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October 2013 $8.00 + GST
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Keeping the industry informed for over 90 years
contents
22
October 2013 6
CEO Comment Vehicle sales critical for the industry
Regulars
Road Test
6
27 Murphs Column 28-29 Mediation Matters 30-31 MTA Advocate 32-36 Bodywork - Collision Repair News 42-45 Statistics 52 MTA Express 53 H.R. Advice 54-56 Industry Training 64-65 Service Station News 67 Member Benefits 68 Environmental News 70 I.T. Techtalk 74 Better Business
25
Murphs Column
CEO Comment
18
10-13 What is a tyre? - Alistair Hill Jake Ventor
22
Transmissions - Martin Brooks
Managing Editor: Ian Stronach Production Editor: Peter Woodcock Phone 04-381 8805, Email: peter.woodcock@mta.org.nz
Published/produced by Motor Trade Association for MTA Members. PO Box 9244, Level 2, 79 Taranaki Street, Wellington. Phone 04-385 8859, Fax 04-385 9517, Email: mta@mta.org.nz, Website: www.mta.org.nz. Printed by Wickliffe Solutions, a Kalamazoo Group Company
38
18-20 It's a question of balance -
NZ Radiator Magazine ISSN 1179-7800.
Advertising Representative: Cathy La Ville Phone: 09 413 8577 Mobile: 022 531 1638 Email: cathy.laville@mta.org.nz
It's a question of balance - Jake Ventor
Features
- VOLVO V40
24-24 Road Test - Volvo V40
The Motor Trade Association (Inc) is not responsible for statements, opinions or factual matters published in the NZ Radiator magazine, nor do they necessarily reflect the views of the MTA, its Board of Directors or its advisory/specialty committees, unless expressly so stated and does not endorse advertisers. NZ Radiator magazine is available free to all members of the Motor Trade Association. Information on products and services contained in the editorial and advertising pages of this magazine is published as a service and no responsibility will be taken for inaccurate information. NZ Radiator magazine does not imply the endorsement of any product or service. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising and editorial at any stage. Copyright: No part of the NZ Radiator magazine may be reproduced in part or in whole without the written permission of the publisher.
Wellington Office Contacts
40-41 Member Profile - Diesel & Turbo 48-49 Member Profile - Outram Motors 62-63 Diagnostics - Herbert Leijen
Phone 04-385 8859
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Mediation Line
0508 682 633
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MEMBER FREEPHONE 0800 00 11 44 www.mta.org.nz 5•
radiator October 2013
comment Stephen Matthews MTA Chief Executive
Vehicle sales – critical for the whole industry
There are lots of things that our industry needs in order for it to grow and flourish – many of which have been covered in this column before. But there’s one thing it needs more than anything else, and that’s vehicles entering the fleet. I know that’s largely selfevident, but if the number of cars in our national fleet falls, then the livelihood of each and every one of us is affected. On that basis, it has been pleasing to see that the new and used import vehicle sectors are continuing to perform so strongly. So strongly, that I’d suggest it may well have been one of New Zealand’s best performing sectors over this past 18 months. I know we have been coming off a low base courtesy of the GFC, but we are now back ahead of those levels. With the average distance being travelled per person and per light vehicle declining in recent years, it has only been the overall growth of the size of the light vehicle
efi@petroject.co.nz • Tel: 09 448 1071• www.petroject.co.nz
fleet that has meant the total distance being travelled each year has not fallen. Continued growth will not be sustainable forever, but the current trend has to be seen as both helpful and heartening. Interestingly, recent data from the Ministry of Transport shows that light vehicles between 1999 and 1990 (14 – 23 years old) make up around 43 percent of the total light vehicle fleet – that’s around 1.3 million vehicles. Those vehicle are wearing out and will need replacement sooner rather than later.
Continued growth will not be sustainable forever, but the current trend has to be seen as both helpful and heartening.
For the year to date through to the end of August, new car sales are up more than 6 percent; new commercial vehicle sales are up a whopping 24 percent making for an overall new vehicle market that is up almost 11 percent over a year ago. New car and commercial sales this year have seen the best August sales for 26 and 19 years respectively. That’s no mean achievement for any sector and long may it continue.
With a relatively long tradition in the used import industry, it was always likely that this sector would bounce back, if not to its heyday of 2000 – 2007, then to around the 100,000 unit per year level. And it is well on track to get close to, if not surpass, that mark. Sales in August of 8,648 used import cars were up 2,027 units (31 percent) compared to August 2012. Even better though is that for the year to date, used imported car sales are sharply up – 12,997 units (26 percent). Used import commercial vehicles are also enjoying much improved times of late. August’s sales of 546 units were 207 units (61 percent) ahead of August 2012. Coming from a particularly low base, year to date, used import commercials are up an impressive 1,533 units (68 percent). The good news is not just restricted to four wheels either. On road motorcycles continued their recent resurgence, with 503 sales in August – 102 units (25 percent) ahead of August 2012. Sales have been improving for some time now, and for the year to date are ahead of last year by 808 units (23 percent). The only soft spot in the market is in off-road motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs where the market is surprisingly down 30 percent – perhaps this is an area where the effects of last summer’s drought may be visible?
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radiator October 2013
welcome
Whatever way you look at it, the sales side of our industry has again proven itself to be adaptable, resourceful and resilient. Whenever roadblocks have been put in its way, the vehicle sales business has found ways to adapt and succeed. It’s overcome regulatory change around things like frontal impact and emissions standards and even ACC levies in recent years, and I have no doubt it’ll be able to cope with any other changes that could be forced upon it in the future. The inherent nature of those that make up this part of our industry is of optimism and commitment so that whatever happens they will find a way to succeed.
To the following members who joined the MTA team during the last month
All Tyres Caltex Wainuiomata Cooke Howlison Isuzu Trucks Eastland Toyota Firestone Whakatane Grey Street Motors 2013 Ltd Hampden GAS Hyundai South Canterbury Ingham Great Wall & Chery Matt Blair Motors Nicholson Autos Whakatane Night 'n Day@Gull Takanini Night 'n Day@Gull Taradale Road Northtown Fuels Ltd Pit Stop Auckland International Airport Pohutukawa Motors Ltd Ruakaka Motors Steve Hunt Panel & Paint Tikipunga Automotive 2012 Wu Di Motors Ltd
I have said it before, but I still don’t think that our industry gets the credit it deserves for the part it has played in the development of this country. For the immediate future it’s important that we get replenishment of our fleet. The overall industry needs the numbers and it’s important that New Zealanders have access to the best vehicles they can afford. More modern vehicles usually have more safety features and tend to provide higher levels of survivability if they are involved in an accident. Everyone is in different circumstances, and not all can afford to upgrade their vehicle, I acknowledge that. But in a market that has good levels of relatively modern, sound vehicles entering it for sale in good numbers, then most people have some choice about what they can do in terms of the vehicle they own. It’s a well worn phrase from the sales side of the business, but increasingly it seems more and more New Zealanders are seeing that there’s never been a better time to buy a new(er) car.
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MTA - media matters MTA had another busy month in the news, with new WoF frequency phase-ins, more from Murph, our search for star apprentices and utes leading surging vehicle sales. We also got good play in print and on air for our response to ACC’s proposal to lower levies on safer cars, resulting in reduced costs for those registering both petrol and diesel vehicles. For the year to date, three of New Zealand’s best selling model lines (Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Nissan Navara) are utility vehicles. Between 2007 and August 2013, 4 x 4 utility vehicle sales volumes have increased by 38 percent; the only segment to increase volumes faster has been SUVs – which are up by 64 percent. At the same time, 4 x 2 utilities have increased volumes by 23 percent – the third fastest growing segment. In the same way that New Zealand’s shift towards SUVs mirrors overseas experience, so too does the move to utility vehicles, which have proven especially popular in the United States. This is just one of the good news stories happening across a generallyincreasing market, with successive months of improving sales in all sectors supporting claims vehicle sales are helping lead the economic recovery. Sales of 8,648 used import cars were up 2,027 units (31 percent) compared to August 2012. For the year to date, used imported car
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sales are sharply up – 12,997 units (26 percent). After what has been a lengthy period of success by automotive trade standards, no one’s quite game to say if they can see any end to this growth in sight. With around 33 percent of the national light fleet aged between 14 and 19 years, there is still a considerable amount of replacement activity waiting ahead for the industry. MTA’s response to government announcement it is phasing-in changes to Warrants of Fitness frequency also generated widespread pick-up, though all media channels. This was hardly surprising – we were the most vocal group on the issue, and most news stories involve arranging the comments of the most prominent parties. MTA said the automotive industry welcomed the certainty government’s announcement of WoF inspection frequency being phased in over a six month period starting in early 2014. The frequency changes for all light vehicles first registered after 1 January 2000 were announced in January this year as part of government’s Vehicle Licensing Reforms. In the period immediately after this announcement, the possibility was raised of bringing the introduction date forward to the last quarter of 2013. There were concerns that bringing the date forward would put pressure on the officials responsible for ensuring that the changes would be able to be delivered in an effective operational state, and would reduce work levels for vehicle inspectors. After some discussion, regulators changed their minds, instead phasing in the changes, to better allow for industry to adjust to the new workflows. Greg Murphy’s tour of the South Island, presenting his ‘Murph in Schools’ road safety programme to high school students, garnered good coverage in local papers. News reports indicated students and media appreciated Murph’s tips on driving safer and better. Our Apprentice of the Year competition also got picked up by major metropolitan newspapers; the four finalists have been selected, and the Tool-off – in which they battle technical skills, against the clock – will be held in Wellington on 5 October. Please see page 56 of this issue for their profiles.
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8•
radiator October 2013
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MTA confirms sale of 60 percent shareholding in VTNZ Following a Special General Meeting of members held in Wellington on 20 September 2013, MTA confirmed that it will be selling 60 percent of its shareholding in Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ) to international testing, inspection and certification specialist DEKRA SE, subject to the approval of the Overseas Investment Office (OIO). MTA is currently the sole shareholder of VTNZ. The sale was discussed by MTA members at this meeting with the MTA Board seeking their support before proceeding with this sale. Members also had the opportunity to discuss the sale at a series of roadshows held across the country earlier in September. Under the sale agreement, there is provision for considering the sale of the remaining 40 percent of shares at the end of 2016, at the option of either party. MTA President David Storey says “We are pleased that we have been able to proceed with the sale. We have always maintained that it will provide a range of meaningful benefits for all the parties involved, and it has been heartening to see that members recognised this. Partnering with DEKRA opens up new possibilities for us outside of the automotive sector and that will not include the repair and servicing of vehicles; DEKRA don’t have an offering in that space and don’t plan to. The net result of this sale though will be a strengthening of MTA’s capabilities and improved long term outlook.”
concentrating on client-centred structures and processes as a means of improving our overall performance. VTNZ are an appropriate fit for that model. They are a well respected and recognised brand with strong management and a very capable, customer-centric workforce. I am very confident that by making best use of each other’s strengths and expertise, we will quickly develop an organisation of the highest calibre.”
Clemens Klinke, board member of DEKRA SE and Head of Business Unit DEKRA Automotive, says “The approval of this sale is a very positive outcome. In recent times we have been
The formal transfer of shares from MTA to DEKRA will take place as soon as is possible, subject to the approval of the OIO.
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radiator October 2013
viewpoint Alistair Hill comments A tyre is a complex assembly of polymers, reinforcement, fibres and steelcord. A typical tyre is made of up to 15 different components, each of which is made up of a dozen or more different ingredients and may be based on different polymers. The primary function of the tyre is to bear the load of the vehicle and its cargo, and do to it while rolling along, often at high speed. The tyre has to deliver grip on many different surfaces, both in the longitudinal direction (acceleration and braking) and the lateral direction (cornering). It also has to minimise fuel consumption, last a reasonable amount of time and minimise pollution, all at an acceptable price. Other properties considered valuable are noise reduction; puncture resistance, comfort, breakaway characteristics and aquaplaning performance. Many in the industry describe a tyre as “black and round.” At the most superficial level this remains a truism, however, any of the main tyre makers could easily market tyres which are red or green or white, if they felt those tyres would sell. While a tyre uses many different ingredients, there are perhaps three that are vital to the tyre industry: • Rubber compound • Steelcord • Fabric While all these materials are highly specialised in the tyre industry, the fabric and steelcord are mostly manufactured and distributed by external suppliers, whereas the rubber compound is almost universally designed and manufactured by the tyre maker. Overall, raw materials form roughly 65 to 70 percent of the cost of a tyre in India and China, but under 50 percent in Europe and North America. This reflects the higher cost of labour in the developed world.
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radiator October 2013
What is a tyre?
Figure 1: Tyre structure diagrams The key raw materials used in the manufacturing process are natural rubber; synthetic rubber; tyre cord fabric; carbon black or silica and rubber chemicals. The relative composition of the tyre varies significantly from application (truck tyres or car tyres) and region – the developed world tends to use more synthetic rubber and silica for example. The most common input material is natural rubber. Chemically, this is 1,4 cis-polyisoprene. Natural rubber is supplied in different forms and grades. These are chemically almost identical. They differ primarily in terms of the level of impurities. Chemical factories can produce a form of this material – called synthetic polyisoprene, but it is not quite as good as the natural material, being a mixture of 1,4 cispolyisoprene with small additions of 1,4 trans-polyisoprene.  Goodyear makes synthetic polyisoprene under the name Natsyn. Goodyear says they can use Natsyn in place of natural rubber in some places, but not all. The company has developed a lot of experience in how much Natsyn can be used to replace natural rubber in a very specific range of applications and products. Natural rubber has been the cause of much debate and a certain amount of re-formulation in the industry, as prices have first risen and then fallen again. Price volatility has led most of the leading tyre makers to seek alternatives to natural rubber and has become a strategic issue in terms of business planning.
Source: Hankook
Steelcord
Steelcord is a relatively specialised material. It is used to transmit the load around the tyre. In the heavier tyres, the cord is the main structural element in the tyre, and the rubber is there to keep the steelcord in place and retain the air within the tyre. Steelcord periodically goes into shortage due to constraints in the international steel industry. In the steel industry, reinforcing bars used in the construction industry drive the long products. When that business is booming, there is pressure on the steelcord sector. Back in the tyre industry, steelcord is used in most types of tyre, but proportionally more is used in heavy tyres: from mining tyres down to truck tyres and then to car and other tyres. Rust can be a significant problem in tyres, so the steelcord is coated with brass, which also encourages adhesion between the rubber and steelcord. By far the majority of the world's steelcord is used in the truck tyre industry, with lesser amounts going into the construction of car and light truck tyres. Steel wires can be made in different diameters and with different strengths. Thicker wires are stronger, but more prone to breakage. Thus the steelcord used in the tyre industry is usually made up of a number of thin strands of wire wound together to make a single cord. Cords made of more, but thinner strands are more flexible, but also more expensive, and more prone to certain types of failure. These wires – thick and thin in
different combinations are wound into strands and these strands are made up into steelcord. Passenger car reinforcement tends to be in simple constructions of just a few wires per cord, but truck cords can be much more complex, requiring up to 10 strands, each made up of five or more different wire thicknesses. During manufacture, rubber has to be forced into the cord at high pressure in order to eliminate air pockets, which can retain water and lead to rusting, which leads to tyre failure. Beadwire is similar to steelcord, but is usually thicker in diameter, as it does not need to have the same flex and fatigue life. The main external suppliers of steelcord in the global industry are Bekaert based in Belgium, Xingda of China and KisWire of Korea. The top three tyre makers all have their own internal capacity for steelcord, as does Pirelli. There is a trend for tyre makers to rely more on external suppliers and to reduce emphasis on their own internal suppliers.
Textile Reinforcement
Typical materials used as textile reinforcements include polyester, rayon, polyamide 6,6 and some more exotic materials such as POK, PEN and aramid. Each material provides different properties. Polyester – more specifically HMLS (High Modulus, Low Shrinkage) polyester – is used in mid- and lowperformance car and light truck tyres, with different grades catering for different segments and quality bands. Rayon is used in high performance passenger car tyres, though environmentally - problematic rayon has been losing share to polyester in recent years. Polyamide is divided into high performance Nylon 6,6 and lower performance Nylon 6 categories. They tend to be used in truck tyres and cross-ply car tyres. The more exotic materials are used in specialised tyres such as supersport motorcycle tyres or aircraft tyres. There is an increasing tendency for hybrid cords made up of two strands; one of aramid and the other of nylon, for use in agricultural and other tyres. The aramid provides strength, while the nylon provides flexibility and 'give' when the tyre needs to distort as it passes over a rock, for example.
Rubber Compound The techniques, processes and equipment used to create the rubber compound are all similar to their equivalents in the baking and food
11 •
radiator October 2013
Figure 2: Steelcord use in tyres
production industry. The rubber compound is equivalent to creating the mixture used in a cake or bread. The cake is made by mixing ingredients together, then forming the mixture into a shape and finally baked. The same goes for the rubber compound.
Source: Michelin
Protective agents 3% Booster chemicals 4%
Rubber 45%
Vulcanising agents 6%
Plasticisers 12%
Filler substances 30% Figure 3: Typical rubber compound raw material composition Source: Nokian
Each compound is a carefully selected mixture of chemicals, each of which is included to fulfil a specific purpose. Ingredients include (but are not limited to: • Rubber (polybutadiene; SBR; butyl; natural rubber etc) • Reinforcing filler (silica or carbon black) • Coupling agent (to allow silica to interact with rubber) • Curing agent (insoluble sulphur) • Accelerators • Anti-oxidising agent • Anti-ozone agent • Process aids (oil, peptisers etc) Within a tyre, the tread is made from one compound, the carcass from a different compound and the sidewalls from a third. There are up to 12 different compounds used in each tyre. Ingredients are mixed into a range of compounds. The different compounds are then combined with the steelcord and textiles where appropriate, and the whole is formed into a specific shape (called a green tyre). Then it is cooked under pressure at around 200°C The cooking process – called curing or vulcanisation in the tyre industry – leads to a non-reversible chemical change in the compound. The compound changes from something relatively soft and sticky to the hard, resilient type of rubber familiar in a finished tyre. This process is energy-intensive, as the tyres have to be heated and held at an elevated temperature for an extended period – around 10 minutes for a car tyre, but up to eight hours for a large earthmover tyre. For each new tyre under development the engineers must develop a dedicated compound for each component of the tyre. Depending on which ingredients are used, the compound can deliver different properties, such as good rolling resistance or excellent gas retention, superb grip in the wet or good cut – and chip – resistance.
continued on page 12
continued from page 11
The skill of the compound development team is to develop customised compounds for each of the different components in a tyre so that, when combined, the finished tyre offers the desired range of properties at the right cost. A car tyre has around nine different components. The respective weight of rubber used in each is approximately thus • Tread 33 percent • Base 2 percent • Sidewall 22 percent • Bead apex 5 percent • Bead filler 1 percent • Fabric insulation 12 percent • Insulation of steel cord 10 percent • Innerliner 12 percent • Undercushion 4 percent Increasingly the industry is seeking ecologically benign tyres both in terms of the energy used during manufacture and the energy consumed during a lifetime of service. The tread, as the largest part of a tyre has come in for particular attention in this respect. Increasingly, however, as the benefits of tread optimisation have been exhausted, other areas of the tyre are coming in for similar research. The aim is to develop compounds that combine to produce a tyre that meets the requirements of the marketing people in terms of performance, life, comfort and cost. Simultaneously the compound must operate within the constraints of the manufacturing processes, sticking to other components where that is required, but not sticking to process equipment or moulds.
Reinforcing Fillers
There are two other key ingredients worth mentioning: carbon black and silica. Carbon black is essentially soot, but made in a carefully controlled environment. It has been used as the key reinforcing filler for many years. However, since the mid-1990s, silica – more accurately highly dispersible silica (HDS) – has replaced carbon black as the filler of choice in high performance passenger car tyres for the European market. This change has been driven by a demand for improved performance of the tyres. In standard tyre science, three properties – wet grip, lifetime and fuel economy – are linked. You can improve one, but only at the expense of the others. A silica compound can improve all three at the same time. Additionally, silica-based compounds are used extensively in winter tyres to improve grip on ice and in slushy conditions. As a result, the demand for HD silica, which is used almost exclusively in tyres, has grown to around 600,000 tonnes in 2012
rolling resistance
abrasion resistance HD Silica, bifunctional silane
wet traction standard Carbon Black
Figure 4: HD silica and Silane can enhance the overall performance envelope for the tyre Source: Evonik
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radiator October 2013
from almost nothing in 1985. The EU consumes nearly two thirds of this, with Asia consuming less than a quarter and North America less than one sixth. Global consumption of carbon black remains at many times this level – around 2,500kt each year. However, all projections show that demand for HD silica is likely to grow faster than demand for carbon black, as more markets take advantage of the benefits of silica compounds. While silica offers performance benefits in service, it has significant drawbacks during the tyre's production phase. Where carbon black interacts well with rubber, HD silica does not. In order to gain the benefits of silica, most rubber materials need an added element called an organosilane to promote adhesion between the silica and the rubber. However, the detailed physico-chemical interactions of rubber and silica require a combination of S-SBR, certain BR grades as well as silica and silane. This needs to be mixed in a certain way and the chemistry is quite different from the standard rubber carbon-black mix. Good understanding of the silica/ silane BR/S-SBR behaviour is a critical technology in the modern tyre industry.
