Industry pays tribute to auto legend Max Kirwan, reflecting on his achievements in and outside the dealership
08 VALUE DRIVEN
The world-wide rise of veganism has driven many vehicle manufacturers to reassess car interiors
10 SURPRISE STATS
According to ABS data, automotive has continued to expand during the COVID-19 period. Let’s crunch the numbers and see
14 BUDGET LACKING
While training measures outlined in the Victorian State Budget are welcome, key areas have been left out in the cold
18 THINK BIG
Shane Jacobson wonders if it is time to kick-start Australian motor shows again. Can we learn from overseas successes?
20 SCHEME UPDATE
National Automotive Service Task Force Executive Director, Donny Seyfer provides a MVIS update in prep for 1 July roll-out
26 F1 MAGIC
The 2022 VACC President’s Breakfast at the F1® Heineken® Australian Grand Prix was a roaring success
27 GRAND OPENING
VACC welcomed PM Scott Morrison to VACC House – and the opportunity to discuss automotive policy priorities
28 NEXT GEN
Automotive apprentice and trainee graduates were honoured at a gala event hosted by Shane Jacobson
32 BIG CHAIR
Spirit Super’s CEO, Jason Murray reflects on the journey so far and where Spirit Super is headed next with its 324,000 members
36 FAR OUT
The world is headed toward an electrified vehicle fleet. So, maybe it is time we think outside the box when it comes to electricity
42 TECH SAVVY
AIMES and the Intelligence Corridor heralds the future and we welcome it. After all, most of us have nothing to hide…
48 IN THE KNOW
Technical delves into Ford Territory SZ 2.7L Duratorq high-pressure pump and belt replacement
54 SERVICE DIRECTORY
Find everything from the latest products to the best business services you need all in one place
56 BUSINESS INDEX
Drive your business forward by taking advantage of VACC corporate partnerships and services at your fingertips
VACC giant and automotive industry figure, Max Kirwan Snr OAM has passed away. A successful businessman, Mr Kirwan is best known for heading Max Kirwan Mazda in Preston.
His automotive career began when he saw a business opportunity as the Australian Army looked to off-load surplus trucks post-war. Using his Army severance pay, he purchased a handful of ex-army vehicles at an auction in Darwin – at the time there was a Melbourne truck shortage, due to stock being sent north to support the war effort. It was a smart move, and, with a taste and talent for the industry, he went on to run dealerships in Fairfield and Coburg. The next move was a Ford dealership in 1956, before he approached Mazda and became a Mazda dealer in 1968 – when the Japanese company was not widely known in Australia.
Above and beyond his own business
was an active figure in the automotive advocacy space – lending his expertise and experience to drive positive all sectors
He was a long-serving member of VACC’s Victorian
MANAGING EDITOR
David Dowsey
03 9829 1247
editor@australasianautomotive.com
SUB-EDITOR
Pia-Therese Hams
DESIGNERS
Faith Perrett, Gavin van Langenberg 03 9829 1189
creative@australasianautomotive.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Geoff Gwilym, Steve Bletsos, John Caine, Rod Lofts, Imogen Reid, Bruce McIntosh, Paul Tuzson, Leanne Moyle, William Harbord, Shane Jacobson
DAVID DOWSEY
VALE MAX KIRWAN
as well as the Chamber’s Executive Board and Board of Management.
Taking on an instrumental role in the selling of the VACC Insurance Company in 1986, the earnings enabled the Chamber to keep annual membership fees low and bolster policy development and lobbying efforts. VACC members will long benefit from the sound decision making of Max Kirwan and others, his legacy and business acumen has left the Chamber in a strong position to face future challenges.
Recognising the importance and power of marketing, in the pre-internet era Mr Kirwan presented his own radio show on 3AW – which ran for 23 years – in order to engage with consumers and promote Max Kirwan Mazda as a leading dealership. Motorists were encouraged to call into the show and get their automotive questions answered. What is my vehicle worth? When is the best time to purchase? What is the best car for me? Max Kirwan had the answers. Mr Kirwan’s talents didn’t end there, in 2013 he put all his adventures down on paper and released his memoirs, Good one, Max. To mark its release, Mr Kirwan was interviewed by Australian Automotive magazine, now Australasian Automotive. Beyond his industry successes, Mr Kirwan was an Order of Australia recipient and carried Commonwealth and Olympic Games torches. Reflecting on his achievements, he put it down to mindset. “I have always
been a community-minded person and have always contributed whatever I could from my income to community projects. I felt that if things needed doing, I would do them. I have always liked helping people and I have done that my whole life, as my history of awards will show.”
Many dealers owe a debt of gratitude. An innovator and entrepreneur before the terms were freely bandied about, a sharp mind and a true celebrity, Mr Kirwan had time for everyone.
Max Kirwan: Man, father, grandfather, husband, friend, boss, mentor, legend, gentleman. Good one, Max!
David Dowsey – Editor
and advertising agencies lodging material for publication in Australasian Automotive indemnify the VACC, its directors, Board, employees, members, and its agents against all claims and any other liability whatsoever wholly or partially arising from the publication of the material, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, indemnify each of them in relation to defamation, libel, slander of title, infringement of copyright, infringement of trademarks or names of publication titles, unfair competition, breach of trade practices or fair trading legislation, violation of rights of privacy or confidential information or licences or royalty rights or other intellectual property rights, and warrant that the material complies with all relevant laws and regulations. This publication is distributed with the understanding that the authors, editors and publishers are not responsible for the results of any actions or works of whatsoever kind based on the information contained in this publication, nor for any errors or omissions contained herein. The publishers, authors and editors expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person whomsoever whether a purchaser of this publication or not in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done by any such person in reliance, whether whole or partial upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication. Advertising accepted for publication in Australasian Automotive is subject to the conditions set out in the Australasian Automotive rate card, available from editor@australasianautomotive.com
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GREG Rust, Shane Jacobson and I have interviewed quite a few famous faces and motoring personalities on THE GRILLE podcast – Jeremy Clarkson, David Brabham, Mick Doohan, Molly Taylor and Daniel Ricciardo to name a few.
It’s got me thinking about another big name: Sir Lewis Hamilton. Now, you’ll be pushed to find someone who doesn’t recognise that name. He is a seven-time Formula 1 world champion after all.
He also happens to be the most famous vegan in the automotive world.
The rise of veganism – and awareness of the philosophies behind it – has been driven by figures like Hamilton and the impact is far-reaching. It goes above and beyond the kitchen table. For example, there has never been so much choice when it comes to vegan and sustainable car interiors. More and more vehicle manufacturers are branching out and offering alternatives to traditional leather.
Back in 2019, Tesla announced the interior of its Model 3 was “100 per cent leather-free”. Now, they’ve had a few issues with quality control but that’s another story. Last year, Volvo announced all its cars would be completely leather-free by 2030.
Other marques are heading down the same track – looking at velour, leather-like performance material, faux-suede and more.
WhichCar recently did an animal-friendly round-up. Most major manufacturers have at least one ‘vegan-friendly’ car option already, with Ford well and truly topping the list with 28 models offering animal-free interiors. Honda takes second place with 20 and Nissan has 19 vegan-friendly models. The automotive industry is constantly evolving and adapting, and I love to see it. What’s next?
To hear more from industry thought-leader, Geoff Gwilym read the VACC column in Friday's Herald Sun, and subscribe to THE GRILLE podcast.
GEOFF GWILYM
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‘.au’ domain names are here
Words: William Harbord, OurAuto website content editor
DOMAIN names are the things that you type into your web browser to reach a site. OurAuto’s domain name is ourauto.com.au and Google owns a lot of domain names (google.com, google. com.au, google.co.nz, google.co.uk –these are all separate domain names).
The Australian Domain Administration (auDA) has recently opened the .au namespace, making domains ending in .au available for registration.
If your business owns a com.au, net. au or org.au domain name, you have priority to register the .au version of the domain name until 20 September 2022. After that, all unregistered domains are open to the general public.
For example, OurAuto owns the domain name ourauto.com.au, and no one else will be able to register ourauto. au. However, if OurAuto doesn’t register ourauto.au by 20 September, anyone could register and use it. What’s the difference between ‘.com.au’ and ‘.au’?
In a nutshell, .au domain names are shorter. This is usually seen as a good thing by web experts, as
the shorter the domain name, the easier it is for potential visitors to remember. However, this advice is usually regarding the part between the www. and the .com.au (or .au)
Do I need a ‘.au’ domain name?
OurAuto maintains that the .au domain name is not going to have a measurable impact on your digital marketing, but if you like the idea of simplifying your domain name, go ahead and register it. However, if you have a domain name like .com.au already, your business is recognisable as Australian, and users are already very used to the .com.au domain names, so we don’t foresee any issues. The one case where we would absolutely recommend registering your .au domain name is if you want
to ensure you maintain ownership of your brand and company image. We will be registering ourauto.au solely so no one else can purchase it and spread confusion or dilute our brand. How do I register my ‘.au’ domain name?
If you are interested in buying your .au domain, OurAuto can help you. As part of the priority access period (so up until 20 September 2022), there is an application fee of $35 plus GST per domain. Usual domain name and management costs will apply, and if you want to make your .au domain name your primary domain, there is an additional cost of $399 plus GST. To register your new domain name/s, or if you have any questions or concerns, contact OurAuto on 1300 687 288 or email info@ourauto.com.au
End-of-Life Vehicle grant a ‘watershed moment'
THE 700,000 vehicles leaving Australian roads annually will be recycled – rather than destined for landfill – thanks to new government funding and the advocacy efforts of the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) and its national body, the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA).
The Australian Government has awarded a $1 million grant, provided under the umbrella of the National Product Stewardship Fund, to the MTAA and the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) to progress an End-Of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Product Stewardship program.
Announcing the grant, Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management, Trevor Evans, said the support will ensure more components –such as textiles, plastics, and electronic components – can be recycled.
“This is a watershed moment for our industry,” said VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym.
The result of 13 years of VACC and MTAA lobbying efforts for proper ELV disposal in Australia, the grant will support the automotive industry in
the development of a business plan to best manage the end-of-life waste streams generated from the hundreds of thousands of vehicles reaching the end of their life cycle each year.
“Members of the dismantling industry and car manufacturers will see a sensible and cost-effective road map in place to deal with the over 700,000 cars coming off our roads annually. This has been a missing piece in the transition of our industry to an electric vehicle dominant market,” said Mr Gwilym.
A critical element will be to create a practical and sustainable business plan that draws on the learnings from overseas ELV programs and matches the specific business and commercial demands of the Australian marketplace.
“MTAA will collaborate with FCAI in this important project, building on the work of VACC’s Automotive Dismantlers and Recyclers Division over the years.
“As FCAI is the peak national body representing product and vehicle manufacturers, it will act as the lead partner and oversee the study, grant, and reporting,” said VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym.
MTAA and its member constituents will have an integral role in this initiative and will provide studies and industry expertise, and facilitate international collaboration.
FCAI and MTAA concluded a formal agreement with the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources late last year and work has already begun on the project which is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym, left, and MTAA CEO, Richard Dudley
DESPITE the phasing out of COVID related restrictions in the economy, the impacts of the pandemic are still real for many automotive businesses, whether it be supply constraints, cost increases, skilled labour shortages or other ongoing pressures.
The good news, however, is the automotive industry has continued to expand during the COVID period, and this growth is reflected across almost every sector.
The latest business data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), shows in aggregate there were 74,775 automotive businesses actively operating in the economy as at 30 June 2021, up by 2,487 businesses or 3.4 per cent over June 2020. This growth is above expectations, and largely reflects the success of business support measures implemented by the Federal Government, such as the JobKeeper program, the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy program and other initiatives which helped support automotive and other industries over the period.
There were only three automotive sectors that lost businesses during 2020/21, and these were:
• Motorcycle retailing – down 10 businesses or 1.6 per cent (from 635 to 625 businesses) Tyre retailing – down 29 businesses or 1.4 per cent (from 2,117 to 2,088)
Commercial vehicle wholesaling – down four businesses or 1.5 per cent (from 270 to 266).
All remaining automotive sectors grew their business populations, with the top five growth sectors consisting of the following:
• Motor vehicle dismantling and recycling – up 155 businesses or 11.4 per cent (from 1,358 to 1,513)
• Automotive electrical component manufacturing – up 39 businesses or nine per cent (from 431 to 470)
• Other motor vehicle parts manufacturing - up 55 businesses or 5.6 per cent (from 975 to 1,030) Automotive repair and maintenance – up 1,198 businesses or 4.8 per cent (from 24,770 to 25,968)
• Automotive body, paint, and interior repair – up 579 businesses or 4.7 per cent (from 12, 425 to 13,004).
