National Collision Repairer September 2023

SEPTEMBER 2023

www.nationalcollisionrepairer.com.au

ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE INDUSTRY AS THE LEADING MAGAZINE

Car-O-Liner notches up 50 years of innovation and support How the right to repair has helped workshops one year on Fix Auto’s Stuart Faid talks about what drives small businesses WorldSkills 2023 reveals the future talent in the industry

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Contents

Latest News

CEO John Murphy john.murphy@primecreative.com.au

6 Local News

All the seasonal industry news, views, and information from around the country.

COO Christine Clancy christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au

30 Global News

Keep up to date with a selection of industry news and information from around the world.

40 I-CAR Update, Training and Events 52 Product Showcase

27

Special Reports

SALES DIRECTOR Brad Buchanan bradley.buchanan@primecreative. com.au 0413 672 403 EDITOR Eugene Duffy eugene.duffy@primecreative.com.au 0412 821 706 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Kerri McCauley kerri.mccauley@primecreative.com.au 0404 898 362

18 50 years of Car-O-Liner

Global and local companies celebrate a milestone.

22 Right to repair, one year on

What are the wins and what are the blockages to vital information.

PUBLISHED BY Prime Creative Media 379 Docklands Drive, Docklands, VIC 3008 03 9690 8766 www.primecreative.com.au

26 Repairify brings Capricorn a tech cutting edge New services to hit Australia.

38 WorldSkills 2023

Recognising young talent in the industry.

42 Lifetime Achievement Awards

Recipients are inducted and honoured for their outstanding service to the industry.

44 Partnerships

elebrating a mutually C beneficial alliance.

38

Regular Features 20 Talking Shop

SAPE training academy brings a change of pace to the normal auto shop.

32 Stateside

Recruitment hurdles faced across the globe.

34 Movers & Shakers

Stuart Faid speaks on the industry and the road ahead for the ACIA.

The National Collision Repairer 3

46 Tech Talk

The do’s and don’ts of body filler.

48 Future Technology ADAS explained.

50 OEM Snapshot

More developments from the world of automotive manufacturers.

DISCLAIMER

The National Collision Repairer is published

by Prime Creative Media, 379 Docklands Drive,Docklands. This publication is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism and review under the Copyright Act (1968), no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. Enquiries should be addressed to the publisher. The publisher believes all the information in this publication to be correct at the time of printing, however is not in a position to make a guarantee to this effect and accepts no liability in event of any information proving inaccurate. Prices, addresses and phone numbers were, after investigations and to the best of our knowledge and belief, up to date at the time of printing. It is also not feasible for the publisher to ensure that advertisements which appear in the publication comply with the Competition and Consumer Act (2010). The responsibility must therefore be on the individual, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisement for publication. Whilst every endeavour has been made to ensure complete accuracy, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. ACN 117 914 235

Editorial

Building a new future from an ever changing world of business Welcome to the September edition of National Collision Repairer, where we hope to bring you new insight into the dynamic and ever-changing collision repair industry in Australia.

The COVID pandemic was perhaps one of the greatest business disrupters many of us will ever know. Putting aside the human costs, which were significant, the prospect of at least two years of substandard income was more than many businesses could bear.

At the same time, it was the capacity to adapt and work collectively that minimised these costs. This was particularly evident in Australia where, sad as it was, the death rate was low. The ability to adapt and innovate was also evident in business, despite how hard the COVID shutdowns hit outlets and created long-lasting supply chain issues.

While revenues almost universally took a hit, many businesses came out of the pandemic with a new sense of purpose and flexibility. Agility became the buzzword in those years and in many ways the concept is just as important now.

As the pandemic shadow recedes, many businesses have learnt that with this agility and the right attitude, just how much change they are capable of dealing with. And one thing is sure in business, change is almost certainly round the next corner.

The next big disruptor for the collision industry could broadly be termed as technology. This is not only in the quantum leaps being made in how cars are powered, reflected in the steady upsurge of EV growth, but also in new high-tech safety and warning systems becoming standard in new vehicles. All this means big change for the industry.

There are some constants though. Cars will still crash and they will still need to be repaired, so the collision industry will remain a vital service. The challenge for individual businesses will be to stay relevant in this fast-changing world. So, one of the keys to this remains access to training and knowledge.

This is why The National Collision Repairer is committed to

bringing you the latest news and views on these changes, to not only reflect the industry but to help it grow.

Car-O-Liner is one respected business that has weathered many waves of change over the 50 years of its operation that we look at this month. The Australian business, which is nearly as long-lived as the parent company, has accumulated a long list of honours in the collision repair industry and, as Julie Thomas shows, it is still an industry that is very much about valuing people and their partnerships.

This month we also look at another kind of partnership between Fix Auto and Axalta, not just a commercial arrangement but revealed in the eyes of both parties to be a genuine mutually-beneficial partnership built on trust and support.

And on the subject of people, this September edition we were privileged to see in action some of the young competitors at the WorldSkills event held at Kangan TAFE. These skilled young people are not only gifted and dedicated but represent an important part of the industry’s future as it tackles the pervading issues with recruitment and skills shortages.

This edition we also look at the milestone of what has happened in the big year since the Right to Repair became enshrined in legislation. Two key industry bodies, the AAAA and AASRA, have been giving repairers better access to the knowledge that is increasingly vital to repair the vehicles in their workshops. It hasn’t all been plain sailing over that year. There have been some IT hiccups, qualifications to be registered and some reluctance on the part of OEMs to share information, but overall, it is huge step for the industry and most repairers can look forward to better cooperation and quicker resolution of issues. The result will lead to more efficient businesses in an increasingly technological age and that is good for the industry.

These stories and much more in our regular features should show that while it is an industry with its challenges, it is also one that is up to the task to tackle them and ensure it continues to grow.

We hope you enjoy the September edition.

Eugene Duffy Editor The National Collision Repairer

To receive our weekly e-newsletter sign up at www.nationalcollisionrepairer.com.au 4 www.nationalcollisionrepairer.com.au

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Local News

Weststar prestige wins gold class training accreditation Weststar Prestige Paint & Panel is the latest automotive repairer determined to make the most of training opportunities, as it notches up the coveted I-CAR Gold Class status.

The Sunshine North business in Melbourne which is also an authorised Mercedes Benz repairer is the latest business to join I-Car’s Gold Class accreditation for achieving training levels.

Weststar Prestige Paint & Panel has been using I-CAR’s training platform since November 2018 and began the Road to Gold program during the final stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, where access to online and virtual classes anywhere helped them continue training.

After the pandemic, I-CAR Australia’s industry alliance partners provided additional key training and education for their lead technicians which

included Tesla Welding Certifications and accredited PPG training.

Weststar, director and dealer principal Brad Kolich said the Road to Gold training program had given them the additional assistance in making the accreditation possible and had had a wider positive impact on the business.

“Our staff are to be commended for embracing the training modules with enthusiasm and vigour,” Kolich said.

“And we look forward to their efforts and commitment reflecting positively in our organisation, which will further cement our approach to the Collision Repair Industry and add another element to potential OEM partnerships moving forward.”

Kolich also extended his thanks to I-CAR staff for their ongoing support and professionalism throughout the journey in achieving I-Car Gold Accreditation.

But the Gold Class accreditation is only the beginning for Weststar Prestige, who have pledge as part of the agreement to continue training to meet the ongoing and demanding technological advancements in the demanding collision repair industry.

I-CAR was founded in 1979 and is an international, not-for-profit, training organisation with a organisational mission to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of auto collision repair for businesses and consumers.

From bare metal to beauty: Astill takes you behind the scenes After a career spanning more than four decades, Howard Astill, revered elder statesman of the Australian custom car scene – has a new way to share his treasure-trove of experience and knowledge.

Beginning last month, Howard is hosting a special ‘Muscle Car Respray’ video series, brought to you by PPG and MIRKA, which will roll out on his Astill Design YouTube channel.

Throughout a 13-part series, Howard will follow the processes involved in taking a 1971 Camaro body from bare metal, all the way through to a quality, ‘streetcar’ paint finish.

According to Howard, each episode is set out in step-by-step format that is easy to follow and, importantly, enjoy.

Over a 25-year partnership, Howard

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credits PPG with helping him produce some of the best paint finishes in the country and the new initiative was a fantastic evolution of the relationship.

“One thing I have recognised over the years is that products and processes are constantly changing so this is about providing people with the latest information, as well as tips, techniques and hacks that can make the job more efficient and produce a better end result,” Howard says.

“While we will be covering technical subjects, I will be keeping it grassroots by explaining things in layman’s terminology as much as possible.

“Our target audience is primarily the small custom / restoration business who often find it difficult to keep up with the latest trends, as well as DIY people who

have enthusiasm and basic skills but are looking for some expert guidance.”

He said having industry experts on hand, such as PPG customer support specialist Terry Noble and training manager NSW Trevor Duke to explain why certain things are done at certain times helped the videos.

“For example, there are a variety of different primers we use and the PPG guys are able to explain when we use each one, why and how to get the best from it. We are also able to introduce viewers to the latest MIRKA electric and battery tools range, as well as products like the new MIRKA Galaxy selfsharpening abrasive range.”

Astill Design YouTube channel (www. youtube.com/@AstillDesign)

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If you want to take your business into the future with a global partner at your side, Fix Auto can help.

With over 730 locations in 12 countries, Fix Auto is the world’s largest network of independent repairers.

Secure the future of your business. Call 1300 349 2886 now or visit fixauto.com and discover how we can help your repair shop reach its full potential.

Local News

Ute could be the drawcard to a world of electric learning Two leading bodies in the automotive industry are urging Australian repair shops to join the EV transition and are hoping the much-loved ute could be the lure to get them to take the first step.

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association and Auto Innovation Centre took delivery of two electric vehicles in July, including the rarely seen Ford Lightning, a full-size electric utility, at their Mulgrave centre as part of a State Government program aimed at increasing the uptake in zero emissions vehicles.

The program is part of a joint AAAA & AIC campaign to support the aftermarket through the coming EV transition with training and product development opportunities.

While the program is also aimed at fleet uptake, the AAAA believes the models will help with wider industry knowledge and help create confidence in the market and reduce possible scepticism around the vehicles.

AAAA chief executive Stuart Charity said what could be learnt from the vehicles represents an important step in an industry-wide approach to the EV transition.

“It’s vital that the aftermarket is prepared

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and equipped to service, repair and modify EVs for commercial use and these vehicles will help us train technicians, and guide our strategy and communications surrounding the coming EV transition,” Charity said.

The AAAA’s first priority in the transition strategy to EVs is safety and ensuring repair technicians are suitably trained and qualified to safely work on the cars.

Following this, it will be important to develop a wider industry understanding of both the electric battery and electric motor components, along with other advanced technology including the vehicle’s safety elements.

“We know that earlier access to data and diagnostics for vehicles makes it easier for the repair industry to work on these vehicles. We hope that with this earlier access the industry can get on the front foot ahead of any future roll out,” he said.

One of the key steps of the shared campaign is getting feedback from the whole industry about their particular needs in relation to the vehicles.

The AIC wants to ensure that as more fleets transition to EVs, the cars available in the market can do the same job or better.

Underlying the choice of vehicles for the AIC centre is the enduring love affair with dual cab utes in Australia both in purchases and with fleets. For the other vehicle, the Polestar 2, affordability and long-range should pique new interest in the repair industry.

“The F150 is the only commercially available Ford F150 Lightning in the country and one of the very few full sized pickup EVs in the world,” AIC managing director Luke Truskinger said.

“This one has a dual motor, extended range Lariat with a towing pack. So it’s got massive amounts of torque and feature content.

“The Polestar 2 we’ve got is a performance long-range dual motor. It has amazing styling, technology and incredible performance. It really gets moving and it’s very refined, very quiet. And a great example of a passenger EV in Australia.”

He said the initiative would also help the aftermarket develop products for the new generation vehicles.

The AAAA and AIC is encouraging industry members to contact them about training opportunities and more information to help the repair industry transition to electric vehicles.

ACIA goes on three-city tour to reinforce skills message New collision industry body, ACIA, has taken the next step toward helping shape a unified voice in addressing the industry’s skill challenge.

Last month the collision industry’s new key alliance completed a three city tour across Australia in a bid to reinforce the message around future careers.

The recently formed Australian Collision Industry Alliance (ACIA) took its information nights aimed at briefing industry stakeholders on their vision and purpose to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

Audiences that included repairers, suppliers, associations, TAFE and other training organisations heard about the pressing need for a new generation of skilled professionals and how the ACIA was at the forefront of promoting apprenticeships within the collision industry.

ACIA founding director, Rob Bartlett said attracting and developing skilled professionals was key for a sustainable future for the industry.

“We are fortunate enough to have a group of people that are passionate about the future of the industry, and prepared to stand up and talk about the Australian Collision Industry Alliance and why it was formed,” Bartlett said.

“We are very grateful to the support we received from TAFE Ultimo (NSW), Kangan Institute in Melbourne and Renew Collision Repair Centre in Perth for hosting these events. All were welcoming venues for engaging discussion on the Australian Collision Industry Alliance and what it aims to achieve.”

Since then, ACIA has taken its advocacy to a range of industry players including in May at the Trades Fit Exhibition for young women in Melbourne and its recent three city tour.

The ACIA also appointed Hiliary Bradbury as an executive administrator in August to further enhance the organisations abilities as a unified group to voice collision industry issues.

ACIA founding Director Rob Bartlett said Bradbury has had previous experience in administration of a not-for-profit entity through her role as Secretariat with the Auto Glass Association.

“Hiliary brings to this new role a wealth of relevant experience in providing administration support for an industry body” Bartlett said.

“She has expertise in understanding the challenges and opportunities that present in representing and managing an emerging entity that has a variety of different members and stakeholders.”

One of her key responsibilities, will be to manage memberships and liaison with repairers. Following on from recent information nights, registrations for membership of the ACIA are starting to come in from repairers, along with support from industry partners.

Bradbury said she was excited to take on the role at the newly formed industry body.

“I fully appreciate the task ahead for the industry in increasing its attractiveness and making career pathways easier to navigate,” Bradbury said.

“I look forward to supporting the board and the members on initiatives to sustain the industry.”

The alliance’s goal is the sustainability and long-term success of the collision repair industry. Contact the alliance at theacia2023@gmail.com

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Local News

Drivus aims to drive innovation and better business Axalta’s business services arm has undergone a major rebranding with a renewed focus on providing help specific to the challenges faced by repair and body shops.

The services program, which will include consultancy, digital services, management training and network services has been rebranded as Drivus, aligning it to services offered in other regions, including Europe.

Axalta hopes that the 150 year history of the parent company as a leading coatings producer and with networks across 130 countries, will bring to Drivus the experience and innovation for which company has become renowned.

Axalta’s national Drivus manager Robin Taylor says the business program was part of Axalta’s ongoing commitment to providing innovative solutions to the Australian and New

Zealand collision repair industry.

“We have a long history of working with and understanding the specific challenges faced by body shops of all sizes – from small independent to large multi-shop operations,” Taylor says.

“As a complete business partner to the refinish industry, Drivus helps meet the needs of our customers, providing essential business services for body shops looking to drive future innovation.”

