Genuine Article Australia Edition 13

Garry and Warren Smith

Welcome to Edition 13 of the digital version of the Genuine Article.

We have been busily preparing some exciting new offerings and content for our 2023 editions of the Genuine Article including some great product inclusions for our store

In this edition, we have some great articles for you to read and some great products for you to use your points to purchase. We have included some of our range on pages 11-18 visit rewards-shop.com.au for the full range of rewards. We also now have 40 gift cards available to purchase, be sure to check out the new range on page 19.

Keep your eye out in the coming weeks for some new additions to our Rewards Shop including some categories never previously featured. There will be more information on these products in our monthly emails and our GetGenuine app.

Raising awareness for worthwhile causes is something we continue to pride ourselves on. This year we continue to support Beyond Blue (page 33), the Maddy Jones Foundation (page 9) and the Dunga Derby. Check out page 10 for more information on this amazing charity and how to donate your points towards car 69 in the Dunga Derby 2023.

We also have some new promotions running in this edition, additional information on page 2 - Good luck!

We have another way to build on your points balance and take that step towards your next reward. As a GetGenuine member, you can earn points on your office supplies purchases. To express your interest in setting up an account with Winc and start earning points, check out page 2 and go into the draw to win 20,000 points.

If you have any comments or queries, please contact us on 1800 438 436

Wishing you all the very best from the team at GetGenuine.

A huge congratulations to Robyn Steuart from Patrolapart who has won a Mixed Six Wines + a carton of Coopers Pale Ale, worth 17,900 points! Another congratulations to Stuart Rice from Buderim Mechanical has won himself a Pointing Red & White Wine Celebration Hamper valued at $145.

VILLAGE MOTORS ARE WELCOMING RAM AND LDV TO THE GETGENUINE PROGRAM.

To earn points on genuine RAM and LDV parts purchases, be sure to add a relationship with Village motors through the GetGenuine app.

Village Motors is a north Brisbane GWM Haval, Nissan, Renault, GMSV, Holden, and now LDV & RAM Dealer offering services of sales of new & used cars, finance and insurance, service, parts and accessories.

They pride themselves on customer satisfaction & aim to make a difference by doing the right

thing by their customers, their company & their community. They believe success is driven by giving staff the tools, training & encouragement required to create in them a passion to provide great customer service.

Village Motors has been servicing the local community, winning multiple awards and delivering the very best in customer service for over 51 years, and currently employs over 85 team members.

Start earning points from Village Motors

HUGE GLOBAL AUDIENCES LAP UP LIQUI MOLY BATHURST 12 HOUR

Huge audiences in Australia and around the world have consumed the 2023 running of the LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour. A national TV audience of over 334,000 consumed the entire race on Sunday, including 239,000 watching on the Seven Network.

Seven’s broadcast alone reached more than 1.7 million people on Sunday, a 17% increase year on year. Meanwhile, Fox Sports recorded a more than 40% increase on their coverage of the 2020 race - the last held on the traditional February date.

Saturday’s thrilling and record-smashing Pirelli Shootout was seen by more than 240,000 people nationally on Fox and Seven around Australia. (These numbers do not include those viewing on Fox Sports and 7plus).

The race had an enormous digital audience in Australia and around the world thanks

to people watching via Kayo, 7plus and international streaming partners. More than 1.2 million viewers watched more than 224,000 hours of the event via the official B12hr YouTube channel, which offered free streaming around the world across Saturday and Sunday.

A further 4.5 million video views were recorded across Bathurst 12 hour and Supercars digital media channels throughout the event period. At the circuit, the three-day event attendance of 53,446 was 24% higher than the previous record for a three-day event, and 8% larger than the previous record set in 2019 when the event was run over four days.

- talkmotorsport.co.nz

WA CAR CLUB, ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S OLDEST CAR CLUBS, CELEBRATES 90 YEARS

The West Australian Car Club, one of the country’s oldest car clubs, clocks over 90 years in April. The WA Car Club works in affiliation with Motorsport Australia, the national sporting governing body for motorsport and has over 200 members.

