Issuu

Getting people into the trades isn’t necessarily the issue, with retention being a crucial sticking point for many skill-based sectors.

Be

what you see

Crucial crossroads ahead for skills pipeline

There’s a familiar sound echoing through workshops across Australia right now—and no, it’s not a misﬁring cylinder or a worn-out wheel bearing. It’s the collective sigh of an industry short on hands.

According to the MTA NSW, the shortage of qualiﬁed technicians has reached “crisis levels,” with gaps across nearly every automotive trade — from light vehicle mechanics to panel beaters and auto electricians.

And it’s not for lack of work. Australia now has more than 22 million vehicles on the road, contributing over $40 billion annually to the economy — yet the pipeline of people to keep them running simply isn’t keeping pace.

The numbers paint a sobering picture. Nationally, there were just under 298,000 apprentices and trainees in training as of late 2025 — a ﬁgure that has dropped more than 10 per cent year-on-year (NCVER).

Meanwhile, industry estimates suggest there are around 28,000 unﬁlled automotive technician roles across the country (VASA).

So, where have all the apprentices gone?

Part of the answer is as straightforward as a loose bolt: money. Rising living costs and comparatively low apprentice wages are pushing young workers toward betterpaying options for them.

Others are being deterred by outdated

perceptions of the trade — grease, grime and long hours — despite the reality that today’s workshop is increasingly deﬁned by diagnostics, software and electriﬁcation.

There’s also a retention problem. Some programs boast completion rates as low as 50 per cent (AutoTalk Aus), highlighting the challenge of keeping apprentices engaged long enough to become qualiﬁed technicians.

It’s not all doom and gloom, however.

Initiatives like manufacturer-led apprenticeship iniatiatives, the growing emphasis on EV training and even programs working in motorsport are helping modernise the trade’s image and attract new talent.

And let’s be honest — there’s never been a more exciting time to be in the industry.

I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing plenty of young auto apprentices, and the love and appreciation for the industry is still there. The challenge now is clear: make the pathway into automotive not just viable, but appealing. That means better support, better promotion, and perhaps most importantly, better storytelling.

Because behind every skilled technician is someone who once picked up a tool for the ﬁrst time — and decided to stick with it.

MB is strengthening its position in the Australian aftermarket through expanded local infrastructure, OE heritage and a commitment to quality without compromise. With a growing product range covering key vehicle systems, the company combines global manufacturing scale with local availability to support workshops. under harsh Australian conditions.

Booking

Harry Murtough – Editor

• 2026

Jun 10, 2026

89 • 2026 Deadline Aug 12, 2026

90 • 2026

Oct 14, 2026

CEO Christine Clancy

Sales Director

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BDM

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GMB positions itself as key producer of OE parts and components

With expanding infrastructure across the local region, comprehensive vehicle parts coverage and a deep OEM heritage, GMB is strengthening its position across the local aftermarket.

In an Australian workshop, quality gets exposed fast. It shows up in the ﬁt, in the ﬁnish, in how a part behaves under heat and load.

Reputation is everything, and GMB knows exactly what this means for a workshop.

GMB has a proven history and enviable reputation when it comes to quality product manufacturing.

With 22 sales and manufacturing plants across the globe and more than 10,000 products across key vehicle systems, mechanics across the globe choose GMB with conﬁdence and the knowledge that every single GMB product is made to the highest possible standards.

Millions of vehicles rely on GMB products every single day.

GMB has seen signiﬁcant growth since establishing its ﬁrst distribution centre in Sydney, New South Wales.

In February this year, the company opened a second distribution centre in Sunshine, Victoria, helping ensure that it can continue to meet the expectations of its growing and loyal customer base.

That investment reﬂects more than a logistics play.

It signals long-term conﬁdence in the region and a commitment to supplying mechanics with dependable, OE-quality parts across the categories they ﬁt every day.

Built for Australian conditions

That matters in this market, because Australian conditions are hard on parts.

Long distances, hot weather, rough roads, city stop-start driving and hardworking utes all place stress on the same component’s day after day.

A part can look ﬁne on the shelf, but the real test starts once it is ﬁtted, torqued down and sent back into service.

For mechanics, OE quality means something simple: the part ﬁts properly, works properly, and keeps the job from coming back. That is the standard, and it is the only one that counts.

Growth backed by engineering and investment

GMB says its commitment to quality is also backed by continued investment in engineering and product development.

In 2024, the company established a new research centre with an investment of $20 million.

According to GMB, that centre will help ensure that quality remains the top priority alongside the development of new products for OEM partners and the global aftermarket.

For workshops, that kind of investment matters because it supports consistency, durability, and conﬁdence across the range.

A broad range with OE heritage thinking at the core

The same OE mindset runs through GMB’s core product categories.

Precision-built belts, tensioners and timing components ensure long-term durability in demanding engine applications.

The company’s current range includes water pumps, fan clutches, electric water pumps, drive and timing belts, wheel hub assemblies, wheel bearings, tensioners, idlers and pulleys, steering and suspension and universal joints.

Coverage continues to expand each month as the company responds to local demand.

GMB Belts, tensioners, complete timing kits and individual timing components

Timing kits and drive systems tell the same story from a different angle.

The belt often gets the attention, but the quality of the repair depends on the entire system: tensioners, idlers, seals and, where required, the water pump.

GMB positions its drive belts around OE-spec tension cords, high-grade EPDM and HNBR rubber compounds, and resistance to temperature and chemicals. Its tensioners, idler pulleys and timing bearing components are built around precision and OE-level manufacturing standards that are supplied to GMB’s OEM partners.

For workshops this matters because major service work is expected to last. A proper timing or accessory drive repair is not only about getting the engine running today; it is about making sure it stays that way.

GMB bearings, steering and suspension

Hubs and wheel bearings are another category that quickly reveals whether quality is there. Good sealing, grease retention, and tight tolerances contribute to quieter running, stronger durability and greater conﬁdence once the vehicle is back on the road. GMB says its wheel bearing and hub assemblies use high-grade GCR15 steel, specially formulated bearing grease, and triple- or quadruple-lip sealing technology for protection against dust, water and road debris.

The company also points to premium ABS sensor construction and extensive testing to ensure signal quality meets or exceeds OE requirements.

The same workshop logic applies to steering and suspension components.

Control arms, ball joints, rack ends, stabiliser links, steering joints, and tie rod ends all need to restore control and feel, not simply remove a noise.

GMB describes its steering and suspension line as engineered for OE fit and feel, with corrosion-resistant finishes, strong load ratings and rigorous testing for articulation, strength, and fitment.

In a market where vehicles are expected to handle everything from rough roads to everyday commuting, that combination of product quality and correct installation makes all the difference.

GMB water pumps are built for consistent cooling performance under extreme Australian conditions.

Steering and suspension components are designed to restore handling, control and driver conﬁdence.

Cooling system confidence

Take GMB water pumps, for example.

In Australia, cooling-system reliability is everything.

A quality pump needs stable bearing performance, proper sealing and housing accuracy that holds up when temperatures climb. GMB highlights the importance of high-grade steel, precision bearing race machining, roller bearings for high-load applications, and shaft seals designed for wear resistance and leakage prevention.

The message for the workshop is clear: a cooling-system repair should not be treated as a single-component job. Coolant condition, contamination, the radiator, thermostat and hoses all matter if long-term reliability is the goal.

That same attention to engineering carries across to fan clutches and electric water pumps.

GMB’s fan clutch components are manufactured to match exact OEM speciﬁcations, while its electric water pumps use tight tolerance limits, highquality internal materials, and premiumgrade laminates to support consistent ﬂow under demanding operating conditions.

In systems that leave very little room for error, precision is not a luxury; it is the job.

GMB wheel bearings and hub assemblies deliver durability, sealing performance and OE-level ﬁtment.

Universal joints

GMB have a comprehensive range of Universal Joints covering Automotive & Industrial applications.

GMB has an excellent lookup tool available with Universal Joint types & Measurements, this will help customers to check availability when no speciﬁc application data or part number is available.

Visit GMB website: www.gmb.net/ universal-joint-lookup-tool/ when correct identiﬁcation of the Universal Joint is needed.

No shortcuts on reliability

Universal joints, fan clutches, electric water pumps, timing components and wheel-end assemblies all reinforce the same point: quality is built in from the start. Different categories may solve different problems, but the rule does not change. If the engineering is right, the mechanic feels it during installation, and the driver feels it on the road.

That is the real value of OE DNA in the aftermarket. It is not about big claims on packaging.

It is about parts engineered to ﬁt, perform, and last in the kind of conditions that quickly separate the good from the average.

Contact GMB for your nearest authorised dealer. Tel: 1300 007 132 Email: gmbsales@gmb-oceania.com Visit www.gmb-oceania.com

CORE PRINCIPLES

with Schaeffler

Track to workshop

Pioneering motion from the track to the workshop: Schaefﬂer backs BJR’s Toyota Supra

The 2026 V8 Supercars Championship season is set to roar with a thrilling new partnership as Schaefﬂer Australia becomes a foundation partner for Brad Jones Racing (BJR) and the highly anticipated debut of their Toyota Supra.

Driven by Cameron Hill and powered by Toyota’s 5.0-litre V8 2UR-GSE engine, this collaboration marks an exciting new chapter in Australian motorsport.

Beyond the excitement of the track, this partnership is a strategic alignment that highlights Schaefﬂer Vehicle Lifetime Solutions’ deep commitment to the broader Australian aftermarket.

By placing the Schaefﬂer brand on the new Toyota Supra, the company is sending a clear message that it is a premium ‘allmake’ aftermarket repair solutions provider, heavily supporting Asian-manufactured vehicles alongside its traditional European strongholds.

OE-quality solutions:

The LuK and INA portfolios

This motorsport alliance directly reflects Schaeffler’s expansive capabilities for mechanics in the workshop. Schaeffler has been a leading supplier of advanced parts and technologies to Asian automotive manufacturers for over fifty years.

Today, the LuK brand offers upwards of 450 articles tailored speciﬁcally for the Australian market’s Asian car parc, supporting mass-produced brands like Toyota, Mazda, Isuzu, and Hyundai.

Independent workshops have access to intelligently de-signed, OE-quality repair solutions such as the LuK RepSet DMF, which combines the double clutch and dual-mass ﬂywheel, as well as essential hydraulic components.

Furthermore, Schaefﬂer provides complete engine repair solutions through its renowned INA brand, alongside chassis solutions from FAG.

By offering these comprehensive repair solutions in one box, Schaefﬂer signiﬁcantly reduces the time mechanics spend sourcing individual components, while ensuring OE-quality replacements that mitigate the risk of vehicles returning to the workshop under warranty.

Engineering performance, on and off track

Ultimately, Schaefﬂer and BJR are two family-led organisations united by a “people-ﬁrst” culture and a shared commitment to long-term performance. Whether it is delivering precision engineering or providing mechanics with

top-tier parts for popular everyday vehicles like the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max, Schaefﬂer continues to pioneer motion across Australia.

A global force for sustainable mobility

With over 80 years of history and a global workforce of 110,000 employees, the Schaefﬂer Group continues to pioneer motion technologies.

By providing stable supply chains and high-quality OE products — from dual-mass ﬂywheels to high-precision NOx sensors — Schaefﬂer VLS is reinforcing its role as a key enabler of environmentally responsible vehicle maintenance in Australia.

Visit vehiclelifetimesolutions.schaefﬂer. com.au to learn more

LuK, INA and FAG brands deliver OE-quality solutions for Australian workshops.

Schaefﬂer partners with Brad Jones Racing to support the debut of the Toyota Supra in Supercars.