Processes
Many of the processes used in the tyre industry are highly specialised, having been refined over the last 100 years or more. Until 30 years ago, the tyre manufacturing process had developed slowly and incrementally. In the last two decades, however, as the industry has responded to demands from its customers to produce smaller runs of more specialised tyres, the leading tyre makers have all come up with proprietary processes which substantially change the way tyres are put together. These tend to be either slower, or more expensive than more traditional techniques. Furthermore, from around 2008, machinery suppliers have responded to this demand and developed equipment which is capable of producing long runs of tyres at low cost, and also switching to a new size in just a few seconds, permitting tyre makers to get the best of both worlds – manufacturing flexibility and manufacturing efficiency as well as reliability. The result is that the slow or expensive proprietary building systems have become less important. A conventional tyre factory begins with the mixing room. In this area, rubber, carbon black oils, silica and other chemicals are brought together to form a compound. Each tyre factory produces a range of compounds used in different parts of the tyre. Next is the reinforcement area. 'Reinforcement' has two quite different meanings in the industry. Powders such as silica and carbon black are termed reinforcing fillers when they make the rubber compound stronger and stiffer. However, reinforcement is used in another context to mean long pieces of fabric or steel fibres which have been specially treated and then used to reinforce rubber in much the same way that reinforcing bars are used to provide tensile strength in concrete. Within a tyre factory, the reinforcement area refers to the production of rubber sheets, which are reinforced with either a textile or steelcord. Steelcord is used primarily in radial truck tyres, though to a lesser extent in the carcass of passenger car and light truck tyres. Fabric reinforcements are used in the car and light truck sector and in older, less durable truck tyres that use the bias-ply or cross-ply construction. These sheets of reinforced rubber are cut to size and used as the components in the tyre building area. In the tyre building area, tyre building machines (TBMs) are used to assemble the various components into an uncured or
OWNERSHIP IN THE GLOBAL TYRE COMMUNITY
Source: Tire Business
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radiator October 2013
'green' tyre. Again the term 'green' tyre has become ambiguous. Historically, the term was used only in the manufacturing context to mean tyres that have been assembled, but not yet cured. However, since the mid 1990s, the marketing people have used green tyre to refer to a finished tyre which offers lower rolling resistance – and thus better fuel economy and lower environmental impact – than its conventional equivalent. These TBM units are becoming strategically important, as the business model up until the mid 1990s has been to make these machines operate on a short cycle time (50 seconds or so per car tyre), but with relatively long changeover times. This design philosophy made sense in the period when a production run might consist of many thousands of identical tyres. Nowadays, however, production runs of high-profit tyres might be only a few tens, 100 at most. Thus, the economics have changed and tyre makers now seek flexibility and rapid changeover in their TBMs, at the expense of slightly increased cycle times.
This was been the driver for a new family of tyre building systems, which eliminate the conventional tyre building drum, and use robots and automated assembly to make tyres with zero or minimal change-over times. Currently, the world is in the process of changing from two-stage technology to unistage, and once the tyre is built, it passes to the curing department, where it is placed in a mould and cooked under pressure at around 190°C for 5-10 minutes in the case of passenger car tyres, 20 minutes for truck tyres and as long as 12 hours or more for large mining tyres. When the tyre goes into the mould, the tread pattern and sidewall designs are pushed into the rubber by the mould material. This causes a certain amount of distortion of the components within the tyre. Further, the tyre is placed under pressure by a bladder within the mould. This squeezes the different components together and the heat causes a chemical reaction, called vulcanisation. At a molecular level, chains of sulphur atoms form linking one rubber molecule with its neighbours. At a macro level, this
makes the rubber hard and durable, yet ensures it retains sufficient flexibility for a lifetime on the roads. The final step in the factory is testing, in which the tyre is checked for radial runout (out-of-roundness), mass and uniformity. Often the internal structure is checked for breaks in steel reinforcement, along with other checks.
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ADVERTORIAL
Why Nitrogen Tyre Inflation Makes Sense A recent survey concluded that 50 percent of NZ service and tyre centre’s will offer nitrogen tyre inflation by the end of 2013 and that it’s only a matter of time before all auto service facilities will need nitrogen to perform tyre service. Nitrogen has been used for many years in tires on commercial and military aircraft and racecars but there is now a strong trend towards nitrogen inflation for passenger vehicles too. So why nitrogen? By far, the single most critical factor for maximising tyre life and minimising the chance of tyre failure, is maintaining the proper inflation pressure for a given tyre size and load. Properly inflated tyres not only last longer, but also are much safer. One way to help maintain proper tyre inflation is to fill tyres with nitrogen instead of compressed air. Over time the pressurised air inside a tyre slowly migrates and permeates
its way into and through the tyre. Air contains moisture. So in addition to reducing the tyres inflation pressure, the oxygen and moisture in the air reacts with the rubber compounds in the tyre, causing them to break down and lose their strength and durability. In short, nitrogen allows a tyre to retain more of its original properties. For truck and bus tyres this means improved retreadability. Nitrogen inflation equipment has been evolving over recent years with the need for portability. Dealers like the ability to wheel the machine between bays and to maneuver it in tight corners. Also machines that can perform a four tyre conversion as quickly as possible is vital in busy service facilities. The other strong trend is “bundling”. Instead of marketing nitrogen as a onetime sale, many dealers are bundling nitrogen with an overall service package. This not only adds value to the product but allows dealers to charge more. One example is the Auto Club programme supplied by NitroFill
NZ. When a consumer buys NitroFill he or she receives unlimited use of roadside assistance, prepaid through NZRA and other benefits including tyre repair and replacement cover. NitroFill sends newsletters directly to the customers inviting them back every 30 days for a tyre check. Dealers also have the ability to go online and add print and clip coupons or their own service coupons, customer surveys, whatever they want. It becomes a tyre inflation maintenance programme. The real value to the customer is keeping those tyres correctly inflated and the real value to the dealer is getting the customer to come in more often than they would do otherwise… after all, you can’t sell your customers anything until they drive in to your facility. Once you get traffic, you can point out those worn wiper blades or faulty tail lights. Bundling nitrogen tyre inflation in this way with a genuine value added programme provides ongoing opportunity and revenue.
The world’s most extensive and complete selection of nitrogen generation and inflation equipment for pneumatic tyres NitroFillTM provides nitrogen inflation solutions for every need, from the neighbourhood bike shop or single bay garage to the largest fleet and industrial facilities Our equipment is unmatched for quality and durability
Talk to us today to discuss the machine best for your needs. Learn how NitroFillTM can dramatically increase your drive-up traffic and customer retention
Phone: (09) 525 1310 or visit us online at www.nitrofill.biz 15 •
radiator October 2013
WHEEL GEOMETRY FEATURE ADVERTORIAL
Automaster - Full Range of Tyre Service Equipment If you’re looking at getting into tyres or thinking of upgrading your current equipment, you can be sure the Automaster line up contains the correct models to suit your requirements and budget. There are three different quality and pricing levels within the Automaster Tyre service range-consisting of Automaster – Automaster Pro Series and Automaster Italy. “So if you are looking for a quality entry level low cost machine, to suit a small tyre store or mechanical workshop, or something from the mid range Pro Series line up, these machines represent the very best of what China has to offer” says Automaster Equipment managing Gary Cotterell. He says the Automaster Italy machines are 100 percent Italian manufactured and are suited for the most demanding user. “Our goal is to provide the best possible price/performance ratio with the lowest overall ownership costs”.
Automaster & Automaster Pro Series
These models were developed by an Italian-Chinese joint venture company and went through extensive performance testing by the Italian partners. The range covers from basic machines priced from just $2095 + GST up to the heavy duty, fully featured machines suited to busy tyre shops. The Pro Series line up are sold with a full two-year warranty and are built to the highest standard. Gary Cotterell says he has been actively involved in the on-going development of the Automaster & Pro Series machines for more than seven years to help improve the design, performance and quality to a level you would normally only find in European products.
Automaster Italy line up This range is produced in Italy by a small family owned company called M&B Engineering. Like all of the factories that are selected to carry the Automaster logo, they are dedicated to providing top quality equipment, value for money and unparalleled after sales service. With an expanding basic range kept in stock in NZ and a full range available to order ex Italy, Automaster Equipment can supply Italian manufactured machines to suit all requirements. M&B produce everything from basic tyre changers & balancers, all the way up to the very latest in technology and design. “When comparing apples with apples it’s easy to see these machines provide the very best price/performance ratio for Italian machines available in our market”, says Gary. Customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive for these machines. So if you want top quality with low price tags check out the full range and demonstration videos at www.mbengineering.info or www.automaster.co.nz All equipment is available through
23 Bruce McLaren Rd Henderson - Auckland Toll Free 0800 214 604 info@automaster.co.nz Automaster Iy WB277Wheel balancer $3995* From $24+ per wk
Automaster Iy WB377Wheel balancer $4450* From $29+ per wk
Automaster Iy TC525PG Tyre Changer 12-24” $4395* $5995* with tecnohelper
Automaster Iy TC528IT Tyre Changer With Tecno helper 10-28” -Air Blaster $8495*from $50+ per wk
Automaster Iy Tecno helper arms
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16 •
radiator October 2013
WHEEL GEOMETRY FEATURE ADVERTORIAL
100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
Automaster Wheel Aligners The Automaster VH5 8CCD Camera aligner has cordless sensor heads that transmit via bluetooth. They contain top quality, highly accurate Japanese manufactured CCD cameras that eliminate the issues normally found with Chinese aligners. The vehicle spec’s are supplied by Autodata and contain more than 20,000 models. The Automaster VH6 3D aligner is the latest addition to the Automaster line up. Again it contains the very best quality cameras manufactured in America, so the accuracy and stability is extremely good; at just $18,250 + gst this represents fantastic value for money. These aligners are sourced from a manufacturer that specialises only in Alignment machines and are respected as one of the best. “With the very strong NZ dollar enabling us to provide great prices and no deposit lease to own or finance options easily arranged, now is the time to buy” says Gary.
With all products, customers expect peace of mind purchasing with the Automaster 100 percent money-back guarantee. The team at Automaster Equipment is very experienced in both the tyre and workshop environments and will assess and recommend the right product for your workshop. Their experience, together with the broad range of equipment options, ensures you will get the correct machine for the job at the right price every time. “We have always focused on great quality and low prices and this winning formula has never been more popular than in today’s market”. So if you want to save money, get some great equipment and after sales service, give Gary, Aaron or Jim at Automaster Equipment a call today on 0800 214 604 or visit the comprehensive, website at www. automaster.co.nz . And remember, the full range of equipment is available through your local Autostop or Extreme automotive branch or through ASL head office on 0800 275 888.
All equipment is available through
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17 •
radiator October 2013
IT'S A QUESTION They're so important, we sometimes call our whole car a set of wheels. JAKE VENTER explains how to keep them spinning.
OF BALANCE It is a matter of common knowledge that an object will only spin smoothly if it is balanced, but what does it mean when we say something is balanced? For a disc, like a flywheel or road wheel, it means that every particle anywhere on the wheel has a mate somewhere that weighs the same and is placed at the same distance from the centre.
UNBALANCED ROTATION
To see this more clearly, imagine that you’re standing on a rotating table with a heavy ball in one outstretched hand. You’ll find that the hand holding the ball will pull your body outwards in such a way that as the speed of rotation increases you’ll find it more difficult to resist this pull. You have to counter it by stiffening your legs and perhaps leaning your body backwards. You are unbalanced.
BALANCED ROTATION
Now imagine the situation when you have a similar ball in each outstretched hand. There will be the same pull in two opposite directions, and your body will now be balanced. There will no longer be a force pulling you in an outwards direction. But as the rotational speed increases the two opposing forces will feel stronger and if the speed is high enough their effect will become painful.
CONDITION FOR BALANCE
The above shows that two masses can balance each
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radiator October 2013
other provided they are the same size and they are at the same distance from the centre of rotation. This implies the first mass multiplied by its distance from the centre of rotation is equal to the second mass multiplied by its distance from the centre of rotation. Experience has shown that unequal masses a and b mounted at distances x and y respectively from the centre of rotation are still able to balance each other provided the product ax (a times x) is equal to the product by (b times y). This simple formula is the basis of all balancing procedures.
WHEEL BALANCE
In a wheel there are millions of tiny particles, moving in a circular path around the centre of rotation. If the wheel was perfectly round and homogeneous, every particle on one side of the rotation axis would have a mirror-image counterpart at exactly the same distance from the axis on the other side, with the result that the wheel would be in perfect balance. In practice, material and machining imperfections imply that items that should theoretically be in balance still have to be checked and balanced.
Feature: Wheel balancing STATIC BALANCING
Modern wheels are so wide that, even if the static balancer shows the wheel is in balance, it may still be in dynamic imbalance.
Static or single-plane balancing is good enough for fairly narrow objects such as flywheels, most motorcycle wheels and even the narrow vintage car wheels. To balance a motorcycle wheel statically, the ’bike is supported vertically in such a way that the wheel to be balanced is off the ground, and is free to spin. The brake shoes must not touch the brake, and the chain should be removed if it is a rear wheel. The wheel is then spun by hand and allowed to come to a stop. This is repeated several times and the lowest portion of the tyre is marked with chalk. If this mark is at a different spot every time, then the wheel is balanced. If the wheel stops with the same mark at the bottom every time, then it is out of balance. The wheel can then be balanced by winding some lead wire solder around two spokes at a point exactly opposite the heaviest point, spinning the wheel again, and experimenting with different amounts of lead. Finally the lead is covered by tape to keep it in position.
AUTOMOTIVE WHEELS
In earlier days, automotive wheels were balanced by means of a horizontal bubble table, which achieves the same results as the vertical balance method described earlier. Masses were attached to the rim opposite the heavy spot until the table stayed level. The reason for the term static balance is that there is no need to spin the wheel in order to balance it. Modern wheels are so wide that, even if the static balancer shows the wheel is in balance, it may still be in dynamic imbalance. This is caused by masses that are not in the same vertical plane, and can happen if the original heavy spot is on the outside of a tyre tread and the balance piece is on the inside of the rim. This can be detected only by spinning the wheel.
WHEEL BALANCING MACHINE
A modern wheel balancing machine detects both kinds of imbalance by following a set procedure. When the wheel is mounted on the machine, it measures the width, diameter and shape of the inside of the rim by means of a probe. This is necessary because the size of the mass-pieces to be used depends on where they are mounted on the rim. The machine then divides the wheel/tyre combination into two equal vertical halves for balance purposes, and computes the balance masses for each half separately, to minimize the chance of a large dynamic imbalance. For example, if the centre of the tread has a 40-gram heavy spot (ie statically unbalanced), the machine will show that a 20-gram mass-piece has to be added to the inside of the rim, and another 20 grams to the outside of the rim, opposite the heavy spot. The wheel will be in static balance because 40 = 20 + 20, but there will still be a small and perhaps ignorable dynamic imbalance. In this case the vertical planes through the imbalance and the mass-pieces are not coincident. If the wheel has a dynamic imbalance consisting of 30 grams on the outside of the tread and 25 grams on the inside of the tread, diametrically opposite, (see sketch) the machine will recommend a 30-gram mass-piece on the outside of the rim, more-or-less opposite the 30-gram imbalance, and a 25-gram mass-piece on the inside of the rim, more-or-less opposite the 25-gram balance. This will result in nearly perfect dynamic balance. Continued on page 20
1. A single unbalance must be corrected with two masses. 2. Two unbalances with the correct balance. 3. A statically unbalanced condition (a) causes the wheel to hop, but a dynamically unbalanced condition (b) causes the wheel to oscillate. 4. The same unbalanced condition causes a bigger dynamic unbalance on a wide wheel than on a narrow wheel.
Clip-on weights can be used on most rims but often spoil the aesthetics of alloy wheels.
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radiator October 2013
Feature: Wheel balancing OTHER POSSIBILITIES
Most practical situations lie somewhere between these two extremes, but there are a number of other possibilities that can occur. If the rim is out of balance, it can usually be corrected. But if the rim is buckled then it becomes very difficult or even impossible to get the balance right. Sometimes both rim and wheel have heavy spots that can be relocated by moving the wheel and positioning it in such a way that the heavy spots cancel each other completely or partially, and then completing the job with a normal balance operation. The situation is further complicated by the use of alloy wheels, which either cannot accept balance masses or would have their aesthetics spoiled by fitting them. This makes it almost impossible to correct a heavy imbalance, but a modern
balancing machine can sometimes achieve miracles. The basic aim of wheel balancing is to increase the running smoothness of the wheel/tyre combination. This reduces noise and vibration levels responsible for unnecessary wear and tear.
STATIC UNBALANCE
A statically unbalanced wheel will exert a radial force on the wheel spindle. At any particular moment, this force will be in the direction of the unbalanced particle, which means the force will rotate with the particle. However, its effect will only be felt in the vertical plane, because the wheel has more freedom of movement in this plane than horizontally. The suspension allows the wheel to move perpendicular to the road, but does not allow wheel movement parallel to the road. The result is an up-and-down bouncing motion that increases as the square of the rotational speed. The length of the suspension arms, the unsprung mass, and even the spring stiffness, will determine what effect a static imbalance will have on a particular make of car. On modern cars with independent suspension each wheel is free to bounce on its own, but on cars with non-independent suspension, any imbalance will disturb the other wheel to some extent.
DYNAMIC UNBALANCE
By contrast, a dynamically unbalanced wheel will induce a wobbling motion, ie a sideways to-and-fro movement of the wheel in the horizontal plane, because the movements involved induce clockwise movement for half a revolution, followed by anticlockwise movement for the other half. If this motion originates in one front wheel, it usually gets a certain amount of damping from the other front wheel, because they are constrained to move together by the steering links, as well as from friction in the swivel joints and the steering mechanism. This explains why dynamic imbalance usually comes on suddenly at the natural frequency of the wheels, when the natural and the induced movements reinforce each other, and then dies again. This usually occurs at about 110 to 120 kilometres an hour. It sometimes happens that when the dynamic balancer finds a wheel acceptable it still vibrates on the car. Most balancing shops then resort to the on-car balancer, which spins the wheel on the car so that the combined wheel, brake disc and wheel hub can be balanced together. This sometimes cures the vibration. If it still vibrates, the tyre usually has some manufacturing imperfection.
If the rim is buckled then it becomes very difficult or even impossible to get the balance right.
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radiator October 2013
NEW PRODUCTS
Hunter Wheel Balancer Range Expands Following the successful introduction of the hi-tech Hunter Road Force Touch wheel balancer to New Zealand, STOCKS Equipment has now widened the range with the introduction of the GSP9200 model. With the GSP9200, STOCKS Equipment General Manager William Singleton says they are now able to offer the same accuracy and reliability of the Road Force Touch, but in a much simpler format and at a very competitive price. The Hunter GSP9200 is available in both standard nut clamping and pneumatic clamping versions and incorporates the patented Centre Checking Verification system that tells the operator if it is properly centred before balancing commences, thus eliminating the number one cause of comebacks. It also features an easy-to-use display panel that provides all information at a glance. Meanwhile, the Hunter Road Force Touch wheel balancer continues to win more fans since its introduction earlier this year, thanks to its ability to deliver exceptional balancing results and perform a Road Force diagnostic test faster than a traditional wheel balancer performs a typical balance. During the balancing process, the Road Force Touch automatically applies Hunter’s patented load roller against the wheel and tyre assembly to simulate how a wheel performs under the weight of a vehicle on the road to find hidden causes of vibration and vehicle pull.
