Motor Trader e-magazine, September 2021

SEP 2021

+ MTA | Q&A:

MCMULLEN PAINT & PANEL + 71ST ANNUAL MOTOR TRADES GOLF DAY + APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH + CONCEPT CORNER: AUDI SKYSPHERE

INNOVATIVE TRAINING FOR A CHANGING INDUSTRY MTA QUEENSLAND LAUNCHES MICRO-CREDENTIAL COURSES INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF MTA QUEENSLAND? CLICK HERE

+ 1971 FORD XY GT REPLICA

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND

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

MTA QUEENSLAND hosts quarterly Divisional Committee meetings for:

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

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

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

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

CLICK HERE FOR MEETING DATES

20200885

CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY

From the Editor Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland HEAD OFFICE Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 P.O. Box 4530, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Tel: 07 3237 8777 Fax: 07 3844 4488 Toll Free: 1800 177 951 Email: publications@mtaq.com.au Website: www.mtaq.com.au

JONATHAN NASH

EDITOR Jonathan Nash

EDITOR

H

ART DIRECTOR Marco Ilinic

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

As we all know, the automotive industry is going through quite radical change and by the end of the decade will look quite different to what we see today.

New vehicles will be electrified and fairly bursting with sensors, computers and software to make them safer and more ‘connected’; they’ll be constructed and trimmed with new materials such as carbon fibre and recycled plastics; and the digital revolution will change the way business is done as consumers expect more from online engagement.

All of this change is well underway and developing quickly and it is now

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Evangeline Kannis Ian Naylor POLICY Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

Email: jonathann@mtaq.com.au EDITORIAL Editorial submissions are welcomed but cannot be guaranteed placement. For more information email the Editor at publications@mtaq.com.au SUBSCRIPTION RATES Subscribing to the Motor Trader e-magazine is free.

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

MTA QUEENSLAND ABN: 74 028 933 848 CORPORATE PARTNERS

recognised that training for these and other areas needs to adapt to the changing landscape. And that is where MTA Queensland’s new microcredential courses come in.

Launched this month, these short, online, industryrecognised courses are hyper-focused on a particular skill need - in the first suite they include courses on electric vehicle technology, understanding digital business marketing, plus others - and offer a fantastic opportunity to enable not only tradespeople to upskill and build professional credentials, but help apprentices learn skills that have not yet flowed into the traditional accredited training system.

You can read more about the launch of this exciting new innovation in automotive training from page 16.

I hope you enjoy this edition, and if you have any news to share or have a classic vehicle you’d like to see featured in Motor Trader, then do reach out and contact us.

Cheers Jonathan Nash, Editor jonathann@mtaq.com.au

20210985

MTA Queensland welcomes the following new members BUSINESS NAME Action Smart Group AutoLine Automotive Bridgestone Select Townsville Jax Tyres & Auto Caloundra Rolscar Smash Repairs Pty Ltd Shipley Smash Repairs

ADDRESS 6 Telford Cct, Yatala QLD 4207 4/17 Lear Jet Dr, Caboolture QLD 4510 Cnr Dalrymple & Bayswater Rds, Townsville QLD 4810 71A Bowman Rd, Caloundra QLD 4551 53 Spine St, Sumner QLD 4074 146 Mark Rd E, Caloundra West QLD 4551

DIVISION AADA AED TUDQ TUDQ NACA NACA

September 2021 Motor Trader | 1

Contents

16

INNOVATIVE TRAINING FOR A CHANGING INDUSTRY: MTA QUEENSLAND LAUNCHES MICRO-CREDENTIAL COURSES

04 FROM THE DESK OF MANAGEMENT 06 MTA|Q&A: MCMULLEN

PAINT AND PANEL 12 AUTO INDUSTRY TAKES TO THE FAIRWAY AS GOLF DAY RETURNS 16 COVER STORY: INNOVATIVE TRAINING FOR A CHANGING INDUSTRY 24 AUTO INNOVATION NEWS 44 MEMBER’S CLASSIC: 1971 FORD XY GT REPLICA 50 AUTO NEWS 66 WORKPLACE RELATIONS 69 MTA INSTITUTE NEWS 72 PRE-VOCATIONAL TRAINING: A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE 74 APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH: AUGUST 2021 76 MTA INSTITUTE GRADUATE LIST 78 CONCEPT CORNER 2 | Motor Trader September 2021

AUTO INDUSTRY TAKES TO THE FAIRWAY AS GOLF DAY RETURNS

12

Search for MTA Queensland

44

1971 FORD XY GT REPLICA

PRE-VOCATIONAL TRAINING: A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

70

MTA|Q&A: MCMULLEN PAINT AND PANEL

6

78

AUDI SKYSPHERE CONCEPT

September 2021 Motor Trader | 3

From the Desk of Management

W

ITH THE FIRST round of divisional meetings for the new financial year underway, it has been insightful hearing ROD CAMM the challenges CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER and opportunities MTA QUEENSLAND facing businesses.

One challenge that continues to arise is skills and labour shortages.

This issue is not unique to the automotive industry, with the 2021 Skills Priority List identifying 153 occupations in need of skilled labour. This has resulted in industries going to great lengths to secure skilled workers – even wining and dining current students in an attempt to woo them.

MTA QUEENSLAND IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE TODAY THAT WE ARE LAUNCHING OUR VERY OWN MICRO-CREDENTIALS TRAINING. The obvious answer to these shortages is to develop our own pool of workers through apprenticeships. However, this takes time. We are also restricted by the lag between new skills emerging and qualification updates, with Training Minister Stuart Robert himself questioning why the VET sector is so slow to respond.

With this in mind, MTA Queensland is proud to announce today that we are launching our very own micro-credentials training. Through this industry-specific training, employees will be able to access short courses designed to deliver skillsets relevant to the evolving needs of the industry. As the industry evolves, so too will our comprehensive selection of courses.

You can read all about micro-credentials in this edition of Motor Trader.

4 | Motor Trader September 2021

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T IS AN extremely busy and exciting time for MTA Queensland and our members, with a number of new offerings on the way as we near KELLIE DEWAR completion of our DEPUTY CEO | GENERAL Members Services MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES reform agenda. In development are new partnership offerings and a program that will assist members through a three-year development journey.

Members can also look forward to a new suite of industry specific micro-credentials.

WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH MOTORTECH, WHO WILL PROVIDE EXTENSIVE REPAIR, SERVICE AND DIAGNOSTICS RESOURCES AND INFORMATION. We have heard from members that they want more when it comes to technical information. With this in mind, we are excited to announce a new partnership with MotorTech, who will provide extensive repair, service and diagnostics resources and information. Additionally, we are developing a Member Proposal for Electric Vehicle chargers and intend to run a series of educational sessions for members on purchasing considerations.

With so much coming as we approach the year’s end, I urge those who have not yet renewed their membership for the new financial year to do so ASAP to avoid missing out.

And finally, I would just like to remind readers of the upcoming deadline of 1 October for securing EV labels to all Queensland registered electric and hybrid vehicles, which you can purchase from the MTAQ shop.

Business Low Rate credit card Enjoy 0% p.a. on purchases for 15 months. Apply by 30 September 2021.^ Take control of your expenses No annual fee.

Manage online with CommBiz or NetBank – request online statements, establish automated payments, order cards and change daily withdrawal limits.

Insert hero image

Stay in control with alerts and payment reminders.1 Transactions updated instantly – so you’ll always know where you stand.2 Simplify your admin Separate your business expenses from your personal, making your business activity statement (BAS) easier.

Apply easily Simple application process, no need to provide business financials. Minimum credit limit of $500.3 Here for you, for however you do business.

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

Things you should know: ^ Offer available on new Low Fee, Low Fee Gold, Low Rate, Low Rate Gold and Low Rate Business (personal liability) credit cards applied for between 26/02/2021 and 30/09/2021. Offer not available on all other card types including CommBank Essentials and CommBank Neo, existing cards and switches from other card types, and will be forfeited if you switch to a different credit card type during the 15 month period. The 0% p.a. interest rate on purchases (but not balance transfers and cash advances) is valid for 15 months from the date of card approval. At the end of the 15 month period, the interest rate will convert to the standard variable purchase interest rate for your card type at that time. We reserve the right to close the offer prior to 30/09/2021. Eligibility criteria applies and can be found at commbank.com.au/biz-creditcards.

1 Subscription to this service may be limited.

2 Excludes some manual transactions and some contactless payments.

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

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

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

The target market for this product will be found within the product’s Target Market Determination, available at commbank.com.au/tmd.

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

McMullen Paint and Panel

Terri-Anne and Michael McMullen

MTA |Q&A Plonked in a paddock between potato crops and avocado orchards is McMullen Paint and Panel. Remote it may be, but the business delivers quality service – from general insurance work to helping to create trophy-winning show cars – and owners Michael and Terri-Anne McMullen took a moment to tell Motor Trader about their business located on Kaban Road near Ravenshoe in Far North Queensland.

WORDS AND PICTURES: LARA WILDE 6 | Motor Trader September 2021

Most Paint and Panel workshops are tucked away in industrial areas in town. What made you choose such a remote location?

MM: We live out here and so we wanted

to keep our business close by. Council did not have any industrial land available in the area and there definitely was not a designated industrial area. We purchased rural land with great frontage on the main road and then we went through the process of obtaining Material Change of Use to suit our needs for the business.

While it is remote and that reduces the amount of drive-by or drop-in traffic that the shops in busy industrial areas get, we have a beautiful location with plenty of space to grow and there are no neighbours to speak of who might get upset about the noise.

“INSURANCE REPAIRS ARE OUR BREAD AND BUTTER, BUT WE ALSO PROVIDE RUST AND RESTORATION WORK, CUSTOM FABRICATION, WINDSCREEN REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENT, AND VEHICLE DETAILING.” How did you get started in the industry?

MM: I began as a trade qualified

Engineering Tradesperson specialising in Vehicle Building more than 30 years ago.

I completed my Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing and grabbed any opportunity I could to learn new skills and techniques.

September 2021 Motor Trader | 7

What services do you provide at McMullen Paint and Panel?

MM: Insurance repairs are our bread

and butter, but we also provide rust and restoration work, custom fabrication, windscreen repairs and replacement, and vehicle detailing. Our customers bring in a variety of cars ranging from their brandnew daily drivers through to rare and exotic collector cars.

When did McMullen Paint and Panel first open its doors?

MM: Terri-Anne and I first opened the

business in 2004. We built the business slowly through word of mouth and we have had cars brought to us from all along the east coast. Customers have entered their finished cars in shows and taken home trophies. In 2018, we purchased our current block of land and built our new premises. The opportunity to design and build the workshop we always wanted has been excellent.

Who is in the current McMullen Paint and Panel team?

MM: I am very hands on in every aspect of the business, from the office to the spray

8 | Motor Trader September 2021

“OUR WORK, OUR ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND OUR COMMITMENT TO PERFECTION SPEAK FOR US LONG AFTER THE CLIENT’S VEHICLE HAS LEFT OUR WORKSHOP.” booth. Terri-Anne takes care of the administration side of the business. She manages the office, marketing, human resources and finances. David Cassels is our third-year apprentice panel beater, and Keith Kennedy is our first-year apprentice spray painter.

Do you have a product that you are loyal to?

MM: For more than 30 years I have used

PPG Paint products. I trust their quality and the results they produce. We promote the PPG brand on our website and in our workshop. I believe that our customers have confidence and peace of mind knowing the quality of product we use and that we are experienced in the best way to use it.

What are your prime marketing activities for McMullen Paint and Panel?

showcases our services. We don’t do much on social media and at this stage it is not a priority for us.

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

MM: The greatest advancement

for us being in a remote area and doing a large number of insurance repairs has been desktop assessing. Insurance repairs are approved quickly and efficiently online over the computer. This also allows us to update our customers with clear images and progress reports.