Taylor says Drivus’ focus for repair and body shop owners was to improve productivity, performance, profitability, and build better businesses across the industry.

“By implementing initiatives designed to work faster, smarter and with less waste, efficiency is improved, allowing body shops to diversify new offerings. It is built on constant,

I-CAR Gold Class for Gemini Ballarat Gemini Ballarat is one of a growing number of repair businesses dedicated to training that has been awarded I-CAR Gold Class Collision status.

AMA Group technical training, prestige and OEM manager Scott Donnelly said the process to get to the gold status encouraged a healthy and competitive environment.

“It is good recognition for the site, but it also becomes competitive between the sites and states, which builds a great competitive but collegiate environment,” Donnelly said.

Gemini Ballarat centre manager Stuart McIntosh said the business had incorporated I-CAR Australia’s training to guide their apprentices into role relevant training.

“We have apprentices beginning to do relevant courses to introduce them to the learning culture that is required in the

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modern repair facility.,” McIntosh said.

“The ability to access training via multiple platforms really helps – online, on site, classroom, and hands on.

A number of our technicians have achieved Platinum Status so it would be nice to see more technicians reach this level.”

Gold Class accreditation is a great achievement for Gemini Ballarat and continues to elevate the business to achieve the highest standards he says.

“Technology is changing at such a great rate that all facilities need to be well trained. The I-CAR Road to Gold program offers a comprehensive program of training to ensure that all technicians are fully equipped to perform their roles safely and to a high standard.

“With ADAS, EV and Hydrogen becoming an everyday part of our business, it is critical that repair facilities

long-term improvement, allowing for future planning.”

For more information on Drivus Business Services, contact Axalta on 1800 292 852 or visit: axalta.au/drivus

are ahead of the game with regards to awareness, correct processes, and training.” Donnelly says.

I-CAR Australia supports industry training through a network of approved training providers, as part of its Industry Training Alliance program.

Gemini Ballarat’s accomplishments are also supported by Industry Training Alliance partners.

I-CAR chief operating officer Jason Trewin said the training alliance supported by Car-O-Liner, BASF and Glasurit was key in building a long-term vision in the collision repair industry based on their vision.

“That every person in the Collision Repair Industry has the information, knowledge and skills required to perform complete, safe and quality repairs for the ultimate benefit of the consumer,” he says.

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Local News

EV and hybrids sales grow but barrier remain; report Electric vehicles have experienced a continuing surge with the latest sales estimates for 2023 already exceeding last year’s total.

But international supply is still deterring many potential buyers as they wait on delivery according to a new report from a leading alternative transport advocacy group.

The figures compiled by the Electric Vehicle Council for their State of Electric Vehicles report has also highlighted policy barriers to the uptake, with demand and forward orders far exceeding the supply of cars coming in from overseas.

According to the report electric sales from January to June this year rose to 8.4 per cent of new car sales across Australia compared to 3.8 per cent in 2022.

The 46,624 EVs sold in the first six months of 2023 mean there are approximately 130,000 EVs on the road in Australia – made up of about 109,000 battery powered cars and 21,000 hybrids.

But more than two thirds of these sales are made up of only 3 models, the Tesla Model Y, the Tesla Model 3 and a massive emerging player in the market, China’s BYD with its Atto 3 model.

These three models represent over 68 per cent of Australian EV sales despite

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there being 91 electric vehicle models available on the local market, including cars, vans and utes.

The Electric Vehicle Council maintains the small volumes of supply coming in from overseas for many of these models are the result of Australia not having a New Vehicle Efficiency Standard to ensure car manufacturers increase the supply of EVs to Australia.

The council is pushing the federal Government to implement the fuel efficiency standard by the end of the year, giving an incentive for manufacturers to increase the per centage of zero-emissions sales, By this time the council is hoping the EV fleet across Australia will reach 180,000 vehicles.

The Electric Vehicle Council has also highlighted which states have the most conducive policies to EV uptake with Victoria scoring a bare pass with five out of ten, compared to top scorers, ACT and NSW, that both scored nine out of ten in the report.

The report outlined the result for Victoria was due to a sudden cessation of the EV rebate incentive in July 2023 and “the world’s worst” approach to taxing EV ownership through road use.

The council argues the tax on EVs

in Victoria acts as a disincentive with EV purchasers, who are left by the government in a negative net position after paying the road user tax which amounts to $1612 over five years.

It would also put Victoria at the back of the queue for international supply of vehicles should the Federal Government implement a New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, it says.

“Australians should not be unfairly or prematurely taxed for embracing zeroemission technology which will be critical to achieving emissions reduction targets,” the EV Council report notes.

“The Electric Vehicle Council awaits the outcome of the challenge brought in the High Court to the validity of the Victorian Government’s Zero and Low Emission Vehicle Distance-based Charge in late 2023.”

The Victorian Government has maintained the road user charge was introduced to ensure all road users contribute financially to the upkeep of the state’s roads.

The EV Council’s report also highlighted a 57 per cent increase in the number of charging station points since last year at 558 locations across Australia but maintained more infrastructure was needed.

AAAA’s massive collision repair expo bigger than ever in 2024 Planning is well under way for one of the ‘must-attend’ events of the automotive calendar and a date change in 2024 will ensure that in 2024 no clashes for enthusiasts.

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has locked in the new dates of the highly anticipated 2024 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo and co-located Collision Repair Expo taking place at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

In 2024 the Expo was initially scheduled for March but again, late scheduling dates for Melbourne’s 2024

Australian Formula 1 directly clashed with the original timing. AAAA chief executive Stuart Charity said the new dates would ensure the Expo had the full attention of the entire industry and was a successful and valuable experience for exhibitors, sponsors, and the thousands of Australian and international trade visitors.

“Given the impact the unavoidable clash with the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix had on +2022 Expo visitor numbers, the spike in accommodation rates and flight costs for interstate and international exhibitors and visitors, and complications for companies

who are involved in both events, retaining the original dates in March was an unacceptable proposition,” Charity said.

“With the new dates locked in, the AAAA looks forward to delivering the biggest and most impressive Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo and Collision Repair Expo ever. We invite everyone in the automotive trade to join us in April for this valuable event to learn, network and experience the best our industry has to offer.”

The combined Expos are the nation’s only comprehensive exhibition for Australia’s $25B aftermarket industry.

Local News

New steps for used parts make for double industry win The global automotive industry represents a massive consumer of natural resources and energy, so the inroads it has taken into reuse and recycling are valuable not only in their sustainability of precious natural resources but in the long-term impact on the environment.

In Europe, where the industry must deal with up to 5.6 million scrapped cars per year, the EU Commission has stepped up its proposal to ensure manufacturers have an obligation to recycle their own cars under ELV legislation.

Currently the European industry has targets where up to 85 of materials from an old car are reused and recycled with a further 10 percent of materials converted to energy production.

But there is broader debate on sustainability issues in the automotive industry including Europe’s peak body, the ACEA that argues any mandate on reuse percentages should be backed up by a sustainable circular economy that can ensure the economic value of recycled products, so waste, stockpiling and dumping are minimised.

In Australia, one valuable example of the practice of reutilising resources is the market for used automotive parts. More than 800,000 vehicles are deregistered each year through use, condition or collisions that write them off.

This makes the reuse of otherwise sound vehicle parts even more valuable not only in the sustainability it adds to the industry but the end costs that can flow onto customers.

ACM Parts has been in the reclaimed parts market for almost a decade and is able to rescue more than 10,000 vehicles each year.

It ensures that the most valuable parts of the four fifths of a car’s material that can be reused, continue back into the repair market.

ACM Parts, with its economy of scale and sites across Australia, rescues the parts which are then taken through

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their production process and form ACM’s Reclaimed range.

The Reclaimed range further adds to ACM Parts’ sustainability credentials for a company that is Australia’s largest provider of alternative and specialty parts to the repair industry, thus ensuring cars stay on the road longer by providing more repair options and extending the life of a vehicle.

ACM Parts can also bring its expertise in the industry to ensure only the best parts are reused, that they are the best available part for fit and function, and in turn ensures maximum uptake of the used parts and the resources that go into them.

This process also comes with the added advantage of saving consumers as much as half the cost of new parts.

Parts that are regularly reused include large and costly when-new elements like engines and gear boxes, along with smaller components for clutches, brakes suspension, alternators, ignition systems, sensors, heating and aircon.

ACM Parts Reclaimed also deals in

exterior pieces like body components, doors, headlights, and indicators.

All the reclaimed automotive parts are taken by ACM through an extensive quality control process to ensure the part received is as described.

All pieces are catalogued and distributed through one of four ACM Parts warehouses across Australia.

ACM Parts also says recycled parts offer convenience, coming with most necessary attachment and adding to the ease of installation.

ACM’s sustainable recycling of deregistered vehicles extends to other material from the vehicles which are separated and re-purposed; all fluids are drained separately and filtered, to be re-used. While other left over metals including plastics and rubber are melted down and returned into the circular economy including in the production of a diverse range of products from roads to containers and ducting.

The Reclaimed range features both collision and mechanical parts and is sold to repair shops across Australia.

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Roadshow highlights EV range anxiety felt in regional Australia The group also wants the Federal A renewable energy group has travelled government to implement a strong regional Australia in one of the country’s mandatory Fuel Efficiency Standard (FES) first fully electric utes to learn the key to unblock the supply of electric vehicles actions to drive EV uptake. for Australians. It is also advocating for Solar Citizens travelled more than solar-shaded roofs in carparks and on 10,000km as part of its Electric Ute charging stations, to increase supply of Roadshow to talk to regional communities clean energy to charge electric vehicles. about what was holding them back from Its final recommendation is to remove embracing the new clean technology. barriers to charging from the electric The report highlighted range anxiety vehicle including vehicle-to-home and in the regions, along with the need for vehicle-to-grid technology to free up increased charging infrastructure as high on the list of recommendations that would versatility so that tradesmen could run tools using their EV batteries. not only boost uptake but add to regional FAR_Polisher_NCR HalfPage_210x150mm_Ad_HR.pdf 1 15/08/2023 2:29:41 PM Ballarat driver and transport advocate prosperity.

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Ben Lever, who drove the LDV eT60 said he had become a strong advocate.

“I’m lucky enough to have captained one of the first commercially available electric utes on a six month trip through regional Australia. “ Mr Lever said.

“I discovered that EVs are great to drive. The electric ute I’ve been driving is incredibly smooth and quick off the line, but I’ve been even more impressed by the cost savings.”

The Electric Ute Roadshow report also estimates a mandatory FES could boost the economy by $11 billion Australia-wide in five years, $4 billion in the regions.

News

Full electric ahead The Hyundai Motor Company has outlined its strategy as it speeds up its pace toward a new high-tech and electric future, aiming to spend more than $10 billion per year in a bid to be a global mobility leader in the brave new world of transportation.

A third of the investment will accelerate the company toward electrification and transition out of ICE vehicles, with massive investments in new battery development and a new electric platform model.

The company is also aiming to raise its global sales of EV’s to 2 million vehicles per year by 2030.

The new strategy called ‘Hyundai Motor Way’ launched mid-year will also focus on future businesses, such as autonomous driving, hydrogen, robotics and advanced air mobility.

The key parts of the strategy include introducing a next-generation modular architecture for EVs, strengthening EV production capacity and reducing cost along with battery development capabilities.

The company’s second-generation dedicated EV platform, under the new Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA), will replace its current and be used on 13 new dedicated EV models in the group’s automotive brands Hyundai, Kia and Genesis. This will standardise modules and parts between the models, expanding economies of scale and significantly reduce EV development complexity and costs.

Under the IMA development system, over 80 common modules can be utilised across different segments, irrespective of vehicle type, allowing for greater flexibility

16 www.nationalcollisionrepairer.com.au

and efficiency in the development process and cost savings. This will also feed a target of 10 percent profitability for EVs in 2030 This platform will extend vehicle development beyond current mid-sized SUVs to encompass more vehicle classes, ranging from small and large SUVs to utes.

Part of the plans will be to develop and apply next-generation NCM batteries and LFP batteries, for the secondgeneration platform. It will also implement technology that enables battery charging and discharging while driving, utilising an independent power bank to further extend the driving range.

Integrating AI-based battery management systems to real-time monitoring and diagnosis of battery conditions will be aimed at enhancing safety and preventing thermal runaway.

Other large-scale investments are being made into improving solid state batteries and into the innovation of alternative battery research a specialised battery development organisation within its Namyang R&D Center for next generation batteries.

Other major changes in the transition include shifting its manufacturing focus. Currently Hyundai utilises mixed production lines for EV and ICE vehicles for efficiencies but as the market demand grows toward the 34 percent of all car sales expected in 2030, they intend to shift accordingly. It is already investing in dedicated EV factories Including its first dedicated EV factory in Georgia in the United States U.S., with a targeted

start-up date in late 2024, and an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles.

Another EV-dedicated factory in Korea aims to start mass production in 2025.

The strategy also outlines securing material sources with partnerships including recycling raw materials, and is focusing on lithium and nickel which are essential for electrification, a It also maintains it is securing recycling technology to reutilise materials for battery manufacturing.

The plan also wants to develop ventures into autonomous driving. Their IONIQ 5-based driverless robotaxi business operated by Hyundai is set to launch in Las Vegas at the end of 2023 but plans to expand this globally and is conducting pilot services with Uber under an agreement in the U.S. for the next 10 years. Hyundai will develop the vehicle but also the sales network, infrastructure and after-sales service.

Advanced air mobility (AAM) Supernal, LLC in Washington, D.C. in 2021 and is developing a full-scale technology model planning pilot-ridden flight tests and securing the infrastructure for airframe manufacturing.

In addition, Hyundai Motor is working with Microsoft, aircraft engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce, KT, Hyundai Engineering and Construction as well as other Korean and foreign partners in the telecommunications and construction sectors to expand into various related businesses. Through these efforts, the company expects to lead the way in building the entire AAM ecosystem.

Finally, Hyundai wants to continue its role in using hydrogen expanding its current commercialising hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles and plan for the production of resource-circulating hydrogen. This will be utilised in the manufacturing of green steel in the energy and resources sector, and decarbonisation of heat and power sources for business sites through hydrogen. The suite of planned uses includes hydrogen mobility, fuel cells and accompanying infrastructure, and eco-friendly logistics systems. This will also help company in its plans to realise carbon neutrality along the use of biogas and waste plastic-based hydrogen, powering its EV production facilities.

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Special Feature

Throughout the journey In 50 years, industry leader Car-O-Liner, has seen the collision repair world change but as they have kept pace with these transitions their principle remains the same, finding innovative solutions.

Car-O-Liner, the global company based in Sweden, is celebrating 50 years in 2023 and will mark the year with a number of celebrations but perhaps lesser known is the fact that Car-O-Liner Australia has been there on much of that same journey.

Industry watchers will notice the company is marking the milestone with a special commemorative logo but for those involved, what the company has stood for and achieved is about so much more than logos.

Car-O-Liner reputation is built on the complete line of collision repair solutions, including alignment, and straightening systems, joining and heating equipment, measuring systems, workshop solutions, and testing and calibration systems.

