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Next month will be an exciting period for The National Collision Repairer For the first time we will combine our highly anticipated annual Lifetime Achievement Awards with the ideas fest that is Symposium25. If you haven’t already marked off the date of May 7, treat yourself to a day away from the shop. Potentially learn a few new things and then finish the occasion with some highlights, meeting and celebrating some great people in the
There are many industry awards, and each have their place in celebrating business success or people who are making a ’s Lifetime Achievement Awards unique is that it celebrates decades of contribution, an award shaped specially for those whose lifetime has been dedicated to the collision repair industry. Awards are a valuable way to spotlight what has happened over the last year and those who might otherwise miss that accolade but in a way, the Lifetime Achievement Awards goes beyond this and asks us to take a big picture look at outstanding contributors. In this case, it is to look at the whole national industry and in a time frame that spans decades.
The pinnacle award, the Lifetime Achievement Award has criteria where a candidate must have a minimum of 20 years in the collision repair industry and make contributions not just to their own business but to the wider industry. This element of the award is seeking that ‘above and beyond’ factor. A look at the list of past
winners shows just how much these individuals have helped build an industry in Australia.
As we have noted many times, these awards celebrate passion in collision repair. The Lifetime Achievement Award may be the zenith but the other awards, Women in Automotive and Next Generation all show this same passion and commitment and speak well of the wider industry and the people in it. Whatever the award, these winners and nominees have been ambassadors for the wider industry and are worth celebrating. But beyond the glamour of the night and the statuettes, the Lifetime Achievement Awards reflects well on an industry that has such extraordinary people at its core; people generous with their time and efforts, people with a collaborative spirit and who are open to change and improvement. NCR has noted before collision repair is also an industry loaded with humble operatives who toil away, often under the radar but are at the heart of its success. This is a chance for them to shine. So don’t miss this last opportunity up until April 25 to nominate anybody in any of the categories who is worthy of recognition.
As always, our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors; PPG, 3M, the Sheen Group, Saint Gobain and PartsCheck. Their enthusiasm and support make it possible.
In keeping with this spirit, we continue our series on what might be termed the industry’s unsung heroes. Whether it is a special profile dedicated to women in the industry, future leaders or other employee profiles, NCR is proud to include a range of these people stories from all different walks of life and current occupations. They too have often played an unsung but vital part in many businesses and ensure in their own way, that an industry thrives.
Eugene Duffy Editor The National Collision Repairer
Making sure the workplace is an environment where you staff can thrive is essential for high staff retention. Willmot Smash Repairs has managed to balance a healthy workplace with business efficiency and grow into a major independent business.
Running a collision repair business in Cairns, Helena Willmot and Wes Jenkins have found their own ‘slice of paradise’.
Both Helena and Wes are true locals of Cairns, ‘born and bred’ in the city, they both love the tropical climate and what it has to offer.
After a stint in Mount Isa and multiple jobs branching out into the world of accounting and property development, Helena Willmot and her husband, Wes Jenkins took the reins of Willmot Smash Repairs in 2016.
Helena Willmot is now the managing director of Willmot Smash Repairs and is in charge of “all the back end fun stuff”.
The workshop is equipped to repair 100 vehicles per week, from small crashes to major jobs, Willmot Smash Repairs has a team of 37 employees that help run a high turnover of vehicles.
With a high retention rate of staff, Willmot Smash Repairs aims to set up each individual for success. This notion is something they learned from Allan Willmot, Helena’s father, who was the original owner of Willmot Smash Repairs.
Passing the torch Willmot Smash Repairs was founded in 1977 by Allan Willmot. Growing the business each decade, by 1997, the workshop had expanded with an additional shed for panel
beating and the implementation of two drive through spray booths.
In 2016, Allan Willmot handed the baton over to his daughter, Helena Willmot and she hasn’t looked back since.
“Allan taught me many lessons, but there are a few that stick out the most,” Helena says.
“Looking after your staff, and always re-investing back into the business are notions he instilled in me.”
“Also, being at the forefront of the industry to combat the ever-changing technology and requirements is a must.”
When Helena and Wes took over the business, there were 8 staff in the workshop including themselves.
Helena and Wes took the business to the next level in 2017 with a new state of the art facility in a 1800m2 renovated shed.
“2017 was the boldest year for our
“Everything fell into place and worked like a Swiss watch. The space filled with life before our eyes.”
HELENA
business to date,” Helena says.
“When we built the new workshop at 136 Newell Street, we knew on the first day that it was something special.”
“This move allowed us to have both paint and panel under the one roof. It’s been great for efficiency.”
“Everything fell into place and worked like a Swiss watch. The space filled with life before our eyes.”
In 2023, Willmot Smash Repairs expanded further with another purpose built shed directly opposite the existing workshop.
“This enabled us to split work types into different buildings. We have found it has increased throughput,” Helena says.
With a passion for automotive starting from the get-go, the Willmot’s are always looking for ways to improve the business. Embracing change and addressing it face on is what gives Willmot Smash Repairs an advantage in the industry.
“I was born and bred into the industry, so I knew what I was getting into from the onset,” Helena says.
“I love how many curve balls it can throw at you and how exciting and forever evolving it is.”
Defining a successful workshop is different for every business owner. Success can be determined in terms of profit, size, customer feedback, or award wins. For Helena, the success revolves around the team in the workshop.
“Having staff that are simply proud of the work they do, is when I feel most successful when operating the workshop,” Helena says.
“Having a team around you that genuinely wants to see the business succeed is a
major win and how we define success at Willmot Smash Repairs.”
Helena also cites their staff as the main strength of the business.
“Our staff, the culture we promote and the passion we all have for the industry all mixes together to
create our unified strength as a business and as a team,” Helena says.
Maintaining a cohesive workplace where people want to continue to work at everyday is a priority at Willmot Smash Repairs.
“We aim to give our staff the space and time to grow as individuals in their roles,” Helena says.
“We also include our staff in the goals of the business. We want everyone to feel as though we are all achieving success and milestones together.”
Helena Willmot believes part of staying up to date with the industry, also means training and investing in the next generation of panel beaters and spray painters.
“We have seven current apprentices, one is doing a dual trade, two are in paint and four are in panel,” she says.
“One of our apprentices is due to be signed off next month which is very exciting.”
“We have found that our staff retention is high. We really try to set up each individual to succeed and feel part of the community here.”
Although the team at Willmot Smash Repairs has celebrated expansion, growth, and high staff retention rates, they still look for areas of improvement across their workshop system.
“Implementing efficient systems in every department is something we are focussing on this year,” Helena says.
“We are also always making sure our staff have a career progression and room to grow within the business.”
Creating efficient systems also means preparing for the evolution of the automotive landscape. Willmot
Smash Repairs has been a Tesla accredited repairer for a number of years.
“Working on EVs is a continual reinvestment into training, tooling and equipment,” Helena says.
“We are committed to staying ahead of the curve.”
But it’s not all business at Willmot Smash Repairs. Living in Cairns, the Willmot’s like to take full advantage of the year-round warmth and sun.
“The business takes up a lot of our time, but we wouldn’t have it any other way,” Helena says.
“Outside of work, we love game fishing and hanging out with our three beautiful dogs.”
With lifelong interests in automotive, Helena and Wes have their passion of
cars running alongside their business.
“We give up some of our spare time to the Cairns Speedway in hopes to grow the local club,” Helena says.
“It would be fantastic to see it grow and become a successful club for the community.”
Champions for the industry, Helena Willmot fully embraces the complex nature of owning a repair shop.
“It can be the most exciting, challenging thing you can do to own and run a bodyshop,” Helena says.
“But it is so rewarding.”
Helena and Wes are continuing to look forward in 2025 and growing the business further.
“This year we will continue to grow our staff and ensure we have the happiest and healthiest crew we possibly can.”
Since launching in Australia in 2021, Brunox has established itself as an outstanding 1K Epoxy Rust Stop and Primer.
On the back of this success, Brunox has introduced other products to Australia from their European range including their famous Turbo Spray (5 products in 1 – Cleaning, Rust removal, Rust protection, Lubricant, and Contact Spray) and more recently IX 100 protective film spray, Lub & Cor long - term protective film and lubricant, and Top-Lock, specially formulated for mechanical components to lubricate and protect.
Brunox Rust Stop Epoxy Primer is now being re-launched with a new packaging design that will flow through the whole range.
In automotive restoration and maintenance, rust is a relentless adversary, compromising the structural integrity of vehicles, diminishing their aesthetic appeal, and leading to costly repairs.
Brunox Rust Stop Epoxy Primer has been designed to combat rust and provide a robust foundation for topcoats. This versatile primer is a game-changer for automotive professionals and enthusiasts alike, offering unparalleled performance and ease of use.
Brunox Rust Stop Epoxy Primer is a rust preventer, treatment and primer all in one. Developed in Europe for heavy industry, auto-refinish, and restoration applications, Brunox Epoxy neutralizes and dissolves rust, forming a protective barrier that prevents further corrosion.
Its unique formulation penetrates rust up to seven to ten times deeper than traditional emulsions, ensuring thorough rust conversion and longlasting protection.
Brunox Epoxy protects and primes…
• Protects against corrosion
• Compatible with most topcoats including 2K
• No hardener required
Brunox Rust Stop Epoxy Primer is compatible with a wide range of topcoat systems, including 2K paints.
This makes it an ideal choice for automotive professionals who require a reliable primer that works seamlessly with various topcoats. Whether you’re working on a classic car restoration or a modern vehicle repair, Brunox Epoxy Primer provides a smooth, even surface that enhances the adhesion and durability of subsequent paint layers.
Firstly, Brunox Epoxy is a 1K system – no hardener. That cuts down waste and reduces preparation.
Applying Brunox is straightforward requiring minimal preparation. Simply remove any loose rust using a wire brush or sanding medium, clean the surface, and apply the primer.
The product can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed onto the affected area, and it dries flat without visible brush marks. After two hours of drying, the primer turns black, indicating that it has fully cured and is ready for topcoat application.
For automotive professionals, achieving a first-class final coat
is crucial. Brunox Epoxy Primer simplifies this process by providing a smooth, even surface that requires no additional priming before applying the topcoat. This not only saves time but also ensures a high-quality finish that meets the exacting standards of the automotive industry.
Brunox Epoxy Primer has applications far beyond vehicle restoration.
This versatile product is used extensively across Europe in heavy industry to protect machinery and treat structural steel. It’s also perfect for general maintenance and restoration projects around the home, particularly in corrosion-prone coastal areas.
From vehicle towbars and boat trailers to architectural steel and outdoor furniture, Brunox Epoxy Primer offers reliable rust protection and surface preparation for a wide range of applications. Its availability in various sizes, including a handy 400mL aerosol, making it a convenient choice for both professional and DIY users.
For more information on Brunox Rust Stop Epoxy Primer and to explore its full range of applications, visit the Brunox website: Brunox.com.au
The push toward better environmental, social and governance outcomes can sound like great ideas that are difficult to apply to the workshop. PartsCheck demonstrates when the move is data driven, it can convert into practical and sustainable outcomes for a business.
PartsCheck has established a strong reputation in Australia for streamlining and simplifying the parts ordering process for any automotive business. Thousands of members take advantage of its sophisticated but simple to operate system that enables direct communication between repairers and suppliers Australia wide. The innovative software system allows workshops to develop and manage quotations, ordering, purchasing and receipting in one location but they also have the bigger picture advantages, beyond individual repair orders, to improve ESG outcomes for a business.
for a successful repair business. PartsCheck aims to make data a critical part of this transition and work for every business.
add to workshop efficiency and reduce waste. Data helps streamline the flow and take out the little kinks, blockages and delays.
Heightened environmental, social, and governance expectations from insurers, regulators, and customers are increasingly part of the benchmarks
PartsCheck demonstrates the role data plays in the workshop is more important than ever by becoming a roadmap for how work is done, and resources are used. The parts process shows in practical ways how data can
The problem many workshops face is that small inefficiencies, like lost parts or duplicated orders, can add up to a major resource burden, in terms of cost, time and waste.
Accurate, real-time information on
parts availability and pricing helps avoid over-ordering, wasted inventory, and redundant freight. Ensuring the right parts arrive on time reduces downtime, conserves energy and minimises the risk of waste materials going to landfill.
Data pathway to continuous improvement
These systems aim to take the guesswork out of the process by adopting digital solutions that capture each step, from the original estimate through to final invoicing. Through PartsCheck’s innovative software that delivers a centralised data flow, business owners gain a comprehensive inventory and auditing trail, ‘a clear line of sight’ into what’s actually happening in the workshop
The transparency of accurate and accessible data can also minimise risk, by early signals of any problems in the parts process, like incorrect part fitment. This transparency of the process allows pre-emptive action
to solve problems early, helping meet compliance. Better still, an earlier solution can help avoid costly downstream compliance problems and the whole process can be verified with a robust digital trail.
Data-driven insights let business owners track trends and highlight recurring issues. These can refine workshop process and set realistic ESG goals.
Repeated shipping delays, packaging waste and unnecessary freight are just some examples of issues a centralised data flow can help identify. These insights can help highlight areas of training, inventory strategies, and a culture of ongoing improvement.
The ever-advancing technology of new model vehicles and the matching sophistication of the parts and repair process makes this data insight more relevant than ever. It also helps meet the advance of consumer expectations in this modern environment.
Harnessing the power of data
Utilising data effectively adds a competitive edge to a business through efficiency and less waste while meeting new compliance standards. Utilising the benefits of data, goes beyond simply meeting these standards for their own sake. Efficiency in the parts process helps build a more sustainable, compliant, and profitable workshop and that is a big part of the future health and resilience of a business.
PartsCheck is guided by the aim of serving the industry by helping workshops tackle parts management and estimating in a way that’s efficient, transparent, and future-ready.
PartsCheck’s suite of digital solutions can streamline the entire repair lifecycle, letting businesses focus on doing what they do bestdelivering quality repairs and getting vehicles back on the road with a lighter environmental footprint.
For more insights on going data-driven, explore PartsCheck.com.au
Brad Gannon has inherited a strong legacy as Group Chief Executive of Capricorn in the year it celebrated 50 years and notched up 30,000 members. But he is determined it will continue to grow for the next 50 years and is already implementing practical steps to ensure it remains committed to its members.
Capricorn as an organisation keeps an acute eye on the rapid change occurring in the automotive industry, both in Australia and globally, but for Gannon the constant for Capricorn in a world of change is its principles of service.
“Capricorn has a heritage of helping its community of members and preferred suppliers,” he says. “That’s been 50 years with a purpose of supporting automotive businesses and allied industries, and that purpose and those cooperative principles will help guide the future of Capricorn.