Why choose MTA NSW?

• Upskill your team in EV technologies

Build capability to safely depower, reinitialise, inspect and service battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

• Ensure safety and compliance

Reduce workplace risk and meet high-voltage system standards.

• Invest in future-ready capability

Develop practical skills that align with Australia’s shift to zero-emission transport.

• Learn from industry experts

Hands-on training delivered by experienced professionals.

• Gain recognised credentials

Upon successful completion of course, participants receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment.

Holden for a cause

Restored Classic Holden Set to Raise Funds for Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service

fter more than a decade of dedication, collaboration, and craftsmanship, a rare 1986 Holden VL Commodore - once part of the iconic Waltons Department Store ﬂeet - is ready to hit the auction block in support of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

The project by TAFE NSW Wollongbar, saw automotive students breathe new life into the classic Australian vehicle.

What began as an idea in 2015 has evolved into a symbol of skill, passion, and local pride - culminating in a show-stopping restoration of one of Holden’s most distinctive ﬂeet cars.

Originally painted in ‘Waltons Blue’ (1B807), a colour trademarked and reserved for Waltons ﬂeet vehicles, the Commodore was fully restored by TAFE NSW students across multiple disciplines including mechanical, panel beating, paint and upholstery. The project provided handson training for students while preserving a piece of Australian automotive history.

TAFE NSW Automotive Head Teacher Kirk Trease, who’s name appears in the logbook having serviced the car himself as a young mechanic in the 1990s, said the car was stripped back to a bare shell and rebuilt better than new.

“Over the years, the restoration was broken down and timed to aligned to what the

students’ were learning at the time,” he said.

“This project helped build skills, and it also gave the students a sense of ownership, pride and respect.

“The students got the satisfaction of knowing their work will contribute to a better outcome for their community by raising funds for the helicopter service.”

A tribute to Australian manufacturing

With Holden ceasing production in Australia in 2017, the restoration gained additional signiﬁcance, becoming a tribute to the legacy of Australian-made cars.

The Commodore drew much attention at the 2024 North Coast Show ‘n’ Shine in Ballina, where the quality of the rebuild and its unique backstory turned heads and sparked debate on how best to raise funds from the vehicle with the decision made to auction the Commodore.

“This has been a long journey, and we’re incredibly grateful to the staff and students at TAFE NSW Wollongbar for their unwavering commitment,” said Westpac Rescue Helicopter Northern Rivers Regional Partnerships Ofﬁcer John Bancroft who has been close to the project since its inception.

“The funds raised from the auction will directly support the lifesaving work of our Rescue Helicopter crews here at our Lismore base.”

Show-quality restoration

The restoration has seen the vehicle returned to its original ﬁnish, using premium PPG coatings and painstaking detailing to create a mirror-like ﬁnish. The engine, interior, trim, glass and electrics have all been either restored, replaced, or refurbished to show-quality standard.

The car will be auctioned by Pickles Auctions.

TAFE NSW Wollongbar students — including Cameron Killen (pictured) — spent years bringing the iconic “Waltons Blue” Commodore back to life.

The restored 1986 Holden VL Commodore will be auctioned to raise funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

Images: Supplied by

TAFE NSW

INTRODUCING THE NEW PROTEX NS5 ROTOR

Clear visual cue for replacement

Retaining skills SKILLS & TRAINING

Build a workshop they stay for

The skills shortage isn’t going away. The businesses that invest in their apprentices are already a step ahead.

Ask any workshop owner what their biggest business challenge is and, sooner or later, the conversation turns to people.

Finding — and keeping — skilled technicians in a trade that grows increasingly technical every year is a challenge felt across the industry.

The vehicles on hoists today bear little resemblance to those of a decade ago.

Hybrid systems, advanced driver assistance technology, complex onboard diagnostics — the job has changed, and the expertise required has changed with it.

The demand for qualiﬁed technicians is intensifying at precisely the moment the pipeline of new talent needs strengthening.

The good news is that workshops investing deliberately in their apprentices are seeing real results — young people who complete their training, grow into conﬁdent tradespersons, and become the technical backbone of the business. These aren’t lucky workshops. They’re intentional ones, and their approach is well within reach of any employer willing to be thoughtful about how they bring people on.

Structure drives development

It starts with structure.

The most effective workshops rotate apprentices through different areas of the trade, ensuring they build a broad skill set from the ground up.

Pairing each apprentice with a dedicated mentor, someone genuinely invested in their development, creates a relationship that pays dividends well beyond the formal training years.

Regular, informal check-ins about progress and goals keep apprentices engaged and moving forward.

Culture builds confidence

Culture matters just as much. Apprentices grow fastest in environments where asking questions is encouraged, and mistakes are treated as learning opportunities.

The workshops that foster this do so intentionally, bringing apprentices into team discussions, seeking their input on everyday processes, and giving them meaningful interaction with customers.

Strong mentorship and culture are key to retaining the next generation of technicians.

These are simple practices, but they signal something important: that the apprentice is a valued member of the team with a real future in the business.

Invest beyond the basics

Smart employers also invest beyond what an RTO can provide.

Sending a third-year to a technical training workshop, providing access to a quality technical database, or supporting attendance at industry events are modest outlays — but the message they send is clear.

This employer is backing you for the long haul. The returns in engagement and retention far outweigh the cost.

Recognition matters

Recognition rounds it out.

People work harder for employers who notice their efforts, and that’s especially true for younger workers still ﬁnding their feet.

A genuine acknowledgement — whether privately or in front of the team — has a disproportionate impact on motivation during the formative years of a trade career.

The apprentice who starts with you today, with the right support, will become your senior technician in the years ahead.

The workshops that understand this aren’t just solving their own workforce problem — they’re helping shape the future of the trade itself.

The industry’s skills challenge is real. But so is the opportunity for workshops willing to meet it.

Visit vacc.com.au to learn about how you can best build your workshop for long-term success

The VACC is investing in training with its new training centre to be built in North Melbourne

DBA DOES EURO BRAKES BETTER

FEATURES & BENEFITS:

Two-piece design for economical replacement option

Premium grade of materials for reliable & consistent braking performance

Kangaroo Paw ventilation improves cooling by up to 20%

Patented T3 slotting provides enhanced pedal feel & improved dust evacuation

Painted non-friction surfaces inhibit rust

TGHP stripes helps monitor rotor fatigue & operating conditions

SKILLS & TRAINING FOCUS FEATURE

that deliver

Strengthening skills development drives shared success Skills

ith skills education and development so critical for the economic success of Australia, in recent years Federal and State Governments have focussed on investing in the vocational education and training (VET) sector to ensure there are enough skilled workers coming through the system to meet industry needs.

Notably, there are deﬁnite improvements to the skills shortage becoming evident in recent times as a result.

Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) — including TAFEs, as well as private and

industry providers — have undertaken the majority of the work in this area and deserve recognition for the results achieved.

But while the VET sector is the primary deliverer of skills education, there remains a unique role for WorldSkills Australia to contribute to the promotion and development of skills excellence.

We see our role as a ‘value-add’ — not just to the work of RTOs, but also to apprentices/trainees, their employers, and indeed the broader Australian economy.

A unique role in skills excellence

One of the key ways WorldSkills Australia achieves this goal is via our biennial Australian Skills Excellence Forum, which we recently held in Perth at the end of March.

Hosted by the Western Australia Government via the Department of Training and Workforce Development, with support from North and South Metropolitan TAFEs, the forum focused on upskilling and professional development.

More than 100 participants had the opportunity to further develop their skills in hands-on sessions while also learning about networking, personal branding and workplace mental health.

Real-world impact

Already high achievers within their specialist skill, forum participants had the opportunity to broaden and deepen their skills while building on the high-quality education they have already received from their regular RTO and workplace.

This masterclass-style learning environment is unique within the skills education sector, and its impact is almost immediate.

Participants return to their work and training with upgraded skills and increased enthusiasm — both of which can translate into increased productivity and achievement.

Supporting completion and confidence

Importantly, participation in events like the WorldSkills Australia Skills Excellence Forum has a direct ﬂow on effect to apprenticeship completion rates, which remain an area of concern in the VET system.

When asked as part of our post-event survey, 93 per cent of respondents said that being involved with WorldSkills Australia motivated them to finish their current education — a significant value-add which delivers benefits right across the Australian economy.

WorldSkills recently held its biennial Australian Skills Excellence Forum at Optus Stadium in Perth. Image:

Built, not born

Forging Australia’s next generation of mechanics

n every workshop across Australia, there’s a moment you can’t teach in a classroom.

It’s not in the manuals.

It’s not on a whiteboard at TAFE.

And it’s deﬁnitely not learned by watching from the sidelines.

It’s the moment an apprentice picks up a tool—and either learns the right way, or the wrong way.

Because great mechanics aren’t born. They’re built.

Where training ends and reality begins

Australia’s apprenticeship system has long been the backbone of the automotive industry.

It produces thousands of capable technicians every year—yet ask any workshop owner, and you’ll hear the same thing:

There’s a gap. Not in knowledge—but in application.

Understanding torque specs is one thing. Applying them correctly, consistently, under pressure—that’s something else entirely.

Knowing how threads work is theory. Avoiding a stripped bolt on a critical job is experience.

This is where real training begins. And more often than not, it starts with the tools in hand.

The tools that shape the tradesperson

Early habits don’t just form quickly—they stick for life.

An apprentice using inconsistent or lowquality tools isn’t just getting the job done slower.

They’re building muscle memory around inaccuracy. They’re learning to second-

guess results. They’re normalising rework. And over time, those small compromises become standard practice.

On the other hand, when an apprentice starts with tools that are precise, reliable, and built for purpose, something different happens.

They learn what “correct” feels like.

A properly calibrated torque wrench doesn’t just tighten a fastener—it teaches discipline.

A well-engineered hand tool doesn’t just grip—it builds conﬁdence in every movement.

These aren’t just tools. They’re training instruments.

Precision is a learned skill

One of the most overlooked aspects of apprenticeship training is that precision isn’t automatic—it’s developed. Torque is a perfect example.

lack of effort. They come from a lack of consistency in how apprentices are trained—and what they’re trained with.

Investing in better tools early doesn’t just improve outcomes.

It reduces friction across the entire workshop.

It creates apprentices who require less correction, deliver more reliable work, and develop faster into conﬁdent tradespeople.

tools are often the constant presence— used every day, on every job, reinforcing what “good” looks like without saying a word.

That’s where the real difference is made.

Forged for the future

Too often, it’s treated as a number to hit, rather than a technique to master. But any experienced mechanic knows the truth: accuracy comes from repetition, feel, and trust in your equipment.

Without that foundation, mistakes happen.

Over-tightened bolts, damaged threads or components that fail before they should.

Each one is more than just an error—it’s a breakdown in training.

The hidden cost of getting It wrong

For workshop owners and senior technicians, the impact is clear.

Every mistake made by an apprentice has a cost:

• Time lost on rework

• Increased supervision

• Risk to reputation

• Reduced efﬁciency across the ﬂoor

But these issues rarely stem from a

Building the standard from day one

The best workshops in Australia understand this. They don’t treat tools as an afterthought or a cost to minimise.

They treat them as part of the training system.

Because the tools an apprentice uses in their ﬁrst year will deﬁne how they approach every job that follows.

Cut corners early, and you build habits that are hard to break.

Set the standard early, and you build technicians who carry it for life.

More than just tools

At its core, apprenticeship is about passing something down.

Not just knowledge — but standards. Expectations. Pride in workmanship.