According to Hunter, the automated Road Force test enhances the quality of service and opens the door to more revenue-generating opportunities without adding valuable service time. For instance, Hunter calculates that the efficiency of the new balancer will save as many as 25 hours of labour and up to 202kg of weights over the course of a year. And because it can rectify problems that are typically hard to diagnose and cure, Hunter reckons it will also avoid an average of 66 ‘customer comebacks’ per year. Those calculations are based on ten vehicle balances made in a working day. This patented program from Hunter is known as Smartweight. The Road Force Touch also features a new intuitive touch screen interface that simplifies operation and shortens the learning curve for new technicians. Technicians can activate any balancing function from one screen by touching the appropriate button or icon, saving time over scrolling through a grid of menu buttons. Live 3D graphics and animations display real-time wheel conditions and illustrate easy-to-understand instructions to resolve vibration and pull problems. The EM7240 is a compact unit designed for off-vehicle balancing of car, van and motorcycle wheels. It delivers the high performance, excellent ergonomics and long-term reliability the trade has come to expect from Corghi, using a spin unit derived from larger models. And being single phase, the balancer can be used in any workshop on ordinary power sources.
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radiator October 2013
LIQUI MOLY introduces cleaner for diesel particulate filters The diesel particulate filter cleaner LIQUI MOLY is now introducing on the market offers workshops a perfect auxiliary service. This product allows workshops to offer their customers an economical alternative to replacing clogged diesel particulate filters.
Diesel particulate filters reduce exhaust emissions and are now being installed on nearly all new cars with diesel engines. After they are filtered out, the soot particles are burned out of the filter at regular intervals to prevent it from clogging up. However a certain exhaust gas temperature is required for such regeneration. This temperature is not reached particularly by cars used for short trips. The result: the particulate filter clogs up increasingly reducing engine performance. At the bottom line, the engine can quit operating altogether, making it necessary to install a new particulate filter. This can happen after driving as little as 20,000 kilometres. Normally the service life of a particulate filter is significantly greater than 100,000 kilometres. In addition to the mileage, the quality of the fuel also plays a role: the lower the quality, the quicker the particulate filter clogs up. A new filter costs several thousand dollars, making manual cleaning well worthwhile. This is why LIQUI MOLY has now developed its new diesel particulate filter cleaner. It's use does not require removal of the particulate filter, explained Reiner Schönfelder, Applications Engineer at LIQUI MOLY. It is only necessary to remove the pressure or temperature sensor in the exhaust system. Then the probe can be inserted through the opening and the cleaning fluid sprayed directly into the particulate filter. The active ingredients dissolve the encrusted soot. The next step after the cleaner, is to spray in a purging agent.This fluid distributes the dissolved soot in the filter to facilitate burning it out later. 'Including the reaction time for the cleaner, the entire process requires a maximum of one-half hour before taking the car down off the lift', stated Schönfelder. Then it is necessary to run the engine for a while at increased speed to activate the cleaning cycle. This burns out the dissolved soot and clears the filter.
For more information, please contact: Local LIQUI MOLY Partner SPEED NZ Limited 36 Newton Street, Mount Maunganui Tauranga, 3149, New Zealand Tel: 07 928 1769 jonny@speed.co.nz www.speed.co.nz
transmissions Martin Brooks
Second hand traps
In this series of articles we have at various times discussed some of the issues involved with exchanging transmissions whether rebuilt or new. In many cases, due to the age of the vehicle, financial situation or speed of turnaround fitting, a replacement is seen as a viable option. I am not going to go into the pros and cons of doing this as compared to overhauling the existing unit but rather to point out some of the traps that you may come across when you do this. As transmissions have become more sophisticated in their electronic control systems and the controllers monitor for transmission slip it has become more important to ensure that the replacement transmission has the same ratio both in the transmission and with the final drive. Some manufacturers have a greater range of different combinations than others with Volkswagen/ Audi being one that you do need to be extremely careful that you use the correct unit. An incorrect ratio unit may set fault codes or go to failsafe as the computer sees the incorrect ratio as a slip and will react accordingly with failsafe operation. Sometimes the problem may show up as more obscure as in the case of a Ford Explorer that appeared to have an engine stagger. There are two versions of transmission fitted to this type of vehicle the 5R55W (Wide Ratio) and the 5R55S (Short Ratio). These units use a different overdrive gearset that gives 2nd and 5th ratios of 2.41 and .75 for the W and 2.29 and .71 for the S. As the PCM is programmed to retard the ignition during a shift the incorrect 2nd ratio meant that the retard was happening at the wrong time hence the engine stagger. Unfortunately there appears to be no easy way to check for the correct ratio without a physical inspection of the gears. Getting back to more general units, even if the transmission ratios are the same you need to make sure that the torque converter has the same stall speed. Sometimes this can be checked by a code on the converter and sometimes by looking at the fin layout. Note that even if the fin layout looks the same there may be an internal difference with the stator or turbine that will change the stall. Now that we have covered some of the mechanical issues involved with changing units we will cover the really interesting one which is the electronic
ACEOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICES LTD Automatic Transmission Repairs and Service Electrical Repairs and Diagnosis Torque Converter Specialists
27 Stanmore Road, Christchurch
Phone: 03 381 1333 service@aceomatic.co.nz www.aceomatic.co.nz
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radiator October 2013
compatibility. As we have mentioned before many modern transmissions use a combined hydraulic/electronic module that is situated internally in the transmission. This means that there is only limited wiring required to the transmission. No longer do we need separate wiring for solenoids or speed sensors etc. This is fine and would not cause a problem apart from the fact that the manufacturers have also built in the capability to marry the controller to the vehicle. There are several reasons for this, the obvious one being that the controller can be coded and programmed for a specific vehicle but it is also done as a theft deterrent. This means that the controller cannot be moved easily from vehicle to vehicle. The way around this will depend on the actual manufacturer. In some cases the vehicle will run and appear to operate correctly after the adaptation process is carried out but in others you will find that the vehicle will not operate correctly and in some cases not even start. Obviously there are ways around this. It is sometimes possible to swap the controller with the old unit. This will of course depend on what was the fault with the original unit. Another solution is to have the replacement unit coded for the vehicle. This may be done by the dealer or by an independent company that has the capability to carry out the procedure. Now we come to the warning part. You need to research the procedure required before you disable the vehicle. In some cases it is necessary to download the original programme from the vehicle to be able to upload it to the replacement unit. Obviously we cannot cover all the traps that you could come across when replacing a unit with a used one. It is just a matter of checking out the possible pitfalls before you commit to purchase of the used unit. I am always happy to receive comments etc. for this column and you can contact me at martin@ aceomatic.co.nz
ALIGNMENT
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radiator October 2013
0800 472 787
Steve Campin Stephen Reid
027 492 8962 Lower North Island 027 282 3966 South Island Price excludes GST.
While stocks last. Valid until 31 October 2013. Valid to Repco and Appco account holders only. E & OE.
Justin Mills Dean Guilford
027 494 7186 027 216 9173 0800 200 100
road test
courtesy of autotrader.co.nz
5 T 0 4 V O V L VO
plied ages Sup Im r late avid Link Words: D
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW? Volvo has successfully blended its core attributes of safety and sensible packaging with high style in recent years. Now it wants to show it can do cars that are a bit special as well. The V40 T5 R-Design is a case in point. It is a five-door hatchback that presents as the thinking persons alternative to established (read obvious) premium small-cars like the Audi A3, BMW 1-series or Mercedes-Benz A-class. All of those German brands are very good at producing sporty versions of their premium hatches: cars that feel really special, with more performance, handling ability and of course style. Enter the flagship V40 T5 R-Design, with a high-powered turbo-five-cylinder, sports chassis and plenty of extra equipment.
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Volvo never fails to impress on cabin quality and ergonomic simplicity.
Volvo has successfully blended its core attributes of safety and sensible packaging with high style in recent years.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? There’s a lot of Ford Focus in the V40: it’s the last Volvo that will be based on the so-called C1 platform (shared between Ford/Mazda/Volvo) and while the five-pot engine is its own, it was previously used in the Focus XR5. Having said that, the V40 doesn’t feel anything like a Focus. Volvo has its own values when it comes to how a car behaves on the road, so the V40 is more under steer biased, less adjustable and more grippy. That’s not to say it’s dull: the sonorous fivecylinder powerplant gives the car a menacing feel, it’s strong on torque and you can cover ground very quickly indeed. The six-speed automatic transmission is slick, although it pursues the higher gears a bit too enthusiastically for a warm-hatch. Sport mode is better, but if you want to shift manually you’ll have to do it with the level: there are no steering wheelmounted paddles.
SHOULD I BUY ONE? The V40 T5 R-Design is a bit rough around the edges compared with, say, a Mercedes-Benz A 250 Sport or Volkswagen Golf GTI (which are similar prices). The Volvo doesn’t quite have the slick powertrain and fluid chassis characteristics of Germany’s best. Realistically it doesn’t have the same easily recognisable prestige, either – although that’s a matter of opinion and perhaps taste. But what may be perceived as a disadvantage for the Volvo could also add to the appeal: it’s an engaging car, it’s absolutely packed with character thanks to that growling engine and it has a surpriseand-delight factor that its immediate rivals lack.
The head says no, the heart says yes.
IS IT EASY TO LIVE WITH? Volvo never fails to impress on cabin quality and ergonomic simplicity. The V40 offers an fantastic cabin environment and while it’s a bit more buttonheavy than some larger Volvo models, everything still feels wonderful and the controls fall easily to hand. You really won’t have to consult the handbook – unless it’s to work out the three-mode digital dashboard, which can be set to economy, elegance or sport graphics. A novel idea, although two of the three are quite similar and I suspect you’ll pick a favourite and never touch it again. I opted for sport, which offers red tones, a large central tachometer and digital speed readout. Don’t make the mistake of thinking the V40 is a spacious wagon in old-school Volvo style. It’s well packaged but interior space is still partly determined by the svelte exterior styling. As is the case with most cars in this segment, it’s a small hatch rather than a family carry-all.
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Base price: $64,990. Powertrain and performance: 2.5-litre turbo-petrol inline five, 187kW/360Nm, 6-speed automatic, front-drive, Combined economy 8.1 litres per 100km, 0-100km/h 6.5 seconds. Vital statistics: 4369mm long, 1420mm high, luggage capacity 334 litres, fuel tank 52 litres, 18-inch wheels. We like: Style, sonorous engine, surprise factor. We don’t like: Lethargic gearbox, chassis grippy rather than lithe. How it rates: 7/10
The irresponsible disposal of synthetic refrigerant gases is damaging our environment.
Thankfully, we’re doing something about it. Creating a safer, healthier environment is everyone’s responsibility. If refrigeration and air-conditioning play a role in your business, you have a duty to maintain and dispose of synthetic refrigerant gases in an environmentally responsible way. Leaking these gases into the atmosphere is ozone-threatening and contributes to climate change. The good news is that most unwanted gases are now being delivered by responsible partner companies to Recovery collection depots throughout New Zealand. Recovery was formed by the refrigeration and air-conditioning industries in 1993 to manage the safe and secure destruction of all used synthetic refrigerant gases. And what a difference we’ve made. If you’re not already contributing to Recovery, isn’t it time to become involved?
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From where I'm standing... The Wilson Security Sandown 500 marked the first of three events in this year’s V8 Supercar Pirtek Enduro Cup – the others being the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1,000 and the Armor All Gold Coast 600. The Enduro Cup tag is new this year; historically we have always had the 500km pre cursor to Bathurst, although the venue has changed a bit over the last 10 years. Queensland Raceway stole it off Sandown for a period and Phillip Island also had a go, but it returned to Sandown last year, and it looks as though it will be there for the foreseeable future. Endurance means, ‘continuing existence; duration.’ So, like me you might be thinking that means, ‘think about the big picture, don’t focus just on the moment’; it’s 500kms long, unforeseen circumstances will present, so forget some of the desperate stuff and build your strategy around the long haul. Clearly some of the guys racing at Sandown didn’t look at the name of the race and take on board the need to approach endurance events differently! The desperation and ‘drive like your life depends on it’ approach was everywhere. We have had some criticism about the driving standards in the SuperTourer Championship lately, but frankly in comparison, I couldn’t tell the difference! I can’t recall an event where there was so much desperation amongst so many of the drivers, especially in the first 50 laps. Whether it was all the non-regular co-drivers trying to prove themselves and make a good impression or some of the regular drivers forgetting everything they knew. It was non-stop pushing, shoving and elbowing for the whole race. A lot of damaged cars to fix pre Bathurst!
I was always confident that we could do the job. I thought the same last year mind you, and reckon that I’d have been a good shot at the title then. Of course my back let me down and the rest’s now history. Right from the start though, having time to get the right people together, all committed to the same goals and bedding in the right preparation and race-day processes meant we were always going to be in with a good chance. It’s a controlled class, so it was unlikely any one team was ever going to get much of a jump over the others – and that’s the way it’s panned out, so far. There have been a whole bunch of different winners this season, and while some of the action’s probably been a bit intense, I know that the fans have loved it. Close racing, lots of action and a range of different drivers in with a chance – it’s a great recipe. The Gull 250 round at Taupo provided what I was talking about earlier from Sandown, a bit of mayhem, and plenty of hits and near misses. Being it was the first time I’d ever actually raced on the circuit, it proved to be some introduction. It’s a naturally flowing track with plenty of good, progressive corners – but it is a very difficult circuit to pass on, and this, like Sandown makes drivers do some desperate things. With the title still up for grabs, I was hoping for a quiet weekend hopefully with a race win in the results somewhere. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I was hit, managed to hit some other drivers myself,
James Courtenay had qualified the car reasonably well, and we thought we were a reasonable chance for the race. As it turned out, the Red Bull cars dominated, again. A new chassis for the number One Triple Eight driver and plenty of speed meant everyone else was playing catch-up. For our part we were running fifth early on and quite comfortable, but damage sustained in pit-lane during the first Safety Car meant we were forced to pit again for repairs which had us way out of contention. Positively, we pressed on, a couple more Safety Cars and some well thought out strategy by the team put us back near the front for the last stint. James drove the wheels off the very battered No.22 and just managed to hold off a fast finishing FPR Falcon for fifth place, which wasn’t too shabby all things considered. We will however need to find more basic speed to head off the Red Bull guys in the coming races. Bathurst’s a long, long event and nothing about Sandown comes close to comparing the two. A lot can, and always does happen, so let’s wait and see. I was asked by a journalist after the Taupo Round of the V8 SuperTourers last month if I was relieved to win the V8 Supertourer Sprint title. Being that it was so long after my last ‘title’, I suppose that was a reasonable question. It definitely wasn’t relief that I’d felt as much as the sheer satisfaction of achieving what I always knew was possible when all the elements were aligned. To me, being relieved really gives the impression that winning was a surprise or you fluked it and, without wanting to get ahead of myself,
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collected a drive-through penalty and never actually made it to the podium for the round itself. Finishes of seventh, fourth and 10th over the weekend were enough to head off ‘blue team’ rivals Ant Pedersen and Shane Van Gisbergen for the title though. While everyone expected Shane to do well, Ant was a bit more of a ‘dark horse’ and showed consistent speed throughout. The International Team are a well oiled machine but were very lucky to escape a technical infringement that could have easily put them out of the chase early on. It’ll be interesting to see how things now pan out for the endurance rounds that start late September. Ant has teamed up with Aussie up-and-comer Chaz Mostert, and the field is full of SuperCar drivers and Endurance Co-drivers, so there’s bound to be more ‘action’ in the races ahead. Stay posted.
Best wishes
mediation Alan Barr
MTA Mediation Advisor
As most workshop owners know, some customers are more difficult to please than others. The same goes for customers who contact the Mediation Centre. A vast number of people call us purely to make an inquiry about whether or not their invoice is excessive. For the most part, once a copy of the invoice is sent to us and reviewed, it is found that the description and general communication has been lacking and the invoice is justifiable. Explaining this to the customer is sometimes easier said than done. Most callers will listen, take notes, compare our advice to what they were told by the workshop and accept the result. However, there are always callers who only hear a small percentage of the explanation. Anything that challenges their argument or creates doubt is conveniently blocked out, and anything that puts a positive spin on their side of the story gets highlighted and quoted.
Complicated customers Occasionally customers believe that repairs have not been correctly completed. These customers quite often do not have evidence to support their argument, but remain adamant they are right. For example, a customer might complain that the clutch is still not right after it has been replaced. The workshop looks at it again and cannot fault it. It’s normally at this point the customer rings the Mediation Centre to complain. From here the best thing to do from the customer's point is to have clarification that there is definitely a fault, because without this there really isn’t a complaint. To put it simply, we have a qualified technician saying there isn’t a fault and a layperson saying there is. At this point our money would always be on the technician being right. At the end of the day the simplest advice is to get a second opinion on the repair from another reputable source – ideally an MTA member. That doesn’t mean get someone else to do the repair again, instead have them look at it and let you know if something isn’t right. A simple road test may be enough and even if there is a small charge for the second opinion, it isn’t the end of the world. Most repairers will gladly have a quick look at someone’s car without charge, as it’s a good public relations exercise. If a customer won’t seek or accept a second opinion, there isn’t much more you can do. Those customers are the ones that will take a case to the Disputes Tribunal. Without validation of fault, combined with the evidence you respond with, it is likely the customers application would be unsuccessful. In summary, you can’t satisfy everyone. However covering all the bases thoroughly can certainly reduce the level of inconvenience when dealing with complicated customers. Every challenge is different but it is essential to deal with them as soon as you are made aware. Get advice early and call the Mediation Centre on 0508 682 633 to discuss your particular situation.
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Rejection under finance Used cars have faults – it’s a fact of life. As a car dealer you will be aware of your obligations under the MTA Dealer Warranty and the Consumer Guarantees Act to attend to those faults in reasonable time. Sometimes the fault can be significant, albeit from the purchaser’s perspective, and they may reject the car or be given advice to do so. If the car is financed, rejecting the vehicle may not be the best option for your customer and they may be the victim of poor advice. For example, a purchaser borrows $16,000 over four years, at 15 percent interest, to buy a car. In the first 12 months they will have paid back about $5,000. That $5,000 will include about $2,200 in interest, and about $2,800 in principal or capital. If they proceed with the rejection, they will recover the capital portion of the loan, but will lose the interest portion. Have they considered that aspect? The typical wording in a rejection order is along the following lines: The rights and obligations of the purchaser under the collateral finance agreement between the purchaser and the trader (“the collateral finance agreement”) shall be vested in the trader with effect from the date of rejection.
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mediation Julian McMullan MTA Mediation Advisor
The trader shall pay the purchaser: a) the capital component of all payments the purchaser has made under the collateral finance agreement from its commencement date to the date of rejection (the purchaser is to pay the interest component of all payments made by them under the collateral finance agreement to the date of rejection); and b) the aggregate of all payments the purchaser has made under the collateral finance agreement since the date of rejection. Putting it in layman’s terms, the customer will not get back the interest they have paid to the finance company up to the point of rejection (the date on their rejection letter). After that date, and if the rejection is upheld, you (the dealer) will be responsible for the entire payments made as it was legally your vehicle. The loss of interest is fair because it was not the trader’s fault the purchaser needed to borrow the money to buy the car.
Interest is a cost of ownership – not part of the purchase price. Faults happen in used cars, but if the customer jumps too quickly to reject the car because of a fault, it may still cost them a significant amount of money in lost interest payments. Repairing the fault may be a better option. Also, if rejection is ordered, the customer will then have to go through the whole sales and finance process again. In some cases the customer may be better off with the car they originally bought.
advocate Dougal Morrison
This column gives an update about law changes, MTA lobbying and training activities.
email dougal.morrison@mta.org.nz or phone 04 381 8816.
Law Changes
Consultation
Credit Contracts and Financial Services Law Reform Bill
Targeted Review of Qualifications
This Bill has been released pending its first reading in Parliament, and reforms the entire suite of legislation that governs consumer credit contracts. It repeals the Credit (Repossession) Act 1997, bringing it into an expanded Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003. It also proposes small amendments to the Personal Property Security Act (PPSA), and the Financial Service Providers (Registration and Dispute resolution) Act 2008. The Bill is the culmination of several years of consultation. Most of the changes will focus on the ‘tougher’ end of the market – the so-called ‘loan sharks’ and pay-day lenders, though will also impose some additional requirements on the ‘better end’ of the finance market. Assuming the Bill successfully passes through the first reading it will then progress to the Select Committee stage, when we will have an opportunity to again make submissions. We will certainly provide more detailed coverage this in the months ahead.
Land Transport and Road User Charges Legislation Amendment Bill
An amendment Bill developed to correct some minor anomalies with the Road User Charges (RUC) Act that affect a small number of vehicles and their owners was under consultation in September. We chose not to submit as the changes were unlikely to affect MTA members.
Tyrewise
Representatives from the Tyrewise Working Group and Trustees of the Product Stewardship Organisation Auto Stewardship NZ, including me, met with the Hon Amy Adams, Minister for the Environment in Wellington on 24th September. She is keen to see an effective solution to managing end of life Tyres but not at any cost. She is also keen to see as much processing of tyres taking place in New Zealand as possible.