“Going forward, it’s really about making sure that everything Capricorn does serves that, and it remains an essential partner to our members, not only surviving in the automotive industry and all the changes that come with it, but really thriving in an everevolving industry.”
But Gannon is also determined that this support translates into practical steps to help in the areas of most need.
“A particularly acute issue is around the skill shortage, and so that is an area of particular focus for us.”
In one step, Capricorn has expanded its Rising Stars Awards program to now incorporate six regional winners, an overall winner and a prize pool of more than $30,000. Gannon explains the celebration of excellence in the next generation of automotive workers and the support of their employer businesses sends a strong message to future recruits along with boosting retention with current employees.
Capricorn will back these efforts up with member events like a recent one in Albany WA, where a group of 25 interested school students had in-person exposure to automotive careers.
Gannon also highlights the crucial value of the yearly State of the Nation survey, gathering feedback from thousands of members and giving an up-to-date picture of the skills issue. It has, for instance, shown that paint and
panel has felt the skills shortage more acutely than many other sectors with 73 per cent of respondents confronted with resourcing issues. Collision repair is also the sector most actively looking to apprentices to fill this gap with 82 per cent employing trade interns in 2024.
While it helps the industry to know itself, Gannon points out the research also carries weight in advocating to government of the current situation and automotive’s critical role in Australia.
“Capricorn certainly is taking a step into sharing with government, both at state and federal level, in making clear the challenges of running a workshop,” he says.
“We’ve shared with them that information from our State of the Nation research, which is marketleading research and in the sense of what’s going on the ground, it is hugely significant.
“And it really describes those issues; being ready for that change,
of servicing the needs of consumers who are under pressure from cost of living, training up the next generation, succession planning, all those issues which are very real and are exacerbated by everchanging car parc and that it needs appropriate investment.
“Compared to other trades, it doesn’t get anywhere near the prominence and importance that it deserves. But eventually you’re dealing with a product that goes to the health and safety and wellbeing of people on a day-in-day-out basis. If it fails it has significant consequences.”
One structural change that Gannon has implemented since taking over, is to divide his former role as head of Automotive into two divisions to maximise the support Capricorn can offer its network.
“The real driver for that change was that the whole business is about our automotive members. It was really calling out that our whole business, our whole executive structure, is about servicing those automotive and allied members.
“In essence then, a role that previously looked after members and suppliers as one has now been split into two different roles, while the whole broader team is looking after all members.
“The CEO of Trade, Andrew Zadow will be responsible for member relations and services, excluding relating to Capricorn Mutual. What has been split out from the CEO of Automotive is the management of our preferred suppliers. That’s the role of our Chief Development Officer, Steve Edgar. And more broadly than that, looking at ways in which he and Capricorn can support our community in that changing automotive landscape.”
Gannon says the specific focus of development will help in a changing automotive landscape even while pursuing the guiding principles of the wider cooperative.
“How does Capricorn play that leading role in making sure that our members needs are met? That we are at the forefront of making sure that there’s a solution for them?
“And what they need is only going to become more complex because of the range and brand of vehicles, and that
mix between ice, hybrid and electric vehicles continues to expand. The role is critical to make sure that we’re able to service the changing needs of members.”
As financial, technological and skills pressure increase, many smaller businesses are looking at their options. The convergence of businesses into MSOs and other networks has been a strong trend in the UK and US, that is increasing in Australia, but he wants to make sure the support is there for whatever choice the business makes.
“That’s why it’s wonderful to have an organisation like Capricorn in
the Australian and New Zealand market, because it allows you to operate independently. Many of our members love the fact that they are independent. For some it suits them being part of a broader group, some prefer to be by themselves, and we’ve got members who are both.
“Capricorn is a cooperative organisation which the members own and one they can know is looking out for their best interests. So, we have people looking at those kinds of trends over the horizon asking what do they mean for our members? And then, both in conjunction with our preferred supplier and partners, what we’re doing is helping members have the right goods and services
they need to continue to operate successfully as the world around them changes. They’ve got that option of having an organisation that is looking out for them. Because the challenge is, when you’re busy with the day to day running of a business, it’s hard to look up.”
Gannon points out that the average age of members has remained steady over the last five years, despite the percentage of businesses owners planning to retire in the next ten years, outlined in the State of the Nation report, highlighting a strong interest in succession planning.
“So, the industry, despite all the challenges, and the lesser investment that it experiences relative to other industries, still has that next generation coming through,” he says.
“It’s certain there will be lots of pressures on those independent businesses but the thing that you also see is what they offer, that convenience and that local, trusted source of repair, is what consumers really enjoy about them. Their place in the market and what they offer is as relevant today as it will be tomorrow, and those businesses will still have a key role to play in servicing, repairing and maintaining vehicles.”
After releasing their first ESG report at the end of 2024, Gannon is also committed to continuing Capricorn’s sustainability objectives, both as a cooperative and in its wider industry impacts.
“Our business is making sure that whatever vehicle our consumers have that our members are best placed to properly service, repair and maintain them, and we know that minimises the environmental impact of whatever vehicle the end consumer is driving,” he says.
“But it’s also making sure that all the options are available to our members to operate in the most sustainable and environmentally friendly way possible.
“We are also keen to be completely transparent in the way in which we operate across all dimensions whether it’s financial or sustainability reporting, so that our members are aware of what is really important to us. And coming with sustainability is also the delivery of economic returns to our members. If we operate in the most sustainable and cost effective and efficient way possible, that means we can give more back to our members. We see sustainability as also about
using as few resources as possible to run the business, so members get the maximum possible benefit.”
Despite the multiple challenges both at a local and global level, Gannon remains optimistic about the industry and strength of the people in it. He points to the Capricorn Confidence Index, added to the State of the Nation survey in 2024, as strong indicators of its resilience and attitude. Last year it highlighted confidence in their businesses was at a five year high for members.
“Notwithstanding the fact that things have got considerably harder and more difficult to operate an automotive business, it’s a credit to the individuals and hard working small to medium and large enterprises in the industry that they overcome those challenges,” he says.
Connect. Automate. Digitise. The end-to-end digital ecosystem
“And that’s really the nature of the industry, that it finds a way to move forward. It’s so heavily focused on getting that car back on the road in the right way and at the cheapest price possible for the end consumer. That real passion for what they do and helping their customers is evident in everything that they do.
“It’s a great credit to the industry that it just finds a way.”
As the sales representative for Queensland and South Australia, Liam Hugo knows his role is all about communicating with Car-0-Liner’s many clients but with his thorough knowledge of the industry, he also has a hand in the servicing and support side of the business.
Part of a loyal, and trusted team at Car-O-Liner, for 18 years now, Liam has enjoyed his journey in the repair industry, and has created a community along the way.
Liam’s journey to Car-O-Liner started off with a chance encounter, that has proved to be a pivotal moment in his career.
Originally from Newcastle, Liam moved up to the Gold Coast in 1997 during his Year 10 school year.
“I always liked working on cars, even before I was an apprentice,” Liam says.
“The first car I fixed was a 1976 Galant. I was working on it all the time.”
Liam did a brief stint in hospitality at a nightclub in Surfers Paradise for a year after finishing Year 12. From there, he drew on his love of cars, and decided on completing a
panel beating apprenticeship.
“I did my first two years of my apprenticeship at Classic Trimming and Motor Bodys, and then finished the remainder at Gosney’s Panel beating Works,” Liam says.
Working as a panel beater for a bit
over two years, Liam jumped at the opportunity to explore another side of the industry.
“Halfway through my third year at Gosney’s, we had the Car-OLiner sales manager Bob Rees come into the workshop and service the equipment,” Liam says.
It was Bob who approached Liam about a service job at Car-O-Liner which set the wheels in motion.
“He said the job would be available soon, and he promised to keep me in the loop,” Liam says.
“I was really excited to hear that opportunity to further my career.”
When Liam finished his apprenticeship he got in contact with Bob, but the role of servicing wasn’t on the cards at Car-O-Liner just yet.
“After that I worked in a few other workshops learning as much as I could,” Liam says.
“And then one day Bob came into the workshop and mentioned that the role had opened up and encouraged me to apply.”
Liam submitted a resume, and he hasn’t looked back since.
“I met Bob and Julie Thomas at a place on the Gold Coast and got the job,” Liam says.
“I was the first person in the role of servicing for Car-O-Liner Australia.”
Liam worked as the ‘service guy’ in Queensland for two years, and then moved to South Australia with his wife on a two year contract to get the South Australia division of Car-O-Liner up and running.
“I was only in South Australia for ten months when Bob passed away unexpectedly,” Liam says.
“I moved back to the Gold Coast after that and have been the Queensland sales manager for the last fourteen years.”
Bob Rees was a NCR Lifetime Achievement award recipient and passed away in a workplace accident in 2010.
“Bob was someone I really looked up to,” Liam says.
“You never heard a bad word about him. Everyone loved him, respected him and knew him.”
“He taught me how you talk and treat customers. We are always there to help. I had an apprenticeship under him again.”
With a family-first and personable management, Liam has enjoyed his 18 year (and counting) career working for Car-O-Liner.
“Julie is the best boss I have ever had,” Liam says.
“She’ll always answer the phone, she doesn’t micromanage and she trusts us to do our jobs.”
The team at Car-O-Liner is built on trust, loyalty and camaraderie.
“It’s been a great company to work for. There aren’t a lot of us, it’s not a large company so everyone chats and knows one another,” Liam says.
“Because all the guys are panel beaters by trade, that really helps with the rapport you make with your customer.”
Car-O-Liner Christmas parties are a favourite time of the year for the team.
“Julie would fly us and our partners down to either Melbourne or Sydney and puts us up for a couple of days,” Liam says.
“Because we are constantly travelling for our jobs, Julie always says that our partners are part of the business too, as they look after the families while we’re away.”
“I love selling equipment that I know is right for the customer. Giving them advice and equipment that will help grow and improve their business is the most enjoyable part of my job,” Liam says.
Liam also has a Facebook page where he updates his followers on his latest instalments for clients.
“It’s cool going into shops who get around it and follow along with our latest equipment,” Liam says.
“I love installing new equipment. My
favourite pieces are our benchracks. It’s just Car-O-Liner to a T.”
Setting up a brand new build is a sweet spot for Liam.
“Kitting out a brand new workshop with Car-O-Liner products and making everything look good, are very memorable moments,” Liam says.
Liam cites the size of Queensland and South Australia as the main challenge in his role.
“Karl and I are the only two who look after the two states, and Queensland is a big one,” Liam says.
“The biggest challenge is also travelling when having a family. My wife has been great and understanding, but when you have children it adds another layer to it.”
“This month I’ve been in Adelaide, and two weeks after that I was in Townsville and Cairns.”
“It is a challenge, but it is all worth it.”
Liam, his wife Gabby, and his three children enjoy being outdoors, and go camping whenever they get the chance.
“Any long weekend we will go away for a night or two,” Liam says.
“I still try and keep my hands on the tools. At the moment I am restoring a 1971 Volkswagen Beetle.”
“My 14 year old daughter thinks the Beetle will be hers one day.”
“I’m very hands on and enjoy doing renovations on the home too.”
Liam thanks his wife Gabby on raising their three children while he is away travelling around Australia.
“It is obviously quite a handful to leave her with,” Liam says.
“Without her I wouldn’t be able to do my job.”
In the restoring world, GGM Concepts in South Australia has a reputation for transforming projects into works of art. They are equally meticulous about their choice of products.
George Guitterez of GGM Concepts has been racing and repairing vehicles since he was five years old.
A race winner with numerous podium finishes, including the U2L championship in 2018, George
understands the importance of a strong finish.
Based in Edinburgh, SA, GGM is known for high-quality streetcar builds, unique customizations, and eye-catching restorations.
George and GGM co-founder, Tore Rovere, met through racing in 2021 and have operated the business in Edinburgh, South Australia, ever since.
Tore’s acid-green RAPTORed BMW has frequently appeared at car shows and other events around Australia establishing their reputation for streetcar builds.
GGM’s recent project, a 1989 Nissan Terrano 4WD, showcases the team’s expertise in fabrication, restoration, and off-road enhancements, as well as their dedication to a high-calibre finish.
The Terrano has been a work in progress. Owner Luke has been bringing it to Tore and then GGM for mechanical restorations and customizations, on and off for years.
With few off-the-shelf parts available for this unique two-door 4WD, GGM used their fabrication expertise to modify rear-door flares, adding custom-build scrub bars, and other mods.
To bring Luke’s off-road dream to life, the GGM team designed and
fabricated a rear bar with a swingaway spare wheel jack, jerry cans, and a fold-out table.
They also changed-out the rear windows with custom hatches and upgraded the standard plastic snorkel with a fabricated, bespoke, 4-inch, stainless steel replacement.
When it came to finishing the Terrano, Luke was set on maintaining the Terrano’s classic late ‘80s twotone blue and grey colour palette.
For this, the team chose customtinted RAPTOR, to achieve the exact colouring while also protecting against the rigors of both on-road and off-road driving.
For George, the product speaks for itself.
The hard-wearing 2K polyurethane formula provides a highly durable protective finish that’s tough against scratches and chips, also providing UV and water resistance, and insulating against temperature and sound.
Raptor 2K is an ideal solution for
“It’s the user-friendliness of it all and the multiple applications. A lot of people don’t realise how much you can actually use it for, especially with more products coming out now, like RAPTOR High Temp.”
Other U-pol products GGM favour include Copper Weld #2 and premium fillers.
“We prefer to use U-pol as much as
Over the years, GGM and the U-pol team built a solid relationship, with U-pol sponsoring George’s racing team and GGM loaning the RAPTORed BMW to U-pol for events and 4WD shows.
After years of working intermittently on the Terrano, the process has been more marathon than sprint. But the resulting high-quality restoration is truly a win for GGM and, most importantly, Luke, the owner.
“Literally the day that we gave the car
With the highly anticipated jet X flagship model set to arrive, PPG National Training Manager, Trevor Duke got an early opportunity to see how it’s been designed to make you a better painter.
Despite more than 36 years in the trade, Trevor Duke admits he gets a bit excited when a new version of SATA’s premium spray gun emerges. Having used the SATAjet X 5500 for the past four or five years, he was keen to get an early look at its replacement, the ‘jet X’, particularly given that it has been billed as ‘the most digital SATA of all time’.