WA Car Club President Kim Marchant said that it started in 1933 and has been running continuously ever since, apart from stopping for World War II.

“The club was formed to provide families with events using their own cars, rather than motor racing, which had also just started back then,” Mr Marchant said.

“In the early days, events would’ve been similar to what we now call motorkhana and khanacross, which challenge drivers over short courses, or autocross which is longer. We still run autocross events and they’re a cheap and easy form of motorsport to get involved in,” Mr Marchant said.

This year the WA Car Club will run six Autocross events at the Perth Motorplex plus four rounds of the WA Rally Championship including Western Australia’s round of the Australian Rally Championship, the Make Smoking History Forest Rally.

The WA Car Club first organised a round of the national Australian Rally Championship in WA in 1974 and has been running the Forest Rally since 1983. This year, the Make Smoking History Forest Rally will be held from 19 – 21 May, starting in and around Bunbury and Nannup in WA’s southwest.

Other WA Car Clubs events for 2023 are the Winvale Park Stages at Bakers Hill on 2 April, Karri Rally in Manjimup on 12 August and the Experts Cup in Collie on 28 October.

- talkmotorsport.co.nz

S5000 AND AUSTRALIAN FORMULA OPEN JOIN FORCES TO PROMOTE OPEN-WHEEL PROGRESSION

S5000 and the new Australian Formula Open series will join forces to promote ‘wings and slicks’ racing progression in Australia in 2023. S5000 will offer key prizes to the winner of the all-new series, which combines Formula 3 cars, Formula Renault / Toyota racers, Formula 4 cars and other ‘wings and slicks’ racers in one big field.

The 2023 Australian Formula Open (AFO) Champion will receive a fully funded test in a Tim Macrow Racing-prepared S5000 and free entry to their first round of any subsequent S5000 campaign. The pathway is designed to promote progression through the categories and to forge closer links between to the two main Formula categories in Australia.

AFO is endorsed by Motorsport Australia, who award the prestigious Gold Star award to the S5000 champion at the conclusion of each season.

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debut at Phillip Island late last year,” said category founder, six-time S5000 winner and Gold Star champion, Tim Macrow.

Starting in March, the 2023 Australian Formula Open calendar will feature on the AGI NSW Formula Race car bill for rounds 1 and 2, with AFO events then taking in the Asian Super Trofeo event at The Bend, Motorsport Australia Trophy Series at Queensland Raceway, Speed Series round at Sandown and will again headline the 2023 Island Magic event.

The S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship kicks off at AWC Race Tasmania in February before a sevenround national tour that concludes at the 2023 VALO Adelaide 500.

- talkmotorsport.co.nz

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MADDY JONES

Every year over 55,000 Australians are diagnosed with sepsis and sadly, more than

8,700 lose their lives.

WHAT IS SEPSIS?

Maddy Jones was an 18-year-old Honours Law student in the prime of her life. She was intelli` gent, beautiful, very independent, wickedly funny, sarcastic, and sometimes irreverent. She died from Sepsis in October 2017.

Had there been greater awareness around Sepsis, Maddy's symptoms would have been recognised by both family and healthcare professionals. Maddy's death was preventable.

Sepsis is a life-threatening infection that may look like the flu or gastro and start with any infection such as chest, throat, skin or urinary tract.

The Maddy Jones Foundation aims to eliminate preventable deaths and disabilities resulting from a lack of Sepsis awareness, speedy diagnosis and immediate medical treatment.

If you detect even a few of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

Just ask, “Could this be Sepsis?”

Symptoms include:

Over half a million dollars raised for families in need

28-31 July Event dates

$584,026 Total raised

The 2022 Dunga Derby was yet another resounding success, with $584,026 raised for Queensland families facing tough times. GetGenuine member Pialba Smash Repairs are a regular participant in the Fraser Coast Dunga Derby, proudly reaching their fundraising target of $5,000 raised.

Pialba Smash Repairs have enjoyed entering the Dunga Derby adventures every year since it all began in 2015. They say they will continue to join in every year and chip away at their already incredible donation tally – currently over $42,000.

