The best of the best in automotive were revealed as part of VACC’s 2023 President’s Gala Dinner festivities
08 BEYOND BUGS
Australia has strict biosecurity laws. That’s good, but there’s a backlog of cars thanks to COVID-19, and the flow-on effects are serious
10 MIXED BAG
The latest automotive business counts from the Australian Bureau of Statistics paint an interesting picture
14 POSITIVE CULTURE
Automotive is feeling the impact of an unprecedented skills shortage. So, looking after staff has never been more important
16 BIG OPPORTUNITY
The transition to electric vehicles (EV) presents many opportunities across the whole EV value chain. Can Australia pivot and take advantage?
18 GOOD HANDS
VACC ambassador Shane Jacobson breaks down VACC and TACC services. And there’s a lot going on behind the famous orange sign
20 AIA WINNERS
HS West Motors celebrates 75 years of VACC membership. Time to head to Cobram and learn the family’s secret to success 8
Automotive Industry Awards winners revealed! Find out which member businesses and apprentices took home a win
23 75 YEARS YOUNG
FE ATURES
26 SHOWING OFF
The 44th Bangkok International Motor Show did not disappoint. Its world-leading concept sells the stuff of auto dreams – literally
32 TAIWAN THRILLS
Dual automotive shows ran in April at the Nangang Exhibition Center in Taipei. Exhibits were truly something to behold
38 BIG CHAIR
Podium Founder and CEO Eric Rea knows customer communication is the key to success. Podium gives you the tools to cash in
42 CHAIN REACTION
Automotive supply chains are some of the most complex in the world – and vulnerable. Maybe it’s time to think outside the box
TECHNICAL
48 IN THE KNOW
Knowledge is power and the Mazda CX-9 brake booster and plastic sump plugs are on the technical agenda this issue
54 SERVICE DIRECTORY
Find everything from the latest products to the best business services you need, all in one place 56
BUSINESS INDEX
Take advantage of VACC and TACC corporate partnerships and services, and drive your business forward
Bendix Ultimate 4WD Big Brake Upgrade Kits are available for selected 4WD wagons and dual cab utes. Featuring advanced brake pads, disc brake rotors, calipers, braided lines and a host of ancillary items, you can work, explore or tow knowing that you can stop safely with Bendix.
Front Kit Contents
2 × Ultimate 4WD Disc Brake Rotors
1 Set × Ultimate 4WD Brake Pads
2 × Bendix 6-Piston Monoblock Calipers
Bracket Mounting Kit
1 Front Set × Ultimate 4WD Brake Hoses
ULTIMATE 4WD BRAKE PADS
1 Litre Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
ADR Certification
1 × Can Bendix Cleanup
1 × Tube Ceramasil Brake Parts Lubricant 60L Icebox
FEATURES: BENEFITS:
Ceramic Material Low Dust, Low Noise, while providing high temperature stability and excellent fade resistance
Mechanical retention system backing plate MRS technology used in commercial vehicle brake pads, for improved pad attachment strength, for heavy duty operating conditions
Designed for Slotted Rotors Works best with slotted rotors, delivers confident stopping in all conditions
Rear Kit Contents
2 × Ultimate 4WD
Disc Brake Rotors
1 Set × Ultimate 4WD Brake Pads
2 × Bendix Calipers
Bracket Mounting Kit
Park Brake Mechanism
1 Rear Set × Ultimate 4WD Brake Hoses
1 Litre Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
ADR Certification
1 × Can Bendix Cleanup
1 × Tube Ceramasil
Brake Parts Lubricant
1 × 60L Icebox
NOTE: Images for illustration purposes only. Contents may vary.
ULTIMATE 4WD DISC BRAKE ROTORS
FEATURES: BENEFITS: 4WD Metallurgy Disc brake rotor manufactured using SAE J431 material standards. Robust, higher strength and wear resistant for durability in all conditions.
Diamond Tip Slot Allows gasses to escape in heavy duty driving, delivering consistent output and better self cleaning for off road conditions
SwiftFit Protective zinc coating which is ready to fit
Pillar Construction
Improved thermal stability
ULTIMATE 4WD BRAKE HOSES
FEATURES: BENEFITS: Braided line with protection sleeve Delivers a firm brake pedal, that won’t over expand under high pressure
Meets SAE J1401
Compliant to international design standards, won’t affect warranty
Designed to fit Fits your application without any modification
THE President’s Gala Dinner in May proved there’s plenty of talent in the industry and lots of support for outstanding events.
Over 700 members and guests from across Victoria and Tasmania attended Crown Palladium to support the industry night of nights, which incorporated the Automotive Industry Awards (AIA) and VACC and TACC Automotive Apprenticeships awards and graduation.
We received a record amount of entries and a standards expert conducted judging and auditing to separate the close field which, this year, set the bar high.
The categories for the 2023 Automotive Industry Awards (AIA) were:
President’s Award Employer of the Year
President’s Award Employee of the Year
Best Small Automotive Business
– Regional Victoria
Best Large Automotive Business
– Regional Victoria
Best Small Automotive Business
– Metropolitan Victoria
Best Large Automotive Business
– Metropolitan Victoria
Best Small Automotive Business – Tasmania
Best Large Automotive Business – Tasmania
On the night, we revealed the AIA winners, and celebrated the next generation, VACC and TACC Automotive
MANAGING
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
Steve Bletsos, John Caine, Geoff Gwilym, Shane Jacobson, Rod Lofts, Bruce McIntosh, Paul Tuzson, John Khoury
DAVID DOWSEY
NIGHT OF NIGHTS
Apprenticeships’ award winners and graduating apprentices (see page 20).
VACC President Chris Hummer presented two special new awards this year, the President’s Award Employer of the Year, and the President’s Award Employee of the Year. These awards shone a spotlight on people, the most valuable asset the automotive industry has.
Chamber ambassador Shane Jacobson hosted the event, and the gala was packed full of entertainment, gourmet food and beverages, magic, music, and dancing.
The Voices Supergroup – featuring Boom Crash Opera’s Dale Ryder and Choirboys’ Mark Gable – cranked up the volume and, with numerous sets providing ample time for people to dance the night away. Meanwhile, illusionist
Matt Hollywood delivered magic with a comedic edge that really hit the spot.
Special thanks to major event partner DENSO for its support, as well as the AIA category sponsors Podium, OurAuto Insurance, Commonwealth Bank, Haynes Australia, Zembl, and Bendix.
On the apprenticeship front, Spirit Super, Mas National, the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance, and SP Tools generously sponsored the award-winning graduates.
All winners on the night also received a $250 gift voucher from SP Tools.
The Automotive Industry Awards is locked and loaded for next year, with the President’s Gala Dinner and awards ceremony booked for 24 June 2024. Visit the Automotive Industry Awards website: automotiveindustryawards.com.au
of
or
of
titles, unfair competition, breach of
or fair
legislation, violation of rights of
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 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 is subject to the conditions set out in the Australasian Automotive rate card, available
Lighting for Maximum Vision
The Maxi Trac LED Light range features round driving light kits, single and dual row light bars, work lights, headlights, LED globes, wiring harness and mounting equipment.
The Maxi Trac LED light range is designed to be used on every adventure. Exclusive to the Repco network, Maxi Trac products are backed by a nationwide warranty, offering accessibility to adventurers across Australia.
IS biosecurity affecting new cars? Yes. Globally, about 80 million cars are made a year and COVID-19 caused huge disruptions in the supply chain. Australia has rigorous biosecurity laws, and that’s good for agriculture and for the broader community. But we’re finding some countries (China is high on the list) are now sending over cars that have bugs and seeds, and all sorts of stuff on them. Some reasons for this are electronic parts shortages in car manufacturing, and supply chain issues over the COVID-19 years. These factors meant many cars produced overseas sat in outside storage areas in their country of manufacture, waiting for extended periods to have parts added or shipped. Some through a spring or summer period. The downstream effects of this in Australia are devastating, for consumers and industry.
In Victoria alone, we have multiple freight ships sitting out in the bay waiting for bio-security checks to take place on a glut of affected vehicles. Bio security vehicle checks are laborious and a lack of human resources has meant
AUSSIE BIOSECURITY
waiting times for many cars is out by weeks – sometimes months. This is a federal matter and even though the Port of Melbourne has its own minister here in Victoria, bio security in all Australian ports is a federal matter. While consumers wait for their vehicles, we have major new-car dealerships looking at dwindling floor stock. What’s worse is a lack of government intervention, in the form of additional resources to speed up this process. And why is it in some Australian ports a car can get through an inspection process in five days, yet in Victoria the same process can take weeks? This isn’t about the good work of the local bio security teams, it’s a need for the feds to get more people in there right now… or this ship is going down.
Want to hear more from VACC CEO and Acting MTAA CEO Geoff Gwilym? Read his weekly column in The Herald Sun or join him – along with co-hosts Greg Rust and Shane Jacobson – on THE GRILLE podcast. There’s auto news and views, industry insights and trends, special guests, and plenty of laughs along the way. Visit: thegrillepodcast.com.au
STEVE BLETSOS
STRONG BUSINESS GROWTH
THE latest counts of businesses released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) paint an interesting picture in terms of how the automotive industry has fared since emerging out of the worst of the COVID-19 period. ABS data as at end of June 2022 shows there was a total of 79,747 automotive businesses operating in the economy – a net increase of 4,551 businesses or six per cent over June 2021. On paper, this is a strong result, well surpassing the 3.4 per cent business growth achieved in 2021 during the height of the pandemic. At the time it was supported by many business assistance measures implemented by the previous Federal Government, such as the JobKeeper program, the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy program and other initiatives.