“The jet X is definitely an improvement on the SATAjet X 5500 which was already an amazing gun. What is really interesting is that the DIGITAL version of the SATAjet X 5500 was by far the most popular locally and now SATA has stepped up the digital technology to the next level with this new flagship gun. Although it’s possible to purchase the jet X BASIC which shares all the clever nozzle technology with the rest of the range, this non-DIGITAL version is an entry level gun that you can compare ‘apples with apples’ with conventional competitors. The majority of local buyers are expected to go with the jet X DIGITAL or the jet X DIGITAL PRO and I would highly recommend it. Choosing the digital technology is about providing more information to help the painter make informed decisions.
“ I found that the jet X DIGITAL had everything I needed. It’s adam X unit faces back towards the user so it’s easy to see the display with the inlet air pressure and the ambient temperature. I think having the ambient temperature conveniently on display is a very handy tool that helps remind painters that they need to adapt to the conditions. By clearly seeing what the temperature is, you are far more likely to choose the correct hardener and thinner. The adam X Pro unit on the jet X DIGITAL PRO adds even more capabilities. It includes an optical alarm that triggers
when the target air pressure deviates by more than 0.2 bar. This feature can let you know if there are issues with your compressed air supply system that can cause a pressure drop at the gun, such as high air consumption in the workshop or simply a compressed air system that might require an update.
“It’s important because a drop in pressure at the gun can alter colours and metallic orientation or cause
X Pro also records data including the number of trigger pulls, operating hours and painting time. This data can then be transmitted via a QR code to your own personal dashboard on a PC or smart phone. If you take part in the SATA Loyalty Program, ‘coins & more’, you can even collect ‘SATA coins’ via the new adam X Pro and redeem them later on for cool rewards in the SATA Loyalty App (check it out at https://jetx.
While SATA’s innovative digital technology is a definite highlight, Duke points out that the SATA R&D team have also been hard at work further improving the spray experience for all jet X models. “No matter what your paint technique is, the jet X is going to give you a spray pattern which is incredibly controllable. Thanks to its new SATA designed ‘labyrinth nozzle technology’ the fluid stream is atomised so finely that it eliminates that light flutter many guns have when the fluid starts to flow and this allows you to put on the material really nicely. There is also excellent mottle control but where it really comes into play is with the more tricky modern colours, such as Mazda’s 51K Rhodium White Metallic and 46V Soul Red Crystal. The fine atomisation of the jet X applies these colours with excellent ease and control.”
Ergonomics is an area of SATA design that is sometimes undervalued but the design team have obviously thought about it with the jet X because, says Duke, they have come up with a gun that is a joy to use. “Apart from fitting naturally into your hand, the jet X has lots of little ergonomic touches that painters will love. For example, the inlet air pressure adjuster has been moved to the bottom of the handle and I found it a massive advantage
because it’s easier and more natural to use. Another point I picked up on straightaway and so did others, was the way the gun seems to naturally point directly towards the panel when you have to reach out over big flat panels, like a bonnet or roof. If the gun is slightly tilted, one edge is going to be wetter while the other is drier. In contrast, the jet X natural points directly at the panel so you get a fully controlled, even fan from top to bottom without having to lift your arm or cock your wrist to point the gun.”
You don’t buy a SATA gun based on price. According to Duke, it’s all about what it can do for you and the return on investment. “I am really impressed with the new jet X. I understand that one of these flagship SATA guns is not a cheap purchase but, given the advantages you get, I believe it’s money well spent. The way it sprays, the way it handles and the control it gives the painter is second to none. This is a tool that you will pick up every single day and it’s going to make doing your job so much easier. Look after it and your jet X is going to go on performing for you long into the future. To me, that is priceless!”
SATA’s new flagship model, the jet X, is set to arrive locally. To be one of the first to enjoy its many benefits, be sure to speak to your local SATA distributor.
For leading 3M trainer James Lawson, it has been a long and diverse journey in the collision industry, but one thing has been a constant; a commitment to the highest possible quality repair outcomes. Now with 3M’s expanded focus on training and education, it is a passion he is determined to bring to the wider industry.
One advantage James Lawson brings to 3M’s Automotive Aftermarket Division as a Collision Repair Specialist and Educator, is exposure to top-end European automotive markets and the exacting standards of the OEMs.
“I did my apprenticeship at the Thatcham Research Centre, which gave me a lot of different insights into not just collision repair, but also collision testing,” he says.
“I did my dual trade certificate, and then became a master technician for panel and then subsequently paint. And then I was afforded the opportunity to move through and do a lot more OEM training.”
An ongoing factor for Lawson was the need for continual learning.
“I was continually putting my hand up for further development, further
skills opportunities,” he says.
“I travelled around in Europe, where we were blessed with a lot of training facilities. I did UK based training for both Volkswagen Audi Group and Jaguar Land Rover Group in Milton Keynes and the Jaguar Training Centre in the Midlands. And then I also did, a couple of week-long courses in Germany for the Volkswagen Audi Group.”
His pathway then led into his own business in the UK, until - fortunately for Australia’s sake - a wider urge came calling.
“I had a shop in the UK where I was predominantly doing a lot of high-end restorations and then historic race car building. But it always has been a sort of lifelong dream to move to Sydney.”
Lawson made the move in 2016 but quickly realised Australia wasn’t quite
so lucky in its exposure to some of this top-end OEM training.
“When I first came to Australia, I worked at a few shops, and I quickly realised that the trade didn’t have as many training opportunities as I had had in the UK and Europe.
“3M was a brand that I’ve worked with all of my career. I’d used the products in my day-to-day life and I’d had 3M come through and do product training. So, when I saw there weren’t too many of those training opportunities here, especially in the panel side of things, the opening ( to move into training) really piqued my interest.
“When the 3M training job came up it really spoke to my sort of passion for high level repairs. Ensuring that every vehicle that’s involved in a collision goes back to
that pre accident status,” he says.
“That’s something that really sits well with me. Ensuring that all technicians have the opportunity to aim for that and upskill, to learn new things and new technologies.”
Since that time six years ago, 3M has ramped up its training program for collision repair, including its investment in its state-of-the-art training centre in Sydney.
“We’ve continually invested in equipment for the training centre,” Lawson says.
“In the last 12 months, we’ve invested and bought new technologies in, UV curing lamps for the UV primers and paints and a glue pulling system for dent repair. All sorts of new and emerging technologies that we’re adapting our training for.”
Whether it is at the Sydney training centre or in the customised training that 3M takes on the road to workshops around Australia, one of Lawson’s priorities is to make sure the training has practical relevance to their business practices.
“I’ll always try and tailor the messaging, and what we’re using to make sure that it’s relevant,” he says.
“It’s got to be really tailored for that relevancy, because otherwise that there really is very little sort of skills and knowledge that will be learned and retained.”
He says part of this is not assuming workshops have some of the material
and process fundamentals that underlie advances in repair technique
“I can be talking about a process with somebody, it might be plastic repairs, but they have no understanding of plastic repairs because their shop doesn’t engage in them, as they’ll outsource it or just replace the part. Or understanding even the basics of metals, for instance, and how they react and how to work with them best. It’s really the basics, but it’s not always known.”
Lawson wants to make sure in the training, nothing is taken for granted and that some of these basics form the foundation to developing their skills.
“I make sure I’m getting across these really basic bits of information before we start getting into the sort of the real nuts and bolts of what we’re then going to train in.”
Part of Lawson’s success as a trainer is communicating the ‘whys’ behind learning.
“With all of my training, I will go through a theory or classroom session
as well,” he says. “The theory sessions are always around the 3M science of ‘why’. It’s giving these little nuggets of information into why we have a certain process, why 3M says this is best practice, because there’s always a reason behind it.
“And it’s in the classroom that we get the majority of our light-bulb moments. It’s quite empowering to watch when you drop a powerpoint slide or a little bit of information, and you see the technicians faces and they say, ‘Ah!’.
And I think, ‘It’s landed!’- We’re halfway there, we’ve just got to go to the shop floor and do the practical side.”
Lawson also ensures his onthe-road program is enhanced by the best preparation of the businesses possible.
“The site manager or the shop owner, they know what we’re coming in to do,” he says.
“They know the downtime of their technicians. And if I don’t have anything, if I don’t have the right equipment and tooling there, then I’ll ship it down along with the materials and the consumables that we’ll use.”
Lawson says he is proud of the fact that the training program is largely product agnostic because the main focus is skills development and with this the reputation of 3M follows.
“We know by giving the industry skills knowledge and helping them with that support, the product flows afterwards,” he says.
“We are one of the only organisations supplying into the panel side of the market, who are really coming to the party with training.”
Lawson has experienced some reluctance to embrace change in the industry over his career, chiefly with an attitude that this is the way ‘they have always done it,’ but in Australia one of the most encouraging elements of training he has found is the energy and enthusiasm to learn new things.
“There definitely is a change of opinion within our industry. There always will be some people that are left behind but what we are constantly seeing, is the MSO groups coming to us and saying, ‘What do you have for us? How can you upskill our technicians?’”
3M has a global directive to focus on up-skilling with a skills and knowledge development program and the industry is eager for it, he says.
“The sheer numbers we train, the trainees that we’re able to be in front of just shows that there the industry has an appetite and a definite need to continually try and upskill and develop.”
Lawson stresses the importance of upskilling for existing qualified employees, who make up about 80 per cent of their trainees, as a way of continually evolving the skills levels of the industry.
“It’s good bringing new people through, however, those apprentices also need a mentor in the workshop. There’s got to be an understanding within the industry that those mentors should be at the highest level of skills and knowledge to be able to pass that knowledge on through the industry to newcomers into the industry.”
Part of this need is driven by the pace of change in the automotive industry. Even as a trainer he marvels at the continual innovation and must actively seek and source the latest developments.
“It’s the way that technology
moves on at such a rapid pace,” he says. “I’ve been away from the shop floor now for six years and I’m constantly finding new things, reading publications, or putting myself into environments like the I-CAR training facilities, where I can just absorb even more knowledge.”
Investment for the future
Lawson explains that in the competitive and high-tech nature of the workshop, business owners know training not only prevents them being left behind but is an investment in efficiency.
“Everybody’s looking for those little one per cents. Even individual shops now are looking for ways to do the job that little bit quicker.
“There’s an obvious productivity benefit to the shops in training, so much so that they are willing to invest both financially, but also invest time, taking away technicians from the job for a day or even longer. They’re happy to do that, knowing that they’re getting a better, more efficient, more productive technician back at the end.”
When Lawson is not on the road or delivering training at the Sydney centre, he is continually fine-tuning aspects of the training.
“I will be doing training aids for our sales team, or doing some sort of product testing, or potential alterations to training courses. There really is a sort of continual focus on making our training better and better than before.”
But whether it is another class successfully completed or the latest workshop up to speed on new techniques, Lawson says his motivation remains the same.
“What I’m most proud about of all my training is that when I walk away and know the technicians have got skills and knowledge that they can put into practice the next day,” Lawson says.
“The industry has given me so much, and I said this time and time again, but it’s afforded me the opportunity to, move 10,000 miles away from where I used to live, to come to Australia. I’ve got a lot to be thankful for our industry. And it’s because of that love for the industry, and just giving back, trying to develop people to have the same drive for quality, that I had when I was on the shop floor.”
This is not just about pride in his work but also in the industry’s vital safety role.
“I’d always go out of my way to make sure that a job was at the best of my ability, and to the point if I was repairing a vehicle, I’d always be able to say at the end of that job, I’d be happy to put my child or my family in that car.
“If I can get through to the one per cent of our industry, who then take on that same sort of philosophy and mindset, then I’d be more than happy.”
3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Cut-Off Wheels with their fast cutting andlong-lasting performance improve productivity and efficiencyin various body shop cutting processes.
These Cut-Off Wheels are built with the 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Precision Shaped Grains –designed with sharp, angularstructures that continuously fracture to form fresh, sharppoints that allow the discs to slice faster, and last longer. They will cut through most materials, including high strength steels, stainless and mild steel.
Tickets are still available for 2025’s big day and night in collision repair as momentum continues to grow for the prestigious industry awards.
The NCR Lifetime Achievement Awards will combine a night of celebration, and a day packed with ideas for the collision industry at Symposium 25, to be held in Melbourne on May 7.
The events are also attracting a host of major players in the industry who are keen to back the Lifetime Achievements Awards and what it means to the industry.
PPG, PartsCheck, 3M, Sheen Group and Saint Gobain are just some of the major players who are supporting this special event that will feature the industry’s top award along with four other categories, including Woman in Automotive and Next generation Leader.
PartsCheck Marketing Manager Harry Robertson said they were proud to be a sponsor of the Lifetime Achievement Awards.
“It’s an honour to support an event that recognises the trailblazers
whose vision and dedication have truly shaped our industry,” he says. “Their achievements inspire us to continually push boundaries and deliver innovative solutions that keep our industry moving forward.
“At PartsCheck, we believe in celebrating the people behind every success. This sponsorship is a testament to our commitment to honouring those who have paved the way for excellence. We look forward to an exciting night of recognition, inspiration, and a shared passion for progress.”
PPG Australia and New Zealand Andrew Blake, Marketing Director Refinish said their support was part of a proud tradition.
“For many years, PPG and the National Collision Repairer have enjoyed a long and successful relationship,” Blake says. “As a result, PPG is proud to once again be a sponsor of the NCR awards –an evening that brings together so many people in order to recognise and celebrate their involvement and contributions within our great industry.”
Proudly Sponsored by:
Don’t miss the valuable insights into the future of the collision repair industry at this year’s Symposium25.
Held in conjunction with the NCR Lifetime Achievement Awards on May 7 in Melbourne, the day promises to be a feast of ideas followed by a night of
and panels, the big issues that the sector faces now and into the future.
Hear from Rob Bartlett and the Australian Collision Industry Alliance on the latest steps the leading skills advocacy body is making into tackling the skills crisis. Rob will lead a discussion on what needs to be
unfolding over the next five years, the challenges and the solutions on offer.
The day will also feature a special focus on safety and how workshop processes can affect he outcomes of repairs in the workshop and the resulting safety of vehicles.
Along with a host of other speakers
Fix Network CEO Steve Leal approaches the massive amount of change in the automotive industry with a combination of passion, insight, determination and even humour. At the core of his leadership of the network, however, is the belief that disruption presents an opportunity for growth for the best businesses.
From its beginning, Fix Network’s purpose has been to offer growth opportunities for individual businesses. As Steve Leal explains, the experience and insights gained from a global network across the world are directly applied to how they adapt and thrive under changing market conditions.
“We wanted to create a franchise system that gives them the tools to let them know, whether they are performing well, and at the same time, identify best practices,” he says. “And ask, ‘Can I leverage the marketing strategy to be part of something bigger?”
The strength in the network not only boosts individual business but gives them collective strength, he says.