89 Teams total

319 Participants & officials

The Dunga Derby started in 2015, when a group of local businesses came together after a friend’s child was struck down with an aggressive brain tumour. Shortly afterwards, a teenage dancer in the community was diagnosed with bone cancer.

The group of businesses wanted to raise money to support the families’ medical, travel and loss of income expenses. And so the Rally for a Cause Dunga Derby concept was born.

Donate GetGenuine points to support this wonderful cause!

GetGenuine will be matching every point donated, with great appreciation to our friends at Pialba Smash for their work.

Over 300 people working together- fundraising for their local community, working hard for the benefit of others.

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THE REWARDS SHOP

The Rewards Shop has something to suit everyone. From beauty, travel, outdoors to home appliances, it has never been easier to Get Rewards with GetGenuine. Visit rewards-shop.com.au to browse all our options.

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1. Wiltshire Epicurean Chopping Board 4,400 pts

2. Wiltshire Bar-B Cook n’ Clean BBQ Cleaning Kit 5,100 pts

3. RAZER Gigantus V2 – Soft Gaming Mouse Mat From 5,700 pts

4. Scanpan 4 Piece Cheese Knife Set 6,200 pts

5. Weight Watchers Body Weight Digital Scale 6,300 pts

6. VS Sassoon Keratin Protect Salon Performance Hair Dryer – Rose Gold 6,700 pts

7. NANOLEAF Essentials Lightstrips Expansion – 1 Meter 6,800 pts

8. Remington Power X3 Hair Clipper 7,600 pts

9. Kenwood 3-in-1 Can Opener 8,600 pts

10. Dremel 290 Engraver Kit 8,900 pts

11. Pyrolux Roaster (38 X 23cm) 9,000 pts

12. Kenwood HandMix Lite Hand Mixer 9,600 pts

Conditions apply: Whilst every endeavour has been made to give accurate points required for the rewards (or replacement product), we reserve the right to adjust the required amount when redeeming to reflect current pricing, and generally the right at any time with or without notice to cancel or change a particular reward. All rewards are subject to availability.

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1. XBOX Black Wireless Controller with USB-C Cable for PC 15,700 pts

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4. Philips Steam&Go Handheld Garment Steamer 17,100 pts

5. Vidal Sassoon Air Style Brilliance Styler 22,400 pts

6. Dji Tello Drone 22,500 pts

7. Razor Ripsurf Board 22,500 pts

8. HP Envy Inspire 7920e All-in-One Printer 24,000 pts

9. LG TONE Free Wireless Earbuds With Active Noise Cancellation 26,300 pts

10. Scanpan Classic 6 Piece Knife Block Set 33,100 pts

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THE REWARDS SHOP

From iPhones, TVs and consoles to fishing reels, coffee machines and vacuums – the Rewards Shop has something for everyone! Visit rewards-shop.com.au to check it out.

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1. Shimano Saragosa 14000 SWAXG Reel 52,500 pts

2. Razor Hovertrax Prizma 54,000 pts

3. Chiq 125L Bar Fridge 54,900 pts

4. Philips XXL Airfryer 68,900 pts

5. Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) 71,600 pts

6. Nikon AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Camera Lens 75,700 pts

7. Go Pro Hero 9 5K HyperSmooth 3.0 Action Video Camera 76,200 pts

8. Xbox Series S – Gilded Hunters Bundle 76,900 pts

9. Bluesound HUB 77,300 pts

10. Victa 18IN Pace Mower 100 450E 88,400 pts

11. Bissell Spinwave Robot Vac 89,700 pts

12. Apple Watch Series 8 GPS 41mm Aluminium Case With Sport Band 94,000 pts

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LUXURY REWARDS

1. PSB Alpha AM3 Bluetooth Powered 104,400 pts

2. Karcher FC7 Cordless Floor Cleaner 113,500 pts

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4. Puredesign PR4 Rowing Machine 120,200 pts

5. Scanpan Coppernox 9 Piece Cookware Set 135,700 pts

6. Arlo – Pro 3 Wire-Free Security Camera System – 3 Camera System 140,800 pts

7. Dometic 25L Portable Fridge/Freezer 163,600 pts

8. Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL 169,900 pts

9. Samsung Galaxy S23 From 191,500 pts

10. HP 15.6-inch i7-1195G7/8GB/256GB SSD Laptop 205,200 pts

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12. Samsung 55” QN95B NEO 4K QLED Smart TV (2022) 454,400 pts

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THE REWARDS SHOP

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Check out our range of branded merchandise, now available through the Rewards Shop! Visit rewards-shop.com.au or call 1800 438 426 to order yours today.