Car-O-Liner market development manager Tim Garner said beyond the products, Car-O-Liner’s history and ongoing dedication was about providing customers continual sales support and some of the finest training options in the industry.

“Since 1973, Car-O-Liner has been known for excellence, innovation and

Car-O-Liner offers repair workshop equipment the industry has long trusted.

18 www.nationalcollisionrepairer.com.au

passion, offering customers a full line of state-of-the-art collision repair solutions,” Garner said. “From alignment and measuring equipment to state-ofthe-art ADAS calibration, Car-O-Liner continues to lead the industry as we enter our next 50 years.”

But one of the themes that seems to run through the celebrations is an appreciation of all those who have shared the journey.

“We thank employees past and present and our loyal customers for being part of Car-O-Liner’s successful journey,” In Australia this is epitomised by industry stalwart Julie Thomas who joined the company with husband Barrie in 1990.

“As a global player, our reputation for quality, reliability, innovation and longevity is exceptional,” Thomas said “In addition, our extensive range of global OEM approvals means that our customers can continue to rely on Car-O-Liner as the car manufacturers accelerate their influence in our industry.”

“I firmly believe, however, that it’s so

much more than that. It’s the service, knowledge, capabilities, relationships and commitment to continuous improvement that we here at Car-OLiner Australia deliver to our customers on an ongoing basis. In addition, our team of globally trained practitioners are passionate about our brand, our products and our customers - it doesn’t get any better than that.”

The Car-O-Liner journey for the Thomas family began in 1984 when Barrie Thomas was working as a sales technician for the Australian Car-O-Liner distributor. Julie Thomas came to the industry as an outsider and her first involvement was in implementing the ISO 9000 quality management system, she had experience in.

But it was in 1990 their involvement really stepped up when Julie and Barrie Thomas bought the Australian company.

From there, with the support of advisors and the parent company in Sweden, the huge commitment they made slowly paid off and the company was off and running.

Since taking on the Australian distribution for Car-O-Liner in 1990, Julie Thomas and her team have won the international sales award on six occasions, an award which is per-capita based, makes the Australian division one of the most successful, and highlyregarded distributors in the global CarO-Liner organisation.

Julie Thomas was also awarded the prestigious National Collision Repairer Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. Car-O-Liner Australia was also honoured by the Snap On Corporation in the Asia Pacific Million Dollar Club.

Then recently, Julie Thomas was awarded Car-O-Liners Lifetime Achievement Award, the first time this honour has ever been bestowed.

But putting aside these plaudits, Julie Thomas remains constant in her admiration of the people who have made up the company and forged this reputation.

When celebrating 30 years with CarO-Liner in 2020, in an interview with The National Collision Repairer, Julie was unstinting in her praise of those who have shared the journey.

“I’ve been fortunate to have the staff I’ve had over the years, and I’m extremely grateful for their dedication and commitment.

“I’ve also met some wonderful people in our industry, many of whom have become personal friends, and I’ve also met some very inspiring people at various seminars around the world.”

“You know, many people walk through our lives but only a few leave footprints on our heart. I have been so fortunate to have met quite a few

of these people, some not with us anymore and many more who are still here today. If you ask me if I would do it all again, the answer is absolutely.”

When it comes to a long list of those she singles out for commendations, foremost on the list was her husband Barrie, who sadly passed away in 1997, who she described as the real driver and inspiration for the business.

One of the key legacies for Julie Thomas from Barrie was the importance of appreciating, recognising and rewarding your staff, which in turn engendered dedication, engagement and commitment.

“He truly was a unique individual, loved by everyone and a one-of-a-kind human being who had a truly great outlook on life. Barrie showed how we should treat people, manage people and lead people in so many different circumstances.”

Losing Barrie in 1997 was clearly one of the great obstacles of the Car-O-Liner journey in Australia, but again Julie harnessed her trademark dedication and commitment to people.

At that time the couple’s youngest daughter Nicolle joined the business straight from school and was another element that helped

them make the business work together.

Julie Thomas also speaks proudly of business mentor and coach, John Ryan, who continued to provide guidance over the decades. She maintains that such a mentor is critical for anyone in the industry. She is adamant everyone should have a go-to person within the industry not only for inspiration but for when times are tough.

And over that more than threedecade journey, there have certainly been tough times including several economic recessions and the unprecedented blow that the COVID pandemic dealt business across Australia and the world.

Emerging from this and moving into the future, Julie Thomas maintains it is reassuring to have a market leading brand dedicated to innovation and customer service.

“One of the first things he (John) taught me was the importance of the brand, and how to make Car-O-Liner the brand that’s top of mind whenever you think of equipment in our industry. I have also used someone to create our promotional material, as I knew we needed to make a statement in the industry that we were still here, and here to stay.”

Scenes from Car-O-Liner Australia’s history: (Top) Barrie Thomas helping The Dog Bone Team at Bathurst repair the car driven by Wayne Gardner. ( Bottom) Julie Thomas at a trade show in Queensland.

(Top) Car-O-Liner has a long history of support, here Fritz Pfeffer is training customers.

(Bottom) Car-O-Liner wins best sales award one of six times it has achieved the feat.

(Top) Overseas trainer, Per Madsen in the Unanderra workshop.

(Bottom) Formal training sessions at Car-O-Liner Unanderra.

The National Collision Repairer 19

Talking shop

Adding light and space When a workshop is cluttered or tired loooking, a change of scenery may be what is needed to inspire staff and get them motivated for training. This well equipped and spacious location in inner Sydney could be the solution.

Safety and training are two of the most critical factors affecting the long-term success of any business in the collision repair industry, so the SAPE groups Automotive Training Academy makes a lasting contribution to the wider industry.

In the five years since opening in 2018 the facility has seen multitudes of trainees take advantage of the revolutionary purpose-built training facility for the collision repair industry.

It attracts a diverse range of attendees, from experienced technicians looking to upgrade their skills to newcomers wanting to enter the field.

The Training Academy creates a virtual workplace for participants to confront the challenges of a real body

Training with the latest tools and technology at the SAPE academy.

20 www.nationalcollisionrepairer.com.au

shop in a risk-free environment. The venue can be hired to run workshops, planning or training sessions or team development activities.

The purpose-built setup can provide a comprehensive learning experience for professionals in the industry, allowing them to get hands-on experience with the latest tools and products, enhancing their skills and knowledge in collision repair.

Centrally located in Sydney at Condell Park and situated just off the M5 it offers convenience for many attendees.

It serves a dual role, firslty where the SAPE Group can use the academy as the company’s internal training centre.

It also acts as a hire venue for training

and upskilling of industry-wide collision repair technicians in best OEM practices, where whoever hires the venue can conduct or arrange their own training.

The SAPE Automotive Training Academy is available to anyone that requires a theory training room or workshop style practical area.

Accommodating larger groups in its expansive area, it also has the capacity to smaller niche groups in specialised areas. The classroom can accommodate 20 participants and is fully equipped with modern technologies.

Sydney Automotive Paints and Equipment has a strength in staying up date to date with the latest gear in the industry and they have carried this

though to the Academy which utilises state-of-the-art equipment from leading brands such as GYS, Spanesi, Celette, Autorobot, Jollift, IRT, Wielander+Schill, Kamatec, and Scangrip.

Having a wide range of the latest European-made collision repair products is likely to be a great advantage for those looking to learn and work with cutting-edge technology and techniques in collision repair without the inital large outlay of purchasing.

It is the chance to work with a diverse range of up-to-date equipment, along with the spaciousness, modern design, that make up the most positive feedback from participants who have experienced the training academy according to SAPE The academy is used for SAPE repairers and is available for hire.

equipment division manager Beau Knowles.

“The SAPE Automotive Training Academy allows for training & upskilling across a broad spectrum of collision repair methods,” Knowles says.

“Those hiring the venue normally run their own training programs designed to teach individuals the skills and techniques necessary to repair vehicles that have been involved in collisions or accidents.”

The technological edge it can add to the knowledge and skills of repairers is one of the key benefits that the SAPE Training Academy can offer businesses.

“It’s important for OEM Collision Repairers to stay up-to-date with the latest repair techniques and industry standards, given the complexities of modern vehicles,” he says.

“Utilising the SAPE Automotive Training Academy can help these repairers enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately leading to better service for their customers and safer repairs for vehicles.

“As vehicles become more technologically advanced and intricate,

proper repair and maintenance become increasingly important. Following OEM repair procedures ensures that the vehicle is repaired in a way that maintains its original safety features and structural integrity,” Knowles says.

“This is critical to ensure the safety of the driver, passengers, and others on the road. Training plays a pivotal role in ensuring that technicians have the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out repairs according to OEM standards.”

SAPE intends to ensure that the academy stays at the forefront of one of the industries most challenging areas; ever-evolving technology.

As vehicles become more technologically advanced, their systems and components require specialised tools and equipment for proper diagnosis and repair.

“Remember, staying at the forefront of vehicle repair technology is an ongoing effort,” Knowles says.

“At SAPE, we’re commited to visiting all corners of the globe to bring the best collision repair equipment available in the market today.”

The SAPE training academy offers the opportunity for technical training in a spacious, safe and clean venue.

The National Collision Repairer 21

Special feature

Levelling the playing field In July 2022, the right to repair became enshrined in law after a decade long campaign.

The National Collision Repairer talks with the people who are busy ensuring it will make a difference to the industry.

In the 13 months since the right to repair legislation was implemented in Australia, it has been administered by the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA), an agency that has two key purposes; to work with both the repairers and the OEM’s to free up information for the collision and mechanical repair industry.

Stuart Charity, AAAA chief executive, and also an AASRA director, outlines its key role in bringing about practical benefits for the repair industry from the long journey to forge legislation.

“Really, it’s about creating a level playing field - removing all the impediments to a vehicle owner’s right to be able to choose who repairs the

vehicle and what parts are put on that vehicle.” Charity says.

“Essentially, it provides a front door to the portal of each of the car companies data sharing offerings on the website.

“The other important role is if there are any issues with accessing information. If any information is missing or information that technician believes should be provided under the scheme is not provided by the car companies, AASRA can come in and try and resolve it.

“If they’re not able to resolve it, and it’s an ongoing issue, then they have the powers to refer it on to the ACCC for review and possible compliance and enforcement action.

“The second thing AASRA does

is work with the car companies to help them comply with the scheme, its obligations, and the requirements under law.

“The service that AASRA provides to the car companies is essentially a vetting service to make sure that a technician is working in the industry. If they’re working on high voltage information, they’ve done the training and if they’re working on security information that there’s a police background check.”

Charity stresses that using AASRA’s services is optional for car companies, but AASRA now has more than two thirds of OEMs operating in Australia signed up and importantly car companies must comply with the rules

Having the correct and most upto date OEM information is vital for an efficient workshop.

22 www.nationalcollisionrepairer.com.au

of the scheme even if they don’t use AASRA’s vetting services.

AAAA chief executive Stuart Charity

AASRA executive Rodger Nardi

repairers can use the accessed information for multiple jobs, he says.

“You are looking at that fee for a day and you’re billing it to one job, you saved yourself 15 minutes and would probably breakeven. But it’s not unrealistic to jump on and do this multiple times a day.”

He says a specialist in a particular brand can buy the genuine diagnostic tools and diagnostic software which though they can come at higher prices, represent good value where repairers are working on high value jobs.

being able to find the right information,” Nardi says.

“It’s probably the biggest question I’m continually asked.. They don’t have to provide navigation. It’s not in the legislation. But my argument is, we get the missing information report where a collision repairer can’t find a repair method. We then go to the car company contact which creates work for us and work for them. But the information was there all along. So I say well, why don’t just they give us a navigatable PDF of the website? At this stage, we’ve managed to get that out of Mazda, Isuzu, Nissan and Ford.”

Nardi says it is one of the agency’s key priorities and more cooperation on navigation would improve handling complaints and benefit the whole industry.

“We’ve just got to make navigation easier and demystify the whole scan tool software process.”

AASRA is hopeful with feedback from both repairers and the OEMs they may be able to create PDF’s to assist in navigating most major brands websites.

“If you’re dealing with dozens of brands, it can be challenging. For aftermarket workshops, I would like to think that if we can’t get the navigation information we may be able to collectively create some documents to do that.”

Other pressing priorities are to encourage car companies to offer software by the day.

“That’s critical for an ordinary workshop because nobody wants to be dealing with one brand and then having to try and pay an annual subscription just to fix one car,” Nardi says.

How it can benefit workshops

AASRA executive officer Rodger Nardi describes the scheme as a “game changer” in the level of information the scheme makes available to the industry.

“Any service or repair information that a car company provides to the dealership network has to be made available to the aftermarket,” Nardi says.

“That covers the repair manual procedures, technical service bulletins, wiring diagrams, and it also includes diagnostic software and hardware.”

Many workshops will continue to use data aggregators for basic repairs, he says but the increasing technological complexity of cars with increasing coding requirements will make the added information more important for successful completion of a job.

“And so having that ability to get that information on the same level as a dealer is going to be important for the ongoing viability and growth of the business.”

He says that while some workshops will continue to do things the way they always have, others will see it as a game changer particularly in an ability to access information to complete high value jobs like programming and reflashing.

“These are high dollar items, so this is an area of revenue that that an aftermarket workshop can grab, along with the components.”

Nardi says while the access comes at a fee, often a daily rate ranging from $15 to $50 depending on the OEM, it is how repairers incorporate this into their businesses that can make all the difference.

“And importantly, if it’s used properly, this can really increase the efficiency in the workshop, “You’ve got a car that comes in with a dozen trouble codes. You’d say, I’m going to pay $21 a day for example, to look at the genuine repair manual.

I’m going to look for technical service bulletins to diagnose the fault. You might even want to go the next step and say I’m going to pay $50 for the day and run the trader’s own tech-stream genuine software across the car. It is a bit of a game changer with all those bits you could not do before the legislation.”

The efficiency really comes when

What have been the hurdles so far?

One of AASRA’s key roles is to help repairers with missing information and members can lodge a missing information report.

“So that might be for information that the repairer can’t find on the OEM’s website,” Nardi says.

“Or they might get to a point where the car company says you’re not entitled to that information under the scheme and the repairer believes they are.”

“We record all that and it’s logged.

We know exactly how many missing information reports are logged against each car company and what percentage of the market that car company has and that’s part of tracking but in most cases, they’re solved.”

Under the scheme car companies can be fined if they are found to be in breach of the law.

But Nardi says the largest number of issues arise not from information being withheld but the navigation of OEM websites.

“The majority of cases centre around

The National Collision Repairer 23

Special feature

How it applies to electric vehicles

Another issue is that some car companies do not differentiate between access to their information on EV and ICE vehicles, meaning those seeking access to any information must have basic EV training. Currently five car companies; BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes and Volvo do not differentiate. This access proved a challenge on launching more than a year ago because no one had the specific qualificatiown.

Charity says this has also resulted in huge demand and growth for EV Training in workshops which will ultimately help the industry adapt to the future.

“You’re talking about a one-day course in most cases $600-$800.

It’s not highly prescriptive training or training that requires a huge amount of time, or capital investment.