“At the same time, we want to provide a way for them to compete against the growing trend of private equity and public money coming in and buying shops. We’ve seen this in other markets, particularly in North America and the US, where private equity is buying a lot of the body shops, leading to significant disruption. However, within
that disruption lies opportunity.”
“I think some independents now ask, ‘How do I compete against them? As a sole business, I want to stay in business and remain a part of the community.’ When you think about it, small businesses are still the backbone of the industry.
“There’s a way for them to compete against the trend, and we’re committed to being part of that, while also giving back to the community,” he says. “We’re supporting entrepreneurs in managing their business and pursuing new opportunities they might otherwise miss. Our goal is to help our franchisees achieve a level of recognition where even insurance company executives, who may not yet know them, take notice.
“Being part of a bigger brand, allows us to negotiate better deals, ensuring it’s viable for the shops. We provide them with buying power, enabling them to access better supply and purchasing terms. While we manage the relationship, it also offers them a valuable new marketing advantage operationally.”
The network’s philosophy is centred around using this as a foundation to thrive.
“Another key aspect we manage for them is helping create a platform for their own growth, enabling them to potentially expand and own two or three additional shops.’
Leal is fond of an expression, ‘You don’t know what you don’t know’ and believes that the day-to-day running of a workshop can often keep an owner focused on the immediate, causing them to miss the broader lessons of the industry. However, the global network can bring a unique and expansive resource to support each individual shop.
“The operations team can highlight the best ways to run your shop and the
key metrics you should be focusing on. We are the only organisation to be able to make a benchmark from over 20 countries, which gives us a unique, true global scope in our view of repairs. For instance, if you fix a Corolla here in Melbourne, this is the repair standard. But what is the standard in Canada, United States, Germany for instance? A Corolla is a Corolla wherever it is so we can identify what are the good metrics on changing that fender and making sure what is the right price or the cost.”
The collective knowledge within the group is proving to be enormously beneficial, especially when it comes to adapting to changing technology, such as the advances made in AI and its role in assessing and helping shops manage front-of-house processes.
“The company can ask, how do we harness this? How can we get ahead of the curve and test new products, and ensure we identify the right viable solutions and products that work in specific countries? We learn from it in one market and apply that knowledge to other countries.”
This approach is also helping the network adapt to other changes such as the advent of new drive trains, including EVs and hybrids. The global experience helps inform and further support local members as they navigate these shifts.
“We originally built three training facilities in Canada, where we house all the necessary equipment, and we’re testing new products and materials. We’re conducting research and asking questions like, ‘Does this calibration system work? What is the car parc? We buy the equipment and test it in a real-world environment.”
This goes beyond simply recommending equipment, it provides neutral test data that individual businesses, often too busy to
gather themselves, can rely on.’’
For Fix Network this includes a training curriculum that aligns with global OEM standards, with training facilities expanding into the US, Saudi Arabia and potentially Australia in the future.
Leal also points out that the effort and development Fix Network members pour into their own businesses over the years not only helps grow their individual operations but also increases the overall value of the business, which is crucial for any succession plans.
“It’s unfortunate for a shop owner who spends twenty years building their business, only to find and at the end of that time when they’re ready
to sell it’s worth nothing. I’ve seen it countless times – people are only able to sell the assets, versus selling the business itself,” he says.
“But if you are part of a brand, at the end of that twenty years, you’ve built a business. The franchise model gives you that opportunity. We’ll be able to sell that franchise location because it will have real value.”
At the same time, Leal acknowledges the pride in ownership and the links to their team and community, which are a powerful force in the repair industry. The Fix Network model seeks to retain the best of these qualities.
“But the difference is, by
empowering an entrepreneur, he’s the local operator, he’s going to care for the business, and when you have a local operator, and what I’ve seen is proof, the customer experience is better because they have skin in the game.”
“If you look at our Fix Network, it’s a family of brands,’’ he says. “We really embrace the family dynamic, because we’re all independent operators, we’re all part of the same family, and we encourage them to work together.
“The great part about being a family is that you can rely on others in different towns. You’re not competing against someone in your town - you own that territory. And if an issue arises, you can work with your family members in the country to resolve it.”
“When we have a global conference, franchisees have the opportunity to meet and connect with other family members across the globe and I think that’s a unique experience.”
One of the key qualities Fix Network looks for in members is an openness to change and continuous improvement, Leal says.
“If you never change and you operate in the exact same way, over time, you’ll eventually realise you have diminishing returns.
“I view these disruptive factors as opportunities to improve the quality of the industry as a whole. By investing in training and upskilling, you provide better opportunities for the entire ecosystem.”
The consolidation of the industry overseas, where it has progressed at various levels, is one such disruption and Leal welcomes its possibilities for improvement. With the global knowledge Fix Network has gained from this development, and the support they offer, he believes it can open the door to success for business owners who are agile and open to change.
“I try to teach people that you need to change when you’re at the top,” he says. “As humans, we’re too reactive, especially in this business world. If you’re changing just because there’s disruption, you’re not seeing the bigger picture. You need to be proactive, change when you’re at the top, and continue evolving. That’s how you stay ahead of the game and stay at the top.”
From florist to the front of house in a repair workshop, Erin Steven’s carries her contagious positive attitude wherever she goes.
Originally starting out as a qualified florist, Erin Stevens’ career has taken many turns, but the repair industry is where she feels most fulfilled.
Erin works as a receptionist and administration assistant at Hower Crash Repairs in Adelaide. Working there for 8 ½ years, Erin has seen the evolution of the business, and the industry, and her love for her job has only grown.
“This industry has been really good to me,” Erin says.
Having always had a small interest in cars, Erin is not surprised she ended up in the repair industry.
Her role includes all the front of house duties. From welcoming new and existing customers, to answering the phone, and organising scheduling, Erin embraces every aspect of her job.
CGU Motor Claims for a decade.
“One day I rang Hower Crash Repairs chasing an invoice and the owner jokingly said if you ever want a job, let me know,” Erin says.
“I rang her back and asked how serious were you about that job offer? I had a training day later that week and got the job.”
“It was kind of a fluke how I ended up in the repair shop, but I’ve worked in the industry now for almost 19 years.”
Memorable moments
Winning the Women in Collision admin award has been a career highlight for Erin.
“It’s been a big thing. I knew I had been nominated, but when I was advised that I was a finalist, the thought of winning was beyond me,”
things. I love helping people.”
Reflecting on her work, Erin is pleasantly surprised when she can recall information with little hesitation.
“It’s funny, sometimes you’re not sure if you know a lot, and then when someone has a question and then you realise how much knowledge you have sitting in the memory bank,” Erin says.
“Once you’re fully in the industry, you never escape.”
Erin enjoys sharing her positive energy with her colleagues, and focuses on making the workplace environment a light hearted experience.
“I’m constantly singing, dancing, and giving the workshop a concert they didn’t ask for,” Erin says.
“I try to make everyone’s day a little bit brighter.”
“That was the hardest thing so far. It is personal but it was also my job for three-four years to navigate how to handle everything.”
Despite uncertain and testing times, Erin leans on her positive demeanour to carry her through challenging times.
“Even when times are tough, I always look for the silver lining,” Erin says.
“I always look at the brighter side of life, I’ve always been like that.”
Coming from the corporate world, Erin was trained on how to deal with and resolve conflict.
“Having that training over the course of ten years, combined with age, and also having my husband’s advice who is a manager, has all helped me deal with some emotional people in the workshop,” Erin says.
Erin has a few strategies for deescalating angry, or emotional customers.
“You just let them talk, let them be angry, and eventually you find that they settle down naturally,” Erin says.
Immersed in the industry and enjoying the intricacies of her job, Erin highlights the people at her workplace that make her day even brighter.
“I love my colleagues,”
“I work with a lady called Michelle, who is also on the front of house duties with me.
She makes my day absolutely brighter.”
“I enjoy helping people. Whether that be my colleagues or customers.”
In the repair industry, the front of house staff are the first point of contact for customers, some of whom have just experienced a traumatic event. Erin keeps this at the centre of her focus.
“Having a car accident is a stressful situation,” Erin says.
“People sometimes come to the workshop straight from the accident as well. Sometimes they are quite stressed, and all it takes is some extra time out of your day to make sure they are okay.”
“I always make sure they are okay
Erin also helps customers navigate what needs to be done after a collision. At times, Erin receives calls from potential customers asking what steps they need to take immediately
experience, I am able to walk people
“Sometimes people just ring up to confirm what they have been told by
With a floristry background, Erin is an avid gardener and enjoys being part of
“When the flowers are blooming, I’ll often deliver some bouquets to my friends and family. I love it when my house has fresh flowers,” Erin says.
“I’ve done the odd wedding for family or friends over the years too.”
“I love keeping my thumb green.”
Travelling and seeing Australia is also high on the priority list for Erin and her husband.
“My husband and I took a year off recently to do a lap of Australia which we loved,” Erin says.
“Far north Queensland and Margaret River areas were our favourite.”
Struck by family losses in 2021, and 2022, putting work aside and travelling the world became something they didn’t want to miss out on.
“We thought we have to go. Life is far too short, let’s go and make a great experience of this,” Erin says.
Erin and her husband have their sights set on going to Europe, Japan and the United States.
“We are hoping to go overseas next year,” Erin says.
“We always like an interstate trip here and there too.”
With a reputation that proceeds her, Erin receives the occasional job offer, but is content with her role and colleagues.
“When something’s not broken, don’t’ fix it. Everything is good, harmonious and happy,” Erin says.
Hower Crash Repair is currently in the middle of a business change over and the opportunity for growth and improving working conditions is something that Erin is looking forward to.
“The development is exciting, I get a buzz out of it,” Erin says.
“Streamlining the business, and continuing to grow within my role is my plan for this year.”
Aiming
to find a way to improve workshop systems and keep in mind what’s best for the team, parts manager, Danielle Petta knows how to get things done.
Capable and driven, Danielle Petta has found her stride working in the repair industry. Embracing her role as the ‘fix it’ person, Danielle enjoys helping people when issues arise.
Growing up immersed in the automotive industry, Danielle always had her sights set on being involved in repair in one way or another.
At 28 years old, Danielle has already spent a decade in the industry learning the ropes and advancing her skills.
Born in Sydney, Danielle and her family moved to the Central Coast in her primary school years. Danielle currently works at the Kotara branch of Fortress Collision Repair Services in New South Wales.
Also skilled as an accounts officer, estimator, and production management, Danielle’s skills and capabilities extend beyond her job title as ‘parts manager’.
“One day never looks the same,” Danielle says.
“I am dealing with the ordering of the parts. I look over every single quote that comes through and I make sure we are getting the best part margin and from the most reliable suppliers.”
Creating a system that allows for errors and setbacks is an area that Danielle enjoys perfecting.
“I order the parts to arrive a few days prior to the booking just in case there are any issues,” Danielle says.
“This allows me to have a bit of time up my sleeve to fix issues if they arise.”
Danielle is also the go-to person for ‘supp sheets’ and assists with the invoice batching where she can.
“Anything extra, like parts and paints, that the boys on the floor need, I put in the order,” Danielle says. And if that wasn’t already enough,
NCR recognises the ongoing support of IAG for the Future Leader’s series and their continued support in developing industry skills.
Danielle is also part of the accounts team part time.
“I like to see how every stage works to really get an understanding of it, and how it can impact other stages of this industry,” Danielle says.
“I feel like the more knowledge I have the better I am able to do my job because I’m looking at it from multiple aspects and not just how it would affect myself.”
“It is busy and chaotic, but I love it.”
Not in unfamiliar territory, Danielle’s childhood revolved around her father’s panel shop.
“I spent a lot of time growing up around the shop. When we lived in Sydney, after school I would always be there, hanging around until he finished work for the day,” Danielle says.
“I was exposed to the industry my whole life.”
It wasn’t until Danielle became a teenager that she also took on her father’s love of cars.
“When everyone around me started getting their drivers licenses, my passion for cars only grew,” Danielle says.
“I definitely have a strong interest and passion for cars outside of work, but it has also helped with my job too.”
It was Danielle’s father that set her up for her first job in the industry. He returned home from work one day and said there was a job as an administration assistant going in a repair workshop on the central coast.
“I went in for an interview, got the job, and that was my first experience in smash repairs,” Danielle says.
From there, Danielle took her love of the industry to a few different workshops, each time growing her skills and area of expertise.
“My first shop I worked in was purely admin, and then I moved to a shop where I was doing parts management
and estimating,” Danielle says.
“The third shop I was at also taught me admin, estimating and production management. From that shop I was contacted by Fortress Collision and now I do a bit of everything.”
Danielle found her niche in parts management, but also has found a solid interest in accounts as well.
“If I had a choice, parts, and
accounts would always be the two areas I would pick every time,” Danielle says.
“They are definitely my favourite.”
Overcoming challenges
While any career and industry has its challenges and hurdles to overcome, the lack of female representation has made females in the industry subject to discouraging behaviours.
“I have had a few challenges when I was estimating for male customers,” Danielle says.
“They don’t always have a lot of faith in you when they see you are a female.”
“A lot of male customers would ask for me to get a male colleague for them to confirm what I had just told them.”
“I also had that experience with my fair share of females as well.”
While Danielle acknowledges that it is a male dominated industry, and that customers want the best service possible, she highlights the frustration it can cause.
“I have had multiple customers say to me after their repairs are done, that they didn’t have a lot of faith in me, but I happily proved them wrong,” Danielle says.
“It is a bit of a slap in the face compliment but it has happened multiple times, so I am used to it now.”
With that being said, Danielle celebrated the fact that more females are joining the industry.
“It’s becoming more normal to see females in this industry which is encouraging and a welcome change,” Danielle says.
Her strong work ethic and desire to improve has not gone unrecognised by her peers. Danielle was nominated for an Emerging Leader Award by a Business Services Consultant from Sherwin Williams called Darren Lobley.
“I work quite closely with Darren because I do all the paint ordering and stock take. We work together to make sure all our systems are running smoothly and to the best of their abilities,” Danielle says.
Danielle believes a strong leader is someone who takes the time to explain tasks and has an empathic ear.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without my manager at my second shop I worked at, Gary. He is 100 per cent a mentor for me,” Danielle says.
“He taught me everything I know about parts and estimating and we work really well together.”
They work so well together, that Gary, who moved to Fortress months before Danielle, recommended her for the job she has now at Fortress.
“We just understand one another and he is very thorough in explaining things. He understands how I learn and we are always thinking in terms of what is best for the business,” Danielle says.
“We both want to go above and beyond for our team because we can see the end goal.”
“He has been a huge part of any success I have had.”
Danielle also looks to her father for advice about work, the industry and cars.
“Over dinner we are always discussing the industry and bouncing ideas off one another.”
curious are two key attributes in her role.