A deeper analysis of the data reveals some further insights. Over the past four years, the automotive industry has been characterised by two distinct trends – a slow decline in the largest industry segment, which is small businesses containing between one to 19 employees, and secondly
STEVE BLETSOS AUTO STILL GROWING
a rapid growth in the number of sole trader businesses with no employees. These trends are displayed in Chart 1.
factor in the demise of some sole traders. Retirements may also play a strong part in explaining the data. Typically, between
Source: ABS data
Chart 1 shows if it wasn’t for the emergence of the pandemic in 2019/20, the number of sole trader businesses with no employees would more than likely have surpassed the number of small businesses containing one to 19 employees, and therefore become the largest business cohort within the automotive industry. This would have been an unprecedented development. Instead, the data reveals a distinct reversal of these trends from 2019/20 onwards, where the number of sole trader businesses fell by 1,225 businesses, while the number of small businesses containing one to 19 employees rose strongly by 3,785 businesses during 2020/21. Furthermore, these trends are consistent across almost every automotive sector. There are numerous reasons that can help explain this phenomenon, but the pandemic remains at the core. It is hard enough to start a new business at the best of times, but for many marginal sole trader businesses, the lockdowns and trading restrictions imposed during the pandemic may have been the final straw. There is also evidence the eligibility criteria or process for gaining access to JobKeeper and other business support payments was more difficult for sole traders compared to businesses with employees, and this may also have been a
five to 10 per cent of the industry business churn in any given year is due to retirements, and for some operators a decision to retire from business may have been hastened by the onset of the pandemic, particularly in the light of difficulties experienced in obtaining stock, raw materials, and other items. Before the onset of the pandemic, there was evidence many experienced automotive technicians were increasingly leaving their employers to start up their own service and repair businesses, and this was a key factor in the strong growth trend in sole traders leading up to 2019/20. Given the acute industry labour shortages and the attraction of higher wages being offered by many employers, it is possible many new business starters were lured back or poached by established businesses during the pandemic. Furthermore, there is evidence of ongoing industry business consolidation occurring throughout the COVID period, which may also account for the trends displayed in the data.
The next business snapshot for 2021/22, due in August this year, will help answer some of these questions and ascertain whether the reversal in the growth trends between sole traders and small employing businesses is simply an aberration due to the pandemic, or is sustained beyond the pandemic.
Chart 1: Automotive business growth, by business type
JOHN CAINE WARRANTIES AND GUARANTEES
VACC frequently gets asked: Do I have to supply an express warranty for goods I sell and/or services I provide?
The simple answer is no.
As suppliers of goods and services to consumers, all businesses are bound by the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) which came into force on 1 January 2011.
A consumer is a person or business that purchases any type of goods or services costing up to $100,000, or greater if buying a vehicle.
This law automatically provides an implied guarantee that goods and services will be of acceptable quality and match any given description. Often a consumer will query what warranty period comes with a particular part or service. A business may choose to pass on the supplier, manufacturer – or even their own written warranty period. This is called a ‘voluntary’ or ‘express’ warranty. If this is done, the law requires that it
must meet a number of requirements, including that it must be in writing and contain the following mandatory text: Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
Applying all the above at counter level is where things can get complex.
Just what is acceptable quality?
Well, it is largely whether a reasonable consumer would find that the goods or services achieved the desired result, were carried out with due care and skill and met any promises as to outcomes made by the supplier.
For example, a four-wheel drive purchased for a family holiday should not break down in the first week,
or a reconditioned changeover engine fail within a short period. As for matching the description, any statement as to engine type or capacity – 4WD, AWD or 2WD –particular brand or country of origin must be correct, otherwise a major failure to comply with a consumer guarantee may have occurred. This results in the consumer accruing the right to obtain a full refund.
Consumers sometimes get rectification repairs done elsewhere to a vehicle you sold or repaired, without your knowledge or authority. It is generally accepted that if you sell or repair a vehicle and a fault develops, then the consumer must give you a reasonable opportunity to meet any obligations you have under a consumer guarantee or statutory warranty. In these cases, negotiation based on your true ‘in-house’ cost of carrying out these repairs/rectifications is usually the way forward.
Exclusive benefits for members of VACC.
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INDUSTRY POLICY MATTERS
ON Tuesday 3 May the Victorian State Budget was handed down by the Treasurer of Victoria Mr Tim Pallas. The 2022/23 State Budget provides $22.2 billion, over five years, in new output initiatives and $6.7 billion in new capital investment. It also predicts that net debt will rise from $101.9 billion (19.8 per cent of GSP) to $167.5 billion (26.5 per cent of GSP) by 2025-26 and this is all with an assumption of lower CPI (2.5 per cent) over the forward estimates. These figures do not factor in recent CPI and interest rate rises, which may affect these estimates over the medium to longer term. Not surprisingly, the budget was dominated by health and education spend as it was labelled a Pandemic Recovery Plan – dedicating $12 billion over the next four years to fund COVID-19 health support, rapid antigen tests and healthcare at home. The Government has also announced the establishment of the Victorian Future Fund with proceeds from the sale of the VicRoads Licensing and Registration arm (Modernisation Joint Venture), which will be used to pay down debt accrued during the pandemic. A suite of education and training packages were also announced, including $131.1 million over the forward estimates to lift student literacy and numeracy outcomes, targeting students who do not meet the minimum standards. Another $87.9 million over four years will be committed to excellence in vocational and applied learning to expand and support suitably qualified VET teachers and trainers.
While VACC supports the announced education and training measures, there is a missed opportunity to address emerging skills and training needs associated with the uptake of electric vehicles. VACC has consistently delivered this message to both State and Federal Governments via our Pre-budget submissions and policy manifestos (available on our website), arguing the time is now to be investing in the skills of the future. VACC’s own modelling has shown there will be a likely shortage of approximately 6,000 skilled electric vehicle technicians by 2030 if the Federal Government’s forecasts of 1.7 million EVs on Australian roads is realised. On the taxation front, VACC was relieved to see no changes to motor vehicle duty for a fifth year in a row. This is certainly a policy win for the Victorian Automotive Dealers Association (VADA, a division of VACC), which has successfully advocated for members, over a number of years, to not increase duties on an already heavily taxed sector. Additionally, from July 2022, the sale or transfer of wheelchair accessible commercial passenger vehicles that provide unbooked services will be exempt from motor vehicle duty. This will apply to eligible vehicles that are less than two years old. And while VACC has long lobbied for the removal of payroll tax (effectively a tax on jobs), the budget made no changes to payroll tax or any other business taxes, which can be seen as a somewhat positive outcome for members.
In terms of industry support and initiatives, the budget outlined the following commitments:
$120 million Victorian Industry Fund package to support sovereign capability, advanced manufacturing and attract business investment.
This includes $40 million in grants to support growing businesses and a Low-Carbon Manufacturing Grant Program. $4.5 to fund 300 digital jobs for manufacturing internships
Supporting small and medium businesses through the pandemic –$31.5 million in funding for 2022-23 only
Transforming small business$8.9 million (2022-23 only)
Victorian Innovation Industry Partnerships – $0.9 million (2022-23 only)
Skills solutions partnerships - $9.6 million (until 2024)
Business Acceleration Fund$10 million (2022-23 only).
As the November State election date draws closer (the official date is still to be announced), the VACC policy team is set to commence work on our state policy manifesto. This document will detail the policy priorities for the next Victorian Government, with a strong focus on future proofing the automotive service, retail and repair industry. As always, I welcome members to get in touch with any policy issues you feel should be included.
Whether you re star ting, running or growing your business, CommBank, proud Alliance Par tner of VACC can help you do business your way
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To find out how CommBank can help you do business your way, contact VACC on 03 9829 1152 or email marketing@vacc com au and they’ll put you in touch with a CommBank Relationship Manager.
BRUCE MCINTOSH ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS
THE environment is a hot topic at the moment and while the automotive industry may not spring to mind when talking about sustainability and waste reduction efforts, maybe it should.
As a sector, we are working hard to help Australia clean up its act. And one of the major ways we can drive change is through working with policymakers, sharing industry insights and making recommendations.
Take End-of-Life Vehicles for example. Each year, over 750,000 vehicles reach the end of their economic lives, creating more than one million tonnes of waste. It gets worse. The number of internal combustion engine vehicles that will be removed from Australia’s roads is expected to grow exponentially.
TACC – along with its Victorian counterpart, VACC – and its dismantling and recycling member-businesses, are collaborating with authorities to identify
options for government to introduce an End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) program to Australia. We are calling for increased investment and research toward an industry-led and federally funded national initiative. All states and territories need to be on the same page if we are to turn this around. And time is of the essence.
The importance of better ELV management has increased and will continue to do so in line with government policy related to increased uptake of Zero and Low Emission Vehicles.
Now let’s zero in on tyres. Millions of tyres reach their end-of-life every year in Australia, with 1.3 million passenger tyres thrown away in Tasmania alone. It’s a real problem. Don’t just take my word for it, you can see for yourself – there’s a field in Mowbray,
Launceston that’s a sea of blackness. Quite a confronting sight, particularly the bird’s eye view from Google Maps. I’ve been in contact with a Senior Government Advisor as waste reduction is becoming a key focus, and many Tasmanian businesses are interested in looking for ways to reuse and recycle waste products in innovative ways.
One way to reuse these tyres is crumb rubber. It is manufactured by shredding tyres, removing unsuitable components, and then grinding them into crumbs. It can then be blended with bitumen to build and resurface the roads we drive on each day. Sounds like a plan to me. Government clearly agrees and has allocated $4 million to work with industry to invest in a crumb rubber plant. Above are just two of the many ways we can address waste reduction. It is all about working together and looking for opportunities.
AS a family man, I just love hanging out with my brood and seeing what’s on around town. Us Jacobsons like to keep busy. I couldn’t wait for the Grand Prix and, down the track, Motorclassica is a calendar fixture in my house. And it’s got me thinking, are motor shows really dead?
I was chatting to my mate Geoff, CEO of the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce, about it.
Sure, it’s clear from their experience of the Australian International Motor Show folding in 2015 that motor shows are not flavour of the month. Or rather, they weren’t.
Australia saw the first motor exhibition in Sydney in 1925 and from 1927 Melbourne hosted an annual show, with the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce being
involved from the start. But in 2008 the house of cards began to fall. A German manufacturer – disgruntled at the cost of exhibiting at dual ‘international shows’ in two cities in a country of 20-odd million people – decided to invest elsewhere. Other manufacturers followed suit. And, of course, digital assets like websites, videos and social media gave manufacturers tools to effectively market products to buyers, without the need for expensive motor show stands. So, the motor shows stopped. But there are many who would like them to return – me included!
Will they? Maybe.
There are investors and event specialists kicking ideas around. Lessons have been learned that could result in a very successful event. For example, Geoff flagged that an essential aspect of any new
SHANE JACOBSON REV UP
motor show format is that it becomes a selling event. Places like Thailand are leading the way. A few years ago (remember pre-COVID life?) 1.6 million people attended the Bangkok Show, with 45,000 cars and 5000 motorcycles sold. In only 12 days! Who wouldn’t want a piece of that?
Now, I’m more of a tyre kicker and just want to check out the flashy four-wheelers – but I reckon you need a few of my people too…
Something to think about.
See ya on the road, folks!
Want to hear more from Shane? Catch him – along with co-hosts Greg Rust and VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym – on THE GRILLE podcast each month. There’s auto news and views, industry insights and trends, special guests, and plenty of laughs along the way. Visit: thegrillepodcast.com.au
GPC Asia Pacific set to build new advanced Distribution Centre in Broadmeadows Logistics Estate, Melbourne
GPC Asia Pacific has announced a partnership with leading AsiaPacific logistics specialist, LOGOS to build a 39,000sqm distribution centre in the new Broadmeadows Logistics Estate in Melbourne.
GPC Asia Pacific, is Australia’s leading Automotive Parts business and includes Repco, NAPA Auto Parts, AMX, McLeod’s, Rare Spares, and Sparesbox with a network of over 550 stores servicing retail and automotive trade customers across Australia and New Zealand.
GPC partnered with business transformation consultancy TMX on their regional Australia and New Zealand supply chain network strategy and operational design.
The brand-new facility in Broadmeadows will feature best-in-class logistics operations and state of the art automation
technology, supporting GPC Asia Pacific’s position as a leader in the market, as well as ambitious future growth plans.
GPC Asia Pacific’s Chief Supply Chain Officer, Jon Longbottom, said: “We’re delighted to have secured a new facility at LOGOS’ Broadmeadows Logistics Estate. As a business, we’ve experienced significant growth over recent years, and we look forward to integrating advanced technologies within a new state-of-the-art facility in Melbourne to enhance our customers experience. By partnering with LOGOS and TMX, we have been able to race ahead with our ambitious growth plans with confidence.”
“Our new Broadmeadows Distribution Centre will feature the cutting-edge technology and operations, that will allow us to better support our stores, resulting in greater service to our entire
customer base. We are excited at the opportunities this brings for our Business, and the investment signals just how committed we are to the future success of the Automotive Aftermarket”
LOGOS Head of Australia and New Zealand, Darren Searle said: “We look forward to working with GPC Asia Pacific to deliver this important new facility and support their growth across Victoria, and all of Australia”
TMX Director of Property, Sam Dellios said: “We are proud to be supporting GPC in their ANZ supply chain network transformation. This new facility will offer an automated Goods-to-Person shuttle and Very Narrow Aisle storage system, which will boost cubic capacity across GPC’s wide product range and support their future growth strategy.”
Broadmeadows Logistics Estate is a 25-hectare premium site which on completion, will comprise circa 127,000sqm of sustainable, high quality warehousing space across five facilities. The new GPC distribution centre is the third commitment at the Estate and will comprise circa 39,000sqm of high quality and energy efficient space, with integrated state-of-theart technology. Construction of the facility is commencing in April 2022 with completion due for Q1 2023.
A
The new DC will supply Repco, NAPA AUTO PARTS, AMX, McLeod’s, Rare Spares and Sparesbox stores with cutting edge technology.