MM: For the most part we focus on word

of mouth to bring in new and repeat customers. Our work, our attention to detail and our commitment to perfection speak for us long after the client’s vehicle has left our workshop. However, we do advertise regularly in the local paper the Ravenshoe Weekly and we have a website mcmullenpaintpanel.com.au which

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

MM: The increase in the electric vehicle

market has not been noticeable locally yet. I do not feel electric vehicles will have a great impact on our business. From a paint and panel point of view, people will continue to have accidents and require their vehicles to be repaired.

September 2021 Motor Trader | 9

The McMullen Paint and Panel team

Has Covid impacted your business at all?

MM: Due to our remote location we have

not been as heavily impacted as many in the cities have been. Of course we have implemented the Governmentrecommended steps such as social distancing, signage and hygiene practices.

What advice would you give to a young Mick McMullen starting out in the industry?

MM: Listen and learn from people in

the industry who have the skills and knowledge you admire. Go with your passion, work hard and you will achieve your greatest goals.

“AS SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS LOCATED IN A REMOTE AREA, WE WERE NOTICING THE BENEFITS THAT MTAQ MEMBERS RECEIVED AND WE WANTED ACCESS TO THE NETWORK AND RESOURCES.” What are your plans for the next few years?

MM: From the first day it opened,

McMullen Paint and Panel has been very much a family owned and run business.

We take pride in our quality of work and McMullen Paint and Panel have only recently will continue to provide this service to our joined MTA Queensland. What made you join and valued customers past, current and new. what have been the greatest benefits so far?

Over the next few years, we will continue MM: As small business owners located in a to find ways to improve the service remote area, we were noticing the benefits we deliver to our customers. With the that MTAQ members received and we wanted access to the network and resources. assistance of MTAQ we will also continue to train quality staff, not only seeing In particular, we appreciated the advice that our current apprentices complete MTAQ members received regarding their trade qualifications but also training, human resources and legal taking on new staff when the CLICK matters. The greatest benefit so TO VISIT THE opportunity presents. Outside of far has been the training of our MCMULLEN PAINT & PANEL WEBSITE the business, we will continue to two apprentices and assistance to spend time as a family and enjoy manage our legal responsibilities, life in Far North Queensland. particularly with staff.

10 | Motor Trader September 2021

MTAA Super and Tasplan have merged to become Spirit Super.

Learn more at spiritsuper.com.au/merger-info.

Dylan, Spirit Super member

September 2021 Motor Trader | 11

Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718). Read the PDS at spiritsuper.com.au before making a decision.

12 | Motor Trader September 2021

AUTO INDUSTRY TAKES TO THE FAIRWAY AS GOLF DAY RETURNS

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GROUP OF 96 individuals from the Queensland automotive industry’s best and brightest golfers took to the greens at the Virginia Golf Club on Friday, 3 September for the 71st Motor Trades Golf Day. Returning in 2021 following a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Motor Trades Golf Day is one of the highlights on the MTA Queensland social calendar, with 24 teams signing-up to battle it out for golfing supremacy.

Arriving to a worryingly overcast day, the players wasted no time getting warmed up before a light shower threatened to put a dampener on the day. However, just as the buzzer sounded to get play under way, the sun began to poke its way through, leading to a magnificent sunny Spring day.

Run under Ambrose rules – in which the location of the single best shot from the four-person team is used by all team members for their subsequent shots – it

RUN UNDER AMBROSE RULES – IN WHICH THE LOCATION OF THE SINGLE BEST SHOT FROM THE FOUR-PERSON TEAM IS USED BY ALL TEAM MEMBERS FOR THEIR SUBSEQUENT SHOTS – IT QUICKLY BECAME APPARENT WHICH TEAMS HAD SPENT THE HIATUS PRACTICING THEIR CRAFT, WITH SOME ENVIABLE SWINGS ON DISPLAY . . .

quickly became apparent which teams had spent the hiatus practicing their craft, with some enviable swings on display, while MTA Queensland’s CEO was also on hand to offer encouragement after an unfortunate injury ruled him out of competition.

September 2021 Motor Trader | 13

In what turned out to be an incredibly competitive day of action, it was the team from Century Yuasa Batteries consisting of Derek Van Hilst, Phil Grounds, Paul Spencer, and Paul Lister who were crowned champions, finishing with a score of 55 to take home the Motor Trades Cup. Finishing hot on their heels in the runner-up spot was Mick Rudd, Matt Delforno, Ian Johnson, and Dan Hunt from Autopact, who scored 55.375.

While the competition was fierce on the fairways, the day is ultimately about enjoying the company of fellow members of the Queensland automotive industry, networking, and sharing a laugh, which was much needed after the last 18 months the industry has endured during the COVID-19 pandemic. The players returned to the clubhouse at the end of the competition for a well-earned meal and drinks, with a number of lucky-door prizes also handed out.

MTA Queensland would like to thank 14 | Motor Trader September 2021

IN WHAT TURNED OUT TO BE AN INCREDIBLY COMPETITIVE DAY OF ACTION, IT WAS THE TEAM FROM CENTURY YUASA BATTERIES CONSISTING OF DEREK VAN HILST, PHIL GROUNDS, PAUL SPENCER, AND PAUL LISTER WHO WERE CROWNED CHAMPIONS, FINISHING WITH A SCORE OF 55 TO TAKE HOME THE MOTOR TRADES CUP. our wonderful event sponsors for making the day the resounding success: Capricorn, Youngcare, Century Yuasa Batteries, Deep Grey Photography, and Virginia Golf Club.

Congratulations to everyone who participated, and we look forward to seeing you in 2022!

INNOVATIVE TRA FOR A CHANGING IN

MTA QUEENSLAND LAUNCHES MICRO-CRED

16 | Motor Trader September 2021

AINING NDUSTRY

DENTIAL COURSES

L

AST MONTH, CAPRICORN, Australasia’s largest automotive parts and business essentials cooperative, released their 2021 State of the Nation report - a snapshot into the automotive service industry.

More than 2,000 respondents participated in the survey - including general automotive repairers, commercial and heavy-duty vehicle specialists, auto electricians and collision repairers, among others – and amongst the detailed information included in the report, there were five key takeaways for auto repair shop owners.

. . . THE INCREDIBLE SPEED AT WHICH NEW TECHNOLOGY IS FILTERING INTO THE INDUSTRY CREATES ITS OWN CHALLENGE FOR TECHNICIANS, APPRENTICES, AND BUSINESS OWNERS ALIKE: HOW DO WE KEEP UP WITH THIS MASSIVE TRANSFORMATION AND DISRUPTION? Two of those regarded skilled workers and electric vehicle (EV) technology, with Capricorn saying in the report that, ‘There’s a big shortage of qualified technicians, but we have an opportunity today to start building the talent pipeline of tomorrow’, and ‘While we might not be servicing many electric vehicles yet, EVs are part of the changing technology landscape, and we should be getting ready.’

There’s no escaping the certainty that in the next few years the Australian automotive landscape will look radically different.

CLICK TO No government VISIT THE MTAQ MICRO-CREDENTIAL intervention or WEBSITE personal desire can HOMEPAGE change the fact that car manufacturers have put their colossal September 2021 Motor Trader | 17

It’s an exciting time to be working resources and marketing weight behind electric vehicle technology, in the automotive industry but CLICK TO VISIT THE MTAQ and the global consumer appetite the incredible speed at which MICRO-CREDENTIAL for these high-tech machines – new technology is filtering WEBSITE HOMEPAGE and the fact Australia itself has into the industry creates its no automotive manufacturing own challenge for technicians, industry of note building petrolapprentices, and business owners powered passenger cars - means alike: How do we keep up with this we here will have to adapt our massive transformation and disruption? vehicular diet too.

Every part of a business, no matter While EVs are the most obvious sign the sector of the industry, will have to of the changing times, the evolving adapt, and the rapid development and technology landscape stretches far deployment of this new tech highlights the beyond them. Consider the use of need for training opportunities that allow components such as LiDAR, Radar, for the upskilling of technicians and others and cameras in software-heavy driver to meet the challenge they represent. assistance systems; the growing use And these training opportunities need of carbon fibre and other materials in to be rolled out just as swiftly as the construction; and the growing digital technologies themselves – a difficult thing arena for the marketing and purchasing to do in a sector in which traditional, of cars and of connecting and engaging accredited, training pathways can take with customers. These are just some of a long time to catch up with what is the areas which, in a relatively short time, have already become a common sight. happening on the ground.

MTA Queensland’s micro-credential courses will cover every aspect of the industry - from ADAS systems to business administration, from electric and hybrid vehicles to employment awards, and everything in between

Online car sales

ADAS camera

High-definition LiDAR

Driver assistance systems

Automotive battery basics

Introduction to electric vehicles

Navigating employment awards

Image credit: Aleksandra Suzi / Shutterstock.com

THE MICRO-CREDENTIAL REVOLUTION

THis is where the relatively new concept of micro-credentials comes into play, and where MTA Queensland – long an innovator in the automotive training sector – is amongst the first organisations to launch a wide-ranging suite of these automotive industry-specific courses.

Micro-credentials are short – often requiring no more than an hour of an employee’s time – online courses that offer training in a specific area of work or study, and which are designed to enable participants to upskill for work in evolving industries but without the financial cost or commitment of time that comes with more traditional vocational training.

Using video and other interactive components, the MTA Queensland micro-credential courses are tightly focused on the one required area,

“MICRO-CREDENTIALS OFFER SHARP, POINT-IN-TIME TRAINING, AND THEY HAVE EMERGED BECAUSE FORMAL EDUCATIONAL STRUCTURES ARE JUST SO SLOW TO RESPOND.”

ensuring the participant comes away with knowledge targeted on the skill they need and which the business demands.

In the automotive industry, this ability to gain skills that are essential and indemand through micro-credentials that are designed and made available quickly in response to industry’s requirements is vital and, clearly, a tremendous opportunity for professional development.

September 2021 Motor Trader | 19

Hybrid electric and battery electric vehicle courses will be part of the suite of MTA Queensland’s micro-credential offerings

“Micro-credentials offer sharp, pointin-time training, and they have emerged because formal educational structures are just so slow to respond,” said Rod Camm, MTA Queensland CEO. “In regard to vocational education, it takes four years to update a qualification, and if you ask employers what training they want, they rarely engage in a discussion about long-term training. They have increasingly said they want to see training available on what is emerging and that while the formal accredited system might have a role, they are not prepared to wait.”

And this is the key to MTA Queensland’s micro-credential program – short, sharp, focused courses easily accessible via the Association’s website, which are available at a very affordable price point (starting at just $35) and which meet an urgent business and/or skills requirement.

And that requirement can be in any area.

From the need to understand Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and the hardware that powers them; to working with high-voltage EVs and the tools and safety measures needed to do so; and on 20 | Motor Trader September 2021

AND THIS IS THE KEY TO MTA QUEENSLAND’S MICRO-CREDENTIAL PROGRAM – SHORT, SHARP, FOCUSED COURSES EASILY ACCESSIBLE VIA THE ASSOCIATION’S WEBSITE, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE AT A VERY AFFORDABLE PRICE POINT (STARTING AT JUST $35) AND WHICH MEET AN URGENT BUSINESS AND/OR SKILLS REQUIREMENT. to understanding the workings of digital marketing and social media and how to use them successfully – there is no area of an automotive business, in any sector, that cannot be accommodated.

Initially, MTA Queensland will launch a handful of micro-credentials on subjects regarding the technical, business administration, and industrial relations fields, but these will quickly expand to

cover a host of subjects that have been identified by association members and industry more generally.

Importantly, the infrastructure is in place to react swiftly to the demands and needs of businesses moving forward.

“If an employer says to us, for example, ‘Windscreen technology has changed radically, and we just can’t find anyone to train us in it’, our reaction will be to create a micro-credential for that,” said Mr Camm.

‘Another example would be for the vehicle hire industry. They have said to us that they recruit ‘greenbacks’ – backpackers who have little knowledge of the industry but who are prepared to work – and they would love a course which will teach the

basics and arm them with the knowledge to be able CLICK TO VISIT THE MTAQ to check a car that has MICRO-CREDENTIAL been returned and know WEBSITE HOMEPAGE to look at the tyres and other aspects of that vehicle. For employers in that sector, knowing they can get those new employees to head to MTA Queensland’s website and complete that micro-credential will really help.”