“My advice would be to ask questions if you’re not sure of something,” Danielle says.
“It is best off asking and double checking that its right the first time. It saves times down the track and it’s the best thing for the team.”
Outside of her career, Danielle has a broad range of hobbies and interest that keep her occupied when she isn’t at work, including her Japanese drift car.
‘I have a Nissan 180 SX that I am building outside of work. I’ve had it since I was 17, so it’s been a long project, but hopefully it will be finished very soon,” Danielle says.
Danielle is also an avid reader and a gamer.
“I love fantasy, true crime novels, so
Repairers will have only until the end of April to give their feedback on the code of conduct. Don’t miss this chance to shape the future.
The much-anticipated new draft version of the code governing relations between insurers and repairers will remain open to industry consultation until 29 April 2025.
The Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry draft code of conduct is looking for responses for from businesses, individuals and organisations.
The draft was developed by the Code Administration Committee made up of representatives from the Insurance Council of Australia and the Motor Trades Association of Australia.
It follows a long journey and extensive work following Dr Michael Schaper’s review in 2023 of the old code that found it was underutilised and too little known about in the industry. The Code Administration Committee was set up in and a rewrite conducted last year.
The updated code aims to improve clarity, fairness, and effectiveness in several critical areas, including Sanctions and penalties, assessment and estimation times, methods of repair, and dispute resolution processes.
CAC Chair George Manos says the consultation period will be crucial time for a diverse range of sources including collision repairers to help shape a relevant code for the future.
“We want everyone to have their say, ” Manos says. “As a committee we welcome public submissions, as well as direct or confidential engagement with the Insurance Council of Australia and the Motor Trades Association of Australia.
“To support stakeholders, navigate the proposed new code, the CAC has developed an explanatory memorandum. Whether through the website or targeted industry engagement, the CAC has worked on making the consultation accessible for all stakeholders.”
The explanatory memorandum outlines some of the key issues addressed in the new code.
1. Language: The new code aims to address the vague and unclear language in the current code of conduct where industry participants have interpreted the language in different ways that have caused unnecessary disputes, delays, and inefficiencies for both insurers and repair businesses. To minimise differing interpretations, the new code in a simplified format, now includes definitions to make things clearer and help participants understand when a dispute arises and when the code doesn’t apply to certain practices or operations.
2. Estimation and assessment timeframes: The new code provides clear timelines for the estimation and assessment process. Whilst the code cannot cover off on all scenarios involved in a repair under an insurance claim, the clarity built into the new code will provide certainty for industry participants on how estimations and assessments are to be undertaken. This will also assist industry participants to understand when a dispute can be validly raised under the new code. It also retains the need for estimators and assessors to be appropriately skilled in line with skill requirements of a rapidly evolving motor repair industry.
3. Dispute resolution process: The new code introduces two distinct types of disputes between an insurance company and a body repair business to help define and shorten the process.
For repair disputes, the new code emphasises the need for a cost-
CAC chair George Manos wants to hear from collision repairers. Image: CAC
effective, efficient, and binding resolution. It establishes clear timelines to streamline the process and introduces an independent adjudicator to make final, enforceable decisions.
For general disputes, the new code offers a mediation process to help parties resolve their issues. Specific time frames are included in the initial stages to ensure prompt progress.
4. Governance: The governance structure of the code is proposed changing with formalisation of the Code Administration Committee under an incorporated association with jurisdiction across Australia. The committee will have power to impose sanctions, fines and other manners of enforcement upon parties who breach of the code. The new governing body will incorporate the appointment of an independent chairperson to both the committee and the board provide annual reports to cover all aspects of governance.
Have your say:
The explanatory note also offers three thought-provoking questions in key areas to help frame industry feedback.
1. Dispute timeframes: How long should be allowed for the insurerrepairer to resolve a dispute before it is allowed to proceed to expert adjudication or mediation?
2. Adjudicators: What should the appropriate skill sets, experience and attributes of an adjudicator be?
3. Sanctions: What should code sanctions be and/or how much should they be for insurers and repairers?
Submissions can be made on the consultation website at www.mviricode.com.au or by email to codereview@mviricode.com.au
With safety being a number one priority for repairers, ensuring every workshop system is efficient and reliable is essential in creating and keeping a loyal customer base.
Welding is often an overlooked department in repairs. With new types of steel being developed for automotive, ensuring repairers are up to date with the latest techniques is paramount to the safety of clients, and of the workshop.
Maintaining and upskilling workshop owners and workers is something I-CAR Australia has specialised experience in.
I-CAR Australia’s senior trainer, Geoff Mitchell manages the welding certification programmes and says his role is to “keep the standard where it needs to be.”
I-CAR Australia has a number of trainers that they send all around Australia in an attempt to make keeping up to date with training a realistic task for busy workshops.
Geoff outlined how much the welding industry has changed in the thirty years he has been involved in the industry.
“The industry used to be solely transformer welding machines where everything was guesswork and you didn’t know what amps you were putting in or what voltage you were using,” Geoff says.
“Now, with the new equipment that’s out there, like the inverter synergic, where you can tune the machine to get just the amount of heat you need. The equipment is drastically different from even ten years ago.”
With the evolving equipment and technology however, the industry training has not kept up with the rapid change.
“When people first turn up and see the machines, they get scared,” Geoff says.
“That’s a big part of what we do at I-CAR, we are here to train people and teach them how to use the new inverter synergic equipment.”
Different types of steel
Geoff highlighted how training is paramount in the industry due to the different types of steels used
to weld mild steel,” Geoff says.
“The vehicles these days are made from unique steels, so we have advanced high strength steel,
Workshops aim to prioritise safety in every facet of the workshop.
Understanding the different types of steel in order to be able to weld properly, is something that repairers cannot afford to get wrong.
“We’re putting somebody’s family inside this car that’s been repaired. And with that, if you’ve got welds that are sitting on top of the joint, or even overheated. You’re going to change how that vehicle reacts in the next accident,” Geoff says.
A delayed, or inaccurate airbag deployment is also at risk with faulty welding techniques.
“The welds will either be too weak and delay the airbag deployment, or it will be too strong and set it off too quickly,” Geoff says.
“Or, if the welding is weak, the car starts pulling apart where the welds are, and there will be a delay in airbag timing.”
“Nobody wants to hit an airbag while in the wrong deployment stage.”
Geoff highlighted how it is challenging to get some people in the industry to be on board with learning a new way of performing their craft.
“We get people who have been welding for 20-30 years come in and question the programme from the start,” Geoff says.
“We stress that we will show you a better and safer way of welding for everyone involved.”
“As welding is more technical now, we show that with new steels and new equipment the techniques need to change.”
“The guys go away with a complete new understanding which is great to see.”
During I-CAR programmes, the trainers demonstrate how the metallurgical structure of steel used in automotive has changed.
“We are all here for one reason, and that is the occupant in that car needs to be able to rely on the car from a vehicle manufacturer point of view,” Geoff says.
“The OEMs have built that car for it to withstand impact to a certain point.”
“It’s up to us as the repair industry to repair that car, but also be mindful of people that are going to be driving it next time around.”
The direction of the welding industry, according to I-CAR experts, will continue to be a high tech space that will need continuous attention and training.
“Welding is not going anywhere because cars are made out of steel,” Geoff says.
“People have said that things will be rivet bonded more so than welded. However, the structural parts of the cars are still going to be welded.”
“It is always going to be in our industry.”
“But as our steel changes, so do the welding techniques.”
I-CAR training centres are located in Brisbane and Melbourne and are fitted out with state-of-the-art equipment.
“We also offer training at locations in other capital cities,” Geoff says.
I-CAR Australia has an array of welding programmes on offer for repairers. These include:
• Introduction to Weld Basics (WTS01) - this 2-day programme caters for everybody in the industry
• Steel GMA Welding Testing & Certification (WCSA3).
• A luminium GMA Welding Testing & Certification (WCA03) (steel certification required)
• Steel Sectioning Training & Certification (ST105L03) –advanced welding programme.
with Steven Theron
Sika’s journey with polyurethane began in the 1960s, with the milestone launch of one of the first single-component polyurethane adhesive-sealants for construction.
The launch of Sikaflex® 1A, established Sika’s expertise, which expanded in the 1980s with the Sikaflex® range for automotive and commercial vehicles. From these early innovations, Sika grew into a global leader, driven by advancements like Purform® technology—a low-diisocyanate, highperformance polyurethane platform.
The evolution of bonded vehicle glass
Increased safety requirements for passenger cars in the 1960s drove the introduction of adhesive-bonded windscreens. Requirements to install vehicle windshields that would stay attached to the bodywork in the event of a crash were defined in US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 212 (FMVSS212). Traditional technologies like rubber gaskets and butyl sealants proved inadequate, leading to the adoption of adhesive-bonded screens. Between 1963 and 1976, European manufacturers began using this technology for US exports. The first large-scale use of this technology for the European market occurred in 1976, with the Audi 100. Polyurethane windshield adhesives then became established as the worldwide norm in car construction.
The structural, design, and safety significance of modern vehicle glazing necessitates the use of highperformance windscreen adhesives engineered to meet exacting specifications. These adhesives are critical for enhancing structural rigidity, enabling antenna functionality through conductive properties, providing corrosion protection, and ensuring
reliable airbag deployment—a vital passive safety feature reliant on robust windscreen bonding. Approved automotive OEM polyurethane adhesives are formulated to satisfy these stringent engineering demands. The windscreen is more than a visibility barrier; it significantly contributes to a vehicle’s structural integrity, particularly during rollovers. Research from SafeWindshields.org, run by the US-based Auto Glass Safety Council, indicates that the windscreen can provide up to 60% of the structural support in a rollover, preventing roof collapse and occupant ejection. Installing windscreens with adhesives that do not meet the automotive OEM’s required strength significantly increases the risk of detachment during a rollover, leading to potential roof collapse, occupant ejection, and compromised airbag deployment.
Sika entered the automotive adhesive market in the 1980s, achieving a
the launch of Sikaflex®-255, the first black primerless polyurethane adhesive designed for direct glazing to vehicle frames. The pioneering Sikaflex®-255 replaced rubber gaskets and primerdependent systems with a streamlined, single-component solution, enhancing efficiency and performance.
BMW was the first car manufacturer to use Sika adhesives, and therefore the first to bond windshields and other glass components without a black primer.
Sika’s collaboration as a Development Partner with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) grew over time, highlighting its longstanding partnership for lightweight construction and adhesive bonding solutions, including direct glazing.
In 1987, Sika conducted its first crash test, marking the beginning of its commitment to rigorous safety validation for automotive adhesives. This milestone laid the groundwork for further advancements. By 1993, Sika developed its Safe Drive-Away Time
under real-world conditions. This innovation reflected Sika’s focus on meeting stringent automotive safety requirements, such as those outlined in FMVSS212.
In 2008, Sika conducted a crash test series aimed at achieving shorter SDATs, responding to industry demands for faster curing times without compromising safety. This effort culminated in 2015, when Sika established a new drive-away time standard using 95th percentile crash test dummies—representing a broader range of adult male sizes, specifically increasing from the 50th percentile (78kg) to the 95th percentile (101kg)—to validate adhesive performance under more comprehensive crash scenarios. These developments underscore Sika’s ongoing leadership in adhesive technology, aligning with evolving safety standards and customer needs.
For over four decades, Sikaflex® polyurethane adhesives have consistently delivered exceptional longevity, a testament to Sika’s pioneering innovations in polyurethane and automotive applications. This legacy of reliability extends beyond automobiles. Backed by nearly 30 years of rigorous longterm performance observation across diverse industrial environments, Sikaflex® has established a reputation for exceptional durability. Since 1987, Sikaflex® has been used to glaze over 15 million BMW vehicles, with rigorous field studies consistently validating the enduring strength of these bonds.
This proven performance is equally evident in the construction of buses, commercial vehicles, and rail systems. Since the mid-1980s, Sikaflex®
roofs, and floors throughout passenger and cargo areas. In rail vehicle manufacturing, Sikaflex® adhesives and sealants are the recognized industry standard for securing windshields, end walls, and floors.
To demonstrably prove this enduring performance, adhesive samples extracted after two decades of service underwent rigorous testing where the mechanical properties were virtually indistinguishable from their original state, guaranteeing reliability that translates to reduced maintenance expenditures and extended vehicle lifespan.
Sika’s leadership today
Since the 1980s, Sika has been both a supplier and a dedicated manufacturing partner to the automotive industry, driving innovation and setting safety standards. With over 80 crash tests conducted by 2022, Sika has established itself as a leading expert in windscreen bonding. Today, Sikaflex® is also a leading automotive body sealant, widely favoured by CBR (crash body repair) professionals.
The integrity of a bonded car windshield is paramount for occupant safety. This has led to exceptionally rigorous requirements for adhesive strength and long-term durability. Vehicles endure a relentless barrage of environmental stressors, including exposure to corrosive sea salt, intense UV radiation from sunlight, winter road salts, extreme temperature fluctuations, and various other chemical exposures. Sika’s adhesives are engineered to maintain their performance under these demanding conditions.
Beyond safety, modern vehicle design leverages the structural rigidity of bonded glass to enhance
overall vehicle stiffness. This design innovation contributes to improved crash performance while enabling manufacturers to reduce steel thickness and achieve significant weight savings.
In terms of manufacturing efficiency, Sika has pioneered advancements such as black primerless bonding and long open time primers, which are applied at the sub-supplier level. These innovations streamline the bonding process, reducing complexity and increasing throughput. Furthermore, our warm-applied adhesives, which provide immediate windshield fixation, facilitate automated factory installations.
The unique combination of superior performance and cost-effectiveness has solidified polyurethane adhesives as the industry standard for windshield bonding.
Sikaflex® Purform® windshield adhesives showcase our most advanced innovations. They meet all automotive performance requirements whilst eliminating the need for specific REACH health and safety training for the applicators. With less than 0.1% monomeric diisocyanate content, user exposure to chemicals is reduced and limited to an absolute minimum. Sika automotive glass adhesive systems undergo rigorous crash testing and consistently surpass the stringent FMVSS 212, ensuring the highest level of occupant protection.
Sika’s dedication:
Sika’s core values— Innovation, Simplicity, and Safety — fuel our adhesive leadership. From the 1960s polyurethane breakthroughs and 1980s BMW collaborations to modern Purform® advancements, we simplify applications with fast-curing systems and short drive-away times, prioritizing safety.
For more details contact Sika or www.sika.com/aftermarket
Disclaimer: The information provided herein is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as professional guidance concerning the use, application, or suitability of our products. All decisions regarding product use and application should be made in consultation with a qualified professional.