While the height of the COVID-19 period saw a large fall in the number of sole trader businesses across the automotive industry, the latest ABS data shows sole traders are back with a vengeance. In particular the data shows:
Of the 4,551 new automotive businesses created in June 2022, almost three-quarters (72.2 per cent) were sole traders with no employees
32.8 per cent were new small/ micro businesses with between one-to-four employees
Small businesses with between five-19 employees fell by four per cent (or -181 businesses)
Medium size businesses with between 20-199 employees fell by 0.9 per cent (or -40 businesses)
Large businesses with 200 or more employees fell by 0.1 per cent (-4 businesses).
Therefore, sole traders and small/micro businesses were the only business types that increased between June 2021 and June 2022, and their growth was spread across 80 per cent of the automotive industry. Most notably, the largest increases in these businesses occurred within the following sectors:
• Passenger car hire and rental (up 15.3 per cent or 360 businesses)
Motor vehicle dismantling and used parts wholesaling (up 10.6 per cent or 158 businesses)
Automotive body, paint, and interior repair (up 10.1 per cent or 1,306 business)
Car wholesaling (up 9.2 per cent or 97 businesses)
Motor vehicle manufacturing (up 7.4 per cent or 239 businesses).
According to the data, the only sectors that declined or remained stagnant in their business numbers were:
Trailer and other motor vehicle retailing (down -1.2 per cent or -6 businesses)
Fuel retailing (down -0.6 per cent or -22 businesses)
Commercial vehicle wholesaling (down -0.4 per cent or -1 business)
Motorcycle retailing (no change).
Overall, the data points towards automotive becoming an increasingly fragmented industry, as well as a return to the trends prevalent before the pandemic, where sole traders and micro businesses were the predominant growth cohorts, with the exception they now appear to be the only growing segments with the population of larger employing business shrinking.
Comparing the ABS business counts data against industry employment figures for the same reference period, we see industry employment reach a peak of 401,500 as at June 2022, which represents an annual increase of 20,000 in industry employment – the highest increase in more than a decade.
While the next set of business numbers is not due until the end of this year, current employment estimates show a drop in industry employment to around 386,000 people, which is closer to the industry average over the past decade. This suggests the six per cent surge in business counts to June 2022 may be just a short-term spike, and that we can expect overall business numbers to decline leading up to June 2023. This would not be surprising given the current economic environment with a tightening of interest rates and consumer spending. Whatever the scenario, we can expect industry conditions to remain volatile over the coming months, as businesses and consumers continue to adjust to a new post-pandemic environment.
JOHN CAINE
WHEN IS A DEBT TOO OLD TO PURSUE?
AS a follow on from the previous Australasian Automotive article relating to the collection of unpaid invoices, a question occasionally arises: When is a debt too old to pursue?
Victoria has a Limitations of Actions Act 1958, which has the effect of limiting how long a business has to recover a debt. In the absence of a court judgement ordering payment, there is generally a six-year limitation. If a court judgement has been obtained, then that extends the time a creditor has to collect to 15 years. In the situation where payments are
being made and then stop, the six-year time frame begins. There may also be a further scenario whereby a debt is past six years and the debtor admits the debt. This may change whether the debt is considered statute barred.
You should always keep records of any contacts made with the debtor, including time, date, their identity, etc.
A debtor can ask for copies of contracts, invoices and tribunal or court orders in relation to the debt.
The Magistrates Court has a judgement life of 15 years and generally includes penalty interest.
You might consider engaging the services of a debt collection agent. Where a dispute arises as to the quality of the goods or services provided, the state-based Small Claims Courts or Civil and Administrative Tribunals can be cost effective forums for determining the dispute and obtaining orders for payment which can be converted to Magistrates’ orders usually at no further cost, if necessary.
The above is not legal advice and the reader is encouraged to seek independent guidance from a legal practitioner should the above situation arise.
JOHN KHOURY
WORKPLACE SKILLS AND TRAINING KEY
ACROSS the board, the automotive industry continues to feel the impact of an unprecedented skills shortage. It stifles growth and innovation and causes unyielding stress for business owners.
The Australian government’s decision to streamline the migrant skills assessment process – making skilled migration significantly more accessible to potential candidates – is welcome news, and will provide positive outcomes for the automotive sector in the longer term.
However, is it the silver bullet to transform our industry back to its glory days? Perhaps not, but it’s certainly one pathway to access skilled labour.
Another avenue is to invest in the next generation of kids coming through and to provide proper training to give them the best opportunity to succeed. Additionally, looking closer to home, reviewing staff retention strategies, and fostering a positive work environment are important.
Automotive is a diverse industry, and, along your travels, you meet a range of interesting people who want to give back and help guide others along the way.
Original Engines Co Managing Director Colin Doherty is one of those people.
Colin has always loved working with his
hands, and at 16 he tried a chef’s hat on for size, before quickly realising he was meant to pursue his passion for automotive.
He pivoted into a fitting and turning apprenticeship, a precursor to working with and rebuilding engines. Fast forward to current day, and Colin leads a team of highly skilled individuals as the Managing Director of Original Engines Co (formerly Orger Engines). He has grown the business over 30 years to become one of Australia’s leading OEM engine remanufacturers.
An amazing achievement, given the engine reconditioning and remanufacturing sector has been in decline in recent times.
The key to his success? Colin attributes it to his loyal and resolute staff. He maintains that staff satisfaction and retention are key, especially when you operate within an industry that has a hard time attracting new staff.
“I love learning every day and sharing my knowledge with the younger folks,” said Simon Hall, a long-term employee of 40 years. An asset to the team, he oozes passion and has a tremendous knowledge of the trade.
The business’ team-first philosophy is evident in Colin’s clear and achievable Original Engines Co strategic plans, emphasis on education and training,
and steps to facilitate and maintain an inclusive work environment including team bonding activities.
Colin believes worker involvement in the business decision-making process is vital. For example, in partnership with Ford, Original Engines Co provides Ford dealerships across Australia and New Zealand with fast, dependable, and high-quality services. Providing services to OEMs brings with it a whole new level of demand, and without a stable and competent workforce, you may as well close the doors.
With the rapid rise of electric vehicles and the signaling from governments around the world (including Australia) to move towards cleaner and renewable energy sources, Colin is firmly future-focused. He is investigating new opportunities to ensure his business continues to thrive.
“We will continue to evolve and partner with OEMs to assist with automotive engine rebuilding and servicing into the future,” said Colin.
In an industry facing great chance, there is one constant: Look after your staff. Without them, you have no business. It’s the key to success.
Visit originalengines.co
TRUST. RESPECT. LOYALTY.
When trust is earned, respect is given, and loyalty is demonstrated, exceptional outcomes follow .
EXEDY has earned the trust and respect of OE clients across the globe, having supplied more than 300,000,000 clutch kits to their exacting standards. The majority of which are manufactured in our own factories to meet the strictest specifications for quality, fitment, longevity, and noise suppression.
OE suppliers, including NSK, Nachi, Koyo, NTN and FTE provide us with bearings and concentric slave cylinders to guarantee the quality of our OEM replacement kits.
All EXEDY OEM replacement kits include high-quality cover assemblies, clutch discs and release bearings. To guarantee correct fit and function, an alignment tool is also included in most high-volume kits.
When you choose to fit an OEM replacement kit from our extensive range, you’ll enjoy the same loyalty that we demonstrate to our OE clients.
THE transition to electric vehicles (EVs) presents many opportunities across the whole EV value chain, from the extraction and processing of raw materials to the repurposing and recycling of EV batteries.
Australia has some of the largest deposits of raw materials in the world that are used in EV battery production, including lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, and manganese. Interesting.
Lithium is the most important element right now in EV battery production, but it also has the most work to do in terms of expanding supply to achieve net-zero ambitions.
From an upstream perspective, the battery supply chain is diversified (with Australia possessing some advantage) but as we move down the supply chain into the refining of battery metals, battery cell and EV manufacturing, China takes the cake. There is a trend towards increased downstream investment in Europe and North America, but it’ll be difficult to displace China’s dominance.
BRUCE MCINTOSH EV VALUE CHAIN
However, there is a major revolution occurring in Australia: a move towards refining. In Kwinana, south of Perth, a new lithium hydroxide plant has been built with two more plants under construction. The performance of these plants over time will provide insight as to whether it makes economic sense to build these out even further.
The question is, how far down the supply chain beyond lithium chemicals can Australia go while remaining profitable? Historically, this has been very challenging, and the risk is that other parts of the supply chain will be built where energy prices and wage costs are lower. Without considerable policy support and subsidies, further downstream investment is unlikely. In fact, even with such policy support, whether such operations are sustainable on their own in a decade’s time remains a tricky proposition… Want to hear more from Bruce? Read his weekly column in the Mercury.
GUILTY as charged: I have my fingers in a lot of pies.
One is acting as the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) ambassador – and that includes its Tassie arm too.
Now, as a self-confessed car lover – I even have a book called Rev Head – I jumped at the chance to join the VACC team. I want to make the community more aware of what VACC does for its members – several of which are my friends. And that includes motorists and non-member business owners who (dare I say!) are missing out.
That’s my job. But what about VACC’s role?
Some people think VACC is a regulator or part of a government service. This is understandable. Given its branding has been around for 100 plus years, and orange signs are dotted about the place, you’d be forgiven for assuming the association has more of a policing role in the industry. Not the case.
In reality, VACC is an employer association that supports its members with business tools, advice and advocacy work. Automotive business owners across all sectors – dealerships, independent mechanics, panel beaters, and specialist operations, like tyre retailing
SHANE JACOBSON
WHAT'S BEHIND THE SIGN
and engine reconditioning – reap the rewards of chamber resources.
Just to name a few:
VACC MotorTech is the Chamber’s cutting-edge technical offering that combines the best of in-house products with the might of Haynes’ global reach. This best practice comprehensive solution is available to everyone, but members get a hefty discount.
An expert Workplace Relations team is on call to advise on wages and conditions, workplace policies and procedures, unfair dismissals and general protection claims. There’s also OHS experts to ensure compliance with health and safety obligations, workers’ compensation and environmental law. Better them, than me!