“There are 700-800 technicians that are now accredited for EV access through AASRA but we expect that to grow massively over the next few years not only because hybrid technology has been out there for about 15 years but we are seeing a massive uptick in sales of full EVs as well. The EV qualification is all about safety, and is designed to

ensure that a technician knows how to safely depower a vehicle, plus use PPE and the correct tools,” Charity says.

“As business owners, and managers if you are working on EVs and hybrids you need to ensure that your staff are protected and adequately trained because we’re talking about up to 800 volts of electricity in some vehicles. So that could be deadly if you don’t have the correct tools and training.”

What does the future hold?

Charity makes it clear the implementation of the legislation has been a long journey and it is a journey that AASRA will continue refining and developing to improve the service and support the industry.

Although the launch in July 2022 saw some IT complications, since January this year AASRA has cleared the backlog of applications and simplified the website. They also have extra staff and most emails are cleared within a day. Where the documentation is approriate, some urgent requests like security codes can be sent back within minutes.

“We’ve essentially seen a world opened up to us that had been closed before but it’s a pretty complex world Information will be key in the future to handling automotive technology for repairs.

and there’s no easy way around this,” Charity says.

“I think a lot of people thought that AASRA was going to be the holder of all information. It was all going to be catalogued, like a data aggregator but it’s not how the scheme works here or in any other country that has data sharing. It has to go through the vehicle manufacturers websites and we’ve got a multitude of manufacturers all coming from different countries and doing it different ways. It is challenging for independent repairs, but I think that that knowledge base will build over time (along with) those networks and education.”

While Australia now has its right to repair legislation, the legal battle playing out in the United States has also highlighted another future unresolved element in automotive information. This time it is telematics; the combination of vehicle technology and communications technology, such as mobile phone notifications about a vehicle.

“Telematics is the next battleground for right to repair,” Charity says.

“In Massachusetts about a year and a half ago they got another law through to ensure that the car owner controls the data in the car and they have control on who it is sent to and under what terms. Unfortunately, that legislation has been challenged by the car companies in the federal court and there still isn’t a verdict on that.

“We do know every vehicle sold these days has got telematics and it is only a handful of the prestige brands that have operationalised it at the moment. But it’s something that that will need to be addressed in this country and it’s something that the AAAA is actively involved in.”

“Our government has made a clear line in the sand here that they’re going to protect consumer choice. And we think this is just an evolution of that due to changes in vehicle technology.”

AASRA by the numbers; 35 participating brands / 19 nonparticipating brands. +3,200 technicians as members.

567 completed EV certification.

844 checked as vehicle security professionals.

24 www.nationalcollisionrepairer.com.au

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Special feature

Capricorn teams up with global leader in high-tech race Ever-changing technology is one of a repair workshop’s biggest challenges. A new Capricorn partnership is bringing a suite of exciting new diagnostic tools to Australia that could be the answer.

Australia’s largest repair industry cooperative wants its latest partnership to provide new cutting-edge resources and solutions for one of the biggest issues facing workshops, keeping pace with technology.

Capricorn Society Limited has entered into a joint venture agreement with leading automotive diagnostic service provider Repairify Australia Holdings Pty Ltd to boost the repair industry’s ability to deal with ever changing vehicle technology.

Repairify provides market-leading remote automotive diagnostic services across North and South America, Canada and Europe, with strong long-term relationships with a wide range of OEM’s.

Capricorn and Repairify each have a 50 percent ownership of the joint venture, branded Repairify, and will deliver advanced automotive remote diagnostic services to repairers across Australia and New Zealand as a Capricorn preferred supplier.

Repairify will be bringing to market the full suite of asTech diagnostic and calibration products including Repairify Remote Services. The propostion will cover over 98 percent of makes and models in the Australian and New Zealand car parc.

Additional Repairify products will be considered in the future based on the needs of the market.

Repairify has the goal of pushing all boundaries to stay at the forefront of innovation. It has built its reputation across the globe with its specialist knowledge of Diagnostics, ADAS and specialist electrical repairs and is the leading provider in remote diagnostics,

26 www.nationalcollisionrepairer.com.au

calibrations, and programming for the collision repair industry.

Capricorn Group chief executive officer David Fraser says the exciting joint venture was all about Capricorn’s commitment to providing support for its more than 25,000 member businesses, with the best equipped and connected technology to deal with modern vehicle servicing.

“Being able to efficiently and effectively diagnose and calibrate remotely connected vehicles is imperative to the long-term business success of the smallest to the largest automotive workshops across Australia and New Zealand,” Fraser says.

“We are delighted to have formed this joint venture with Repairify who have built a strong reputation across the world for their patented technology and experience, sharing the same commitment to the success of the

Repairify president Cris Hollingsworth

automotive aftermarket repair and service industry.

“Capricorn’s core purpose is to support its members to build stronger businesses and we are confident that this exciting joint venture represents a major leap forward in actioning this commitment by providing unparalleled Member and industry support,” Mr Fraser says.

Leveraging digital tooling and remote service expertise enables automotive repairers and service centres to deliver a superior customer experience with faster turnaround times and increased workshop productivity.

Repairify president Cris Hollingsworth says the deal would enable them to leverage Capricorn’s more than fifty years of strength and leadership in the industry.

“We see a huge opportunity to support Australian and New Zealand

Capricorn Group chief executive officer, David Fraser

repairers as the technology evolves and we are keen to introduce our proposition to the market,” Hollingsworth says.

“Capricorn is a natural choice

The asTech All-in-one enables workshops to do advanced diagnostic scans locally on the device and remotely through Repairify Remote Services.

for a strategic partner due to their unparalleled position in the marketplace in Australia and New Zealand. We are confident that with our products and services and the

Capricorn network, we can rapidly introduce our technology to ensure that the market can undertake and complete complex vehicle repairs.”

Capricorn Members will benefit from being able to utilise their Trade Account for all payments under the agreement and earn Rewards Points on all purchases.

Repairify said it would be announcing its commercial strategy shortly and was confident it would give both Capricorn Members and non-members access to services at an exceptionally costeffective price point.

Repairify products and services will be available to all automotive aftermarket workshops across Australia and New Zealanwd, regardless of whether they are a Capricorn Member or not, this was to underly Capricorn and Repairify’s commitment to best support the whole industry towards a stronger future.

More information: repairify.com.au

asTech All-In-One tools will cover 98 percent of the Australian and New Zealand car parc.

The National Collision Repairer 27

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Global News

PPG splashing out on new colour centre From Renaissance art to modern fashion, it is hard to match the skill and innovation of the Italians when it comes to colour, so what better place than Italy to establish and invest in a colour centre of excellence for a leading coatings manufacturer.

PPG’s Automotive Coatings in Europe has inaugurated an innovative centre of excellence facility at its Quattordio site in Piedmont, northern Italy, aiming to help vehicle OEMs get the most from the critical role of colour in automotive design.

As well as being a key production site and innovation hub also includes a styling centre which is used to support the study and development of new automotive colours.

PPG has invested 2.3 million euros (AUD $3.85 million) into the site that incorporates a centre of excellence

aimed at combining colour development and application in a single process.

PPG says the benefits include reducing the lead time to bring new colours to market, optimising costs and maximising colour performance.

In addition, the facility is equipped with artificial intelligence tools that will be used in the colour development and quality control processes.

These include a statistical and machine learning tool that can reduce the number of colour adjustment steps, reducing costs and overall cycle-time during the development of basecoats and coloured products.

PPG Operations Director EMEA, industrial coatings segment Isabella Ercole says the new centre isset to be a game-changer.

“This project reflects PPG’s ambition to be the first-choice partner to meet

customers’ evolving needs for innovative paints and coatings and provide industryleading solutions that provide productivity and sustainability benefits,” Ercole says.

“This new centre of excellence, an end-to-end combination of the development and application of colours, is also an investment in our employees, who will benefit from an innovative workspace and will be able to improve their skills working together as a One PPG Team.”

Opening of the centre.

New juror reflects on women’s buying power The only car awards in the world composed exclusively of women automotive journalists has added new credentials to the line up on its international jury.

The Women’s World Car of the Year announced Tanya Gazdik, an automotive journalist from the US, has joined the jury in August with the award panel now covering 71 judges from 49 countries.

In the US, Women buy 65 percent of new cars sold and influence more than 85 percent of all car purchases, according to GirlPower Marketing and Snapcell, so it is argued the focus of the awards and the makeup of the jury has real market power.

Female buyers and the influence of female experts can also have formative power in shaping buying and

30 www.nationalcollisionrepairer.com.au

manufacturing trends.

Currently in the US, fuel economy is a big issue for most consumers making hybrids, PHEVs and electric vehicles more and more popular. SUVs continue to gain popularity while crossovers blending SUV’s and sedans are also very popular.

Tanya Gazdik currently covers automotive marketing for MediaPost and she programs and runs two conferences for them at the New York and Los Angeles auto shows that are attended by several hundred C-suite automotive executives as well as agency and suppliers.

MediaPost.com is an online publishing resource that works across multiple platforms.

Gazdik has just started freelancing for A Girl’s Guide to Cars, which she says gives

her a chance to write more creatively and in the first person about the aspects of a vehicle that appeal most to women.

Tanya Gazdik.

Axalta income jumps as coatings sales improve Leading global coatings company, Axalta announced a 4.8 jump in sales driven in part by strong volumes in its transportation coatings sector.

Axalta Coating Systems’ quarterly result released in August for the period up until June 30 show the improvement over the same period in 2022 including a 6.8 per cent higher average price mix.

Axalta released the results to the North American market with highlights including mobility coatings net sales increased 15.5 per cent, led predominantly by strong volumes and modest improvement in price-mix.

Performance Coatings net sales were flat compared to last year the company reported.

The 2023 figures were also boosted by absence of the commercial agreement restructuring charge incurred in quarter two in 2022.

“Income from operations in the quarter was impacted negatively by

higher year-over-year compensation expense and approximately $15 million of costs associated with consulting spend and the ERP implementation,” Axalta said in a statement.

Mobility Coatings net sales were $437.9 million for the quarter, an increase of 15.5 per cent compared to 2022. Volume growth of 12.8 per cent was driven by improved Light Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle production rates.

The company also highlighted that volume decline was primarily due to production constraints following an Enterprise Resource Planning “Volumes decreased by 3.7 per cent as market demand in Mobility Coatings and Refinish were more than offset by temporary operational delays impacting our ability to meet customer demand from an ERP implementation in North America.

“Despite notable stabilisation in June, warehouse management and

slower shipping activities in the quarter resulted in an estimated negative 2-3 per cent year-over-year net sales impact and drove an elevated quarterend sales backlog, most notably in Refinish.”

Axalta’s CEO and President Chris Villavarayan said the quarter result including the strong sales result was much closer to how they wanted the company to be performing.

“I am particularly proud of how our teams rebounded from a broad and complex ERP implementation in May and delivered a solid quarter, including a sales performance for North America in June that was one of the strongest in our history,” Villavarayan said in a statement.

“This launch was a crucial step towards achieving the margin improvement trajectory we want for Axalta.”

Fifth green credentials win on FTSE index Global paint producer PPG has notched up its fifth consecutive year winning approval on an international yardstick measure for environmental and social practices.

FTSE4Good Index Series is designed to measure the performance of companies demonstrating strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices and was created by the global index and data provider, FTSE Russell.

It is one of the indexes used as a measure for the growing appetite for responsible investment funds across multiple industries.

FTSE Russell evaluations are

based on performance in areas, such as corporate governance, health and safety, anti-corruption, climate change and other ESG criteria.

PPG has unveiled its 2030 sustainability targets, including greenhouse gas emissions targets which have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

PPG vice president, global sustainability, Diane Kappas said the recognition highlighted its global commitment to sustainability in its steps to reduce packaging, increase resource efficiency, and improve environmental impacts and use innovation to move

toward carbon neutrality.

“Sustainability is embedded into how we operate as an organisation.

It enables us to achieve greater operational excellence and meet the evolving needs of our customers,” Kappas said.

“We are honoured to be a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index and recognised for our strong focus on sustainability and ESG priorities.”

PPG has recently been recognised for its sustainability and ESG efforts by a host of other organisations, including EcoVadis, MSCI, Newsweek Magazine America’s Most Responsible Companies and JUST Capital.

The National Collision Repairer 31

Stateside with John Yoswick

What matters to a new generation of recruits?

The industry skills shortage is being felt around the world and the question on many minds is how to attract and keep a new generation, including female candidates, to keep businesses strong.

Yohanna Peet, who leads the “Technician Apprenticeship Program” (TAP) for Caliber Collision, the largest collision repair chain in the United States, believes collision repairers need to develop a broader pool of potential candidates when looking for the employees they need. Speaking at a recent conference for women working in the industry, Peet said she watched technicians during the pandemic leaving not just Caliber’s more than 1,700 shops, but the industry as a whole.

“They found roles where they don’t TechForce Foundation’s Jennifer Mayer.

32 www.nationalcollisionrepairer.com.au

have to put the wear-and-tear on their bodies anymore,” she said.

“One of my painters is now working at a theme park, painting carousel horses.

They found ways to make themselves more valuable and to bring purpose to what they’re doing and to themselves.”

In working to help replace that talent, she’s learned that “literally anybody is a candidate at this point,” even a waiter or waitress who clearly understands customer service.

“My selection pool is anybody who could potentially be an asset to the

team,” she said. “In our industry, we’re teaching you how to do the work. I live by one motto: I can teach you how to do anything I know how to do, but I can’t teach you how to care. To care about people, to care about being at work on time, to care about your own learning and development.”

Caliber’s TAP is a paid, on-the-job apprenticeship program that graduated more than 250 new technicians in 2022.

Overseeing the program has shown her that contrary to what some people think, young people do want to learn new skills, but how they want to learn has changed.

“They just want 45 seconds of learning or three minutes of learning,” she said, noting they are accustomed to finding a YouTube video with whatever information they are looking for. “They want to be taught what they need to do right then so they can take action right away and get a star on the board. We have to find a way to give them the learning they need because when we don’t, they may find the wrong information online. So that’s one of the things we’re working on.”

Other speakers at the conference offered their own take on how the industry can find the new employees they need. Olivia Peterson, a technician with Gerber Collision and Glass, another large North American chain, agreed that shops should look beyond traditional sources.

She learned early on in the pandemic that she didn’t want to work remotely.

“I needed to get back to a place where I needed to be at the work onsite, I needed to be using my hands,” said Peterson, whose career in the industry started just three years ago. “Try to find pools of people who have just those sort of hand skills but not necessarily automotive backgrounds. One of the things my [autobody] instructors noted

is that some of the most successful students are ones who came in knowing absolutely nothing about cars. So we need to really foster the development of people from non-traditional backgrounds, and finding ways to transform skills that may seem completely unrelated into something they can do in the collision repair field.”

Jennifer Mayer of the TechForce Foundation said the industry suffers because fewer than 3 percent of technicians are women.

“If you want to solve the tech shortage, welcome women,” Mayer said, drawing applause from the mostly female audience at the conference. “The No. 1 way to do that: Make sure if you have any women working for you that they are part of the interview process, that you’re pushing that out in your ads and marketing, getting them out in the community in order to inspire. People need to see it to be it.”

She said Gen Z is one of the most socially conscious generations since World War II. “That means they want to make the world a better place,” she said.