'Ground Breaking' ceremony took place with GPC, LOGOS and TMX teams in attendance to witness the first movement of dirt for the big build ahead (top)
Donny Seyfer shares Scheme updates
THE Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme will be implemented in Australia from 1 July 2022. Spearheading the roll-out is the USbased National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) Executive Director, Donny Seyfer, who will work closely with the Scheme Advisor, the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA).
In order to keep automotive business owners up to date on initiative developments, Seyfer gave an online presentation to Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) memberbusinesses – including those from VACC and TACC. He also sat down with Australasian Automotive to talk shop. What are your primary responsibilities in the lead up to the Scheme rollout?
Right now, my primary responsibility is to help all the parties communicate with each other. Then, explain the technical specifications to the automakers for their involvement, and work with the rest of the AASRA board and the team to implement the membership side of things. So, there are two things going on: The automakers getting the information organised so it can be delivered from 1 July. Then NASTF, which is my organisation, and AASRA working together to make that membership component functional. What experience from the US will you draw on to assist AASRA with the Scheme implementation?
I worked for 35 years as a repair shop owner and technician, trainer and service advisor. So, I have worked at the shop level for many years, and I have been with NASTF since it was founded in 2000. Basically, I held every role you can there before becoming Executive Director.
That secure data release model software that we launched in 2006, our current NASTF chairman was the guy who made that all happen. He passed the torch to me in 2016 and said, ‘modernise this thing!’ So, I have a very deep and intimate knowledge of how it works and how we can implement it to fit into the Scheme as fully as we possibly can on launch. It’s not really that big of a change on the secure data release side – which is where the security and safety piece comes from –it’s really the membership side of things that we are modifying extensively and so, for me, it has been about extracting information from the law and all the parties and then trying to bring that practical aspect of the law into the ‘how do you actually pull this off with human beings?’
How will the Scheme benefit Australian motorists?
The biggest thing for the motorist is they will be receiving their cars faster. Service will
be faster because the need to find a piece of information that takes days to source or is difficult to source (will be eliminated).
I was amazed at the AAA Expo, some of the things that repairers are doing to – if you will – reverse engineer the repair process, and then share it out with others. All this when the information already exists in written form – they just do not have fair access to it. So, (the Scheme) will also cut down that guessing game that sometimes repairers have to play to repair a car. And that is the unfortunate part - 70 per cent of the vehicle repairs done in Australia are done by independent repairers and they are not on the same playing field as car manufacturers and their affiliated repairers. They don’t have that same information and they don’t have it in the same timely manner. That is where the implementation of the Scheme will really benefit motorists – they are already going there! So, now they are going to get a better implementation of the whole repair process.
You ran a webinar to inform MTAA members of Scheme progress. What did you take away from the session – was there a reoccurring question or concern from attendees that stood out?
What I hear, no matter where I go, are the same questions. ‘How are we going to do this. How are we going to do that?’ In most cases, they are details that are not directly called out in the Scheme, rather things that are intended to be dealt with down the line. For example, ‘what does an aggregator do with service information and how do they get it?’ Well, aftermarket scan tools have the same functionality. I have heard that at every function I have presented and so, that is clearly something that AASRA will need to talk about, and their committees will need to work through together.
If MTAA members were unable to make the webinar, the main thing we were trying
What is the aim of the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme?
Under the new mandatory scheme, independent Australian motor vehicle repairers will have fair access to the information needed to service and repair cars. This includes software updates to connect a new spare part with a car, or information and codes for computerised systems from a car manufacturer. Previously, only car manufacturers and their affiliated repairers were able to access important service and repair information, preventing many independent repairers from competing fairly for car servicing and repair work. This created additional costs for consumers, as well as inconvenience and delays*. At this time, the Scheme only covers passenger and light commercial vehicles manufactured after 1 January 2002.
*Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
to explain was how the implementation of the Scheme works. Also, that there are multiple roles and that it’s almost an all-ofcart kind of approach to how you would be a member of AASRA. (Additionally, as) the automakers have some heavy lifting to do, we have a few workarounds that will be in place on 1 July – with the view to phase out of those as quickly as possible. Where can repairers go for Scheme updates in the lead up to 1 July 2022? The website is aasra.com.au. There is a link in the bottom right-hand corner of the homepage that will allow users to send us an email and say, ‘Let us know what’s going on’ and we can keep them in the loop. My intention here is, as we get
VACC Industry Policy Advisor John Khoury, left, and Donny Seyfer discussed the upcoming Scheme roll-out during a recent visit to VACC House
What is the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA)?
AASRA is an industry-based, not-for-profit company, and is the Scheme Advisor. The board consists of representatives from key industry bodies – the Motor Trades Association of Australia, Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association, Australian Automotive Dealer Association, and Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. Its core function is to support the day-to-day operation of the Scheme and to facilitate the process by which Australian repairers and registered training organisations are required to meet specified criteria within the Scheme Rules, relating to access to safety and security information.
pieces of information decided on, instead of it being a fire hose of information all at once we can start feeding it out as we go, because it is kind of complex.
One of the things I have learned from presentations is that the shops still don’t quite believe it’s true. They say, ‘So, I am going to be able to buy a scan tool – what’s the catch?’ Well, there isn’t one – except maybe there aren’t enough scan tools available right now (to go around).
That is what the law is trying to address, and I think at the AAA Expo I said it four times, ‘Ok, the answer is yes you can get the information you need. And if you
can’t, there is a function on the website that enables users to report issues if they do run into problems accessing data.’
If we can start pushing information out as AASRA makes decisions, repairers can start to assimilate where we’re going. We expect to start signing members up well before 1 July. Users will know when because there will be a prompt on the website. If we can start on-boarding members, then when the automaker sites start coming online, they will have the access to them as soon as possible. Right now, you can link to the sites that exist already on the AASRA website, but they are not full implementations yet.
VACC’s Peter Ruggeri recognised with Lifetime Achievement Award
PETER Ruggeri of member-business, M1 Autobody has been formally recognised for his contributions to the industry at the 2022 National Collision Repairer Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Mr Ruggeri was announced as one of four Lifetime Achievement Award winners, joining the 50 existing inductees who have shaped, built, developed, influenced and more recently disrupted the collision repair industry since the second half of the twentieth century.
Mr Ruggeri is a member of the VACC Body Repair Division (BRD) and served a 10-year term on the BRD Executive Committee, dedicating his time and
expertise to improving working conditions for collision repairers. Key areas of focus were – and remain – fostering constructive working relationships with insurers and recognising their role in the body repair industry.
VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym, presented Mr Ruggeri with his Lifetime Achievement Award and praised his dedication in and outside workshop walls – including mentoring hundreds of up-and-comers throughout his 39 years working in automotive.
On behalf of the membership base, VACC congratulates Mr Ruggeri on his well-deserved award.
Win for smash repair
THE Commonwealth Treasury will examine whether existing regulatory settings effectively address concerns about commercial conduct in the motor vehicle insurance/smash repair industry, and report to the government in the second half of 2022.
Announced by the Morrison Government, this task is applauded by VACC and the wider automotive industry – and is the result of tireless advocacy efforts from VACC and the Motor Trades Association of Australia network. It is a historic moment for the smash repair and insurer industry, which will ideally pave the way for fairer engagement between businesses and insurers.
Donny Seyfer, left, says aftermarket repairers can access repair information from the AASRA website now, and more information will be uploaded progressively
Peter Ruggeri, left, is presented with his Lifetime Achievement Award by VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym
On your bike
MATT Jones Motorcycles (MJM) has built a name for itself selling and repairing twowheelers, and the business namesake took some time out to catch VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym up on current operations.
Matt Jones’ career in automotive began at 16 with a panel beating apprenticeship with Melbourne Bodyworks. While he enjoyed the trade and time in the shop, he couldn’t shake his passion for motorcycles and at 20 years old he headed to the UK to try his hand at speedway racing.
Upon returning to Australia, Matt continued panel beating and racing before taking the leap and establishing the first JAWA speedway motorcycle dealership in Australia. In those early days, the business was run from his parents’ property but in 2007 it was time to expand. Matt began talks with Kawasaki – it was a great opportunity, at the time there wasn’t an agent set up in Australia.
“It was all thanks to speedway. The guy I spoke to... (met me) at an expo and remembered me and it all just rolled on from there,” said Matt. Being only in his mid-20s at the time, Kawasaki was hesitant at first – although taking a risk on a young panel beater has proven to be a winning decision.
The deal was done, and Matt hasn’t looked back. Two-and-a-half years ago Honda was
welcomed into the family, and with the new addition came new premises. “We put the feelers out... and (Honda) came to see us. We wanted to expand to (include) another brand,” said Matt. “At that stage, we had outgrown (the previous location) anyway.”
From the beginning, the team had realistic expectations. “We weren’t going to double the business; we were probably going to lift it up 30 per cent with a different brand… (although) this year has proved us wrong – we’ve doubled everything.”
Could a one-brand band survive in today’s business climate? “Yes. If you had a small enough crew. It’s one of those things. The bigger you get; you don’t necessarily make more money,” said Matt. He acknowledges making that judgement and finding balance isn’t always easy for small and medium-sized business owners.
Speaking of staff, the automotive industry’s skill shortage naturally became a topic of conversation. Fortunately, Matt isn’t struggling to retain staff – unlike many other member-businesses. Key staff member, Richard has been with MJM for eight years, their mechanic seven. In part, Matt puts it
apprentices on the books now, there could be in the future. “We’ve had a couple of good kids come through for work experience.”
Although staffing hasn’t proved an issue, MJM has still faced its fair share of challenges. “During the COVID-19 lockdowns, people couldn’t even come to the door, it was all over the phone or online... and then we pushed (the stock) out the back and did a handover. Not the way you want to run a business. Everyone was working so much harder, for the same result... always on the phones and running around.”
Additionally, with supply chain constraints, securing parts continues to be a struggle. “Kawasaki is probably the worst one. They send (parts) out to the warehouse no problem, it’s the trade companies - we can’t get them through. (The parts are) in Australia, that’s not the problem.” More generally, dealership land is changing thanks to the introduction of the agency model. Matt is keeping an eye on things but wonders whether motorcycles are next in line… However, for now, it’s business as usual. Matt is talking to another brand and
Matt Jones and VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym talk shop and tour the impressive MJM showroom
Motor industry insight: starting the sale journey
Words: Steve Bragg, Partner, Pitcher Partners
GIVEN the events of 2021 and with the future remaining uncertain, it is clear that the next five years will involve more pressure, requirements and opportunities, forcing many dealers to abruptly leave the industry. The question dealers need to ask is – “Is this the same case for me?”
The decision to sell your dealership should be well considered and deliberate. If you are not on the path to sell, you should be concerned if you are not planning to implement the vast changes needed to be made to your dealership in the future. To stay stagnant is to voluntarily put the dealership at risk of suffering severe value destruction with it unable to keep up with the offerings of its competitors. Should you stay, or should you go?
Coming to the conclusion on whether or not you should seek to sell your dealership or if you should keep it and embrace changes are dependent on a few factors. Amongst busy schedules and increasing demands, dealers often forget the reason why they initially joined the industry. Upon reflection most people say it was because of “the money”, but when you boil it down, that’s a by-product of a number of different reasons why people take the leap. These could include:
1. It was a family business, so my future was already decided for me
2. I wanted to be my own boss and in charge of my own future
3. I wanted to be financially independent
4. I love the industry
5. I love the lifestyle my business affords me. By uncovering the reason why you were drawn into the industry in the first place, you will either be able to rekindle your motivation or reconcile with yourself why it is time to pass the business onto a new owner. Reasons why selling could be an option If you need further clarity on what your decision should be, then you should draw upon the reasons why you think you should sell, these could include:
1. Loss of control – “I’m sick of being dictated by the factories”
2. Shift in priorities – “I’m now financially independent, so I’m not prepared to compromise anymore to make money”
3. Depletion of generational passing down of the dealership – “I do not want my kids to have to run this in the future like I was expected to”
4. Loss of passion – “I just don’t feel the same about the dealership anymore”
5. Lack of desire to change – “It’s too difficult, why should I bother?”
6. If you can identify with the above, then it is most likely the right time for you to act.
When it becomes difficult
Not all dealers have a clear vision for their future, making their decision-making process more difficult, especially for those who:
1. Still love the business
2. Are not ready to retire
3. Whose identity is heavily linked to their job
4. Are unsure if their kids will want to take over the business.
In the past, it was acceptable to procrastinate with the decision-making process, with the dealer being in control of the timing of their decision. This is no longer the case with dealers having to face making a life altering decision rapidly as their other options lose viability. What has caused the rush?
A series of events over the last five years have contributed to the constraints put onto dealers, forcing them to urgently and proactively seek a sale and limiting dealers wanting to maintain their business' ability to turn down an offer to sell.
The buyer pool is drying up
The number of buyers in the market has depleted, with only very large, wellcapitalised and innovative buyers making the transition to the electric vehicle (EV) agency model.
International manufacturing
The manufacturers (unfortunately not Australians) are being legislated into manufacturing EVs only, making our future electric as we are 100 per cent an import-based market.
Technological advancements
A car with no internal combustion engine has fewer parts and does not require frequent servicing (with them often never being serviced by their first owners). All 'engines' of the future will perform the same, so a test drive will become a configuration assessment as the 'drive' part will become more about the features and benefits of the vehicle.
Dealerships will become more like an Apple genius bar rather than a transaction hub. The agency model will thrive, as Primary Market Area (PMA) is irrelevant, and the connection between customers and dealerships through the maintenance of a vehicle is lost.