VACC and TACC Automotive Apprenticeships select and place apprentices with memberbusinesses, providing tools (literally) and technical training, along with ongoing mentor support.
Then there’s a commercial arm, OurAuto. It offers tailored products and services including business insurance, website development and digital marketing, and workshop diagnostic tools.
VACC also spends a lot of time talking to government and preparing policy
documents that help inform governments and regulators about the industry and the potential effects of any proposed policies. A large part of the industry is made up of small businesses, so it doesn’t take much for government intervention to profoundly impact ‘mum and dad’ operations. Big business can be badly impacted as well. Many things VACC achieves for its members have a positive knock-on effect for consumers, like being able to pay vehicle registration fees in instalments. While we live in a world of individualism, sometimes a collective voice can’t be beaten when it’s time to get something done.
Sounds pretty good, right?
My role as VACC ambassador gives me the keys to the all-encompassing world of automotive. Now I’m spreading the word because all businesses should have a chance to unlock the benefits of a VACC and TACC membership.
To learn more, visit vacc.com.au or call 1300 013 341.
Want to hear more from Shane? Catch him – along with co-hosts Greg Rust and Geoff Gwilym – on THE GRILLE podcast. There’s auto news and views, industry insights, special guests, and plenty of laughs along the way. Visit: thegrillepodcast.com.au
VICTORIA and Tasmania’s finest automotive businesses and top apprentices have been revealed.
Sixteen elite businesses, business people and apprentices have been announced as leaders in their field at the 2023 Automotive Industry Awards, the premier night dedicated to the Victorian and Tasmanian automotive industry.
Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) CEO Geoff Gwilym said that the awards demonstrate member and apprentice commitment to quality and customer service.
“It is a huge accolade to be named the best in Victoria and Tasmania. These winners go above and beyond, and have proved themselves more than worthy of these titles,” said Mr Gwilym.
Categories crowned at the 2023 Automotive Industry Awards include Best Small and Best Large Business, Employer of the Year, Employee of the Year and Apprentice of the Year.
The next generation, VACC and TACC Automotive Apprenticeships’ graduating apprentices, were also celebrated on the night.
“The Automotive Industry Awards have been very well supported this year, proving that they are valued by industry and recognised by consumers,” said Mr Gwilym.
Automotive’s
An independent judge evaluated entries based on business management, workplace practices, customer service and marketing and communication. To ensure only the finest of VACC and TACC’s more than 5,000 members would be crowned, finalists were audited at random.
“Congratulations to all of our 2023 winners and finalists. We recommend them to Victorian and Tasmanian motorists. Remember to look for the famous orange sign: the mark of the industry professional,” said Mr Gwilym.
Winners were announced at the VACC President’s Gala Dinner, a black-tie gala evening that combined industry awards and apprentice graduation festivities.
VACC Ambassador Shane Jacobson was master of ceremonies, and attendees were entertained by a string of top-notch acts including the Voices Supergroup featuring Boom Crash Opera’s Dale Ryder and Choirboys’ Mark Gable, as well illusionist Matt Hollywood, at the Palladium at Crown, Melbourne.
Automotive’s night of nights
2023 Automotive Industry Awards
President’s Awards
Employee of the Year
Phillipa Gray-Finning
PJ’s Discount Tyre Service
Employer of the Year
Patterson Cheney
VACC Apprentice of the Year
Zak Cretella
Bundoora BMW
TACC Apprentice of the Year
Ben Bailey
Victoria
Best Small Business (Metropolitan)
Essendon Panels
Best Large Business (Metropolitan)
BM Tech
Best Small Business (Regional)
Euro Panels
Best Large Business (Regional)
Morrow Motor Group
Tasmania
Best Small Business
Autobody Solutions
Best Large Business
Cooper Automotive
Automotive Apprenticeships
Outstanding 1st Year Apprentice
Jonathan Roy Eastern Subaru
Outstanding 2nd Year Apprentice
Benjamin Anstice
Jeff Wignall Ford Mornington
Outstanding 3rd Year Apprentice
Taylor Brown
AD Diesel
Outstanding Trainee of the Year
Aiden Johnstone
Airport Toyota
VACC Progressive Excellence Award
Alex Cachia
South Morang Mazda
TACC Progressive Excellence Award
Brock Costello
Launceston Mazda
HS West Motors Cobram
RECENTLY, VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym awarded long-term and valued member
Leon West, Dealer Principal of HS West Motors, a certificate recognising 75-years of VACC membership.
“I have the upmost respect for the HS West team. The longevity of their membership is a credit to a family which has supported VACC through the good times and the tough times. This contribution and support is recognised and appreciated,” said Mr Gwilym.
Originally a General Motors dealer, one day after buying the car sales side of the business, he swapped brands with the local Ford dealer Kevin Lonergan Motors in 1957. HS West Motors became the go-to dealer for the trusted Ford brand, a decision that steered the course of this local business for many years.
More than 65 years later they still sell the Blue Oval brand.
In 2013, HS West Motors also became the local Hyundai dealer.
Leon discussed the changing nature of the automotive industry, and recognises all automotive businesses need to tightly focus their strategies on the changing needs of their customers and changing global policies for cleaner vehicle fleets.
“Change is nothing new in automotive,” said Leon. “From early petrol engines to diesels, electronic fuel injection, common rail diesel and LPG conversions, the industry has taken all of this in its stride. Yes, the next changes will be more profound, but I have no doubt the industry will change and innovate as our external conditions require it”.
Most remarkable in this business is not only its longevity in a vibrant regional hub, but the dynasty of family members who have built and developed the business over decades. This connectivity and engagement with its workforce and the local community will continue as general manager and over 30-year employee,
Craig Opray stepped up in 2022 to take an ownership stake in the business and will transition into the dealer principal role in December this year. Not bad for a guy who came into the business at 16 selling parts. Starting straight out of school in 1989, Craig went into spare parts and then went on to work in almost every management role in the dealership right up to today. Craig’s partner Annette, also part of the team at HS West, stands proudly by his side, and they look like a great team to help take the business into its next stage of development. Of course, every dynasty has a creator and in this case the accolade goes to the father of the three sons who worked in the business, John, Frank and Leon.
Harold Sage West went to school in Kyabram, which is also where he undertook his apprenticeship as a mechanic at East End Garage. After moving to Murchison East, Harold heard there was work in Cobram and, in 1936, arrived for a three-month stint. The garage he worked at was also on the site of the current HS West dealership and the business at the time (Gordon Anison Motors) did everything from car sales and repairs to serving petrol. The palm out the front is a remarkable throwback to exotica, with English, Australian and American car brands proudly displayed on the garage walls.
After spending six months in Cobram, Harold went back to Murchison East before signing up in the air force as an aircraft maintenance engineer in Laverton, outside Melbourne. Harold saw active service in New Guinea. His claim to fame, and possibly the reason for his early move into car sales, was in trading American Jeeps after the war. At the time, Harold lived in St Kilda before returning to Cobram in 1946 and then joining VACC on 14 April 1948. Geoff pointed out that if a business joined VACC today its member number would
be 503848, HS West Motors holds number 59 – which is a great feat of longevity.
Harold first brought the spare parts department from Gordon Anison in 1947, then the workshop in 1948. At this stage, Andersons was the General Motors dealer in town.
While working in the business from 1967, Leon took over from Harold as dealer principal in 1985. Harold sadly passed away in 2000.
“Dad knew there needed to be enough work to support the three boys and their families, so he split the management tasks up between them so they had a focus in their area of expertise, part sales, farm machinery and cars sales and service," said Leon.
Today, Frank and John are retired while Leon works part time to assist Craig and Annette transition to their new venture.
The business' focus on family – and that includes its staff – is a key part of its success. On leaving the site, a young female technician, Keisha, came out for a chat and talked about coming up from Melbourne into the dealership, which is where she did her apprenticeship. She also reflected on the strength of the family business, and we suggested she would also be able to buy a house in regional Victoria. She loved the place, given it was where the family holidays had been for years.
Leon said the family was proud of their father’s foresight in moving to Cobram and purchasing the business and of their success in the automotive industry over 75 years.
“We are also thrilled to be able to give new owners Craig and Annette the opportunity to continue that success into the future,” he said.
From a VACC perspective, HS West Motors is a story of business tenacity, perseverance and a capacity to change with the times. These are all great attributes and something that will hold the business in good stead for the next 75 years.
Above: Anette Oprey, Geoff Gwilym, Leon West, Craig Oprey Right: Geoff Gwilym and Leon West
Motor Vehicle Information Scheme (MVIS) update
Words: John Khoury, VACC Industry Policy Advisor
IN 2021, the Australian government introduced legislation that obligated car manufacturers to make service and repair information available to independent repairers and registered training organisations (RTOs) at fair and reasonable costs.
Known as the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme) Act 2021, the Act came into effect on 1 July 2022. It is now almost one year on, which provides an opportune time to reflect and consider how this legislation has changed the automotive service and repair landscape in Australia.
Prior to the legislation, independent repairers faced unnecessary barriers in accessing the most basic of repair procedures, due to car manufacturers geo-blocking them.
Australians enjoy a vast selection of vehicles when it comes to buying, in fact the latest VFACTS figures show there are 51 car manufacturers selling vehicles in the passenger and light commercial vehicle segment. Since the implementation of the Motor Vehicle Information Sharing Scheme (MVIS), which also contains heavy penalties for non-compliance, a total of 50 car manufacturers are now making their service and repair information available to Australian repairers – this is up from only a handful prior to 2021. It means independent automotive repairers now have access to the same level of service and repair information to that
of the car manufacturers' authorised or franchised dealer network.
Motorists are the major beneficiaries given there is greater competition in the market, leading to more choice, greater convenience and lower maintenance and repair costs. The current economic downturn and uncertainty is proving to be a critical factor for consumer decisionmaking when it comes to their next vehicle purchase, whether it be a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle or an electric one, and individuals and families are now holding on to their vehicles longer according to the ABS. Consumers should be reassured that all repairs and maintenance conducted on their vehicles will be provided with due care and skill, and in accordance with manufacturer specifications no matter who they choose to engage.