BRANDED MERCHANDISE

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1. Alfa Romeo Hat

2. Jeep BBQ Spatula

3. Alfa Romeo Umbrella

4. Alfa Romeo Picnic Rug 14,000 pts

5. Jeep Large Cooler Bag 14,700 pts

6. Alfa Romeo Gym Bag 16,800 pts

7. Jeep Perfomance Duffle Bag 16,800 pts

8. Bburago 1:18 Ferrari Monza SP-1 21,100 pts

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Call 0800 438 436, tell us what you’re after and we’ll organise the rest.

Experiences

Engagement Rings & Weddings

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Open a FREE business account with Winc today and you can earn 1 point for every dollar spent on office products, furniture, technology solutions, kitchen supplies and more!

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For more information call: 13 26 44

Whether you’re a frequent traveller or just looking to take a quick break, there’s no better way to recharge your batteries than with a holiday. Browse our holiday packages below or get in touch with one of our holiday experts directly on 133 927.

Mooloolaba

5 Nights - Coco Mooloolaba

From 302,800 points

Package includes:

• 5 nights in a one bedroom apartment

• Return Flights

• Scenic Food & Wine Tour for two

• Complimentary use of beach cabanas, beach chairs and carts

• Complimentary bottle of sparkling wine on arrival

• Breakfast daily

*Based on twin share

Gold Coast

5 Nights - Mantra Legends Hotel

From 252,800 points

Package includes:

• 5 nights at the Mantra Legends Hotel

• Return flights

• Full day Dreamworld admission for two

• Full day SkyPoint Observation Deck entry for two

• BONUS SkyPoint meal voucher for two

* Based on twin share Call

Adelaide

4 Nights - Mantra Hindmarsh Square

From 218,500 points

Package includes:

• 4 nights at the Mantra Hindmarsh Square

• Return flights

• Tour of Adelaide Oval Stadium

• Adelaide Oval roof climb

*Based on twin share

Uluru

3 Nights - Desert Gardens Hotel From 212,200 points

Package includes:

• 3 nnights at the Desert Gardens Hotel

• Return flights + transfers

• Field of light pass for two

• Uluru guided sacred sites tour

• Indigenous activity program

• Complimentary Wifi

• Use of resort shuttle bus

*Based on twin share

All pricing is based on a from price. All prices are in Australian Dollars and are based on per person twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Airfare is based on promotional economy class fares. Flights may not be direct or operate daily. Cannot stay longer than 1 month after departure from point of origin. Prices are subject to promotional fare availability. Air surcharges apply during Australian school holidays and Peak periods. Prices are correct at the time of publication, priced per person based on twin share, may change without notice & subject to availability. Prices quoted are on sale until or sold out. All packages are valid for travel subject to end dates. Seasonal surcharges & blackout dates may apply depending on the date of travel. Additional fees, including surcharges and visa fees specific to your departure date may apply. Preferred airlines, additional nights or room type upgrades can be requested at time of enquiry. All will result in additional fees.

Terms & Conditions

AFO is endorsed by Motorsport Australia, who award the prestigious Gold Star award to the S5000 champion at the conclusion of each season.

“We have worked hard to build Australian Formula Open in the last six months and had a successful

FORD AUSTRALIA DEALERS OPEN F-150 ORDER BOOKS

Ben Bargwanna will make his international touring car debut in 2023, adding two TCR World Tour rounds to his full TCR Australia Series campaign. The son of Bathurst 1000 winner Jason will contest all seven rounds of the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series in his new-look Burson Auto Parts Peugeot 308, plus he will add two rounds of the TCR World Tour to his schedule.