“They want to have a positive impact.

They want to know why what they are

doing matters. You need to tell them.

If they really believe they are keeping people safe, and keeping families on the road and keeping people moving, they feel good about that. They see they are helping people. The more you as a business can connect to that social impact, the more it doesn’t feel like a job to them, but an impactful life. That matters to them.”

She said collision repair (and other automotive trades) has “done a horrible job” of showing young people the career path available to them. “When you hire them, they often report back to me that they’re rotting,” she said.

“They don’t know what’s next. They don’t see that future. And so they leave.

So communication and information is absolutely paramount.”

The third thing younger workers are looking for, she said, is work-life balance.

“They have parents like me who were crazy workaholics, and they’re like, ‘I ain’t doing that, I want a work-life balance,’” Mayer said. “So at the end of the day, how do you get a competitive advantage by saying, ‘I know that, I recognize that.

Let’s give that to you for your career.’”

She said young people in believe they

Gerber Collision and Glass technician Olivia Peterson.

are likely to have five or six careers in their lifetime, so it’s important to help them see how new skills they are learning are “stackable” and will help them “level up” much as they do when gaming. She said one of her own sons is “rolling tables and stacking chairs” for Marriott.

“Why? Because Marriott – and my other kid worked at Disney – has the best customer service training on the planet,” Mayer said.

“You want to hire somebody for your front desk or counter? Steal somebody from a hotel. They have been trained.

Now if I didn’t draw that connection for him, he’d say, ‘This job sucks, I want to quit.’ I told him you don’t always know what you’re learning, when you have to interact with guests and make sure their experience is perfect. So when employees are learning skills, help them understand how it all connects to help them ‘level up.’”

Caliber’s Peet agreed that employee retention is key to reducing the technician shortage. She said when she was running shop locations, her priority was to really get to know her team of technicians – their hobbies and interests, their goals and priorities, their families.

“I wanted to make sure I had something to talk to them about,” she said, noting that just looking at what’s plastered on technicians’ toolboxes can be a good way to see what’s important to them.

“I wanted to be able to read their mood, so if something was wrong, we could talk about it. Once you make that connection with them, they won’t leave you. They won’t. Because they know that you care about them as a human being, not just a person who’s going to make money for the shop.”

She said the book, “The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace” changed her life.

“I read it years ago, but I still go back and look at it any time I have somebody new on my team,” she said.

“Because I know everybody likes to be recognized in a certain type of way. Some people don’t want to be recognized in public. Some people want the attention.

Some people want the gifts or money.”

John Yoswick, a freelance writer bsed in the United States has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988. He is also the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (www.CrashNetwork.com).

The National Collision Repairer 33

Movers & Shakers

A passion for people More than 30 years in the industry across the globe, regional vice-president for the Fix Network across Asia, Australia and New Zealand and now director at the ACIA, Stuart Faid has garnered a lot of insight into the industry and has a lot to share. with a consulting and advisory business.

A diverse and well-travelled career has This pathway gave me insights into every contributed to Stuart Faid’s extensive facet of the industry and appreciate just automotive industry experience and how integrated we are.” now he is working to give back to the It was the chance meeting of an Australian repair industry both in his Australian girl in China that brought leading position at the Fix Auto Network and more recently in his newly appointed him to Australia more permanently, but it was his global and Asian exposure role as a director of the Australian Collision Industry Alliance. It is in this new including China that was a major drawcard to Steve Leal, the global boss role that he is harnessing his experience of the Fix Network who hired him in and focus to develop solutions for 2018 to deal with the complexities of the the pressing recuitment issues facing global organisation in the region. the industry. He hopes to tap into the “We’ve got the Novus Glass brand and passion of young people that can help Fix Auto in Australia, but we’ve got half a shape their careers and a future industry. dozen branded businesses in the For Faid, his own industry passion broader aftermarket space in 13 began at a young age in distant countries globally. I’m based in Buckinghamshire.

Australia, and I look after our “I grew up in a place that would go on Asia operations that currently to become Milton Keynes in England. consists of, businesses in Back then that part of the world felt Japan, South Korea, China like the Detroit of the UK. You had the and the Philippines as Volkswagen Group on one side of the well as Australia and New road and then Daimler Chrysler on the Zealand.” other,” he says of his formative years.

For Faid, the Fix “I worked with Volkswagen and did Auto business their graduate programme and then has stayed within the group for seven years.

Then I moved over the road to Daimler.”

Stuart Faid.

“What followed then was the beginning of an international career that ultimately led to living and working in seven countries and managing operations in more than a dozen. I have spent a considerable amount of time in the Middle East and Africa, as well as Asia. I lived in China for almost five years, establishing and heading up operations for a global leader in automotive consulting and business services”.

Faid describes it as an unconventional journey into smash repair but one that has brought learnings from multiple sectors within the automotive industry.

“I’m a 30-year veteran of the automotive industry. After I came through the OEM Graduate Management Programme, I went into retail, and then came out of retail into corporate strategy

34 www.nationalcollisionrepairer.com.au

provided a revealing insight into the collision industry, “Fix Auto is a window into the rest of the industry. The collision industry in Australia was historically made up of “mum and dad”, small to medium type businesses. In recent years we’ve had a real proliferation of consolidators, and that is changing the very landscape of our industry. I’ve always believed that our industry is a prime candidate for consolidation and I believe there are a number of ways to consolidate while retaining the heart and soul of who we are.”

Faid says this consolidation has taken a number of forms including the largescale consolidations that have scooped up a big percentage of the overall work supply, to smaller multi-site consolidators with 10-20 workshops.

“I think there’s a sweet spot with multisite operations where you

can keep consistency in terms of culture and operating practices and commercial control,” he says.

For Faid this ‘sweet spot’ lies in the franchise model he has worked with in the past, both with OEM dealers and workshops, and has now been successfully implemented by Fix Auto.

“I think the industry needs to consolidate to create the required efficiencies that will continue to drive down cost and create value.

The challenge with consolidation at a corporate level is that you lose a lot of the real positives of having an independently owned business so Fix Auto is the best of both worlds. We have that ‘mum and dad’ mentality, those with skin in the game and their heart and soul invested in the business. For some of our network, the shops have been in the family and serving the community upwards of 50 years.

“The challenge for those businesses is that the world is a very different place today to where it was 50 years ago and they need to better understand how to stay relevant and create a sustainable future. This is where Fix Auto comes in; we overlay their heart and soul and their customer focus with corporate governance, processes, procedures and state of the art systems.”

Fix Auto can give those small to medium sized enterprises the reporting, analytics and business improvement support that would typically only be available to much larger and corporate businesses that invest in that infrastructure.

“We provide a far greater insight into the financial health and operational performance of our shops than business owners normally have time to organise for themselves.

“Fix Auto don’t just produce reports at the end of the month, they interpret that data based on an intimate understanding of each of their shops and then roll up their sleeves to support the implantation of any required changes or improvements to optimise that specific shops performance.

“We provide that hands-on support, coaching and guidance. We are totally connected to our franchisees. We have real time access to all their data, if our system flags or things are tailing off or there’s a problem somewhere, we are quick to respond and help the shop right the ship and get things turned around.

We are an extra set of eyes, ears and hands for our network and our absolute focus is helping them be the best they can be.”

This balance of independence and support is one of Fix Auto’s strengths he says.

“We are all of the corporate governance and support that a big corporate MSO has but with the heart, soul and spirit of a family-owned business, who cares about every customer that comes in because they’re of the community and for the community.”

Faid believes the model affords them significant economies of scale but because they are independently owned, it means a far leaner organisational structure. While this adds to efficiency and reduces costs, in the end, it is all about helping the industry’s most valuable asset.

“When you talk about the real positives that exist in the industry, I’d say that the industry comprises a vast majority of well intentioned, honest, genuine and hardworking people that want to do

the right thing by their customers. They want to make a fair and honest living and provide the opportunity for others to do so within their business; I think that’s what underpins the industry. This makes our network and the wider industry a joy to work with. That’s why I love what I do.

“I spend the majority of my time talking to long standing or second-generation business owners invested in their communities invested in their people and passionate about what they do.

They may be unsure about how they navigate this new landscape with all of its pressure. You’ve got really good people who are through no fault of their own are at risk of losing everything they have built because of administrative or bureaucratic issues affecting their day to day working lives. So I ask our team both locally and internationally, how can we remove that burden for them, set them at ease so they can do what they love to do for their customers; fix cars and delight their customers. We’ll take care of everything else.

“That’s essentially the model,” he says.

COVID posed issues for recruitment but Faid believes the problem goes back further.

The National Collision Repairer 35

Movers & Shakers

It is also this human resource and ensuring it is an industry asset into the future that has drawn Faid to the Australian Collision Industry Alliance and a new focus on recruitment for the next generation.

He says COVID has not helped recruitment, training, and the wider impression of a career in the industry, but he believes the problem has been longer in gestation.

“I don’t think we’ve paid enough attention to building a pipeline of skilled labour for more than a decade. We have a significantly ageing workforce with little new talent coming through, and seemingly a lack of awareness about why they should join and what a career in the industry really looks like.”

This is where ACIA has a positive and active role to play, he says.

“I think the long-term strategy is about re-establishing the industry as a viable opportunity for kids at a much earlier stage in their development and comprehension of making decisions about their future. I think it’s about doing that in a way that is relevant to today’s marketplace, because the reality is there is a whole lot of choice for these young kids that didn’t exist 10 or even five years ago.”

There is money attracting young people to new and emerging industries but there is also strong competition from traditional industries such as the mining and construction sectors where high demand is also driving marketing campaigns, and highly competitive recruitment.

“We’ve got to reposition ourselves as an industry in terms of how the opportunity to work in in the collision

Workshops need more young people and tapping into their passion may be the way to secure them.

36 www.nationalcollisionrepairer.com.au

industry competes with all the other choices these kids have.”

Part of this strategy is to target the young people with career options far earlier in their schooling life and when they are shaping their career choices.

“We should be finding ways to connect with kids much earlier in their development. If we are waiting until they leave in year 12 or trying to influence them in year 10, we’re already too late.

We need to be working with these education institutions far earlier down the line.”

Faid believes the industry also needs to tap into something more intrinsic in a new generation, a deeper passion that has driven the industry for decades.

“Where would you find an average six-year-old kid that doesn’t sit on the floor and push toy cars around and bash them into each other or draw or colour in cars in their colouring book and put car posters on the wall?” he says.

“There is an age where these kids have a genuine, unexplainable, unqualified passion for all things car.

And for me, you tap into these people as early as possible so they can translate this unknown fascination into a career choice. And if you talk to most people in our industry, they will tell you that they love cars.”

“We need to be figuring out how we tap into that nucleus of young talent as early as possible, to foster their interest.

Look at spray painting as an example; there are a heap of kids out there that are artistic and are creative, and if they understood the skill and the process of applying paint to vehicles, especially with today’s paint technologies and colours, is absolute artistry in a lot of ways. It’s

an artistic and creative vocation and we need to be explaining that.”

For the ACIA, this vocational advocacy for the industry will be a priority.

“Our first objective is to establish ourselves as a single source of support for the industry, to be able to provide a single go-to environment to help with their processes of trying to recruit and retain talent into their business.”

“Our objective is to create a holistic environment and support mechanism that reinforces the collision industry as a career of choice first and foremost.

Then it’s about if we want to be a career of choice, who do we want to be making that choice?

“Then it segments up and I think the Alliance’s role is going to be looking at those different segments and understanding the strategies that are going to be required by the industry and the people within the industry to make that happen. It is likely there will need to be different strategies for each of those segments, youth apprenticeships versus mature apprentices or reskilling and retraining.

“There is also a big role to play in retention; how do employers create an environment that encourages people to stay, whether that’s physical, cultural, or philosophical.”

The skills issue is a broad one, but one Faid believes the industry can tackle together.

“The aim is to reposition people’s perspectives of the industry, but then it’s ensuring the industry aligns with those perspectives once you’ve set them.

“That’s a shared objective for everybody.”

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Movers & Shakers

A new world of talent

The silver lining of the ongoing skills shortage in the collision repair industry is the extraordinary up-and-coming talent and dedication of a new generation of trainees.

There are few places these qualities are better displayed, along with the generosity and support of the volunteers and the industry, than at the WorldSkills competition.

The competition, held from 17-19 August, saw more than 500 young competitors from across the nation showcase their skills at locations in Melbourne, including Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence in Docklands for autobody repair and automotive refinishing skills.

The objective is for students to compete in a high-pressure environment that equips them for the demands of the industry.

In the automotive refinishing division, it was Dylan Cleaver who won gold, with Dylan Hoskin taking the runner-up position and Jake Twyford taking the bronze medal.

Robert Polito took the gold medal in autobody repair division with Lockie Hipkins taking silver and Ali Rezaie sealed the bronze.

The winners will now make up part of Team Australia with the opportunity to compete at the biennial WorldSkills International Competition 2024 to be held in Lyon, France.

While the young stars suitably enjoyed the limelight at the Melbourne event, what is perhaps less obvious is the extraordinary contributions made by the trainers and judges, all of whom volunteer their time building the best and brightest for the future of the industry. Equally the competition would not take place without the support of the industry, with car parts, materials and paint contributed by a wide range of long-term industry partners.

Judge and 1997 gold medal winner Bill Zorbalas said he has seen huge steps forward in the professionalism of the industry, reflected in the dedication and skills of some of the contestants.

He said while there can only be one winner in each division the focus on excellence in the competition meant the apprentices were not only an asset to

38 www.nationalcollisionrepairer.com.au

the employers who gave them the time to compete, but became rising stars in a wider industry talent pool where their skills were in high demand.

“The opportunities it opens up for these young people are enormous,” Zorbalas said.

Fellow judge Maxine Colligan was one of the first female gold medal winners in the specialty area in 2019, which put her in the elite group that went to form a national team and compete in Kazan, Russia.

Colligan said the competition was a great example of the passion within the industry, but the awards were also beginning to reflect a changing industry, the inclusion of more females in repair workshops and an enthusiasm to recruit Inspecting the body refinishing work at Kangan TAFE.

talent regardless of gender.

“When I first started it was so difficult, you had someone saying; “No way, you’d have to get separate toilets (to hire a female). Now they are reaching out all over the place and saying we want you to work for us,” Colligan says.

“It is just improving the whole humanity of the industry,” Zorbalas agrees.

Axalta Australia is a category sponsor in the event and their national training manager Paul Polverino said the competition was all about honing and testing the top-end of industry skills.

Polverino details the demanding testing tasks that will push the apprentice spray painters over several days of the competition, tasks that will

also refine their skills on jobs they might encounter in a workshop.

“This is a brand new General Motors part. They have to prep the new part, sand and clean it. Starting with a white primer, then a white basecoat, followed by a pearl finish. The final clear coat is a new generation matte clear coat, however the competitors will have three variants of matte levels to choose from, and picking the right one is crucial for top marks,” he says.

Each of these tasks can lose them points if they are slightly off in their choices and skills and like a real-life scenario, it is about them being able to deliver a perfect result for a client. One that is undetectable from the original product from the OEM. “They have to feather out the scratch (in this task), do a proper repair and the judges will check on how well they have smoothed the repair out,” Polverino says.