Included in the legislative provisions was the establishment of a Scheme Advisor. The functional duties of the advisor are to provide industry assistance during the transition period, to develop a framework whereby data providers could meet their legal obligations, and to report to the ACCC and the relevant minister on any identified systemic issues. Established in November 2021, the Australian Government officially appointed the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA) in January 2022.
With less than six months’ notice, the AASRA board rallied to adopt a proven model in the United States, the National Automotive Service Taskforce (NASTF) Secure Data Release Model (SDRM). This platform provides locksmiths, technicians, and RTOs an appropriate vetting mechanism
and is a one-stop portal for accessing manufacturers' information. Recently, the UK has also adopted this model following the failure of SERMI (Security Repair and Maintenance Information), a scheme set up over 10 years ago to complement the European Union Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation 461/2010.
The Australian-specific fit and proper persons legislative provisions meant substantial redevelopment was required of NASTF’s model, which prolonged the project. This proved challenging and, as such, not all the automated security functions were enabled at launch on 1 July 2022. In addition, local resourcing also proved challenging given the skills crisis endured post-COVID-19.
Head to aasra.com.au to access car manufacturers' service and repair information. Subscriptions typically range between $18 to $35 per day depending on the brand. Weekly, monthly, and yearly subscriptions are also available.
In the space of almost 12 months, there is no doubt the MVIS has had a profoundly positive impact on the automotive industry and will continue to do so for many years. Calls for the inclusion of farm machinery, heavy vehicles, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles are increasing. There is still plenty of work to do, particularly in the education and communication space, which will be AASRA’s focus moving forward.
Be sure to visit AASRA at the AutoCare conference in Brisbane between 9-10 June, and other industry events throughout the year.
Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority
VACC congratulates Pat & Tina’s BP Service Station in Shepparton on 50 years of exceptional service in the independent fuel retail industry.
A long-term VACC member, having joined in 2000, Pat & Tina’s is a BP-branded independent service station owned by Joe Di Conza, and is a family-run business serving customers and the community with a smile. Opened in 1973 by his parents, Pat and Tina Di Conza, Joe attributes the service station’s success to his father’s business philosophy.
“He maintained that he never had customers – they were friends and family. So, that’s how we always have and always will treat people here,” said Joe.
There aren’t many service stations where you are greeted on the forecourt, helped to fill up and then drive off with a freshly cleaned windscreen. It sounds old school, but it’s a modern set-up with timeless values.
In 2013, the business was inducted into the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and
Pat & Tina’s 50 year BP partnership was celebrated at the Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE) facility in Shepparton. Over 450 locals and customers turned up to support what must be one of the best known and most loved businesses in town.
VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym was asked to speak to the audience on the success of the iconic business.
Industry’s Hall of Fame in recognition of its superlative levels of service.
Pat & Tina’s BP Service Station is a shining a light in the independent service station industry. The team has experienced the ups and downs of a challenging and, at times, trying industry.
VACC supports and promotes independent service stations through its Service Station and Convenience Store Division (SSCSD), with Lead, Strategy and Policy Dr Imogen Reid acting as the SSCSD chamber policy advisor.
VACC members like Pat & Tina’s BP Service Station remind us all that the community appreciates well-run, hard-working and customer-friendly small businesses – and they continue to be the backbone of Australia.
Many congratulations to Pat & Tina’s BP Service Station, and here’s to the next 50 years!
50 years young New Accreditation Standards
FOLLOWING an accreditation review in 2014, and two studies in 2019, VACC introduces you to the new VACC Accreditation.
Industry accreditation standards have focused on factors such as tools, qualifications, and workshop equipment. However, in recent years, there has been a call for customer-focused standards. Australian Consumer Law and other consumer standards also require businesses to maintain a continued focus on meeting customer expectations while having suitable processes in place.
To align with industry values, VACC Accreditation is here to help your business
As a mark of respect to
coat on stage at the
event
The event turn out was a testament to the business' standing in the community. Among the attendees were VACC President Chris Hummer, VACC Vice President Paul Bertoli, Nationals Member Sam Birrell and VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym – pictured with Joe Di Conza (below)
meet some of these requirements. The VACC Executive Board developed the accreditation. It concentrates on five main pillars: Approach to Customers, Resolving Complaints, Customer Privacy, Reducing Customer Risk, and Business Competence. Each pillar focuses on specific actions that have value to customers and brings a heightened level of security and integrity to the retail process.
For more information: 9829 1167 accreditation@vacc.com.au vacc.com.au/accreditation
Pat & Tina’s BP Service Station is truly a family affair (above).
his father, Joe wore his father's
MOVE
(below left).
the way Thailand leads
THE 44th Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) once again impressed with its world-leading concept that has seen the exhibition go from strength to strength over the decades, not only in exhibitor and spectator numbers, but where it really counts: the bottom line.
Organised and owned by Grand Prix International and held from 22 March – 2 April 2023, BIMS hosted exhibitions of cars, buses and light trucks, motorcycles and scooters, automotive equipment (consumer and business facing) and consumables such as tyres and cleaning equipment.
BIMS, tellingly, also featured a Used Car Show and an outdoor test drive circuit located nearby: it’s all about selling vehicles. And sell they did.
This year, BIMS car exhibitors sold 45,983 vehicles during the 12 days of the show, around 30 per cent of which were EVs. Toyota alone moved 6,042 cars, followed by Honda with 4,304 and MG (3,929).
Companies that have not yet made a large impression on the Australian market also did well: Great Wall Motors sold 3,117 vehicles and BYD sold 2,737 cars.
Two-wheel exhibitors also moved a lot of stock, with 3,098 motorcycles and scooters going to Thai buyers.
When one does the rounds of the exhibition hall, something comes into focus: on each stand are vehicles and staff ready with information. On most stands, however, there are also numerous small desks with two chairs and a tablet on each to seal the deal.
Even niche manufacturers, like Porsche, boasted an impressive array of desks, an indication of the amount of vehicles they intended to sell at the show. For the record, Porsche sold 242 cars and SUVs during the event.
Unveiled at the show
BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport and i4 M50
• BMW M2 Coupe
BMW XM
MINI SE
Hyundai Stargazer
• Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost
Aston Martin DBX707
Peugeot 408
Peugeot 2008 EV
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Monster Edition
• Audi A4 update
Honda CR-V
Mitsubishi XRT Concept
Nissan Kick
911 Carrera GTS 30 Years
Porsche Thailand Edition
Mercedes-Benz EQB
• KIA Carnival
BYD Dolphin
Isuzu MU-X Phantom Collection
Suzuki Swift GL Next
• Mazda MX-30
MG MAXUS 9
Toyota Prius PHEV
Toyota Yaris update
Toyota Japan Taxi LPG HEV Concept
• Toyota Cross hydrogen
Lexus RZ 450e
Great Wall Motors Tank 500
Great Wall Motors Ora Grand Cat
• Ford Ranger Stormtrak
Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid Mulliner
Participating exhibitors
Ford, BMW, MINI, Mercedes-Benz, Great Wall Motors, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Maserati, Peugeot, Jeep, Toyota, Lexus, BYD (Build Your Dreams, which recently launched in Australia), MG, Mazda, Suzuki, Isuzu, Hyundai, Hyundai Bus & Truck, Audi, Honda, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, NETA Auto (a Chinese all-electric vehicle company), Volvo Car, Porsche, Bentley, Kia, Subaru, Thai Honda Manufacturing, Suzuki Motosales, Yamaha, BMW Motorrad, Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Triumph, Alpha Volantis (makers of Horizon scooters), Kawasaki and Royal Enfield.
Scooters and motorcycles play an important part in Thailand’s extensive vehicle fleet (far left and below); NETA is a Chinese electric brand, not yet operational in Australia, but time could tell (left); this single-seat all-electric delivery van is perfect for busy city streets (top); a Toyota LPG HEV taxi concept intended for the Japanese market (above); talk of the show was alternative fuels but not everything was electric (below left)
BIMS receives cooperation from: Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thai Automotive Industry Association, Thai Automobile Engineering Association, Thai Auto Parts Manufacturers Association, Intelligent Traffic Transportation System Association, Royal Automobile Association of Thailand, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and IMPACT Exhibition Management Co Ltd.
Thailand and Australia share many models in our respective car fleets (Thailand builds many of Australia’s favourite SUVS, afterall) but, at the Bangkok International Motor Show one doesn’t have to look far to discover many makes and models unknown in this country
Some of the most impressive exhibitions came from Chinese manufacturers, some of which are not yet operational in Australia, and even those that are, including Great Wall Motors, had offerings for the Thai market that Australians cannot yet buy. Of course, electric vehicles dominated the new-car reveals, but hydrogen got more coverage than the local market is used to in Australia, a sign electrification has not yet won the race.
The opening ceremony was typically grand and attracted automotive executives and dignitaries from across the globe. Many of the exhibitors also pulled out all the stops with vivid reveals for their new vehicles, with everything from pop stars and influencers to robots being used to attract media attention and sales.
The 45th Bangkok International Motor Show will be held next year in March. See motorshow.in.th for updates.
Tackling one of the biggest imposts to EV uptake in Australia… total cost of ownership
IT is no secret electric vehicles (EVs) have a higher drive-away price compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, but would the lower running costs really offset the initial premium in price? EVs are the legislated answer for automotive industry emissions reduction, but there are some hurdles to uptake, one being cost of ownership.