While the formal, traditional vocational training such as apprenticeships are, of course, still vital, micro-credentials are, said Mr Camm, essential in providing top-up training across the industry to tradespeople, those working within

“FORMAL QUALIFICATION STRUCTURES, BOTH IN VET AND HIGHER EDUCATION, TAKE TIME TO DEVELOP, SO MICRO-CREDENTIALS ARE THE ‘FILLER’ THAT CAN BE PLUGGED INTO THE TRAINING SYSTEM.”

“THE STRENGTH OF OUR SUITE OF MICRO-CREDENTIALS WILL BE IN THAT MTA QUEENSLAND MEMBERS AND INDUSTRY RECOGNISE THEY ARE RELEVANT AND HIGH QUALITY.” top-notch training – both through the apprenticeship system and via nonaccredited courses in areas such as ADAS, HEV/BEV, Welding and more – those taking the micro-credential courses can be assured not only of their high standard but that they will be acknowledged by employers as legitimate and industry endorsed.

“The strength of our suite of microcredentials will be in that MTA Queensland members and industry recognise they are relevant and high quality,” said Mr Camm.

“That allows both current workers and new entrants to be able to say to employers that they have done a series of courses with MTA Queensland and know they will be acknowledged by the employer.

“And we will react to industry’s needs and get to a point that when industry says they want a particular course, we can get it into the market within a month. No one has the reach to employers that we do - we have trainers and area managers in workplaces every day - and it will not be complicated to understand what those employers need and for us to be able to deliver a microcredential that meets that need.

“Being able to do that is what I am hearing from our members and industry, and we will deliver.”

other areas of a business and, indeed, apprentices themselves.

“People may ask why an apprentice would need a micro-credential,” he said. “And that is because their apprenticeship may not cover some of the latest technology. It is not great for an apprentice to complete their formal training but then say they have never seen some of the technology that is now appearing in vehicles.

“Formal qualification structures, both in VET and higher education, take time to develop, so micro-credentials are the ‘filler’ that can be plugged into the training system.”

While micro-credentials are not accredited, the demand from industry and business to recognise the need for them has seen governments move to consider funding for them, to analyse and review their potential through policies such as the Australian Qualifications Framework, and to explore the creation of infrastructure MTA Queensland is launching the first batch of such as the proposed National Credentials micro-credentials this month. They include technical Platform that will enable those who courses on Introduction to ADAS, Automotive complete micro-credentials to Battery Basics; an industrial relations compile their training history CLICK TO course on Leave and Public Holidays, and make it easy to present their VISIT THE MTAQ MICRO-CREDENTIAL and business-centric courses on Social credentials to employers.

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22 | Motor Trader September 2021

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Auto innovation news

Hyundai ‘Trailer Drone’ concept

HYUNDAI GROUP UNVEILS HYDROGEN STRATEGY

H

YUNDAI MOTOR GROUP is putting its considerable muscle behind hydrogen power. Already the manufacture of working hydrogenpowered vehicles with the NEXO SUV and Xcient heavy-duty truck, the company set out its new vision at a Hydrogen forum held at the beginning of September and announced that, amongst other things, it will introduce a third-generation fuel cell stack system in 2023 that will be available in 100kW and 200kW variants and be smaller but more powerful than its current system.

The 100kW stack is 30 per cent smaller, making it easier to apply to different vehicle types and applications. The 200kW version has been designed for commercial vehicle applications and 24 | Motor Trader September 2021

“HYUNDAI MOTOR GROUP’S VISION IS TO APPLY HYDROGEN ENERGY IN ALL AREAS OF LIFE AND INDUSTRY SUCH AS OUR HOMES, WORKPLACES AND FACTORIES. THE GOAL IS TO MAKE HYDROGEN READILY USED FOR EVERYONE, EVERYTHING, AND EVERYWHERE.” is similar in size to the current NEXO system, but the power output has doubled.

Hyundai said the goal is to improve durability by 50-100 per cent – allowing for stack life to reach as much as 500,000km - and enable a price reduction

Hyundai Vision FK

of more than 50 per cent, which will be the key factor to achieving cost parity of fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2030.

Also revealed at the forum was a fuel cell ‘Full-Flat System’ that lowers stack height to 25cm, allowing, the company said, for it to be used for various applications such as PBVs, MPVs, buses and trams by mounting the system to either the upper or lower body of the vehicle.

The company aims to have its fuel cell system available to all its commercial vehicle models by 2028.

Hyundai also has plans that reach beyond the regular passenger and commercial automotive landscape, revealing a ‘Trailer Drone’ concept – a container transportation system capable of operating fully autonomously – and vehicles for emergency relief and rescue missions.

The Trailer Drone, and a rescue system that uses a flying drone, would use a Fuel Cell ‘e-Bogie’ set-up – a fuel cell-powered system

with fully independent four-wheel steering that acts as a foundation for containers and other items placed upon it.

Also revealed was a high-performance sports car concept.

The company said its Vision FK hydrogen-powered hybrid sports car concept has a maximum output of over 500kW, can accelerate from 0-100km/h in less than four seconds, and combines a fuel cell energy converter with a highpower, RWD, plug-in powertrain. Range for the Vision FK is more than 600km.

“Hyundai Motor Group’s vision is to apply hydrogen energy in all areas of life and industry such as our homes, work-places and factories. The goal is to make hydrogen readily used for everyone, everything, and everywhere,” said Euisun Chung, Hyundai Group Chairman. “We want to offer practical solutions for the sustainable development of humanity and with these breakthroughs, we aim to help foster a worldwide Hydrogen Society by 2040.”

September 2021 Motor Trader | 25

Auto innovation news

BMW AIMS TO REDUCE CARBON FOOTPRINT USING INNOVATIVE MATERIALS

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ART OF THE automotive industry’s current revolution is tied up in efforts to be more environmentally friendly.

These efforts include the use of more sustainable materials, recycling projects, using renewable energy, and so on. And so it is interesting to see what one of the big carmakers plans are in this area.

BMW recently announced its strategy aimed to both drastically reduce CO2 per vehicle by 2030, and promote the circular economy. Where BMW and other big players go, others may follow.

BMW Group says it is focusing its research and development efforts on environmentally-compatible raw materials while at the same time targeting the creation of a secondary-materials market and working with start-ups and experienced suppliers to develop pioneering materials.

The company has used renewable raw materials in its vehicles for a number of years now and it says that those renewables like natural fibres are not only 30 percent lighter than plastic alternatives, they also absorb CO2 and release oxygen during the growth phase.

In recognition of this potential, BMW says it and its partners have further developed

2022 BMW iX

the use of fibres such as hemp, kenaf and flax. Wood can also be used as a renewable raw material in many different areas, and the company is conducting research into wood foams with an open-pored structure made up of finely ground wood particles.

These foams’ make it possible to dispense with synthetic adhesives and could replace acoustic foams in the future.

The BMW Group is also working with plastic manufacturers to further develop recycled plastics and bioplastics. The company employs bio-based plastics and plastics reinforced with natural fibres such as cellulose, hemp, wood or bamboo to reduce the percentage of oil-based primary plastics. The aim is to use thermoplastics with an average of 40 percent recycled material by 2030.

New vegan and resource-efficient leather alternatives are also being researched. The company says synthetic leather, recycled polyester textiles, and cork particles enable CO2 emissions to be reduced by up to 45 per cent compared to current PVC synthetic leather. Also being researched is

GAC AND HUAWEI TO DEVELOP A SMART SUV

a sustainable cactus-based material called Deserttex that is made from pulverised cactus fibres. Yet another alternative is the fully recyclable Mirum, which mimics all the properties of traditional leather.

Other innovative materials with the potential for use in future vehicles include synthetic textile variants, which are mostly used for seat covers which hcan be manufactured from 100-percent recycled material. Thanks to their composition, BMW says they can repeatedly be fed back into the cycle and reused several times over the course of their product lifecycle.

“We are setting new standards for sustainable premium quality by rethinking materials and focusing more than ever on resource-efficient alternatives and renewable materials with strong dismantling capability,” said Dr Stefan Floeck, head of Development Body, Exterior, Interior, responsible for Product Line MINI, Compact Class BMW. “We are following a consistent path towards holistically sustainable product development, responsible use of resources and transformation into a circular economy.”

No doubt we will see more of this innovation in the near future.

TOW OF CHINA’S most prominent companies – automaker GAC Group and technology giant Huawei – are to partner on a ‘smart SUV’ project with the aim of launching the vehicle into the market in 2023.

The companies say the vehicle will be a medium- to large-size, pure electric SUV, utilising ‘powerful and efficient technology, that will bring exciting new energy capabilities and Level 4 autonomous driving to buyers.’

The SUV and other future models will be based on GAC’s GEP.30 chassis platform and Huawei’s CCA (Computing and Communication Architecture), as well as being fully loaded with Huawei’s full stack of intelligent vehicle solutions.

GAC Group says it is well positioned to fully embrace the trend towards electric vehicles and is aiming to produce an entirely electrified line-up of vehicles by 2025.

Chinese giants GAC and Huawei will work together to develop a smart SUV

September 2021 Motor Trader | 27

Auto innovation news

HYUNDAI AND MOTIONAL UNVEIL IONIQ 5 ROBOTAXI

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YUNDAI HAS Hyundai IONIQ 5 robotaxi PARTNERED with driverless technology company Motional to create a robotaxi based on Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 midsize electric SUV. The IONIQ 5 robotaxi is an SAE Level 4 ( fully selfdriving in certain areas and locations) and uses more than 30 sensors - a combination of cameras, radars, and lidar - that provide 360-degree perception, high-resolution images, and ultra-long range detection of objects. The robotaxi will be outfitted with Motional’s driverless technology, which includes advanced machine learning systems that the company says enables the vehicle to safely navigate challenging and complex driving situations.

The IONIQ 5 is built on the Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) – the company’s dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform – and will feature a suite of rider-focused interfaces to allow passengers to interact with the vehicle during their ride, such as directing the robotaxi to make an extra stop.

Hyundai and Motional say there are safety redundancies across every function, such as the navigation, steering, braking, and power. Motional also says it will be able to provide Remote Vehicle

28 | Motor Trader September 2021

Assistance (RVA) to the robotaxis should they encounter an unusual road scenario, such as road construction or flooding. In such an event, a remote Motional operator could instantly connect to the vehicle and direct it to a new path.

Motional and Hyundai Motor Group will debut the IONIQ 5 robotaxis at the IAA Mobility event in Munich, Germany, this month.

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Auto innovation news

NISSAN E-POWER VEHICLES TO BE AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA IN 2022

Nissan e-POWER first debuted on the Japan-only Nissan Note in 2016

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ISSAN HAS CONFIRMED its e-POWER technology will be coming to Australia, with the innovative hybrid technology to launch in 2022.

The company says that its e-POWER system is unlike existing hybrids where the wheels are powered by an electric motor and a petrol engine. Instead, e-POWER technology sees the driving wheels powered exclusively by an electric motor.

The petrol engine is used only to charge the vehicle’s battery when necessary.

Similar to the LEAF and LEAF e+ EVs, e-POWER vehicles will use Nissan’s e-Pedal drive, enabling drivers to accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal.

“We call e-POWER a best-of-both-worlds solution, offering a driver the key benefits of an EV drive experience without ever having to plug in,” said Adam Paterson, Nissan Australia Managing Director.

30 | Motor Trader September 2021

“WE CALL E-POWER A BEST-OF-BOTHWORLDS SOLUTION, OFFERING A DRIVER THE KEY BENEFITS OF AN EV DRIVE EXPERIENCE WITHOUT EVER HAVING TO PLUG IN,” “While a traditional hybrid adds battery power to an internalcombustion engine, e-POWER delivers an EV-like driving experience, including exhilarating acceleration and near-silent operation, all while drastically reducing your fuel use and emissions.

“We are looking forward to our customers experiencing this futurefacing technology for themselves.”

Nissan Australia says it will introduce e-POWER technology in 2022.

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Get Your Trade Skills Recognised Do you have trade skills and experience but no formal qualification?

