ISSUE 15 JULY 2019
THE VOICE OF THE NEW ZEALAND AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
AUTO CHANNEL NEW ZEALAND AUTOELECTRICIANS CHARGE INTO BATTERY ZONE
WHAT STARTED AS AN AUTO ELECTRICIANS’ WORKING GROUP WITH A LARGE BATTERY SUPPLIER HAS EVOLVED INTO A PARTNERSHIP SET TO CHALLENGE THE BATTERY RETAIL LANDSCAPE
A
national network of auto electricians has come together to form Battery Zone, which will trade on their expertise with Yuasa Batteries. Their goal is to provide the best local battery replacement service and advice throughout New Zealand. Battery Zone’s Bruce Johnson said for many years the group met once a year, primarily to pool their expertise, learn about advances in battery technology and do a bit of networking. Bruce, who owns Johnson Electrical in Waipukurau, said the group decided to formalise the alliance and create something big enough to challenge the battery retail landscape. “Businesses need to stay nimble, so this helps address a need among auto electricians to futureproof our businesses and provide options for when we want to ‘get off the tools’,” he said. “We are all local owner operators, the engine room
Advancing tertiary and apprentice training for the auto electrical industry visit www.nzae.org
CONGRA TO BLUTEULATIONS S WAY W HASTINORKS IN G OF THES$, WINNER BOC SM 3000 OOTHA RC WELDER KIT!
of the economy. We are experts in batteries who are busy looking after our customers on a daily basis but we didn’t have a real strategy or a trajectory to grow our battery businesses. “Working together as Battery Zone we can provide a nationwide network of auto-electrical and battery specialists, offering local expert advice as well as quality product, while still retaining our local business identity.” A rapid increase in the amount and complexity of electrical equipment in vehicles, the extra demands of stop-start systems and new battery technologies makes auto-electricians the ideal choice for battery advice, says Bruce. “We have a practical orientation. We know how to fit a battery properly and we have a greater depth of knowledge and experience on more complex battery systems. “We are able to resolve people’s battery issues by Entrance to Blues Way Works yard and below, Steven Tidswell standing by Triumph Stag
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
APPLY TO GLASS. DEFY THE ELEMENTS.
Outsmart the Elements™
ADVERT
Visit rainx.co.nz
Available from leading automotive and hardware retailers.
1