To consider the financial viability, Pitcher Partners chose six of the most common and comparable EVs with similar petrol variants and features to analyse. The chosen vehicles include:
1. Hyundai Kona: Elite Extended Range v Elite
2. Volvo XC40: Twin EV v XC40 Ultimate B4 Bright
3. BMW X3: Standard Variant v X3 iDrive 30i
4. MG ZS: ZS Excite MY22 v ZS Excite ICE
5. LDV T60: eT60 v T60 MAX Ute
6. Mercedes-Benz GLC: EQC400 4Matic v GLC 300 4Matic.
Our aim was to determine whether the overall savings in running costs and service outweigh the higher insurance cost, and the premium in EV purchase price.
To make the analysis as broad to the Australian market as possible we looked at the following costs:
Driveaway price
Pitcher Partners started from the purchase price of the individual vehicles based on a purchase in Sydney. The EVs have on average a 64 per cent
premium in price compared to petrol cars. Brands have already calculated all government rebates when providing pricing for the electric vehicles.
Running costs
We calculated the recharge cost per year based on an average 12,600km per annum (average kilometres per ABS 2018 Study) and compared it against the petrol cost of running the same distance.
Service costs
Service costs were split into two parts. For the first five years, the cost of service for the ICE vehicle has been increased by an extra 50 per cent to account for costs related to additional parts, oil and grease. Thereafter and into perpetuity, ICE service costs have been increased 50 per cent, while the EV has remained the same. Any servicing plan offers have not been included given their potential temporary nature.
Insurance
Insurance calculated based on a comprehensive policy, 10,000-15,000km driven per year, by a 35 year old female, no accident history, no finance, Sydney driver, market value, three-to-four days usage, no extras (windscreen/ hire car), annual payment and $1,095 excess, and using GIO as insurer.
Registration & CTP
Registration was excluded due to state-based policies that both EVs and ICE vehicles can participate in.
Other considerations
Pitcher Partners has excluded some other costs such as:
Cost of replacement EV batteries (battery warranties are on average eight years and expected replacement of batteries is estimated at every 10-20 years).
Financing and novated leasing will change the calculations. However, for simplicity, the above assumes a cash purchase.
Cost of charging infrastructure for personal use (solar panels, wall chargers, home batteries, etc) have been excluded for simplicity.
What’s the verdict?
Overall, ICE vehicles are cheaper in the long run due to the significant purchase price disparity between ICE and EVs. The best performing EVs in terms of a breakeven point have the smallest upfront purchase price disparity.
Recently, purchase price disparity has reduced as brands respond to market forces and government legislations. The effect on this to EV adoption, brand profitability and distribution is yet to be seen, but is positive for perspective customers.
The message is clear, once EVs are priced competitively with their ICE equivalents, the uptake will increase significantly.
A calculator for the costs we have used can be provided upon request.
We are the Industry SuperFund for
Australian motor trades
Jason Murray, Spirit Super CEO
You’ve probably heard of an Industry SuperFund and know they’re a good thing, but do you know why?
We exist to benefit you
Our members’ best interests are at the heart of everything we do. As an Industry SuperFund, we’re run to benefit you and not external shareholders. This means profits are returned to the fund and our members, instead of being paid out as dividends as is the case with retail super funds (typically run by banks and investment companies).
Low fees, insurance options and quality service
A key benefit of Industry SuperFunds is their low fees, while still providing long-term performance, high quality, professional advice, a range of investment choices and insurance options.
At Spirit Super, we keep our fees as low as possible and provide truly personalised, award-winning customer service1
We also offer affordable and flexible insurance to protect you and your family if you get sick or injured and can no longer work.
1 Ranked as the best customer experience performer in the super sector (CSBA Sense CX Benchmark 2021-22)
A history of strong performance
We have a history of strong investment returns2 and offer nine investment options across a range of asset classes. You can choose just one or you can spread your super across a mix of options.
On average, Industry SuperFunds have out-performed retail super funds over the past five, ten and 20 years3 This means better value, better returns and a more comfortable life in retirement for you.
If you’d switched to an Industry SuperFund 20 years ago, on average you’d be around $95,000 better off than in a retail super fund. Even if you’d only switched 10 ($18,186) or 5 years ago ($5,113), you’d still be better off3
2 Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future performance 3 industrysuper.com/campaigns/compare-the-pair/
Personalised advice and no commissions to financial planners
Super can be complicated. That’s why we offer education and advice from our super experts, available at no extra cost to you — it’s included in the administration fees and costs charged to your account. As an Industry SuperFund, we only charge what we need to and we don’t charge you to profit shareholders. Our Superannuation Advisers are our employees, so they’re paid a salary. They don’t receive any fees or commissions for any personal or general advice provided to you.
future in focus Automotive
VISITORS from across the globe landed in the Taiwan capital, Taipei, recently to explore one of the biggest automotive shows in the world: the 39th Taipei AMPA International Automobile & Motorcycle Parts & Accessories Show and the 18th Autotronics Taipei International Automobile Electronics Show.
The dual shows ran from 12-14 April at Nangang Exhibition Center in Taipei. Those unable to attend could experience the virtual AMPA DigitalGo Show (10-23 April), with access available from a dedicated website. Hall 1 at the Exhibition Center is enormous. With 820 exhibitors hosting 2,200 booths, getting around to every stand is a test of endurance. It’s best to allow several days to view the products and service offerings, especially if appointments are organised and business is conducted.
Global company Delta (founded in 1971) was a show stand out. The US$30 billion revenue business spends eight per cent on research and development and concentrates on building ‘smart’
factories, e-mobility solutions, energy storage and is a Tier 1 supplier to the world’s top 20 electric vehicle makers.
Delta demonstrated its latest AC/ DC and 12-volt converters for scooter usage (something that is big business in Asia) and battery swap and plug-in technology for cars and heavy vehicles.
GUS Technology highlighted its lithium ion pouch battery cells on its stand, which it supplies to OEMs. Their technology helps prevent fires (a complicated problem for motorists and first responders) and their cells can be charged to 85 per cent in five minutes. A further benefit to vehicle manufacturers is that extra cooling equipment is not needed (saving space and weight) as GUS Technology cells feature low internal temperatures.
Applications for the lithium ion pouch battery cells include scooters, cars, buses, houses and portable packs for camping and other outdoor use.
Shihlin Electric showcased its logistics transformers and chargers for heavy vehicle
Exhibition areas
Auto parts and components
Automotive lighting
• Customising equipment and accessories
Diagnostics and maintenance
Car and motorcycle
maintenance products
Motorcycles
Motorcycle parts and accessories
International exhibitors
• Auto electrical products
Automobile electronic components and parts.
powertrains, its scooter charging technology, and its fast chargers, which the company claims can charge vehicles from empty to full in seven-to-10 minutes. The fast chargers have been designed for supermarket, shopping centre and restaurant usage and feature pay-by-phone technology.
Foxconn, a multi-dimensional digital company, highlighted its vehicle division, Foxtron, with an amazing display of vehicles – some still in concept stage, others ready for the road – on its stand. Its Model B car (designed by Pininfarina) wowed the crowds with its sleek lines and technically advanced specification (it can also reach 100km/h in 3.8 seconds). Foxtron plans to partner with an existing vehicle maker to bring this car to market, hopefully within the next 12 months.
Foxtron’s Model C family car is slated for mass production in 2024 and shares a platform and electrical architecture with other Foxtron models.
The Model V pick-up truck (ute) would be perfect for Australia. It remains a concept, but could easily become a road-going model in the near future if a manufacturer adopts it for mass production.
Foxtron also has a Model T bus already on-road. Impressive.
Show highlights
Experience the vastness of Taipei AMPA International Automobile & Motorcycle Parts & Accessories Show, and Autotronics
Taipei International Automobile Electronics Show, the world’s second largest automotive B2B trade show in Asia
Gather the latest market trends and products, including vehicle lighting, automotive aftermarket parts, and auto electronics
Witness the future of the motorcycle industry: from ICE vehicles, electric vehicles, motorcycle components, modified accessories, to rider necessities
Visit the AMPA DigitalGO hybrid exhibition platform – providing international buyers with a one-stop procurement and communication platform – without leaving home
Experience online and offline exhibition activities: international forums, live tours, and more
• Promote green management and demonstrate the achievements and exchanges of the automotive industry’s sustainable development
For more information about the 2024 show, exhibitor lists and contacts, visit taipeiampa.com.tw/en
Clockwise from top left: Just about everything at the Taipei show was electric, from buses to fast chargers, scooters to cars, and high-tech motoring accessories
Buses and heavy vehicles and technology featured at the show. Master of Taipei was a good example. It designs, verifies and builds electric buses in Taiwan.
Already on Taiwan’s roads, the electric buses typically travel up to 500km each day and can be charged from 20-to-80 per cent in 15 minutes, with an average charge time of six-to-10 minutes in real-world usage.
According to Master, its fleet customers report a 50 per cent fuel saving compared to diesel buses, while maintenance schedules are fewer, meaning the buses are more available and parts and labour costs for servicing and maintenance are cheaper.
Master is looking to export its electric buses and can supply them in completely knocked down (CKD) form for local assembly.
TAITRA (Taiwan External Trade Development Council) organises Taipei AMPA, with assistance from co-organisers TTVMA (Taiwan Transportation Vehicle Manufacturers Association) and TREIA (Taiwan Rubber & Elastomer Industries Association).
TAITRA and TEEMA (Taiwan Electrical & Electronic Manufacturers’ Association) run the Autotronics Taipei International Automobile Electronics Show, along with co-organisers TTVMA (Taiwan Transportation Vehicle Manufacturers Association) and mTARC (Mobility Taiwan Auto Research Consortium).
The Foxtron Model B - designed by Pininfarina - is an all-electric concept that could see production in the near future (above). Heavy vehicles and buses, most electric but not all, featured in the show
Outstanding displays
Ecosystems and vehicles
Electrical and mechanical technology
• Autonomous and connected vehicles/technology
EV manufacturers
• XMobility.