Then when it comes to painting, the challenge lies in how they can blend this colour.

“They can only take the colour so far. The judges will be making sure the colour doesn’t go all the way to the end of the tape. And if it does, they start to lose marks.”

But these tasks are only preparation for the next challenge, a six-hour ordeal Ali Rezaie at work during the competition.

where they will have to paint a whole door, inside and out, complete a silver stripe and then paint the Axalta logo on it. The two-stage logo process demands exact measurements to get the stencil right and then “some very tricky white shading.”

But all this is conducted in limited time frames and with full OHS compliance, to test the apprentices about performing at their best in a real-life scenario.

“Axalta’s commitment to supporting events that promotes outstanding levels of craftsmanship and the industry’s sustainability, could not be more important,” Polverino says.

“We are very proud to support these exceptional young Australians and provide them with new opportunities for growth. Axalta’s passion for our industry and desire to secure its future through young professionals is what drives us,” says Polverino.

Three states were represented in the auto refinishing category with Lachlan Argent, Dylan Cleaver, Nickolas Abela, Kynan Bonanno and Neha Singh from NSW. Dylan Hoskin, Zane Cannon and Jake Twyford from Victoria and Bryson Kingston represented Queensland.

Originally from Afghanistan, 22-yearold Ali Akber Rezaie worked in a meat factory after migrating to Australia and it was a friend who introduced him to automotive body repair as a long-term career. Now the second-year apprentice has won bronze in autobody repair.

“It’s the greatest experience I’ve ever had. It was only three days, but the experience was far beyond my expectations,” he said.

“The competition was a very good platform to meet other people and to

show your skills. It was great to be with others who are very good in the trade and to watch what they were doing” “I’m feeling great – very excited and happy,” said Rezaie, who is employed with Capital SMART. “It was challenging, with a lot of time pressure, but it was also full of excitement. There were new challenges in the competition and things we don’t normally do at work, but training at Kangan really helped me a lot.”

Long-term TAFE trainer in autobody repair and industry veteran Paul Tribe says the competition was about apprentices like Rezaie finessing skills but it was also about just having a go.

“He is a year behind the others, but he is giving it a red-hot go,” Tribe says.

Tribe said the support of the TAFE sector, industry partners and the large numbers of volunteers highlighted its bigger picture purpose of attracting young people to meet the huge demand for skills.

“They all there because they want the industry to go forward,” Tribe says, “They’re screaming out for trades people.”

“That’s what we’re trying to do here, to attract trades people back into the industry,” he says of the wider recruitment initiatives.

“We’ve even done days and nights, getting secondary school coordinators to come in and show them this is what we can offer your students.”

When it comes to attracting the next generation of recruits to the collision repair trades, the WorldSkills contestants are the models of passion and commitment to excellence, of which the industry can’t get enough.

Axalta’s Paul Polverino with one of the challenging tasks.

The National Collision Repairer 39

Industry Training & Events

Warmer weather can mean more damage and repairs With warmer weather on the way that means storms and hail season is coming and industry needs to be training ready.

I-CAR Australia has a substantial number of virtual classes lined up for the month of September covering just such topical areas as these with courses like the hail, theft, vandalism damage analysis (DAM09) class.

Virtual classroom covers topics like: analysing damage from natural causes including hail, wind and lightning and determine the difference between theft and prior damage. This virtual classroom is a 4 hour class and is ideal for estimators and assessors in the collision repair industry.

The use of aluminium materials being used for modern cars is forever increasing and its ideal that technicians should be attending our range of aluminium virtual classes specifically for aluminium panel damage analysis and repair. All virtual classes are presented live by I-CAR instructors with full visual and audio interaction with students. This is a great way to get feedback, answer and any additional questions from instructors the students may have.

Virtual classes can be attended by any one with a stable internet connection and a laptop, this is ideal for busy workshops, as virtual classes do not require traveling.

These classes can be done from the

comfort of your home or office.

For those in Tasmania who are needing steel welding certification we are running a two-day steel GMA (MIG/ MAG) preparation, testing and certification course. The course is broken down into two main components – hands-on preparation and welding testing and certification. This is not an introductory welding course for new technicians.

With the completion of this course technicians will be able to: • U nderstand how to set up, tune and maintain various welding machines.

• P erform proper welding techniques specifically required for the collision repair industry.

Unsettled weather can bring the risk of added damage to cars

Contact: I-CAR Australia Office and Postal Address: Unit 1, 100 Park Road, Slacks Creek Qld 4127

40 www.nationalcollisionrepairer.com.au

Telephone: 07 3219 9088 email: admin@I-CAR.com.au

• M ake common GMA (MIG) welds on multiple thicknesses of steel in vertical and overhead positions specifically inline with the collision repair industry.

The course is will be held at TAS Tafe Devonport on the 26th and 27th of September and is limited to four spaces so get in quick.

A full list of upcoming courses are available to view from I-CAR Australia’s website at https://I-CAR.com.au/calendar

Virtual Classroom (6 & 13 Sept 2023) 12/09/2023, 5:30 PM SPS07 Steel Unitised Structures Technologies and Repair Virtual Classroom (12 & 19 September 2023) 14/09/2023, 5:30 PM ADH01 Adhesive Bonding Virtual Classroom (14 & 21 September 2023)

06/09/2023, 9:00 AM APR01 Aluminium Exterior Panel Repair and Replacement Virtual Classroom (6 & 7 September 2023)

20/09/2023, 9:00 AM DAM05 Aluminium Panels and Structures Damage Analysis Virtual Classroom (20 & 21 September 2023)

06/09/2023, 5:30 PM DAM09 Hail, Theft, Vandalism Damage Analysis

21/09/2023, 12:00 PM WCSA3 P1 Steel GMA (MIG/MAG) Hands-On Training and Preparation

Melbourne - I-CAR Academy Springvale 22/09/2023, 8:30 AM WCSA3 P2 Welding Testing and Certification Melbourne - I-CAR Academy Springvale 26/09/2023, 8:00 AM WCSA3 P1 Steel GMA (MIG/MAG) Hands-On Training and Preparation Tasmania - TAS TAFE Devonport 27/09/2023, 8:00 AM WCSA3 P2 Welding Testing and Certification Tasmania - TAS TAFE Devonport 28/09/2023, 5:30 PM MEA01 Measuring Virtual Classroom (28 September & 5 October 2023) Register for all courses at I-CAR at I-CAR.com.au

Specialised courses are available to help your business get ahead.

The National Collision Repairer 41

Industry Awards

HELD ANNUALLY, THE RECIPIENTS OF THE NATIONAL COLLISION REPAIRER’S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS ARE INDUCTED AND HONOURED FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY.

The National Collision Repairer Lifetime Achievement Awards began in 2007 and was created to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of the men and women who have contributed to the collision repair industry over and above their “day job”.

The criteria for induction are a minimum of 20 years in the collision repair industry, contributions to the industry beyond the scope of their local area, contributions to the industry beyond the scope of their direct employment and nomination from within the industry.

We extend our congratulations to the recipients of the Life Achievement Awards, acknowledging their invaluable contributions and

recognising that their lifetime dedication to the industry has played a significant role in shaping it into the vibrant and cutting-edge field it is today.

There are now 57 inductees on the Honour Roll, including the winners of the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Awards – Ben Chesterfield, Scott Donnelly, and Morry Corvasce.

A full house of invited guests, including sponsors, collision repairers, suppliers, insurers, and previous inductees, gathered at the Pullman Sydney Hyde Park to congratulate the three 2023 lifetime achievement award inductees earlier this year in June.

The Roll also includes five international recipients from New

Zealand, the United States, and Sweden, who have not only contributed to the development of the industry in their own countries but also left an indelible mark on the Australian collision repair landscape. This award recognises the recipients’ perseverance, contributions, and experience, which amounts to a staggering total of over 1,900 years.

Importantly, we continue to attract sponsorships from a veritable who’s who of the collision repair industry, many of whom have been with us since the inaugural awards. So, once again, we take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the individuals and their organisations who support this initiative. that truly does “honour the past”.

The Lifetime Achievement Awards have celebrated some of the great contributors to the industry including this gathering of past winners in June 2023, Rob Mildenhall, Peter Ruggeri, Julie Thomas, Robin Taylor, Lance Weiss, Michelle Morgan, Phil Nixon, David Newton-Ross, Richard Pratt, Michael Killen, Carl Tinsley and Tom Vukelic.

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Richard Nathan

2007

Tom Vukelic

2013

Michael Wilkinson

2018

David Weatherall

2007

Robin Taylor

2013

Mark Czvitkovits

2019

Terry Flanagan OAM

2008

Ray McMartin

2013

Martin Stone AM

2019

Marshall Duncan

2008

Colin Edwards

2013

Julie Wadley

2019

Graham Winter

2008

Ian Wilkinson

2014

Walter Zuber (Int)

2019

Jeff Hendler (Int)

2008

Julie Thomas

2014

Brad Franklin

2020

Max Chanter

2009

Brian Johnson

2014

Jim Vais

2020

John Howes

2009

Terry Feehan

2014

Jeff Williams

2020

Robert Renwick (Int)

2009

Owen Webb OAM

2015

Steve Economidis

2021

David Newton-Ross

2009

Phil Nixon

2015

Garry Maher

2021

Wayne Phipps

2010

Trevor Parkes

2015

Peter McMahon

2021

Richard Pratt

2010

Tony Warrener OAM

2016

Rob Mildenhall

2021

Bob Rees

2010

Brenton Abbott

2016

Tony Cafasso

2022

Lance Weiss

2011

Michael Killen

2017

Michelle Morgan

2022

Mark Brady

2011

Carl Tinsley

2017

Peter Ruggeri

2022

Don Wait OAM

2011

Per Madsen (Int)

2017

Darren Wales

2022

Tony Farrugia

2012

Rex Crowther (Int)

2017

Ben Chesterfield

2023

Bob Christie

2012

Garry Clear

2018

Scott Donnelly

2023

John Zulian

2012

Cec Simpson

2018

Morry Corvasce

2023

The National Collision Repairer 43

Fix Auto

Stronger together As the collision repair industry faces evolving challenges one of its greatest strengths continues to be partnerships between businesses. Like any great partnership, it is a twoway street when it comes to benefits.

This month The National Collision Repairer puts the focus on a successful partnership between a two major players in the industry, Fix Network and Axalta Coating Systems. We spoke with Axalta National Sales Manager Craig Tonkes and Fix Network, Asia and Australia regional vice-president Stuart Faid about collaboration, mutual benefits and overcoming obstacles together.

How do you see Fix Auto / Axalta bringing value to your business?

Craig Tonkes: Along with scale, Fix Auto’s business model allows Axalta to work with business owners who are invested in the success of their businesses. They are open-minded and continually looking for ways to improve. This allows us to leverage our innovative products and expertise within their businesses. Additionally, for repairers looking to evolve their business, through expanding, growing, or reinvigorating their business, or even perhaps starting to think about an exit strategy, Fix Auto provides us with a ready-made solution to which we can introduce the repairer.

Stuart Faid: As a global brand we look for partnerships with businesses of the same scale and reach as our own. This allows us to create a consistent value proposition with our repairers, irrespective of what country we may be in. Axalta have both outstanding global reach and world class products and services, this enables them to support our global and local strategies perfectly. Locally in Australia, Axalta provide our network with the business services and technical support that go well past the supply of products and as true strategic partner we are able to leverage our shared objectives to true mutual benefit.

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What do you bring to a partnership like this both globally and locally?

CT: Axalta supports the Fix Auto family in many ways, but in a single word, it would have to be collaboration. We see this as a long-term partnership and are committed to working together to help Fix Auto’s business model become the industry benchmark. We support Fix Auto business owners with access to Axalta’s highly productive refinish technologies, individualised training and technical support, our marketleading digital colour innovation and – importantly – opportunities to work with our Drivus™ tailored consultancy and education program. This program includes business analysis, financial benchmarking, systems and processes designed to create operational consistency, and expert advice focusing on the specific challenges faced by the collision industry.

In partnering with the Fix Auto family, we draw on Axalta’s global and local expertise and support, helping business owners understand how they are performing against both themselves and their Fix Auto peers while identifying areas where they can close performance gaps and increase profitability.

SF: At its most basic level, one of our key objectives with our repairers is to enable, facilitate and deliver growth. Profitability is our primary focus but inevitably this comes through top line growth as well as optimising costs. Typically, this top line growth benefits Axalta through increased sales of their products. More strategically, we are working towards building a network that will serve as the industry benchmark and showcase the possibilities for repairers by embracing the technical, performance and business management support that is available through the

Axalta National Sales Manager Craig Tonkes.

combination of the Fix Auto and Axalta operating model.

Can you think of a recent challenge faced by Axalta or Fix Auto that this partnership helped you overcome?

CT: As work providers focus on being price-competitive in the marketplace and competing for floorspace, repairers often think that a busy workshop and large repair-processing volumes mean they are profitable and doing well.

The close collaboration between Fix Auto’s management team and Axalta’s Drivus™ program has – through regular and ongoing individual financial analysis – helped identify where a business owner’s work mix is impacting profitability and then supported them in making the necessary adjustments to avoid any commercial pitfalls.

SF: Whether it is a simple colour match issue, or more complex supply chain, technical or business performance issue there are countless

occasions where Axalta have stepped up and helped our repairers overcome the problem. Our repairers benefit from being part of the worlds largest independent repairer network and each individual shop feels like they alone are that important. A large challenge for those repairers going alone is tapping into that support, with Fix Auto, the Axalta value proposition just slots right in.

What lessons have you learned about cooperation and trust from this partnership?

CT: Trust is fragile; it takes time to build and needs constant nurturing.

From the beginning of our partnership here in Australia, Axalta and Fix Auto have shared the same objective - to help identify business owners who might benefit from Fix Auto’s value proposition and like to understand it some more. Together Axalta and Fix Auto are working towards this same end goal, which has created a naturally cooperative landscape to work in, and our efforts have been easily aligned.

SF: Transparency is everything and staying aligned is key. The shared vision and objectives of our two organisations both locally and globally keeps us focused on our shared success. Working with Axalta to gain insight and access to repairers that

would benefit from our combined support, working together to deliver that support and watching those repairers prosper as a consequence has proven time and time again that we have a trusted partnership.

How do you think this partnership benefits independent repairers and the wider industry, including insurers?

CT: Many independent business owners want to continue owning their businesses and retain control of their destiny while developing sustainability, but also want to be part of something bigger. Joining the Fix Auto family allows them to leverage the scale that consolidators have access to while continuing to operate as essentially an independent. Fix Auto members retain ownership of their business, which provides a point of difference for work providers and insurers. Having the business owner working in their business can often create a more personalised customer experience while continuing to meet cost expectations. The vast majority of Fix Auto members here in Australia are Axalta customers, so this helps Fix Auto, as a national collision repair supplier, provide extremely high levels of repair consistency and quality to their customers.

Fix Network, Asia and Australia regional vice-president Stuart Faid.

SF: Our role as Fix Auto is to enable our network to achieve its full potential, this process starts and ends with quality and efficiency. Alongside Axalta, we support our shops across their operations to increase efficiency and capacity, drive quality up and costs down. This benefits the repairers in very real terms and ensures long term, sustainable results. For our customers, including insurers, these improvements support their key objectives of high quality repairs, optimised costs and customer satisfaction.