Bargwanna will compete at the Algarve circuit in Portugal (April 28-30), plus the world-famous Spa Francorchamps in Belgium (May 26-28). He will drive a Peugeot 308 in his international racing debut, driving for Team Clairet Sport. The driver will add Ben’s name to an illustrious list of names like Peter Brock, Allan Moffat, Allan Grice and John Harvey who all in the

talkmotorsport.co.nz

mid-1980s ventured to Europe to tackle the world’s best touring car stars. Both international rounds are part of the TCR World Tour, which is a newfor-2023 series that will ultimately crown a TCR World Champion. Bargwanna’s participation in the two international rounds will ensure he banks even more TCR World Ranking points, giving him the best possible chance to qualify for the World Finals.

After graduating from Hyundai Excels and Formula Ford competition, Bargwanna has contested the past two Supercheap Auto TCR Australia seasons, securing his maiden victory in the class at Sandown.

-talkmotorsport.co.nz

Adelaide 500.

- talkmotorsport.co.nz

KUMHO TYRES WILL RETURN TO SUPPORT THE V8 TOURING CARS SERIES IN 2023

To be known as the Kumho Tyres Australian V8 Touring Car Series, the longstanding supporter of Australian Motorsport will take over both naming rights sponsorship and the role as official control tyre supplier of the category this year.

2023 marks the re-commencement of that longstanding relationship as V8 Touring Cars returns to its original branding and joins the SpeedSeries schedule full-time this year.

Interest is already high in the category, with a diverse grid featuring future stars of the sport, experienced racers, enthusiast drivers and ex-Supercars with incredible history all set to compete.

The Kumho Tyres Australian V8 Touring Car Series will contest five rounds in 2023, commencing at the Phillip Island Shannons SpeedSeries event in May. Subsequent rounds at Winton, Sydney Motorsport Park, Sandown and the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International complete a strong calendar.

Every round will be broadcast live, ad-break free and in HD on Stan Sports, with free-to-air coverage on the Nine Network.

- talkmotorsport.co.nz

TEAM SWITCH FOR BOWE IN FINAL TCM SEASON, LIVERY REVEALED

AFTER Seven years, John Bowe will switch teams for his final full season of Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters. Bowe and the Holden Torana he has raced since 2015 will now be prepared and run by Melbourne-based Ravage Raceworks, headed up by TCM race winner Dean Lillie.

It marks the first change in a relationship with Bendigo Retro Muscle Cars since the pair joined forces to run the Torana in the early stages of the 2015 season. Since then the relationship has delivered three titles and 56 race wins.

“We’re only making the move for logistical reasons - we really need to have the car based in Melbourne so it’s close to sponsors and supporters for this important season,” commented John Bowe. “There’s absolutely

no hard feelings on either side and I’ve got so many fond memories of our time together. They’re terrific, talented people.

Ravage’s Melbourne base ensuring the Torana can be readily made available for the numerous sponsor, corporate and commercial commitments in Bowe’s roster this season. Ravage have significant experience in TCM, having prepared and run Jim Pollicina’s Holden Torana’s throughout his time in the category. Both Pollicina, Andrew Fisher and Lillie himself have been winners in Ravage-prepared cars, indicating there’s likely to be no loss of performance with the team switch.

- talkmotorsport.co.nz

MAX MCRAE COMMITS TO JUNIOR ERC FOR 2023

The legendary McRae name will return to the FIA European Rally Championship in 2023 after Max McRae confirmed his participation in the Junior ERC category, the established starting point for drivers stepping up from national to international level.

Max McRae is the 18-year-old son of Alister, nephew of the late Colin and grandson of Jimmy. They all took part on ERC events during their careers with Jimmy claiming 17 wins and the runner-up spot in the 1982 standings to Tony Fassina.

The 10th Junior ERC season will be contested over six events starting with 79th Orlen Rally Poland from 19 - 21 May by when Max McRae will have relocated from his home in Western Australia to a base in Europe.

