,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA North America. “Building on the popularity of last year’s Gladiator Wayout concept, and as overlanding continues to grow in popularity, this year’s Farout concept is another opportunity to gather feedback from our passionate customer base.”

2019 Jeep Gladiator Wayout Concept

September 2020 Motor Trader | 87

Investment matters

MARKET WRAP

NTERNATIONAL EQUITIES FINISHED higher across the board in August as the global reopening continues and the promise of a vaccine draws nearer. US Equities had another stellar month, with the NASDAQ climbing 9.6% and the S&P 500 up 7%. The NASDAQ is now up 47.9% in the last 12 months as tech stocks have seen relentless price growth on the back of COVID-19. Japanese equities also outperformed (Nikkei +6.6%), while Asian peers Korea (KOSPI +2.6%), China (CSI 300 +2.6%) and Hong Kong (Hang Seng +2.4%) were also higher. Europe (MSCI Europe +3.0%) and the United Kingdom (FTSE +1.1%) round out the pack. Domestically, the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index was up 2.83% during the period. The best performing sector was Technology (+15.3%), as annual reports from key constituents Afterpay (APT +35.5%), WiseTech Global (WTC +34.1%) and Xero (XRO +8.5%) showed the resilience of their earnings’ profiles during the pandemic. Consumer Discretionary (+7.8%) also had a strong reporting season, as companies like Super Retail Group (SUL +31.9%) outperformed on the back of stimulus spending, while COVID-19impacted stocks like IDP Education (IEL +46.4%) and Flight Centre Travel Group (FLT +28.6%) showed signs of a rebound. Utilities (-5.9%) were the worst performers as both AGL Energy (AGL 12.6%) and APA (APA -6.2%) disappointed investors. 88 | Motor Trader September 2020

“THE BEST PERFORMING SECTOR WAS TECHNOLOGY (+15.3%), AS ANNUAL REPORTS FROM KEY CONSTITUENTS AFTERPAY (APT +35.5%), WISETECH GLOBAL (WTC +34.1%) AND XERO (XRO +8.5%) SHOWED THE RESILIENCE OF THEIR EARNINGS’ PROFILES DURING THE PANDEMIC.” Communications (-5.2%) fared similarly poorly, largely on the back of Telstra Corporation (TLS -14.5%) who despite reporting largely in-line, spooked markets by reducing its return targets going forward. DISCLAIMER This document has been prepared by DNR Capital Pty Ltd, AFS Representative - 294844 of DNR AFSL Pty Ltd ABN 39 118 946 400, AFSL 301658. It is general information only and is not intended to be a recommendation to invest in any product or financial service mentioned above. Whilst DNR Capital has used its best endeavours to ensure the information within this document is accurate it cannot be relied upon in any way and recipients must make their own enquiries concerning the accuracy of the information within. The general information in this document has been prepared without reference to any recipient’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making any financial investment decisions we recommend recipients obtain legal and taxation advice appropriate to their particular needs. Investment in a DNR Capital managed account can only be made on completion of all the required documentation.

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