And while mentorship plays a critical role,

As the automotive industry evolves— hybrids, EVs, new materials and technologies—the fundamentals don’t change. Fasteners still need to be tightened correctly, threads still need to be protected — precision still matters.

The next generation of mechanics won’t just need to adapt. They’ll need a stronger foundation than ever before.

Final word

Great mechanics aren’t created by chance. They’re shaped by repetition and guided by experience.

And built on the foundation of the tools they use every single day.

Because in the end, the difference between average and exceptional isn’t just what you know — it’s how you work.

Warren & Brown Tools equips mechanics from day-one until retirement. Head to wbtools.com.au — the benchmark for tools that train, perform, and endure for Australian workshops

Strong training foundations create the next generation of skilled, reliable technicians.

The right tools — such as the Warren & Brown Screen Micrometer Torque Wrench — help apprentices develop precision, conﬁdence and consistency from day one.

Images:

How Jack is building both his skills and conﬁdence

Apprentice Panel Beater, Jack Richards, has been plying his trade for three years now. He was inspired to pursue it like others in his family before him, taking it more seriously when he realised how good he was at his job, as well as how much he enjoyed the work.

Solidifying skills and boosting confidence

Jack has thoroughly enjoyed his WorldSkills journey so far, but it’s quite easy to pick his proudest moment. “It was when I won the National Championships in Brisbane,” he said with a smile.

“Professionally, the competition has taught me I can excel in my career. It’s specifically helped me manage my time and work more efficiently. Personally, it’s given me confidence and belief in my skills and abilities.”

Upon hearing of his 2026 Skillaroos Training Squad selection, Jack says he was equal parts shocked and happy. He credits his employer, Grant Browan, for much of his success. “He encouraged me to enter the competition and has helped

Promoting skills excellence is so important. It shows the world we’re not only good at what we do in Australia, but we have amazing training too

Strong mentorship plays a key role in developing the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

me prepare every day. I appreciate his belief in me,” he said.

“I really admire him. He’s taught me how to do panel repairs properly, being really clear about the right way to go about it. I can’t thank him enough for not only taking me on as an apprentice, but passing on his skills.”

Hopes of running the show

Looking ahead, Jack said he’s keen to “become more efﬁcient” in his trade and hopes to run his own business one day.

Fast. Precise. Non-Destructive. Thread Repair Tools & Kits

Restore damaged or worn threads quickly, accurately, and without removing material. Our premium thread repair tools and kits are built for professional workshops and mobile service technicians who need results they can trust.

From passenger cars to heavy machinery, these tools deliver:

• Non-destructive repair that preserves original thread strength

• Versatile applications across cars, trucks, buses, trailers, and more

• Hardened stainless steel construction for long-lasting performance in tough environments

Our range includes:

• P/N: 162100 (X-Nut) - For passenger cars & light commercial vehicles

• P/N: 162101 (X-Nut XL) - Heavy-duty solution for trucks, trailers & large equipment

• P/N: 162103 (X-R16) Metric Roller Die Set - Precision repair for common thread sizes

Whether you need a compact on-site solution or a heavy-duty workshop model, you’ll get tools engineered to reduce downtime, extend component life, and avoid costly replacements.

162103

WORDS AND IMAGES: IAIN CURRY

Pete Longden’s Mk1

Mechanical shows how a one-man enterprise mixing modern and classic proves a success

AVolkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Beetle and Porsche 911. If you were to name an ultimate trio of iconic German cars, good luck trumping that line-up.

A workshop full of icons

I’m greeted by this Euro threesome at Mk1 Mechanical on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, a one-man band VW and Audi servicing and repair specialist owned by Pete Longden.

The blue Golf is the boxy Mk1 generation and looking every inch the street-registered race car; the Beetle’s in pieces but with a hot rebuilt engine in its rear, while the lefthand-drive 1981 911 looks immaculate and ripe for long distance sports touring.

Pete’s workshop is spacious and well laid out, giving ample room to operate and house parts, panels and spare engines.

I’ve seen city shops ﬁt a dozen working mechanics into less space, so it’s unusual to ﬁnd just one man on the tools here.

“I don’t want the headache of having an employee,” Pete said. “I’ve got a couple of friends who’ve had staff, and I’ve seen them change; seen it almost wreck them. I thought if I’m going to be a failure here, it’ll be because of me, it won’t be anyone else.”

A niche that works

The system’s working well from what I saw.

Mk1 Mechanical has been around for a dozen years, the business named after the ﬁrst generation VW Golf. I don’t know about you, but I can’t recall the last time I saw a Mk1 Golf on the road.

Old Beetles and Kombis? Yep, they’ve everywhere. But the legendary Golf hatchback in its earliest form has become a proper unicorn.

Surprising, really, as when it was ﬁrst introduced in Australia in 1976 (half a century ago now), it was Wheels Car of the Year and almost 4,500 sold. I have a 1977 edition of Wheels magazine and its new car price guide has the entry-level 55kW threedoor Golf listed for $6648.

Feels pricey when less money bought a Holden LX Torana SLR, 3.3-litre Ford Falcon

Pete’s race-prepped 1976 Mk1 Golf GTI remains road legal and serves as excellent promotion for his business.

500 Wagon or a Leyland Mini and Moke.

The little Golf was a desirable thing, so it’s strange they haven’t survived in higher numbers.

It didn’t help that the hero MK1 Golf GTI version was never ofﬁcially sold here: any examples you see are private imports.

Pete’s is one: a 1976 three-door, making it one of the very ﬁrst examples of the hot hatch.

With 16-valve engine, 190hp at the wheels, race seats and roll cage it’s had a colourful racing life, all the while remaining street legal.

Built to be driven

It shifted a concrete barrier block at Noosa’s notorious hill climb; got friendly with barriers at the Mt Cotton hill climb, and there are wall-hung paint-swapped panels as a souvenir from racing in the 2017 Queensland Touring Car Championship.

It’s a GTI that’s used enthusiastically, and is deceptively fast: that’s what an 820kg kerb weight will do.

From parts desk to workshop owner

Pete started his career straight from school in 1990, working for 13 years in spare parts at Nambour’s Volkswagen dealership in Queensland.

After marriage and kids, he hit a career crossroads: play drums professionally in a

band, or become a motor mechanic.

Oily bits won out over full-time gigging.

“I’d been working on cars at weekends, and on VWs in my backyard shed,” Pete said.

“I didn’t actually go through an apprenticeship, I got RPL’d (Recognition of Prior Learning), and the guy evaluating said ‘we can’t teach you anything, you’re all good working on Volkswagens,’”.

He set up shop close to home for a good work/life balance, and “stayed in my lane just doing Volkswagens pretty much.”

“It’s been successful because of the gigs I don’t take on,” Pete said.

“Some of this stuff can smash you. The other week someone came in and the car needed an adaptive cruise sensor – just go to the dealer. Same with the big stupid sunroofs that leak. You don’t touch them. That’s part of staying alive here; dealers have the proper tools for those jobs, so you go to them.

“Servicing Golfs and Amaroks pays my bills – timing belts, brakes and servicing –and it gives me time for mine and my mates’ cars.”

Passion projects and personal cars

He points to his beautiful California-import Platinum metallic 1981 Porsche 911 SC, bought from a friend who helped with an engine rebuild, and recently enjoyed on a

Great Ocean Road trip with his wife, Tash.

“It’s not that fast, but there’s nothing like driving it. It’s the car you had on your wall as a kid.”

Then there’s the in-pieces Beetle that’s had a high-performance engine transplant sent from a Swedish tuning shop.

Next, a waiting LS-motor is destined for a mate’s Holden VS ute, and there’s a sublime Euro-look modiﬁed Mk1 Golf GTI awaiting attention out front. Plenty of variety on show here.

Modern cars, modern challenges

Later models? Pete isn’t about to recommend a modern Volkswagen.

“I’ve got a Mk5 Golf GTI (2004-09), and won’t buy anything newer,” he said.

“When I get asked what car do I buy for my kid, I say a Hyundai i30, Mazda3 or Toyota Corolla. I’ve had people in tears in here due to VW bills. A mother and daughter had a VW each at the local dealer with engines apart, and $13,000 and $18,000 quotes to repair.”

He offers advice to those considering a second-hand modern Volkswagen.

“You really need to go into everything, because it’s highly likely something’s wrong with it in some way, or not yet reared its ugly head,” he warned.

“The cars themselves are great, I’m only really talking about the drivetrain and

VW Beetle, VW Golf and Porsche 911: the workshop is a treasure trove of German icons.

gearbox.” The VW Group’s DSG gearbox, as most know, was hardly a byword for reliability.

A lifelong connection to Mk1 Golfs

Pete’s passion for early water-cooled VWs remains strong. He had his ﬁrst taste of the Mk1 Golf when he borrowed his boss’ wife’s example when starting out.

“I took off down the road and I just went ‘wow,’ what a zingy little thing,” he said. “I never got stuck on Beetles, but I did on Golfs. I had probably a dozen Mk1 Golfs in my backyard at one point, and still own one of the only 236 Mk2 Golf GTIs that came to Australia.

“It only cost me $20,000 at the time.”

The workshop features a treasure-trove of VW parts. Boxes of mechanical bits, panels hung on the wall, doors on shelves and all those in-stock consumables that make Pete’s shop a go-to place for the Volkswagen crowd.

The reality of working solo

While the work’s rewarding, Pete admits it often becomes lonely on his own.

It’s something I’ve heard numerous times from solo-ing mechanics – mobile ones and those with commercial workshops — and a reminder of how important it is to try and have relationships or at least regular contact with local jobbing mechanics.

They may be rivals to some extent, but sharing experiences, bouncing around ideas or just having a good old fashioned bitch about the industry is vitally important.

“When diagnosing an issue with a car, it can be hard when you’re bumping stuff off Google rather than off the guy working here and having a chat about it,” Pete explained.

The challenges of modern ngineering

Aspects that have proved frustrating on modern VWs, in Pete’s eyes, include the complexity of driver aids, and the abundance of brittle plastics in the engine bay. He also acknowledged EVs have their place, but not to dominate in Australia yet.

“But I’m a mechanic, and I’m going to like the sounds of an engine and how it all works,” he reminded.

Looking to the next generation

What about the next generation? Are there those who’ll be willing and able to work on old Golfs and Beetles in future?

“Kids need to get a taste of working on a car they own and in their own time, then drive it and think it’s great,” Pete said.

The gratiﬁcation of ﬁ xing or creating something yourself, basically.

Pete references rebuilding his Porsche 911’s engine, while mentioning he was glad it wasn’t his ﬁrst rodeo.

“There’s no better feeling than making something go better,” he said.

And that doesn’t happen if it’s a customer’s car. It must be your own.

“If you don’t get to drive it, or rock up at a show and have people asking about it, your car, there’s not the same satisfaction.

“It’s often hard, sometimes it’s boring as hell. I had a friend’s son in for work experience and told him it’s going to be rocker cover on a V6 Amarok day. First thing he did was undo the sump plug and burn his hand on the oil. Well, I wasn’t going to just get him to sweep the ﬂoor.”

Advice that stands the test of time

Pete says he’s buoyed to see young people still working on their own cars, even if the scene isn’t as cool as when he was picking up Mk1 Golfs for next to nothing.

“I’m so happy to be a 1972 model,” he said with a grin.

“I know what a carburettor is and how it works.

If I could give any advice to the next generation, it’s do your homework and read old stuff.

Old car books. And be fussy on your parts; check where they come from.”

And, as his enduring affection for Mk1 Golfs proves, work on the cars you love.

Pete owns the 911: The move from Volkswagen to Porsche is a natural progression it seems.