Collision Repair draft qualifications: confirmed
The Collision Repair Working Group has confirmed the draft qualifications. MITO is scheduling consultation roadshows from 7–17 October 2013 throughout New Zealand.
Automotive Electrical qualifications: needed
MITO facilitated a meeting for automotive electricians on 12 August 2013. Twenty automotive electricians attended, and the group agreed that there is a definite need for qualifications for this sector.
Light Vehicle and Heavy Vehicle qualifications: proposed
During a packed meeting last month, the Light Vehicle working group, which I chair, proposed three qualifications to trade qualified level (levels 3 – 5) and an advanced technician qualification (level 6). The Heavy Vehicle working group has proposed one qualification to trade qualified (level 5) and an advanced technician qualification (level 6).
Glazing
The Joinery Industry Training Organisation (JITO) called a meeting to review the National Certificate in Automotive Reglazing, which MTA Repairer Services Manager Garry Williams attended. All present supported keeping the National Certificate in Automotive Reglazing as a standalone qualification. The alternative – automotive reglazing becoming a strand of a broader glazing qualification – might still occur if there is significant overlap between automotive and flat glass qualifications. Draft qualifications are not expected until late 2013.
Warrant of Fitness Training review
With the dramatic decrease in numbers of people registering to attend WOF courses organised by MTA, it is generally accepted that all facets of this training need to be reviewed. We are consulting with members and NZTA before making decisions to change the courses.
advocacy We go in to bat on your behalf yet another benefit of being an MTA member 30 •
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Initiatives 25 point Safety and Pre-purchase check sheets
The 25 point Safety check sheet is available now – to see the redesigned form, and for tips on how to integrate it into your repair business, visit the MTA website, at http:// www.mta.org.nz/25pointsafetycheck. An updated version of the pre-purchase check sheet is being printed, and will be available through the stationery portal soon.
Vehicle Licensing Reform
NZTA joined the September meeting of the Automotive Technology Committtee, to discuss the pending changes in WoF frequency, administrative implications for members, labels, WoF online and VIRM, communications with agencies and public and enforcement activity being undertaken by the Police, CoF A inspections, taxis and light rental cars.
Technician Competencies - Wheels and Tyres and Brakes Two further draft technician competencies were considered covering: • Wheels and Tyres Sales and Service and • Brake specialists. MTA is also seeking opinion from specialist members in both sectors and from members repairing light and heavy vehicles.
Hybrid vehicle category
While considering it too early for MTA to form a hybrid/ electric vehicle category, MTA’s Automotive Technology Committee is seeking to appoint a contact person experienced in this area.
Raising profile of the automotive trade in schools
MTA’s Automotive Technology Committee has requested that MTA develop a list of activities that could be undertaken to improve the uptake of college students into the automotive trade in conjunction with MITO.
Servicing of in Warranty vehicles
MTA Dealer Services and Mediation Manager Tony Everett advised the Automotive Technology Committee of the potential risks, to the owner and repairer, of independent repairers undertaking servicing of new vehicles while under warranty, particularly where the distributor required servicing by authorised agencies. In New Zealand there is no legal precedent to give direction in this area such as in Australia. Committee members noted some independent repairers chose to undertake new vehicle servicing. Some repairers requested the owner first seek permission from the distributor for them to undertake servicing.
Technical information for independent repairers
The MTA Board advised the Automotive Technology Committee that MTA will take a neutral stance on providing technical information to independent repairers. The Board prefers to let this area develop naturally, following overseas trends. This position reflected the wide interest range of MTA members.
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Motor Industry Association (MIA) CEO David Crawford attended the recent MTA Motorcycle Committee meeting. He expressed strong interest in keeping in contact with the MTA Motorcycle Committee. Also a keen motorcyclist, David is reporting back to MIA on points raised including the suggestion the motorcycle industry consider a brand neutral public promotion about the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS), as well as considering a motorcycle industry conference. MTA is keen for this too – though any event would also require support at a distributor level. A recent Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal case decision, which ordered rejection of a near new motorcycle due to slow parts supply and repair, has highlighted several areas the dealers should be aware of, and the steps they could take to minimise a repeat situation. MTA will publish a summary of the case in Radiator magazine.
bodywork Bob McCoy MTA Collision Repair Manager
Collision Repair Update
Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce says crash repairers squeezed by insurers Recently, the Australian television programme, Today Tonight, aired a report on the activities of insurance companies, including reducing repairer quotes, and how these activities had translated into substandard motor vehicle repairs. “Crash repairers have long complained about insurers unreasonably reducing their quotes, making it difficult for them to repair vehicles to manufacturers’ standards” said VACC Executive Director, David Purchase. “In some cases, these standards can only be met by the repairer making little if anything out of the repair”. “Insurers’ quest to reduce their costs by controlling and reducing repair quotes continues to make life difficult for crash repairers.” “It is simply not fair for crash repairers to have to shoulder the burden of the insurers’ inability to manage their costs in the area of vehicle insurance”, added Purchase. Requiring repairers to source their parts from particular suppliers or to use non-genuine parts are further examples of inappropriate demands by some insurers. The move by some large insurers to establish their own vehicle repair shops and force their insured motorists to use such facilities is further evidence of insurers wanting
to control the vehicle crash repair industry from cradle to grave. Is this not akin to having Dracula in charge of the blood bank? "This ‘big versus small’ domination has got to stop and governments must intervene in markets to ensure a fair commercial environment". “All too often small businesses are applauded as the engine room of the economy, the providers of employment opportunities and yet they are hung out to dry by governments unable or unwilling to take on the larger companies”. “All crash repairers want is a fair and transparent commercial environment, a balanced relationship with insurers and the right to do what they do best, namely, repair motor vehicles to manufacturers’ standards for a reasonable price”. “They are not in business to be taken advantage of by large insurer conglomerates”, concluded Purchase. Source: Panel & Paint Note: VACC are the Victorian equivalent of MTA.
Nissan announces Autonomous Drive in multiple vehicles by 2020
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radiator October 2013
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. announced that the company will be ready with multiple, commercially-viable Autonomous Drive vehicles by 2020. Nissan announced that the company's engineers have been carrying out intensive research on the technology for years, alongside teams from the world's top universities, including MIT, Stanford, Oxford, Carnegie Mellon and the University of Tokyo. Nissan's autonomous driving will be achieved at realistic prices for consumers. The goal is availability across the model range within two vehicle generations. Work is already underway in Japan to build a dedicated autonomous driving proving ground, to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2014. Featuring real townscapes – masonry not mock-ups – it will be used to push vehicle testing beyond the limits possible on public roads to ensure the technology is safe. "Nissan Motor Company's willingness to question conventional thinking and to drive progress – is what sets us apart," said CEO Carlos Ghosn. "In 2007 I pledged that – by 2010 – Nissan would mass market a zero-emission vehicle. Today, the Nissan LEAF is the best-selling electric vehicle in history. Now I am committing to be ready to introduce a new ground-breaking technology, Autonomous Drive, by 2020, and we are on track to realise it." Source: Collision Week News
Profile
John Pfeifer Panelbeating, Greymouth How long have you been in business? 23 years.
How many staff do you employ? 5.
How long have you been a member of MTA? 20 years.
What do you see as the benefits of being an MTA member? Being kept up to date with what is happening in the automotive industry. Also finding out what other areas are up to and what events are taking place.
What do you like about the collision repair industry? The satisfaction of seeing a vehicle coming into the workshop damaged then leaving looking like new again.
If you could, what would you change in the industry? Getting insurance companies to pay an hourly rate closer to the rest of the automotive repair industry.
What is the most unusual vehicle you have repaired? We were involved in the structural repair to a 180 tonne Hitachi digger which had rolled over at Stockton open cast coal mine.
What is your favourite holiday destination? Punakaiki.
Who do you most admire and why? Richie McCaw because of his dedication to rugby.
Your name: John Pfeifer
What attracted you to the industry? As young teenagers growing up in Greymouth we used to race old unregistered and unwarranted vehicles around the old roads, along the Blaketown beach. When they broke down we would do our own repairs to keep the vehicles going. I think that is where the attraction of the collision repair industry came from.
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Cam Sensor Fault Code after Collision Repair to Holden Cruze There have recently been a number of reports from members of the collision industry that a cam sensor fault code has been activated on a small number of Holden Cruzes after minor front end collision damage has been repaired. Holden engineers have inspected some vehicles in which the fault code is activated and note the following issues with the collision repairs that have been performed on these vehicles: • Welding performed on components where it is not required in the Holden Approved Procedures. One specific example is the Front Reinforcement Bar which is attached using 8 bolts and does not need to be welded during replacement. • Some welding was considered to be of poor quality and showing signs of failure. • Several panel repairers could not provide dimensional checks to verify integrity of body structure prior to conducting repair. Holden strongly advises that collision repairers adhere to the following recommendations regarding any font end damage of the Cruze:
Holden authorised procedures: 1. It is critical that authorised Holden repair procedures are followed when repairing any Holden vehicle. Welding, particularly for front end damage, should not be carried out unless Holden explicitly state this is required in their procedures. Procedures can be found online at www.acdelcotds.com 2. If the repair does require welding, repairers should follow the instructions specified in Holden approved procedures where available, or when unavailable should follow industry standard best practices e.g. ensuring a good local earth is achieved and testing your welder/welding (perform test welds) settings before commencing repairs on the car. Always ensure perfect panel surface preparation for any welded surface, as high resistance during welding will most likely expose the vehicle to high magnetic fields, for longer than normal times. Holden engineers recommend only using “clamp type” earth connections, not “magnetic clamp” earths on the welding equipment. Additionally, if clear access to welding locations cannot be achieved, please ensure all sensitive parts are removed from the vehicle. If in doubt, remove parts, and store them at least 2 metres from welding equipment whilst repairs are being conducted.
Defective welding equipment: 3. Defective welding equipment may be a possible cause of development of a magnetic field in vehicle components. Holden has examined vehicles without front end damage and have recorded only very low levels of magnetism. Using defective welding equipment may exacerbate the problem and result in the defective code being activated. Holden specifies that GM approved welders should be used. Source: Holden
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Lighter cars add weight to repair costs Greater use of carbon fibre, aluminum and highstrength steel complicates fixes.
More use of weight-saving materials such as aluminium, carbon fibre and highstrength steel are boosting gas-mileage in new cars, but also are complicating and adding cost to repairing them after accidents. Automakers are under intense pressure to save weight for gas mileage and to meet stricter crash-test standards. But the sometimes exotic materials needed to meet those goals mean replacement parts not only cost more, but often require elaborate repair techniques that are taxing skills in some body shops. They also raise concerns about dangerous repair shortcuts or substitution of cheap steel parts instead of costly ones that came with the car. "The consumer needs to understand the new vehicle they bought has specific requirements that need to be met to be as safe when they get it back from repair, as it was before the accident," says Doug Irish, president of VeriFacts Automotive, which monitors and advises body shops. As automakers strive to meet federal mandates, more have turned to lighter materials, including: • Aluminium. Automakers will increase aluminium in cars from an average of 327 pounds (148kg) in 2009 to 550 pounds (249kg) by 2025, the Aluminium Transportation Group says. The weight savings are dramatic: replacing steel with aluminium in doors of the 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan, for instance, saved 55 pounds (25kg). • Carbon fibre. As the cost of carbon fibre drops, the composite is showing up in more parts. While already a preferred material in high-end sports cars, it's moving down-market. BMW will use a carbon-fibre body for its i3 small electric car. • High-strength steel. Lighter for the same structural strength, it's being used for more body parts to cut weight and still meet roof crush and front-impact rules. But beyond the cost of the new crash parts, each material requires special methods and tools for the repairs. Special equipment — from high-strength drill bits to new frame racks — also is adding to repair costs. All this is also creating haves and have-nots among body shop businesses based on whether they can afford costly new equipment. "It's something that's going to differentiate our industry," says Darrell Amberson, a vice president for LaMettry's Collision with seven shops in greater Minneapolis. It just bought an US$80,000 rack for repairing auto chassis. And some of the materials can't be repaired, only replaced. Workers often can't just weld in new steel or straighten out damaged sections when high-strength steel is involved. The heat of welding can weaken the part. "Where before you could cut a small piece in," says Bob Keith, training director for Carstar, a network of more than 400 body shops, today "you might have to replace the whole thing." Source: USA Today
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Member Profile: Diesel & Turbo
25 not out! Keith Lorimer has owned Diesel & Turbo Wellington for 25 years – and sees no end to its success. Situated in Petone, Wellington, the business has grown to be one of New Zealand’s leaders in everything diesel fuel injection.
By Rachelle Oxnam, Communications and Marketing Coordinator New vehicles often mean new, and sometimes more challenging, technology. Fuel injection is one of those technologies, and care needs to be taken when repairing the pumps and injectors. Keith has provided his staff with extensive training and the tools to be able to carry out repairs on these. Diesel & Turbo Wellington has been appointed as the Denso Premium Common Rail dealer for New Zealand, allowing them to carry out Denso’s warranty and import injectors directly from Denso. It is also the only company that can complete repairs on Bosch Common Rail pumps and fuel injectors – with the closest competitor in Auckland. This has made them the leaders in their field, as one of the few places that can work safely on modern diesel vehicles. A large part of the business is in the oil industry. They are the regional supplier for Caltex Lubricants, servicing Taranaki, through to Hawkes Bay and down to Wellington. Stocking about 60,000 litres of oil means that Diesel and Turbo are able to supply all of the Caltex stations in the lower North Island, and also sell locally in Wellington. When the relationship with Caltex was first established five years ago, Keith was only offered a small number of contracts to manage, as it was unsure whether they could handle the bigger
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radiator October 2013
Keith with his certificate from MTA congratulating him reaching 25 years in business
jobs. He proved that he was able to take on larger contracts and now is the second largest distributor for Caltex in New Zealand. His staff complete training for Caltex out of the USA, ensuring they have the knowledge needed to do their jobs correctly. “Training is a big part of our business. A lot of it is done overseas, but it is worth it to keep the service we offer at the highest possible standard,” Keith says. The staff use machines with the latest technology, and need to be properly trained in these areas in order to work safely and give customers a reliable solution. Aside from their website (www.dieselandturbo. co.nz) and some local radio advertising, Diesel & Turbo has gained the majority of their customers through word of mouth. Keith says “being able to do the job right the first time is crucial to the customers. Having the right equipment and highly trained technicians means that people have confidence in your service, and they pass that information on.” Keith believes that you are not selling a product
Wellington
at the end of the day – it’s service you’re selling. “We sell service, that’s what it is all about. And that’s where you come out on top – it’s all about service.” Diesel & Turbo Wellington offers a 12 month or 50,000km warranty on repairs. “Warranty is very important,” says Keith. The test benches that Keith has on site allow the Diesel and Turbo team to test diesel pumps and injectors, as though they are running on the vehicle. “Once the pump has been on the test bench, it is perfect – as though it has just come out of the factory.” The business has been rewarded for their successes in providing a great service, winning several awards over the years. Keith has come away with Bosch Oceania Dealer of the Year twice, and Denso Dealer of the Year for Australasia, along with two customer service awards from Caltex. This reassurance that they are doing the right thing has been very encouraging. “There’s no one else in the area that can repair Common Rail like we can – and it shows,” Keith says.
Previous to owning the company, Keith was managing it, originally starting out in sales. Since 1988, he has grown Diesel & Turbo Wellington and has climbed to the top of the industry. Finding a new team member is never an issue either. When Keith needs a replacement, and that’s not too often, he seems to have someone come to him, rather than search for someone. Some of his staff have even left to do further training or study and have then come back to work for him. Keith thinks personal development is great, saying “I never stop anyone from improving themselves.”
“We sell service, that’s what it is all about. And that’s where you come out on top – it’s all about service.”
The business has been a member of MTA for 13 years and sees the assurance that MTA provides as important. “MTA is a quality brand. Being a member gives people confidence in your business and shows that there is a standard of service that a customer will receive,” says Keith. MTA Wellington Branch President Phil Saxton says that Diesel & Turbo is
recognised as a stand out business in New Zealand, and that Keith is the perfect man for the job. “Keith is forever offering to help with branch events and awards, whether it be sponsorship or just a helping hand. He is always there to help others,” says Phil. “He is an amazing guy in the way that he helps other members and mentors people in business.” Diesel & Turbo Wellington aims to keep growing both the oil and fuel sides of the business, and have added new product ranges this year, including Direction Plus Diesel particulate Filters, and Fuel Manager pre-filter kits. Keith hopes to pass on the business to his son one day – and keeping Wellington diesels moving for another 25 years yet.
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radiator October 2013
Member Profile - Outram Garage
Out there
in Outram Pulling up outside Ray and Janet Warnock’s Outram Garage (for those not sure where Outram is, it is 28 km inland from Dunedin and I have to admit I did have to check as I wasn’t 100 percent sure myself of where exactly it was. I had a rough idea but...) it looks exactly as you might picture a small independently owned service station in any tiny rural settlement.
With a population of less than 700 and not located on SH1, it is places like this which are slowly disappearing from the map and it would be easy to imagine Outram’s garage and the other small enterprises in the town quietly withering and dying. Yet even from the outside there are just a couple of hints that this assumption might be incorrect. Parked out front of the workshop is an immaculately restored 1948 TE A Massey Fergusson tractor and off to the side (I later was to learn it was awaiting an engine transplant) a very unusual early 1970s Dodge van. But it is only when I opened the door and went inside the shop that it became obvious that this is no back country enterprise on the way to ruin. As well as the usual water, milk, coke and chocolate bars one expects to find when handing over the next mortgage payment for a tank of petrol – actually, that isn’t really fair, having just returned from Europe where petrol and diesel run at around €2.50 per litre (NZD$4.25) we are actually one of the cheapest countries in the world for fuel, we just don’t realise it, Ray (but I suspect this is more the work of his wife Janet) has set the interior up to what might be termed a mini-museum or a rendition of a man-cave.
Story and photos courtesy of NZ Today Newly refurbished, the walls are adorned with photos and models of Aussie and American muscle cars, historical items like a large autographed photo of Sir Jack Brabham and artefacts from garages of yesteryear. When Ray proudly pointed out the large colour montage of very shiny V8 Holdens and Falcons and explained that they were his and son Dean’s (who also works in the garage as a mechanic) prize winning pride and joys, it was easy to see that here was a family where the motor industry is a passion, not just a job. Ray and Janet are staunch Holden fans, Dean is the Blue Oval supporter, while their other son Reece is a Holden man, with enough sense to keep away from working on cars full time. Instead, he runs an architecture business, also in Outram. From what I had seen, I had assumed that Ray was one of those old-time garage owners who had been involved in the motor trade since just after the invention of the wheel. And again I had assumed wrong. Leaving school in 1965 he served a five year apprenticeship in the radiator repair industry. With there being only a limited number of people doing this, there really was no qualification directly pertaining to the world of cooling system fixers, so officially he was classed as a Motor Body Builder. With his time served and the appropriate piece of paper framed and ready to hang on the wall, he did what many young (and not so young) New Zealanders do, he skipped the Tasman and worked in the Australian oil industry for a year before returning to New Zealand to work for his father’s light engineering business in Dunedin, experience which
1948 Massey Fergusson tractor outside the garage
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radiator October 2013
was to give him a good grounding for his current line of work. Yet, as a complete change of direction he went from engineering to forestry, involved in the replanting of many of the pine forests of Otago. The collapse of the timber industry meant that again a new direction was needed, so he became a plumber and drainlayer, which he kept at until in his words, “I was too bloody old to crawl under houses.” In 2002 the Outram garage was available and Ray and Janet bought the historic premises. No one is really sure when the garage first opened. It seems the building was a blacksmiths originally and by the early 1920s it had evolved into a service station and has remained so ever since. Ray is probably one of the oldest “new” mechanics around. He got his Warrant of Fitness authority at age 65, so he gets to work alongside his son, plus another mechanic and a workshop hand. While Janet looks after the administrative side of the garage as well as keeping the display area looking fresh. While not really on the main road, Outram is on SH87, the major direct route from Dunedin to Queenstown so they do get more than their share of passing tourists.
Being keen car enthusiast's another sideline has been the growing number of classic cars coming in, either for service, or more major work.
Family-run small town businesses always seem to have a more relaxed and friendly vibe from that found in the bigger towns and cities On the wall inside there is a huge map of the South Island with a large “your are here” arrow pointing to Outram. This assists some of the more geographically challenged tourists who stop for fuel or are lost already (despite the fact that Dunedin Airport is literally a five minute drive away).