2035 E-Mobility
Taiwan highlights
Taiwan’s most influential trade show for electric and autonomous vehicle solutions
Based on the concept of future mobility in 2035, the show presented a complete E-Mobility ecosystem, showcasing electric vehicles and solutions ranging from EIC system, ADAS, IoV, 5G, security, and infotainment
• Hybrid platforms provided diversified interactions between exhibitors and buyers to assist industry players in connecting with international partners
The Future Star Pavilion featured 12 start-ups from seven countries including Sweden, UK, France, USA, Canada, Vietnam and Taiwan. It showcased innovative EV and autonomous driving solutions
• The E-Mobility forum brought together global experts to discuss impactful trends in electric and autonomous vehicle sectors
The latest mobility solutions and diversified activities included new product launches, KOL workshops, and guided tours.
Compare your merchant service today.
With Commonwealth Bank, VACC members can receive special discounts on EFTPOS solution.
We can also offer a customised comparison^ of your current merchant service to Commonwealth Bank’s merchant solutions, to help you discover which product is right for you. We have flexible terminal and pricing options to suit your needs today and that can change with you in the future.
To find out how much you could save with Commonwealth Bank, contact VACC on 03 9829 1152 or email marketing@vacc.com.au and they’ll put you in touch with a Commonwealth Bank Relationship Manager.
SCAN FOR MORE TESTIMONIALS
ERIC REA
FOUNDER AND CEO, PODIUM
Eric Rea is the co-founder and CEO of Podium, the leading communication and payments platform for local businesses. Used by over 100,000 businesses across the US, Canada and Australia, Podium has revolutionised the way small businesses connect to customers through messaging. The company has been recognised by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies and by Forbes as a part of the Cloud 100. Rea is a graduate of Brigham Young University. In his free time, he enjoys backcountry skiing, golf, and spending time with his wife, Kimmi, and their four children.
Tell us about the origins of Podium?
Incidentally, it all started with a tyre shop! Back in 2014, I received a frustrated call from my dad. His tyre shop had plenty of happy customers, but only a handful of angry ones would leave him reviews. So we built a product, Podium, that made getting reviews as easy as sending a text. We realised two things very quickly: first, that if it worked for my dad’s business it could work for any business. And second, that messaging with customers isn’t just the better way to get reviews - it’s the better way to do business. We’ve since built a multi-product platform that’s modernising well over 100,000 local businesses globally - with over 3,000 of them being here in Australia. What is interaction management?
Every time a consumer visits a business’ website, books an appointment, makes a payment, leaves a review, sends a message – they’re interacting with that business. These interactions happen so often, and they’re so important. One bad interaction could persuade a consumer to look elsewhere, while a good interaction could lead to a customer’s loyalty and even a referral to friends and family. Our platform exists to make those interactions as convenient, effective and meaningful as possible. We’re helping them drive efficiencies in all the processes they didn’t get in business for, so they can spend more time on all the things they did get into business for.
Podium is an award-winning business. What are some of the major awards it has won?
Over the years we’ve been lucky to be recognised for many prestigious awards, including being listed on The Cloud 100 for several years. The most
important award to us is every local business that entrusts Podium to help their business. We’ve won over 100,000 of those awards. We didn’t start Podium to win awards, we started it for people like my dad, and the millions of other local business owners in dozens of industries. Our success is their success, and that’s the biggest award for us. As a start-up business, what is the secret of Podium’s success?
At Podium, the secret of our success has been a commitment to building products that people genuinely want. It is easy to get caught up in various distractions, but we remain ruthlessly focused on providing exceptional value to our customers. It has also been critical to stay exclusively focused on supporting local businesses, and we have stayed true to this mission since our inception. What can Podium do for automotive businesses?
Podium is made up of a number of solutions, including reviews, surveys, payments, webchat, inbox and text marketing. The more of the platform an automotive business uses, the greater value they derive from it. Podium’s messaging tools empower a dealership or workshop to connect with website visitors, schedule appointments, send promotional campaigns, request payments, and grow their online reviews - all through text and all from a single inbox. From first interaction, to final payment and the request of a review, we’re here to make the process convenient and memorable for our customers and theirs.
One of our most exciting tools, though, is our most recent. Review Response Suggestions, a feature designed to help
local businesses use AI. Powered by revolutionary tool ChatGPT, it utilises the power of AI to generate review response suggestions, making it quick, easy and convenient for local businesses to stay on top of their online reviews and respond to customers in a timely and professional manner. For automotive businesses, rather than spending time every day, or a few hours at the end of the week, replying to reviews, the tool does it for them. It’s an incredibly exciting product that showcases the real value of AI and ChatGPT for businesses, and it’s just the start of many more innovations we’re making in this space.
Tell us about some examples within Australian automotive businesses where Podium has been implemented successfully.
The Australian automotive industry is an incredibly significant sector for us, and there are so many examples of brilliant businesses using the platform. For example, V-Mech Automotive, a mobile car servicing and repair company, wanted to stand out from the competition and take their customer service to the next level. The only problem was they didn’t have the time. So they onboarded Podium to streamline their customer service and receive more reviews. They’ve already seen a 28 per cent increase in Google Reviews, received a 24 per cent conversion rate from a recent text message campaign and even saved 10 hours per week on customer enquiries. Then there is auto parts business Grant Walker Parts, who wanted to simplify two things: customer interaction and the payment process. Through Podium, they can do both. They’ve processed over 14,800 payments with a total
value in excess of A$6 million, cut the average payment time down to just two minutes and engaged in almost 25,000 text conversations with customers. During the COVID pandemic, many small businesses were hit hard. How did Podium assist?
The Australian local business community is a vital part of the social and economic makeup of the country, and the pandemic significantly impacted their operations and their ability to continue servicing their customers. It was our duty to help, so we launched a COVID-19 relief package that offered free access to a handful of our solutions. COVID altered consumer expectations, but it also created new opportunities to win customers online. To help them, we wanted to provide a package of business-critical relief and assistance to those impacted in order for them to stay in touch with their customers without having the additional burden of mounting costs.
Before co-creating Podium, what was your work background?
My background has always been in software, a career that has given me so many opportunities across the world. None more significant than Podium, though. After studying Information
Systems at university, I’ve worked as a software engineer for the likes of Walmart and the International Atomic Energy Agency. I even founded another company out of my dorm room, but that didn’t quite reach the same heights as Podium has! What’s the best piece of advice you have received?
The best advice I have received is to embrace the role of a multiplier. In business, you don’t accomplish anything alone. It is so important to empower and inspire your team to reach their fullest potential. Being a multiplier leader amplifies the collective intelligence and capabilities of the team, and ultimately drives greater success for the company. What is the future of Podium?
The future of Podium is incredibly promising, with a strong focus on harnessing the power of AI to revolutionise the customer experience. We are also focused on expanding communication channels beyond texting and launching other new, innovative products. Our long-term vision is to become the front-office operating system for local businesses everywhere. This approach will ensure our customers stay connected, informed, and agile in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Podium is powering the Australian automotive industry into the future. Australia’s leading text messaging platform is helping over 100,000 businesses communicate with customers, schedule services and collect payments – all through the power of two-way text.
"Podium is so good that we have cancelled our traditional eftpos machines. I’ve never been more impressed with a software provider, and can’t wait to see what features Podium releases next."
Walker Parts open rate compared to 18% from email of texts are opened within 3 minutes of consumers prefer to engage with a business via text
Justin Walker, General Manager, Grant
Automotive supply chains have become extremely complex and vulnerable but change is coming
WORDS Paul Tuzson
WE’VE heard a lot about supply chains in recent times. Automotive supply chains are some of the most complex in the world because of the wide range of materials needed to make the broad range of vehicle components required. What’s more, the range of techniques utilised in vehicle construction is impressive and includes cutting, bending, pressing, casting, welding, moulding and more. It’s a complex business.
‘Tier 1 supplier’ is a common term generally taken to mean a company that supplies directly to a vehicle manufacturer, or OEM. That’s correct but the definition can be expanded. A Tier 1 supplier supplies complete components that are directly incorporated on the production line. An entertainment unit is a complete component, as is a seat, a transmission, a headlight, a braking system, and so on. Panels and engines might come from Tier 1 suppliers or OEMs may produce them in-house. Although Tier 1 is the most commonly heard term, there are three supplier tiers.
Tier 2 companies supply Tier 1 companies with the separate parts needed to manufacture a complete component, as described above. For instance, an entertainment unit has many subcomponents such as a touch-screen, electronic components, circuit boards, plastic parts like knobs, buttons and enclosures. A Tier 2 supplier supplies these to Tier 1 suppliers for assembly into a complete entertainment unit. However, the complexity of modern components means a Tier 1 supplier might receive parts from many Tier 2 suppliers. It gets complex. Bosch, for instance, is a Tier 1 supplier and it’s not difficult to imagine the massive number of Tier 2 suppliers it draws upon for its huge range of automotive components.
Tier 3 suppliers deal mainly with the raw materials used to make the parts
produced by Tier 2 suppliers. So, metals, plastics, rubber, glass, and more. The automotive supply chain is the vast, interconnected network of all these suppliers and it’s completely global. Sometimes the term logistics is used to mean supply chain but that’s incorrect. Logistics is a part, a big part, of the supply chain that handles the movement of components within this global network. OEMs have very close relationships with their Tier 1 suppliers. Indeed, sometimes Tier 1 supplier factories are co-located with the OEMs they serve. In a number of cases the factories are conjoined. Further, some Tier 1 suppliers are owned, or partially owned, by OEMs. Aisin is the world’s sixth largest Tier 1 supplier and DENSO is the second largest. These were both started in 1949 by Toyota, which retains holdings of about 33 per cent in each company.
Toyota’s relationship with its Tier 1 suppliers is intimately linked to the processes that have defined automotive
manufacturing over past decades. In the early 1950s Eiji Toyota visited the gigantic Ford Rouge River plant in Michigan. While it was impressive, Toyota knew it wasn’t a practical approach for Japan at that time. It required too much stock on hand and that called for large capital investment. Unfortunately, capital was in short supply in post-war Japan.