“Junior ERC is the perfect step for me,” said Max McRae. “Competing in Australia has been amazing for the last couple of years, but I know I have to make the move and head across to Europe and that’s what this season’s all about.

As well as building his experience on six events he’s never contested previously, McRae will be in contention for the 2024 FIA Junior WRC Championship prize drive, which goes to the 2023 Junior ERC champion and further cements Junior ERC’s role in developing young talented drivers for the sport’s top level. Junior ERC is open to drivers in Rally4 and Rally5 cars aged 27 and under on 1 January 2023.

- talkmotorsport.co.nz

BWT LECHNER RACING SIGNS CARRERA CUP AUSTRALIA

Reigning Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Harri Jones, will join the championship winning BWT Lechner Racing Team for the upcoming Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season. The Queensland based 23-year-old will make the next step up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and move to Salzburg, Austria to be based with the reigning Drivers and Teams Champions.

The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup is the pinnacle of Porsche one-make Championships worldwide and will follow the Formula 1 Championship at key events throughout Europe across the season.

“To say I’m excited is an understatement,” Jones said. “This is the opportunity of a

lifetime for me. And to not only have the chance to move to Europe and race in the Porsche Supercup, but to do so with the most successful team in the series history, is quite simply a dream come true.

Jones already has experience within the team and behind the wheel of a BWT Lechner Porsche having completed the first round of the Porsche Sprint Challenge Middle East Championship with the team in November last year.

Round One of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup takes place at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, from the 19th to 21st of May.

-talkmotorsport.co.nz

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NISSAN X-TRAIL NAMED AUSTRALIA’S ‘BEST MEDIUM SUV’

The Nissan X-Trail has been named Australia’s Best Medium SUV at the Drive Car of The Year Awards.

The new X-Trail arrived in Australia in December 2022, featuring a new platform, new safety equipment, and improved levels of capability.

Those key updates were welcomed by the Drive judging team, who recognised the X-Trail for its family friendly packaging, as well as its modern technology and safety equipment.

“The Nissan X-Trail is a thoroughly modern medium SUV with plenty of space for families inside,” say Drive’s judges.

The Car of the Year judges also acknowledge that Nissan has added the X-Trail e-Power variants from February 2023, although they say the hybrid was unavailable in time for testing.

“It’s likely that these e-Power variants, while more expensive than petrol-powered variants, would only have enhanced the X-Trail’s Drive Car of the Year-winning merits,” they say.

“But, because we couldn’t test it, it is not covered by this award.”

The medium SUV segment is one of Australia’s biggest and most important new-car categories,

which makes this award for the all-new X-Trail even more exciting,” says Nissan Australia managing director Adam Paterson.

- autotalk.com.au

FIRST PEUGEOT EV FOR AUSTRALIA CONFIRMED

Peugeot Australia is set to take the next steps on its electrification journey with the confirmed arrival of the e-Partner Van, in the first half of 2023.

The light commercial vehicle (LCV) will mark the brand’s first fully electric vehicle on sale in Australia.

Peugeot Australia says it signifies the further progression towards its local commitment of offering electrified variants across LCV, Passenger and SUV models.

The Peugeot Australia LCV range consists of the Partner, Expert and Boxer models. The Partner is Peugeot’s smallest van, currently available in two distinct body lengths (short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase). The e-Partner will be introduced locally as one longwheelbase variant.

Based on the EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform) multienergy modular platform, the e-Partner offers a 100% electric engine with a maximum power output of 100 kW and a maximum torque of 260 Nm. It is available with a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 50kWh.

“We are delighted the e-Partner is on its way to Australia and will be our first fully electric vehicle to be offered locally,” Peugeot Australia managing director Kate Gillis says.

“The launch of the e-Partner will build on our electrified range in Australia that currently consists of the 3008 SUV and 508 GT Fastback plug-in hybrid variants and will soon welcome the 308 GT Sport Hatch and 508 GT Sportswagon plug-in hybrid variants.

“We are confident that the arrival of our first electric vehicle will provide new avenues for growth for the brand as well as further choice for LCV customers wanting to make the move to electric,” she says.