Newly refurbished, the walls are adorned with photos and models of Aussie and American muscle cars, historical items like a large autographed photo of Sir Jack Brabham and artefacts from garages of yesteryear.
It is this proximity to the airport which led to one of the regular sources of income for the garage. Ray has the contract to service rental cars for the Hertz and Avis’ airport fleets and while this is seasonal (frantic in the ski season, not so busy in the summer) it is, just another of the diverse ways businesses like this take on to keep themselves busy. In this case, almost too busy, and they are actively seeking another qualified mechanic to join the team. With such a tiny population, they can’t rely on the townsfolk to keep the doors open, but the large outlying farming community makes up for this. According to Ray and Dean, 70 percent of the workshop business comes from servicing farm 4wd Utes and other farm machinery. While the newer vehicles go into Dunedin for warranty work, as soon as the factory warranty period is up, they arrive at Ray’s workshop
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for the attention required. There are some big hills down there and the weather is best described as “extreme” so this can be hard on equipment (and good for garage workshops). Being keen car enthusiasts, another sideline has been the growing number of classic cars coming in, either for service, or more major work (like the Dodge van getting its engine changed), right through to full restorations and there was an interesting line-up in a separate workshop area at the back of the garage. Old car owners like to have their toys worked on by those who appreciate and understand the differences between today’s cars and those of a few decades ago. Once the word is out that there is someone “old car friendly” in the district, it doesn’t take long for the word to get around. Family-run small town businesses always seem to have a more relaxed and friendly vibe from that found in the bigger towns and cities. The Warnock’s love living and working in Outram and are proof that rural New Zealand still offers plenty of great opportunities for a great lifestyle and a successful business at the same time.
market overview
statistics
August
Tony Everett Dealer Services & Mediation Manager Ph: 04 381 8827
tony.everett@mta.org.nz or: 04 381 8833 rochelle.reddish@mta.org.nz
New market SUV’s and Utes carry the game upwards
New Passenger Registrations August YTD 2011
8,000
2012
2013
7,500 7,000
6,828 new passenger registrations in August. Up 15 percent compared to August 2012. Up 1 percent from last month.
6,500 6,000 5,500
YTD new passenger registration total 53,375. Up 6 percent YTD compared to YTD 2012.
5,000 4,500
2,602 commercial registrations in August. This is up 17 percent from August 2012. Down 1 percent from last month.
4,000 3,500 3,000
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Used vehicle market Outstrips new market
Sep
Oct
Nov
Used Import Passenger Registrations August YTD 2011
12,000
6,000 4,000
546 used import commercial registrations in August. This is up 61 percent from August 2012 and up 4 percent from last month.
2,000 0
Jan
Feb
Mar
2013
900 800 700
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
503 Motorcycle registrations for August. This is up 25 percent from August 2012 and up 1 percent from last month.
600 500 400
Over 60cc' market: 330 registrations, this is up 20 percent in contrast to August 2012.
300 200
Under 60cc' market: 173 registrations in August. This is up 36 percent from August 2012.
100
42 •
Apr
Motorcycles LAMS and petrol prices motivate gains
New Road Registered Motorcycles (>60cc, & <60cc) August YTD
0
2013
8,000
YTD used import passenger total 63,917. Market is up 26 percent YTD compared YTD 2012.
2012
2012
10,000
8,648 used passenger imports in August, this is up 31 percent from August 2012. Down 10 percent from last month.
2011
YTD new commerical registrations total 19,988. Market is up 24 percent YTD compared to YTD 2012.
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
radiator October 2013
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
YTD Motorcycle registrations total 4399. The market is up 23 percent YTD compared to YTD August 2012.
statistics
brought to you by
Top 10 new passenger registrations by brand Mth
% Chg YTD
Toyota
1080
9%
Holden
860
11%
Ford
580
11%
Hyundai
502
2%
Honda
454
10%
Mazda
451
9%
Volkswagen
432
36%
Mitsubishi
389
11%
Suzuki
365
4%
Nissan
212
3%
The top 10 brands make up 78 percent of the new passenger market. Toyota is holding 18 percent of the market YTD, Holden makes up 11 percent of the market YTD and Hyundai holds 9 percent of the market YTD. Other brands doing well YTD are: Ssangyong up 62 percent; Fiat up 73 percent; Chrysler up 37 percent.
Top 10 used import registrations by model Mth
The top three have had another shuffle with Demio first this month with 401 units, Tiida second with 396 and Axela third with 383 units. Demio is still leading YTD with 2,972 units Swift close behind with 2,904 and Axela third with 2,802. Other models that had a good month include: Outlander up 280 percent; Avensis up 78 percent; Teana up 65 percent.
% Chg YTD
Demio
401
39%
Tiida
396
44%
Axela
383
28%
Swift
354
77%
Fit
289
58%
Corolla
249
15%
Atenza
248
1%
Vitz
223
4%
Wish
213
89%
Legacy
207
1%
Top 10 motorcycle registrations by brand Mth
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% Chg YTD
Suzuki
84
16%
Honda
64
40%
Harley Davidson
36
18%
Triumph
33
11%
Yamaha
31
38%
Piaggio
30
77%
Kawasaki
25
6%
Hyosung
18
16%
Ducati
16
25%
BMW
15
53%
radiator October 2013
Suzuki and Honda are first and second again this month with 84 and 64 units respectively. Harley Davidson moves up to third place with 36 units. YTD: Suzuki has sold 763 units, Honda has sold 613 units and Harley Davidson 329. Other Brands doing well YTD include: KTM up 143 percent; TGB up 73 percent; Vespa up 64 percent;
Top three new models by segment
Top new models by segment
Light
Rotorua Gisborne 6 50% 6 100% Wellington Nelson 54 2% 11 NC Oamaru Dunedin SUV's are first with 2,262 units in August. The small 0 NC 25 sector is32% second with 1,971 and light are third with
1,308.
The top selling model this month is the Ford Ranger with 392 units, Toyota Hilux is second again 376 units and Toyota Corolla third with 328 units.
Swift
Yaris
214
208
190
Small
Corolla
Cruze
Golf
328
271
225
Medium
Camry
Mondeo
Mazda6
Large/upper
MPV
Jazz
126
113
60
Commodore
Falcon
Aurion
246
67
52
Journey
Carens
Vito, Carnival, Imax
52
6
9
Sport
86
Golf
Merc E
13
7
7
SUV
Captiva
CX-5
Rav4
Van Pickup Heavy Comâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l
207
199
176
Hiace
Transit
Iload
211
62
38
Ranger
Hilux
Navara
392
376
290
Isuzu
Mitsi Fuso
Hino
74
52
46
Change of ownership dealer to public (vehicles) Whangarei 546 3% Napier 522 6% Blenheim 172 5% Invercargill 419 6%
Auckland 5868 5% New Plym 465 5% Greymouth 87 2% National 17551 4%
Hamilton 1514 7% Wanganui 210 3% Westport 24 25%
Thames 221 18% Palm North 845 10% Christchurch 2269 6%
Tauranga 864 3% Masterton 183 12% Timaru 259 2%
Rotorua 258 6% Wellington 1536 5% Oamaru 73 4%
Gisborne 160 5% Nelson 318 1% Dunedin 738 10%
Change of ownership dealer to public (motorcycles) Whangarei 16 NC Napier 20 122% Blenheim 5 150% Invercargill 6 45%
Auckland 163 13% New Plym 24 85% Greymouth 0 200% National 508 8%
Hamilton 41 14% Wanganui 9 36% Westport 1 NC
Thames 5 17% Palm North 18 5% Christchurch 54 7%
Tauranga 38 31% Masterton 2 50% Timaru 4 50%
Rotorua 6 50% Wellington 54 2% Oamaru 0 NC
statistics More vehicle statistics are available on the MTA website www.mta.org.nz/dealer-stats Raw sales data on make, model and region of new passenger and new commercial vehicles are also available on the website in PDF format.
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radiator October 2013
Gisborne 6 100% Nelson 11 NC Dunedin 25 32%
statistics
brought to you by
Whangarei 136 Auckland 3113 Hamilton 429 Thames 61 Tauranga 271 Rotorua 92 Gisborne 40 Napier 158 New Plymouth 134 Wanganui 55 Palmerston North 205 Masterton 47 Wellington 629 Nelson 100 Blenheim 58 Greymouth 6 Westport 5 Christchurch 923 Timaru 60 Oamaru 18 Dunedin 200 Invercargill 88 45 â&#x20AC;˘
radiator October 2013
33% 17% 11% 11% 40% 64% 21% 6% 4% 36% 33% 2% 16% 49% 66% 50% NC 26% 2% 100% 12% 17%
Whangarei 169 Auckland 4323 Hamilton 509 Thames 54 Tauranga 319 Rotorua 60 Gisborne 29 Napier 158 New Plymouth 178 Wanganui 55 Palmerston North 213 Masterton 36 Wellington 739 Nelson 108 Blenheim 45 Greymouth 32 Westport 4 Christchurch 1182 Timaru 66 Oamaru 22 Dunedin 247 Invercargill 100
63% 27% 22% 42% 32% 15% NC 10% 42% 28% 73% 13% 26% 64% 67% 60% 33% 40% 12% 120% 37% 35%
Whangarei 7 Auckland 185 Hamilton 29 Thames 7 Tauranga 19 Rotorua 9 Gisborne 4 Napier 13 New Plymouth 18 Wanganui 8 Palmerston North 23 Masterton 3 Wellington 56 Nelson 7 Blenheim 3 Greymouth 1 Westport 0 Christchurch 68 Timaru 5 Oamaru 4 Dunedin 25 Invercargill 8
75% 21% 4% 133% 17% 350% 100% 86% 20% 60% 15% 200% 4% 133% NC 50% 100% 42% 29% 300% 79% 33%
Spring
Keen
Spring cleaning, a tidy up, clean out... it doesn’t matter what name you give it, there’s still a place for making time to ensure your site is looking its best after winter.
Winter is easily the toughest time of the year in terms of site upkeep.
Allocate the work that needs doing – many members find it hard to do these sorts of tasks when they’re left to them on their own. Get the whole team involved – set tasks and give them a timeframe.
There’s way less daylight to do things in. When you can get away from the day to day jobs it’s often raining or too wet to actually do much. Plus all the damp around the place eventually turns things green. And let’s face it, nobody really wants to be hovering around the place doing those tidy up tasks when things are just so dreary and cold!
• Work from the inside out – get the interior work sorted before moving to the outside.
Next thing you know though, spring’s arrived. While that might be a great old time for daffodils, lambs and blossom on the trees, it also puts the state of your site into full view – of you, your team and most importantly your customers. While no one wants to do it, spring or pre-Christmas is a really practical time to be carrying out that clean up. The days are longer, its warmer and with the winds that invariably pop up around now, you can get stuff dried out that might have been damp for the last few months. If you’re lucky your site may not need much attention at all, but chances are it’ll probably have fallen victim to some form of winter woe. So, now that you’re all keen to get on and make your place look like new again, where do you start?
• Put away the things that need putting away, and in the right place. • Throw away or recycle the things that have been stored or are stacked up. • Wash down/steam clean/water blast those areas that are dirty, and usually by association, dangerous. • Check the paintwork – it has the biggest impact but is often the least costly thing to change. There’s a lot to be said for using white paint too – it’s a breeze to match, and it’s usually the cheapest colour. Best of all, you can get top quality paint at a great price using your Resene Card. • Remember what your customers are seeing, plus a clean and tidy workplace makes staff recruitment and retention easier. • Spray or remove any weeds – they’ll be growing like billyo’ in the spring weather. • Look at your signage and or point of sale materials – are they up to date? Get rid of material for events and products that are past their use by date. • If you have notices about your business check if they are still neatly attached – there’s nothing worse than old notices sitting on an angle on a wall secured by old yellow sellotape. • If you have a customer waiting area, check if it’s up to scratch. Are all surfaces clean, are the magazines reasonably up to date. • If you have a coffee machine that customers can use, is it clean and welcoming to use. • Are your mats and rugs in good shape and clean? • Staff uniforms – are they all presentable? • Are all your light-bulbs working? • Are the courtesy cars in good order? • Check your website if you have one – are the details up to date? While there’s a fair bit to get through – most of these tasks are relatively straightforward, and don’t cost a lot. But they can make a real difference. Get things sorted and you and the rest of your team will have a reason to put a spring in your step.
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radiator October 2013
Snap-on VERUS PRO wins MOTOR Magazine Top 20 Tools Awards for 2013 The Snap-on®, VERUS® PRO Diagnostic and Information System was selected by the editors of Motor Magazine USA as being “truly new and innovative.” Each year the call goes out to the world’s automotive tool designers, manufacturers and suppliers for their latest and greatest tools. The winners of the Top 20 Tools Awards were chosen from among hundreds of entries for quality, ingenuity and making the panel say, “Wow! We’ve never seen anything like this before “Snap-on’s mission is to provide “the most valued productivity solutions in the world”, which fits very well with the competition criteria - to make the jobs of professional shop owners and technicians easier. We believe the VERUS PRO® accomplishes that goal” says Paul Lynch, Manager Diagnostics and “we are honoured to be recognized with this prestigious award”. VERUS PRO® Diagnostic and Information System The Snap-on VERUS PRO® is a top-of-the-line diagnostic and information system that combines an exclusive suite of tools to give professional service technicians the ability to bring all of the answers to the bay wirelessly, in one tool, to manage the job from start to finish. It is the most powerful diagnostic platform ever, built for technicians who want solid quality hardware, long-term software and support, wireless productivity, broad vehicle coverage and access to web resources in the bay. VERUS PRO® integrates everything that technicians’ need into one tool: scanner, scope, data manager, waveform library, schematics, online technical forum, Fast-Track® Troubleshooter, guided test procedures and verified repair tips. The integrated Autodata information suite gives technicians quick access to repair guidance for virtually any light vehicle on the road.
For more information please phone Snap-on Tools on 1800 810 581.
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radiator October 2013
ADVERTORIAL
For over 75 years, the ABRO name has meant quality around the world. ABRO Industries, Inc. provides top quality automotive, industrial and consumer products which are mainly manufactured by well known companies in the USA, to customers in countries across the globe. ABRO's success is built on its strong network of distributors. Their distributors, some of whom they have worked with for over three decades, are the backbone of their past and the foundation of their future. Automotive Supplies NZ Ltd is the New Zealand importer and distributes through Autostop (eleven branches in Auckland) Extreme Automotive Parts Distributors (Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch), Auto One and other leading independent outlets. The heart of ABRO's distribution system is their brand new warehouse and shipping facility located in Savannah, Georgia. The Savannah facility contains over 330,000 square feet of space and provides room for ABRO's expected future growth. It is also centered in a dynamic and growing port that will speed shipping times and ensure uninterrupted delivery of ABRO products to their distributors around the world. The Abros range is extensive. See below and the back page of this publication for more details or by visiting their website www.abro.com. AUTOMOTIVE Maintaining your vehicle is the most vital aspect of your car's performance. ABRO provides a full range of professional epoxies, silicone gasket makers, cleaners, polishes, engine cleaners & additives, along with many other products that you will need to keep your car running and looking brand new. HARDWARE Thinner, Spray Paint, Metal Polish, Epoxy Steel. PVC Cement, Sealers, and General adhesives. ABRO's professional grade products won't let you down on even the toughest jobs. TAPES ABRO has a broad range of tapes that will fit your every need: insulation, masking, sealing tapes and duct tapes to mention just a few. CONSUMER ABRO consumer products are perfect for around the house and your office. Glass Cleaner and Bathroom Cleaner, wipes, Disinfectant spray, oven cleaner, furniture polish etc.
49 â&#x20AC;˘
radiator October 2013
around the world AT LAST – A PARKING SPACE WORTHY OF AN ALFA ROMEO! No more dark and dank public parking spaces, at last there is a parking space that is worthy of an Alfa Romeo and, should you park your Alfa Romeo Giulietta or Mito in one of the spaces you will get a 50 percent discount, which is both the good news and the bad news, as the spaces are in one of the most expensive areas of the world to park, central London, so perhaps not ideal for downtown Auckland even with the saving! Moss, Marylin Monroe, James Dean and David Bowie.
Artist Simon Claridge and Alfa Romeo have teamed up to create London’s most stylish parking spaces in the heart of the city’s world famous Oxford Street shopping district.
Anyone who parks in the stylish spaces during the installation will also receive a 50 percent discount on their parking charge from Q Parks.
In the unique project, Simon has transformed a row of ‘blank canvas’ under-ground parking bays into a celebration of 20th century style icons. The installation, inspired by Alfa Romeo’s Giulietta, can be seen for a limited time only. The artwork is an elaborate montage of Claridge’s signature portraits of male and female style icons from the past six decades, including Amy Winehouse, Kate
The artwork’s colour scheme of black, white, grey and red follows Alfa’s special edition Giulietta Collezione and is bonded together using Simon’s signature ‘Diamond Dust’ finish. The collection of ‘designer’ parking spaces will be open to the public at Q-Park’s Oxford Street car park. Simon Claridge said, “I’m a big Alfa fan; my first car was an Alfa Romeo and I’ve always loved the way its cars strike a balance between elegance and performance. When I started working on this project, I knew immediately that these spaces had to be about style icons. Whether they’re from the worlds of music, fashion or the silver screen, these are people that have a certain something about them that makes them stand out and gives their image eternal appeal.”
Have you noticed the new name? CardSmart. CardLink has updated their fuel card brand to CardSmart.
Driv e
Fleet
Next time you see a CardSmart card remember they are part of the CardLink Family!
50 •
radiator October 2013
600
TEST
325
CARD
ONLY
600
325
TES T C ARD ONL Y VOL K EXP SWAGEN 12/ PAS 12 SAT
972
92
VOLK SWAG EXP EN PA 12/1 SSAT 2 IN2S
TM
979
99
IN2
001
STM
653
000
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PERFORMANCE INNOVATION DEVELOPED EXCLUSIVELY BY, WITH AND FOR EXPERTS Introducing our new range of Castrol Professional engine oils, now micro filtered to the world’s leading new car manufacturer specifications when filling new vehicle engines for the first time. This innovation has been proven through extensive consumer research to be an advantage that your customers value. For more information phone Castrol on 0800 CASTROL (227 876).
51 •
radiator October 2013
EXPRESS
MTA
October Savings HOT PRICE
5.50
$
25% OFF
Cash Sale Receipt Pad (Pad 100) 105mm x 117mm code:156
Service Reminder Cards (Packet 100) code:219B
33% Off
Just $ 7.99
on ord over $ ers 50
Lube Service Sheet & Invoice (Loose Packet 200) code:201L
Was $30.00 Cut to a low
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Vehicle Offer & Sale Agreement (Pad 50) code:312
25% Off Now just
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Bag Singlet Large White 290x190x560mm Pack 500 code:2201143
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ALL PRICES ARE GST EXCLUSIVE
Order online: www.mta.org.nz Stationery Hotline 0508 682 682
Career Springtime
human resources Kerryn Foote MTA HR Advisor Ph: 04 381 8841 kerryn.foote@mta.org.nz
Young employees just aren’t what they used to be. Or is that a stereotype that their elders use to explain what they think is the ’problem with kids today’? Generational differences in employees in the workplace has been a trendy subject in recent times, with some saying it’s just a stereotype and some believing it’s a necessary consideration in managing staff well. What we are talking about here is the characteristics attributed to different generations in the workforce. We’ve heard of 'Baby Boomers'. And we likely have heard of ‘Generation X’. But is it just a horrible stereotype, or is there something in this that can help us be better managers and colleagues?
Generation
Born
Cultural Influences
Baby Boomers 1946-1964 • Post WW11 • Social change • Time of affluence
• Seek long term employment • Ambitious • Status matters • "Pay your dues" and sacrifice for success • Workaholics
Generation X 1965-1979 • Cold war • Working parents • Education is key
• Free agent career approach • Independent • Cynical • Work/life balance • Accept change and diversity • "Want it now"
Generation Y 1980-1999 • Internet • Social Media • Individual as special
• Generation Why/Generation Me • Entitlement • Freedom/Flexibility • Social responsibility • Tech savvy
I’ve read and heard a lot on Baby Boomers and Gen X/Y. The research is undeniable and it shows that there are no real generational differences. The most important factor in people is not what generation they are from, but who they are as individuals.
“Good leaders recognise and are comfortable with the paradox that we’re all humans and yet everyone is unique. They are not looking for quick and easy ways to categorise people and put them in boxes.”