Australia’s leading aftermarket association is playing an active part in boosting the pool of talent in the automotive industry with a call for better gender diversity and representation by women across the sector.
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association’s AAAAWomen initiative aims to push for change in a sector where women are underrepresented, with one of the lowest female workforce participation rates of any industry—trailing only mining and construction.
The AAAA celebrated International Women’s Day at a special breakfast event with a call to action to improve gender diversity and strengthen support networks within the industry.
AAAA Director of Government Relations & Advocacy Lesley Yates says the event showed momentum was building, with the AAAAWomen initiative signalling a unified front for driving meaningful change.
“The automotive aftermarket sector is stepping up to create real opportunities for women. We are working together, across brands and organisations, to support and retain
the talented women already in our industry while also encouraging more women to join,” Yates says.
“Industry research has consistently shown that two key factors have the greatest impact on attracting and retaining women in male-dominated industries: the attitudes of senior leadership and the presence of formal and informal support networks.
“The AAAAWomen project is addressing both, with direct engagement from business leaders and the launch of Connection Circles—a structured peer mentoring and support initiative inspired by a successful program in the US run by Auto Care.
women in our industry with a trusted space to share experiences, develop skills, and build the networks that are crucial for career growth. It’s another example of how we are creating change—not just talking about it,” Yates says.
“The statistics underscore the need for action. Women currently represent less than 20 per cent of the total automotive workforce in Australia, but in critical areas such as automotive trades, that number is even lower. The automotive aftermarket is stronger when we work together, and AAAAWomen is bringing industry leaders, brands, and individuals into
Victoria’s lead automotive industry body has warned the push to do away with gas as an industrial power source could threaten some repair businesses’ viability, particularly with drying ovens.
The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) has said as many as 5000 repair businesses could be affected by the State government’s Building Electrification Regulatory Impact Statement, a push to reduce gas reliance.
In the VACC’s formal submission to Attorney-General and Minister for Planning, Hon. Sonia Kilkenny, it said the proposed electrification mandate would create substantial challenges for automotive repair and manufacturing facilities that rely on gas.
VACC CEO Peter Jones says while
the industry supports emissions reduction efforts, the current proposal threatens business viability and needed to be scrapped in preference for further industry consultation.
“Many automotive repair processes, especially in body repair shops, depend on gas-powered systems for precise temperature control and efficient heating,” Mr Jones says.
“The lack of suitable electric alternatives for equipment like paint drying ovens would require significant industry consultation before any transition could occur.”
“We’re calling for proper industry engagement to develop a practical, balanced energy transition strategy that ensures energy security, protects jobs, and supports Victorian businesses,” Mr Jones said.
“No other state in Australia is taking
this approach, making Victoria an outlier in compelling businesses to abandon gas.”
The VACC has warned network charges for remaining gas users could potentially increase by around 20 per cent annually as residential customers leave the network.
In the statement, the VACC quoted an unnamed member with a largescale body repair network who outlined the benefits of gas.
“Gas provides rapid and efficient heating, which minimises downtime between jobs and maintains consistent quality across varying weather conditions” the member says.
“In an already cost-constrained industry where time and quality are paramount, reliable access to fairly priced gas ensures businesses can sustainably operate.”
Flat new vehicle markets have continued into 2025, with an almost ten per cent drop in sales in February, with the EV slump continuing.
So far in 2025, EVs were down more than 50 percent on 2024 leading to a dispute over the effectiveness of the NVES. Hybrid sales continue to grow and plug-in hybrids which also incorporate a petrol motor were close to equal in sales with full battery EVs in February.
EVs sales recorded just 5.9 per cent of total sales, compared with 9.6 per cent in February 2024 with 6878 sales, while hybrids sold almost five times that number.
The FCAI figures do not include Tesla or Polestar sales.
FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber says the figures are a wakeup call for government hopes for the NVES.
“We knew the supply of EVs would increase and there are now 88 models supplied to the Australian market,” Weber says. “However, our grave concern has always been the rate of
EV adoption and what assumptions the Government had made in its modelling around consumer demand for EVs in the NVES. This modelling remains secret.
“The easy part is to set aspirational targets but without consumers demanding EVs, the NVES will not succeed.”
The Electric Vehicle Council has a different take on the figures and has incorporated the plug-in hybrids in their figures to show EVs and plug in hybrids amount to 11.3 percent of recorded car sales in February 2025, higher than last year’s EV market share of 9.6 percent when PHEV sales were negligible.
“These numbers demonstrate the NVES is achieving precisely its intended purpose: expanding access to zero and low-emission vehicle options for Australians. Australians are actively embracing these new choices and this trend will continue,” Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio says.
Polestar, who removed its figures from the FCAI collation of national monthly figures last year as a protest, highlighted that the lower sales were not a reason to undermine Australia’s low emissions standards.
Head of Polestar Australia, Scott Maynard, says efforts to undermine the NVES legislation would only disadvantage Australians.
“The NVES was developed to lower vehicle emissions by incentivising carmakers to offer more hybrid, plugin hybrid, and battery electric options, and we can clearly see car brands rising to that challenge,” he says
“By the end of the year, Australian new car buyers will have over 100 battery electric vehicles available to them.
“Over 85 per cent of global car markets have a fuel efficiency standard in place to deliver improved health outcomes and reduce ownership costs. We must stay the course to see these benefits realised in Australia.”
Drive Group Australia’s, Eagle Farm site is the latest collision repair workshop to join the training elite by gaining the prestigious I-CAR Gold Class Collision status.
Drive Group - Eagle Farm’s Business Manager Connor Fantom spoke about the significance of this achievement for the business and the team.
“I-CAR is the industry’s leading training provider, and we strive to stay at the forefront of evolving challenges,” Fantom says.
“Achieving I-CAR Gold status is a mark of excellence, demonstrating our commitment to industry-
leading standards and ensuring our technicians remain up to date with advancing technology and safety components.”
“The journey to I-Car Gold Class required a structured training plan and followed the schedule, though the biggest challenge was finding time within a productive workshop. However, having motivated technicians who value training, made the process smoother.
“We utilised all available training options, with online courses being especially valuable as they allowed technicians to complete training
in their spare time. The response from staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with many aiming to achieve individual Platinum accreditation.
Drive Group Technical Manager, Scott Donnelly says the path forward for the business is clear:
“Our goal is to continue improving the knowledge and skill level across the entire facility and ensure our apprentices go through the system.”
He also highlighted that the Gold Class accreditation is widely recognised throughout the industry as the benchmark for excellence.
“Congratulations to Drive Group Eagle Farm for joining the growing number of businesses that have recognised the benefits of regular training, not only for their staff members, but also their customers and the entire business. The Gold Class accreditation places them in a very strong position to overcome the challenges presented by the everevolving body repair industry.”
WorldSkills Australia is thrilled to announce Prime Creative Media as its Official Media Partner in a collaboration set to amplify the visibility and impact of skills excellence nationwide.
This partnership will play a pivotal role in promoting the talent, dedication, and achievements of competitors, trainers, and industry leaders involved in WorldSkills Australia’s competitions and initiatives.
Prime Creative Media Chief Operations Officer Christine Clancy said the company was “excited about the synergies this partnership offers between Prime Creative Media, Australia’s largest B2B publishing company, and the country’s leading trade skills competition, WorldSkills.”
“Prime Creative Media is committed to the growth of the industries we serve and WorldSkills is an organisation that demonstrates some of the best future trade skills that are vital to those industries’ growth,” Clancy says.
“WorldSkills organises a range of exciting events at state, national and right up to the international skills competition, to be held in Shanghai in 2026.”
“These showcase trade skills at their best,” she says.
“We look forward to telling the stories of these young competitors, whose passion and dedication to their craft and honing their skills are great
Australia’s largest B2B publisher, specialising in integrated marketing communications in highgrowth industries.
They provide industry-leading, multi-channel communication platforms and help their clients connect with key decision-makers across various sectors.
Prime Creative Media publishes more than fifty titles that cover a wide range of industries where skills development is seen as a critical part of the future.
Prime Creative Media’s brands include National Collision Repairer, Australian Car Mechanic, Landscape Contractor Magazine, Manufacturers’ Monthly Magazine, Trailer Magazine, The Tradie Magazine, Australian Mining, Earthmovers & Equipment Magazine, Food &
National Championships and Skills Show set to take place at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, this partnership will ensure comprehensive media coverage of the event. Prime Creative Media will leverage its platforms to showcase competitor journeys, training excellence, and the broader impact of WorldSkills Australia on industries and communities nationwide.
“We are thrilled to partner with Prime Creative Media, whose expertise in industry-focused storytelling will help us inspire the next generation of skilled professionals,” WorldSkills Australia CEO Trevor Schwenke says.
“This collaboration will signify the importance of vocational training and its role in driving Australia’s future workforce.”
A leading Victorian insurer has reported a 43 per cent increase in animal strike damage to vehicles.
The RACV insurance data revealed almost 7,000 repair claims in 2024 alone, caused by vehicles hitting animals but believes this could be much higher due to the number of animal strikes that go unreported
It also quotes Wildlife Victoria data that indicates the number of animals killed or injured by a vehicle in Victoria has surged in the past four years, with 15,206 wildlife “hit by a vehicle” in the year ending 30 June 2024.
The RACV is using the data of its 6,969 claims involving animal impacts in the hope that more drivers will take care and follow advice for holiday weekends like Easter.
RACV Head of Motor Insurance and Roadside Products, Kirsty Hayes, encouraged Victorian drivers to be aware of the potential for wildlife while driving and adopt safer driving practices.
“By looking out for wildlife and driving at a safe speed you can reduce your chances of hitting an animal.”
Advanced technology both in the vehicle, including ADAS systems that detect animals and employ AEB systems, along with other innovations including invisible fencing that keeps animals off roadways, have not yet eliminated the costly Australian repair problem.
RACV advice to avoid damage includes reducing speed, avoid trying to swerve around the animal, avoid driving at dusk and dawn and if you do hit wildlife, park safely and call Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300 to report the incident.
The ‘Don’t Shut the Bonnet On It’ campaign is a mental health initiative that supports the discussion around mental health through vibrant shirt designs.
MTA Queensland has launched a new custom automotive work shirt in partnership with TradeMutt, the popular workwear brand famous for its eye-catching designs that promote mental health among the bluecollar community.
Created by tradies for tradies, this automotive-themed work shirt stays true to TradeMutt’s signature style. It features a bold and colourful design showcasing a variety of tyre patterns set against a backdrop of winding roads (and potholes) that capture the true Aussie spirit.
Every shirt purchased provides
(This Is A Conversation Starter), a vital mental health initiative offering free counselling for tradies, truckies, farmers, and other blue-collar workers.
In an effort to make this an industrywide initiative, MTA Queensland encourages all automotive stakeholders to get involved and participate in Funky Shirt Fridays.
Created by TradeMutt to change the culture surrounding mental health, Funky Shirt Fridays have become a growing trend in workplaces across Australia. This initiative not only fosters a sense of community but also reinforces the important message of mental health awareness.
MTA Queensland CEO Rod Camm says the initiative would benefit members of the automotive industry.
“We are proud to partner with
benefits the wider automotive community,” Camm says.
“We want every person across the industry to get involved and wear these outrageously funky shirts every Friday to encourage meaningful conversations. Mental health is a vital issue, particularly in the blue-collar sector and through this collaboration, we aim to foster a culture of openness and support.”
TradeMutt co-founder, Ed Ross outlined how TradeMutt believes that workwear can do more than just provide protection.
“It can also spark meaningful conversations about mental health,” Ross says.
“This partnership with MTA Queensland allows us to extend our reach and ensure that every shirt sold contributes to crucial mental health services for workers who often feel they have no one to turn to.”
“TradeMutt was created to start conversations about mental health. By wearing a TradeMutt shirt to work, the invisible issue of mental health becomes impossible to ignore. So, get involved, grab a shirt, and share the message.”
The new automotive work shirt is available for purchase through MTA Queensland’s online shop.
The collision industry’s leading skills taskforce has boosted its training industry credentials with a new appointment to the board.
As part of its Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday, the Australian Collision Industry Alliance welcomed the CEO of leading industry trainer I-CAR Australia, Jason Trewin as a new board member.
Trewin has over 35 years’ experience in the automotive industry— beginning as a panel technician and comes to the board as a seasoned leader including the continuing success of I-CAR Australia as an organisation dedicated to keeping workshops up to date in the latest techniques and skills.
The ACIA is a not-for-profit industry alliance with a single focus on prompting careers and changing the perception of the collision repair Industry.
ACIA Board Member Rob Bartlett says Trewin will bring invaluable experience and a fresh perspective as it helps shape its mission to support the collision industry.
Trewin says he was excited by the new role; “My lifelong passion for cars and commitment to innovation drive me to help shape a dynamic future for our industry.”
The ACIA has also recently signed up Toyota, Australia’s market leading manufacturer, as a partner - another member ensuring its sustainability.
At the recent AGM, the ACIA board highlighted its initiatives in 2024 such as showcasing industry success stories, including introducing six new apprentices to auto businesses.
It also presented its audited financial report for the fiscal year ending 2024, demonstrating increased revenues from memberships and provisions to support future initiatives.
“The insights shared in our presentation highlight the momentum we have built and our commitment to steering ACIA towards an even brighter future,” Bartlett says.
“With strategic enhancements and innovative initiatives on the horizon, we are well-positioned to lead in our mission.”
with John Yoswick
Looking for extra business, these US workshops share their ideas on some new sources and some old problems.
A group of shop owners in the United States recently discussed where they are intending to focusing more of their attention and resources this year –and why. Here’s a look at what they had to say.
David Robinson of USA Collision, a shop in the state of Arizona says he’s looking to add a couple more fleet accounts.
“I don’t know about other parts of the United States, but in Arizona, we’re down across the board, with direct repairers and large multi-shop operations (MSOs) taking jobs from one another,” Robinson says. “We’re probably down about 30 percent in Arizona. So what we’re trying to do is just pick up a few more fleet jobs just to fill in until other work picks up again.”
He’s also continuing to focus on online customer reviews and digital consumer marketing, working to increase customer-pay work, which he estimates already accounts for half of the shop’s US$3 million annual sales.
“We’re redoing our website right now, and I just hired another company, to help with our marketing. We probably spend about $60,000 (US) a year on [marketing].”
Larry “Skeeter” Smith of Skeeter’s Body Shop in Garden City, Kansas, has 25 employees working in four buildings. Like Robinson, he’s working on
diversifying the company’s mix of work.