Trade Recognition Trade Recognition is the process of having your skills and work experience formally assessed against industry and educational requirements for the purpose of gaining a formal trade qualification.

MTA Institute offers a Government Subsidised Trade Skills Assessment and Gap Training Program for the following qualifications: • AUR30316 – Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology • AUR30416 – Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology • AUR30616 – Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology • AUR30716 – Certificate III in Outdoor Power Equipment • AUR30816 – Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology • AUR31016 – Certificate III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting) • AUR31116 – Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology • AUR31216 – Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology

• AUR32116 – Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology • AUR32416 – Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology • AUR32518 – Certificate III in Automotive Underbody Technology

Eligibility Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria: i) Aged 21 years or over ii) Have not completed a trade qualification in the same industry area iii) Permanently reside in Queensland iv) Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or hold an eligible visa as identified by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training; or v) Meet any additional eligibility requirements identified through this Initiative and: a. Individuals assessed as demonstrating substantial competency in a prospective trade qualification, who require gap training in no more than 40% of the funded competencies of that Priority Trade Qualification; and b. Express a commitment to gain the entire qualification.

Fee information This program is mostly subsidised by the Queensland Government; however, mandatory student co-contribution fees are applicable for all units requiring gap training.

Course length The course duration will depend upon individual circumstances and the amount of gap training required.

The duration and applicable fees will be advised upon a successful application.

Enrol Training and assessment can be arranged at either MTA Institute’s premises or an approved automotive workplace.

Please refer to www.mtai.edu.au for full details or for further information contact one of our friendly team members using the contact details below.

MTA Institute

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Address Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Postal PO Box 4530, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Tel (07) 3722 3000 Toll Free 1800 884 137 Email courses@mtai.edu.au Website www.mtai.edu.au

Auto innovation news

GENESIS PREVIEWS THE ELECTRIC GV60

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ENESIS HAS REVEALED exterior and interior images of the GV60 SUV, the brand’s first electric vehicle based on the E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform) EV platform - which underpins other models in the Hyundai/Kia EV range.

The front of the GV60 features the Two-Line Quad Lamps design, a wider Crest Grille placed below the Quad Lamps that increases the cooling Genesis GV60 SUV efficiency of the high-voltage batteries in the underbody, and a ‘Clamshell Hood’ which combines the bonnet and fenders.

There are digital side mirrors that are connected to a camera and monitor system, and electric door handles that are designed to automatically pop up when the car is approached. At the rear, the Two-Line lamp design is continued, and there is a fixed rear wing spoiler.

On the inside, the design includes the Crystal Sphere - a sphere-shaped Shift-ByWire (SBW) gear selector that also informs drivers when the vehicle is ready to drive.

When the vehicle is turned off, Genesis says that the Crystal Sphere becomes the vehicle’s ‘mood lights’. The circular design of the Crystal Sphere is mirrored on features such as the horn cover, door handles, and side mirror controllers.

Inside, there are two large displays –for instrumentation, and connectivity and While powertrain specs and other infotainment features such as audio, video, features have yet to be confirmed for navigation and communication - and international markets, word out of Korea a steering wheel that includes a boost (as featured in Korean Car Blog) suggests button and a Drive Mode button, as well as that three versions of the GV60 are to be available, including a performance variant the regular buttons for hands-free phone sporting dual motors dishing out 325kW. calls and other features.

32 | Motor Trader September 2021

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

R E PA I R N OT I C E

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WARNING

RIGHT TO RETAIN

QUALIFIED/TRAINED TECHNICIAN

No admittance into the workshop – Staff Only.

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

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

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

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

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

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CUSTOMERS RIGHT TO CHOOSE A REPAIRER

CUSTOMER SUPPLIED PARTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Auto innovation news

ELECTRIC VEHICLE COUNCIL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS EV SALES GROWTH & NEED FOR MORE INVESTMENT

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USTRALIA’S ELECTRIC VEHICLE Council (EVC) released it State of Electric Vehicles 2021 report last month, and it makes for interesting reading in the wake of some fairly supportive moves

by State Governments (which includes NSW $500m investment and package of incentives announced in June).

Notable in the details of the report is the growth in electric vehicle sales.

By the time of the report’s publication in August, there were, it says, 8,688 electric vehicles sold in Australia, representing 1.57 per cent of the total light vehicle market.

That represents a significant increase, in just seven months, over the 6,900 electric vehicles sold in the entirety of 2020, and the 6,718 sold in 2019.

The majority of these sales (76 per cent) were Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), with Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) representing the rest.

The EVC said that despite this growth, Australia was still way behind the rest of the world when it comes to electric vehicle adoption. It pointed out that in Norway, 74 per cent of all light vehicles sold in 2020 were electric, while in the UK that number was 10.7 per cent, in China it was 6.2 per cent, and in the U.S., it was 2.3 per cent.

While 31 EV models are now available in Australia, and that by the end of 2022, 34 | Motor Trader September 2021

‘THE GLOBAL AND DOMESTIC ELECTRIC VEHICLE INDUSTRY HAVE BEEN INCREASINGLY VOCAL IN EXPRESSING THEIR FRUSTRATIONS AND THE NEED FOR STRONG ELECTRIC VEHICLE POLICY TO DRIVE INVESTMENT.’ nearly 30 more models – both all-electric and plug-in hybrid – are expected to be available, the EVC report says that the number of models will likely remain low in comparison to other nations (the UK has access to more than 130).

While the growth in model availability is good, as is the growth in sales, the EVC suggests that the lack of a national strategy remains an issue, even as state governments step up and make supportive EV policies.

‘The primary policy drivers that accelerate uptake of electric vehicles include: financial incentives to reduce the price of purchasing an electric vehicle, regulatory changes and investment in charging infrastructure,’ the report says.

‘The delay of a national electric vehicle policy has caused investment and uptake in Australian to lag comparable markets.

In recent years, state governments

Image credit: Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com

Chevrolet Silverado

CHEVY PREVIEWS FOUR-WHEEL STEER ON SILVERADO EV PICKUP have been stepping in to fill this policy vacuum, sometimes with mixed results.

‘The global and domestic electric vehicle industry have been increasingly vocal in expressing their frustrations and the need for strong electric vehicle policy to drive investment.’

The EVC State of Electric Vehicles 2021 report notes the importance of charging infrastructure, and that there are 3000 public chargers installed across Australia – 470 of which are DC fast or ultra-fast chargers.

That number is likely top get a lot larger over time, and in late August, it was reported that U.S. investment BlackRock, had made a $100 million investment in Australia electric vehicle charging company JOLT, and had plans to install 5000 fastcharging stations across the nation.

JOLT’s current charging strategy allows users to charge their vehicles for free up to 7kWh – good for around 45km of range, the company says – in an 24-hour period.

The news follows the announcement that more than 400 new fast charging stations are to be delivered through a number of CLICK projects in which the TO ACCESS federal government THE EVC REPORT has invested via the Future Fuels Fund.

General Motors (GM) has revealed that its upcoming all-electric Chevrolet Silverado pickup will sit on enormous 24-inch wheels and be available with Four-Wheel Steer.

The Four-Wheel steer feature will, the company says, enable increased agility and tighter turning radius at low speeds, improved handling and stability at higher speeds, as well as ‘great trailering dynamics’. If the short video of the technology is anything to go by, it looks like quite interesting technology.

The Silverado electric pickup will use GM’s Ultium EV Platform as its foundation. While the exact spec and set-up for the Silverado isn’t yet known, the Ultium platform in the electric Hummer pickup is to be available with three electric motors, offer up to 746kW of grunt and 0-100km/h times of around three seconds, and have a range of over 560km.

VIDEO: FOUR-WHEEL STEER ON SILVERADO

September 2021 Motor Trader | 35

Auto innovation news

UK AUTO INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION LOOKS TO GOVT FOR HELP TO UPSKILL TECHNICIANS FOR EV FUTURE

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S THE GLOBAL automotive industry moves ever onwards to electrification, the need for skilled technicians able to work on these vehicles becomes ever more important. And this is true particularly in countries which have moved swiftly to embrace the technology.

In the UK, the Institute of the Motor Industry - professional association for individuals working in the motor industry – has reported that its data shows that the automotive retail sector does not currently have the skills and the pipeline of talent needed to service and repair electrified vehicles and, in a media statement, repeated its plea for the government to commit funding to support EV skills training. It is suggesting a £15m ($AU28.6m) boost would play a critical role, contributing towards training for up to 75,000 technicians.

According to the IMI, as of December 2020, 6.5 per cent of the UK automotive workforce were qualified to work on electric vehicles - based on a total technician workforce of 237,939 of which 15,428 are registered on the IMI TechSafe Register (accredited to work on electric vehicles).

Electric car and van numbers, according to the IMI, is currently in excess of 380,000.

The IMI said that it is estimated that the electric vehicle population in the UK will reach 12.7m in the next decade 36 | Motor Trader September 2021

and the country will need around 75,000 technicians with the skills to work on EVs. “With just 6.5 per cent of the automotive workforce currently qualified to work on electric vehicles there is a gaping chasm in the availability of technicians. And that chasm not only presents a safety threat for those who may risk working on high voltage vehicle systems without appropriate training and qualifications; it also means the premium on skills could add to costs for motorists, creating another, unnecessary deterrent to the switch to EV,” said Steve Nash, CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry.

“The government has committed £1.9bn to tackling consumer uptake and charging issues. We are asking that £15m is set aside for employers to access to support their own investment in skills training to get their workforce EV-ready. This will be particularly important for the independent sector.”

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Auto innovation news

SOUTHERN CROSS UNI KOMBI PROJECT INPSIRES STEM TEACHING RESOURCE FOR SCHOOLS

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ETTING YOUNG PEOPLE interested in and excited by the technologies that are transforming the automotive industry is important for the sector’s future in Australia, and Southern Cross University (SCU), which has campuses in Queensland and NSW, has unveiled a pretty cool project that looks set to meet that challenge – a 1970s VW Kombi converted to a pure electric vehicle.

And the 18-month project, jointly funded by the NSW Government, has seen the development of a cutting-edge teaching resource for schools around the country.

The classic Kombi is fully roadworthy and has been converted to be powered by an 88kW AC SRIPM electric motor and 53kWh water-cooled lithium battery pack (10 x 5.3kWh batteries).

It has electric pump-boosted disc brakes with additional motor braking for The Southern Cross University Electric Kombi

VIDEO: THE SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITY ELECTRIC KOMBI

regenerative braking, a speed-variable custom electric power steering system, a 4-speed gearbox, and a web-connected display with android operating system and OBD connection to motor and battery information.

Cruising speed for the Kombi is 110km/h, and it has an optimum highway range of 200km, and an optimum urban range of more than 250km.

for schools across the country.

SCU says the Kombi project enabled The series of digital resources include students to get involved at the cuttingthose on renewable energy, the difference edge of technology and engineering between diesel and electric engines, systems, and it had worked in as well as what engineers do and partnership with the STEM the variety of careers available Industry Schools Partnerships CLICK in engineering, and the SCU (SISP) program, an initiative TO LEARN Electric Kombi Conversion of the NSW Department of MORE Curriculum Package is now Education’s Educational available for download by Standards Directorate, to create teachers and educators.

Kombi-related digital resources

ELECTRIC BUSES TO HIT THE ROAD IN SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND QUEENSLAND WILL SOON welcome a new fleet of zero-emission buses after the State Government agreed to a $15.6 million deal with manufacturer Keolis Downer to build 16 new electric buses on the Gold Coast.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey praised the collaboration, saying it would play a role in Queensland’s quest to achieve 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030.

“This deal will see the largest rollout of electric buses in Queensland to date,” said Mr Bailey. “These buses will be built right here in Queensland, at BusTech on the Gold Coast.

“The Palaszczuk Government has made a commitment that by 2025, every new urban bus we add to the fleet in SEQ will be zero-emissions, by 2030 we’ll roll that out to the rest of the urban fleet – and of course we want them to be built here in Queensland.”

The electric buses will be built locally by manufacturing company BusTech at facilities in Burleigh.

