HERO CARS AND ZERO CARS: ENGINEERED AND BUILT IN AUSTRALIA
PREMCAR PTY LTD ASIA PACIFIC
E N G I N E E R E D, E N H A N C E D, ELECTRIFIED We speak to Bernie Quinn, Engineering Director and Partner at Premcar Pty Ltd, about how the company is helping global carmakers and their Australian importers create new cars that buyers really want Writer: Lauren Kania | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold
When the three big brands – Ford, GM-Holden, and Toyota – stopped assembling cars in Australia, there was a public belief the car industry in the country had died. This wasn’t true.” The opening statement of Bernie Quinn, Engineering Director and Partner at Premcar Pty Ltd (Premcar), reflects the reality of how many of the companies underpinning the Australian automotive industry have continued to grow with new car engineering and manufacturing. In the case of Premcar, an Australian engineering services provider and new-vehicle secondary manufacturer, the company has not only continued despite the disappearance of traditional big car brands but has experienced exponential growth unlike anything seen before. “All of this is evidence that Australian car-making never died. At Premcar, we transferred our deep experience and skills into the next
evolution of car manufacturing in Australia,” confirms Quinn. Today, major carmakers of all sizes commission the company for almost everything. From developing entire new-vehicle platforms to enhancing a model series for a new buying
audience to tuning a new car model’s steering and handling, Premcar does it all. Premcar’s tagline – “Engineered. Enhanced. Electrified.” – aptly summarises what global automakers have come to rely on the company for. Manufacturing Outlook Issue 2 | 3
PREMCAR PTY LTD ASIA PACIFIC
Based in Epping, Australia, Premcar has been in business for nearly three decades and has proven its reliability and deliverance of high-quality services and products through consistent evolution and an innovative mindset. Having been an engineer for 28 years, 20 of them spent at Premcar, Quinn has always held an inexhaustible passion for cars. “Everything I did in my earlier years enabled me towards working with cars, so it was natural for me to pursue 4 | Manufacturing Outlook Issue 2
an engineering degree to participate in an industry that I’ve been obsessed with my entire life,” he excites. Invigoration and unstoppable enthusiasm are ingrained within the core structure of Premcar and are evident in everything the company provides to its vast clientele.
AN AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING RENAISSANCE “We’re seeing a renaissance of manufacturing in Australia, especially
in the car industry. In the case of Premcar, this change has been customer-driven,” explains Quinn. Australian automotive consumers have been the centrepiece of Premcar’s mission since its inception. With buyers walking into new car dealerships wanting vehicles that satisfy their particular needs and wants, it is critical for companies to meet these expectations and provide high-quality, exceptional cars. As a prime example, highperformance AMG models have accounted for as much as 30 percent of total annual new car sales for Mercedes-Benz in Australia. “Everyone at Premcar understands why; as the company behind Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) for many years, Australian buyers want something special,” comments Quinn. Premcar offers exactly that to its customers: something special. One of the biggest differentiating factors when comparing Premcar to the competition is how the company puts its customers at the centre of every decision made, through its triad of business, product development, and manufacturing processes. “We’ve built all three of these with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) carmaker, and their customers in mind. This is why we use our own proprietary product development system, which we created to accurately fit our manufacturing process,” specifies Quinn. Additionally, Premcar uses a systems and design-led approach when engineering and enhancing new cars. Doing this means that customers receive the new vehicle they want, which is of the utmost importance as ‘Made in Australia’ is a big drawcard for new car buyers in the country. “Ultimately, our attention to detail and understanding of what our customers need makes us a company of choice. The new cars we create all have this understanding built into them, which explains why they’re so
MANUFACTURING OUTLOOK: HOW DO YOU TRY TO EMPOWER YOUR STAFF AND RECOGNISE THE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT THEY MAKE? Bernie Quinn, Engineering Director and Partner: “With a very low staff turnover, the feedback from our team is that we’re an employer of choice because we empower them and help to build their careers. “In fact, we’re about to celebrate a number of staff who have dedicated 20 years to the company. “We work to create the best environment for our team by recognising people and rewarding them appropriately. We’re also flexible due to the varying needs of everyone in our company. Balancing all of this is critical because it helps us attract and retain the best individuals and build their careers so they’re fulfilling and rewarding.”
popular with buyers – it’s what we’ve been doing for 27 years,” confirms Quinn.
FROM SKETCH TO SHOWROOM Working primarily with large global car manufacturers such as Nissan, Toyota, Ford, and Mazda, Premcar highlights the importance of partnersupplier relationships and how they contribute to the company’s success.