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

Cable comeback

Ageing vehicles drive renewal workshop demand

or years, control cables have been the quiet achievers of the automotive world—reliable, mechanical components overshadowed by the rapid rise of electronics. But across Australian workshops, they’re ﬁrmly back in the spotlight.

The reason is straightforward: the car parc is ageing. With the average vehicle now exceeding 11 years on the road—and climbing—more cars are entering the phase where wear-and-tear components begin to fail. Add in rising new car prices and ongoing cost-of-living pressures, and owners are holding onto vehicles longer than ever.

Wear and tear reality

That shift is reshaping the day-to-day workload in workshops. While scan tools and software updates still dominate the conversation, technicians are increasingly dealing with old-school mechanical failures—particularly control cables.

Handbrake cables stretch or seize. Gear shift cables lose their accuracy. Bonnet and door release cables corrode or snap, often without warning. They might not grab headlines, but they’re becoming a consistent source of workshop jobs— especially in European vehicles, where tighter packaging and more complex routing can accelerate wear.

Diagnosis and downtime

For technicians, control cable issues aren’t always straightforward. Failures can be intermittent, easily mistaken for faults in linkages or other components. Access can also be a challenge, with cables routed through conﬁned engine bays or along underbodies that demand time and patience.

That makes accurate diagnosis critical. Misidentifying the issue doesn’t just waste time — it increases the risk of repeat visits and customer frustration.

Opportunity in prevention

While cable failures present challenges, they also open the door for proactive servicing. Identifying early signs of wear — fraying, stiffness or reduced responsiveness — can prevent unexpected breakdowns and improve overall vehicle feel.

It’s also a chance to build trust.

Customers may not think about control cables, but they notice when something doesn’t feel right. Addressing these issues before failure reinforces workshop credibility and reduces costly comebacks.

Mechanical still matters

There’s a broader takeaway here. Even as vehicles become more advanced, they remain fundamentally mechanical. As they age, those mechanical systems—often overlooked—start to demand attention again.

Control cables might not be glamorous, but they’re proving essential in today’s service environment.

Range and readiness

As demand returns, having the right parts on hand is key. Transgold’s OEM-quality control cable program is designed to support the realities of an ageing vehicle ﬂeet, offering consistent ﬁtment and reliable performance across a growing range.

“We know there is a need out there for quality, replacement control cables. We’ve had feedback from our trade customers to conﬁrm this. So, we’ve started to assemble our range,” Transgold Managing Director Keith Yong said.

“At the moment it covers the most common makes and models where cables are needed- principally Japanese, Korean, and European brands. Over the coming months we’ll be expanding the range. As with all our OEM products, we’re looking to offer the best coverage of the market possible.”

Back in focus

Control cables are no longer background components—they’re back on the frontline. For workshops, recognising their growing importance is key to staying ahead of both customer expectations and an ageing car parc.

GMB Premium Products from OEM to Aftermarket

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Fan Clutch

WHEN YOU NEED THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB

BE RYCO READY

When you’re working on a vehicle, it’s important you have the right tools on hand to ensure that you achieve the best job possible.

It’s why Ryco have developed a range of tools and accessories to assist with filter servicing.

So when you’re working with filters, be sure you’re Ryco Ready.

Motorsport DNA, road ready

BRIDGESTONE POTENZA Adrenalin RE005 built for performance drivers

ridgestone unleashes its performance pedigree with the introduction of the BRIDGESTONE POTENZA Adrenalin RE005, the latest evolution in its premium sport tyre lineup.

For workshops, it’s another reminder that tyre technology is moving fast — and customers are expecting more from what meets the road.

Rooted in motorsport heritage, the Potenza name has long stood for precision and control.

The Adrenalin line, developed under the concept of ‘maximising driving pleasure’, brings that DNA into real-world driving conditions. The RE005 builds on that philosophy, delivering a balance of everyday usability and sharp performance.

Measurable performance gains

For technicians ﬁtting and recommending tyres, the numbers matter. The RE005 delivers an 8 per cent improvement in dry grip and a 12 per cent increase in wet grip1 over its predecessor, the RE003.

That translates to stronger braking, more predictable handling and greater conﬁdence behind the wheel.

Its wide block design helps distribute contact pressure evenly, supporting consistent grip across varying surfaces.

Meanwhile, connecting blocks enhance cornering stability, particularly under load when entering and exiting turns.

The distinctive ‘A’-shaped groove isn’t just a styling cue — it plays a key role in delivering predictable, responsive handling.

Built for control

Steering response is a key focus, with a wide inside rib designed to react quickly to driver inputs.

For workshops, this means a tyre that not only performs but also communicates clearly to the driver — something performance-focused customers will notice immediately.

On wet roads, the advanced rain pulse groove improves water evacuation, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.

Combined with an updated rubber

compound, the RE005 maintains grip in less-than-ideal conditions without compromising responsiveness.

Efficiency meets durability

Modern tyre design isn’t just about grip — it’s also about longevity and efﬁciency.

The RE005’s compound reduces rolling resistance2, supporting improved fuel economy while extending wear life.

The Multi-Round Block design further optimises contact pressure, particularly at the shoulder, helping maintain consistent performance over time.

For technicians, this means a product that balances performance with practicality — an important factor when advising customers weighing cost against capability.

Workshop relevance

“Potenza Adrenalin RE005 enters the Australian & New Zealand market with enormous anticipation as the next tyre in what has become an iconic range. There

are few products in the world that have a cult following like Potenza Adrenalin,” Bridgestone Australia & New Zealand Managing Director Heath Barclay said.

“It’s a tyre that genuinely thrills its loyal customer base.”

With sizes ranging from 15 to 20 inches and availability across Asia Paciﬁc markets from 2026, the RE005 is set to cover a broad section of the Australian car parc.

Grip unleashed

For workshops, the RE005 represents more than just another tyre — it’s a step forward in balancing performance, safety and longevity.

As customer expectations continue to rise, understanding what’s under the vehicle is just as important as what’s under the bonnet.

Advanced compound and groove design improve wet weather control and durability.

The RE005’s distinctive tread pattern delivers grip, stability and responsive handling.

Images: Bridgestone

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

Smart integration

The 75-inch display delivers real-time alignment and ADAS calibration data in one view.

with support for both manual and motorised adjustments. Visual guidance ensures targets are correctly aligned — critical for ADAS systems that rely on millimetre-level precision.

Broad coverage, real capability

With a database covering over 50,000 vehicle models and support for more than 95 per cent of ADAS-equipped vehicles globally, the WAA613 is built for the realities of today’s workshop. Continuous updates ensure compatibility keeps pace with new vehicle technology.

Wheel alignment functions cover all key parameters — front toe, camber, caster, SAI and thrust angle — along with additional measurements like wheelbase, track width and axle offset.

This depth of data gives technicians the tools needed for both quick checks and detailed diagnostics.

Digital-first reporting

All-in-one workﬂow with WAA613 Wheel Alignment and ADAS system

s modern vehicles continue to blur the line between mechanical systems and advanced electronics, workshop equipment is evolving to match.

The WAA613 Wheel Alignment with ADAS system is positioned as a fully integrated solution, combining wireless 3D wheel alignment with ADAS calibration in a single platform.

Designed to eliminate fragmented workﬂows, the system brings alignment and calibration together — reducing setup time, improving accuracy and streamlining dayto-day operations in busy workshops.

A clearer view of the job

At the centre of the system is a 75-inch display that replaces traditional physical targets with digital visuals.

Wheel alignment data and calibration targets are presented in real time, giving technicians a clearer, more intuitive understanding of each adjustment.

Wireless screen mirroring allows the interface to move seamlessly from tablet to large display, creating a uniﬁed workspace.

The result is less time switching between tools and more time focused on precision.

Workflow without rework

One of the biggest productivity gains comes from the integrated operation workﬂow.

Once alignment is complete, the system transitions to ADAS calibration with a single action — no need to reset or reposition equipment.

Optimised software underpins the process, guiding technicians step-by-step with clear visual prompts.

This simpliﬁed calibration workﬂow reduces complexity, shortens training time and helps maintain consistency across jobs.

Precision through automation

Accuracy is driven by features like Bluetooth laser distance measurement, which automatically captures centring, parallelism and height data.

By removing manual input, the system reduces human error while speeding up the process.

Laser-assisted positioning and crossbeam height detection further reﬁne calibration,

The move toward paperless workshops is supported through automatic report generation.

The system produces professional inspection and calibration comparisons, making it easy to share results with customers and maintain accurate digital records.

Beyond diagnostics

Importantly, the WAA613 isn’t limited to alignment and calibration duties. Using the included diagnostic VCI, it also functions as a comprehensive automotive diagnostic platform, bringing passenger car and heavy-duty truck diagnostics, anti-theft matching and IMMO functions, online coding and programming, remote diagnostics, full system scanning and more than 30 common maintenance functions into a single unit.

The system can also be expanded with additional modules, supporting tyre tread depth detection, oscilloscope and multimeter functions, current clamp testing and videoscope inspections. Backed by three years of free software updates for both passenger and heavy-duty applications, it’s designed to stay relevant as vehicle technology evolves.

Calibrate smarter

The WAA613 reﬂects where the industry is heading — towards integration, automation and efﬁciency.

For workshops navigating the growing complexity of ADAS-equipped vehicles, bringing alignment and calibration into one streamlined system isn’t just convenient — it’s becoming essential.

Visit out launchtech.com.au or call 1300 369 788 to learn more

Images: Launch

The WAA613 comes with a VCI that allows for comprehensive vehicle diagnostics.

European vehicles have become a ﬁ xture of the Australian car parc. Walk through any busy workshop, and you will likely ﬁnd everything from a VW Golf hatchback to a large BMW X5 SUV or even a highly powered Mercedes C63 AMG on the hoist.

The volume and breadth of European models on local roads have grown steadily over the past two decades, and the number requiring brake work grows with it every year.

For technicians and parts distributors, that shift creates one straightforward challenge: having the right braking components available, at the right quality, without the uncertainty that comes with sourcing from overseas.

European models tend to run larger rotor diameters and more complex caliper setups than their local and Asian-manufactured counterparts, which means having a supplier that genuinely understands those vehicles makes a real difference to how smoothly a workshop runs.

Disc Brakes Australia has spent decades building that understanding.

A catalogue built on depth, not just volume

DBA is frequently associated with performance braking and heavy-duty applications. However, the breadth of the

car parc it covers for European vehicles is not as widely discussed.

DBA’s catalogue covers a range of European brands that ﬁll Australian workshops every day such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Porsche, Land Rover, Range Rover, Renault, Volvo, Skoda, Cupra, Mini and more across multiple generations.

What separates a well-stocked catalogue from a superﬁcially broad one is coverage across variants.

A range built only around the most common conﬁgurations leaves technicians searching the moment a less popular vehicle comes through the door.

DBA adds new applications regularly, timed to keep pace with European platforms entering the local market and older ones ageing through the parc.

Quality over the lifetime of the job

While price will always be part of a parts decision, workshops that have chased the cheapest rotor and dealt with the fallout know the real cost sits elsewhere.

A rotor that fails early, develops lateral runout ahead of schedule, or generates noise complaints costs far more than the savings on the original purchase.

It costs in warranty labour, rework time, and customer conﬁdence.

DBA’s manufacturing processes are

engineered to meet tighter tolerances consistently, which means workshops fitting DBA components are fitting to a specification that holds up under the harsh Australian conditions.

DBA’s engineering expertise focuses on offering products that are either the equivalent to or better than the original vehicle speciﬁcations.