“There are three slaughterhouses within a 60-mile radius, and we have a lot of semi trucks and a lot of oversized box trucks [in our area], so we kind of switched to add that into the mix,” Smith says. “I never dreamed I would be in the truck repair business. But they come in, we write the estimate and they say, ‘When can you fix it,’ and they send us a check.”
The hourly rate paid is significantly higher, he says, so the only downside is the additional space needed.
“I’m out of room in my facility, so I’m just not sure if we’re going to slow down the automotive side and pick up more on the semi and box vans side. But that work has really increased, and really moved the needle for us very quickly.”
A number of the collision repair business owners say they are focused on adding automaker certifications –or more shops.
Tim Paap, owner of Paap Auto Body in Illinois, is going after OEM certifications for higher-end vehicles, including BMW, Mercedes and Volvo. He says he has seen less return on investment from certifications with less rigorous qualification requirements and no restrictions on parts sales.
He also was in talks to acquire another shop.
“Our shop is actually in the middle of two towns of 20,000 or 25,000 people, and I also have a satellite facility in one of the towns,” Paap says. “Our shop can probably do roughly US$5 million to $6 million a year at full capacity, and right now we’re at US$3 million, so we are looking to grow the next couple of years.”
Paul Vincent, who opened Guardian Collision in Jacksonville, Florida last year (after selling his three shops to a larger MSO at the start of 2023), says he is also focused on gaining OEM shop certifications.
“To me, that’s where the money is,” Vincent says. “I wouldn’t say I’m anti-insurance companies. I try to be friendly. But at the end of the day, the customer is my partner, not an insurance company. The OEM certifications, to me, are becoming their own referral program without saying you have to use this part or buy this part from out of state. We’re certified by Volkswagen and Subaru. We now want to get more into the luxury and the exotic lines. I think that’s where the future is at for the industry.”
Vincent says he didn’t go after the high-end vehicle certifications in the past because of the expense.
“But if you really think about it, depending on what your profit margin
is per job, on average, it doesn’t take a lot of cars to pay for these,” he says. “And the customer feels more comfortable and more safe knowing that the people that made the vehicle trust you to work on the vehicle.”
Second-generation owner Andy Grundman of Pat’s Body Shop in Wausau, Wisconsin, says he is focused this year on getting financing to build a new shop.
“With a lot of the new technologies that are coming into play, we want to have an ADAS calibration centre built into the new shop,” he says. “We
want a shop where you can do teamstyle work to address the technician shortage. The younger generation likes working in teams, not the old one-guy-one-car mentality. It will be a new location across town with a different name. It will be called Blueprint Collision to kind of play off some of the words we use in the industry right now. Eventually we’ll convert the current shop I have now into a training facility.”
Evan Opeka of Opeka Auto Repair also has his sights set on adding a shop, which would be the fourth location for his business in Western Pennsylvania.
“We want to expand our footprint, so we’re focusing heavily on recruitment and technician development, and then making sure that the shops we have currently are running as efficiently as possible,” Opeka says. “That way when we open the doors on the fourth one, we can hit the ground running.”
Opeka says he was still determining if he’ll be acquiring an existing shop or starting one from scratch.
“We’ve done both,” he says. “From our experience, it’s been easier to start from scratch rather than convert over all the clientele and try to retrain all the technicians. It took a lot longer for us to get that store in the black than when we just opened up a brand new location that used to be a different business entirely.”
Working to improve the shop-insurerconsumer dynamic is what Kena
Dacus says is on her agenda for the coming 12 months at Dacus Auto Body in the state of Kansas.
“I don’t know if others will agree with me, but the insurance companies are just getting more difficult to deal with,” Dacus says. “I feel like I say this every year, and then every year somehow it gets a little bit harder. I’ve been thinking about this because, to be quite honest, the deterioration of our relationship with the insurance companies is really harming our customer relations at the same time.”
She says in the past years they’ve taken a more combative approach, using the right to appraisal, hiring attorneys and even suing their own insurer on a claim related to one of their personal vehicles.
“We’re winning a lot of battles, but I’m not sure if we’re really winning the war when it comes to customer service in that regard,” Dacus says.
The customer has always come out ahead when they’ve invoked the appraisal clause, she says.
“But at the end of the day, I just think it’s a really crummy experience for our customer,” Dacus says. “The customer ultimately is the one who suffers when we can’t get along with the insurance companies. So we’re really working on our negotiation skills. I think we do a good job of documenting with photos what we need and why we need it. But what we’ve not done great at is building those relationships, having those conversations from a less argumentative standpoint. So we’re working on that.”
A data analysis revealed some hard truths about the collision repair and insurance sectors in the US and how customers feel about their work. But the lessons have resonance for the Australian collision repair industry, now and into the future.
The Australian collision repair industry faces its own unique challenges with an ageing car parc and labour shortages.
CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc. undertook a study in 2024 to identify the “moments of truth” in US consumers’ satisfaction with their insurers and repairers after a vehicle accident and the subsequent claim and repair journey.
The study evaluated 47 “moments” in the claims and repair journey after a policyholder had filed a first-party claim. The study included how consumers perceived communications, the process, the empathy they received, overall time to repair, and more.
The study sought to define the critical “moments of truth”, in which
carriers and repairers must perform well to achieve a good outcome for customer satisfaction, and for carriers, customer retention.
Among the key findings is that when it comes to customer satisfaction, policyholders hold both carriers and repairers accountable for outcomes that are the responsibility of other partners.
‘Received deductibles’ only matter to some Initially, before controlling for income, receiving the deductible back was a “moment of truth” that significantly impacted insurer satisfaction. However, once income was added to the model, the significance of receiving the deductible faded.
Additional analysis found that insurer satisfaction scores were significantly impacted by receiving the
deductible back at lower household income levels. This may be because recovering $500 or $1,000 is far more important to a household at a lower income level than to those at higher levels.
The important point here is that different things matter to different people. Insurers should consider ways to generate the highest number of optimal outcomes for every customer. At lower income levels, receiving their deductible back can be an important determinant in how satisfied a consumer will be with their carrier.
The study initially used all of the data to ascertain specific moments of truth, but when the model was re-run with just the respondents who indicated
Receiving their deductible can be an important determinant in how satisfied a consumer will be with their carrier. Image: CCC
that they lived in “urban” (52 per cent) or “suburban” areas (36 per cent), the “Empathy” moment went from the fifth most important to the third most important.
The “used text to communicate with repair facility” moment showed up as a moment of statistical significance (compared with not showing up at all in the model for the overall sample).
Overall, the study highlights the shared responsibility of both carriers and repairers in customers’ minds to get them back on the road, regardless of who is actually the responsible party. Study findings underscore the need for a unified, customercentric approach that focuses on configurability, personalisation, and retention management.
The study questionnaire asked those who switched carriers why they chose to leave, and the number one response was an increase in premiums following the accident. However, everyone in the sample was a first-party claimant, so it stands to reason that everyone in the sample would have experienced some form of premium increase. Why did only 17 per cent of them defect? This research sought to determine which moments –aside from premiums – would drive a policyholder to leave their insurer Insurer satisfaction scores may not be significant indicators of defection. Insurer satisfaction score was a moment that was offered to the model to consider for inclusion, and yet it was not chosen. This signifies that insurer satisfaction scores may not be helpful in predicting whether a customer
remains with an insurer.
This is likely because satisfaction scores only reflect how the customer says they feel, while the defection reflects what they actually feel by taking action to switch carriers. Policyholders with total loss vehicles that are sent to repair facilities are far more likely to switch insurers
A univariate analysis was conducted to highlight the impact of each of these moments singularly on the outcome. Policyholders with total loss vehicles that were sent to repair facilities were five times more likely to switch than their repairable counterparts. Being a first-time claim filer also increased their likelihood to switch.
This provides insurance claims professionals with a simple rubric for predicting switching that they can provide to their counterparts on the retention or marketing teams. It may also highlight additional underwriting opportunities to sell gap insurance, given the importance of the impact of being upside down in a vehicle loan following a total loss.
Being a “first-time claim filer” seems to create contradictory behaviour Being a first-time claim filer increases insurer satisfaction scores, but it also increases the customer’s propensity to switch carriers.
As with insurer satisfaction, satisfaction with repairers was modelled using a multiple linear regression.
Customers’ number one moment for repairer satisfaction is getting a transparent and detailed explanation of repair needs
The top moment of truth impacting repairer satisfaction was whether the customer felt they had been given a “transparent and detailed explanation of the vehicle’s repair needs” - even though the insurer is the one paying for the repair.
It turns out that the length of time required to repair the vehicle is also a moment of truth but is outweighed by the need to know the details of how the vehicle will be repaired.
There are moments impacting repairer satisfaction that are not entirely within the repair facility’s control
Respondents are significantly more satisfied with repair facilities in moments that are actually the responsibility of the insurer –namely, when they receive clear communication about how the claims process will actually work and when they are satisfied with their first contact with the insurer.
consumer’s view
In general, insurers and repairers are very intertwined in the minds of consumers
The answers to other survey questions validated that, in a consumer’s mind, insurers and repairs are intertwined. For example, insurers greatly influence where consumers go to get their vehicles repaired.
Nearly one-third of consumers said that the determining factor that informed where they took their vehicle for repair was a recommendation from their insurer. Consumers want their repair facilities to communicate with them every 2-3 days
Given that “frequency of contact was just right” was identified as a moment that mattered to survey respondents, additional analysis was conducted to shed light on just how often consumers wanted communications from their repair facilities.
Respondents were asked, “How often did you expect to be communicated with during the repair process?” The study found that 88 per cent of customers expected anywhere from daily to once-perweek updates during the repair process. Nearly half expected communication from the repair facilities every 2 to 3 days.
A leading US repair consultant has warned of the ‘unintended impacts’ of tariffs and their potential to raise the price of car parts for repairers and consumers in that country.
The increased use of aluminium in car design and parts means the increased tariffs of the Trump protectionist bills will either encourage more aluminium to be manufactured in the US or face heavy taxes that could be passed on to consumers.
Auto Care Association president and CEO Bill Hanvey says the Section 232 tariffs will place US manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage in both domestic and international markets.
“The expansion of these tariffs will have far-reaching consequences beyond the steel and aluminium industries,” Hanvey says.
“Vehicle parts, along with countless other downstream industries, depend on a stable supply of raw material to create and provide the countless vehicles parts that keep our families, businesses and economy running.
“These industries are a critical part of not only the American transportation industry, but also US manufacturing as a whole. Many specialty steel products used in our
industry are not readily available from domestic sources, making access to global supply chains essential. US manufacturers are at a competitive disadvantage, making it more difficult to compete in both domestic and international markets.”
Hanvey warns of the impact on consumers as repairers are forced to
pass on the costs of parts due to the tariff increases.
The US currently imports most of its aluminium from Canada, where power generation initiatives like hydrogen have made its production cheaper.
Other countries that will be impacted for steel are Brazil and Mexico along with a range countries in the middle East.
While Australia does not rank on its top five lists of importers of either steel or aluminium, any exports we send to the US will be hit with the tariff unless exemptions can be secured.
Under the new order, all imports of steel and aluminium will be subject to a 25 per cent tariff rate from March 12, 2025, an increase from the previous 10 per cent tariff on aluminium.
There are no country exemptions under the new policy. All previous Section 232 steel and aluminium country exemptions and tariff-rate quota deals with Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, the European Union, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom have been eliminated.
Media reports have highlighted Australia’s appeal to the US for an exemption due to Australia’s trade surplus with the United States.
A new global survey shows young people may hold the best hope for transitioning the car parc to electric power and cleaning up cities.
A survey conducted by Economist Impact and sponsored by Nissan across 15 cities with 3,750 respondents, predicted 50 per cent surge in EV ownership over the next decade.
The survey found young people living in cities are most aware and interested in electrification technologies and more than half prioritise eco-friendly mobility while balancing practical needs like cost and convenience.
It found 57 per cent of respondents were willing to adjust travel habits to lower their carbon footprint.
The survey found that EV ownership among the group was expected to rise from 23 per cent now, to over 35 percent by 2035.
Economist Impact Asia-Pacific Sustainability lead Ritu Bhandari says it underscores a shift in mobility preferences among younger generations.
“This research explores how the younger generations envision the future of mobility—an essential perspective, as their choices will directly shape the evolving
mobility landscape,” Bhandari says.
“Practicality remains key, with cities needing to blend environmental goals with affordable, accessible transport options.”
The survey also found emerging cities lead the enthusiasm for EVs, with 44 per cent planning to drive EVs within five years.
The survey, targeting urban dwellers aged 18-35, shows EVs emerging as the top choice, especially in pollutionheavy emerging cities like Shanghai and Mexico City. While sustainability drives interest, adoption hinges on battery performance, charging access, and affordability.
Global coatings giant, PPG has added new milestones to its ESG credentials with an almost million-dollar boost to its community spending in 2024.
The PPG Foundation invested US$18.4 million worldwide in 2024 – an increase of US$900,000 over 2023.
This includes US$11.5 million to build future STEM leaders and US$6.4 million for community sustainability and disaster relief.
It has also notched up 58 Colourful Communities projects completed, a scheme that PPG recently said it would fund for another ten years.
The 2024 funding was used to support more than 400 community partners and programs that focus on advancing education and delivering community sustainability, while encouraging PPG employee volunteerism.
PPG Foundation and Corporate Global Social Responsibility Executive Director Malesia Dunns says by investing in educational opportunities, PPG aims to help grow tomorrow’s STEM innovators and a skilled
Programs such as Colourful Communities and its STEM promotion are a key focus at PPG.
“Around the world, PPG’s 2024 community engagement investments aimed to inspire students and aspiring STEM leaders, beautify neighbourhoods and give our employees meaningful ways to give back,” Dunn says. “We’re focused on creating brighter communities, inspiring the future workforce and
Most EV owners are satisfied with their shift away from ICE vehicles and will continue to buy EVs, a US study has found.
Despite coming against the tumult of the Trump administrations threat to EV subsidies and charging infrastructure cuts, J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Ownership Study, shows an overwhelming majority of owners (94 per cent) would make their next purchase an EV.
The retail sales data from J.D. Power also shows that EVs reached a market share of 9.1 per cent in 2024, up from 8.4 per cent in 2023, fuelled in part by a growing number of mass market EV models entering the market.
J.D. Power executive director of the EV practice Brent Gruber says consumer satisfaction produced a mixed response, with charging woes
remaining but respondents showed continuing loyalty.
“With five years of conducting this study and surveying thousands of EV owners, it’s apparent that once consumers enter the EV fold, they’re highly likely to remain committed to the technology,” Gruber says.
“Manufacturers should take note of the strong consumer commitment to EVs as the high rate of repurchase intent offers the ability to generate brand loyal customers if the experience is a positive one,” the report noted.