Customers can now register their interest in the e-Partner either with their local authorised Peugeot retailer

- autotalk.com.au

FORD

AUSTRALIA DEALERS OPEN F-150 ORDER BOOKS

Ford Australia says dealers have opened their order books for the F-150 pick up truck which will be arriving in showrooms later this year and backed with a five-year unlimited km warranty.

The Blue Oval has confirmed pricing and specification for the four variant range just as the first production vehicles have left Dearborn bound for RMA Automotive in Melbourne where they will undergo re-manufacture into factory-backed right-hand drive vehicles.

The F-150 range will start from $106,950 plus on-road costs, with four variants in the range, including both short wheelbase (SWB) and long wheelbase (LWB) body styles for the XLT and Lariat.

“The F-150 is perfect for those who want to explore our country in luxury and comfort. The addition of this icon to our local showrooms alongside the Ranger means Australian customers now have two uncompromising utes to choose from,” Ford Australia president and chief executive Andrew Birkic says.

Thanks to its 4.5 tonne towing ability, the F-150 ensures Aussies can go anywhere, with almost anything, at any time,” he says.

The reintroduction of F-Series comes after significant demand from Aussies for it. Following extensive reengineering work by Ford Australia and RMA Automotive, customers will now be able to purchase it from their local dealer.

“As a full-size American pick-up, the F-150 is joining Australian showrooms thanks to an extensive local reengineering program. Together with RMA Automotive, Ford Australia developed a world-first right-hand drive program for the F-150. We set ourselves the target of equivalency without compromise and are incredibly proud

to have achieved this to our exacting standards, while offering our customers generous standard specification,” Ford Australia F-150 assistant chief program engineer Tom Dohrmann says.

Both the XLT and Lariat F-150 will feature the 3.5L EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6 petrol engine, coupled with 10-speed automatic transmission in 4×4 Crew Cab configuration. With 298kW3 and 678Nm3 across the range, the F-150 blends effortless torque across its rev range by using clever technology. This includes Ford’s port-fuel and direct-injection (PFDI) system, which uses a pair of injectors per cylinder along with twin-intercooled turbochargers that offer on-demand power while minimizing lag.

Each F-150 variant can be purchased either as a SWB with a 3683mm (145-inch) wheelbase and 1676mm (5.5foot) style-side box, or LWB that extends the wheelbase to 3987mm (157-inch) and style-side box to 1981mm (6.5foot).

For the F-150 XLT, standard features include 20-inch sixspoke machined-aluminium wheels, chrome front and rear bumpers, black platform running boards, tailgate with flexible step and work surface as well as a Tough Bed spray-in bedliner.

As the flagship of the Australian range, the F-150 Lariat provides customers advanced levels of luxury. It boasts additional features over and above the XLT variant, including premium mesh insert grille with chrome surround, chrome appearance package including mirror scalps, door handles, belt mouldings, tow hooks and running boards, powered twin-panel moonroof and LED headlights, fog lights and taillamps. -

BRIDGESTONE CREATES TECH CHECK TO FURTHER DRIVE CUSTOMER TRUST

Bridgestone Australia has created new platform called Tech Check to further build trust between retail customers and its 170 Select Tyre & Auto stores across the country.

Through a Bridgestone Tech Check SMS, customers will receive a 60-second video directly from the technician working on their car with an upfront condition report and be able to get an expert mechanic’s commentated viewpoint of their vehicle with commentary – highlighting what needs repairing now, and what can wait.

According to Bridgestone Australia retail operations general manager Jon Tamblyn the platform is centred around giving the customer knowledge, transparency and continuing to build trust between the store and its customers.

“Many consumers enter the car maintenance process feeling pretty nervous – will they be looked after? And who can they trust?,” Tamblyn says

“The roll out of the Bridgestone Tech Check addresses these questions because we are taking the time to show motorists a view first hand and build that trust through transparency, and providing a way for them to see and even share the video if they want another opinion,” he says.