“We have great connections with our suppliers because we foster mutually respectful relationships; we don’t approach these commercial arrangements with a typical customer-supplier attitude,” notes Quinn. “We take a relationship approach and always keep a long-term view. We thoroughly believe that openness and fairness are the best ways for
everyone to benefit from these relationships,” he continues. This effort to form strong, longterm connections with suppliers results in unparalleled quality and service that is tailored to the Australian market, allowing manufacturers and consumers alike to feel confident in their purchase. Additionally, Premcar, along with its Australian supplier network, which includes SKF for specific bearing products and Tenneco for springs and dampers, collectively employs thousands of people in the local car industry, contributing to the overall longevity of this critical market. “With some of our suppliers having been with us for more than two decades, we know that when a newmodel vehicle is about to be released to the market, we can rely on them to be on-site and agile to help ensure every final check is met according to quality, time, and cost,” comments Quinn. Manufacturing Outlook Issue 2 | 5
Airbag Man: From humble beginnings to the leaders in Airbags and Air Suspension Solutions.
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hen it comes to vehicle suspension systems, finding the right balance between comfort, performance, and practicality is essential. Whether you’re driving a classic workhorse from the 1980s or a late model with more bells and whistles, having a reliable and versatile Air Suspension kit can greatly enhance your driving experience. Airbag Man has been established for over 25 years and takes pride in offering specific kits that cater to the needs of both old faithful models and the latest vehicles on the market. Airbag Man’s long relationships with esteemed brands such as Firestone Airide, DriveRite AMK Group & Dunlop Systems & Components ensure a commitment to innovation, quality and customer satisfaction. Let’s take the iconic leaf sprung Land Cruiser as an example. Airbag Man has specific Air Suspension kits from the 60 Series and right through the range of 70 series Land Cruisers over the years, covering models from the 1980s all the way up to the current LC70 range. However, Land Cruisers are not the only vehicles they cater to. Airbag Man’s range of kits also includes popular models such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, Holden Colorado, Mitsubishi Triton, Mazda BT-50, and VW Amarok. No matter which vehicle you drive, Airbag Man has a kit to help your suspension when needed. One of the key advantages of Airbag Man is its Air Suspension kits are adaptable to existing factory suspension setups or aftermarket suspensions. This versatility allows you to upgrade your suspension system without major modifications and ensures you can enjoy the benefits of air suspension to assist your existing suspension setup. Whether you’re seeking to enhance your stock suspension or improve aftermarket components, air suspension seamlessly integrates and offers customisable solutions for your specific needs. What sets Airbag Man apart is the simplicity of its Air Suspension kits. They have designed them as easy add-ons that provide the necessary support when needed, without detracting from the ride quality when your vehicle is empty. This means that whether you’re towing a heavy load or driving with only passengers and fuel, Airbag Man Suspension kits will adapt and provide optimal performance. To further enhance the functionality and convenience of these kits, Airbag Man offers a range of modular on-board
air control options. The standard kits include tyre-style inflation valves, allowing you to adjust the air pressure as required. However, if you desire additional features, Airbag Man has various options available to suit your needs and budget. From pneumatic switches to wireless remote controls and auto-leveling capabilities, you can customise your air suspension system to perfectly meet your needs. Investing in an air suspension helper kit, whether it’s to compliment your coil spring or leaf spring suspension, not only improves your driving experience but also offers practical benefits. By ensuring proper load levelling and weight distribution, you can enhance safety and stability while towing or carrying load. Additionally, the adjustable nature of air suspension allows you to fine-tune your vehicles optimum height, under all load conditions. This prevents unnecessary “bottoming out” of the suspension, resulting in improved comfort and maintaining the full suspension articulation over various terrains. With a lifetime airbag manufacturer’s warranty, Airbag Man stands behind the quality and durability of its products with decades of proven results and customer satisfaction. This warranty offers peace of mind, knowing that your air
suspension system is built to last and backed by the manufacturer. Air suspension has a proven track record, having been utilised successfully for decades in various applications. For reference, Airbag man has designed and manufactured solutions for Isuzu, and our helper kit for the Ford Ranger is a Ford Licensed Accessory. Its reliability and effectiveness have been demonstrated in commercial vehicles, off-road enthusiasts’ rigs, and everyday drivers’ cars. The longevity and positive reputation of air suspension systems speak volumes about their performance and customer satisfaction. Airbag Man’s range of products goes beyond the light commercial sector. They offer solutions for Heavy Truck and Bus, Agriculture, Industrial, Custom Applications, Caravans, Trailers, and more. Airbag Man designs and manufactures a significant range of Air Suspension systems for the caravan market, and is currently supplying to Premcar under their Terraglide suspension. Additionally, Airbag Man provides solutions for wheelchair accessible vehicles, ambulances and other emergency vehicles.