Profit streams will dwindle as new technology continues to attack all traditional profit streams of a dealership. Therefore, assuming goodwill is six times a profit, based on the old profit streams, is extremely ambitious.
Ownership is evolving to usership Cars have traditionally been fractional purchases, where the 'owner' starts with little ownership at purchase and pays a monthly usership fee (representing interest and depreciation). This may result in some form of positive ownership fraction (equity) at contract term, but unlikely.
The technology changes coupled with comprehensive credit reporting will unhinge the ownership concept towards a fully maintained usership. This can all be handled online, so the need for transactional people that currently operate in showrooms will become obsolete.
Future buyers
If you are not planning to be a large agent in the EV business, you should consider selling within the next two to five years.
If you are wondering who would be in the market to purchase your dealership, the chances are that they will be one of the below:
1. Large groups who are looking to grow larger
2. Mid-sized groups who will grow in size and maintain relevance
3. Large non-industry players who will look to enter the 'new model' from the ground floor.
These groups of buyers are extremely well informed and have a clear 20year plan that embraces the transition of the new business model.
Their plans for expansion are targeted as they narrow in on dealers opting to sell. They seek to secure geographic locations where local markets are share driven and focus on the brands that hold the best product technology partners. They will keep a stand-in on both sides during the transition, so currently configured dealerships maintain some value. However, as time passes, their value will decline. Unfortunately, the ability to pick your own exit date is not an option.
Currently, six brands in Australia are publicly moving to the agency model or exiting the market to leave the heavy lifting to a distributor. It is assumed that the other brands have the same plan, it has just not been made public knowledge. Despite it seeming contrary to getting the best value for your existing business, we do not believe an agency agreement is as valuable as a dealer agreement to a third party.
The dealer groups that remain will need to be large enough to make the agency model profitable through scale. Therefore, they need to expand through acquisitions to attain the scale required. Ultimately, standing still is not an option, it will put your dealership at risk of suffering severe value destruction. You should be formulating plans for growth or exit as part of preparing your business for sale. These two options might seem overwhelming but given our extensive experience working with many dealers who have been at this cross-road before, we can help you formulate plans that are right for you and your business.
Dealer sourcing platform
‘Grassy’ is here to help
Words: Adam Loizou
What is Grassy?
Grassy is an online marketplace for people to sell their cars to professional buyers. It is a fair and competitive platform that delivers great outcomes for buyers and sellers. Sellers can easily get a great price for their car without the hassle of selling privately or shopping around multiple car dealers or websites for a competitive trade-in price. Grassy will unlock more used car stock for dealers and wholesalers as the platform improves sellers’ price and effort tradeoff, encouraging more people to forego the age-old nuisance of selling privately.
How does Grassy work?
It all begins by visiting GrassyCar.com.au. Sellers list their cars quickly and easily using their mobile phones. The website prompts sellers to provide information about their cars and take photos. Only registered dealers can bid on vehicles in a semi-blind tender process that drives a fair competition – no last-minute bids or time extensions, simply bid and move on. At the conclusion of the tender process, the seller is sent the top three bids to choose from. The seller has five days to accept or reject the bids.
The seller gets the top three bids, why is that? Isn’t the top price the only one that matters?
without needing to simply outbid the competition. We believe that delivering great seller experiences will attract more sellers to the platform and, in turn, more stock for dealers – a genuine win-win.
How is Grassy different from carsales Instant Offer or other ‘sell your car’ websites?
Grassy is the first of its kind. It offers sellers: Real prices – unlike our competitors with their online estimates and robooffers. All prices are real bids made by real people. So long as your car is listed accurately and honestly the bid price is the price you can expect to receive. Competitive prices – Grassy does the shopping around for you. Rather than listing on multiple websites or shopping multiple dealers, vehicles listed on Grassy could potentially attract hundreds of bids from dealers across the country. Bids will take into account the various features of your car that might make it much more valuable than the regular red-book vehicle. Better experience – Grassy is the only moderated platform of its kind that cares about the experience of its users. Not only can sellers get a great price, but they can do so conveniently and efficiently.
• Access to more stock
You’ve mentioned a few times that Grassy is good for the automotive industry. How?
for dealers. Whether we like it or not, change is coming to our industry, and it is better that we’re ready for it and have a solution that helps and promotes dealers –rather than cuts them out. If we can consolidate dealer buying power in a system that sellers find convenient and user-friendly then it will be harder for cashed-up disruptors to flip our industry on its head. We think the key is delivering a fair solution that works for both dealers and sellers. Grassy can be the solution to our ongoing supply issues, driving more volume through our dealer network.
Why the name Grassy?
My business partner and I had talked about having access to an effective acquisition app or website for years. On a long drive one night to buy stock for our yard, we decided to build the platform ourselves. Given we were in the middle of nowhere, fields, and grass… the name Grassy was born. We started using the name as a placeholder intending to change it later but for, better or worse, it stuck.
When can dealers and sellers start using Grassy?
We’ve already begun signing up dealers to the platform and we will launch for sellers to list their cars in July.
Price isn’t everything. Sellers also care about effort and experience. Grassy bids include a location and a dealer rating. Location is our proxy for effort and tells the seller whether the dealer expects the car to be delivered to them or if they’re prepared to pick up the car from the seller. Dealer ratings are our measure and safeguard for seller experience. Dealer ratings comprise feedback from previous seller interactions with the dealer. These ratings will of course be moderated to ensure feedback is fair. For dealers, this means that delivering a great seller experience can directly impact the attractiveness of their bids
Efficient bidding process •
Grassy is built and operated by dealers
We’re also running an exclusive offer: The first 25 VACC/TACC member dealers who successfully register will receive credits to buy their first three cars without a fee.
www.GrassyCar.com.au
F1 flavour at 2022 VACC President’s Breakfast
THE 2022 VACC President’s Breakfast was a hit, with automotive dignitaries, VACC directors, members and staff hitting the track at the Formula 1® Heineken® Australian Grand Prix.
View the event album via the VACC Facebook (login to Facebook to view): 2022 VACC President’s Breakfast at F1 Australian Grand Prix.
Held at the Chicane Pavilion, one of Australia’s leading racing drivers and motor racing personalities, Neil Crompton, acted as master of ceremonies. Mr Crompton kicked off the breakfast with racing facts and insider information on the Formula 1 season, before welcoming VACC President, Mark Awramenko to the stage for his official address. It was a morning of celebration and excitement but Mr Awramenko also took the opportunity – with political and industry figures gathered together – to discuss the quantum
flagged some key pieces of automotive news before Mr Gwilym broke down the latest VFACTS from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.
As THE GRILLE episode wrapped, the 2022 Formula 1 trophy was brought on stage, much to the delight of attendees. Inspired by the steering wheel of legendary driver Sir Jack Brabham, the trophy tour brought the VACC President’s Breakfast to a close, with attendees heading out to the track to soak up the electrifying atmosphere at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit and make the most of their complimentary Park Pass tickets. Set to become an annual event, the VACC President’s Breakfast at the Formula 1® Heineken® Australian Grand Prix was a roaring success.
THE GRILLE fans can relive the action by searching ‘THE GRILLE’ on all major podcast platforms, or visiting thegrillepodcast.com.au
shift automotive is experiencing with looming regulations effectively banning the sale of internal combustion engines globally, soaring fuel prices and the take-up of electric vehicles. Over breakfast, attendees were treated to a live recording of THE GRILLE podcast. Only in its first year, THE GRILLE has already been voted a top 100 Australian podcast and built a loyal following across Australia and New Zealand. During the show, THE GRILLE crew – Greg Rust, Shane Jacobson, and VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym – was joined by Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO, Andrew Westacott, and one of Australia’s select few Formula 1 drivers, Tim Schenken. Post-interviews, the crew
from left: Australian GP Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott, left, joins THE GRILLE crew, VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym, VACC Ambassador Shane Jacobson, and Greg Rust; VACC directors Tony Sanchez, left, Fury Bortolotto and Mark Awramenko; Greg Rust, left, with MC Neil Crompton, Neil Crompton and F1 driver Tim Schenken; VACC President Mark Awramenko with the winning driver's trophy
Clockwise
Prime Minister Scott Morrison opens VACC House
PRIME Minister Scott Morrison formally opened VACC House in front of automotive dignitaries, VACC directors, members and staff.
In his welcome address VACC President Mark Awramenko said: “Automotive is experiencing an evolution not seen in the 130-year history of the automobile. Changes in vehicle power sources, fuels, how we drive – or not drive … Nothing will remain the same.
“When one considers other trades and other sectors – like building and plumbing – they will change, of course, but they will not be impacted in the same way. That is both our burden and our opportunity.
“That is why VACC House is so important. This cutting edge, five-star green rated, architecturally significant building is a showcase for what automotive is now and what it will remain: modern and future-focused.”
Upon officially opening VACC House Prime Minister Morrison said: “Thank you very much for ... the opportunity to come and be here with you on this very important night.
“Those of you joining us this evening, thank you very much for being here for this important occasion for VACC, moving into this new building just three weeks ago, located on St Kilda Road for 64 years prior to that I understand, before embarking on a new chapter.”
Designed by architects Gray Puksand, built by Hacer Group and project managed by Case Meallin, VACC House is located at 650 Victoria Street North Melbourne. It features four levels, state-of-the-art AV, extensive training spaces, 91 car spaces and five electric vehicle charging stations.
The building is at the forefront of modern sustainable technology, with its architectural features a subtle nod to the automotive industry, including a facade inspired by the grille of the
classic Ford Mustang. VACC will use the expansive level one lobby area as a function space and exhibition area to showcase new technology and automotive achievements.
Clockwise from left: VACC President Mark Awramenko opens the evening and emphasises the importance of advocacy efforts as the industry landscape changes; VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym greets PM Scott Morrison; VACC President Mark Awramenko and PM Scott Morrison pose in front of the commemorative plaque; PM Scott Morrison addresses Chamber directors, automotive dignitaries, members and staff
DURING Australia’s most acute labour shortage in living memory 248 apprentices have entered the automotive workforce, thanks to VACC and TACC.
At an invitation-only gala event in Melbourne – hosted by Shane Jacobson – the VACC Automotive Apprenticeships group scheme recognised graduating apprentices and trainees. TACC Automotive Apprenticeship award winners flew in for the event and were honoured during the ceremony.
Eight award winners also received recognition for outstanding achievements during their short automotive careers.
• The winner of VACC Apprentice of the Year was Daniel Balliro. Daniel has completed a Certificate III in Light Vehicle. Host business: Northern Motor Group in Bundoora.
The winner of TACC Apprentice of the Year was Will Dodge. Will has completed a Certificate III in Light Vehicle. Host business: Hobart Mitsubishi.
Next auto generation
The Outstanding 1st Year Apprentice award went to Hayden Smith, who completed a Certificate III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreter). Host business: Warragul City Motors. The winner of the Outstanding 2nd Year Apprentice was Aiden Evans who is currently completing a Certificate III in Light Vehicle. Host business: Mornington Mitsubishi and Isuzu Ute.
Outstanding 3rd Year Apprentice went to Samuel Lee who is currently completing a Certificate III in Light Vehicle. Host business: Princi Motors in Silvan.
The winner of the Outstanding Trainee of the Year was Joel Williams (Certificate II in Automotive Services). Host business: Aldek Automotive Services in Croydon South.
generation honoured
The VACC Progressive Excellence Award was won by Jack Black (Certificate III in Light Vehicle). Host business: Kevin Dennis Motors in Deer Park. The winner of the TACC Progressive Excellence Award was Sam Mitchell, who is currently completing a Certificate III in Light Vehicle. Host business: Jackmans Garage in Moonah.
“VACC congratulates all apprentice and trainee graduates, and award winners,” said VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym.
“Training and placing skilled workers into the automotive industry is amongst the most important work VACC does.
“The automotive industry nationwide is struggling to fill the 32,000 positions currently available. VACC Automotive Apprenticeships – led by Nigel Muller – is Australia’s largest automotive apprenticeship provider.
“The VACC Automotive Apprenticeships team does a magnificent job playing its part in supporting the automotive industry with the next generation of skilled workers across most sectors of the industry.”
Clockwise from left: MC Shane Jacobson is a hit with attendees; VACC and TACC apprentice and trainee award winners honoured on stage; Spirit Super was the proud event sponsor; Family and friends of graduates show their support; Special guest Kevin Sheedy takes part in a Q&A session with
MC Shane Jacobson; The 2019, 2020 and 2021 graduates pose for a group photo; VACC President Mark Awramenko encourages graduates to dream big
JASON MURRAY
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, SPIRIT SUPER
Jason Murray was appointed Spirit Super’s Chief Executive Officer in February 2022 and is responsible for leading the fund’s strategy, culture and operations. He brings significant financial services experience spanning banking, insurance and superannuation built through senior roles in Australia and the UK. Most recently, he was Chief of Member Experience at QSuper overseeing the development and implementation of the member and employer strategies including product, marketing, CX, business development and distribution responsibility. Jason sat down with Australasian Automotive to discuss a very important aspect of employment – superannuation.
Can you provide an overview of how superannuation works?
Superannuation is all about saving for retirement. Each pay, your employer puts money into a super fund on your behalf. Your money is pooled with other people’s super, and your super fund invests it in things like property, shares, and bonds to help it grow and increase value. Over time your contributions and investment earnings add up for you to use when you retire.