However, J.D. Power is forecasting EV share of retail sales to remain flat in 2025 given more than half of EV buyers cited tax credits as a reason for purchasing their vehicle
“The elimination of EV tax incentives and public charging funding has the
PPG has also ranked in the top ten of JamesDruryPartners’ board of directors rank, selected from more than 650 American corporations.
The ninth ‘The Weight of America’s Boards’ study scored PPG in the top ten for business accomplishments, leadership roles served with companies and experience.
potential to affect two critical barriers to EV adoption: public charging availability and vehicle prices,” Gruber says. “This temporary slowdown in market share growth for EVs creates a unique challenge for the industry as manufacturers forge ahead with new vehicle introductions. The EV market will be faced with expanded product offerings and flat share, creating increased competition.”
By contrast an ABB Robotics’ third Automotive Manufacturing Outlook Survey reveals a positive outlook among automotive manufacturing leaders regarding the growth of electric vehicle production in 2025.
But it’s cautious about longterm deadlines, with 65 per cent of manufacturers sceptical the 2030-40 targets for electrification in the US will be met.
The team at Mercedes-Benz is reporting a breakthrough with the first car powered by a lithium-metal solidstate battery taking to the road.
With range anxiety being at the top of the list for the barriers for EV uptake, Mercedes Benz engineers have worked together to deliver an all-new solid-state battery test program.
The program has developed the Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP), a 100 per cent subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz Group specialising in industry-leading Formula 1 technologies.
The Mercedes-Benz Centre of Competence for Battery Systems designed and developed a completely new and innovative battery system.
The first laboratory vehicle tests
were already conducted in Stuttgart at the end of 2024 to prepare for the road tests that started in February 2025.
Solid-state batteries are a promising technology in electric mobility. They use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one, which enhances cell safety and allows for the use of new anodes like lithium metal, thus significantly outperforming conventional lithiumion cells.
They also enable next-level energy densities, in combination with a lithium-metal anode. The solidstate technology has the potential to increase the gravimetric energy density for vehicle batteries up to 450 Wh/kg at the cell level and thereby increasing the driving range.
Gravimetric energy density refers to the amount of energy stored in a battery cell per unit mass.
This metric is crucial for evaluating the efficiency and performance of battery cells, especially in applications where weight is a critical factor, such as in electric vehicles. Solidstate battery technology reduces the battery weight while improving cell safety.
The solid-state battery in the EQSbased vehicle allows for up to 25 per cent more driving range compared to the same battery weight and size of a corresponding standard EQS battery. Further weight and energy efficiency is achieved through passive battery cooling. The development vehicle is expected to have a range of over 1,000 km (620 miles).
Hyundai Motor Company Australia has appointed Don Romano to its top role to lead the region.
Romano, a 40-year veteran of the automotive industry, will replace current Hyundai Australia CEO Ted Lee, who after a successful three-year tenure will remain in Australia in an Executive Support role as HMCA CEC (Chief Executive Coordinator).
Romano joins the Australian operation after a highly successful ten-year term as President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada, where he oversaw a period of record growth.
In Canada, Hyundai is the country’s second-largest import brand and fourth-largest automotive brand overall, with a network of 226 Hyundai Dealers and 31 Genesis distributors nationwide and is Canada’s largest mainstream seller of electric vehicles.
In a statement Hyundai listed his accomplishments in Canada, including annual sales record in 2024 of 138,755 vehicles sold. Hyundai Auto Canada also became the second-largest import company in Canada for the past three years and had market share growth for Hyundai in Canada from 7.3 percent to 8.2 per cent.
Romano champions initiatives
with a focus on developing a fair and inclusive corporate culture and strong employee engagement and has won multple awards, including North American Champion for Diversity and Automotive All Star for Process Architecture
Romano says it was an honour to take on Australia and the region.
“With 74 competitor brandsexpected to rise to 80 within the next 12 months - Australia is one of the most challenging automotive markets on earth. I look forward to working with the HMCA team to promote our world-beating products and to exceed customer expectations at every touchpoint.”
with Trevor Schwenke
The National Collision Repairer magazine is thrilled to be able to announce its partnership with WorldSkills Australia and present the first of their regular columns.
At WorldSkills Australia, we champion skills excellence as the driving force behind a strong workforce and a thriving economy. Mastering a trade is more than just learning technical skills—it’s about setting industry benchmarks, adapting to new challenges, and continuously improving to remain competitive in an evolving world.
Vocational education and training (VET) is at the heart of this progress, equipping individuals with the practical expertise needed to build, innovate, and strengthen industries. A highly skilled workforce ensures that Australian businesses remain at the forefront of global standards, meeting demands with precision, efficiency, and innovation.
WorldSkills Australia
CEO Trevor Schwenke is a strong advocate for excellence in multiple trades including for spray painters and panel technicians.
participants test their abilities in a high-performance environment, refining their techniques and
By pushing the limits of what’s possible, we inspire apprentices, trainees, and tradespeople to strive for excellence. The experience gained
skilled and adaptable workforce, and
CEO, WorldSkills Australia
with Cliff Chambers
NEXT TIME you trawl the Internet for nothing in particular, find a photo of 1950s Sydney or Melbourne traffic, zoom it up as large as your screen will allow and then start trying to identify all the different cars doing the peakhour crawl.
Okay, half of them will probably be Holdens, but dotted between the FJs and FCs will be a range of other types and models, most of which are rarely seen today.
Australia, by the late 1950s had warmly embraced the family car. At a time when the average family unit included three or more children, typical family transport had six cylinders and
seating for six as well. Those needing to carry more bought a VW Kombi.
Cars sold here were invariably built here as well, to benefit from the tax advantages accompanying high levels of local content. Panels, engines, suspension and transmissions usually arrived in crates but trim, electrical items, tyres, paint and labour were all locally sourced.
If the cars in our Fifties Family Fare look similar, then blame automotive fashion trends of the time. Windows were small and curved, headlamps came with eyebrows and cars that hadn’t been designed with fashionable fins could have them tacked on later.
FORD’S UK-SOURCED saloon did well in an Australian market that saw it as more sophisticated and sportier than the Holden. Ford’s Mark 2 Zephyr arrived here in 1956 and immediately went head-to-head with Holden’s restyled FE/FC then the later FB. This was likely the first mainstream British model to feature tail fins, highlighting a body that was longer and offered more shoulder room than the original 1940s design. It retained that car’s breakthrough MacPherson-strut front suspension, but was 35kg lighter with an extra 13kW of power from the larger 2.6-litre engine. Another significant difference was the availability of optional automatic transmission. Adding an auto made a Zephyr 20 per cent more costly than its Holden rival, while the plush Zodiac cost as much as a Vauxhall Cresta. Ford was keen to offer its Zephyr to the widest array of buyers, so a locally designed station wagon and utility were added from 1958. The wagon price wasn’t published, but higher production costs would ensure it cost considerably more than a Holden Station Sedan. Any Mark 2 Zephyr in excellent condition is today unlikely to exceed $25,000. Sedans and wagons still offer excellent buying to fans of 1950s models, wanting to include the family on weekend jaunts.
All of our choices are six-cylinder versions but some cars came with four-cylinder alternatives and one had a V8. The engines ranged in size from 2.2 to 4.1 litres, yet all delivered decent performance and ensured the fifties family cruiser chosen wouldn’t be struggling along the motorway in the slow lane.
Buying any of these as family transport maybe isn’t a great idea unless a previous owner has spent big on seat belts. Not even front belts were compulsory before 1966 and earlier models won’t even have mountings, so fitting them front and rear could be expensive.
THE YEAR 1956 brought a brand-new shape and enhanced opportunities for Holden. The FE range was lower and longer than the 1930s-influenced FJ, with more power and performance even though major mechanical components hadn’t changed. Holden suspension still used rudimentary leaf springs at the rear but had telescopic shock absorbers, so body roll was reduced. The FE and FC were heavier though than the FJ, helping explain why people who raced early Holdens usually stuck with pre-FE models. When the FC arrived in 1958, Special versions were decorated at the rear with tiny, chromed fins and along the sides with stainless steel trim that separated the colours on two-tone cars. It took time for the classic market to become interested in FE/ FC model Holdens and for years they remained cheaper than 48/215s, FJs or EHs.
Even today, an FC will typically sell for more than an FE in the same condition and some will have been modified with later engines and disc brakes. An FC Special in outstanding, unmodified condition did reach $65,000 when auctioned in 2022. If you choose a Holden as your fifties classic, perhaps go for the versatile station wagon which can visit car shows on the weekend and be a family carry-all at others.
IF YOU were a Sales Manager in 1950s Australia and your reps all drove Holdens, chances are the PA Vauxhall in the car park was yours.
These impressive cars came in basic Velox trim or as a more sumptuous Cresta. They were more than a cut above Holden, with American products inspiring their design. The windscreens front and rear were wrap-around, there were hooded headlights, a huge, chromed grille and back mudguards were topped by vestigial fins.
Where Holden stuck with an old-style dash and vinyl on the floor, Vauxhall adopted an American-style instrument binnacle for both models, while the Cresta included a heater/demister and carpet on the floor. Even as a base model, the Velox would outperform the Holden. It offered 2.3 litres against the Holden’s 2.2 and 8kW of extra power. When pitted against the 2.7-litre Cresta, the Holden had no chance with a 16.5kW deficit. The Cresta’s optional Hydramatic transmission also wouldn’t be seen on a Holden until the EK appeared in 1961. PA Series Vauxhalls have been hard to find in Australia for ages and are scarce even in the UK. There, during 2022 a magazine feature claimed that only 60 cars were known to survive from a production total of 173,750. Values in our market still aren’t especially high, so an excellent Cresta is likely to cost less than $30,000.
FOR A FEW years before Holden emerged as the country’s dominant car brand, Austin’s A40 was our top-selling model. During the 1950s its influence faded before roaring back to prominence with the impressive Westminster sedan.
The big Austin arrived here in 1956 and shared its 2.6-litre engine capacity with the Austin-Healey 100/6. A year later came the A95 with a more stylish rear end and bigger boot. Completing the transition during 1958 was the A105 which produced 7kW more power than the A95. With automatic transmission, the A105 listed in 1959 at £1780, making it only slightly less expensive than the bigger Chrysler Royal. Where the big Austin showed its best was open-road running, especially when the car was a manual version with overdrive. A105s would cruise contentedly at 130km/h – back when rural roads had no speed limit – and overtake quickly. The trim was leather, a heater came standard and the cabin was well insulated from road noise. A Countryman Estate version was available on special order from the British factory. Westminsters today cost considerably less than Holdens of comparable age. Makes for great buying, providing you can find a well-maintained car that someone is prepared to sell.
SOURCED FROM Canada where right-hand drive cars were produced until 1968, the Royal was based on a North American Plymouth and available to Australia as a six-cylinder or V8.
Even with basic six-cylinder power and three-speed overdrive transmission, Royals were line ball with the Austin as most expensive in this particular comparison, even though they offered fewer features than the British car. Royals came with bench seats and room for six adults, and a big boot. Six-cylinder versions were popular as hire cars.
V8 versions were used in some parts of Australia as police cars and after being sold off, they often found themselves with new lives towing boats or caravans. The range included a Plainsman station wagon which was built in very small numbers and a Wayfarer utility. These, if you find a good one, make a great weekend getaway vehicle with plenty of carrying capacity for the tent and chairs. Or just put a rubber mat in the back and snuggle down in your swags. Most surviving Royals do seem to be V8s, with the difference in value between these and six-cylinder cars minimal. Rust claimed a lot of Royals and can still present a problem, so check carefully.
Young collision repairers have the chance to be counted among the best with the expansion of one of Australia and New Zealand’s top up-and-coming awards.
Wales/Australian Capital Territory, Victoria/Tasmania and New Zealand as well as an Overall Winner.
The competition is open to apprentices from all types of workshops and disciplines; from panel and fabrication to auto-electrical, general mechanical, heavy diesel and more.
The competition has showcased outstanding talent and dedication over its history that provide exemplary role models for young people.
a model of dedication but showed the value of a supportive workplace and mentoring boss, in Harry Burgess of Badgingarra Motors.
Megan commutes daily to the town of Badgingarra in Western Australia and makes regular 200km trips to South Perth to complete her TAFE training.
Capricorn Group CEO Brad Gannon says the competition was about highlighting the great role models and the rewarding prospective careers automotive had to offer young people. Last year’s winner typified how they reflected the industry’s wider qualities.
Australasia’s largest automotive cooperative, Capricorn has widened its annual Rising Stars Awards to offer competitions for each state and territory to identify the best apprentices and future talent in Australia and New Zealand.
The prize pool for the top apprentices, along with the normal overall winner, is now set at $30,000 and aims to identify outstanding talent across the automotive aftermarket industry.
Capricorn CEO Trade Andrew Zadow says he is thrilled to be able to offer the expanded Rising Star Awards competition with six regional winners.
“Our Rising Stars Awards provide an opportunity for Capricorn Members to nominate apprentices who show initiative and a real appetite for being in the industry,” Zadow says.
“Over the past seven years we’ve continually been amazed by the quality of the nominations, so this year we’re increasing the awards to allow us to recognise star apprentices from each of our main regions, as well as an Overall Winner.”
In 2025, Capricorn will award six Region Winners from Western Australia, South Australia /Northern Territory, Queensland, New South
“We know from our State of the Nation research that over 54 per cent of Members find it challenging to find good staff, including apprentices,” Zadow says.
”We hope by raising the profile of apprentices in the automotive aftermarket we can encourage people to consider joining the industry,”
“Through our Rising Stars Award we have discovered some outstanding advocates for the industry. Individuals who might only be at the start of their journey but have shown that they are the industry leaders of the future. I’m looking forward to meeting more this year.”
Last year’s winner and second year apprentice, Megan Toia, was not only
“The industry is about passion — passion for people, passion for cars and Megan’s an absolute worthy winner, because she shows both passion for the team she works for, passion for her customers, passion for that problem solving. That’s the automotive industry in a nutshell.”
Nominations for the awards are open for the remainder of April and close on Saturday, 31 May 2025.
The Capricorn Rising Stars is run by Capricorn in partnership with industry sponsors Castrol, Repco and The Workshop Whisperer.
Find out more at cap.coop/stars
GIVE YOUR APPRENTICE THE RECOGNITION THEY DESERVE!
Nominate your apprentice for Capricorn Rising Stars. Over $30,000 IN CASH AND PRIZES TO BE WON!*
Entries close on Saturday, 31 May 2025
Nominate at cap.coop/stars
*Terms and Conditions apply, visit cap.coop/tc