Complex jobs in the workshop are better and more efficient when they have industry partnerships behind them.

The National Collision Repairer 45

Tech talk

The do’s and don’ts of body filler Body filler in vehicle repair has always been a subject of much debate; to metal finish or to skim? Now that was the question, but not anymore apparently.

Gone are the days of filling rust holes with ‘hairy bog’ or the shady practices of years gone by, yet body filler still has a certain amount of bad press and misinformation surrounding it.

There appears to be no getting away from it with body fillers being used in all jobs from bumper scuffs and car park dings to show cars with their expansive glassy flanks and everything in between, and so it seems body fillers, bog, nikki, or whatever you call it, are here to stay.

We are now in an era when OEM’s not only recommend but encourage the use of body fillers over metal finishing for various reasons, and so 3M have come up with their list of what to do and more importantly what not to do with body filler.

In line with most OEM body repair procedures, 3M recommend a 2-part

Getting things right with a body-filler job will deliver a better outcome for the client.

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Epoxy Primer on all bare metal applied immediately after removal of the factory coating. In normal environments flash rusting on a bare steel panel will typically occur in 20-30 minutes. This flash rusting being the reaction to the natural moisture in the air and the iron element of the steel.

Aluminium panels do not rust, however, they do oxidise- in around 15 minutes, creating a hard coating on the surface. Where this epoxy primer stage is not possible body fillers should only be applied over properly prepared clean bare steel and primed over as soon as possible.

At this stage it is important to remember that any water or moisture will be absorbed into the body filler and high build primer and will likely cause corrosion, for this reason dry sanding only is recommended.

Just like any other coating applied to a vehicle, preparation for body filler is important for a long term, quality repair.

But what exactly does ‘properly prepared clean bare steel’ actually mean? Well quite simply, body panels that have been sanded with an 80 grade abrasive or 120+ CubitronTM II abrasive disc on a random orbital sander and wiped clean with a solvent degreaser which does not leave a residue. 3M also recommends 700 Adhesive Cleaner and Solvent and a clean Panel Wipe to remove all contaminants before applying body filler.

When applying body filler over a 2 part Epoxy Primer, ensure that the product is fully cured and sanded with a 120+ CubitronTM II abrasive disc on a random orbital sander. Hand sanding or finer grades of abrasives do not give adequate adhesion of body filler to any substrate and can lead to delamination. Always ensure that feathering of the paint edge is carried out prior to filler work and that the area of coating removed is large enough to avoid spreading filler onto the paint edge. Failure to do so will cause repair mapping once the job is baked due to the styrene in the body filler being reacting with the basecoat of the OEM paint which swells when heated.

The body filler mixing process is another key step where mistakes made could have adverse effects on the overall repair and lead to failure.

Cleanliness is key for a quality repair. To reduce contamination 3M recommend the use of clean and degreased spreaders, mixing sticks and putty knives as well as a multi-layer mixing board, it is not recommended to reuse mixing boards or adapt other vehicle parts as contamination can occur, never mix on cardboard or other materials that may absorb moisture and alter the mix ratio of the body filler. No other coating applied to a vehicle would be mixed by eye, so why should body filler be any different?

When mixing body filler 3M always recommend mixing by weight, according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, to avoid over or under catalysation, this

can be achieved with a simple set of electronic scales remembering that a 2% mix ratio is 50:1.

To maximise adhesion and reduce the potential for pin holes and craters, 3M recommend a ‘tight coat’ method of application where a thin layer of body filler is firmly pressed into the repair area to allow the product to fully fill the scratches in the substrate allowing for maximum adhesion between the filler and the panel. Once this has been applied load the repair with light pressure to force out any air pockets, filling the damaged area with ‘wet on wet’ coats of body filler until the desired profile is achieved, remembering the maximum fill of most lightweight body fillers is around 3-6mm with glaze type products being much less. The use of Infra-Red curing lamps can be used to speed up the cure time especially in colder climates, however wait around

2 minutes before applying heat to the body filler.

Shape any body filler repair with 80+ - 120+ grade CubitronTM II abrasives, preferably with a rubbing block with extraction, and apply a dry guide coat which will fill any pin holes or imperfections unlike spray on type guide coats.

Filler can now be finished with 180+, -240+ grade Cubitron TM II abrasives, if further filling is required remember to sand the repair area again with 120+ CubitronII abrasives on a random orbital sander. As with all repair processes, the final step for any body filler repair is the final clean down and inspection, for this 3M’s recommendation is to blow the repair area off with clean, dry air and wipe with a solvent cleaner on a clean panel wipe (do not saturate the wipe).

Again, 3M recommends 700 Adhesive Cleaner and Solvent. Never spray

solvent directly onto the body filler as this will be absorbed and will need to completely dried before the next stage of repair.

Once again it is important at this stage to stress that any moisture allowed to contact the repair area will be absorbed into the body filler and will likely cause corrosion between the panel and the body filler, this can be moisture from washing the vehicle or wet rubbing but can also be moisture in the atmosphere, best practice is always to seal body filler as soon as possible.

For more information on best practices for body filler repairs according to 3M you can download the 3M Deep Dent Repair Process SOP or visit the 3M Collision Repair Academy and register for free at earn.3m. com/pages/3m-academy-en-au-nzcollision-repair.

There are many pitfalls in even the most basic body-filler job.

The National Collision Repairer 47

Future technology

ADAS is here now: What the workshop owner needs to know By now most technicians and estimators in the collision repair industry would have delt with some form of Advance driver assistance systems or ADAS. You may have not even realised that even things like breaks, performing a wheel alignment or varying paint thicknesses over sensors can affect ADAS components.

ADAS is split into two main functions – passive and active ADAS. Active ADAS is where a system will take direct action over the vehicle during driving, this includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Emergency Steering, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Centring, Traffic Jam Assist and SelfParking.

Basic understanding of ADAS is essential

Let’s face it, ADAS is the big elephant in the room that is affecting the whole Industry.

It’s now important that the industry has a better understanding of how to diagnose and assess ADAS and that ADAS and autonomous driving systems will only get more complicated in the coming years.

Even if you are not repairing ADAS specific components technicians now need to understand that removing a bumper, windscreen, suspension, or even varying paint thicknesses effect ADAS components and will require ADAS calibration. It’s vital that every technician in the industry has some form of understanding regarding ADAS this includes how to run pre and post diagnostics scans, ADAS component identification and damage discovery.

Radar power tests are now another post-calibration procedure. With components like blind spot sensors which are now of higher resolution to better detect children and cyclists. This means that even paint applications

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procedures must be paid particular attention to during the repair process.

Because if the paint application is applied too thick this will prevent the sensor from working optimally, which ultimately will have negative impact on pedestrian safety.

There are two types of calibration tests which can be performed on a vehicle Dynamic and Static Calibrations.

Dynamic generally requires two technicians and the vehicle to be driven on a specific road surface of test track.

Dynamic calibration time depends on road conditions and weather.

Static calibration requires an inshop setting with a stationary vehicle.

The time depends on involvement of complexity and can have more steps than expected. Both types of calibrations typically require a test drive after calibration

Understanding diagnostic trouble codes

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) do not identify which part needs to be replaced, rather DTCs are a piece of the diagnostic process that will lead a trained and qualified technician to the correct test to accurately diagnose the damage.

The protective technology every workshop needs to know.

What are the hurdles?

Currently the accreditations for ADAS technicians in Australia are few or none and the industry has been slow to develop any type of standardisation for ADAS components and repair procedures. Currently the industry is at mercy of OEM providers, but this is slowly changing.

These are some of the major hurdles technicians may face when dealing with ADAS. Scan tools – OEM vs general scan tool: Years ago there were no general scan tools available for workshop to scan and diagnose a range of OEM ADAS systems. But ADAS scan tools have changed significantly now, with a range of ADAS specific diagnostic scanners available on the market which provide diagnostics for a range of OEM providers and can be easily updated via firmware when new models come to market.

Damage discovery for ADAS sensor mounting locations: Every manufacturer has a range of sensor locations and mounting options specific to each vehicle. Damage discovery and understanding where every sensor location is vital for assessment and repair. I-CAR Australia has an online

course specially covering this topic which is recommended that every technician in the industry take.

Getting information from OEM providers: It is generally hard to get OEM specific information but for ADAS this is also changing as Ford now have a range of online course specifically targeted for ADAS repair and calibration. Modern ADAS scan tools as stated can now get access to ADAS specific calibration information for a range of OEMs, making it easier for technicians to diagnose and assess.

ADAS and car modifications: 4x4 modification need to be checked for ADAS calibrations and confirmed with insurance companies. A modified vehicle will need their ADAS re-calibrated or checked when the modification may affect any of the ADAS on the vehicle and to adjust accordingly. This is especially true for heavily modified 4x4 vehicles in Australia. Modifications such as suspension lifts, larger tyres, bullbars etc. could all greatly affect ADAS and requires recalibrations. If you do not recalibrate after modification insurance companies can deny claims in the event of an accident. Likewise, a technician must be aware of the modification during the repair process and adapt their processes accordingly.

What can industry do?

Currently there are three options which a business can approach in regard to ADAS calibration and repairs.

The first option is to send every vehicle off to a ADAS specialist and let them perform all pre-scans, tests, alignment, calibrations, post scans and final tests. This can be a costly and inefficient way to get repairs finalised, but it will ensure that the repair is done correctly the first time with longer but measurable cycle times.

The second option is a business invest in a full in-house ADAS solution for their business which includes full scale static calibration solution within the repair centre. This can benefit the business in several ways; it can reduce claim costs over the long run, reduce repair lead times and improve cycle times.

Some ADAS systems claim ROI in as little as 4-6 weeks which could result in a large cost saving measures over the long run. Some solutions can be relatively easy to setup and operate.

Many solutions provide multiple OEM

compatible solutions regarding scan tols and firmware upgrades.

The Third option is a hybrid approach.

This is where a business does not want to invest fully into a large-scale in-house solution but still wants to streamline some of the processes depending on what make and model cars they are repairing. A business may choose to purchase specific ADAS diagnostic scanners, digital-angle gauges and mobile/compact calibration units. In this case the business can provide repairs and calibrations for a range of ADAS functions and know when to send the vehicle off to a specialist for an accurate quote and calibration times.

The business can also slowly add and expand their ADAS repair solutions to meet their business expectations.

A lot of solutions are supported under the governments $20,000 instant asset

write-off scheme for small businesses with aggregated turnover of less than $10 million. This can help businesses scale up to meet their needs for the current and future market.

What training is there to help?

I-CAR Australia can help with upskilling the industry in the meantime until these features are standardised.

Some of the key learning outcomes for I-CAR Australia’s online ADAS courses include: damage discovery for ADAS, sensor mounting locations, when calibration fails, pre-and-post calibration diagnoses, along with understanding diagnostic trouble codes Currently I-CAR Australia has nine ADAS online courses three of which are Ford OEM specific. These courses can be found on I-CAR Australia’s website on the course catalogue page.

Here are just some of the available ADAS components: • Adaptive cruise control (ACC) • Adaptive light control: swivelling curve lights • Automatic parking • Blind spot monitor • Collision avoidance system • Cruise control • Driver drowsiness detection • Driver Monitoring System • Emergency driver assistant • Forward Collision Warning • Intersection assistant

• • • • • • • • • • •

Hill descent control Lane departure warning system Lane change assistance Parking sensor Pedestrian protection system Rain sensor Surround View system Traffic sign recognition Turning assistant Vehicular communication systems Wrong-way driving warning

The National Collision Repairer 49

OEM Snapshot

Kia goes big and bold with electric flagship Kia is moving quickly to fill the growing EV market, specifically in the larger car area, with the release of their flagship EV9 due for arrival into dealer showrooms in October.

The Kia EV9, the brand’s first three-row electric SUV represents a pivotal step forward in the company’s journey towards becoming a sustainable mobility solutions provider.

The Kia EV9 will introduce several firsts for Kia in Australia, including Highway Driving Assist 2, Kia’s next-generation Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) which functions only when driving on a freeway or motorway and builds on adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Lane Following Assist (LFA) to keep the car centred in the lane.

HDA 2 also includes Lane Change Assist (LCA) which when activated whilst holding the steering wheel and fully engaging the turn signal in the desired direction, will automatically steer to the respective lane.

The Kia EV9 will also introduce the next generation of Kia’s in-house developed infotainment and telematics system.

Now termed Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), this upgraded platform is designed to offer more processing power running on a new chipset and an even more user-friendly interface with revised graphics.

Kia’s ccNC includes Over-theAir (OTA) updates which enable the system to undergo constant “wireless” improvements, with the latest maps, interfaces and software enhancements, and all without customers having to visit a service centre.

The Kia EV9’s unique mix of advanced assets combined with its exceptional dimensions (length of 5,010mm, a height of up to 1,755mm, a width of 1,980mm and a wheelbase of 3,100mm) has created a driver friendly and versatile Upper Large SUV. The Kia EV9 will be introduced in Australia with both the long-range 99.8 kWh AWD and standard-range 76.1 kWh RWD battery options.

Kia Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Damien Meredith said the EV9

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Australian crews take the Kia EV9 through its paces.

affirmed the brand’s ongoing evolution while providing drivers with their first opportunity to purchase an Upper Large electric SUV in Australia.

“Kia is about to liven up both the Upper Large SUV segment and electric vehicle market, with the addition of the all-new and very unique, Kia EV9,” Meredith said.

“It’s big, full electric on a dedicated EV platform, provides seven seats, equipped with some really impressive technology and it’s locally tuned; there really isn’t an apples to apples competitor in the local new car market.

“As with the arrival of the EV6 range, consumer interest in the Kia EV9 has been extraordinary but thankfully, we will be receiving better supply of the EV9 and planning for 100 per month.”

Developed over a period of 44 months the EV9 has been tested for durability at both Kia’s global Namyang R&D Center in Korea and on Australian roads.

During the global testing phase of the Kia EV9, it was subjected to a gruelling verification program on a 4WD climbing hill and a rough terrain track, as well as a deep-water wading test, to ensure maximum reliability in challenging conditions.

Kia Australia general manager product Roland Rivero said Kia’s local ride and handling testing regimen also ensured its overall vehicle dynamics met the

expectations of Australian drivers.

“As the new halo product for the Kia brand, it was imperative that Kia Australia localised the EV9 to suit our roads and lifestyle,” Rivero said.

“We went through our normal robust program which commenced in Korea followed by detailed damper and steering development on Aussie roads, while collaborating closely with our colleagues from Namyang, who actually came to Australia with our key suppliers to support us throughout the process.”

Kia Australia’s chief ride and handling engineer, Graeme Gambold said overall the car was comfortable, confident and surprisingly nimble despite its dimensions and mass.

“In line with the vehicle’s size and versatility, our local tuning program focused on marrying the unique demands of Australian road conditions with making the EV9 a very comfortable and effortless family cruiser,” Gambold said.