Tell us about your background.
I have a broad background in financial services spanning banking, insurance and superannuation built through senior roles in Australia and the UK. Most recently I was Chief of Member Experience at QSuper. I have a real passion for helping our members navigate to and through retirement, so they can confidently enjoy their postwork years. I joined Spirit Super because I could see the people here were absolutely aligned with that purpose.
In April 2021, MTAA Super and Tasplan merged to become Spirit Super, why did this occur?
We merged to provide better retirement outcomes for members. By combining funds, we significantly increased our scale and national footprint. This allows us to offer better value to members through reduced fees, enhanced products and services, and stronger investment capabilities. Importantly, the merger created certainty about our future.
What growth has Spirit Super seen as a result of the merger?
After the merger we have about 320,000 members and over $25 billion funds under management, so that’s a significant increase. This greater scale comes with a lot of efficiencies and savings that we pass on to members through reduced fees and improved services. Since the merger, our admin fees have dropped to $1.30 per week, and our estimated investment fees also decreased for seven of our nine investment options. We are also now a truly national super fund, with offices in Canberra, Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth and a passionate field force team committed to supporting and servicing rural and regional areas. So, we’re more accessible than ever.
Superannuation is often ‘out of sight, out of mind’ until people grow older. How does Spirit Super ‘cut through’ to get its messages to members and potential members?
This is a huge challenge for the super industry in general. Our approach is to make super as simple and straightforward as possible. That means giving our members the tools and information they need to manage their super quickly and easily. We do this through our digital interfaces, such as our app and website, and in-person through worksite visits and our super seminars, which we hold all around the country. We’re also not
afraid to try new ways to get in front of members. Recently, we had a successful marketing campaign delivered through mobile game platforms, which is not somewhere you’d expect a super fund to pop up! But that sparked a lot of interest.
How does Spirit Super invest its money and get the best gains for its members?
Superannuation is a long-term investment, so we take a long-term approach to our investment strategy. To help grow and protect our members’ retirement savings, we have a diversified portfolio of assets that balances investment returns and risks. This involves investing in a combination of growth assets, such as shares, infrastructure and property, and defensive assets, like fixed interest and cash. As a medium-sized fund, we also pursue compelling niche investment opportunities that bigger funds typically overlook, such as our recent investments in Geelong Port in Victoria and Parliament Square in Hobart. These ‘impact investments’ provide great value while also enhancing our members’ communities by supporting local manufacturing, small business growth, and new job opportunities.
What is Spirit Super’s market positioning?
At Spirit Super, we’re all about supporting hard-working Australians. Our goal is to be big enough to make a difference but small enough to care. That means having enough scale in terms of fund and membership size to provide real value through low fees and solid returns, while remaining
agile and responsive enough to provide superior personalised service. So, we don’t want to be the biggest fund out there. We want to maintain that close connection with members. We want them to be able to give us a call and know they’re talking to a real person who’s there to help them every step of the way. This plays a huge part in helping members get the most out of their super.
On the Spirit Super Board sits former VACC President, Peter Savage. How important is it to have automotive industry input on the board?
It’s hugely important. MTAA Super has been the national super fund for the motor trades and allied industries for over 30 years. That’s a history Spirit Super is immensely proud of and deeply committed to carrying on. Having Peter (Savige) help steer the fund allows us to maintain this close connection to the motor trades and ensures we understand what they need from their super fund as they continue to grow and evolve. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of the hard-working men and women who keep this country moving. We intend to repay this loyalty by continuing to provide fantastic service and value for many years to come. So, while it’s a new name and a bigger fund, we’re still committed to supporting motor trades.
Along with a primary residence, superannuation is usually the largest ‘nest egg’ a working person has. Do you think Australians are taking their retirement plans seriously enough?
Anecdotally, super has long been a passive concept for many Australians, with most people only really paying attention to it as they approach retirement. Over the last few years, however, I think we’ve seen many disengaged members start to wake up. Recent super changes, such as stapling members to super funds for life and the government’s early release scheme, have triggered people to start thinking about the state of their super account and where it needs to be. Hopefully, this will spark more engagement and empower members to take a more active approach to their financial futures.
Why is superannuation important for young people/apprentices?
Because, regardless of your job, you start earning super from day one of your career. And it’s in your best interest to make sure it’s working as hard as you are. I think the biggest regret many workers
have about super is not managing it earlier. Most don’t start actively engaging with it until they’re in their 40s or 50s. That means they ignore their super for the first 20 or so years they earn it! Young people also have a considerable advantage when it comes to super time. Super is, by definition, a long-term investment and grows through the magic of compound returns. So, the earlier you get it moving and start building it up, the more time it has to grow. In general terms, approximately how much superannuation should a working person have saved by retirement age?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to retirement, so it’s hard to put an exact figure on how much is ‘enough’. The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) releases regular figures that estimate the annual income needed to maintain a comfortable retirement lifestyle. Currently, this sits at about $45,000 per year for singles and $67,000 per year for couples. Of course, this will vary from person to person based on your health status, family situation, lifestyle, if you have a mortgage, etc. If you’re worried about not having enough in retirement, you should get advice from a qualified financial adviser. They can take a close look at your specific situation and let you know what you’ll need and what you should consider when planning for retirement. Most people can access qualified advisers through their super fund.
What are your four top tips for people currently working in the automotive industry who want to retire comfortably?
There is a lot people can do, but I’d start with these four:
1. Engage with your super now! Find out where your super is. Check your balance. Find out how many accounts you have. If you have multiple accounts, think about consolidating them into a single account. This can save you from paying multiple account fees. To get started, log into your online account and see where your super is at.
2. Start building your retirement savings early. Super grows through
compounding returns, so the more you put in early, the bigger your balance can grow. Even contributing as little as 10 dollars extra per week can add up to thousands later. The trick is to be consistent, so it has time to build up.
3. Know your investment options. Most super funds let you choose how your super is invested. At Spirit Super, we have nine investment options, each with different strategic goals and objectives. Being in the right investment option at the right time can boost your balance over the long term. So, it pays to know your options.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Too many people do nothing with their super because they don’t know how it works or where to start. But you don’t have to be an expert to get the most out of your super. That’s what we’re here for! So, if you have a question or need advice, contact your fund.
With the 2022/2023 financial year about to commence, what changes can we expect to see in superannuation?
The (Federal) Government made no major announcements about super in this year’s budget. However, a few changes are coming up that were announced previously. The first is the removal of the $450 monthly income threshold. Currently, you need to earn at least $450 per month to be eligible to earn super, which means a lot of part-time and casual workers have been missing out. This threshold will be removed from 1 July 2022 and will help a lot of people start earning super where they wouldn’t otherwise. The other significant change on 1 July 2022 is that members under 75 will be able to make or receive personal contributions and salary sacrificed contributions to super without meeting the work test. This will make it easier for older Australians to contribute to super for longer. And finally, the Superannuation Guarantee rate will also rise on 1 July 2022 from 9.5 per cent to 10 per cent and will continue increasing by 0.5 per cent every year until it reaches 12 per cent from 1 July 2025. That means more super for you.
Is nuclear fission all that it’s cracked down to be?
WORDS Paul Tuzson
THE world is certainly headed toward an electrified vehicle fleet. The exact characteristics of such a fleet will evolve as it grows but regardless, it’s going to need electricity – lots of electricity. Carbon free electricity from renewable sources is said to be the answer. Maybe. Base-load is another term frequently mentioned in the discussion of our energy future. Base-load generally means big power stations. The government currently favors gas-fired plants for this role because they have an improved carbon footprint compared with coal. In the short to medium term, as the EV fleet grows, base-load generation of some kind will remain necessary for mass charging EVs at night when everyone plugs in and there’s no sunshine or wind, not to mention general industrial needs. It’s clear that coal fired power stations won’t continue as an option, but gas also has its environmental opponents. Regardless, the government remains committed to gas and its recently released National Gas Infrastructure Plan considers the next 20 years. However, 20 years is a long time in politics and green issues are increasingly strong in public opinion. Further, while our medium term gas supply seems reliable it’s certainly not absolutely guaranteed into the longer term future. In consideration of the foregoing, is there anything that could replace fossil fuels altogether for base-load generation? Renewables coupled with extensive battery storage may be able to meet the challenge. Even so, it could be some time before renewable infrastructure is ubiquitous and interconnected to a degree suitable for replacing fossil fueled baseload capacity. Still, extensive renewables do remain a good idea, and for more than environmental reasons. More on that later. In many countries, big, regionally located nuclear power plants are a common option for driving base-load generating capacity. Regardless of its bad publicity,
nuclear power generation simply works. It’s true that nuclear has some genuine disadvantages but the process is safer than many of its opponents suggest. Education is needed. The following is a primer for the subject. As virtually everyone would know atoms consist of neutrons, protons and electrons. Splitting atoms apart by having neutrons collide with uranium nuclei is the basis of fission. This is our only feasible means of harnessing nuclear energy for power generation. There’s also much talk about fusion but we’ve been waiting a long time for that magical process to become sustainable and useful in anything other than a hydrogen bomb. All indications are we’ll be waiting much longer again. The joke among those considering the process is that sustainable fusion is about 20 years away - and it always will be. So, fission it is. Australia mines uranium ore and converts it to yellowcake (a mixture of uranium oxides) for export. About 99 per cent of natural uranium is uranium-238, which is not very radioactive (long half-life) and can’t be used as fuel in a conventional nuclear reactor. Also present is uranium-235, which is much more radioactive (short half-life) and well suited to the basic fission process. Enrichment involves separating uranium-235 from uranium-238.
It’s worth noting a long half-life is often cited as prima facie evidence of a nuclear hazard, but this isn’t entirely correct. The longer the half-life, the lower the radiation. Yellowcake has about the same level of radiation as the natural ore did in the ground, although it is more concentrated by volume. It’s fairly safe to handle with gloves but inhaling it is disastrous, so proper protective gear is mandatory. Uranium straight out of the ground is converted to a specific form of uranium oxide (U3O8). This is the main constituent of yellowcake. In turn, this is converted to uranium hexafluoride, which can be made gaseous under certain conditions. This gas
is pumped into the centre of a tall, narrow, cylindrical centrifuge. The extra mass of the uranium-238 causes it to move to the wall of the rapidly spinning cylinder while the lighter uranium-235 remains closer to the centre. Each isotope thus separated is drawn off. The amount of concentration achieved in each single centrifuge is miniscule so the gas passing out of each one is fed into another, then another, then another and so on in a cascade until the desired enrichment is achieved. This is the gas centrifuge method. A number of other processes can be utilised for gas separation but this is the most common modern method.
Importantly, all methods of separating uranium-238 and uranium-235 are time consuming, expensive and require considerable plant infrastructure. Also, the physical engineering requirements of a nuclear bomb are complex. The process is simply not available to a terrorist concocting a bomb in a garage. Fears over fission reactors became, and remain, focused on the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in the Ukraine, controlled at the time by the Soviet Union. Chernobyl took over from Three Mile Island (1979) as shorthand for inevitable nuclear disaster and in 2011 Fukushima was added to the list. Much of what’s said about these accidents is wrong or at least misleading. Although there were explosions at Chernobyl and Fukushima these were not nuclear explosions and nowhere near the magnitude of a nuclear explosion. In fact, a nuclear reactor core can never generate a nuclear explosion. The reason is that uranium fuel used in a nuclear reactor core is only enriched to perhaps four per cent. The material in a nuclear bomb is enriched to about 85 per cent.
Melbourne at night. At night when there’s no sun, power requirements are still huge. Many countries around the world rely on nuclear power for this
NUCLEAR ENERGY
steam and then caused the steam to dissociate into hydrogen and oxygen. In each case, this volatile mix exploded (but no containment breach at TMI). As we said, these were not nuclear explosions. There are many different types of nuclear reactors and the subject is rich in acronyms. PWRs (Pressurised Water Reactors) are the most common type (63 per cent). In these, the water that passes through the radioactive core doesn’t boil into steam. Rather, it’s pressurised so that it doesn’t boil at all, which allows it to reach temperatures much higher than 100 degrees Celsius. This high temperature water is pumped into a heat exchanger where it’s used to boil unpressurised water into steam and it’s this that drives the turbines. PWRs are less efficient than other common types because of the heat exchanger but they’re safer. BWRs (Boiling Water Reactors) are the next most common type (18 per cent). In these, the water that passes through the core is boiled into steam and passes directly into the turbines. The lack of a heat exchanger
Nuclear fusion is the process of splitting large atoms into smaller ones and gamma rays. Neutrons freed in the process move too fast to create further fission. A moderator must be used to slow them down to an appropriate speed for the chain reaction to continue (above left). Fusion is the opposite of fission. In this process, small atoms are forced together to make larger atoms and release energy. Utilising this process for generating power won’t occur for a long time, if ever (above right)
It’s highly unlikely another Chernobyllike event could happen. For a start, the Chernobyl reactor was different to current reactors. The complete lack of a thick concrete and steel containment vessel as seen on all modern reactors was a major design oversight. The Soviets realised this defect and built one – after the meltdown and the escape of much radioactive material! The operational procedures, design characteristics and installation decisions that led to the disasters at Three Mile Island, Chernobyl and Fukushima occurred for a range of different reasons in each case. There are simply too many factors with too many details to recount in these pages, even in summary. However, the litany of failures in these disasters all led to the same result for each reactor – cooling system failure and meltdown of the core (partial at TMI). Also, the resultant heat boiled the residual cooling water into
(as in a PWR) is what makes them more thermally efficient. Of course, this allows water from the core to leave the core.