That is a different proposition from reaching for the cheapest rotor on the shelf. It is also a different proposition from OE dealer supply, where the same part frequently carries a signiﬁcant price premium with no engineering justiﬁcation beyond the badge on the box. For workshops that need to carry out the job correctly without sending customers to the dealer, DBA sits in that gap.

Australian manufacturing and what it means for supply

DBA continues to manufacture brake rotors at its Silverwater facility in New South Wales, where the company maintains close control over product quality and consistency.

The DBA Disc rotors utilise high-carbon cast iron formulations suited to Australian driving conditions, machined to tolerances that meet or exceed OE speciﬁcations.

Local manufacturing also increases supply chain security as shipping delays

and port congestions have a lesser impact on ensuring product availability.

Beyond the standard replacement DBA’s T2 and T3 slot designs, Kangaroo Paw pillar ventilation system, high-carbon cast iron formulation and thermal stability proﬁling are the features that set DBA brake rotors apart from the rest.

A couple of the reasons are the removal of gases and debris from the friction surface and an improvement in heat dissipation.

As a result, DBA rotors offer greater dimensional stability as temperatures climb rather than distorting under load.

It is the product of an organisation that has spent ﬁve decades innovating, developing and manufacturing brake rotors for varying applications, including the wide range of European vehicles on Australian roads.

For workshops with enthusiast-oriented European customers, the DBA slotted Disc Rotor range provides a higher-performing

to become a more frequently seen in Australian workshops.

The mix keeps growing, the models keep becoming more advanced, and the expectations from owners keep rising –

braking supplier in place are not scrambling when an unfamiliar European platform rolls through the door.

That is the position DBA has been building toward for ﬁve decades.

Australian-made DBA rotors deliver consistent performance and supply reliability for busy workshops.

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

Performance deﬁned

Protex unveils its new Nova Slot NS5 Rotor

Protex has poured home-grown innovation and engineering into its latest NS5 Rotor.

After more than two years of testing, both on- and off-road, this bi-directional rotor is ready for the Australian aftermarket.

Designed with four-wheel drive and performance in mind, this cutting-edge rotor is built to handle tough and demanding driving conditions.

Made of the right stuff

Protex Product Development Manager Tony Doyle said the NS5 Rotor stands apart from typical aftermarket options thanks to its advanced materials and engineering.

“In terms of materials and design, the NS5 rotor uses high carbon metallurgy,” he said.

“High carbon refers to the cast iron composition of the rotor. This improves thermal stability and increases its ability to handle repeated heat cycles.

“For example, in a four-wheel drive application, when towing, carrying increased load, or operating in steep terrain, you generate signiﬁcant heat through braking.

“The braking system needs to manage that effectively.

“When we talk about slotted rotors as an upgrade, we’re referring to improving the standard OE-sized rotor through enhancements like slotting and metallurgy to deliver better braking performance.”

Another standout feature is the NS5’s Ultracoat Z360® coating, which provides advanced corrosion protection and improves long-term durability — particularly in harsh environments such as coastal regions, wet conditions, or frequent water exposure like boat launching.

“This is an advanced corrosion protection coating,” Tony added.

“It improves durability, especially in harsh environments — such as coastal areas, wet conditions, or when vehicles are regularly exposed to water, like when launching boats.

It also makes installation easier.

“The rotor can be ﬁtted straight out of the box without the need for cleaning, which reduces the use of chemicals in the workshop.

“Additionally, it helps prevent corrosion

between the rotor and hub, making future removal and servicing easier.”

Performance in mind

The NS5 Rotor has been developed to suit Australia’s growing SUV, four-wheel drive and performance vehicle segments, where increased vehicle mass and higher demands place greater strain on braking systems.

“For four-wheel drives, you’re often dealing with increased vehicle mass — things like towing, GVM upgrades, roof racks and additional equipment,” Tony explained.

“All of that puts more strain on the braking system.

“In the performance and enthusiast segments, there’s also a demand for improved braking under higher speeds or more demanding conditions.

“There’s also an aesthetic element. With modern wheel designs, you can see more of the braking system, and slotted rotors offer a visual upgrade as well.”

From a workshop perspective, the NS5’s bi-directional design simpliﬁes installation, eliminating the need for separate left- and

High-carbon + Z360® Ultracoat

Bi-directional slot design

Smart Dot ™ wear indicator

Low noise & pad wear

right-hand part numbers and reducing inventory complexity and ordering errors.

The rotor’s slot design also plays a key role in performance, helping to clear gases and debris generated during braking.

This improves initial bite, enhances pedal feel and boosts overall driver conﬁdence, while also contributing to better fade resistance.

“When a brake pad contacts the rotor, gases and debris are produced,” Tony added.

“The slots help remove that build-up, improving braking performance.

“This results in better initial bite, which improves pedal feel and driver conﬁdence.

“It also enhances fade resistance by managing heat and debris more effectively.”

Tony said the extensive development process, including advanced simulation and real-world validation, has resulted in a high-performance product engineered for demanding conditions.

“It was designed using computer-aided design and validated through computer simulations, including ﬁnite element

without having to remove the

analysis, which helps prove the product before real-world testing.

“Thermal and dynamic surveys were also conducted to deliver what we consider a world-class product.”

Designed to go further

With its combination of high carbon metallurgy, advanced corrosion protection and practical design features, the NS5 Rotor represents a considered step forward for the Australian aftermarket.

Backed by extensive testing and engineered to meet the demands of modern four-wheel drive and performance vehicles, it delivers a balance of durability, braking performance and workshop-friendly installation — positioning it as a strong option for drivers looking to upgrade beyond standard OE solutions.

To learn more about the NS5 and other Protex brake parts, head over to protexparts.com.au

The NS5 slot has been designed to work with modern ceramic and metallic friction materials commonly used in the market.

The NS5 Rotor’s Smart Dot indicator allows users to assess wear easily

wheel.

Images: Bapcor

EYE ON THE INDUSTRY

Budget impact

What the upcoming Federal Budget means for your workshop

We can safely say Australia’s automotive sector is at a structural crossroads.

With skills shortages, electric vehicle transition and rising compliance costs impacting the day-to-day operations, MTA NSW Group is focusing on advocacy ahead of the 2026–27 Federal Budget and drawing attention to key reforms for our industry. In February this year, we formally submitted recommendations to the Federal Government through its Pre-Budget Submission, outlining six priority reforms. For trade business owners, these are not abstract policy positions, they are the decisions that will directly shape your hiring capacity, capital investment choices and the ability to service an increasingly complex vehicle ﬂeet.

Addressing the workforce crisis

Let’s start with the workforce crisis. There is a national shortfall of more than 38,000 qualiﬁed technicians.

For a busy workshop, that is not just a statistic, it is a job ad that goes unanswered for months, a bay that sits idle, customers who wait longer and costs that only move in one direction.

The Priority Hiring Incentive, which once supported businesses taking on apprentices, was cut from $15,000 to $2,500 at the start of this year. We are calling for it to be restored to $15,000, with retention-linked milestones that reward businesses for seeing apprentices through to qualiﬁcation, not just signing them up.

Supporting the EV transition

The electric vehicle (EV) transition is impacting our industry, with dealerships across Australia reporting a marked increase in consumer interest since the fuel crisis began. Australians are actively seeking a way to mitigate their exposure to volatile petrol prices, and more than 114,000 Australians have already switched to EVs.

With the ﬁrst wave of EVs already exiting manufacturer warranty and moving into the independent repair market, we know servicing these vehicles requires different equipment, specialised training and meaningful capital investment.

To be able to provide high-quality services, our submission proposes a $50,000 instant asset write-off for EV

Federal Budget decisions will directly impact hiring, investment and EV readiness for workshops.

workshop equipment, grants of up to $25,000 for facility upgrades, and a $3,000 tool allowance for EV-qualiﬁed technicians.

These are not concessions; they are practical measures that allow businesses to invest with conﬁdence, rather than uncertainty.

End-of-life vehicle challenges

There is also the question of what happens at the end of a vehicle’s life.

Approximately 850,000 vehicles reach end-of-life annually in Australia, generating an estimated 1.36 million tonnes of waste.

As the national ﬂeet transitions, endof-life management, including EV battery stewardship, becomes more complex.

Businesses operating across the vehicle lifecycle need consistent national settings, and the budget is the right place to establish them.

Regulation and compliance

The Government has taken some welcome steps, including extending Unfair Contract Terms protections to franchised businesses and moving toward point-ofsale compliance under the New Vehicle Efﬁciency Standard.

These reforms matter; however, implementation must be adequately resourced and subject to regular review, so that compliance reﬂects real-world trading conditions rather than creating new pressure on dealers and operators.

Industry representation matters

The MTA NSW Group represents more than 3,150 businesses and their 28,000+ workers. We are not calling for special treatment, but for a budget that takes the industry central to Australia’s emissions targets seriously, its regional economy and the mobility of everyday Australians.

The Federal Government has an opportunity to get this right.

Without the right budget settings, small and independent operators will bear the cost. As budget night approaches, we encourage every automotive business owner to consider what the outcome means for your own planning.

To follow MTA NSW Group’s pre-budget advocacy and access the full Pre-Budget Submission, please visit mtansw.com.au/ news-media.

Stavros Yallouridis is CEO of MTA NSW Group, which represents more than 3,150 automotive businesses and 28,000+ workers across NSW and the ACT.

LuK Clutches: OE Quality for Asian Vehicles

As proud sponsors of the Brad Jones Racing Toyota GR Supra, Schaeﬄer brings premium European OEM quality to Asian auto brands. Packaged with everything needed for a seamless replacement, LuK repair solutions deliver performance and reliability.

On show

Penrite to celebrate centenary

Penrite Oil is set to make a strong statement at the 2026 Australian Automotive Aftermarket Expo, returning to Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre from May 14 to 16 with a presence that blends heritage, innovation and commercial value for workshops across the country.

Located at Stand L24, Penrite’s activation is designed with one clear objective, to give mechanics and workshop owners tangible reasons to engage, learn and ultimately drive better outcomes in their businesses.

This year carries added signiﬁcance, marking Penrite’s 100th year in operation.

A century in the Australian automotive landscape is not just a milestone, it is a proof point of consistency, product integrity and deep understanding of local conditions.

For workshop operators, this translates into conﬁdence, conﬁdence in product performance, supply reliability and technical backing.

At the Expo, that legacy will be brought to life through a series of brand-led touchpoints that reinforce why Penrite continues to be a trusted partner in workshops nationwide.

Expanded portfolio on display

Central to the stand experience will be the presence of recently acquired businesses

Brandlines and Australian Automotive Parts

at AAAExpo

2026

(AAP), each bringing their own specialised product portfolios and technical expertise.

Both will be showcased alongside Penrite to give workshops direct exposure to a broader range of high-quality components.

Brandlines will feature leading products including Gabriel suspension, Autolite spark plugs and EZILIFT gas struts, supported by a knowledgeable technical team ready to provide application advice.

AAP will highlight its range across Ultima brakes and shocks, Selby suspension systems and Platinum gaskets, offering workshop owners a closer look at proven, workshop-ready solutions.

Visitors to Stand L24 will gain practical insight into these product ranges and have the opportunity to engage directly with specialists who understand the demands of day-to-day workshop operations.

Hands-on product innovation

From a product perspective, Penrite will showcase its latest advancements across engine oils, lubricants, coolants, additives. Attendees will also have the opportunity to have a look and feel of the new premium Penrite oil and air ﬁlters.

With vehicle technology continuing to evolve, particularly across hybrid, Euro speciﬁcation and high-performance segments, staying up to date with correct product selection is critical.

The stand will provide hands-on access to the latest formulations and speciﬁcations, supported by technical insights that help workshops make informed decisions, reduce comebacks and protect engine longevity.