Dr Brad Jackson, Director Centre for the Study of Leadership, Victoria University of Wellington, NZ. While generational characteristics might be stereotypes, there is some value to be gained from the ideas surrounding the common views on different generations. We know that Baby Boomers are a big part of the population. They make up the majority of bosses and business owners. The following generations are much smaller, so we know that there will be fewer skilled and qualified people to take up the reins of business ownership and management. The skills shortage is not going away and we are going to need to engage with our staff in a way that was not necessary in the past to ensure that we have the right people to work in, and take over, our businesses. If we buy into the stereotypes of generational differences, we run the risk of creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you think your new
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Gen Y worker is more concerned about themselves than the job, then you may create that issue by expecting it of them. While there may be some common experiences within generations, at heart, people are motivated by different things. As a good manager, you should be aware of what motivates each of your staff to do a good job and as a leader you should inspire them. Finally, research shows that where a person is in their life experience is a much better predictor of their motivators and behaviour than which generation they come from. A person who has children is much more likely to be a stable employee than a person who has no responsibilities. The wiser of you will know that you didn’t need research to tell you this! While we can draw some assumptions from the age and therefore life experience of people, these are not rules to live by. Check in with the people you work with and get to know them as individuals to gain the best from them at work. For advice on employees or employment law, call MTA’s dedicated Human Resources Advisor – and make the most of this MTA member benefit.
INDUSTRY February TRAINING March
MTA Training 2 Saturday Calendar 2 Saturday 1
1
3 Sunday
3 Sunday
October - November 2013 4 Waiouru Central Auckland 4
5 Palmerston North Central To register, go to: Auckland www.mta.org.nz/ 5 6 Palmerston North jobs-and-training 6
Waitangi Day
7 Lower Hutt
Places are available for WoF training now! Keep your inspectors up to 7 the eVIRM including updates, 8 Lower Hutt date with the latest on interpretations and technical bulletins. WoF courses on this calendar are the only MTA 8 9 Saturday courses that are recognised by NZTA. 9 your Saturday Sunday you will Now when you receive Inspectors course10 confirmation, receive a 10 question pre-course test paper worth 20 percent of your 10 Sunday 11 Gisborne overall grade. You must complete the test paper and email it through 11 Hamilton 12forWhakatane to the facilitator, malcolm.whinham@mta.org.nz marking prior to the course, then bring along with you on the 13 dayRotorua for discussion. The 12itHuntly overall pass mark of the course remains at 75 percent, so failure to 13 Awamutu 14 to pass! complete the pre-courseTetest will make it very hardTauranga
Kuitiavailable, bring15 Tauranga If you have a laptop 14 or aTe tablet it along to work on the eVIRM. Such devices are highly recommended to get the maximum 15 16 Saturday value from the course, are not compulsory17 at this stage. 16 but Saturday Sunday If you have any questions, 17 Sunday contact Kylie 18Robinson Balclutha on 04 381 8836 or email kylie.robinson@mta.org.nz.
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Invercargill Dunedin Timaru Christchurch Christchurch Saturday Sunday
South Auckland South Auckland
27 28
Update course
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26
Gore Te Anau Cromwell Cromwell Saturday Sunday
North Shore North Shore
27 28 29 Good Friday 30 Saturday 31 Sunday Inspectors course
1 21 32 43 4 55 66 77 88 99 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 29 30
February March April AprilOctober 1 MayNovember 1 Easter JuneMo 1 1 Saturday 2 Saturday 2 Easter Monday 1 Ashburton 1 Saturday 2 2 Saturday Sunday 3 Sunday 2 Ashburton 23 Sunday 3 3 Sunday Central Auckland 3 4 Waiouru 34 Queens Bir 4 4 Tauranga Central Auckland 4 5 Saturday Palmerston North 45 5 Saturday 5 Tauranga Palmerston North 56 Saturday 5 6 Sunday 6 Waitangi Sunday Day 6 Thames 7 Lower 7 Sunday Hutt Saturday 6 Blenheim West Auckla 7 Central Auckland 7 Whitianga 6 8 Lower Hutt 8 Warkworth Sunday 7 Kaikoura West Auckla 8 Central Auckland 9 Saturday 9 Dargaville 8 8 7 Warkworth Nelson Corporate 9 Saturday Saturday 10 Sunday Kaitaia 9 810Saturday Dargaville Nelson 9 10 Sunday Sunday Whangarei 1011 Gisborne 911Sunday Kaitaia 10 South Auckland 12 Whangarei Hamilton Whakatane 1112Saturday 10 Whangarei 11 11 South Auckland 13TeSaturday Huntly Rotorua 1213Sunday 11 12 Saturday Whangarei Aroha Cromwell 14 14 Sunday Te Awamutu Tauranga 13 Sunday 12 Wanaka Saturday 13 12 Tokoroa 15 15 Paraparaum Te Kuiti Tauranga 14 Taihape 13 Queenstown Sunday 13 Central Auckland Rotorua 14 16 Saturday 16 Wanganui 15 14 Turangi Queenstown 14 Rotorua Paraparaumu Central Auckland Saturday 17 Sunday 17 Hawera 15 Matamata 15 Christchurch 15 Saturday Wanganui 16 Sunday 18 18 Balclutha New Plymo Corporate 16 Christchurch 16 Saturday 16 Sunday Hawera 19 Gore 19 Invercargill New Plymo 17 Hamilton 17 Sunday 17 17 Invercargill New Plymouth 20 Saturday 18 Dunedin Te18 Anau Invercargill 18 1820Saturday NewHamilton Plymouth Invercargill 19 Saturday 19 Invercargill 21 Sunday 21 Timaru Cromwell Saturday 19 Sunday 19 Gore 20 Sunday 20 Christchurch 22 Paeroa Christchurch Cromwell Sunday 2022Wairoa 20 Dunedin 21 Timaru 21 Christchurch 23 Hamilton 23 Saturday Christchurch 21 Waipukurau 21 Dunedin Paeroa 22 Timaru 22 Saturday 24 Sunday 24Saturday Hamilton 22 Hastings 22 Hamilton 23 23 Saturday Alexandra Sunday 25Sunday ANZAC 2325Hastings 23 Hamilton 24 Dunedin 24 Sunday 26 Shore Day 2426 North 24 25ANZAC 25 Dunedin 27 Saturday South Auckland 25 Saturday North Shore 26 Saturday 26 Wellington 25 28 Sunday South Auckland 2627Sunday Saturday 27 Sunday 27 Lower Hutt 26 29 Oamaru Sunday 2728 28 Lower Hutt 27 28 Labour Day 29 Good Friday 30 Rangiora 28 Tauranga 28 Oamaru 29 29 Saturday 2930Tauranga 29 Saturday Rangiora 30 30 Saturday 31 Sunday 30 Opotiki 30 Sunday 31 31 Practical co Update course Inspectors course Practical course
Managing the PRS
Meet the four finalists on page 56 54 â&#x20AC;˘
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INDUSTRY TRAINING
Experience + qualifications
= opportunity
If you ever need proof that good things are worth working for, just talk to Chris Allan. Having clocked up 14 years’ experience as a refinisher with Gordon Milne Panel and Paint in Christchurch (preceded by 12 years with Toyota), Chris has completed his first industry qualification: a National Certificate in Motor Industry (Automotive Body). Even better, he’s won a MITO scholarship to study for the elite ATech® Level 5 programme – and he’s recently been appointed supervisor of the refinishing workshop. Chris’s career accelerated when business owner Gordon Milne suggested that he complete MITO’s Recognition of Current Competence (RCC) programme. This meant that his current skills, knowledge and experience could be credited towards a National Certificate at Level 4. “I needed something to spark my interest, and that did it,” says Chris. “I enjoyed doing the study and now I’m busy tackling the challenges of MITO’s advanced technical ATech® programme. It’s also great to have some new responsibilities at work, and the opportunity to help the younger guys in their own training.” Gordon Milne says Chris has clearly benefited from the whole MITO experience. “He’s excelled in his work here and is a very calm and positive presence in the workplace,” he says. “He also has the respect of his team, who see him as both a mentor and a role model.” Gordon firmly believes that apprenticeships and MITO qualifications offer both professional and personal benefits. “They give those who succeed a great sense of accomplishment and a boost to their confidence and enthusiasm,” he says. “It was great to see Chris so rapt with his MITO scholarship, and so keen to go to the next level.” Chris is clearly proud of his achievement, he says, “I feel as though I’ve made it happen – and I’m really looking forward to the future.”
Gordon Milne (left) with ATech® scholarship recipient, Chris Allan at Gordon Milne Panel and Paint.
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www.mito.org.nz
INDUSTRY TRAINING Entries for the 2013 MTA Apprentice of the Year competition have been before the panel of judges – and the final four have been chosen! There was a great response to the competition, with nominations coming in from all over the country – from small businesses to large franchises.
Devon Hammond Employer – Steve Long, Steve Long Automotive, Mount Maunganui Steve Long first met Devon as a customer of his. “He used to bring in all his cars here to get warrants done, as he used to buy and sell cars, and that’s where I first got to see his work,” Steve explains. “I used to fail his cars – badly – and Devon would take them away, fix them all up and bring them back perfectly fixed.” Steve says every time Devon would come in for a warrant, he would ask if he had a job opening. This went on for a year or two until one day there was a vacancy and Steve hired Devon as an apprentice. Devon stands out from the other mechanics, Steve says. “He has a natural ability that is the best I’ve ever seen. Devon is able to get things right first time – it’s such a good skill to have. I am very impressed with his workmanship.” Devon was surprised to hear he was in the top four but is very excited for the next stage of the competition in Wellington.
Photo: Bruce Barnard – SunLive.co.nz
We’ve got a battle of North versus South on our hands this year. Meet the final four apprentices and hear why their employers nominated them for the competition.
Jordan Andrews Employer – Donald Fleck, Advance Agricentre, Invercargill Jordan is enthusiastic about being a mechanic, good at his job and able to pick things up quickly, so Donald Fleck of Advance Agricentre in Invercargill decided to nominate him for the MTA Apprentice of the Year competition. Jordan hasn’t needed to be over-supervised working at Advance Agricentre. “When you give Jordan a job to do, it will just get done. People working on the floor with him are able to ask him to do something, give him a bit of guidance and he will get it done,” Donald says. Jordan is careful with how many words he uses but is starting to open up a bit more. His hands-on ability and diagnostics skills have meant that Donald trusts Jordan enough to leave him supervising the team and running the department during his absence. Making the final four has been a real achievement for Jordan, as well as being recognised for his efforts in his apprenticeship.
Julius Bloem
Jared Wiel
Employer – Hans Ruiteman, E & H Motors, Pukekohe
Employer – Mervyn Tikey, Tikeys Service Station, Dunedin
Julius from E & H Motors in Pukekohe has impressed his employer with his dedication to his work and by the speed he is getting through his bookwork. “He’s a very switched on, keen young fellow who stands out as a great apprentice,” Hans says of Julius. Originally Hans advertised for a qualified mechanic but Julius answered the ad and impressed him with his academic skills and eagerness. “We hired him and a qualified guy so that he could train Julius up.” Since working at E & H Motors Julius has improved his skills and become a lot more responsible, leading to being given some more responsibility in the workshop. Julius is ecstatic about making the final four and has worked hard to make it to this point. His passion lies in the automotive industry and for this reason he finds it easy to be enthused and dedicated to his career.
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When Jared approached Mervyn for an apprenticeship, he was quite hesitant to hire him. “I had just had another apprentice who left us soon after he finished his apprenticeship, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to go through all that again,” Mervyn says. “But Jared persisted, and his tutor said to me that if I was going to have an apprentice, Jared was the best of the bunch.” Jared recently won the title of MTA Otago Apprentice of the Year, leading to his employer Mervyn Tikey of Tikeys Service Station to nominate him for the national competition. Originally, another MTA member and friend of Mervyn’s suggested Jared enter, as he saw his potential to be the best. Mervyn says that it took a whole day to get Jared’s smile off his dial, when he told him he had made the final four. “He knows what he’s got to do to go any further in the competition.”
NPD works for us NPD are great to work with, they know our business and are behind us all the way
We are extending our NPD retail network. Contact us today to find out how NPD will enhance your business. Contact 0800 544 6162 or www.npd.co.nz 57 â&#x20AC;˘
radiator October 2013
Stephen, Northtown Fuels, Timaru.
Member reviews Over the past 12 months, MTA has visited every member and reviewed them against four measures: I can hear some of you saying ‘how does tidying up my place make me more money?’ Well, outside of the member who managed to fill 17 skips with scrap metal (which earned them a fair bit) the key is that a tidier business can charge more.
1) Business standards 2) Environmental standards 3) Appearance standards
Not rocket science, right? But we have the data to show you businesses failing these standards charged out their time 15 percent less than members that just passed.
4) Qualification and Equipment standards Initially, over 1,200 members failed in at least one area – though many of these were easily remedied, with most members subsequently visited now meeting standards. Some glaring areas stand out though: not having employment contracts for all staff was perhaps the most surprising. As this is a legal requirement, failure to comply with it dramatically impacts your case in any future disagreement. MTA provides members easy access to contracts on our web site – these are easy to understand, and up to date. Worksite appearance was another surprise and, in some ways, also the best opportunity for members that failed to make more money.
So while you may like the place with the rather artistic pile of tyres, the retro faded and peeling signage, the sprouting weeds and general clutter, your customers simply won’t pay as much than if you tidied up your site. We have members who have spent less than half a day tidying the place up and got an increase in passing business because it looks presentable. Stand outside your business and in all areas customers can see and really have a good look. Often it is simply little things that make a big difference. MTA provides members with great discounts on paint, flooring and also a brilliant range of signs and flags that can make the world of difference – and, more importantly, allow you to make more money. For suggestions and advice, talk to your local MTA Business Manager.
Productivity and Efficiency
Inventory Control Profitability
Real Time Workflow Data Capture Customer Relationships
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radiator October 2013
SAM Computer Systems P: (09) 583 2455 F: (09) 583 2457
E: info@sam.co.nz
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MTA Member Update news in brief Between 23 August and 6 September, MTA’s Member Update newsletter, emailed to all subscribed members, covered the following topics: Government has announced it will introduce changes to the WoF inspection system in two stages, starting in January 2014. We have provided NZTA information on our website outlining the key changes, how they will roll out and what you can do to keep customers coming in the door. For more information, go to www.mta. org.nz/wofchanges. MTA recommends dealers considering recently imported Australian used imports to check NZTA’s flood and fire damaged list first to avoid buying a damaged vehicle. Report providers like Motochek and Motorweb are sent weekly updates by NZTA and any ‘tagged’ vehicles will then be highlighted in their respective dealer/ consumer reports. If the vehicle you are
considering has only just landed, it may not have been added to this list yet. NZTA has also indicated its intention to build a second list – to record accident damaged write-offs ex-Australia. The flood and fire damaged list is held on NZTA’s website, at www.nzta.govt.nz/ vehicle/importing/step-three/water. html. MTA finished collecting information for the Dealer Attitude and Service Station surveys. Thank you to everyone who participated in the surveys. We had a good response and will release the results soon. The past year has been one of the most challenging, productive and change-filled years in MTA’s 96-year history. Our Annual Report tells you what we’ve done, and how we’ve won.
Read the report on the Member section of the MTA website at www.mta.org. nz/2013annualreport. The New Zealand Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO) is seeking industry feedback on proposed qualifications being developed in a nationwide review. MITO is leading the review of the automotive qualifications listed on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF), to ensure the industry gets the qualifications it needs. The review intends to reduce how many qualifications there are, in order to clarify career and educational pathways for employers and learners. If you would like to be added to MITO’s stakeholder list and for more information, go to www.mito.org.nz/ troq.html.
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radiator October 2013
news
Changes to child restraint laws From 1 November the mandatory use of child restraints in vehicles will be extended by two years, with all children required to be correctly secured in an approved restraint (this includes booster seats) until their seventh birthday. Children aged seven will continue to be required to be secured in an approved child restraint if one is available in the vehicle, and if not, in any child restraint or safety belt that is available. The law changes will help reduce preventable deaths and serious injuries to children travelling in vehicles. Seats and safety belts installed in vehicles are designed and manufactured to most effectively protect an average-sized adult in the event of a crash. Children, because they are smaller and have a different body shape to adults, need additional seating equipment to keep them as safe as adults in a car.
Approved child restraints include: • infant restraints for young babies (such as baby capsules or rear-facing convertible car seats) • restraints for older babies, toddlers and preschool children (such as convertible or forward-facing car seats) • booster seats for preschool and school-aged children. These position children in the seat so they can safely use the adult safety belt • child safety harnesses (used with or without a booster seat) for preschool and school-aged children. Child restraints used in New Zealand must be approved and must display standards markings to show they are approved and safe to be used. Children must be seated in a restraint that provides a suitable fit that is appropriate for their age and size. It’s a driver’s responsibility to make sure any child, under the age of 15, travelling in their vehicle is correctly secured. So parents and caregivers should start thinking now about how they’ll meet the new requirements from 1 November.
We’re looking forward to MeeTing All members at MTA Get Away 2013 Come along and play Risk Roulette to win - or maybe to save your hide. Crombie Lockwood - the right spanner in your insurance toolbox.
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To find out how Shell Lubricants can design solutions to meet your needs, contact Orica Chemicals – New Zealand’s Shell Lubricants Distributor on 0800 673 375 or visit us at www.orica.co.nz.
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radiator October 2013
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diagnostic solutions
Herbert Leijen - AECS
Suzuki
Twink and you'll miss it
This article is a true description of an AECS technical help desk problem and how it was solved.
Vehicle: Early 2000 Suzuki Vitara V6. Problem presented to the help desk
Sometimes diagnostic problems are not that complex. The following is a case which, because of the logical way we worked through it, took only a very short time to diagnose and repair. The case presented to the AECS help desk was a Suzuki V6 with a slight misfire under load on one cylinder only; no fault codes were present. The vehicle had been given to the garage that was requesting assistance from AECS, by another garage who replaced the spark plugs and coils to no avail. The spark plug was arcing when it was held on the rocker cover…
Ignition trigger v crankshaft sensor pattern zoomed in on two revolutions, as recorded with the ATIS 5000 scope.
The first measurement done was ignition trigger versus injection, which showed a very short spark duration on coil number one. On top of that, in the same pattern a very short coil charge duration was seen. This indicated a possible crank cam shaft signal problem. The second recording was sent to the help desk, which when partially zoomed in, started to show something strange. When zoomed in further it showed the irregularities a bit better.
Ignition trigger v crankshaft sensor pattern zoomed in further
The most striking thing in this pattern is the coil 1 ignition trigger trace. The trace not only shows the trigger to coil number 1 but also reveals the current loading of the other coils.
Background
When the trigger of a coil is high, current flows through the primary coil ‘charging’ the coil’s core with magnetic fields. The current loads up the earth shared by all coils. When the ignition trigger is not active, the voltage will sit on zero volts, or equal to the coil’s earth connection. When the earth has a bad connection, the earth voltage at all coils will rise as a result of this bad connection when any of the coils are triggered. On top of this, the voltage on the trigger wire will rise when any of the other coils are activated. When current flows through an ignition coil, its iron core slowly charges up with magnetic fields. In simple terms, the longer a coil is triggered the ‘fuller’ the coil’s core becomes with magnetic fields (energy), until saturation point is reached.
Measurement
When measured in detail, the time duration of the trigger of coil number 1, shows a charge time of a ridiculously short 0.2msec. If that is compared with the earth loading of the other coils (= also the charge time) of 2.6msec and 1.8msec, it becomes evident that there is a serious calculation error going on inside the ECU.
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Calculation errors usually occur when crank or cam shaft sensor errors occur.
Zoom further
After zooming-in further to look at the crank shaft pattern in a little more detail we found some irregularities around the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;referenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pattern. I numbered the pulses on the crankshaft pattern; each low represents a tooth for a Hall sensor or a slot in a light sensor disk. We were not sure which system the car had. However one thing I do know about machining, is that it is unnecessarily expensive to have teeth or gaps of uneven width machined close to the reference pattern. Ignition trigger v crankshaft sensor pattern zoomed in further yet again.
Yes it is possible, but it simply makes no sense to me; you only have to think about tool changes and uneven tool wear in an automated machining shop. Pulse 1 and 6 look like the rest of the pulses, 2 and 5 are slightly narrower (which is very strange) and 3 and 4 are of a different width
yet again.
Calculation error
We asked the diagnostician to record in detail the crank and cam position sensor signals. It is clear to see the reference mark and the cylinder individual pulses (varying in width). However we saw that the reference mark occurred every full cycle of the engine (720 degrees). That also did not make sense to us at all! If it was a crank shaft sensor it would have a reference mark every revolution not every two revolutions.