“BusTech Group is delighted to partner with Keolis Downer to deliver Australian designed, engineered and manufactured zero-emission buses with the most energy-dense battery solution,” said Christian Reynolds, BusTech Group Executive Chairman.

“Manufactured in Queensland, BusTech’s all-electric ZDI is built with the highest local content of any electric bus available on the Australian market.

“These 16 new electric buses will provide Queensland with cleaner, quieter transport whilst also supporting employment opportunities, the local supply chain, the renewables industry and generating lasting economic benefits.”

The agreement will also see Keolis Downer construct the state’s first 100 per cent electric bus depot at the Hornibrook Bus Lines in North Lakes according to CEO David Franks.

The first of the electric buses are expected to hit the roads from September 2022, with all 16 to be available and in use by late 2023.

September 2021 Motor Trader | 39

Auto innovation news

FIVE HYUNDAI HYDROGEN-POWERED NEXO VEHICLES JOIN QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT FLEET

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YUNDAI HAS DEPLOYED Hyundai NEXO five zero-emissions NEXO hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) into the Queensland government fleet.

The FCEVs – decked out in eyecatching livery - are designed to drive awareness in the technology.

They join 100 electric vehicles now in the State Government fleet and will be available to frontline health staff, educators and community workers.

The NEXO has a range of 666km (WLTP) with a refuelling time of three to “This trial aims to accelerate the uptake five minutes. A Brisbane hydrogen station of hydrogen technology and support will provide the refuelling infrastructure.

Queensland’s push to position itself as a Queensland’s Minister for Energy, global hydrogen superpower.

Renewables and Hydrogen, Mick de Brenni “It will demonstrate the effectiveness said the NEXO fleet will demonstrate and efficiency of hydrogen for passenger the potential of Hyundai’s leading-edge vehicles and possibly lead the way for technology with the aim of increasing the hydrogen’s roll-out to trucks, trains and uptake of hydrogen as a clean energy source. marine applications.

“These head-turning vehicles will be “This, in turn, helps grow our local fuelled with home-grown Queensland hydrogen supply chain and that means hydrogen as they are tested in on-road more jobs for Queenslanders in this conditions over the next three years,” emerging sector. said Mr de Brenni.

“It means jobs sourcing raw materials “Leasing them as part of our trial of fuel for renewable hydrogen production and cell electric vehicle technology highlights manufacturing state-of-the-art technology, the fact that QFleet – the government’s right through to exporting this renewable fleet manager – continues to drive energy to an increasingly hydrogen-hungry Queensland’s renewable transport options. world market.”

40 | Motor Trader September 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 2021 Motor Trader | 41 CLICK HERE FOR MEDIA GUIDE AND COSTS

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Member’s Classic

1971 FORD XY 44 | Motor Trader September 2021

Y GT REPLICA WORDS AND PICTURES: LARA WILDE

September 2021 Motor Trader | 45

1971 FORD XY GT REPLICA Y OU CAN TELL a lot about a person by the car they drive. When I was looking for an auto electrician to work on my Cadillac Coupe de Ville, I knew Pat Le Plastrier was my man after I saw his divine 1971 XY Ford Sedan. It might be a replica, but it is immaculate, and Pat was hands-on to build every inch of the blue beast himself.

Pat has always been a Ford man – he currently owns six 1971 XY Fords – and back in the day, he leapt behind the wheel of his four-wheel drive XY ute with wife Kelly to tour Australia before selling that ute to fund his mobile auto electrician business Bright Spark in Cairns.

Pat Le Plastrier

“It hurt to sell the Ford to buy a Toyota Hi-Ace to get my business started but it was a good long-term investment,” he says.

However, the urge to replace the XY was strong and so he went shopping.

In 2009, Pat took some mates on a road trip to Mt Garnet in the Gulf of Carpentaria to pick up this 1971 XY sedan.

The car was originally from the outback in the Northern Territory and so was rust-free and had a great body.

“I argued the case for needing a full resto to try and knock the seller’s price down from the advertised $7,000, but he wouldn’t budge,” remembers Pat. The tidy Ford was loaded on a trailer and dragged home ready to begin its new life.

When Pat bought the sedan, it had been dressed up as an XY GT Replica. As Pat

began the full rebuild, he chose to keep the replica theme but this time he painted the big girl blue with black GT stripes.

The rebuild was thorough with a full rotisserie treatment seeing every part either restored, reconditioned, or replaced.

The driveline to the 393 Stroker Windsor was upgraded to a manualised C4 automatic gearbox with a 31 spline 9-inch diff. The suspension was given a tickle to make the ride smooth and solid. Being an auto electrician, Pat made sure the wiring was immaculate with crispy-cold air conditioning to battle the tropical Cairns humidity.

Pat’s happiest moment was taking the Ford for the first drive when it was finally registered and on the road and the XY would subsequently win Best Muscle car,

Best Ford and place in the Top 5 overall at many car shows.

There have been many happy moments behind the wheel on cruises with mates, down the quarter-mile at Springmount Raceway and taking kids to their Year

12 formal. Pat’s saddest moment was crashing the car and having to start the rebuild process all over again.

That sad day happened in January 2017.

Cruising south to Babinda with mates, Pat was on the return trip to Cairns when it began to rain. As the roads became a little

moist Pat was taking it easy and driving responsibly. The Ford was at the end of a long line of cars following a slow van which was towing a camper trailer. When there was a break in the oncoming traffic, Pat decided to apply the ponies nestled under the bonnet and overtake everyone.

After biding her time patiently in the wet, the XY was a little too excited and stepped out in the rear end. The blue boot of the Ford hit the camper trailer and Pat spun 180 degrees smack bang into the van towing the trailer. Somehow the XY slid backwards between two large culverts missing them both and miraculously plopped down beside a railway line in long grass. It was a mess. Amazingly, Pat was

not hurt - only the XY suffered injury.

Pat counted his lucky stars and began the process of rebuilding the XY all over again.

This time though, he was a little wiser, having learnt many lessons from the first rebuild.

“During the first rebuild I learnt to plan ahead ordering parts so I wasn’t waiting for essential bits to arrive before the work could continue,” he says.

The second lesson was provided by his paint and panel guy who advised Pat to do at least half an hour of work on the car every day.

“Doing just half an hour maintained interest in the project. I kept making progress and often half an hour will turn into a full hour.”

Pat learnt that you can’t rush the process. It is important to not cut corners but little by little maintain the build quality until the end.

Pat finished the XY and put it back on the streets in 2018.

The big blue Ford is a regular on cruises in the region and at the Springmount Raceway drag strip. Running CLICK TO VISIT THE with a naturally BRIGHT SPARK aspirated motor, WEBSITE the XY runs a 12.02

second quarter mile with a top speed of 113mph (182km/h). With a bottle of NOS in the boot, the sedan has a best elapsed time of 11.5 seconds at 119 miles per hour (191.5km/h) down the deep end.

Still on the wish list is a front coil over suspension and rack and pinion steering, but that will have to wait for now as Pat tries to finish the rest of his car collection to his high standards.

In July 2021, after two years in the rebuild shed, Pat finished another 1971 XY for his wife Kelly. The quicksilver sedan with twotone blue interior is immaculate and far more civilised than his own beast of a Ford.

Still to be completed are his unrestored 1971 XY V8s including a Fairmont Sedan, a Fairmont Wagon, a Falcon Panel Van and a Falcon Ute. The ute has a modified four link and the front is chopped out ready for a tubular suspension kit. It is earmarked to become Pat’s dream street and strip car with the latest Godzilla supercharged engine.

Pat has a reputation for turning out exceptional, quality work on custom cars through his business Bright Spark Custom Rewiring and Air Conditioning. His own cars showcase his ability to deliver quality work and his attention to detail. It is no wonder that car enthusiasts in Cairns are lining up to have Pat work his magic on their dream car.

September 2021 Motor Trader | 49

Auto news

TOYOTA HILUX AND FORTUNER GAIN KEY UPGRADES Toyota Fortuner

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OYOTA HAS UPDATED its HiLux pick-up and Fortuner family SUV with a variety of new comfort and safety features. These include including fitting Toyota Connected Services as standard on all grades, new interior comfort and convenience features in the HiLux range, and the addition of more active safety features as standard on the Fortuner.

The Toyota Connected Services system can automatically generate an emergency call to Toyota’s 24/7 Emergency Call Centre and relay the location of the vehicle in the event of a collision that requires intervention, or if an airbag deploys.

Occupants can also manually trigger an emergency call to the call centre via an SOS button, allowing them to coordinate with emergency services.

If the vehicle is reported stolen, Toyota Connected Services can assist authorities to help track the vehicle’s location via the stolen vehicle tracking (SVT) service.

In the HiLux, the high-profile roofmounted antenna has been replaced by a sharkfin antenna on all models, while SR5 variants now feature an upgraded front dual-zone climate control system.

The flagship HiLux Rogue also gains a panoramic view monitor as standard.

The Fortuner GX variant now offers control of the instrument cluster illumination, while the GXL and Crusade versions gain the new front dual-zone climate control system, and the flagship Crusade gains a panoramic view monitor.

50 | Motor Trader September 2021

TOYOTA HAS UPDATED ITS HILUX PICK-UP AND FORTUNER FAMILY SUV WITH A VARIETY OF NEW COMFORT AND SAFETY FEATURES. Blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert have also been added to Crusade variants.

The HiLux is offered with the choice of three engines - a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel fourcylinder engine, shared with the Fortuner, that delivers 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque when teamed to the six-speed automatic transmission.

4x2 HiLux grades can also be had with a 110kW/400Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine or 2.7-litre petrol four-cylinder that offers maximum outputs of 122kW and 245Nm. All 4x4 grades feature a low-range transfer case for enhanced off-road ability, while all Fortuner grades and HiLux SR, SR5, Rogue and Rugged X variants have a rear differential lock as standard.

Maximum braked towing capacity is rated at 3500kg on HiLux and 3100kg on Fortuner.

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Nissan Z

NISSAN UNVEILS NEW Z

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ISSAN HAS UNVEILED the new Z sports car, and it is a very nice-looking machine indeed, with a sleek exterior look matched by an interior that oozes quality and reflects the performance heritage of the Z brand.

Two models of the Z are to be available – the Z Sport and the Z Performance – and are scheduled to go on sale at the beginning of 2022.

Both rear-wheel-drive models are powered by a 3-litre V6 twin turbo engine that dishes out 298kW and 475Nm. A sixspeed manual transmission is standard, with a nine-speed auto available as an option. Aluminium paddle shifters are standard on all the auto-equipped models.

Two drive modes are offered on automatic models - Standard and Sport with Sport mode delivering faster acceleration control, a sports-mode steering algorithm, and vehicle dynamic control settings.

All Z Performance grade models utilise a mechanical clutch-type limited-slip differential. Suspension specs include 52 | Motor Trader September 2021

front and rear dampers that use a new monotube shock absorber design. A front double-wishbone aluminium suspension features new geometry, including increased caster angle, improving straight line stability. A two-point front strut tower brace is standard. The rear independent multi-link aluminium suspension has also been reconfigured.

Braking comes via 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes. Larger sport brakes with red-painted calipers are standard on Performance grade models.

The Z Sport grade rides on 18-inch aluminium-alloy wheels with Yokohama ADVAN Sport tyres, while the Z Performance features 19-inch RAYS forged aluminium-alloy wheels mounted with Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres.

In the U.S., the new 2023 Z is available in three monotone exterior colours and is also offered with a two-tone exterior, including six colours combined with a Super Black roof.

On the inside, the new Z pairs modern tech with vintage touches. There’s a centre

stack with three analogue pod gauges on the instrument panel, an 8-inch or 9-inch (Performance variant) touchscreen audio display in the centre, and a 12.3-inch customisable information display.

The 12.3-inch display has three modes to suit driver preference, with “Sport” mode prioritising the tachometer in the centre and in the driver’s field of view. The Sport mode also allows for a boost gauge to be displayed.

The Z Sport grade offers black woven cloth and manual seats. The Z Performance adds leather-appointed surfaces, 4-way power driver’s seat with lumbar and thigh support, 4-way power and heated seats.