This is not just a display, it is a practical opportunity to align product choices with modern vehicle requirements.

Engagement and experience

Beyond product and portfolio, Penrite is leaning into engagement.

A series of on-stand activations will give visitors the chance to interact directly with the brand, its people and its history.

In line with the centenary celebrations, attendees will have the opportunity to win exclusive 100th year prizes, adding a commercial incentive to the visit while reinforcing brand connection.

These activations are designed to create energy at the stand and ensure that time spent with Penrite is both valuable and memorable.

A premium showcase

A standout feature for many attendees will be the presence of the Aston Martin DB12 Goldeneye edition from the Penrite Museum Collection.

This vehicle represents more than just visual appeal, it reﬂects the performance

The Aston Martin DB12

pedigree and premium associations that underpin the Penrite brand.

For workshop owners, it serves as a reminder of the importance of using products that meet the demands of high-performance engineering, while also providing a drawcard that makes Stand L24 a must-visit destination on the Expo ﬂoor.

Direct access to expertise

Equally important is the opportunity for direct engagement with the Penrite team.

In an environment where technical clarity and support can make a measurable difference to workshop efﬁciency, having access to knowledgeable representatives is a key advantage.

Visitors will be able to discuss speciﬁc applications, troubleshoot challenges and explore partnership opportunities that extend beyond the Expo itself.

In a competitive market where workshops are under pressure to deliver quality, efﬁciency and proﬁtability, the value of aligning with a proven brand cannot be overstated.

Penrite’s presence at the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Expo is not just about showcasing products, it is about

demonstrating a clear pathway for workshops to operate smarter, reduce risk and enhance customer outcomes.

For mechanics and workshop owners attending the Expo, Stand L24 should be high on the priority list.

Between the centenary celebrations, comprehensive product offering, engaging activations and the chance to connect with a brand that has supported the industry for 100 years, the return on time spent is clear.

EYE ON THE INDUSTRY

Business end

Getting your business ﬁt for the new ﬁnancial year

The end of the financial year has a way of sneaking up on you when you’re flat out in the workshop. Between managing staff, keeping customers happy, and staying on top of compliance, it can be easy to let the business and admin work slip or get pushed aside. As 30 June approaches, it’s worth taking a step back to ask: is my business ready for the new financial year, and are there any gaps?

Getting business-ready for the next ﬁnancial year doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul.

Often, it’s about making sure the foundations that you have in place are still suitable and, importantly, the kind of things that protect you when things go sideways,

WORDS: JASON STEPOROWSKI, GENERAL MANAGER – MEMBERSHIP & SALES, MTA NSW GROUP

as well as set you up to succeed across the year ahead.

Start with your people

Employment relations are one of the most common pressure points for trade businesses, and they’re only becoming more complex. Award rates, leave entitlements, termination procedures, and superannuation are something to keep on top of and getting them wrong can be costly.

Payday Super is just one of these examples this year that Small Businesses need to be across.

If you don’t have someone in your corner on this kind of work, it can be like operating without a safety net.

MTA NSW members have access to dedicated employment relations staff who can offer advice across the full range of HR and workplace matters.

Sort your WHS before

it’s

too late

Workplace health and safety compliance is non-negotiable in the trades, yet too often it’s approached reactively rather than as a strategic business priority.

As part of the MTA NSW Group, Motor Trades Care (MTC), helps businesses create value from health, safety and wellbeing outcomes, driving stronger performance in both Work Health and Safety (WHS) and Return to Work (RTW).

Through MTC, members gain access to free, industry-speciﬁc WHS and workers’ insurance information, as well as access to

resources that include policies, procedures, and practical checklists and forms, empowering them to move from reactive compliance to proactive, high-performing safety practices.

Don’t overlook your legal exposure

Legal issues can arise unexpectedly.

They can look like a consumer complaint, a contract dispute, or a question about buying or selling your business. That is why having access to solid legal advice before a problem escalates is far better than scrambling once it does.

MTA NSW members can access legal support across areas including Australian Consumer Law, contracts, intellectual property, and insolvency.

Invest in your team’s skills

A new ﬁnancial year is also a great moment to think about training.

MTA NSW is a registered training organisation (RTO), delivering industryfocused training.

With the global electric and hybrid vehicle market expected to grow signiﬁcantly in the coming years, you need to be prepared, which is why we offer safety training relevant to all auto professionals, and a course in Battery and Hybrid Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing.

As you look ahead to the new ﬁnancial year, it’s worth asking whether you have the right support around you. If you’d like to ﬁnd out more, visit us at mtansw.com.au.

High performance expansion

Colour-coded formulations make coolant selection and servicing faster and more accurate.

Jayrad launches new coolant range at CoolDrive

Jayrad, a leading name in automotive cooling solutions, has signiﬁcantly expanded its offerings with an all-new, high-performance coolant range available exclusively through CoolDrive Auto Parts.

The new Jayrad coolants feature cuttingedge formulations and are designed to handle all engine types from standard passenger vehicles and light trucks to heavy duty machinery, agricultural equipment, motorcycle ATV and UTV applications.

Engineered to meet or exceed Original Equipment (OE) speciﬁcations for reliable, long-term performance, the new range isn’t just about topping up ﬂuid, it’s about upgrading protection.

The products are available in multiple sizes from 1L to 1000L, and 325ml to 1000L n ﬂush.

OAT & HOAT Concentrates: Miles ahead of the competition

The OAT (Organic Acid Technology) Coolant Concentrate uses an Ethylene Glycol formula free from silicates, phosphates, and other harmful additives. It provides superior anti-freeze, anti-boil, and corrosion protection for up to six years or 600,00 kilometres.

The HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Concentrate builds on this with added long-lasting inhibitors for mixedmetal cooling systems, delivering protection for up to seven years or one million kilometres.

Premix and Inhibitor: Ready-to-go reliability

For speed and convenience, the Premix OAT Coolant comes ready to use, offering the

same multi-layered protection without the need for dilution.

Jayrad’s Corrosion Inhibitor further enhances system longevity by preventing rust, scale, foaming, and cavitation, with service intervals reaching 250,000 kilometres for passenger vehicles and up to 600,000 kilometres in heavy-duty use.

Radiator Flush: The perfect prep

To support optimal performance, the nonacidic Radiator Flush removes contaminants quickly and safely without neutralisers. The range is colour-coded for easy matching, simplifying servicing and ensuring consistency.

For more information, please visit cooldrive.com.au

Images: CoolDrive Auto Parts

SMART SOLUTIONS

NGK Ignition Parts are now available in-store at Supercheap Auto nationwide.

Premium Performance. Trade Pricing. Local Access.

NGK Ignition parts now available in-store at Supercheap Auto

orkshops across Australia now have even greater access to premium ignition and engine components, with NGK ofﬁcially launching into Supercheap Auto stores nationwide and available with tailored Trade Pricing through Supercheap Auto Trade for workshops and businesses.

For mechanics, speed, accuracy and reliability are non-negotiable. NGK Ignition Parts’ arrival on shelves means trusted global ignition technology is now easier to source locally, helping reduce downtime and keep jobs moving.

With a Supercheap Auto Trade account, workshops gain access to competitive everyday pricing across the NGK Ignition Parts, NTK Sensor range and KYB Steering Suspension range, supporting stronger margins without sacriﬁcing quality.

Engineered for OE performance

Backed by more than 80 years of ignition expertise through its parent company Niterra, NGK Ignition Parts works closely with original equipment manufacturers to ensure every spark plug, ignition coil and sensor is built to exact engine speciﬁcations.

For workshops, that means reliable ﬁtment, consistent performance and fewer comebacks.

Complete ignition confidence

From spark plugs to glow plugs and ignition coils, NGK Ignition Parts components are engineered to meet exact OE speciﬁcations, delivering reliable ﬁtment, optimal combustion and long-term engine performance.

High-performance sparkplug technology is increasingly used for original equipment, making correct replacement critical to maintaining engine efﬁciency and preventing long-term damage.

When paired with precision-engineered ignition coils — tested for extreme durability and thermal stability — workshops can provide a fully compatible ignition solution. This ensures peak performance and reliable ﬁring across a wide range of petrol vehicles in the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Faster access through Supercheap Auto Trade

NGK Ignition Parts has been available through Supercheap Auto Trade via Special Order, with in-store availability now making sourcing key ignition components even faster. When time is tight, workshops can grab essential items off the shelf, then transition online if needed, with the extended NGK Ignition Parts range remaining available via Special Order to maintain full vehicle coverage without compromise.

Joining Supercheap Auto Trade gives workshops access to tailored trade pricing, a dedicated trade account, and a growing range of professional-grade brands. It simplifies purchasing, consolidates supply, and supports efficiency on the workshop floor.

Shop the NGK Ignition Parts, NTK Sensors, Filters and KYB Steering Suspension ranges at competitive trade pricing on the Supercheap Auto Trade website today. Not a Trade customer?

Create your free account using your ABN to unlock Trade pricing and additional beneﬁts designed for professional workshops

Workshops can access premium ignition components faster with Supercheap Auto Trade.

Images: Supercheap Auto Trade

Seal right

Small components, big consequences in every service bay

OSMART SOLUTIONS

-rings are part of the daily rhythm in workshops across Australia. They’re small, inexpensive and easy to overlook — but that’s exactly where problems begin.

Too often, O-ring replacement is treated as a simple swap-and-go task. In reality, incorrect ﬁtment is one of the most common causes of oil and fuel leaks, along with poor engine performance and even no-start conditions.

The difference between a clean job and a comeback often comes down to attention to detail.

Fitment fundamentals

Correct installation starts before the new O-ring even goes near the housing.

Every gasket and O-ring supplied with a new ﬁlter should be used — no shortcuts, no reusing old components.

Housings and caps must be cleaned thoroughly and inspected for cracks, thread damage or contamination.

Even minor debris can compromise sealing surfaces — lubrication is critical.

A light ﬁlm of clean, compatible oil ensures the O-ring seats properly and reduces friction during installation. Grease, however, should be avoided—it can create sealing inconsistencies and lead to leaks.

Positioning is where many jobs go wrong. O-rings must sit squarely in the correct groove, not caught in threads or misaligned. Once installed, tightening to the manufacturer’s torque speciﬁcation is non-negotiable. Over-tightening or guessing torque can deform or pinch the seal.

Materials matter

Not all O-rings are created equal.

Common automotive compounds like NBR, HNBR and AEM are selected for speciﬁc temperature ranges, ﬂuid compatibility and durability. Each material is engineered for

its application, and using the correct one ensures the seal performs under real-world conditions.

These components are rigorously tested — tensile strength, hot oil immersion, ﬂuid resistance and pressure cycling — all to ensure reliability once installed. But even the best material can’t compensate for poor ﬁtment.

Precision counts

The inside diameter and cross-sectional thickness must match the housing groove precisely.

A mismatch of more than a few percent can compromise the seal. Pre-ﬁtting checks—measuring both the O-ring and groove — help eliminate guesswork.

Installation also requires care to avoid stretching, twisting or pinching.

Excessive expansion weakens the material, while dry installation increases the risk of the O-ring rolling or deforming during tightening.

Final check

Once ﬁtted and torqued, running the engine and checking for leaks should be standard

Correct O-ring placement in the housing groove prevents leaks and repeat repairs.

practice. It’s a simple step that prevents costly rework and protects customer trust.

The bottom line

O-rings may be small, but they demand precision.

Correct lubrication, positioning, material selection and torque aren’t optional — they’re essential.

In a trade built on reliability, getting the basics right is what separates a quick job from a quality one.