Whatever your vehicle or application, we have the perfect air suspension solution to meet your needs. Visit airbagman.com.au for more information, email info@airbagman.com.au or call 1800 247 224
PREMCAR PTY LTD ASIA PACIFIC
One such example of a successful release is Premcar’s recent Nissan Patrol WARRIOR, a world-class, fullsize 4x4 SUV. Retaining all of Nissan’s famed luxury, versatility, and quality, the WARRIOR was developed in Australia with local engineers using locally developed components that make it perfectly suited to Australian roads and terrain. A major part of the WARRIOR’s success is due to it being engineered like that of an OEM-level new vehicle. All of the locally developed components and systems were fully integrated to work together with the vehicle, meaning that it operates as if the carmaker themselves created it. “The WARRIOR is a great story about the depth of Australian engineering know-how and the quality of our local manufacturing. Believe me, you need both to create a vehicle like this,” prides Quinn. Meeting and exceeding the necessary high standards for design,
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“ T H E B I G C A R B R A N D S M I G H T H AV E STO P P E D ASS E M B L I N G C A R S I N AU ST R A L I A , B U T A U S T R A L I A N B U Y E R S H AV E N ’ T L O S T T H E I R D E S I R E F O R ‘ M A D E I N A U S T R A L I A’ . CAR-MAKING IS ALIVE AND WELL” – B E R N I E Q U I N N , E N G I N E E R I N G D I R E C TO R A N D PA R T N E R , P R E M C A R P T Y LT D
engineering, and manufacturing is what Premcar prides itself on, ensuring that innovation and customer-centricity are always at the forefront of the company’s priorities.
A CUSTOMER-DRIVEN CHANGE With a vast majority of new car buyers wanting vehicle choices that are tailored, special, and fit for a particular purpose, Premcar is not only meeting these expectations but surpassing them. A commonly expressed desire that is continuing to increase in popularity
is that of electric vehicles (EVs). “New car propulsion systems are changing. Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), for example, are quickly becoming mainstream, and EV technologies are crossing different vehicle classes. We are keeping pace with these changes and the many others being brought to the carmaking world,” expands Quinn. Premcar locally developed its first EV back in 2009 when it converted an Australian Ford Territory SUV to full battery-electric power. It has remained close to EV developments ever since.
HISTORY OF PREMCAR: 1996: Tickford Vehicle Engineering (TVE) was established in Australia with the launch of the Tickfordenhanced Ford Falcon GT. 2001: TVE becomes Prodrive Automotive Technology Australia. 2010: The supercharged Ford ‘Miami’ V8 petrol engine is revealed. 2012: Prodrive Automotive Technology Australia becomes Premcar after a change in ownership. 2017: Leading international automotive engineering firm RLE International joins Premcar. 2019: Leading global carmaker Nissan teams up with Premcar to develop and build a new rangeleading version of its awardwinning Navara pick-up model. 2023: New vehicle production milestone with Premcar’s engineering and production centre in Epping producing its 5,000th new car. The award-winning Nissan Patrol WARRIOR is released to critical acclaim.
The company has gone on to complete different EV projects for automakers, such as complete platforms for new EV model ranges and new car EV conversions. “We are very well-versed in EVs. We’ve got the right skills and knowledge to create zero-emission vehicles to global OEM car-making standards,” confirms Quinn. With the company’s engineering skills and experience, Premcar is actively contributing to the greater global need for cleaner transport. Additionally, the company takes
its corporate social responsibility practices seriously by participating in the annual R U OK? Day, offering mental health awareness sessions with external providers, and even hosting on-site massages for its staff. “It’s all about making people aware of the importance of not only their own personal well-being, but the well-being of others around them, and even people outside of the company,” explains Quinn. Continuing to manage the significant growth the company has been creating in a healthy and sustainable manner is a key priority for Premcar in the upcoming years. As demand increases for new cars developed and manufactured in Australia, employee numbers at Premcar will continue to grow.
By the end of 2023, the company will have expanded its revenue by approximately 50 percent. “We’ve experienced a lot of business expansion in the last 10 years, and we pride ourselves on being a large Australian car industry employer and player,” concludes Quinn. The future is tremendously exciting for Premcar. Being in such a dynamic and constantly evolving industry, the potential is endless.