A touch of retro styling is nice, but the Z comes fully loaded with modern convenience and safety features, including Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, Intelligent Cruise Control, Automatic Temperature Control, RearView Monitor, two 12-volt power points, and two USB points.

The 8.0-inch display includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth

Hands-free Phone System, and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant amongst other features. The Performance model gets the 9.0-inch touchscreen display which has navigation and WiFi hotspot tech – features not available with the 8-inch version.

All models will have driver assistance systems that include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, High Beam Assist and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning. Tyre Pressure monitoring is standard.

A special edition model is going to be available called the Proto Spec. It will be limited to 240 units in the U.S., and includes yellow-coloured brake calipers with Z logo, bronze-coloured 19-inch RAYS aluminium-alloy wheels, exclusive Proto Spec leather-appointed seats with yellow accents, exclusive Proto Spec suede and cloth door trim with yellow stitching and special Proto Spec interior stitching.

September 2021 Motor Trader | 53

Auto news

HYUNDAI INTRODUCES ‘STANDARD RANGE’ KONA ELECTRIC

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YUNDAI AUSTRALIA HAS launched a Kona Electric ‘Standard Range’ and reduced the price for the now renamed ‘Extended Range’ powertrain variants.

The new 100kW / 39.2kWh entry powertrain model – available in Elite and Highlander trims - shares all the very extensive technology and safety features of its Extended Range siblings, while the Kona Electric Extended Range (150kW / 64kWh) Elite and Highlander powertrain variants have received $1,500 and $2,000 MLP (Manufacturer’s List Price) reductions respectively.

THE ‘STANDARD RANGE’ VARIANT’S POWER WILL COME FROM A 327V, 39.2KWH LITHIUM-ION POLYMER BATTERY AND A A 100KW PERMANENTMAGNET SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR, DELIVERING 395NM OF TORQUE.

54 | Motor Trader September 2021

Hyundai Kona Electric

The ‘Standard Range’ variant’s power will come from a 327V, 39.2kWh lithiumion polymer battery and a a 100kW permanent-magnet synchronous motor, delivering 395Nm of torque. Hyundai claims a real-world all-electric range of up to 305km when tested to WLTP standards.

The new set-up for the Hyundai Kona Electric models will see the range start at $54,500 (MLP) for the entry-level ‘Standard Range’ Elite, while the Highlander will be available for $58,000. Extended range variants of the Elite and Highlander will be priced at $60,500 and $64,000 respectively.

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Auto news

MORGAN INTRODUCES THE RUGGED, ALL-TERRAIN PLUS FOUR CX-T

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ORGAN, THE BRITISH manufacturer of retro-styled sports cars, has unveiled the Plus Four CX-T – a rugged version of its Plus Four model and which the company says has been developed for all-terrain and ‘overland adventure’ use.

Built on the company’s CX-Generation platform - which also underpins the production-model Plus Four (and Plus Six) – the CX-T was designed and engineered in partnership with Rally Raid UK, a creator of Dakar race cars.

Just eight vehicles will be built, priced at £170,000 ($AU320,260) plus local taxes and supplied in full overland specification, with each customer having the opportunity to work alongside Morgan’s design team to specify their own CX-T. While it shares the BMW 2-litre fourcylinder TwinPower Turbo engine with its road-going sibling, the exterior of the Plus Four CX-T is designed to maximise luggage and equipment carrying capacity, and provide the occupant protection necessary

The Plus Four CX-T is designed to maximise luggage and equipment carrying capacity

VIDEO: MORGAN PLUS FOUR CX-T [LAUNCH FILM]

BUILT ON THE COMPANY’S CXGENERATION PLATFORM . . . THE CX-T WAS DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RALLY RAID UK, A CREATOR OF DAKAR RACE CARS. for extreme environments.

Most prominently, the rear panel of the vehicle has been replaced with an equipment rack.

The rack houses two waterproof Pelican luggage cases, a Zarges aluminium tool/storage box, two Rotopax 11-litre containers and two spare wheel/tyre assemblies.

Additionally, recovery equipment is mounted on the exterior of the car.

The external protective exoskeleton can also be adapted to carry leisure equipment such as bikes and surf boards, while the

removable side screens can be mounted onto the roof of the vehicle.

The suspension has been designed to be expedition ready and uses modified Plus Six wishbones. EXE-TC coilover assemblies with internal bump stops are A five-piece underbody protection system helps to protect also used. In addition the chassis and important components from damage to the main suspension hardware, the lower suspension arms contain bespoke bushes which increase durability. also been integrated. Cabin stowage An underbody protection system – includes the addition of a removable map/ comprising an engine guard, rear chassis document holder and insulated cool bag, guard, mid-section shield and rear both located in the passenger footwell. A custom-made first aid kit is mounted to undertray – helps to protect the chassis the internal roll cage behind the seats. and important components from damage.

The cabin is enclosed within a The car is also fitted with an exhaust composite hard top. system with rear side-exit that improves the departure angle and contributes to 230mm of ground clearance.

The Plus Four CX-T uses a BMW X-Drive electronic differential with bespoke software. Switches inside the cabin allow a choice of three modes to be selected depending upon the driving conditions; each mode varies the degree of differential lock that is applied. Selecting ‘Road’ mode fully opens the differential, while ‘AllTerrain’ mode applies approximately 45% lock to the rear differential, allowing some variation torque distribution between the rear wheels. ‘All-Terrain – Extreme’ mode fully locks the rear differential. The two All-Terrain modes are designed to be used when tackling rough surfaces and lowtraction conditions.

We’ve seen the Inside the cabin of the Plus Four CX-T next big thing features have been added to improve a thousand times. occupant comfort and usability in remote environments. A RAM mount track is It’s never too big. built into to the dashboard to allow the We’ve been in the industry long enough to secure fixing of a variety of devices such understand that change is inevitable. It’s why we identify and develop services so Members have as phones or cameras. A flexible map the strength to overcome today’s challenges, as light, pencil and notebook holder have well as tomorrow’s.

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September 2021 Motor Trader | 57

Auto news

LAMBORGHINI REVEALS THE STUNNING NEW HYBRID COUNTACH

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AMBORGHINI’S MOST ICONIC nameplate is back, with the supercar maker unveiling the new Countach – the LPI 800-4.

Lamborghini always make eye-catching cars, but while some can border on the outrageous and are jaw-dropping for that reason, the Countach LPI 800-4 has ditched all that for some pure, sleek, hypercar lines.

Underneath that beautiful exterior is a hybrid system that pairs a 574kW, V12 engine with a 25kW electric motor and VIDEO: LAMBORGHINI UNVEILS THE NEW HYBRID COUNTACH

Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4

THE COUNTACH HAS A MONOCOQUE CHASSIS OF CARBON FIBRE, AND WITH THE BODY PANELS ALL CARBON FIBRE TOO THE CAR COMES IN AT A DRY WEIGHT OF 1595KG. permanent four-wheel-drive.

The upshot? A car that has real punch – 599kW on tap that can push the Countach to 100km/h in 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 355km/h.

The V12, 6.5-litre engine is combined with the 48-volt e-motor mounted directly on the gearbox.

The e-motor is powered by a supercapacitor that Lamborghini says provides three times more power compared

The Countach has a carbon fibre monocoque chassis and body panels

to a lithium-ion battery of the same weight.

The Countach has a monocoque chassis of carbon fibre, and with the body panels all carbon fibre too the car comes in at a dry weight of 1595kg. Visible exterior carbon fibre features are available in the front splitter, around the front window and wing mirrors, engine bonnet cover air intakes and rocker panel and it is always present in specific interior details.

There’s plenty of luxurious touches on the inside including a photochromatic

roof - and carbon fibre gets a good run here too. Tech-wise, there’s an 8.4-inch HDMI centre touchscreen that manages car controls including Connectivity systems.

The LPI 800-4 sits on 20-inch ( front) and 21-inch (rear) wheels fitted with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres. Carbon ceramic brake discs are fitted too.

Owners of the limited edition Countach LPI 800-4 can choose from a range of heritage exterior paint options such as Impact White, Giallo Countach and Verde Medio, and contemporary palette offers including Viola Pasifae.

Just 112 units of the Countach will be made, and deliveries to customers are expected to begin from the first quarter of 2022.

September 2021 Motor Trader | 59

Auto news

Toyota was market leader in August with 24.6 per cent of overall sales

NEW VEHICLE SALES SHOW STRONG GROWTH THROUGH AUGUST 2021

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HE STRENGTH OF new vehicle sales continues as the August numbers, revealed by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), showed a 33 per cent jump on the same month last year.

81,199 new vehicles were sold during the month despite Covid-19 restricting access to vehicle showrooms in many States and Territories. That 81,199 national new vehicle sales figure is an increase of 20,213 vehicle sales on August 2020 (60,986) vehicle sales.

Queensland recorded a 32.2 per cent growth rate over August last year, with 19,139 vehicles sold. Western Australia and the Northern Territory also recorded growth greater than 30 per cent compared to August 2020. Victorian sales recorded an increase of over 150 per cent, while the ACT and NSW recorded declines.

The Passenger Vehicle Market is up by 2,581 vehicle sales (17.5 per cent) over the same month last year; the Sports Utility 60 | Motor Trader September 2021

81,199 NEW VEHICLES WERE SOLD DURING THE MONTH DESPITE COVID-19 RESTRICTING ACCESS TO VEHICLE SHOWROOMS IN MANY STATES AND TERRITORIES. THAT 81,199 NATIONAL NEW VEHICLE SALES FIGURE IS AN INCREASE OF 20,213 VEHICLE SALES ON AUGUST 2020 . . .

Market is up by 8,603 vehicle sales (26.6 per cent); the Light Commercial Market is up by 8,002 vehicle sales (71.2 per cent); and the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market is up by 1,027 vehicle sales (39.3 per cent) versus August 2020.

Put up against sales figure for the preCovid month of August 2019, the new

Toyota Corolla was the third-highest selling model in August with 3,563 units sold

figures stack up well. For August 2019, the FCAI reported total sales for the month were of 85,633 units (which were, incidentally, a 10.1 per cent drop over the same month in 2018).

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said that the uncertainty around lockdowns meant manufacturers were having to remain agile in the ways they engage with customers.

“The bounce of 33 per cent on last year’s figure demonstrates the resolve of car manufacturers to engage with customers and drive-up new vehicle ownership.

“With access to showrooms limited, vehicle makers are working to engage customers in their homes and other places of isolation.”

Strong sales of electric SUVs amidst a global shortage of microprocessor parts are, the FCAI said, a result of manufacturers working with their suppliers to match vehicles with market demand.

“We know that the car industry is suffering the global impacts of Covid-19 on supply chains. An increase of 635 per cent on the sale of electric powered SUVs shows just how diligently manufacturers are working with suppliers to deliver vehicles to market.”

Toyota was market leader in August with 24.6 per cent of overall sales. This was

followed by Mazda (9.4 per cent), and then Kia, Ford and Hyundai who all recorded 6.2 per cent of market share.

The Toyota Hilux was the highest selling model with 4,770 sold with the Ford Ranger (3,959) and Toyota Corolla (3,563) achieving second and third place.

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Auto news

Corolla has been the most popular passenger car in Australia for the past eight years

GLOBAL TOYOTA COROLLA SALES TOP 50 MILLION

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OYOTA HAS SOLD its 50 millionth Corolla, 54 years after the first model made its appearance.

It’s an incredible number, and Australians have been eager buyers of the model. Some 1.5 million have sold locally since 15 examples of the 1.1-litre KE10 two-door sedan were exported to Australia – the Corolla’s first export market in November 1966.

In 1968, Toyota started local assembly of the Corolla at a factory in Port Melbourne - the first such operation outside of Japan – and more than 666,000 Corollas were built

by Toyota Australia at factories in Port Melbourne, Dandenong and Altona.