Both PWR and BWR units are classified as LWRs (Light Water Reactors) because they use ordinary water. HWRs (Heavy Water Reactors) use heavy water, which is water in which the hydrogen atoms have a proton and a neutron instead of just a proton, as with ordinary hydrogen. Chemically, it’s the same as ordinary water but it’s about 10 per cent heavier. HWRs can use un-enriched or low-enriched uranium and save the cost of enrichment, but heavy water itself is much more expensive than ordinary water. PHWRs (Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors) are similar to PWRs in that water from the core is isolated from the turbines. PHWRs comprise 11 per cent of the world’s reactors. The UK uses mainly GCRs (Gas Cooled Reactors). In these, liquid coolant can’t boil
This is the eerie core of the Advanced Test Reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory (left). The Ranger uranium mine in the Northern Territory. Uranium can also be mined underground or by a process known as acid leaching. Regardless, uranium is not renewable. It’s a finite resource, which is why thorium is a good alternative and why alternative types of reactors are needed (above). The yellowcake we’ve heard about so often. Actually, it’s often much darker than this (right). A battery of gas centrifuges. Enriching uranium-238 is a long process involving many steps (far right)
RADIATION UNITS
RADIATION DECAY – The number of nuclei decays in one second (the number of decays per second indicates the amount of radioactivity)
1 becquerel (Bq - SI unit) = 1 decay per second
1 curie (Ci - alternative to becquerel) = 37Gbq (37X10 9 Bq) Ci is the number of decays per second in 1 gram of
Radium-226
1kg of coffee = 1000Bq
• 1 adult human (yes, humans are radioactive) = 4500Bq
• 1 gray (Gy – SI unit) = 1 joule of energy per kilogram of tissue
• 1 sievert (Sv – SI unit) = 1Gy
(Sv replaces rem and relates to ionising radiation and considers biological effectiveness)
1 rem (radiation equivalent man) = 0.01Sv
1 rad (radiation absorbed dose – alternative to gray) = 0.01Gy
1 roentgen (R) = 0.0096Gy = 0.96 rad
(R refers only to X-rays and Gamma rays – ionising radiation)
away because the carbon dioxide used as a coolant is already a gas. GCRs can also use unenriched uranium and run at higher temperatures to increase thermal efficiency. The type now in use in the UK is the AGR (Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor). These are, however, scheduled to be replaced with PWRs. The reactors mentioned above are the main types in service today. The question, though, is what’s to stop further disasters similar to the big three mentioned above? One of the most important changes is the adoption of ‘passive safety’ principles. These are safety
procedures that occur without human intervention. For example, more modern reactors are designed so the cooling water also controls, or moderates the speed of the neutrons (see illustration and caption). If all the water drains away the neutrons begin moving too quickly to interact with uranium nuclei, and the reaction stops. Hardware has also changed. In older reactors the indication a valve or other component was open or closed came from the switch and the power supplied to it. In newer systems the state of the components comes from within the components themselves. Sensing and digital technology have also improved enormously. There have been many advances. In summary, it’s probably fair to say the past has taught us to build better and safer modern reactors. However, the most exiting thing about nuclear energy is the future and the new types of reactors in development.
Also, some designs have a ‘freeze plug’ set in the bottom of the core vessel. If temperatures rise too far the plug melts and all the uranium containing liquified salt runs out into holding tanks full of neutron absorbers that kill the fission process. These features are further examples of the passive safety principle. Molten salt reactors can be designed to use a range of fissionable fuels including thorium, which is three or four times as plentiful as uranium. Again, Australia has plenty of it. Further, the waste products produced from thorium decay faster than those from the uranium fuel cycle so they don’t have to be stored for as long. Molten salt reactors are just one example of a class known as small modular reactors. The name says it all. These would be manufactured at scale in factories and transported sites on
Molten salt reactors use molten salt as a coolant rather than water. A number of groups are working on different designs. In some, the coolant also carries the reactor fuel, which means the core can be continuously refueled. Because molten salt can reach very high temperatures before boiling, the thermal efficiency of such reactors is better than PWRs. Also, the molten salt isn’t pressurised, so there’s less physical demand on the containment system. What’s more, because there’s no water present there’s no steam and no chance of evolved hydrogen causing an explosion.
If the molten salt coolant carrying fuel becomes too hot it expands and becomes less dense. The reduced density results in greater separation of the fuel elements and fission slows, which reduces temperature. The enriched uranium is converted into ceramic fuel pellets (below left). Fuel pellets are prepared for insertion into fuel rods (below right)
EFFECTS OF RADIATION DOSES
Radiation dose is usually expressed in milliseiverts (mSv) or microseiverts (μSv).
Airport security scan or eating a banana
0.1μSv (0.0000001Sv)
Dental X-ray
5.0μSv (0.000005Sv)
Average background radiation per day
10μSv (0.00001Sv)
Airline flight
40μSv (0.00004Sv)
Living in a brick building for a year or dose at 20km from Three Mile Island in 1979 (approx.)
70μSv (0.00007Sv)
One hour dose 3km SW of Fukushima more than eight days
post-disaster or a chest X-ray
100μSv (0.0001Sv)
Radiation per hour at Fukushima site one day after disaster or spinal X-ray
1mSv (0.001Sv)
CT scan
10mSv (0.01Sv)
Lowest dose per year for evident risk of cancer over lifetime
100mSv (0.1Sv)
1 hour in water in Fukushima surface water tunnels; non-fatal
radiation sickness
1000mSv (1.0Sv)
Death in two weeks
10000mSv (10.0Sv)
Death in two days
30000mSv (30.0Sv)
trucks, ready to be activated. SMRs don’t produce as much power as large scale reactors but they’re modular; as many as needed can be linked together on one site or in a more widely distributed and interconnected network of locations.
The principle can be further extended by utilising even smaller reactors known as micro-reactors, which can be very localised perhaps running a single large factory.
Regardless of how they’re powered, a modest number of big back-bone power stations constitute a vulnerability to disruption by hostile external interests. An unrealistic concern? Remember that Australia is rich in minerals essential for building the future. No one knows what international tensions might develop. A widely distributed network of microreactors coupled with battery backed solar on as many sky-facing surfaces as possible could be the best solution to the potential disruption of our electricity supply from external entities.
There are many aspects of the subject we haven’t covered here, for example, nuclear waste. That’s a whole subject on
Zirconium fuel rods being prepared for lowering into the core (above). Nuclear waste is often portrayed like this, emitting an oozing green slime. It doesn’t do so. Nuclear waste is a
its own. This is just a brief overview of an extremely complex subject. To be clear, though, we’re not saying Australia should adopt nuclear energy. Maybe nuclear energy could drive our driving future, maybe not. We’re simply saying that the subject and all its complexities, both positive and negative, should be discussed openly and rationally. Then again, with future technical advances, flying pigs might even become a viable means of transportation.
is the head of a reactor vessel (top). A PWR is the most common type of nuclear power plant. In it the coolant that passes through the core is isolated from the water to make the steam to run the turbine (diagram above). The Chernobyl reactor and the makeshift postdisaster containment building. This has now been replaced (above). Fusion power is the dream of many. If harnessed, it could provide virtually unlimited nuclear power with virtually no waste and complete safety. If that sounds too good to be true, it is. It may never work but if it does it will do so well into the future (below)
This
Image: Mads Eneqvist on Unsplash Image:
FINE TUNING AUTOMOTIVE MENTAL HEALTH
Words: Leanne Moyle
FTAMH Project Coordinator
THE Fine Tuning Automotive Mental Health Program (FTAMH) was developed by the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) and its program partner, Alcohol and Drug Awareness Australia. It is funded through WorkSafe’s WorkWell Mental Health Improvement Fund.
The aim of the program is to promote positive mental health and wellbeing and prevent mental injury by working with business owners and leaders within small to medium businesses to understand the key work-related risk factors that can impact mental health in the workplace. These are things like workload stress, poor workplace support, relationships, conflict and dispute resolution, role clarity and recognition, training and support, and the physical work environment.
Over the past two years, 250 businesses have taken the opportunity to participate in the FTAMH program. These businesses are from regional of Victoria – including Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Mansfield, Warragul and Sale – and across metropolitan Victoria.
COVID-19 restrictions permitting, our facilitators have been on the road conducting site visits and speaking with business owners and service managers about mental health in the workplace. They have provided resource material to assist these business leaders in managing work-related risk factors. Our facilitators
have also conducted many follow-up meetings, and offered support over the phone when unable to meet face-to-face.
The feedback about the program and our facilitators has been extremely positive and the resources have been well received by managers – many stating they are now more aware of the work-related risk factors and more confident in talking about mental health in the workplace.
Just some of the changes that have occurred as a result of this program are improved communication with the implementation of toolbox meetings, or the improved frequency and quality of toolbox meetings. Employers are taking the opportunity to display the mental health and support services posters in their workplaces and to incorporate them into the meetings to start the conversation about mental health.
Additionally, employers have reviewed or introduced induction programs for new employees and reviewed relevant policies and procedures. Many businesses have reviewed current practices and incorporated small changes, including considering how they can better support young and mature-aged workers. Businesses have also looked at improving flexibility where possible.
Although heavily impacted by COVID-19 restrictions at times, we are also
very pleased to have conducted Community Hub meetings in Mansfield and Warragul. Business owners and service managers were able to come together to share experiences and hear from subject matter experts. This funded program will come to an end on 30 June 2022, however, the Fine Tuning Automotive Mental Health website will remain in place and will continue to provide dedicated resource pages with printable posters, an action plan booklet and videos. Most importantly, it will contain a link to the WorkSafe WorkWell Toolkit, which provides stepby-step advice and practical resources to assist small business owners to create mentally healthy workplaces.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all businesses that have participated in this program, the Steering Committee that has provided direction and support and the program facilitators who covered many kilometres and worked tirelessly over the last two years to make this program a success.
To review resources and for more information about the Fine Tuning Automotive Mental Health program, visit: finetune.vacc.com.au
Digitally sculpting the future of our urban transport system
WORDS Paul Tuzson
CITIES around the world are becoming busier with every passing year and Melbourne is no different. Governments and transport infrastructure instrumentalities try to keep up but it’s a never ending game of leap frog. Widen a road, it fills up, widen another one. Build a new road or extension, it fills up, build another one. Build an overpass, make sure it can support a stationary queue of bumper to bumper traffic. The frustration is getting heavy. We will always need to improve and extend concrete and asphalt infrastructure, but doing so isn’t the whole solution to multimode transit inefficiency and congestion. Also, in some areas the physical infrastructure simply can’t be modified or extended. We need to find new ways to make the most of what we already have and also any new infrastructure we build in the future. We’ve published many technically oriented articles in the past covering cars in general, electrification of the vehicle fleet, autonomous vehicles, in-vehicle networking, V2V and V2X data exchange technology, AI, 5G and many more. Transport is a diverse consideration and the broad range of technologies underpinning it are in want of unification. AIMES (the Australian Integral Multimodal EcoSystem) is a first step in bringing all of these, and many other technologies, together in a pilot transit management system that rings in the future.
In its present form, AIMS covers the immediate northeast adjacent to the CBD. Specifically the area bounded by Lygon and Hoddle Streets, and Victoria and Alexandra Parades. It is equipped with a range of sensors and draws upon data from existing infrastructure. Eventually, it will be able to differentiate individual cars, trucks, buses, emergency vehicles, trams, cyclists and pedestrians across the entire area. The area defined by the AIMES project was chosen because all of these road users are present just about all the time. In addition to major thoroughfares, the AIMES area contains the Royal Exhibition Building, the Melbourne Museum, parks, residential areas, hospitals, a number of busy commercial retail/ restaurant strips and commercial buildings. These form nexuses for the various mobile actors listed. The AIMES area has it all, which makes it an ideal test-bed for the myriad interactions possible between all these elements. The organisational structure of the AIMES project is complicated. It comes under the auspices of the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Department of Transport. It also harmonises with the
Brunswick Street is one of the busy thoroughfares in the AIMES area. Like others, it gets clogged during peak hour (left). The Kaptch TrafficCom Intelligence Corridor is situated in Nicholson Street within the AIMES test area (below)
Smart Cities Plan from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, and the Australian Infrastructure Plan from Infrastructure Australia. And if all that challenges your short-term memory, just know that it’s nowhere near the full measure of the organisational complexity. There about 50 other commercial and research entities that enable the AIMES project. However, the greatest complexity lies in the data the system produces. Data is the future of any ITS (Intelligent Transport System) but gathering it from sensors is only half the story. It has to be stored, processed into some human relevant form, contextualised, interpreted and finally, acted upon. All this has to happen in real time. Whatever actions are taken must then be evaluated for success and fed back into the system to improve it. Interacting with all the data from all the sensors in the AIMES network in the way described is beyond humans. David Bolt, spokesman for Kaptch (a core contributor to AIMES) suggests if you have a thousand cameras it’s impractical to hire a thousand people to watch the output from them. While that’s true, it’s also a vast understatement of the difficulties involved. AI supplemented by narrower information technologies tailored to particular tasks must be utilised to augment human wetwear-driven decision making.