Visit rycoﬁlters.com.au to learn more

Applying a light ﬁlm of clean oil ensures smooth installation and proper sealing.

Images: Ryco

How Supercheap Auto Trade Can Help Mechanics This EOFY Maximise your return

Tax time isn’t just a yearly chore, it’s a chance to claw back some value on the investments you’ve made in your tools, safety gear, vehicle, and workshop.

For mechanics and workshop owners, understanding what you can claim can lead to a stronger return and a better-equipped business.

There is also a lot of incorrect tax information circulating online, so it is important to check anything that sounds too good to be true on ato.gov.au or with a registered tax professional.

That’s why we’ve worked with the ATO to break down ﬁve key deduction areas that could make a real difference this ﬁnancial year, and how Supercheap Auto Trade is ready to support you every step of the way.

To claim a deduction for a work-related expense you must meet the 3 golden rules:

1. You must have spent the money and you weren’t reimbursed.

2. The expense must directly relate to earning your income.

3. You must have a record to prove it (usually a receipt).

If the expense was for both work and private purposes, you only claim a deduction for the work-related portion of the expenses.

You can’t claim a deduction if:

• you don’t keep records of your workrelated expenses

• someone else (such as an employer) pays for the expense or reimburses you for it.

1. Tools and equipment

Whether it’s a new torque wrench, diagnostic scanner or a full set of spanners, if you’ve bought it to earn your income, it could be claimable. Supercheap Auto Trade gives you access to a huge range of trusted brands at competitive prices, with exclusive Trade pricing that help your budget go further.

Now keep in mind, as an employee:

• If an item costs $300 or less – you can claim a deduction for the full amount of the work-related use of the item, in the year you buy it.

• If it costs more than $300 – you’ll need to claim a portion over the life of the item (known as a decline in value).

This also includes repairs and insurance for eligible tools used for work.

Remember, if you use the item for private purposes as well, you can only claim the work-related portion of the cost, decline in value, repairs and insurance.

2. Protective clothing

If you’re wearing gear that’s designed to protect you from speciﬁc risks of injury or illness at work, think safety boots, hi-vis

clothing, heavy-duty gloves and eyewear, you may be eligible to claim for the time you use it on the job. Supercheap Auto Trade stocks a wide selection of PPE built for the demands of the trade.

3. Work-related vehicle use

Most trips between home and work are private and can’t be claimed.

However, trips between job sites and callouts to breakdowns are deductible.

In limited circumstances, trips between home and work may also be deductible where you need to transport bulky tools which are essential to perform your duties, are awkward to transport due to their size and weight and can’t be stored at work because there’s no secure storage provided.

Keeping a logbook, odometer records or records of the work-related trips you make is really important.

Supercheap Auto Trade can help ensure your work vehicle is kitted out with oils, parts and consumables to keep it moving, but remember, if you claim your car expenses using the cents per kilometre method, you can’t claim a separate deduction for these expenses.

The cents per kilometre rate covers all of your car costs. If you use the logbook

Images: Supercheap Auto Trade

Supercheap Auto Trade helps mechanics stay equipped while simplifying record-keeping.

method, make sure you keep receipts for all of these expenses and a logbook that reﬂects your current work trips.

4. Repairs, replacements and insurance

It’s not just about what you buy, it’s about what you maintain.

Repairs, replacements, and insurance on tools or equipment used for work could be claimable. And with Supercheap Auto Trade, it’s easier to ﬁnd exactly what you need to stay operational without breaking your budget.

5. Records matter

Whatever you claim, you’ll need to back it up. Every Supercheap Auto Trade purchase comes with a clear tax invoice, and your full account history is available online—making EOFY record-keeping far easier when you’re working through deductions or meeting with your accountant.

Make EOFY work harder for your workshop

Supercheap Auto Trade is here to support the mechanics and workshop professionals who keep the country moving.

From sharpening your toolkit to upgrading your gear and ensuring you’re ready for the year ahead, make it SUPER, with Supercheap Auto Trade.

Make EOFY work harder for you with Trade pricing on your business purchases.

Not a Trade customer?

Create your free account with your ABN at trade.supercheapauto.com.au/account/ register to access Trade pricing and additional beneﬁts.

EOFY is the perfect time for workshops to invest in tools and claim eligible deductions.

SMART SOLUTIONS

Rotating electrical when you need it

JAS spotlight at Burson Auto Parts

When a vehicle won’t start or a charging system fails, workshops don’t have the luxury of waiting.

They need a reliable solution they can access immediately, backed by people who understand the job.

That’s exactly where the partnership between Burson Auto Parts and JAS Oceania delivers for the trade.

Burson has long been recognised as a trusted supplier to Australia’s automotive workshops, built on product knowledge, service support and stock availability.

By strengthening its rotating electrical offering with the JAS Oceania range, Burson continues to ensure workshops have access to proven, high-quality solutions when they’re needed most.

A proven range, supported nationwide

JAS Oceania is a recognised national leader in rotating electrical components, offering a comprehensive range designed for passenger vehicles, light commercial and industrial applications.

Whether it’s alternators or starter motors, the JAS Oceania range is engineered to perform in real workshop conditions and across a broad mix of vehicles.

Through Burson’s extensive national store network, that range is now more accessible than ever.

From busy metropolitan workshops to regional and commercial operators, Burson

ensures JAS rotating electrical parts are close by, reducing downtime and keeping vehicles and your workshop moving.

Significant stock injection that benefits the trade

To further support workshops on the ground, Burson has invested in a signiﬁcant strategic stock injection placing the Top 60 JAS rotating electrical part numbers into stores across the network.

This signiﬁcant investment delivers real, everyday beneﬁts for the trade:

• Increased in-store availability of high-volume rotating electrical parts

• Faster turnaround times with parts available off the shelf

• Reduced vehicle downtime for customers

• Conﬁdence sourcing JAS parts locally, without lengthy lead times

It’s a simple but powerful outcome.

When a rotating electrical component fails, workshops can rely on Burson to have the right JAS part ready to go.

Quality you can install with confidence

JAS Oceania products are built with high-quality internal components and manufactured to deliver durability, reliability and consistent performance. That commitment to quality is matched by a strong, industry-leading warranty,

providing added assurance for both installers and customers.

For Burson customers, this means being able to recommend and install JAS components with conﬁdence, knowing they’re supported by both a trusted brand and a trusted supplier.

Strong value through Burson

Alongside quality and availability, JAS rotating electrical products at Burson offer competitive pricing without compromise.

Workshops can access dependable components that deliver strong value that are also supported by Burson’s knowledgeable team and national distribution strength.

A trusted solution, backed by Burson

For workshops and commercial operators looking for rotating electrical parts that combine performance, availability and value, the JAS Oceania range at Burson delivers on all fronts.

Supported by a major stock investment and Burson’s nationwide footprint, JAS rotating electrical components are built to last, provide effective pricing and available where and when the trade needs them.

Speak to your local Burson Auto Parts store or head to burson.com.au to access the JAS Oceania range today

JAS rotating electrical components are now widely available through Burson’s national network.

Images: Supplied by Burson

A signiﬁcant stock injection ensures key JAS parts are ready when workshops need them.

SMART SOLUTIONS

Repco’s Digital Solutions & Training Digital drive

epco continues to shape the future of Australia’s automotive aftermarket by equipping workshops with the digital tools and technical training needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

RAs vehicles become more advanced, incorporating complex electronics, hybrid systems, advanced driver assistance technologies and integrated networks, success in the workshop depends on more than access to quality parts.

It requires connected systems, accurate data, and ongoing skills development.

Repco’s integrated digital solutions suiteNavigator Pro, SmartQuote, Autopedia and Auto Tech, brings these elements together in one cohesive ecosystem.

Whether operating a large multi-bay workshop, running an independent regional business, or beginning a career as a first-year apprentice, these resources are designed to build confidence, increase efficiency, and support long-term growth.

Navigator Pro: The workshop backbone

Navigator Pro has been supporting Australian workshops with a comprehensive parts and product catalogue since 2014.

Nowadays, more than 10,000 workshops access the platform daily, making it a trusted system for locating parts and workshop information nationwide.

Available to Repco account holders, Navigator Pro delivers 24-hour access, including outside store trading hours and includes listings for more than 16,000 vehicles.

The platform provides live pricing, including specials and recommended retail pricing, along with real-time inventory visibility across multiple locations. Industryleading registration search capability, stockroom lists, custom quoting with price markup functionality, invoice search and reprint features streamline administrative tasks. Accessible via PC, laptop, tablet or mobile device, Navigator Pro reduces time spent searching for parts and managing paperwork, allowing workshops to focus on productivity and customer service.

SmartQuote: Faster, accurate estimates

Fully integrated within Navigator Pro, SmartQuote is Repco’s award-winning logbook service and repair quoting system.

Using Original Equipment Manufacturer service data, SmartQuote can generate

accurate service quotes in under thirty seconds.

The system is relied upon by major automotive chains across Australia as their sole provider of logbook data, an endorsement of its accuracy and reliability. By significantly reducing the time required to prepare quotes while automatically checking parts availability and job requirements, SmartQuote enables workshops to respond faster to enquiries and convert more callers into confirmed bookings. Delivering clear, consistent, and data-backed quotes strengthens customer trust while improving overall workshop efficiency.

Autopedia: Technical insight on demand

Autopedia, powered by Autodata, provides a comprehensive technical information platform that integrates directly into Navigator Pro.

After searching for a vehicle, users can move seamlessly between parts information and detailed technical data without repeating the process.

Each subscription covers the entire workshop location with a shared login, simplifying access for the whole team.

Auto Tech training supports technicians at every stage of their career.

Images: Repco

Autopedia supports quality repair, servicing, and diagnostics by providing access to service schedules, wiring diagrams, torque settings, technical bulletins, and diagnostic procedures.

By combining parts identification with technical intelligence in a single workflow, workshops can diagnose faults more accurately and complete repairs with greater confidence.

Auto Tech: Training for the future

Supporting these digital tools is Auto Tech, Repco’s long-standing technical training program.

For more than thirty years, Auto Tech has delivered training and technical information to the Australian automotive aftermarket, guiding workshops through major technological shifts, from early electronic fuel injection systems to today’s complex vehicle networks. With more than 5,000 attendees annually, Auto Tech is one of Australia’s largest automotive aftermarket training providers.

All training is developed in-house to reﬂect the needs of Australian workshops and the evolving market.

An integrated workshop ecosystem

Together, Navigator Pro, SmartQuote, Autopedia and Auto Tech represent a fully integrated support system for the modern workshop.

By combining trusted parts supply, powerful digital solutions and industryleading training, Repco empowers every

Skills that work to keep moving

At TAFE NSW, you don’t just gain new skills, you gain the confidence to put them to work. Now you can make your passion your profession with hands-on automotive electrical courses, taught by industry-experienced teachers. Enrol now for Semester 2, 2026

Explore courses in:

+ Battery Electric Vehicles

+ Automotive Electrical Technology

+ Plus many more automotive trades

technician - from experienced professionals to new apprentices - to work smarter, grow their skills and succeed in the future of automotive repair.

For more information make sure to contact your local Repco representative or visit us here: Repcotrade.com.au

Repco’s integrated digital suite helps workshops streamline operations and improve

SMART SOLUTIONS

Guiding light

Narva’s new lens technology and trailer plug evolutions

For many truck drivers around both Australia and the world, lighting is something taken for granted.

The evolution of lighting products in market means piloting a heavy vehicle is seldom done in darkness nowadays, improving the safety of many in the wider transport sector.