“This was also the first time we have worked with the combination of the E-GMP platform and self-levelling shock absorbers in the rear. The equipment all works in harmony for the EV9, keeping the vehicle level despite loads. This is important for this big and boxy 7-seater, ensuring front-end grip is maintained whether the EV9 has one driver, or a whole family plus cargo in the back.

Students called on again to help shape a mobile city BMW Group Australia will continue to foster to generate the best in future sustainable thinking in Melbourne with its its support for the Your Melbourne competition.

The fourth edition of the student competition is held in in partnership with RMIT University and the University of Melbourne and will be open to all students – undergraduate and graduate – enrolled at the universities.

Students are encouraged to think of innovative and sustainable ways to manage climate change, a growing population and the need for mobility amid Melbourne’s expanding population and sprawling urban landscape.

Students are also asked for ideas that can contribute to fulfilling the United Nations’ 17 sustainable development goals by 2030 and will be judged on five core pillars: Public Mobility, Private Mobility, Urban Planning, Connectivity and Sustainability.

Students are asked to integrate their ideas and execution concepts across a diverse range of academic disciplines, spanning from design and technology to user experience, engineering, and business.

Students can participate either as individuals or as a group, with more

than $10,000 combined in cash prizes for the three winners in each category group.

The expert judging panel comprises representatives from BMW Group Australia, RMIT University, University of Melbourne and the Lord Mayor, Sally Cap from the City of Melbourne.

BMW Group Australia CEO Wolfgang Buechel said the YourMelbourne competition is an important investment into the community and its growth allowed them to cast the net wider in search of next-generation visionaries “We are pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with RMIT University and announce the expansion to include the University of Melbourne.

We are also delighted to have the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sally Capp joining the judging panel and offering her experience as the leader of the city’s development.,” said Mr. Buechel.

“In the past three competitions, I have been impressed by the level of creativity and innovation shown by the students through their submissions.

The solutions presented each year demonstrate the students’ passion to improve mobility in the city of Melbourne and give us the opportunity to see a more sustainable future through their perspective.”

RMIT University school of economics

dean, Professor Heath McDonald said the competition had proven to be an effective platform in encouraging students to think about the future of their city and recognising groundbreaking ideas.

University of Melbourne commerce course director Professor Peter Gahan welcomed the sees the potential to harness his institution’s students’passion for sustainability.

“We appreciate and value the importance of futureproofing our city with the topic of sustainability at the forefront of discussions,” Gahan said.

“We believe this initiative will activate an already strong interest in climate action, and generate new and novel ideas that can positively impact the city we live in.”

The first-place winners in both categories will be awarded with a week-long internship experience at BMW Group Australia headquarters, providing an invaluable opportunity to immerse themselves in a multi-national workplace environment.

By 2030, BMW Group aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 40 per cent per vehicle and have at least half of all cars sold to be fully electric. MINI will also be the first brand under BMW Group to become fully electric.

V8 growl preserved for all time In a nod to its noisy past, Jaguar has recorded the sound of its lastever traditional combustion engine for posterity, as it moves toward electric vehicles.

Jaguar plans an all-electric future from 2025, vehicles that will be near silent, leaving behind sounds like its iconic Jaguar F-TYPE V8 sportscar.

The recordings for the British Library were made from inside the cabin and from outside the car, so the company hopes car lovers can continue to enjoy the sounds of the last

combustion-engine Jaguar sports car.

The 30 and 47 second recordings were made inside the semi-anechoic chamber at the Gaydon EngineeringCentre – a soundproof room used to develop and test the refinement and sound quality of Jaguar’s vehicles – where F-TYPE’s exhaust note was originally tuned.

Jaguar, senior sound engineer Charles Richardson said preserving the sounds you experience driving the F-TYPE R 75 was something we

want to be available for generations to come.

“The F-TYPE’s supercharged V8 makes a unique sound because of the meticulous optimisation work we applied to the entire powertrain, most of all to the intake and exhaust systems,” he said.

“More than 85 iterations before we first launched the car and developed continuously ever since.”

The V8 engine’s sound will also be archived in institutions around the world.

The National Collision Repairer 51

Product Showcase

Match virtually any matt colour with Matt Clear Axalta’s two new intermixable products in its Matt Clear System present major advantages in terms of professional finish and flexibility.

Formulated with significantly smaller, state-of-the-art pigment size, these two new matt clears are intermixable, enabling refinishers to match the widest range of OEM production finish gloss levels from matt (5GU) to semi-matt (65GU).

This new system comprises two products: Standocryl 2K System Clear Super Matt K9150 and Standocryl 2K System Clear Satin Gloss K9140.

Axalta’s product and technical manager for Australia Jim Iliopoulos

says the Matt Clear system has been created to deliver professional rightfirst-time results, every time.

“Many OEM finishes are often inspired by nature’s matt finishes, and with our new Matt Clear System, we are also providing highquality inspiration,” he says.

“As the refinish experts, we have a responsibility to develop a new matt clear system so our refinishers can deliver right-firsttime, high-quality matt finishes, with consistent, reproducible results and low stockholding – just as you would expect from Standox.”

Using the latest innovation from Axalta and formulated for use with Standoblue Basecoat or original paintwork, refinishers can now identify matt colours on the Acquire spectrophotometer.

They can also find the correct matt colour match formula quickly and easily, with the Standox advanced digital colour management software, Standowin iQ. Once applied, the two new

clears offer improved colour and effect pigment clarity, meaning a much less grey or milky appearance.

“They set the bar high for highquality results, with an excellent homogenous, uniform finish,” Iliopoulos says.

“Refinishers who use this system will not only benefit from incredibly reliable results, but also will benefit from a significant reduction of up to 35 percent in drying times compared to existing systems, helping with energy savings,” Jim says.

Standocryl 2K System Clear Super Matt K9150 and Standocryl 2K System Clear Satin Gloss K9140 provide a robust application for panel, multi-panel and general repairs.

Standox also makes the work of painters easier as they will not require a special additive for plastics.

For more information, visit standox. au/ matt-clear or contact Axalta Coating Systems on 1800 292 582 or email: Info-ANZ@axalta.com

Where speed can give you versatility Car-O-Liner’s lighter weight hoist is named Speed and as per its namesake, the advantage it brings to the repair workshop is simplicity, versatility and swiftness of operation.

While it can carry up to 3 tons in weight suiting most jobs, a key point of difference from most ordinary alignment benches is its versatility allows almost the entire repair job to be completed using only one bench.

Car-0-Liner maintains that all service and repair operations can be performed quickly and effectively using the single setup.

The advantage is workshops avoid the unnecessary interruptions that arise when moving the car between different work stations which gives them a greatly improved workflow and increased overall workshop capacity.

Instructions indicate it only takes a few seconds to set up the convenient draw aligner which can be rotated 180 degrees around the platform at one end and

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tilted 90 degrees horizontally.

Once pulling begins, the draw aligner finds the correct position.

This means Speed offers superior vehicle access since no posts are needed, and vehicles can be quickly and easily raised to the most comfortable working height for each repair operation.

These ergonomic features increase efficiency and offer a productive working environment, according to Car-O-Liner.

The high precision lifting platform is suitable for most passenger cars and light transport vehicles, ideal for cosmetic damage repair. By attaching a draw aligner one may perform alignment work on collision-damaged vehicles.

The Speed scissor lift has a range of 104mm to 1600mm, meaning it is possible to drive most vehicles over the platform and then raise it to maximum lifting height for easy vehicle access. This low profile eliminates the need for ramps or external accessories.

The lifting platform only requires

floor anchoring for installation while the power unit is listed as powerful and safe, meeting the 29 Mpa requirements.

Speed Plus which allows the attachment of two draw aligners, one at either end, is also available for more pulling power.

More information at car-o-liner.com

When safety and comfort are the priority

Despite being the entry level model, the SATA vision 2000 offers excellent protection and is packed with thoughtful features. For example, it covers the whole head – including under the chin and around the neck – there is plenty of adjustment to ensure a good fit and it offers good vision thanks to a simple, easily replaceable ‘tear-off’ plastic visor system.

the SATA air vision 5000. Designed for exceptional comfort, as well as excellent vision and health protection, it’s the spray hood you will be happy to wear day-in, day-out. Not only does it have a wide range of adjustments to comfortably fit anybody’s head shape, it also has full 180° peripheral vision through the replaceable, low-reflection visor which is actually almost 50% larger than the already excellent SATA vision 2000. Air delivery is another point of comfort – rather than pump air into one point, the SATA air vision 5000 feeds the wearer with a diffused air stream that is like a soft breeze across the face and it’s quiet at just 64dB. The clever modular belt design can easily be switched from side-to-side to suit left or right handers and is capable of housing different modules, such as the air regulator and an optional air humidifier which delivers a nice cool airstream that is terrific in hot climates.

A SATA air hood can easily give a painter well over 10 years of outstanding service, so spreading the purchase price over that period makes the cost very reasonable and well worth it for the extra features, comfort and safety.

SATA air vision 5000

SATA 500 Filter Series

For a long and healthy career, the unrivalled protection and comfort of SATA’s high-performance PPE has exactly what a painter needs to protect their greatest asset.

The modern paint shop is safer than ever but it’s important to understand that, although the move to waterborne basecoats has reduced solvent emissions, it has not reduced the risk posed by isocyanates. As a result, wearing an air fed hood is a must to protect a painter’s greatest asset, their health, and this is where SATA offers a sophisticated, industry leading range of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) solutions.

SATA vision 2000

Using lessons from the SATA vision 2000, the SATA R&D team went back to the drawing board and came up with

the booth filter unit. For example, SATAs latest 500 Filter Series not only provides technically pure air for the painters, it also holds a large reserve volume of approximately 135cfm of air. This helps it significantly outperform cheap filter units by providing consistent airflow that avoids issues from pressure drop at the gun, even with multiple painters spraying at the same time.

Filter maintenance for all three stages is every six months and a convenient, in-built display clearly shows the time remaining.

SATA air hoods come with a 12-month warranty and are supported by a full range of spare parts. A comprehensive range of SATA spray equipment is available from approved SATA distributors.

When it comes to in-booth protection and the all-important compress air supply to power your spray guns, don’t forget

Low-temperature e-coats offer sustainability with performance PPG pioneered electrocoats in mass production way back in 1963 and they continue to set the global standard for e-coat performance and innovation.

The proud tradition continues with the launch of PPG Enviro-Prime® Epic 200R coatings. This advanced suite of e-coat products cures at lower temperatures than competing technologies, providing sustainability benefits for automakers, including lower energy use and reduced CO2 emissions at manufacturing facilities.

PPG Global Product Manager, Substrate Protection Products, Automotive Coatings Garry Grant says once again PPG has shown how to develop a breakthrough solution set to alter the market status-quo.

“This is a game-changing technology,”

Grant says.

“Conventional e-coats typically require higher oven temperatures to cure over thicker substrates and complex assemblies, resulting in uneven appearance and variations in colour.

“The PPG Enviro-Prime EPIC 200R platform ensures well-cured films at lower baking temperatures, providing a more sustainable solution without sacrificing manufacturing throughput or coating performance.”

This is another element of PPG’s growth strategy, where the company is focusing on partnering with customers to provide industry-leading innovations and digital solutions that provide productivity and sustainability benefits.

In 2022, 39 percent of PPG’s sales were from sustainably advantaged products. Under the company’s new environmental, social and governance targets, PPG aims to increase sustainable products to 50 percent of total sales by 2030.

The National Collision Repairer 53

Product Showcase

Finding gold in performance and value U-Pols’s Gold Automotive Body Filler range is an industry favourite and is renowned for its excellent value and performance.

The Gold range delivers improved workability with smoother flow, light weight, and easier sanding. For the refinish professional, the range cost effectively delivers faster panel preparation.

Gold fillers have an ultra-smooth texture that’s easy to spread and sand to a fine feather edge.

While U-Pol Dolphin body filler remains U-pol’s premium body filler, due to its exceptional properties that enhance panel shop productivity, the Gold body filler range provides an excellent value proposition based on cost versus performance.

The Gold filler range has built a loyal following over many years being both the market leader and the filler many professionals grew-up with.

Gold body fillers are readily available from U-Pol Distributors. The range includes two standout products, Liteweight Gold Filler for Medium Repairs, and Gold Fine Filler.

LITEWEIGHT GOLD FILLER MEDIUM: Ideal for Medium Repairs

Formulated with a smooth and creamy consistency, Gold Liteweight Medium is a breeze to spread, work, and sand back. Its non-sagging feature provides the perfect balance of filling properties and impeccable DTM adhesion, making Liteweight Gold an unparalleled option for body shop experts.

Among its many featured strengths are its resistance to pinholes, it is nonsagging, even on vertical surfaces and quick drying and solvent resistant in just 15 minutes. Sanding also remains effortless, even days after curing and its non-porous formulation ensures zero shrinkage or retraction.

GOLD FINE FILLER: The Go-to filler for finishing touches

For final filling prior to priming, Gold Fine Filler is the ideal choice. This ultra-smooth paste is crafted for skimming and fine finishing in delicate layers before the painting process begins. Utilised as a final skim coat, gold standard filler offers unparalleled leveling combined with effortless sanding.

Professionals use it for its superior adhesion to a variety of substrates, easy application made easy and its ease in sanding.

Together, these two products cater to different stages of the repair process, offering automotive body repair specialists the precision and performance needed to efficiently undertake panel repairs.

Gold Fine filler for finishing and Liteweight Gold Filler Medium for medium repairs are the gold standard for auto refinish professionals.

To locate your nearest distributor, visit U-Pol.com.au or call U-pol Australia on (02) 4731 2655.

A Raptor forged in fire With a name that has been synonymous with tough in the Australian automotive industry, it seemed only logical for U-Pol to add a high-temperature refinishing range to live up to the storied reputation.

But U-Pol’s three-year journey toward the global-first innovation for its Raptor range, utilising ceramic resin technology has also taken them into some bold new territory.

The Raptor High Temp range consists of five new aerosol coatings, engineered to withstand temperatures from 120°C to 1000°C. The range lays claim to being five times tougher than other aerosol paints, providing protection from heat, impact, and corrosion. Easy to use, fast drying, and with an attractive smooth finish.

U-Pol Global Category Director, Peter Hunt, said the high-temperature range enhanced the reputation of an

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already renowned product.

“Adding high heat reinforces what Raptor’s all about,” Hunt says.

“The Raptor brand stands for tough protection against the elements, impact, chemicals, water and UV.” U-Pol’s Research and Development team, led by team leader Jenny Payne and chemist, Remi Perrin focussed on using ceramic resin technology to create a coating that retained durability and flexibility in extremes.

“When ceramic comes to mind, it’s more like china, and really hard-wearing, durable products,” says Payne.

“It forms a ceramic matrix through the heat curing process. It holds the whole coating and the pigments in that durable matrix to give that protection to the substrate.”

This durable ceramic matrix creates an ultra-strong coating that

strengthens during heat cycling, she says.

“This means the coating gets harder with use. Using ceramic pigments means that the colours and finish remain vibrant with use with exceptional UV resistance.”

Raptor Wheel Paint, Raptor Roll Bar & Chassis, Raptor Caliper Enamel, Raptor Engine Enamel, and Raptor Flameproof are available at raptordiy. com.au/ or instore and online at REPCO.

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