Toyota also visited a supermarket, which was something Japan didn’t have at that stage. Reportedly, he was interested in the way customers could simply choose what they wanted from a shelf and impressed with the idea such stock could promptly be replaced on the shelf. The potential of maintaining constant stock levels in this way inspired the idea of just-in-time manufacturing. This became, and has remained, the mainstay of OEM manufacturing. Indeed, the mobile autonomous trolley system that delivers parts to the production line at the Mercedes-Benz S-Class factory is referred to by the company as a ‘shopping basket’.
Globalisation and world trade have defined the world since the end of WWII (above right).
The automotive value chain covers everything from raw materials to the customer. Supply relationships become more focused moving from Tier 3 to the OEM (right)
Because times were so tight in post-war Japan, the Toyota company found ways of doing more with less. This was and is the basis of Toyota’s Kaizen approach to manufacturing and the efficiencies bound up within it. Essentially, Kaizen is the process of, and attitude to, iterative and constant improvements in products and processes. It is the very opposite of the notion expressed by the excuse: “We’ve always done things that way”.
Toyota is responsible for a number of other manufacturing innovations adopted by established OEMs. Kanban is one of the most widely cited and was also born of 1940s shortages. It consists of visualising the production process and representing it physically. Originally, this was done with card displays but now processes and resources are represented digitally. The characteristics of each process are defined and steps are taken to ensure the processes represented match those defined on the Kanban board.
Top, L-R: Parts holding warehouses have become as technically advanced as the production lines they service.
Sometimes parts from Tier 1 suppliers go directly into the car on the line. However, sometimes OEMs take individual components from different Tier 1 suppliers and assemble them into larger components, like this Mercedes-Benz dash assembly.
however they are all united by at least one thing (and, actually, a good many others) and that is the relationships between OEMs and their tiered supply networks. These days, these relationships are entirely dependent on global supply chains. It’s a small world.
The modern principle of Lean Manufacturing was also developed (though not invented) at Toyota. Basically, it’s all about waste reduction in all manufacturing processes and holding minimum amounts of stock. There are many other oft heard manufacturing philosophies like Six Sigma, 5S, and TOC.
The above summaries are general. The detail of these systems is deep and complex,
Robots can do virtually anything humans can do. However, in areas such as dash assembly the number of things done by humans is extremely varied. Too many robots would be required. And it’s not just the number, it’s the space they’d require. Sometimes it’s simply easier to use humans.
Major components like engines have many subcomponents. These are most often produced by the OEM but at a different plant. However, some come from Tier 1 suppliers. Most transmissions are from Tier 1 suppliers.
Vehicles have a wide range of parts. This is by no means the full catalogue of everything that goes into them (above)
Globalisation and extended world trade have been a boon to all industries, automotive manufacturing included. It’s the reason for the cheap products we enjoy and the massive profits we subsidise. It’s built upon the stable global supply chains we’ve enjoyed for decades. However, things are changing and such changes are highlighted by two major world events. In 2019 the COVID-19 assault on production and trade around the world began, leading to the shortages and restrictions we all remember so clearly. The shortage of automotive microchips received the most publicity but there were other disruptions to supply chains and we’re still recovering from them. Then, in March 2021, the gigantic Ever Given container ship became wedged across the Suez Canal, revealing a major choke point in all global supply chains, including automotive. It was already known this section of the Suez Canal was a potential disruption and there were, and are, plans to widen it to allow transit in both directions. However, because passage is only possible in one direction at the moment, ships must
gather in staging areas before travelling through in convoys in one direction. That the possibility of disruption bound up in this procedure wasn’t part of supply chain risk management is an example of the consequences of adhering too strictly to the manufacturing principles outlined above, like just-in-time parts supply. Now, OEMs adjust their stock levels and those of their Tier 1 suppliers to compensate for such disruptions. But it’s not as simple as that. The above mentioned manufacturing paradigms were successful because they imparted benefits. Moving away from them to a degree by building buffers has resulted in stock sitting in expensive storage and losing value. Another consequence of stock shortages due to supply chain disruption has been feature reductions on various models. These are less than ideal short term solutions. There are other challenges to supply chains looming.
In 2022, global accounting giant KPMG published a report on the vulnerability of global automotive supply chains. It says that expectations of protectionist sentiments and restrictive trade policies are likely to increase in the coming years. Trade difficulties with China are obvious and even companies that haven’t been directly effected yet are making moves to insure themselves against disruptions in relations with this giant. For instance, Tesla uses lithium from Australia, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. The last three are known as the lithium triangle. So, that’s a pretty diverse supply
chain. However, most of that lithium is shipped to China for processing and from there to Tesla and other OEMs. Indeed China processes 75 per cent of the world’s lithium. Tesla signed a five-year deal with one of the major Chinese lithium processors in 2020. However, it also recently announced its plan to extract lithium from clays in Nevada and process it in the US. This is another sign of the trend for on-shoring and re-shoring US industries to build buffers against supply chain vulnerabilities. Musk encouraged investors to get into the lithium processing business saying, “You can’t lose, it’s a licence to print money”. There’s a strong lesson in that for Australia. The KPMG report suggested a couple of the ways forward in supply chain risk management is for companies to adopt the
Below L-R: BMW plans to start sourcing aluminium from Canada this year. OEMS are examining their supply chains and moving to sources less vulnerable to disruption.
Assembly lines are still assembly lines but at Mercedes Factory 56 S-Class bodies are carried on individual but interlinked carriages. Fitting and fixing wheel well components is another area in which the versatility of humans excels, as on this Mercedes-Benz line.
Back in the 1950s, Toyota found running lines at maximum speed caused defects that had to be remedied. It was better to slow the line a little.
Any worker was able to stop the line so that everyone could remedy the problem and make sure it didn’t happen again. However, times change. At Toyota in SA, if the line stopped, Japan was on the phone in minutes wanting to know why.
practice of regionalisation of supplies where possible and of using multi-source suppliers generally. Tesla’s strategy ticks both boxes. Also mentioned is the need to comply with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) policies and regulations. Another thing that’s as important to supply chains, as it is to virtually every other industry, is AI and data analysis. As automotive supply chains diversify and link with more suppliers to increase supply redundancy they are becoming more complex and difficult to assess and manage. Analysis by AI has become essential. However, this is not a surprise. Every company of any size, and virtually all companies connected with automotive supply chains, are across AI analytical technology, the necessity for it and the benefits it brings. AI and data analysis is as important as Kaizen, Kanban and Lean Manufacturing combined. In fact, the insights needed for future success in supply chain and manufacturing will come from AI algorithms and data analysis rather than the implementation of human inspired programs. Times have changed.
The elephant in the automotive supply chain room is China. In fact, China is so heavily intertwined in all global manufacturing that armed conflict with the PLAN (People’s Liberation Army Navy) would be disastrous for global manufacturing and supply chains. So, will there be a conflict over Taiwan?
Originally, it had 20,000 marines but plans to expand that force to 100,000. Marines are used primarily for invasions. Still, according to the very perceptive Zeihan, and others, China has some vulnerabilities. It’s a huge importer of energy, food and raw materials. It’s economy is also entirely reliant on exports; much of its population is poor and can’t afford its output, so it’s not economically self-sufficient. Consequently, sanctions of the same magnitude as those levied against Russia would cripple the country. The trouble is, such sanctions would also have devastating effects on all global supply chains, including automotive. And decoupling Western
China’s navy is larger than that of the US. For perspective, we should point out it doesn’t have the technical capacity of the US or Japanese fleets and global strategist Peter Zeihan points out much of the PLA naval force isn’t blue water capable; it’s restricted to shorter range missions. Still, we don’t see much comfort in that because Taiwan is only a couple of hundred kilometres off the Chinese coast. The Chinese military has also grown at an enormous rate. For example, the US has seven major shipyards. China has 19 and one of them has a production capacity equal to all seven US facilities. Other branches of its military are also expanding.
manufacturing from China would be extremely difficult, although we may be seeing the first signs of this. At best, it’s an extremely volatile scenario. Really, in the end, why would Australia care about the automotive supply chain given we no longer manufacture passenger cars? Well, we still buy vehicles and they have to be manufactured and they also have to be shipped here. This brings up the automotive value chain, which is the entire chain of automotive activity from design, through all levels of manufacturing, transport of finished vehicles and sales. Any disruption along that chain, particularly in the supply chain, can break the chain. Australia needs to plan for a role in a revised, more robust but more regionalised automotive supply chain. A good start would be to process the things we dig up, particularly our own lithium.
Data is everything and everything generates data. Torque wrenches like this one at the Mercedes-Benz battery plant generate data for every fastener tightened. This creates a massive
When the Ever Given became stuck in the Suez Canal supply chains worldwide were severely disrupted (above). Moving cars from OEM production facilities to dealers and customers around the world is part of the automotive value chain (below). Tier 3 suppliers typically deal with raw materials like plastics (bottom)
Á
Á
Á
PLASTIC SUMP PLUGS
We are now seeing the rise of the plastic oil pan which brings with it the plastic sump plug. This is old news for many in the trade depending on which brands you work on, but for those that don’t, this is what you need to know.
ENGINEERS constantly look at all parts of the engine and vehicle to reduce weight for efficiency. If they can also make these parts lighter, faster and cheaper it will look good for the overall cost of manufacture. Over the years we have seen the increase in the number of plastic parts in the engine bay, from intake manifolds, thermostats, water pumps and now oil pans or sumps.
Plastic sumps are in an exposed position under the engine which means they must be able to withstand impacts from loose objects from the road and impacts with fixed objects if the vehicle is driven off road. After considerable development, engineers state these oil pans can survive all conditions, while reducing engine noise, reducing engine emissions (by being 60 per cent lighter than the metal versions) and being cheaper and faster to make. They also allow for the integration of oil level sensors and internal plumbing.