“Tech Check has been extensively trialled within the network for the past two years, with more than 100,000 videos produced and the feedback we have received from our customer has been overwhelmingly positive.

“It’s giving them the knowledge to make informed decisions about the maintenance of their vehicles and left them feeling confident that they can trust our advice. Seeing really is believing.”

Tech Check is the latest addition to existing initiatives that provide confidence to motorists at Bridgestone Select Tyre & Auto: the Bridgestone Benefits program, Road Hazard Warranty, Tyre Price Promise and Bridgestone’s reputation as Australia’s Most Trusted Tyre Brand in the annual Reader’s Digest awards.

The Bridgestone Select model was launched in 2006 with the intention of setting Bridgestone stores apart from the industry with a more welcoming showroom, and a focus on building trust through transparency.

Bridgestone Australia and New Zealand managing director Heath Barclay says the launch of Tech Check is another way that the Bridgestone Select channel is setting itself apart.

- autotalk.com.au

I gave up on talking

“I gave up on talking” – Daniel’s experience of living with a stutter and depression

After bullying saw him spend a year refusing to talk, Daniel had to learn to find his voice again.

My name is Daniel Airey and I’ve had a stutter my whole life. It’s had a significant impact on my relationships, my selfconfidence and on my mental health.

Growing up with a speech impediment

Put simply, a person without a stutter will link up their breathing with their talking. Someone with a stutter, like me, must consciously remind themselves to breathe. For every single word. This is something I’ve had to navigate largely on my own my whole life.

I was an awkward kid. I was anxious, struggled to make friends and would feel a sense of isolation watching others in their own friendship groups.

I had to fight hard to maintain relationships. It was a constant battle and it made me frustrated. Essentially being angry at myself for who I was.

Bullied for something I couldn’t control

Bullying throughout high school was a daily occurrence. It would follow me home in the form of social media. All night it would continue. It was a never-ending cycle.

It got to the point where I gave up on talking. There was a 12-month period where I hardly spoke. Most of the time to communicate, I’d just write things on pieces of paper or on my phone. I had a voice but felt like I couldn’t use it. It made me feel worthless. Like no one cared about what I had to say. At the age of 16, it seemed like I was falling apart. This was around the time I had my first panic attack. My bones hurt, my body shook and my heart felt like it had stopped beating. I vomited. I heard voices telling me to do unspeakable things to myself, such as end my life.

Unfortunately, the panic attacks quickly became a daily thing and the voices didn’t ease up. Instead, they increased. My lowest moment was 21 June 2016. I planned for it to be the last day of my life.

The only reason I’m still here is because my mum convinced me that I am worthy, I am loved, I am respected. She is and always has been my rock.

Making tough but necessary decisions

My mum and my partner Andrew convinced me I was unwell and needed to get help.

I rang a clinic and booked an appointment. I was terrified. Yet by the end of my first session, I felt relieved that I’d finally been able to open up about how I was feeling.

I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I started taking medication and began Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which really allowed me to get to the root of why I felt how I did and how to deal with my feelings.

I had to make some changes in my life. I made the difficult decision for my recovery to end one of my closest family relationships with a person who had been unsupportive. It was a tough choice but an essential one.

I wanted a fresh start, so I moved schools. Cutting out the negative people of my life gave me space to heal, grow and strengthen as a person.

Strategies for staying in a good place

There are a lot of things I do to take care of myself. I like running, when I can block out everything else in my mind, and I’ve got a passion for sustainable fashion. I’ve also got a great support network of family and friends, who support me in all my ventures.

I still have negative thoughts but I know it’s natural. Now, I’m able to visualise all my thoughts, good and bad, as clouds in the sky just passing by.

Recently I’ve accepted my stutter not as who I am but as a quirk, a small part of me. I went a year barely saying a word and today I’m as vocal as ever.

Today, I’m living instead of just surviving.

To learn more, view this video. To donate points click here .

If you need assistance visit Beyond Blue’s support services. Our mental health professionals are available 24/7 on1300 22 4636, Web chat (3pm-12am AEST) and email (responses within 24hrs). For immediate support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 and in an emergency, always call triple zero (000)

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