Toyota says it has sold more than 1.1 million Corolla’s in the past year, that it is sold in more than 150 countries and regions, and is produced at 12 plants across

62 | Motor Trader September 2021

First generation KE10 (1966 to 1970)

IN 1968, TOYOTA STARTED LOCAL ASSEMBLY OF THE COROLLA AT A FACTORY IN PORT MELBOURNE - THE FIRST SUCH OPERATION OUTSIDE OF JAPAN – AND MORE THAN 666,000 COROLLAS WERE BUILT BY TOYOTA AUSTRALIA . . . the world in Japan, Brazil, Venezuela, China, Pakistan, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey, US and the UK. The Corolla marked its millionth sale in Australia in September 2007, with a further 500,000 sold since then. It has been the most popular passenger car in Australia for the past eight years.

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September 2021 Motor Trader | 63

Auto news

RENAULT LAUNCHES ARKANA SUV IN AUSTRALIA

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HE ALL-NEW RENAULT Arkana SUV coupe has arrived in Australia and in three variants – the Zen, Intens, and R.S. Line.

The Arkana is based on the CMF-B, or common module family B-segment platform, and is powered by a 1.3-litre, turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine delivering 115kW at 5,500rpm and 262Nm at 2,250rpm. Fuel consumption is a claimed 6-litres per 100km on the combined cycle. Power flows through a 7-speed dual-clutch (EDC) gearbox.

Renault’s multi-sense system is available on Intens and R.S. Line with three customisable driver modes and choice of eight ambient lighting colours.

The company says that Eco mode helps to take fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to the lowest level by reducing Renault Arkana SUV coupe

AVAILABLE IN A RANGE OF SEVEN COLOURS, EACH ARKANA VARIANT COMES STANDARD WITH DUAL CHROME EXHAUST TIPS, DISTINCTIVE ALLOY WHEEL DESIGNS AND, DEPENDING ON THE VERSION, CHROME, GLOSS BLACK OR GUN-METAL GREY EXTERIOR DESIGN ACCENTS. the engine responsiveness to acceleration.

Sport mode provides improved driving precision through sharper acceleration and firmer steering, while My Sense allows for personalisation by customising the steering flexibility, interior ambient lighting and instrument panel layout.

Standard driver assistance systems across the Arkana range include active emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, blind spot warning, easy park assist, and automatic high-low beam headlights.

The Easy Park Assist system comes as standard, allowing for hands-free parking.

Rear cross traffic alert comes standard on Intens and R.S. Line. Arkana comes with the full complement of airbags: front and rear curtain airbags, and front and side chest airbags.

Inside, there is premium leather and suede upholstery in the Intens and R.S. Line as well as electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated seats.

Smart cockpit features include Renault’s Easy Link multimedia system, accessed via a 9.3-inch portrait or 7-inch landscape central touchscreen. Also, depending on the variant, a range of driver display screens come standard from 4.2-inch to 7-inch. A fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster is available as an option on Intens and R.S. Line.

The R.S. Line gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone replication, four USB ports and wireless phone charging.

Climate-controlled air-conditioning, air purifier and rear air vents are standard across the range.

Boot volume reaches 485 litres, and there is a split-level floor giving the choice of easy loading with the flat bottom, or maximising space with a deeper boot.

Available in a range of seven colours, each Arkana variant comes standard with dual chrome exhaust tips, distinctive alloy wheel designs and, depending on the version, chrome, gloss black or gun-metal grey exterior design accents.

The top-of-the-range R.S. Line – arriving January 2022 – comes with some sportier trim, and a full opening sunroof is standard on this model and optional on the Intens. Both these variants can also be specified with a contrasting black roof.

The new Arkana is backed by Renault’s 5 Year Easy Life Ownership package, delivering five years unlimited kilometre warranty, five capped price services with a 30,000km service interval between each, and five years Roadside Assistance when serviced with an official Renault dealer.

The Arkana range starts with the Zen at $33,990, followed by Intens at $37,490 and the top-of-therange R.S. Line at $40,990 – all before options and on road costs.

September 2021 Motor Trader | 65

Workplace relations

IAN NAYLOR SENIOR WORKPLACE RELATIONS ADVISOR

FAIR WORK OMBUDSMAN’S ADVICE - COVID VACCINATION IN THE WORKPLACE

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N AUGUST 26 the Fair Work Ombudsman updated its advice.

The Ombudsman has set out a four-tier system to determine when it would be reasonable for an employer to compel their employees to get the Covid vaccine.

It was previously thought that employers can direct their employees to be vaccinated if the direction is lawful and reasonable. Whether a direction is lawful and reasonable will be assessed on the individual facts on a case-by-case basis.

For a direction to be lawful, it needs to comply with any employment contract, award, and any Commonwealth, state or territory law that applies ( for example, an anti-discrimination law).

Factors that influence the reasonableness of a direction include: the nature of the workplace, community transmission, the effectiveness of vaccines, work health and safety obligations, employees’ 66 | Motor Trader September 2021

IT IS IMPORTANT FOR EMPLOYERS TO BE COGNISANT OF THE FACT THAT REGARDLESS OF THE TIER/S THAT MAY APPLY TO THE WORK PERFORMED BY ITS EMPLOYEES, THE REASONABLENESS OF A DIRECTION WILL ALWAYS BE FACT DEPENDENT AND MUST BE ASSESSED ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS. circumstances, employees’ reasons for refusing vaccination and vaccine availability.

The Ombudsman has divided work into four broad tiers: • Tier 1 work, where employees are required as part of their duties to interact with people with an increased risk of being infected with coronavirus ( for

example, employees working in hotel is more likely to be reasonable if there is quarantine or border control); community transmission. Finally for Tier 4 • Tier 2 work, where employees are work with minimal face-to-face interaction required to have close contact with an employer’s direction to its employees to people who are particularly vulnerable get the vaccine is unlikely to be reasonable to the health impacts of coronavirus ( for given the limited risk of transmission. example, employees working in health It is important for employers to be care or aged care); cognisant of the fact that regardless • Tier 3 work, where there is interaction of the tier/s that may apply to the or likely interaction between employees work performed by its employees, the and other people such as customers, reasonableness of a direction will always other employees, or the public in the be fact-dependent and must be assessed normal course of employment ( for on a case-by-case basis. This will require example, stores providing essential careful analysis of all relevant factors goods and services); and applicable to that individual workplace, the • Tier 4 work, where employees have employees and the type of work performed. minimal face-to-face interaction as The Ombudsman has urged employers part of their normal employment to get their own legal advice if they duties ( for example, where they are are considering making vaccinations working from home). mandatory for The Ombudsman their employees. has noted that the The Ombudsman coronavirus pandemic has also announced does not automatically that if an employer make it reasonable has provided a lawful for employers to and reasonable direct employees to direction to be be vaccinated against vaccinated for the virus. A workplace coronavirus and an may have a mix of employee complies, employees, with the employer can also different employees ask the employee to performing work in provide evidence of different tiers, all of their vaccination. which could change An employer may over time. ask to view evidence The Ombudsman of an employee’s has declared that it is more vaccination status likely to be reasonable to require without raising privacy obligations CLICK FOR MORE vaccination for Tier 1 work, where provided they do not collect (i.e.

INFORMATION employees are in contact with make a record or keep a copy of) people at risk from coronavirus this information. An employer such as airline crew, or in Tier 2, should not collect vaccination status where they work with vulnerable people, information from an employee unless such as aged care. For Tier 3 work the employee consents and the CLICK TO that involves interaction with the collection is reasonably necessary VISIT THE public, employers may be able for the employer’s functions and MTAQ MEMBER PORTAL to require vaccination but this activities.

September 2021 Motor Trader | 67

OUR VISION IS TO BE QUEENSLAND’S MOST TRUSTED, INFLUENTIAL & ENGAGED INDUSTRY BODY The Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) is the peak organisation in the state representing the specific interests of businesses in the retail, repair & service sectors of the automotive industry.

Member benefits include: Advocacy MTA Queensland makes representations to state and federal governments on the BIG issues affecting your business and industry.

Services Our members can utilise free Workplace Relations advice and Consumer Complaint support; access a cost-effective website building service and, through our self-service Member Portal, access information regarding wages & awards, health & safety, public holidays and more. There also is a FREE-to-use online Jobs Board platform to advertise open positions, plus discounted signage & stationery products are available through the online MTA Queensland shop.

Training The MTA Institute (RTO 31529) is the awardwinning, leading provider of automotive training and apprenticeships in Queensland. Course & training options include: • Apprenticeships • Traineeships • Skills Recognition • Automotive Licensing • Short Automotive Courses (including some which attract a 20% discount for members) • Pre-apprenticehips

Support Members can take advantage of a wide range of services & benefits, including: •B anking, insurance, payment options, legal advice and workplace health & safety compliance advice, offered by our Corporate Partners.

• A library of small business resources.

• A Weekly Industry Bulletin containing updates on industry news and events, workplace relations, divisional updates and training courses.

•C omprehensive webinar and micro-credential program (coming soon).

•M onthly subscription to the Motor Trader e-magazine and free business profiling.

•S avings and discounts from a range of industry stakeholders.

• I nvitations to industry signature events Industry Awards Gala, Golf Day, and Carmageddon.

Innovation Stay at the front of cutting-edge information and business solutions connected to the automotive digital revolution with access to events and MTAiQ – Australia’s first automotive innovation hub which is a facility offering an eco-system that supports innovation in the motor trades.

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

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INVESTING IN TRAINING THROUGH AN APPRENTICESHIP CAN PROVIDE YOUR BUSINESS WITH REAL BENEFITS AND CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR BOTTOM LINE. Investing in training through an apprenticeship can provide your business with real benefits and contribute to your bottom line. A range of financial incentives, costs and finical support should be taken into account when putting on an apprentice. Details here https://desbt.qld. gov.au/training/apprentices/incentives Apart from financial incentives, there are other benefits for employers: • It is an effective way to attract and recruit staff as employers view apprenticeships and traineeships as an integral component of their workforce recruitment strategy. Employers train the person within their work environment in areas where skills are required.

• It is a catalyst for rethinking systems and processes as employers have reported that training an apprentice or trainee often encourages staff to rethink and challenge existing work practices.

Productivity improvements can be an unexpected consequence of employing an apprentice or trainee.

• It can contribute to the community as school-based apprenticeships or traineeships can make a real difference in motivating young people to complete school and work towards their future goal.

• It results in employer satisfaction as employers and supervisors often experience a great deal of satisfaction during the process as they help apprentices and trainees mold new skills and gain confidence in a work environment.

September 2021 Motor Trader | 69

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MPLOYING AN APPRENTICE in your automotive business has many rewards and here are a few things to consider when putting on an PAUL KULPA apprentice: GENERAL MANAGER • Full-time MTA INSTITUTE

apprentices and trainees work and train from 36 to 38 hours a week. Part-time apprentices and trainees work and train a minimum of 15 hours per week, averaged over a four-week cycle.

• Adult and mature-age apprentices and trainees provide reliability, life experience and knowledge that can be valuable not only to employers, but other staff. An adult apprentice or trainee’s existing skills and experience, gained through education, training, work and life experience, may provide them with credit and may reduce their training time.

• School-based apprentices and trainees undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship as part of their high school studies. A school-based apprentice or trainee’s employment and/or training arrangements must impact on their school timetable for the program to be considered school-based. Read further information about school-based apprenticeships and traineeships here https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/ apprentices • It may be possible for an existing employee to commence an apprenticeship or traineeship with your business. Find out about eligibility of transitioning an existing worker to an apprenticeship or traineeship here https://desbt.qld.gov.au/ training/apprentices/getting-started

M E M B E R S

MTA Institute News

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

MTA Institute Training

PRE-VOCATIONAL TRAINING: A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE The MTA Institute’s fiveweek Automotive Vocational Preparation course delivers a basic introduction to the automotive industry, enabling students to learn from experienced trainers in a workshop setting about the fundamentals of the mechanical trade and discover if a career in automotive is something they want to pursue.

20-year-old Reuben Nash took the opportunity to complete the course and told Motor Trader about the experience.

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IRST OF ALL, I’ll be upfront and honest and say that working in the automotive industry was not something to which I had ever given much thought.