The first thermoplastic engine oil pan was fitted to Mercedes-Benz Actros Class 8 trucks in 1998. The first plastic oil pan on a passenger vehicle was on the Peugeot 508 in 2010. It is hard to say if these applications were the first to use plastic sump plugs. However, there are now many vehicles with plastic sump plugs as there is no metal insert in the sump for a conventional thread.
Plastic plugs are now found on many different makes and models. The following list is not comprehensive but should be used as a guide as to which vehicles currently use plastic sump plugs. VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda – many models with 1.2, 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0L TSFI. 1.6 and 2.0L TDI engines from 2012 onwards.
Ford: 2.0 TDCi Transit, Focus, Mondeo from 2014. V8 Mustang from 2016.
BMW/MINI: Most 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol engines from 2011.
Peugeot: 508, 3008 and 5008 from 2010, 308 from 2013.
Citroen: C4 from 2013, C5 from 2008.
Mercedes-Benz: C-Class AMG with 4.0-litre petrol engines from 2015.
Many of these designs use locking tabs which engage with lugs moulded into the sump which prevent them from coming loose. In many cases, the tabs will break off when the plug is removed making these single-use items.
Some technicians have managed to get
This sump plug is shared by the diesel engines in Ford, Peugeot and Citroen
the old plugs out without breaking them for reuse. However, they are prone to leaking, so it is not worth the hassle.
The price of these plugs varies from under $5 to possibly $20 or more, depending on the model. So, when booking in a vehicle for a simple oil change, it is wise to check if a new sump plug should be ordered and if they are in stock.
Take care when fitting plastic plugs, as you only need to apply enough torque to engage the tabs. Excessive torque may damage the plug or the sump beyond repair.
This is another service item to be aware of as the vehicles we work on continue to become lighter and more efficient.
These are the plugs used on various engines in the VW group. You can buy a special tool to assist in removal and fitting
These are the plugs used on MercedesBenz engines. Allegedly, the green O-ring is special, which is why it is relatively expensive
Plastic sump, as found on the Mustang from 2016. The sump plug is a single-use item and must be replaced after removal.
OurAuto Digital Marketing Platform
MAZDA CX-9: BRAKE BOOSTER REPLACEMENT
2007 - 2016 Mazda CX-9 TB
VACC’s Technical Advisory Service has received calls on how to test and replace the brake booster on the Mazda CX-9. This article covers the steps required and provides an alternative that might be quicker. However, you will have to use your professional judgement to choose which is best for you.
The CX-9 booster diaphragm seems to develop tears near the outer seal that can result in degraded booster performance as the tears grow. The tears allow leakage from the atmosphere side to the vacuum side of the diaphragm, which reduces the differential pressure and produces a hissing noise after the tears reach 10-12mm in length. This results in drivers having a hard time pushing the pedal during initial application. However, the extra effort diminishes as the pedal is pressed further and the outer wall of the booster partially seals the tear. This sudden change explains why some drivers feel the pedal turn ‘spongy’.
To resolve this situation, a new booster is required for a reliable repair. Second-hand parts are not recommended as a secondhand unit could have the same fault.
Allow the engine to idle for at least 10 seconds so vacuum can be applied to the booster. With the engine running, depress and hold the brake pedal once.
NOTE: Do not pump the brake pedal. With the brake pedal depressed, turn the engine off, then keep the pedal depressed for 30 seconds. With light pressure on the pedal, if the pedal moves up. Replace the brake booster. With light pressure on the pedal and the pedal does not move up, release the brake pedal and wait for 10 seconds. Depress the brake pedal once.
NOTE: Do not pump the brake pedal.
If the pedal is easy to press (e.g. vacuum assistance) the booster is OK. If the pedal is hard to press (e.g. no vacuum assistance) the booster will require replacement.
Master Cylinder and Booster Removal Remove the battery and tray.
Remove the resonance chamber from the intake tube. See Diagram 1
Diagram 1: Booster Location
The brake booster is tucked in under the cowl panel. To access it, remove the wiper, cowl grill, wiper motor and cowl panel. This will give you enough room to remove it
Cowl panel
Cowl grill
Resonance chamber
Engine cover
Remove the windshield wiper arms and blades.
Remove the cowl grill by removing the weather-strip and all clips. See Diagram 1
Remove the wiper motor assembly. See Diagram 2
Remove the cowl panel, eight bolts. See Diagram 2
Remove the vacuum pipe bracket. Remove the brake fluid level sensor connector.
Remove the brake pipes from the master cylinder and plug the holes and pipes. Remove the two nuts from the master cylinder, then remove the master cylinder from the booster. See Diagram 5
Remove the O-ring from the master cylinder and discard. See Diagram 5 Remove the nuts from the heater hose brackets.
Remove the brake pipe from the ABS unit (if required). Remove the vacuum hose from the booster.
Remove the spilt pin and clevis pin from the booster push rod, which is attached to the brake pedal, from under the dash. See Diagram 3 Remove the four nuts from the booster from under the dash. Remove the booster unit from the vehicle. See Diagram 6
Carefully remove the gasket which may be stuck on the firewall or the booster. You might have to reuse this gasket as the new booster may not come with one. See Diagram 6
Inspect all parts for wear and leaks (especially the master cylinder) and replace as required.
Installation
Refit the new booster assembly with a new or reused gasket. Tighten the four nuts to 19-25Nm. See Diagram 6 Refit push rod and pins to the brake pedal. See Diagram 3
and
Refit master cylinder with new O-ring and tighten nuts to 21-25Nm.
NOTE: It may save time if you bench bleed the master cylinder before refitting, especially if it’s a new unit. See Diagram 5
WARNING: It is easy to warp the housing of the booster where the master cylinder seals. This will cause a vacuum leak, and you will need another booster. See Diagram 5
Refit all brake pipes to the master cylinder finger tight, then tighten to 20-30Nm.
of the
Diagram 2: Wiper Motor and Cowl Panel
Diagram 4: Booster Installation
Diagram 3: Brake Pedal View
With all
components removed you can access the booster
There are four nuts that hold the booster studs
Split pin
clevis pin on the booster push rod
Cowl Panel
Wiper Motor
Refit the brake pipe to the ABS unit and tighten to 13-21Nm.
Refit all other components in reverse order.
Cowl panel bolts 20Nm. See Diagram 2
Wiper motor bolts 5Nm. See Diagram 2
Wiper arm nuts 25Nm.
NOTE: Clean taper on the wiper arm shafts with a wire brush before installation. See Diagram 2
Bleed the brake system using DOT-3 brake fluid. Bleed normally as there is no special procedure.
For more information log on to VACC MotorTech or call VACC’s Technical Advisory Service.
Diagram 6: Booster Gasket
Booster
O-ring
Care must be used when installing the master cylinder to the booster, as it is easy to warp the front face of the booster which will cause it to leak Master cylinder
We thank the team at Maz Motors for their assistance with this article.
03 97069444 | mazmotors.com.au
You might have to reuse this gasket, so remove it carefully
Tighten the four nuts to 19-25Nm.
See Diagram 3
Alternative Plan
We have heard reports that it may be faster and easier to do this job by lowering the K-Frame to move the engine down enough without removing the cowl and wiper assembly.
Separate the steering column from the rack.
Lower the K-Frame without stretching the wiring harness and other plumbing. Replace the booster.
The nuts for the K-Frame must be re-tightened to 120-150Nm.
The steering column universal joint to the steering rack must be retightened to 19-26Nm.
Check the wheel alignment after reassembly.
The easy-to-use diagnostic tool comes softwareenabled, providing auto-detection, top-range health reports, monthly updates and more.
Seamlessly integrates with VACC MotorTech, saving time diagnosing many technical issues.
Flexible payment plans, available in-house with no interest or fees.
OurAuto Diagnostic Tool
Exclusive benefits for members of VACC.
Access your member power by signing up to an Officeworks 30 Day Business Account and enjoy exclusive benefits, including business pricing on select office essentials such as everyday office supplies, furniture and tech.
With a 30 Day Business Account, you’ll also enjoy: 30 days interest free and 30 days to pay.
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
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. 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. 1300 013 341 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
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.
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
Superannuation
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.
1800 005 166 spiritsuper.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
AutoCareers
The AutoCareers jobs portal connects jobseekers with employers wanting skills and labour. VACC and TACC member businesses can advertise qualified and apprenticeship vacancies free of charge.
03 9829 1133
autoadvice@vacc.com.au autocareers.com.au
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. officeworks.com.au/campaigns/vacc
Zembl
Zembl is the leading energy price comparison service for Australian businesses. VACC and TACC members have access to a free energy bill review. Then Zembl works with leading retailers to find a competitive deal.
1300 915 162
https://zembl-dev.webflow.io/ partner/vacc
VACC Accreditation
VACC Accreditation is here to help drive your business forward. Achieving accreditation means a business can demonstrate it is meeting a higher standard that is valued by customers.
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
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
contact@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 0407 344 433 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
E.T.C.S.
Electrical Testing & Compliance Service
Liability & Customer Vehicle Risks
• Damage due to faulty workmanship
• Negligence by contractor/subcontractor
• Driving risks
• Authorised vehicle inspections
Management Risks
• Breaches in employment
• Unfair or wrongful dismissal
• Harassment or discrimination
• Wrongful acts as an owner/director
• Statutory fines & penalties e.g. OH&S breaches
Property Risks
• Business interruption
• Fire & storm
• Machinery breakdown
• Theft & money
• Glass
Cyber Risk
• Data breaches
• Cyber attacks
• Contingent business interruption
With over 20-plus years of experience, OurAuto Insurance are proud to be trusted by automotive businesses across Australia. Contact us today to arrange a hassle-free insurance quote for your business.
The auto industry podcast brought to you by the best in the business
Join journalist Greg Rust, motoring enthusiast Shane Jacobson, and industry authority Geoff Gwilym as we dig deep into automotive. There’ll be news and views, industry insights and trends, special guests, and plenty of laughs along the way.