While many are quick to jump at the latest innovations in trailers, axles, suspension or engines, lighting is a pivotal part of modernday trucking safety.

Within this sector, Narva has been a popular member of the Australian market since being established by Brown & Watson International.

The name – an anagram devised from the various materials and processes originally required to develop a quality globe (Nitrogen, Argon and Vacuum) – has become commonly associated with vision and lighting innovations in the local heavy vehicle industry.

Despite this reputation, it’s not just a lighting and electrical solution provider. Despite its product line being headlined by trailer plugs, tail lamps and head lamps,

Narva nowadays supplies a full solution tested to OE standards.

“We make our products for major OE companies in Australia as well as testing our aftermarket products to OE standard,” Narva senior brand manager James Pearson said.

“We really focus on designing our products for the applications they work on. For many years we used polycarbonate lenses on our tail lamps, but we’ve evolved over time to offer a new solution that caters to a wider range of applications in the local transport game.”

Stronger materials, broader applications

This switch from polycarbonate lenses to Grilamid®, a revolutionary optical grade Polyamide from Switzerland, was all about allowing more operators and drivers to access Narva’s leading products.

The brand heard from the market that polycarbonate lenses were unsuitable in some applications, so they moved to Grilamid®, creating a more durable option for livestock and cement truck operators needing a sturdier light.

“We often had prime movers with Narva all over it, but then the trailer had nothing,” James said.

“However, we can now provide everything for the truck from the front to back and everything in-between. We want to provide a solution to the whole problem, not just part of it.”

80 Series: Built for durability

This has shone through on the 80 Series range, with Narva revamping its well-known tail lamp model to feature the latest lighting technology.

The newest version of the tail lamp is a culmination of years of designing products speciﬁcally for heavy haulage and commercial applications across the country, with the model being designed, engineered, manufactured and tested in-house in its South Korean facility.

The concept behind the re-worked 80 Series was to combine safety with the highest quality durability, keeping lamps intact and functional in the face of stones, gravel and any other debris.

“We did a lot of testing of the lamp

to ensure we had the best lighting performance possible – this means the best visibility from all angles, safety and durability,” James said.

“By introducing Grilamid®, we’re now using the toughest material for our side markers and indicators. It’s also chemically protected, so it won’t have any issues with truck washes or animal waste. In the past we’ve heard from livestock operators that animal urine can cause polycarbonate lamps to fail and crack, but this won’t happen with Grilamid® lenses.”

The new 80 Series lamps were also designed for easy installation and retrofitting on trailers. James says the entire package isn’t just a technological upgrade for operators – it also has its financial benefits.

“The cost and value is better than existing products as there’s extra features included,” he says.

“We’re making a far better product for a lower cost, while we’re also providing Narva’s ﬁrst lifetime warranty. Anything with the Grilamid® lens comes with a warranty for the life of the trailer or truck that it’s mounted to.”

Ultima range:

Smarter, brighter lighting

Another product that encompasses Narva’s latest product evolution is the latest iteration of the Ultima driving lights and light bars.

On its third update, the newest platform improves on the historic quality of the light to become one of the most durable lamps on the market.

James says Narva designed the third edition of the Ultima range with drivers in mind, having spoken to truck dealers, owners and drivers who used previous versions to adjust lighting options.

“The main feedback we received was that sometimes the lights were too bright, so what we did was add our Connect+ technology, allowing users to control the dim and strength of the lights from the driver’s cabin,” he said.

“The controller is mounted in the cabin and can dim the lights in 25 per cent increments. This limits any reﬂections off of signs, then once drivers get into the outback they can beneﬁt from the insane light output that’s built into the product.”

The latest Ultima has an increased performance of around 30 per cent – James said it’s the “brightest and most powerful driving light in the world”.

“We also considered the installation process with this update – often it can cost just as much to ﬁt the lights as it does to buy the actual product,” he said.

“We created a transport harness to make installation quicker and easier, reducing the installation time by about half from seven hours to roughly three-and-a-half.”

Trailer connections, engineered differently

Another crucial bit of feedback was the need for more distance, catering for the extra space truck drivers need to stop compared to cars.

A new spot lamp offers up to 250 metres of additional distance, allowing drivers to see up to nearly 1.5 kilometres up the road.

“Our kit includes a pair of hybrid beams, traditional beam patterns, a pair of spot beams, the smart harness, controller and lens cutters, meaning users can independently control their lights and tweak them if needed,” James said.

These products have a 10-year warranty with a no-fault claim available, making the warranty process simple and painless for operators around the country.

Much like its lighting products, Narva has seen this side of the business succeed as its technological evolution progresses. Whether it be the latest trailer plugs or the newest innovations in the lighting game, Narva’s updates have it poised to continue lighting the way for the nation’s truck drivers.

“All of our lighting products are designed and tested in Melbourne to OE standards speciﬁcally within Australia,” James said.

“Whether it be a trailer plug, a driving light or a tail lamp, we’ve put in the same effort across the board to ensure Narva helps more trucks continue safely operating around the country.”

Head to narva.com.au to ﬁnd out more about the 80 Series range

The updated Ultima range brings smarter control and increased performance for long-haul drivers.

Narva’s latest 80 Series lamps deliver durability and visibility in harsh transport conditions.

Images: Brown & Watson International

What actually happens when tyre companies let motoring journalists test

We

their new rubber?

sample Bridgestone’s new Potenza Adrenalin RE005 to ﬁnd out.

“

Tyre test? Sounds boring. Must I go?”

My naïve words — roughly 25 years ago — to the editor of the modiﬁed car magazine I worked on at the time. I’d got used to new car launches in exciting far-ﬂung places, or sampling some tuning company’s latest rear-drive performance weapon at a closed test track. Evaluating rubbery black circles felt like a day wasted.

Fortunately, the editor insisted. Turns out tyre tests are actually rather wonderful. In the early 2000s, car journalism was a bit less health and safety, and traction/ stability control was barely a thing. Not only did we track and skidpan test the new tyres, we indulged in (attempted) drifting and environment-polluting circle work. I recall the tyre company (I won’t name them) even gave out a prize to the journalist who performed the best smoky burnout. Different times.

Rubbering in

Turns out tyre tests today remain damn good fun, albeit not as loose.

In April, Bridgestone held the Australian launch of its latest generation Potenza Adrenalin — the RE005 — at the Gold Coast’s Norwell Motorplex, giving car journos the chance to sample the Japanese company’s latest street performance tyre.

I’m not going to bore you with all the technical details of the RE005’s ribs, grooves and blocks; Bridgestone’s own advertising and promo materials has you covered there. What drivers like you and I care about is how the thing performs. The feel it gives. How much it costs. And — times are tough right now — how long will such tyres last after a healthy dose of fast road and track punishment?

You may also want to know what happens at such a test day. No surprises: there’s a skidpan, slalom course and track laps. We’re loaned track instructors (many being current or former racers) to advise on all those sensible on-track things like controlled steering inputs, brake modulation and not being greedy on the throttle midcorner. Let one of them drive a stint with you in the passenger seat and they quickly

Well, you’d be grinning too if you were told to go out and play at skids.

Toyota 86s were the test car of choice for high-speed track testing the new RE005 rubber.

First sample of the new Potenza RE005 was on a wet skid pan, piloting a BMW M240i shod in 225/40R18 tyres. I’ll do the consumer bit for you: a set of four costs $1002 ($334 each, the fourth one being free).

Bridgestone told us wet traction is one of the RE005’s chief selling points, with the tyres featuring ‘rain pulse grooves’ to channel water away from the tread surface. As I slung the BMW between cones on the wet course it was clear grip levels were impressive and conﬁdence-inspiring. No Mad Mike-like angles to be seen, which is probably best for we mere mortal drivers. We were forced to leave on the M240i’s stability and traction control, hence there was no sideways shenanigans. But the sensible takeaway was such performance rubber combined with a modern BMW’s driver aids highlighted how very safe you can be on soggy roads.

Turning Japanese

Higher speed work meant moving to Toyota 86s – using the same size tyre as the BMWs, interestingly – for a dry slalom course. Bridgestone cheekily shod one car in chief rival Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres, the second with the new RE005s. We drove one after the other to compare, and

— no surprises — the Bridgestone felt the grippier and more controlled. As a grownup journalist, I’ll caveat that by adding nobody from Michelin was there to monitor proceedings.

drive cars these 86s are. So well balanced, a cracking chassis and singing engine when you get the 2.0L four-pot’s revs up, and not so fast you can end up getting in heaps of trouble at a track day. And fair play to the RE005s, they felt responsive and communicated well when we were on the edge of adhesion. Drivers like that. No nasty surprises.

Norwell driving instructor Andrew Price said the new Bridgestones had the edge over the Michelin Pilot Sport 5s.

“The Michelin’s a bit softer in the sidewall; it doesn’t quite have the distribution of weight or contact patch across the tyre as you load it up,” he said. “The tread blocks in the Michelin are much narrower, so when you’re trying to do performance driving and you load the tyre up, those blocks are moving around more and you’re losing a bit of grip and feeling. Whereas the RE005 with stiffer sidewall construction does better to displace the pressure across the contact patch … when you load the tyre up, there’s more rubber there.”

Race day

The new RE005’s smartest trick, from what I saw, came after a few sessions around Norwell’s full 2.1km test circuit. For those of us who enjoy enthusiastic road driving

Norwell driving instructor Andrew Price

combined with an occasional track day, it’s something of a holy grail if you can ﬁnd a tyre that shines as a daily and a performance tyre.

The outgoing Potenza Adrenalin RE003 did a decent job of it, but on ﬁrst try, it feels like these RE005s properly move the game on.

Grip and stability are all-important when putting the shoe in, and on Norwell’s high-speed, fourth-gear right hander I was able to stay ﬂat and the tyres helped communicate we were in a happy, safe, controlled place.

That’s excellent for a street tyre at such speeds, especially when you’re not blessed with Verstappen-type ability and reﬂexes.

I proved this by going a bit hot into a couple of fast turns. I’d insist it’s my job as a journalist to deliberately surpass the limits of tyre and vehicle, so I’ll stick to that. Encouragingly, the tyres gave plenty of notice they were losing grip and about to slide. When the car did so, it wasn’t a screaming panic moment.

Quite the opposite. The tyres broke away gradually and remained controlled, although I’ll put some of this down to how userfriendly a Toyota 86 is too.

Ageing well

I’ve burnt through my fair share of tyres during a full track day, and it’s never a nice feeling driving home on unintentional semi-slick boots. It’s even less fun if there’s canvas showing or lumps of rubber missing and you’re forced to leave the car at the track and blag a lift home with someone with greater tyre sympathy than you.

Encouragingly, after an afternoon of unrelenting Norwell lapping in RE005shod Toyota 86s, the tyres remained in remarkably good shape.

More than that, instructor Andrew told me this was the ﬁfth track day these Bridgestones had done. Conﬁdencebringing stuff, especially as Norwell’s fast

and slow corners are quite taxing on tyres. That said, a sterner test would come using a car heavier than the quite svelte Toyota 86. Regardless, if these RE005s swerve you bringing a spare set of wheels and tyres on a track day, that’s a huge win. As an aside, Bridgestone also has its new semi-slick street tyre, the Potenza RE-71RZ, which sets you back roughly an extra $100 per corner.

“The light car helps a little with tyre endurance, but the (RE005’s) new compound is probably the biggest reason,” instructor Andrew said about the rubber’s longevity. “Those testing are normal punters and journalists usually winding on too much steering lock, and driving them way harder than they’re ever going to be used on the street. It’s the sort of tyre for drivers that do

BMW M240i had impressive grip on a wet skid pan with its new set of boots.