When I was at school, like lots of kids, I was into computers, computer games, gadgets and gizmos like iPods and so on, and my interest in cars was limited to the ones I could choose in the racing games I played such as Forza and Gran Turismo.

In fact, I enjoyed these and other types of games so much that I ended up studying computer games design. Being a mechanic just wasn’t on my radar.

However, over the past two or three years, I’ve become more and more interested by what is happening in the 70 | Motor Trader September 2021

Reuben Nash

THIS WAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN SOME BASIC SKILLS, GET A TASTE OF LIFE IN A WORKSHOP AND DISCOVER WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU WHEN YOU WORK IN ONE, AND FIND OUT IF THE INDUSTRY MIGHT BE THE PLACE WHERE I COULD BUILD A CAREER. automotive world. Learning to drive and buying my first car certainly helped in that respect, and I knew I wanted to be able to do the basic maintenance stuff on the

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

Ford Falcon I had bought. But there was also the fact that my dad, who is editor of this magazine, talked (and still talks!) endlessly about the automotive industry and where it is heading.

I have heard him talk a lot about ADAS systems, about hybrid and electric cars and self-driving vehicles; about the moves from nations across the world to shift from fossil fuels; how hydrogen might work as energy for heavy vehicle transport . . . there’s an awful lot happening and I could see that the automotive industry was, and is, evolving quickly. I was really interested in what was going on.

However, being interested does not mean I was ready to approach a

dealership or independent workshop for a job. I didn’t want to be offered that chance and then struggle, disappoint my new employer, and discover that actually, automotive might not be for me.

That wouldn’t be fair on anyone. I knew I needed to get a feel for things first.

And so, when I found out about the MTA Institute Automotive Pre-Vocational Course, I jumped at the chance. This was the opportunity to learn some basic skills, September 2021 Motor Trader | 71

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

MTA Institute training get a taste of life in a workshop and discover what is expected of you when you work in one, and find out if the industry might be the place where I could build a career.

There were about a dozen of us on the course, mostly young and drawn from across Brisbane and the south-east, and most, I think, were like me – keen to learn and get on that first step of the career ladder.

It was a bit awkward at first – some of

the class knew each other, while some, like me, knew no one – but we were all there because we wanted to be, not because we had to be, so it really didn’t take too long for us to click together.

Our first week was spent mainly in the classroom, learning about safety and environmental procedures, communication skills, and the basics on tools and equipment – all important lessons before we could start the handson training in the workshop.

From there, though, the fun stuff began and across the following four weeks we learned a great deal.

We removed wheel assemblies, used tyre-changing equipment,

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

Queensland and MTA Institute staff.

All of this was done, of course, under the watchful eyes of our experienced trainers Scott Gehrke and Russell Sticklen. These two extremely patient men were, over the course of the five weeks, joined by a number of other trainers who gave us insights into the industry and guidance across a range of topics, and throughout the course they assessed our growing knowledge and encouraged us to get stuck in, to ask questions, and to be curious.

They are great teachers.

At the end of the five weeks, everyone and were taught how weights are used for tyre balancing. We inspected and in our group was assessed favourably. tested batteries, learned about wiring We all passed the course and are, I am looms and how to identify the different fairly confident in saying, knowledgeable elements of electrical systems, and then enough to be able to walk into a workshop did the same with engines and were and not make our new boss regret having shown how to properly remove and tag given us a chance. engine components.

For me, the Pre-Voc course reinforced We were hands-on as we studied braking what I already suspected – that the and exhaust systems and learned how to automotive industry is a place I would like use workshop equipment such as hoists to work. I really enjoyed the experience. and, in the final few days of the course, we Learning how things work, and using my put what we had learned into practice and hands to pull things apart, understand them, performed minor services – oil changes and put them back together, is pretty and filter replacements and so on cool. And with the industry in the CLICK TO FIND OUT MORE – on a variety of vehicles put into midst of massive and really exciting ABOUT THE PRE-VOCATIONAL our care by brave members of MTA change, I want to be part of that.

WE WERE HANDS-ON AS WE STUDIED BRAKING AND EXHAUST SYSTEMS AND LEARNED HOW TO USE WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT SUCH AS HOISTS AND . . . WE PUT WHAT WE HAD LEARNED INTO PRACTICE AND PERFORMED MINOR SERVICES . . .

COURSE

September 2021 Motor Trader | 73

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

Apprentice of the Month: August 2021 other things so they could see what I knew and what I was like with tools and so on, and they offered me an apprenticeship.”

While very interested in working on the heavy vehicle side of the industry, Joshua was keen to get moving in a mechanical career and took on the light vehicle apprenticeship that BMAS offered, completing that training in 2020.

Thanks to his trainer at the time - who knew OSHUA MIDDLEBROOK is the of Joshua’s interest in heavy vehicles - Joshua MTA Institute Apprentice was also exposed to plenty of heavy commercial of the Month for August 2021. training units at the same time, a move that enabled The 24-year-old has just completed his Heavy him to complete a heavy vehicle apprenticeship Commercial Vehicle apprenticeship but has relatively quickly when one became available. accomplished plenty more in the four years he has While he is now dual-qualified, Joshua’s worked for BMAS Biloela. enthusiasm for the industry, and his recognition that In that short span of time, Joshua has lived up to it is becoming more technologically advanced, means the workshop motto of ‘Do it once, do it well’ and also he will look to expand his skills further. completed a light vehicle apprenticeship, has qualified “I’m all for learning new things and I will definitely as an Approved Examiner, gained his automotive air be looking at auto-electrical training at some point,” conditioning licence, and become a Massey Ferguson he said. “If you look at modern engines, they are trained technician. It’s quite a résumé! completely different to those from back in the day and And all those skills come in useful at BMAS Biloela, there are that many modules and computers on them with the business offering a wide array of services now. So that is the next trade I would like to do.

– including mobile repair and maintenance services “You can never stop learning. You have to keep up to the many agricultural businesses in the central to date with modern gear that is being rolled out.”

Queensland farming region – enabling Joshua to work However, while certain more training is in his future, on everything from power equipment to cars, and Joshua said a short break was probably in order from trucks to tractors. before heading down that path again.

“We work on pretty much anything that has an “To be honest I wouldn’t mind just enjoying engine, and we also do hydraulic rams, some auto my trades for a while and taking that break from electrical work, air conditioning, and a bit of fabrication training,” he said. “I need to focus on those and get too,” said Joshua. “I work in just about every area, and I some experience under my belt, but then I’ll definitely like that. It’s really varied work and you don’t know what look towards the auto electrical trade.” you’re going to be doing the next day. It’s how I like it. It With plenty of skills already attained, and more keeps things interesting, that’s for sure.” training on the way, a very exciting career in the Joshua’s interest in mechanical work began when automotive industry is on the cards for Joshua, and he was a teenager working on a farm where there was it is one that he will pursue. But, interestingly, there plenty of machinery to maintain and repair. are other interests unrelated to automotive that will “Anything that was broken down we tried to fix, also play a part in his future, including his work as a and I thought it was pretty cool to be working with part-time firefighter with the Queensland Fire Service. my hands, be out in the sun and not sat in an “I wouldn’t mind seeing what else is out there office,” said Joshua. and maybe try different things,” he said. “It CLICK TO VISIT THE “Then I learned that BMAS were looking excites me that there is always something to BMAS BILOELA for a TA, so I came down, did a couple of learn out there.”

WEBSITE APPRENTICE: JOSHUA MIDDLEBROOK WORKPLACE: BMAS BILOELA APPRENTICESHIP: HEAVY COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY

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74 | Motor Trader September 2021

N OM IN AT E FOR T HE MTA INS TIT U TE APP R E N TIC E O F T HE MONT H AWARD • Are yo u em p loyi ng a n a p p re nti ce wh o is excelling i n th e wor kp l a ce?

• Do yo u have a hi g h- a chi ev i n g ap p rent ice co lle a g u e?

• Are they t rainin g wi th MTA Ins ti tu te?

If th e ans wer is ‘ye s ’, the n nom i nate th e m fo r t he M TA In s ti tute Ap p re nti ce of th e Mo nt h Awa rd.

C L I CK H E R E FO R M O R E I N FO R M AT IO N

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

MTA Institute Graduates

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MTA INSTITUTE’S LATEST GRADUATES THE MTA INSTITUTE is the largest independent provider of automotive apprenticeships and training in Queensland and it is always a proud moment when its

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

APPRENTICE

QUALIFICATION

TRAINER

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76 | Motor Trader September 2021

Can you afford not to be in the circle?

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Safety Help provides the automotive industry with a service dedicated to making your business compliant.

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Our corporate partners offer a wide range of services & benefits, including banking, insurance, payment options, legal advice, and advice on workplace health & safety compliance Library of online business resources and templates Weekly industry bulletin Webinar and micro-credential program (coming soon).

FREE Jobs Board Discounts on stationery & workshop products Monthly subscription to the Motor Trader e-magazine Regular specials & discounts

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

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openpay is a leading buy now, pay later service favoured by the automotive industry. Openpay gives customers longer to pay for servicing and parts through interest-free payment plans, while you get paid the next business day. Not just a payment method, but a smarter way to triple your Average Transaction Value.

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• Apprenticeships • Traineeships • Skills Recognition.

• Automotive Licensing • Short Automotive Courses (including some which attract a 20% discount for members) • Pre-apprenticehips.

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

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

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Receive FREE expert advice on Workplace Relations matters & Consumer Complaint Support. Access a website building service and, through the Member Portal, information regarding wages & awards, health & safety, public holidays and more. There also is a FREE-to-use online Jobs Board platform, and discounted products available through the online MTA Queensland shop.

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Search for MTA Queensland

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20150315

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

Concept corner

AUDI SKYSPH 78 | Motor Trader September 2021

HERE CONCEPT September 2021 Motor Trader | 79

Concept corner

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HIS IS THE Audi skysphere – a truly spectacular-looking concept roadster from the German carmaker.

One of three upcoming concept cars (which includes the Audi grandsphere, and the Audi urbansphere) the skysphere is designed for level 4 autonomous driving and, as you’d expect of a concept from Audi, there’s all manner of high-tech funkiness going on here to complement the science-fiction looks of the electricpowered, two-door convertible.

Most notable is a variable wheelbase.

Audi says the skysphere is designed for two different driving experiences: a grand touring experience and a sports

80 | Motor Trader September 2021

experience. And this is done by the spectacular technical detail of being able to alter the car’s wheelbase.

At the touch a button, and thanks to electric motors and some clever engineering, body and frame components that slide into one another make it possible to vary the wheelbase itself and the exterior length of the car by 250mm. At the same time, the vehicle’s ground clearance is adjusted by 10m.

So, the 4.94m-long e-roadster can be in ‘Sports’ mode with a reduced wheelbase, or it can be in ‘Grand Touring’ mode and be a 5.19m GT. The skysphere has rear-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension, and steering takes place via a steer-by-wire system that controls both the front and

the rear wheels. Because the system is not mechanically connected to the front axle, the driver can select different steering ratios and steering settings at the touch of a button.

As mentioned, the skysphere is designed to be capable of Level 4 self- driving, and the steering wheel and pedals slide away and disappear while in GT mode when autonomous driving is engaged. Very cool.

Audi is, of course, a luxury and performance carmaker and taking advantage of all the technology available today means the skysphere offers top-shelf connected services and interior gadgetry.

Large touch-monitor surfaces – 1415 mm wide, 180 mm high – on the dashboard and in the upper area of the centre console are used to operate the vehicle and infotainment systems.

September 2021 Motor Trader | 81

Concept corner

In Grand Touring mode, this can be used to display content from the Internet, video conferences, or streamed movies.

Power comes via an electric motor positioned on the rear axle, and there’s a total of 465kW of power and 750Nms of torque on hand.

Battery modules are primarily positioned behind the cabin but located between the seats too for optimum weight

82 | Motor Trader September 2021

distribution. And with 80kWh capacity, the Skysphere has a range of 500km. It weighs in at 1800kg, and Audi says the car is good for 0-100km/h in about four seconds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TO MORE THAN 8000 PEOPLE DIRECTLY workplace.

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

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

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

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

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