Look at the tone wheel
We asked the diagnostician to physically look at the tone wheel as this whole thing made no sense. He sent us a picture with a smiley face in the email.
ATS scope cam/crank recording
Great, that sorted the issue! Twink was used as a mark, to put things together at some stage. Clever thinking, eh? The twink had blocked a portion of the holes in the tone wheel disk; not allowing light through the slots was causing the calculation error. The short coil charge time reduced the magnetic energy stored in the coil. Low energy in the coil reduces the park duration to, just enough for idle, but causing the misfire under load.
Conclusion
The garage that worked on this problem vehicle on behalf of another garage has technical support from AECS and owns an ATS scope. For us at AECS it is important that our customers achieve great results with the equipment and training purchased from us, as we do not employ sales staff. We only sell equipment as a result of word of mouth. Word of mouth only spreads when you work hard and do a job as well as you possibly can. For us at AECS, that is no different to the way things work in your operation! Choose the investment you make in your business wisely. There are very many workshops where expensive equipment was purchased, that has been abandoned by the distributor, or has never been supported at all. Sensor and disk with twink. Why Not!
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ALL FUELED UP
service station news by Liezel Jahnke
Brought to you by
MTA Environmental and Fuel Services Manager
Pilot course teaches service station staff to stay safe On 11 September MTA facilitated a pilot course by AllSafe Training Solutions in Hamilton, an initiative from the Service Station and Convenience Store Committee. The Committee has been considering training options for this sector since 2012. A service station training survey conducted in February 2013 found that 61 percent of respondents did not have a general training programme in place for their staff, and that 90 percent would be interested in options for receiving such training. With ongoing reorganisation in the fuel industry, most major fuel supply companies who used to offer extensive training to their retailers have stopped or scaled this back significantly. The Committee believes there is a growing gap for retailers to be able to access staff training and it is an important area where MTA can assist and add value for service station members. The intent of the pilot course was to gather feedback from a range of businesses across the industry, so MTA can evaluate options for supporting such training in the future. Keeping staff safe from all hazards is an important employer responsibility. The SelfSafe course provides a fun, interactive and realistic training environment to learn and demonstrate the skills to help keep staff safe.
Above: SelfSafe trainees experience a mock robbery. Right: Dean Chandler presenting to the SelfSafe pilot course in Hamilton.
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The course content included:
• understanding workplace violence • outstanding customer service steps • situational awareness • managing high risk customers • reducing in store theft • coping with robbery • legal rights • the importance of incident reporting. Dean Chandler, course presenter and director of AllSafe Training Solutions says: “With 25 years experience in frontline policing and staff safety training, I know what is required to keep you safe. The course has proven to be very effective for staff in different sectors, helping them to manage difficult situations and to take steps to prevent incidents from happening.” “We teach them simple skills which are easily learnt, able to be practiced and then applied in the workplace to allow staff to keep themselves safe.” Feedback from the attendees at the pilot course was very positive with several comments about the value of the realistic scenario based training, and having the opportunity to practically apply and test the skills learnt. One particular attendee said “Knowing I can actually have the confidence to deal with difficult situations like these is great.”
Outcomes of the Oil Security Review 2012 In 2011 and 2012, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) commissioned three studies into New Zealand’s oil security. The studies assessed two types of oil supply disruptions.
1.
Domestic supply disruptions: disruptions to domestic supply chain infrastructure that result in supply shortfalls and fuel distribution problems.
2.
International supply disruptions: disruptions arising outside of New Zealand that result in a spike in the global oil price resulting in damage to New Zealand’s economy.
On 30 October 2012 MBIE released a discussion paper for public consultation on a range of proposals to improve oil security in New Zealand. These proposals were developed based on the finding of the reports, and from discussions with stakeholders (MTA made a submission in November 2012).
Cabinet decisions on oil security proposals Domestic oil security The proposals to improve New Zealand’s domestic oil security focussed on minimising the economic cost of supply shortfalls from domestic infrastructure disruptions. The review found that:
• the fuel supply network in New Zealand is already
UK: Convenience will outstrip superstore growth rate over next five years The UK food and grocery market is set to be worth £206 billion by 2018, with convenience, online and discounters being the fastest-growing parts of the market, according to the latest research from IGD. If the forecast is accurate, the market would grow by 21 percent from its current value of £170 billion. While superstores and hypermarkets generate the most sales of any type of grocery format, they will grow at a considerably slower rate in comparison to the top three formats, said Joanne Denney-Finch, IGD's chief executive. “The ‘hot three’ areas of online, convenience and food discounters are the ones to watch – collectively accounting for more than £3 out of every £4 of growth in UK grocery over the next five years. “Both online and convenience retailing are reaping the rewards of our changing lifestyles. With more of us owning smartphones and tablets, online grocery shopping is becoming more popular. Retailers are also introducing more convenient and flexible services, such as temperature controlled ‘click and collect’ lockers for shoppers to pick up their groceries at a time and place that suits them. “Convenience stores are also benefiting from a cultural shift towards shopping ‘little and often’. They are increasingly providing products tailored to specific locations rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach. With their sales set to rise by over £10 billion over the next five years, we’re forecasting convenience to bring in the biggest cash growth of any type of grocery retailing between 2013 and 2018. “We also expect food discounters, like Aldi and Lidl, to continue to do well and build on their recent stellar performance. They have improved shopper perceptions by effectively communicating the quality and value for money of their products, while also expanding the range of items they sell to help shoppers complete more of their weekly shop there. Nearly a third (32 percent) of shoppers tell us they will use food discounters more in the year ahead compared to almost a quarter (24 percent) in September 2010.”
reasonably robust
Source: forecourttrader.co.uk
• the oil supply industry is adept at responding to most supply disruptions
• government already has processes in place to manage severe disruption events
• significant capital expenditure by government in the oil supply network is not required.
The heart of your forecourt is here
The review found that there are a number of non-regulatory measures that would improve domestic oil security. Following public consultation, Cabinet has agreed to a series of measures. For more information see the MBIE website via the link below. MBIE will be working with other government departments, the oil industry, and consumer groups, to progress these measures.
International oil security As a member of the International Energy Agency (IEA), New Zealand has a treaty obligation to contribute to global oil security by holding 90 days of net imports of oil stock. The cost of meeting New Zealand’s treaty obligation is expected to rise from around $5.2 million in 2013/14 to around $10.6 million in 2016/17, due to a forecast upturn in New Zealand’s net imports. Following public consultation, Cabinet has agreed to a ‘user-pays’ proposal to fund the IEA obligation by increasing the Petroleum or Engine Fuel Monitoring Levy from 0.045 cents per litre to around 0.158 cents per litre. The increase is necessary to meet our international obligations – but is minimal (4.5 cents on a 40 litre tank of petrol). The precise increase will depend on any variations from cost forecasts and the timing of the passage of legislation. Source: www.med.govt.nz/sectors-industries/energy/energysecurity/oil-security/oil-security-review-2012
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Call 0800 BUSINESS (287463) or visit telecom.co.nz/hubs Telecom terms and conditions apply, stipulated value based on savings over 12 months.
TEL0440_10-2013
Call 0800 BUSINESS (287 463) to book your 30 minute tech check, and an expert at your local Telecom Business Hub will come and tailor a telecommunications solution for your business.
Five Tips for Selling in Today’s Economy
member benefits Matt Chote
MTA Member Benefits Manager Ph: 04 381 8842 matthew.chote@mta.org.nz
You cannot open a newspaper or turn on the television without hearing about the economy, the market, bankruptcies and tough times. We are in difficult economic times which will most probably continue before they get better. Business owners and sales people (remember all staff sell your business, with their attitude while at work and then socially when they interact with friends and family – your prospective clients) have only two courses of action available to them. Option 1. Tighten your belt, cut costs, increase discounts and accept lower revenue and a smaller bottom line. Sit tight and hope that you will survive till good times come around again. Option 2. Sharpen, refine and increase your prospecting (marketing) and sales skills, and focus on new opportunities. Look for new opportunity. While other business owners and sales people are tightening their belts, cutting costs, increasing discounts and accepting lower sales and revenue, opportunity is there for those who take action. Chances are your competition will be doing less, with less: cutting out marketing, not prospecting and they will be discounting. Because of the way many companies react to an economic crisis, now is a great time to win new business and expand your market. The key to flourishing during difficult times is not to simply work harder; it’s to work smarter.
competitor’s do not. This is an opportune time to introduce your company and your products and services.
4. Find new applications and markets for your business. Can your products and services be used in non
traditional ways? Are there other markets that are potentially in need of your products and services? Now is the time to explore these new applications and markets. If you find that your traditional market is drying up, look elsewhere.
5. Find new ways to help. The easiest sales to close are sales to existing customers. They already have a relationship with you, they know and they trust you. Go back to your customers with new applications, add-ons and improvements for your existing products and services, find new ways to help. Your customers don’t know what you can offer unless you tell them. Offer help and they will respond. I came across this recent experiment run at a picture theatre. Of the people who brought popcorn, nearly all bought the small, basically because it was difficult to establish if you were getting twice the value. Then they changed the dynamic by introducing a medium size. Now, nearly everyone bought a large essentially, because it was only $0.50 more than a medium and with the added perspective you could justify the additional cost in relation to the perceived value.
Here are five actions that you can implement today to help you maintain your sales:
1. Increase your sales skills across the business.
Prospecting and selling are communication skills that can be learned and improved upon. Great sales skills will enable you to take advantage of the opportunities that do exist and close sales even during difficult times. Conversely, not having the required skills will allow potential sales to slip through your fingers. If business is slow, use some of that extra time for education.
2. Increase the number of prospects you reach.
In difficult economic times many companies, business owners and entrepreneurs cut costs by eliminating marketing and prospecting efforts. This is a huge mistake. While this is probably not the time to be spending large sums of money on brand new initiatives, it is imperative to continue low-cost marketing and prospecting activities. Without prospecting, sales do not grow. One of the best and least expensive sales and marketing activities you can initiate is to use the telephone. Call potential new customers to introduce yourself. Call existing customers to sell them more products and services or gather referrals. Calling your customers has the added benefit of helping to maintain customer loyalty, which is imperative in times like these. Remember to write yourself a script before you start.
3. Make inroads on the competition. When times
are tough customer loyalty is shaky. This could be the perfect time to increase your slice of the business available by highlighting your point of difference. Perhaps you offer another product or service that your competition does not. Or you offer less expensive or adds value in a way that your
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Small........$3.00 Large........$7.00
Small........$3.00 Medium....$6.50 Large........$7.00
In your business, how can you demonstrate similar additional value? What could you do so that your customers perceive the money spent with you is justified and more importantly encourages them to continue to use your products and services? These five tips all have one thing in common: they require action. You cannot allow fear and anxiety to paralyse you. Instead, focus on what you can accomplish and take steps to do so. In difficult times, it is crucial that you reach out to prospects and to existing customers. Don’t be one of the many who wait with their fingers crossed for the economy to improve. Instead, keep taking proactive steps to build your sales pipeline and generate sales revenue. This will help you weather any economic crisis and come out of it successful and well positioned for even more growth in the future.
enviro news Liezel Jahnke Environmental and Fuel Services Manager Ph: 04 381 8843 liezel.jahnke@mta.org.nz
Tyrewise project phase complete With the submission of the Business Plan, Scheme Launch Preparation Plan and Scheme Accreditation application, the last Tyrewise Project Milestone (#7) has now been completed. Along with the Final Summary Report (see below), this marks the completion of the project phase. A big thank you goes out to all those who contributed to the process over the last 18 months. It’s been a demanding but exciting project for all involved. The next stages are dependent on the Minister for the Environment being satisfied that legislative requirements have been adequately met. The Tyrewise team are excited about these next stages which include a meeting with the Minister for the Environment (more on that below) and are hopeful that the preferred Product Stewardship programme for end of life tyres (ELT) recommended by the Tyrewise Working Group will be implemented.
Final summary report This final report gives a clear overview of the ELT problem within New Zealand and the working group’s proposed solution, including guiding principles, costs and benefits, explanation of incentives and proposed timelines. Key points from the report are: • In the proposed product stewardship scheme a Tyrewise fee/advanced disposal deposit of $5.50 per Equivalent Passenger Unit (one EPU equals a typical passenger tyre of around 9.5kg) would initially be imposed on all tyres entering New Zealand (exceptions, such as bicycle tyres are listed in the report). • This fee/deposit would replace the current disposal fees charged by some retailers of between $2.50 and $16.00, and would be expected to reduce over a ten year period. • It is proposed that the fee/deposit would be collected by Customs when a loose tyre enters the country and by the NZ Transport Authority (NZTA) when a vehicle is first registered in New Zealand. • Over the ten year period the Tyrewise fee costs ($278 million) are comparable with the current disposal costs ($237 million), but $207 million from the Tyrewise fee directly translates into economic benefits for society – including investment in a new ELT recycling industry, increased employment and export opportunities. • The preferred scenario cost includes both "push and pull" incentives to encourage investment more rapidly than what might occur if the market was left to fund this infrastructure itself. • The incentives include provision for full subsidy of transport costs via the transport incentive which has been proposed for years 1-3, and will also help to generate demand for products created from ELTs by manufacturers/end users, for both existing and new activities as well as a replacement for currently used raw materials. To read the full report, go to the Tyrewise website (see Milestone 7).
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Meeting with the Minister Representatives from the Tyrewise Working Group and Trustees of the PSO Auto Stewardship NZ met with the Hon Amy Adams, Minister for the Environment in Wellington on Tuesday, 24 September. The Minister has indicated she is keen to see an effective and enduring solution implemented for end of life Tyres but not at any cost. This meeting provided an opportunity for the representatives to present how the working group propose to maximise participation and effectiveness, minimise compliance costs and cost to consumers, and importantly demonstrate industry readiness for stewardship of ELTs.
MTA Sail Away 2013 – a sail-away success! Reports from MTA’s first Sail Away cruise in August have been overwhelmingly positive. The group of 70 set sail on the Pacific Dawn from Brisbane on 24 August. They enjoyed informal networking functions, business sessions, extensive onboard entertainment and onshore activities, during the ship’s island stops. The cruise included three stopovers: Noumea (New Caledonia), Lifou (Loyalty Islands) and Port Vila (Vanuatu) before returning to Brisbane. Many of our members were new to cruising but thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Here’s what some of them had to say: “A great experience, and better still, being able to share it with both new and old MTA friends.” Dave Harris, Challenge Matamata “The perfect place to combine business and pleasure.” Terry McNaught, Highway Services, Invercargill “If you have never been on a cruise, you don’t know what you’re missing, and to go with a like-minded group of people from MTA was the icing on the cake.” Leslie Baxter, Carnaby Cars, Gore “Would have to recommend the Sail Away event as an opportune chance to be present with other forward thinking members in a mix of fun, frivolity and formality. Both my wife and I were impressed with the quality of the event, including the business sessions presented.” Lawrence Fisher, Petroject, North Shore City “Fantastic venue for mixing business with pleasure.” David Storey, Auto Super Shoppes, North Shore City “The ideal conference. A perfect mix of business and personal, in a fantastic environment.” Stewart and Marilyn France, Auto Trail, Hamilton
Wishing you had gone?
Don’t worry, MTA has another event this month: MTA Get Away 2013, in the Bay of Islands, which can include a cruise of sorts – a ‘user pays’ fishing charter on the Saturday afternoon! It’s not too late to register: join us at MTA Get Away: www.mta.org.nz/ getaway2013.
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I.T. techtalk Fred Alvrez
Your personal data what's yours is mine?
There’s been lots of news lately about data; you know the stuff – names, addresses, birthdates - and in some cases, entire criminal or health histories being sent to the wrong people. There’s good reason to be worried as you simply don’t know what happens to your own data once it’s been entered into a government or company database somewhere. It could be stored here or overseas, and you just wouldn’t know. Not only that, but there are now so many people trying to get their hands on your data because it’s so valuable. Lots of people I meet greet that last statement with a “my information isn’t worth anything to anyone but me”. These are normally the people with weak email passwords who end up getting hacked, and then someone uses their address book to email all their friends/family/colleagues/customers with tales of woe, like “I’m stuck in Bangkok and have lost my passport and money” types of thing. Not a good look, especially if your customers get hit with an email like that. Your own information is valuable to lots of people. People want to use it to pretend to be you (identity theft) so, for example, they can take out a loan and then run with the cash. It’s all just too easy if your data is accessible. We can’t do much about some desk worker at a government department who emails the wrong person thousands of names and addresses, but here are six simple steps you can take to protect your data.
1: Watch what you throw in the rubbish. Dumpster diving is rife like you wouldn’t believe. Many years ago at my workplace I found some local had dumped six large bags of rubbish in the company’s skip. I went through the bags until I found a letter with an address, took all the bags, dumped them on their doorstep, rang the bell and scarpered. If that was you in Mirangi Bay in 1989, shame on you. At my house, we have one bag for actual rubbish, but anything that has a bank account number or other personally identifiable stuff on it gets burnt. You could buy a shredder – they aren’t expensive at all now – and many will shred CDs as well as expired credit cards.
2: If you want to throw out an old computer, get someone who knows how to pull them apart to take the hard disk out (it holds all the data) and smash said hard disk to pieces with a hammer. Not only are you protected from anyone getting your data off it, it feels pretty good too. Throwing out some old CDs you had created? Snap them in half first, or at least run a screwdriver over the data side of them a few times to wreck them.
to be from the phone company or anyone you may or may not deal with. Just because they say they are from Genesis doesn’t make it true. It used to be good to ask for a number to call them back on, and many scammers would be wary. But here’s the thing; anyone can simply buy an Auckland phone number off the internet for a few bucks a month and pretend to be calling from Auckland when actually they are in Nigeria.
5: Passwords passwords passwords.
I wrote an entire article on passwords not long ago and can’t stress it enough; make your password really hard to crack. Don’t use actual words or names, use a combination on the keyboard instead. It’s so easy to have a good password, and too easy for hackers to crack a simple one. Don’t use: colours, names of days/months, pets or people’s names, years or especially your DoB.
6: Keep your computer up to date.
4: Don’t give your personal information to people
This is an easy, free one that many people just don’t do. If you don’t do this then you may leave your computer open for hacking – remember if you are connected to the internet (and with broadband, you always are), hackers will be trying to get into your network all the time. I repeat, all the time. I recently setup a new web server, and within eight minutes of it being live on the internet, I saw 1,250 attempts to hack into it. I wish I was joking. I’m not. And those still running Windows XP? Next April it won’t be supported by Microsoft and you can bet every hacker will be waiting for that day. Why? It means if they find a security hole, they can use it for themselves and Microsoft will not be sending out an update to fix it. You need to make sure you are not using Windows XP by next April.
Totally different if say you have to ring your bank, or the council. But be very wary of people who call you claiming
Next issue: you’ve secured your own data – what about your customer’s data?
3: Actually go through your credit card statements. Make sure you read them line by line – you’d be amazed at how you miss the little transactions and just don’t worry about them. If some scammer is getting a couple of bucks off your credit card, plus a million other people, they are doing quite nicely. If in doubt contact your bank straight away.
who call you.
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New
Christmas Gift Card designs are coming! You will receive the new Christmas Gift Cards early November. These cards will feature: - A load value between $20-$500 - Two unique summer holiday designs - Over $10,000 worth of prizes for your customers MTA Members will also get the opportunity to win over $10,000 of weekly prizes for every gift card they sell. Details of the promotion will be provided when the cards are supplied. We’ll be featuring the new Christmas Gift Cards in Television advertising, MTA marketing and in specific marketing collateral. If you need to bulk order a large amount, let us know now! The new designs will be revealed on the cover of next month’s Radiator – let us know what you think!
If you have any questions, please contact Aaron Brooker on 04 381 8823 or email aaron.brooker@mta.org.nz.