AIMES has always incorporated two important technologies called edge and fog computing. Edge computing refers to computing done at or close to the site of data acquisition. Fog computing is similar but broadens the idea to include a wider range data storage and computation between the acquisition nodes and more centralised servers. AIMES has been, and continues to
Kaptch is bringing its technical expertise to Melbourne. Here, the camera is pointed at the intersection of Brunswick Street and Victoria Parade. It detects and labels all vehicles, public transport elements, and people (top). Above l-r: The intersection of Nicholson Street and Victoria Parade. This is the southern end of the Intelligence Corridor. Keeping intersections clear is why Melbourne introduced yellow don’t block the box markings similar to this. Despite the yellow markings, cars still routinely block intersections. Intelligence Corridor technology senses this. Finally, the cars and pedestrians (and joggers) can cross. The Intelligence Corridor will help clear the way for emergency vehicles. Alexandra Parade and Nicholson Street from the northern end of the Intelligence Corridor. This can be a dangerous intersection for cyclists. Nicholson Street carries all types of traffic (blow left). Nicholson Street is often jammed with cars, trams, and pedestrians (below centre). Rathdowne Street is also in the AIMES area. It’s not always calm and clear like this (below right)
be, a good foundation for an ITS but greater resolution and finer control is the next step. This brings us to the next phase of AIMES, the Kaptch Intelligence Corridor, which was announced in March this year (2022).
The Intelligence Corridor is delineated by Nicholson Street between Alexandra and Victoria parades, and includes all the intersections along it. Kaptch TrafficCom is an Austrian based international company with enormous worldwide expertise in transit system analysis. The Intelligence Corridor is built on the data gathering and processing technology embodied in that expertise. There are other similar projects around the world but Kaptch suggests the Intelligence Corridor in Melbourne is the most advanced. The company says it wanted to do it here and in combination with The University of Melbourne because that’s where our future leaders are taking their degrees. The company says now is the time to get them engaged with technologically based transport management.
Majid Sarvi is professor of just about all transport related things at Melbourne University. He’s also the founder and a director of AIMES. He recounted one of the early trials as a practical example of how the system will work.
In the trial, Professor Sarvi drove a car connected to the system along a road in a monitored area. An assistant walking along looking at his phone started to cross against a simulated don’t walk signal. The system detected this event and within about a tenth of a second sent a message to Professor Sarvi warning him of the hazard, which was enough time for him to stop.
In the future, this sort of technology will be useful for reminding turning vehicles of pedestrians and perhaps issuing notifications of unseen hazards around corners. If such a hazard is of an enduring nature an alternative route could be suggested.
Importantly, in a relatively mature implementation of the technology, the assistant mentioned above would also
AIMES and now the Intelligence Corridor are not just about sensing road use, feeding the data into edge and fog systems and also to servers further up the line for deeper analysis. It’s about sending the results of kerbside analysis back to all relevant users in real time so it can be of some use in avoiding accidents and potentially sparing injuries or saving lives.
different types of artificial intelligence. Most importantly, there is a sub-class known as Machine Learning and it in turn has a sub-class known as Deep Learning. A relevant example of the difference would be vehicle classification. A machine learning system might be fed images of buses, cars, trucks, etc. These would be coupled with labels that identify them correctly. It’s a reiterative process in which the correct results are fed back into the system along with new data. Humans write the rules and the system improves with each iteration. Eventually, the machine learning algorithm learns to label new images of buses as buses and so on.
A deep learning system might be fed the same images and labels but they’d be uncoupled. The deep learning algorithm would just figure it all out. The results might still be assessed by humans but after the system is proven to run successfully, they may not. If a deep learning approach were truly necessary then there probably wouldn’t be enough time for human involvement in single decisions.
have received a warning by phone of the danger he was in as he walked. What do we mean by relatively mature? We mentioned that eventually the system will be ubiquitous, fully interconnected and constantly analysed by artificial intelligence. As this occurs, the system will get better and better. However, AI alone is an incomplete term. There are
Deep learning is well suited to unstructured data that humans struggle to process and comprehend, like those that AIMES and the Intelligence Corridor will gather. Even more broadly, when we say relatively mature we mean ubiquitous (beyond the AIMES area) and successfully utilising systems like deep learning to process staggering weights of data all in real time. However, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. At the moment, the Intelligence Corridor is a pilot program.
Kaptch says the four main aspects of the Intelligence Corridor are Safety, Demand Management, Traffic Insights and Congestion Reduction. Within these four the company has developed a series of real world use cases that represent challenges to every developed city around the world. The technology used determines queue length detection, vehicle speed, counting and classification, turning vehicles, pedestrian detection and Counting, Yellowbox zone monitoring, near-miss detection and SCATS (Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System) integration for SPaT (traffic Signal Phase and Timing).
Brunswick Street is always busy with pedestrians. AIMES can also help with local air quality to a limited extent (top left). The Exhibition Building and Museum next to it in Nicholson Street become extremely busy during various events (left). Any transport management system has to be able to detect and manage unexpected disruptions like this (above). Large scale planned disruptions, like the closure of Malvern Road for tram works, are extremely disruptive. A transport management system like that being trialed along the Intelligence Corridor will help reduce the disruption (below)
SCATS was developed in NSW and has been adopted widely around the world, hence the need for its integration. After all, the eventual aim will be to utilise Intelligence Corridor technology more broadly around Australia and across the globe.
SPaT is also an internationally used technology, which again makes it a necessary element in any ITS. It brings drivers closer to the dream run of green lights than chance ever could. Apart from improving traffic flow, altering the phasing of traffic signals has obvious benefits for emergency vehicles trying to get somewhere quickly under lights and bells. When implemented more widely it will mean much less gingerly creeping through busy intersections trying to avoid an accident on the way to save someone’s house or life. In addition to simply holding cars back at lights the cars themselves will receive notification of the approach of emergency vehicles. Road users will also receive notifications of events and works of disruptive nature. Anyone who stumbled upon the closure of Malvern Road between Chapel Street and Toorak Station unaware of the tram track works recently will appreciate the
pain reduction an in-car notification would have provided. The suggestion of an alternative route on approaching the area would have helped. True, there were warnings published in newspapers, on the PTV and Yarra Trams websites and in other places but many people missed them for a range of reasons.
Technology currently limited to the Intelligence Corridor will eventually be able to provide such advice about planned disruptions like tram and other works and special events. However, the system will also handle unplanned
disruptions like vehicle accidents and do so without indiscriminately dumping cars into resultant traffic jams. Of course, with so many variables among so many road users the system will never be perfect, no matter how much AI is applied to it. Still, the improvements should be noticeable. It will be interesting to see if that’s the case along Nicholson Street as the trial proceeds. Although this system identifies individual vehicles, we are assured privacy will not be an issue. It’s said the volume of data will be so enormous that keeping it won’t be possible. While that’s true, it’s not just a matter of sifting through stored historical data. The data pertaining to a nominated target vehicle or individual could be kept. Indeed, even at this stage, the Intelligence Corridor will detect all sorts of offences like blocking intersections, speeding, crossing against Don’t Walk signals, etc. If a penalty system is ever introduced for detected offences, short-term identifying data storage will have to be introduced. This will never be a concern for pilot programs like AIMES and the Intelligence Corridor but in the more distant future when the technology is mainstream and widespread it certainly will be. While the forgoing is true, Joseph Goebbels assured us that “If you have nothing to hide then you have nothing to fear”. Of course, that’s a facetious and overly paranoid example for this case. The reality is all IT tends to erode our privacy. As a society we’ve pretty much decided en masse, though unwittingly for the most part, to make these trade-offs. For anyone who regularly has to while away the hours creeping and sitting in traffic it’s a no-brainer; it’s a worthwhile exchange. AIMES and the Intelligence Corridor herald the future and we welcome it. After all, most of us have nothing to hide…
Facilitators will:
• assess current workplace practices
• suggest helpful improvements
• develop an easy-to-implement action plan
• provide resources and ongoing guidance.
FORD TERRITORY SZ 2.7LITRE
DURATORQ: HIGH PRESSURE PUMP & BELT REPLACEMENT
2006 - 2012 Citroen C6 | 2011 - 2016 Ford Territory SZ | 2008 - 2015 Jaguar XF 2004 - 2007 Jaguar S Type | 2005 - 2009 Jaguar XJ | 2004 - 2009 Land Rover Discovery III 2004 - 2011 Peugeot 407 | 2005 - 2013 Range Rover Sport
The SZ series Territory was released in 2011 and offered a 2.7-litre V6 diesel engine. The engine variant used in the Territory is a common rail diesel and the high-pressure pump is driven via a toothed belt from the rear of the lefthand head’s exhaust camshaft. The high-pressure pump is mounted at the rear of the engine in the valley between the banks. This article outlines the procedure to replace the injector pump and injector pump drive belt.
THIS 2.7-litre engine was originally launched in 2004 as a part of the LION engine family, developed by Ford in partnership with Peugeot, Citroën, and Jaguar/Land Rover. Variations of this engine have been used in many vehicles, and the engine has had many identification codes such as DT17, UHZ10 and AJD-V6. Ford marketed it under the Duratorq label.
The following procedure is based on the 2011 Ford Territory and will be similar to other vehicles that share this engine. The injector pump belt should be replaced with the tensioner every 240,000km or every 10 years.
Special tools required:
310-161A: Fuel Injection Pump Holding Tool
310-160A: Fuel Injection Pump Remover
The high-pressure pump is mounted at the rear of the engine in the valley.
Tip: Degrease and wash the engine down before disassembly to reduce the chance of foreign material entering the fuel system. Once the system has been opened, make sure to plug all hoses and fittings.
Belt removal:
1. Disconnect the battery
2. Remove the engine cover
3. Remove injector sound insulation
4. Remove the belt cover by releasing the three clips. See Diagram 4
5. Cut the belt to remove it from the engine
6. Remove the bolt from the centre of the belt tensioner. Discard the
tensioner and the bolt.
See Diagram 3.
Belt assembly:
1. Ensure all parts are clean, dry and free from damage. Note: Do not remove the tensioner locking pin before the tensioner and belt have been installed onto the engine
2. Fit a new tensioner to the engine, ensuring that the locating tab is inserted into the hole in the pump rear cover. See Diagram 3
3. Tighten the new tensioner bolt to 25Nm
4. Fit the new belt around the pulleys
Diagram 1 - High-pressure pump location
Diagram 2High-pressure pump belt layout
This belt is at the rear of the engine, and there is limited room between the engine and the firewall.
Rear cover access panel
NOTE: There are no timing marks as the highpressure pump is not timed to the engine.
sprocket on rear of exhaust
on LH bank
Note: There are no timing marks as the pump is not timed to the engine. See Diagram 2. Some belts might have a directional arrow. If this is the case, ensure the belt is fitted in the correct direction. When viewed from the rear of the engine the high-pressure pump rotates anti-clockwise
5. Remove and discard the tensioner locking pin. See Diagram 3
6. Refit the belt cover, ensuring the locating tabs on the cover engage with the holes in the rear cover and the three clips engage correctly. See Diagram 4
7. Reassemble all other components in reverse order.
High-pressure pump removal
1. Remove all parts to remove the injector pump belt
2. Remove the oil separator vent
3. Disconnect the wiring harness connectors from the high-pressure pump
4. Remove the quick release fittings for the fuel supply and return lines from the pump
5. Remove the two high-pressure lines from the pump to the fuel rails and discard. Install plugs into the fuel rails and pump
6. Remove the two bolts from the rear cover access panel and remove the panel. See Diagram 2
7. Remove the two mounting bolts from the rear of the high-pressure pump
8. Remove the two mounting bolts from the front of the high-pressure pump. See Diagram 2
9. Remove the high-pressure pump from the engine. See Diagram 1
10. Fit special tool 310-161A or something similar to hold the high-pressure pump pulley while you loosen the pulley nut
11. Use special tool 310-161B or an appropriate puller to remove the pulley from the high-pressure pump.
High-pressure pump installation
1. Fit special tool 310-161A or something similar to hold the high-pressure pump pulley while you tighten the nut which will pull the pulley onto the pump shaft
2. Once the pulley is seated, fully tighten the nut to 50Nm
3. Install the pump onto the engine and fit the front and rear mounting bolts
4. Tighten the front and rear mounting bolts to 23Nm. See Diagram 2
5. Refit the rear cover access panel and tighten the bolts to 7Nm. See Diagram 2
6. Fit two new high-pressure pipes from the pump to the fuel rails. Tighten the new high-pressure pipes in the following four steps: 1st: Tighten the flare nut on the fuel rail to 15Nm
High-pressure pump sprocket
High-pressure pump front mounting bolts
Diagram 3 - High-pressure pump belt tensioner
When fitting the tensioner, ensure the locating tab is inserted into the hole in the pump rear cover.
WARNING: Do not remove the tensioner locking pin before the tensioner and belt have been installed onto the engine.
2nd: Tighten the flare nut on the fuel pump to 15Nm
3rd: Tighten the flare nut on the fuel rail to 30Nm
4th: Tighten the flare nut on the fuel pump to 30Nm
7. Reconnect the quick release fittings for the fuel supply and return lines to the pump
Drive
camshaft
Belt tensioner
We would like to thank the team from First Auto Plus for their assistance with this article. firstautoparts.com.au | 03 8770 2255
4 - High-pressure pump belt cover
VACC Technical Services has launched into a new era of product offerings that will change the automotive technical information game in Australia.
VACC has signed a multi-year deal with the famous British-based Haynes Publishing Group, bringing to market a suite of products, unsurpassed in Australia, under the banner of VACC MotorTech.