PREMCAR PTY LTD Tel: +61 3 8317 8200 info@premcar.com www.premcar.com Manufacturing Outlook Issue 2 | 9
Reimagining Rotation for a Better Tomorrow The power of rotation is found everywhere throughout modern society, whether it is the cars, buses, or trains that take people around, wind turbines that provide power to millions, or even aeroplane engines that transport travellers and cargo around the world. In fact, wherever there’s movement, SKF’s solutions can be used. For over 115 years, SKF has been developing products and solutions that help in friction reduction and contribute to improved energy efficiency and greater value for our customers’ operations. Today, our products are used all over the world and in a large variety of rotating applications, ranging from renewable energy, such as wind and ocean power, to heavy industries like mining, metal, and pulp and paper. SKF is a prime example of combining hands-on industry experience with a vast product portfolio and knowledge around bearings, seals, lubrication management, condition monitoring, and maintenance services to meet customer needs across a wide range of industries and numerous geographies. Today, SKF is setting new standards and creating partnerships, as it has with Premcar, to develop products and solutions that offer competitive advantages to customers, and at the same time, contribute to a sustainable society.
including bearings, seals, and lubrication systems, as well as rotating shaft services and engineering solutions. With such a broad offering, we cater to Australia’s leading industrial sectors such as railways, mining, and metals as well as automotive sector including vehicle aftermarket for passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles segment. We are headquartered in Melbourne, where we offer sales, engineering, and customer support and have strong presence in Perth, Queensland, and Sydney. With the help of our distributors and partners, we remain committed to providing value-added solutions to our customers across industries. AO: Can you delve into the partnership that you have with Premcar?
APAC Outlook (AO): Can you introduce us to SKF with an overview of your main products and services? SKF: We have been operating in Australia for over 100 years. The company’s presence dates to 1908 when SKF was the first to import bearings into the country. Since then, SKF has steadily expanded its operations and product offerings. Today, SKF offers a broad product range
SKF: As a purpose-led company, we are always looking for ways to collaborate for the continuous advancement of our products and solutions. The opportunity to collaborate with Premcar started in May 2022 at one of the largest automotive shows in Australia. This led to further collaborations on bearing selections, and eventually the hub bearing unit was selected. Additionally, we worked closely with our automotive and engineering team in India to make sure that we are offering the right solution to the customer. The automotive market in the country is usually focused on the aftermarket since Australia is not a design and manufacturing hub. For us, it’s a market we have never been much involved in. However, this partnership with Premcar offered a new foundation for expansion in the growing vehicle aftermarket. As a trusted manufacturer of wheel end, engine,
SKF Bearings
drivetrain, and suspension components, plus the bearing, tooling, and lubrication products that underpin them, we are well-positioned to become a preferred supplier for the commercial vehicle segment that requires a steady supply of high-quality repair components for the aftermarket. AO: What about the specific support and services that you provide to Premcar? SKF: For us, everything begins with understanding the needs of our customer. With Premcar, we started with discussing the product concept, then diving into preliminary selection and basic dimensioning, followed by choosing which one of our products would be the best fit. Secondly, we used our advanced simulation tools to collect the inputs that go on a wheel bearing, for example, the diameter of the tire and the type of speed the vehicle is going to be travelling at. Along with our team in India, we worked on the simulation to ensure that we are as realistic as possible. This is because if you design something that doesn’t work during trials and you need to go back and redesign it, that costs time and money. Thirdly, we had several rounds of dialogue for gathering inputs, reviewing the design parameters, and re-running the simulation to develop the final solution in the shortest time possible. It’s interesting that at the end of this process, the next generation is already under discussion. This is a good example of how our response to an idea has led to more business opportunities.
into the development of solutions for these industries, growing hand in hand with our customers. AO: Why SKF? SKF: This partnership with Premar is a very good example of SKF’s unmatched customer-centric approach, our true capability, and what we can do to solve customers’ challenges. It exemplifies how we can collaborate both externally and internally to develop products and businesses faster and more easily. We believe in working closely across the full value chain - customers, sales, logistics, manufacturing, supply chain, and R&D to generate ideas and then move them towards implementation in the shortest time possible. As a global leader within the industry, we want to keep pushing the boundaries. This means continuously developing new ways to do business, to innovate, and to work together with our customers and partners to help transition to a cleaner world.
AO: What sets SKF apart from the competition and makes it a partner of choice? SKF: SKF has something that very few industrial companies have - a deep understanding of almost all industrial and automotive applications. With 41,000 employees in over 129 countries, SKF develops technologies that offers our customers a competitive edge. Our products, solutions, and services help machines run smoother and with less emissions, as well as enabling the growth of clean technologies, such as renewable energy and electric vehicles. SKF’s ability to master the complexity of meeting customer needs across a wide range of industries and numerous geographies, is our greatest strength and key to our success. As we position ourselves for future, will continue to invest more
Hub mounted on the Axle
www.skf.com
PREMCAR PTY LTD 104 Gateway Boulevard Epping, Victoria 3076 Australia Tel: +61 3 8317 8200 www.premcar.au
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