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directory MTA Executive Team
STEPHEN MATTHEWS Chief Executive Officer
Board of Directors 2013 David Storey
Phone 04-381 8820 stephen.matthews@mta.org.nz
President
Auckland • 09 415 8569 president@mta.org.nz
Malcolm Davison Vice-President Auckland • 09 360 3200 vicepresident@mta.org.nz
JIM GIBBONS
Finance Director
Wellington • 04 384 9734 jim.gibbons@colmotor.co.nz
BOB BONIFACE Auckland • 09 636 5463 bob.boniface@xtra.co.nz
MARK DARROW
IAN STRONACH
GAVIN STILL
General Manager Marketing & Communications
General Manager Member Benefits
Phone 04-381 8801 ian.stronach@mta.org.nz
Phone 04-381 8822 gavin.still@mta.org.nz
Auckland • 021 888-858 mdarrow@pggwrightson.co.nz
Dave Harris Waikato/Thames Valley • 027 474 8900 dave@matamata.co.nz
JUDY LANGE Southland • 03-218 7149 judy@a1autoservices.co.nz
Richard Punter Hawkes Bay • 021-943 611 richard@stratix-management.com
Keith Webb Wellington • 04-478 2477 keith.webb@xtra.co.nz
MTA Business Managers NORTHERN REGION
DOUGAL MORRISON
KAETRIN STEPHENSON
Phone 04-381 8816 dougal.morrison@mta.org.nz
Phone 04-381 8807 kaetrin.stephenson@mta.org.nz
General Manager Advocacy & Training
Chief Financial Officer and Administration
Your Business Manager will provide you with access to market leading training, introductions to business specialists and mentors, and a range of discounts to ensure your business operates at its full potential. To take advantage of these benefits please contact your local manager or Bob McCoy: 04 381 8837 or bob.mccoy@mta.org.nz
CENTRAL REGION
Auckland, Northland
Greater Auckland area
David Abbott
Peter Nicholson
(Regional Manager) PO Box 331369, Auckland 0740 Phone 09 488 0962 Mobile 0274 93 9942 Fax 09 488 0763 john.henderson@mta.org.nz
PO Box 9214, Newmarket Auckland 1149 Phone 09 271 1397 Mobile 0274-448 772 Fax 09 271 1397 david.abbott@mta.org.nz
Dealer/Service Station Specialist PO Box 331369, Auckland 0740 Phone 09 473 5975 Mobile 027 491 3907 Fax 09 473 5976 peter.nicholson@mta.org.nz
John Henderson
Auckland, Northland
SOUTHERN REGION
CHRISTINE LAMBIE Marlborough, Nelson, Canterbury, West Coast
PO Box 22 246, Christchurch 8142 Phone 03 379 6186 Mobile 0274 420 899 Fax 03 384 0373 christine.lambie@mta.org.nz
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RUSSELL LANE
MICHELLE FINDLATER
Phone 03 379 6185 Mobile 027 297 1722 Fax 03 384 0373 russell.lane@mta.org.nz
PO Box 8018, Glengarry Invercargill 9845 Phone 03 216 2682 Mobile 027 497 1568 Fax: 0800 000 695 michelle.findlater@mta.org.nz
Canterbury, Ashburton, South Canterbury, North Otago
radiator October 2013
Otago, Central Otago, South Otago, Gore, Southland
MICHAEL BRADLEY
FELICITY WILSON
PO Box 318, Feilding 4740 Phone 06 323 0522 Mobile 0274 402 617 Fax 06 323 0526 michael.bradley@mta.org.nz
PO Box 1003, New Plymouth 4340 Phone 06 753 0032 Mobile 027 220 5392 Fax 06 753 0034 felicity.wilson@mta.org.nz
Central/Southern Hawkes Bay, North/South Taranaki, Hawkes Bay, Feilding, Wanganui, Central Main Trunk, Manawatu, North Wairarapa. Taumarunui, Horowhenua,
IAN LAMONT
MARY-ANNE MARTIN
PO Box 9244, Wellington Phone 04 235 7380 Mobile 0274 430 289 Fax 0800 000 695 ian.lamont@mta.org.nz
PO Box 4475, Hamilton East 3247 Mobile 027 440 2618 Fax 0800 000 695 mary-anne.martin@mta.org.nz
Wairarapa, Wellington
Waikato, Waitomo
Branch Presidents Northland
Marc Head marc@wscas.co.nz
09-433 9759
Auckland
Stuart Wilson paptow@xtra.co.nz
09-298 0608
Greater Waikato
Terry Grimmer 07-855 2037 grimmermotorsltd@yahoo.co.nz
Tauranga
Sean Squires 07-544 0920 sean.squires@boppoly.ac.nz
Bay of Plenty
Ross Birchall 07-345 5442 ross@bmautomotive.co.nz
contacts
> Auto Air Conditioning, Heating & Ventilation Committee Keith Webb (Board Rep) Wellington Quim Silva Auckland Michael Kelly Gore Dave Harwood Auckland Rodney Smith (Chair, Co-opted) Waikato Liezel Jahnke MTA Wellington Office
04 478 2477 09 376 6691 03 208 1050 09 443 8025 07 849 6906 04 381 8843
> Automotive Technology Committee
Gisborne/Wairoa Paul Corrin 06-867 6638 paul@cgmmotorcycles.co.nz
David Storey (Board Rep) Auckland Anthony Allen (Chair) Tauranga Owen Woodman Horowhenua Matt Rogers Auckland Russell Keeler (Co-opted) Gore Garry Williams MTA Wellington Office
Hawkes Bay
> Collision Repair Committee
Grant Lower info@stichautos.co.nz
06- 878 7700
Ctrl Hawkes Bay Paul Shanks 06-858 8086 pshanks@ruahinemotors.co.nz Taumarunui
Paul Rushbrooke 07-895 8110 hondafirsttaum@xtra.co.nz
North Taranaki
David Cox david@rotech.co.nz
South Taranaki Wanganui
Brett Stratton 06-278 5756 haweramufflers@xtra.co.nz Mike Johnston 06-345 8339 holdawaysltd@paradise.net.nz
Ctrl Main Trunk Manawatu
Colin Fredrickson 06-385 4151 horopito.motors@xtra.co.nz Peter Morgan 06-355 4460 mainstreetautos@xtra.co.nz
Wairarapa
Mike Eastwood 06-377 0039 mike@eastwoodmotorgroup.co.nz
Horowhenua
Ken Shugg rahui@xtra.co.nz
Wellington
Phillip Saxton 04-939 4318 phil@saxtonautos.co.nz
Marlborough
Anna McKenzie 021 355 754 annatonymck@xtra.co.nz
Nelson
Paul Kelly pnkelly@clear.net.nz
03-970 0559
West Coast
Dave Larkin lbsc@xtra.co.nz
03-738 0029
Canterbury
Joris Sanders 03-366 3384 joris@leadingedgeautomotive.co.nz
Ashburton
David Stevens 03-308 6646 creekroadservice@gmail.com
South Canterbury Murray Kitchen mkskoda@xtra.co.nz
06-759 4370
06-364 5198
03-688 5922
North Otago
Gary Gibson 03-434 6293 gibsonautos.oamaru@gmail.com
Otago
Kevin Offen kevsgarage@xtra.co.nz
Central Otago
Richard Smith 03-444 9365 cjsinclair.ranfurly@xtra.co.nz
South Otago
Wayne Eyles gwe@actrix.co.nz
Gore
Leslie Baxter 03-208 1234 leslie@carnabycars.co.nz
Southland
Terry McNaught 03-218 3051 highwayservices@xtra.co.nz
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03-455 9094
03-418 1348
keith.webb@xtra.co.nz aucklandcity@coolcar.co.nz mickelly@esi.co.nz northshore@coolcar.co.nz sikaseeker@coolcar.co.nz liezel.jahnke@mta.org.nz
Bob Boniface (Board Rep) Auckland Andrew Purser (Chair) South Taranaki Barry Meuli North Taranaki Alan Berry Christchurch Neil Butterfield (Co-opted) Wellington Bob McCoy MTA Wellington Office
09 415 8569 07 549 0675 04 293 7651 09 917 9417 03 208 4240 04 381 8817
david@supershoppes.co.nz tonysauto@xtra.co.nz woodmanauto@xtra.co.nz matt.rogers@asrl.co.nz rdkeeler@xtra.co.nz garry.williams@mta.org.nz
09 636 5463 06 278 8233 06 758 4085 03 366 9537 04 237 5898 04 381 8837
bob@rabon.co.nz mr.fix@xtra.co.nz bjmeuli@xtra.co.nz alan@atomicpanel.co.nz neil@autocrash.co.nz bob.mccoy@mta.org.nz
03 218 7149 09 294 8159 07 345 5442 04 381 8843
judy@a1autoservices.co.nz craigm_386@hotmail.com ross@bmautomotive.co.nz liezel.jahnke@mta.org.nz
09 360 3200 04 802 8750 07 578 6017 04 587 0005 03 433 0135 04-381 8827
mdavison@giltrap.com hjacob@capitalcityford.co.nz mikef@farmerautovillage.co.nz matthewf@brendanfoot.co.nz ceo@nomg.co.nz tony.everett@mta.org.nz
> Environment Committee Judy Lange (Board Rep) Southland Craig Murray (Chair) Auckland Ross Birchall Bay of Plenty Liezel Jahnke MTA Wellington Office
> Franchise Committee Malcolm Davison (Board Rep) Auckland Hamish Jacob (Chair) Wellington Michael Farmer Tauranga Matthew Foot Wellington Peter Robinson (Co-opted) Oamaru Tony Everett MTA Wellington Office
> Heavy Vehicle Advisory Group Keith Webb (Board Rep) Wellington Wayne McCurdy (Chair) North Taranaki Craig Murray Auckland Brent Ward Wairarapa Lloyd Heslop Nelson Merv Avery Manawatu Brian Sara Wellington Garry Williams MTA Wellington Office
04 478 2477 06 769 6506 09 294 8159 06 370 3818 03 543 9400 06 354 7164 04 495 2505 04 381 8817
keith.webb@xtra.co.nz delwyn@mccurdyeng.co.nz craigm_386@hotmail.com brent@waidiesel.co.nz admin@heslops.co.nz merv@transag.co.nz brians@vtnz.co.nz garry.williams@mta.org.nz
06 877 7621 07 571 3040 06 867 6638 06 357 7027 04 381 8827
richard@stratix-management.com info@bayride.co.nz paul@cgmmotorcycles.co.nz kevin@cityhonda.co.nz tony.everett@mta.org.nz
> Motorcycle Committee Richard Punter (Board Rep) Hawkes Bay Lindsay Beck (Chair) Tauranga Paul Corrin Gisborne Kevin Carian (Co-opted) Manawatu Tony Everett MTA Wellington Office
> Service Station & Convenience Store Dave Harris (Board Rep) Waikato John Patton (Chair) Waikato Ross Shadbolt Auckland Christopher Rawson North Otago Roger Bull (Co-opted) Hawkes Bay Liezel Jahnke MTA Wellington Office
027 474 8900 07 868 7090 09 296 5477 03 434 8798 06 870 8091 04 381 8843
dave@matamata.co.nz thamesA1@xtra.co.nz direct_imports@xtra.co.nz bp2gooamaru@netspeed.net.nz roger@csbgroup.co.nz liezel.jahnke@mta.org.nz
> Used Vehicle Committee Jim Gibbons (Board Rep) Wellington Leslie Baxter (Chair) Gore Ian Charlton Auckland Carl Doggett Canterbury Ian Humphrey (Co-opted) Manawatu Tony Everett MTA Wellington Office
04 384 9734 03 2081234 09 2630353 03 3778873 06 3555761 04 381 8827
jim.gibbons@colmotor.co.nz leslie@carnabycars.co.nz ian@advantagecars.co.nz carl@tcm4wd.co.nz sales@ianhumphrey.co.nz tony.everett@mta.org.nz
better business
Russell Holmes
Business Advisory Principal
ADVERTORIAL
Predicting the impact of alternative strategies
Can you increase prices, reduce costs of goods sold and/ or reduce overheads? What happens if the time to collect your debtors increases or decreases? What is the effect on profitability, cash flow and the value of your business for each strategy? These are real questions asked by many privately owned businesses. With the use of financial analysis tools, these strategies can be tested with some staggering outcomes. As a result of the analysis, discussions and suggestions can be prompted to generate immediate action to improve profitability, cash flow and business value. Financial analysis aids in understanding the drivers affecting the business, and with the use of these on a regular basis, there is the option to provide an immediate prediction of future results as each strategy, or a series of proposed strategies are made. Using financial analysis tools allows you to be brave and test a theory rather than exposing yourself to the risk of checking your theory with reality. A planned strategy can then be implemented to introduce the changes to maximum effect with the forethought to counter potential objections from customers and suppliers. Financial analysis can assist in explaining why your profit is not sitting in your bank account and where you have generated cash, or caused cash wastage. For example considering your debtor days and stock days will give an indication of where your cash is being utilised, and how effectively you are doing this. If you want to know the impact of your decisions to hold stock and not sell it at a discount, or to extend payment terms with suppliers, rather than utilising discounting for prompt payment, and/or how significant the impact of pricing decisions are on your business, you should conduct financial analysis on your business. Remember the adage to spend time working on your business, not in it. Discounting can cause huge cash flow problems for a business, and often pricing problems might be a symptom of other weaknesses in a business. Inevitably, discounting is a short term solution with a long term impact, which may devastate profits. Although it is important to consider discounting as a method to sell off obsolete stock will cost more in the long run to hold onto. When considering pricing strategies, you need to know if you are competing on price (low price, low margin, high volume) or if you are competing on a differentiation (high price, high margin, low volume). Then you need to ensure that your pricing strategies match your target market. It’s
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okay to be priced higher than your competitors, as long as you meet your customer’s expectations of quality. On the flip side of pricing strategies, consideration needs to be given to cost management, and the likely impact of costing changes on your prices. For example, are you passing on increases from your supplier to your customer? You should know what your breakeven is in dollar terms and volume, and at what point you will hit breakeven. If you are charging out time, then you need to ensure that you are calculating your charge out rates correctly and that these are being updated. Just think, when did you last increase your prices? Financial analysis should prompt discussion on how you can overcome what may have been perceived to be an impossible strategy and can lead to innovative solutions and a fresh perspective on your business and how you should manage it. At Crowe Horwath we use financial analysis as an educational tool to show the owners and managers of privately owned businesses the impact of decisions and the reasons why strategies are employed. They can then contribute more and may have solutions to problems that have not been addressed before. Often minor and/or incremental changes can lead to significant improvements, as can the combination of a number of small changes.
WHK recently changed its name to Crowe Horwath. It has been over 15 years since WHK Group started. In that time we’ve grown to become the leading provider of accounting, tax and advisory services to business throughout New Zealand. We have more access to high quality tax advice, business advice and accounting services you can depend on. We can support you better as you seek ways to prosper. You can find more on our website at www.whk.co.nz/opportunities.
classifieds SITUATIONS VACANT Qualified Automotive Technician Sublab Whangarei is the only Subaru Parts and Service workshop in the sunny north and we are looking for a Qualified Automotive Technician to join our team. We service all makes and models and carry out all aspects of automotive repairs and WoF inspections. Ideally the successful candidate will have: excellent electronic and mechanical diagnostic skills; good communication skills; automotive Qualifications. Please send CV to: Sublab@Whangarei, 104 Cameron Street, Whangarei, or email warren@sublab.co.nz
Qualified Automotive Technician
FREE for MEMBERS ONLY plus inclusion to MTA website (Member Number required/maximum 30 words) Non Members $15 plus GST for 30 words BOLD IT only $5 extra. EXTRA WORDS $1 per word. Email to radiator@mta.org.nz full workshop and service station located in Tahuna. Successful business which has been trading for over 55 years. Lease $500 per week. Contact Roy 07 887 5742. Automotive business for sale, Canterbury. Est. 11 years. Modern premises and equipment WoF authority 700k plus t/o great opportunity, write PO Box 16288 Hornby Christchurch 8003. BUSINESS/INVESTMENT STATE HIGHWAY 1 HAMILTON. Long established auto workshop. owned for 37 years. Fully equipped three bays plus secure area. Can be leased out separately or used as car sales area. Look at lease. Rent to buy, all options open. Phone Dennis ah: 07 846 4200. Mechanical workshop Dismantling yard TE AWAMUTU waikato Established, good customer base WOF. mechanical repairs, with dismantling forklift, tyre machine, computer network. Workshop and stores, large pit, 2.5 acres industrial property with three bedroom house, flat land can be subdivided. Ph 07 871 3449
Do YOU want to work on the doorstep of the Abel Tasman National Park in one of the most beautiful parts of the world? Also voted Best Town in NZ! We are an award winning AA Approved PARTS/EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Repairer Workshop in Motueka. Due to a retirement, we have a full WHEEL SERVICE EQUIPMENT Tyre balancers, tyre changers for time technician position available. We seek a qualified Automotive automotive and truck use, wheel alignment systems, side slip testers. Technician with a proven track record, to carry out vehicle repairs Ph: Sulco Equipment 0800 800488 www.sulco.co.nz and servicing on all makes and models. Ideally the successful TRANSMISSION FLUSHERS Air conditioning service equipment, candidate will have: Sulco Equipment has new, used and ex demo. Ph: Sulco Equipment 0800 Certified WoF inspector • New Zealand or relevant automotive 800488 or www.sulco.co.nz qualifications • A high standard of mechanical workmanship • A positive TULMAC CARBURETTOR SPECIALISTS Full reconditioning service, attitude to customer service • Work well unsupervised and also within carburettor body re-bushing and shafts supplied. Specialising in Weber, a team environment • Full car licence (HT a bonus) as after hours work Dellorto, Su Stromberg etc. Ph: 027 612 2312 or 06-368 2202 Levin. required on a roster basis. Remuneration is negotiable by experience BEAMSETTER – (Headlight Aligner) New, plus other WoF MTA would like to thank and will be discussed at interview. Starting date negotiable. Please equipment. Phone Stocks Equipment on 0800 863 784 or email: equipment@ send current CV and references to anita.parkesautomotive@xtra. its business partners georgestock.co.nz co.nz. These details are kept strictly confidential. LATHE New Caorle Brake Lathes. Made in Italy. On & off car. andBRAKE sponsors...
Phone Stocks on 0800 863 784 or email: equipment@georgestock.co.nz BRAKE TESTER - New MAHA roller brake testers. Phone Stocks Equipment on 0800 863 784 or email: equipment@georgestock.co.nz. BUSINESS FOR SALE/LEASE CAR HOIST – BRAND NEW 2 POST HOISTS available from SERVICE STATION, SHOP, CAFE & WORKSHOP FOR SALE 10 year only $3,495 plus GST installed. Also 4 Post Hoists, Wheel Alignment Scissor Gull NZ contract for fuel. Turnover averages $7,500 per day, 3,500 litres per Lifts, Belly Lifters also available. Ph: Stocks Equipment 0800 863 784 email: day. Own fibreglass tank holds 60,000 litres. Also with 3 bedroom house on equipment@georgestock.co.nz total 2,000m2. Contact Bruce Thomas 07 333 2300. 6457 State Highway 1. TYRE CHANGER & WHEEL BALANCERS New and used tyre Productivity and RD1, Atiamuri. Changers. Stocks Equipment 0800 863 784 or www.georgestock.co.nz Efficiency DYNO TUNING AND FULL WORKSHOP A rare opportunity to purchase WHEEL ALIGNER – HUNTER. New and used wheel aligners, Phone a well established workshop in Hamilton. Excellent location, WoF and repair Stocks Equipment on 0800 863 784 email: equipment@georgestock.co.nz workshop, including an always busy 4x4 Chassis Dyno setup. Established and TOYOTA GENUINE CYLINDER HEADS From $650. Timing kits MTA would like to Belt thank loyal customer base and business includes extensive plant list. Contact Steve from $118 1KZTE Solid Flywheel Conversions $700. Prices excl GST. Ph its business partners 0274 845 483. 07-578 9889. and SCOPES sponsors... Established Automotive Repair & WOFMTA workshop. PC based, would Good like toTOYOTA thank AUTOMOTIVE DIAGNOSTIC location, North Shore, Takapuna. Four working bays, two hoist, brake roller extremely powerful and easy to use. Phone Chris at Metermaster NZ Ltd 09-296 itsonbusiness partners tester, ample parking, great potential. $79,000 ONO. Ph Ash 021 163 8560. 7601, 0800METERS or 021 953 129. andWorkshop, sponsors... Seat Belt Mounting Plates Buy direct from the manufacturer. LOWER HUTT. Small, well established (23 years) Automotive specialising in European cars. Fully equipped business with latest diagnostic Quality plates and extensions at good prices. Prescott Engineeering Ltd, equipment. Loyal customer base. Ph 0275 374 838. 7 Prescott St, Penrose. Ph 09 579 7424.
Profitab
Workfl
MTA would like MTA would like to thank its business partners and sponsors...
to thank its business partners and supporters Customer Relationships
The leader in specialist automotive so
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JOIN THE LARGEST PREMIUM AUTOMOTIVE NETWORK IN NZ 67+ independent workshops have secured their future. Contact us to secure yours. Some of the benefits • Group buying power • Nationwide marketing • Fleet servicing Phone 09 985 0663 Email admin@supershoppes.co.nz www.autosupershoppes.co.nz
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Cathy La Ville on 09 413 8577 or 022 531 1638 email: cathy.laville@mta.org.nz
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