VACC MotorTech brings together VACC’s proven Tech Online, Times Guide, Tech Estimate, Tech Advisory Service and Tech Talk products with the might of Haynes’ international know-how, to provide an enormous (and evergrowing) amount of technical service and repair information to subscribers. Available now for subscription are four ‘solutions’: Maintenance, Service & Repair, Diagnostics and Commercials. These new products are positioned at an unbeatable price and VACC members receive generous discounts of up to 50 percent. Haynes is best known in Australia for its Haynes manuals that have been in print since 1965 and have sold over 200 million copies worldwide. However, they also
8. Reassemble all other components in the reverse order
9. To bleed the fuel system, cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times for approximately 45 seconds
10. Attempt to start the engine. If unsuccessful, cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times again and retry.
Warning: These vehicles have a low-pressure electric lift pump in the fuel tank which is also used to prime and bleed the system. It is a common fault for these pumps to fail, which means that you will not be able to bleed the system. See Tech Talk May 2015 page 3977. They also have a ‘run dry protection’ system to prevent damage to the Piezo injectors. See Tech Talk Jan/Feb 2015 page 3939.
11. Start the engine and check for leaks
12. Test drive and recheck for leaks.
13. With a compatible scan tool, check for codes, then repair and clear as required. The workshop manual does not state that there is any relearn required if a new pump has been installed.
For more information on these vehicles and engines, log on to VACC MotorTech or contact VACC TechAdvisory Service Phone: 1300 130 116.
VACC Technical has changed
provide automotive service, repair and diagnostic information via different online products, designed for automotive professionals under the HaynesPro brand.
Until the agreement with VACC, HaynesPro products have not been available in the Australian market in such affordable and convenient packages.
The HaynesPro products include:
• HaynesPro Manuals AllAccess Cars allows access to all Haynes manuals online, providing step-by-step repair and service information, along with extra details not published in the hard copy versions. The Haynes OnDemand video tutorials – available for many of the most popular models – are the ultimate aid to getting vehicles correctly serviced and repaired.
• HaynesPro WorkshopData Tech contains extensive maintenance information like repair times, timing belt and chain replacement procedures, capacities, wheel alignment, torque specification and over 100,000 high-quality technical drawings.
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HaynesPro WorkshopData Truck includes WorkshopData Tech, WorkshopData Electronics and WorkshopData Smart. It is the most effective application from fault to fix.
The agreement between VACC and Haynes provides automotive business owners new options and easy access to repair information and vehicle repair times not available previously, in bundles to suit every business’s needs.
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Diagram
Engage the locating tabs of the belt cover into the holes on the bottom edge of the rear cover.
Rear cover clips
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• Business interruption
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D-MAX & COLORADO CLUTCH BLEEDING
2008-2018 D-MAX | 2008-2018 Colorado
The VACC TechAdvisory Service has been receiving calls from members having trouble bleeding the hydraulic clutch systems on the Holden Colorado and Isuzu D-Max. This article will give a brief overview of the variations in the system and how to bleed them.
LIKE many other hydraulic clutch systems, these vehicles have at least one clutch damper, in some cases two, and some will have a solenoid valve mounted on the rear of the slave cylinder. One of the purposes of the damper is to absorb driveline vibrations being transmitted as pulsations through the fluid back to the master cylinder. Without the damper these pulsations could result in a vibration in the firewall, or the driver could feel the pulsations through the clutch pedal.
The second, more modern purpose of a clutch damper is to reduce the amount of shock on the driveline from quickly releasing the clutch. The damper delays the return speed of the fluid which allows the clutch to take up gradually. Some vehicles have a solenoid valve on the rear of the slave cylinder for the same purpose. The solenoid is only energised in first and reverse gears to slow the clutch engagement and reduce the shock.
Some early Rodeos had clutch damper problems which caused the clutch to release incorrectly, leading to new clutch kits being fitted – with no improvement.
Log in to VACC MotorTech or contact the VACC TechAdvisory Service for more information. Phone: 1300 130 116.
Clutch Slave Cylinders
Above is the slave cylinder from a 2017 D-Max which has two clutch dampers to assist in controlling the clutch engagement.
Clutch Dampers
This is the damper which is mounted on the firewall from which the flexible line goes to the other damper. It is used to absorb pulsations.
Bleeding Procedure
1. Apply park brake
2. Top up the master cylinder with the specified brake fluid (DOT 4)
3. Fit a clear tube to the bleed nipple on the slave cylinder, and the other end into a bottle with clean brake fluid
4. Pump the clutch pedal several times and then hold the pedal down
This is the slave cylinder from an RG Colorado. The system has a solenoid valve which is switched on in first and reverse gear.
This damper is mounted on the gear box just before the slave cylinder. It delays the return of the clutch fluid.
5. With the pedal held down, open the bleed nipple and release the fluid and air from the system.
6. Close the nipple
7. Repeat the above steps until no air comes out of the nipple
8. Repeat the above steps to bleed the air from the clutch dampers. There are no bleed nipples, so you will have to loosen the line fittings
9. Re-bleed the slave cylinder.
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Becoming a VACC or TACC member opens up a wide range of special offers and discounted products and services for you and your business. VACC and TACC have collaborated with organisations which provide essential services to your business to offer special low rates for members. Couple the savings from discounted products and services with the subsidised services which VACC itself offers to members, and your annual membership can easily pay for itself. Everything from IR advice, to cheaper EFTPOS terminals to technical solutions is on offer. This guide gives you an idea of the offers which you can access, as well as a number of other collaborations.
Workplace/IR Advice
Members can access services including a call centre for employment-related questions, a web page with award rates and policy and employment fact sheets, writing of employment contracts, handbooks and policies, and member and industry representation.
03 9829 1123 ir@vacc.com.au vacc.com.au
Auto Apprenticeships
VACC takes the hassle out of hiring trainees and apprentices, as businesses are matched with high quality candidates who meet strict selection criteria. VACC also looks after all administration aspects of the apprenticeship, including visits by Field Officers.
VACC MotorTech brings together VACC’s Tech Online, Times Guide, Tech Estimate, Technical Advisory Service and Tech Talk products with Haynes’ international know-how, to provide an enormous amount of technical service and repair information to subscribers.
nib has a mission and vision of people enjoying better health. VACC and TACC members (including their staff) receive a corporate discount on nib’s retail health insurance products. 1800 13 14 63 nib.com.au/corp/vacc
Website Services
OurAuto Digital provides a one-stop solution for your business’ website, including a custom design, rendering for smartphones and tablets, email accounts and hosting. Businesses are able to update web content themselves. VACC and TACC members receive these services at a discounted rate.
1300 687 288 ourautodigital.com.au
OurAuto iStore
Businesses can purchase a wide range of items, including personalised stationery, consumables such as floor mats and seat covers, workplace safety signage and much more. Member businesses automatically receive a discount on purchases.
03 9829 1152 ourautoistore.com.au
A Grade
The A Grade Automotive Network is a network of VACC member businesses that are dedicated to providing customers a better quality experience across all aspects of vehicle maintenance and repairs. Participants are contractually bound and VACC certified, and are publicly promoted in various forms of advertising.
03 9829 1202 goagrade.com.au
Fine Tuning Automotive Mental Health (FTAMH)
Funded by the WorkSafe WorkWell Mental Health Improvement Fund, VACC has developed FTAMH. The program provides free information, resources and practical measures to help automotive business owners identify and prevent mental health issues in the workplace.
03 9829 1130 finetune.vacc.com.au
EFTPOS Facility
Commonwealth Bank could provide the expertise, insights, technology and financial solutions to help your business move forward. Our Commonwealth Bank Business Banking Specialists can guide you through available business solutions to suit your business needs.
03 9829 1152 vacc.com.au
Training & Education
Members can access automotive industryspecific training programs in business management, industrial relations/human resource management, technical and OHS & Environment. Skills Development Centre also facilitates short courses, online programs and diploma and degree qualifications.
03 9829 1130 info@vaccsdc.com.au vaccsdc.com.au
Freight Services
VACC and TACC members receive discounted rates and benefits, including trace and track capabilities, one number to call, one easy-to-understand invoice, and online job quoting, booking and tracking. Contact VACC for an application form.
03 9829 1152 vacc.com.au
OurAuto Diagnostic Tool
Easy-to-use diagnostic tool with class leading automotive fault technology, including seamless integration with VACC MotorTech, providing auto-detection, top range health reports and monthly updates. The Diagnostic Tool is available on a convenient monthly subscription plan.
1300 687 288 ourautoscantool.com.au
Environmental Advice
VACC members can benefit from environmental compliance advice, briefings, training and on-site assessments. Green Stamp is an accreditation program that recognises and promotes businesses which have implemented sound environmental practices.
Spirit Super is a multi-industry super fund with over 321,000 members and $26 billion in funds under management. We work hard for members through low fees, excellent service, and a focus on competitive investment returns.
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Make it Cheaper
MiC is the leading energy price comparison service for Australian businesses. VACC and TACC members have access to a free energy bill review. Then MiC works with leading retailers to find a competitive deal.
1300 915 162 compare.makeitcheaper.com.au/vacc
OH&S Services
Members can access consultation and advice on OHS issues, including incident management, policies, workers’ compensation and more. OHS specialists provide workplace assessments and training, and administer the HazCheck management system.
03 9829 1138 ohs@vacc.com.au vacc.com.au
Officeworks
Officeworks is here to support VACC and TACC members with over 40,000 products, business services and specialist advice. Members can sign up for an Officeworks 30 Day Business Account, and enjoy exclusive business pricing and flexible delivery options.
Remondis Australia is VACC’s preferred provider of general and prescribed waste services. VACC members benefit from a customised waste management plan and discounted rates.
03 9829 1152 vacc.com.au
JobFinder Services
Partner with VACC and TACC, connect with 5,000 members. Call 03 9829 1152
VACC Helpline provides a free job advertising service on the JobFinder website. Any automotive business, VACC member or not, can advertise qualified and apprenticeship vacancies. All enquiries go direct to you for screening. 03 9829 1133
autoadvice@vacc.com.au vacc.com.au
Apprentice Support
VACC Helpline provides apprentices and businesses a free automotive apprenticeship sign-up and advisory service to assist all parties at any time. With years of experience and knowledge, it’s well worth a quick phone call to put you in the right direction.
03 9829 1133
autoadvice@vacc.com.au | vacc.com.au R
THE GRILLE
Podcast for automotive professionals and motoring enthusiasts. Join Greg Rust, Shane Jacobson and VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym for industry news, a special guest from the automotive world and plenty of laughs along the way. info@thegrillepodcast.com.au thegrillepodcast.com.au
Auto Workplace Assist
A convenient go-to solution for supporting automotive workplace compliance needs. Health and Safety can be a complex, high risk and costly area for workplaces. AWA offers readymade, industry-specific compliance products, so that business owners can get on with the job at hand.
1300 585 136 autoworkplaceassist.com.au
TACC
Founded in 1930, TACC serves the automotive industry in Tasmania and amalgamated with VACC in 1999. TACC members gain access to all of the same products and services as VACC members, however TACC also has a number of additional services for its membership.
03 6278 1611 | tacc.com.au
Insurance
Automotive business owners can access competitive solutions through OurAuto Insurance. Specifically designed to meet to the unique risk profile of the automotive industry, OurAuto Insurance can help your business access the best cover at an affordable rate.
1300 441 474 ourautoinsurance.com.au
Graphic Design
VACC’S Marketing department can assist members with their graphic design requirements at a subsidised rate. Services include business cards, logo re-designs, corporate image overhauls, brochures and advertisements.
03 9829 1189 creativeservices@vacc.com.au
Workplace Update
All VACC and TACC members receive Workplace Update on a monthly basis via email, with issues also available on the VACC website. The publication provides the latest news and information regarding workplace and industrial relations, OHS and environment, business obligations and training opportunities.
03 9829 1123 vacc.com.au
Advertising
Members receive Australasian Automotive magazine as a member benefit and have access to preferential advertising rates. The VACC marketing department can help members by designing advertisements at a heavily subsidised rate.
John Eaton 0407344433 jeaton@ourauto.com.au
Tech Talk
Included in VACC/TACC membership is a subscription to the Tech Talk publication, the premier technical publication of the VACC Technical Services Department since 1986. The journal is printed 11 times a year, while a backcatalogue of articles is available as part of the Tech Online website.
03 9829 1292 vacc.com.au
Test and Tagging
ETCS offers TACC members electrical service state-wide, including installation, testing and tagging, and assisting with OHS requirements. TACC members can access special member rates.
1300 724 001 | etcs.com.au
TACC Apprenticeships
TACC takes the hassle out of hiring trainees and apprentices, as businesses are matched with high quality candidates who meet strict selection criteria. TACC also looks after all administration aspects of the apprenticeship, including visits by Field Officers.
03 6278 1611 | tacc.com.au
Roadside Help
TACC members who want to reward their loyal customers can do so though TACC’s Roadside Help program. Members purchase vouchers to give to customers, which customers can use for free help for a flat battery, tyre change, fuel or a tow back to the member’s business.
03 6278 1611 tacc.com.au
TACC Accreditation
TACC Accredited Repairers are promoted to the community as a group of professional businesses who deliver high quality repairs and services. Participating members enter into a contract with TACC to deliver a more professional level of service. TACC promotes these members.
03 6278 1611 tacc.com.au
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