We offer custom laser cutting for any design, we’ll even draw it for you. Suitable for DIY, Automotive or
08 GET A TRADE
For years, parents and teachers have herded young people into university but there’s always a cost
10 NO SHOW
What should automotive professionals do when customers leave vehicles with them and never return
12 ROVER IT
The automotive industry urgently needs the Federal Government to reform the Road Vehicle Regulator platform
14 GREEN IMPACT
As Australians increasingly move towards an electric vehicle fleet, buyers in the market for a new car need to ask some serious questions
18 NIGHT OF NIGHTS
Tickets for the President’s Gala Dinner and Automotive Industry Awards ceremony are almost gone. Get in quick before they go
20 SHOW TIME
The TAIPEI AMPA show in Taiwan shows a glimpse of the future with an amazing showcase of parts and vehicles
26 SELLING SHOW
The Bangkok International Motor Show has always had a point of difference: it makes money for all stakeholders
34 BIG CHAIR
Matt Hobbs joins the Motor Trades Assocition of Australia as CEO with plenty of energy and much to do
40 FOSSIL FUELS
Petrol and diesel has successfully fuelled cars and trucks and motorcycles for over 100 years, but there are alternatives
46 IN THE KNOW
Getting Technical this issue addresses Ford 10-speed auto issues and Holden Colorado fan hub removal
52 SERVICE DIRECTORY
Find everything from the latest products to the best business services you need all in one place
54 BUSINESS INDEX
Take advantage of VACC and TACC corporate partnerships and services, and drive your business forward
58 THE LAST WORD
From our archives, a page from The Australian Automobile Trade Journal published 100 years ago in June 1924
DAVID DOWSEY
PROTECT, INFORM, GROW
EVER-CHANGING legislation, market behaviours and rising costs can test any business owner. But you’re not alone. Since 1918, VACC has developed unparalleled automotive experience, allowing it to take on your business challenges and do the heavy lifting for you, letting you do what you do best, while VACC helps reduce your risks and costs.
There are plenty of good reasons to be a VACC/TACC member. Here are just a few… Advocacy and lobbying VACC lobbies state and federal governments and regulators on behalf of members and the industry to change the sector for the better. Members receive industryspecific news and information, and invitations to meetings and seminars that make a difference.
Industrial relations
VACC’s IR department provides members with expert advice, information and representation on all industrial relations matters. The IR department can help with employee relationship queries such as employment contracts, disciplinary and termination procedures and WorkCover claims or unfair dismissals, while upto-date wage rates, superannuation tables, employee handbooks and fact sheets are all available.
Australasian
MANAGING EDITOR
David Dowsey
03 9829 1247
editor@australasianautomotive.com
SUB-EDITOR
Andrew Molloy
DESIGNERS
Faith Perrett
Gavin van Langenberg 03 9829 1189
creative@australasianautomotive.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Occupational Health, Safety and Environment
VACC’s OHSE Unit provides members with help, information and representation, along with compliance on health and safety obligations, workers’ compensation, environmental obligations and sustainability practices. The OHSE Unit has industry-specific products, policies, procedures, guidance and templates to support your business. Members can access consultancy services and workplace inspections from qualified VACC OHSE professionals.
Technical information
Modern workshops require a lot of technical know-how, so accessing reliable information is vital. VACC members gain access to an extensive technical resource, a Technical Advisory Service and library staffed by experienced technicians, along with Tech Talk magazine, plus online resources from Haynes – Haynes Pro and Haynes AllAccess – allowing members to repair and service more makes and models than their competition.
Apprenticeship support
VACC/TACC Automotive Apprenticeships finds and places quality apprentices into the trade. The award-winning team only
recruits high performing applicants, and experienced trade qualified mentors support them throughout their apprenticeship. They can even display your job vacancies for free on VACC’s JobFinder website.
Brand recognition
Motorists know the VACC brand, which the Chamber promotes to consumers through advertising, marketing and sponsorships. Members can display the VACC brand on their business premises.
John Caine, Geoff Gwilym, Shane Jacobson, Rod Lofts, Bruce McIntosh, Imogen Garcia Reid, Paul Tuzson VACC adheres to its obligations under National Privacy Principles legislation. Information on products and services contained in the editorial and advertising pages of this magazine does not imply the endorsement of any product or service by VACC. Australasian Automotive is copyright and no part may be reproduced without the written permission of VACC. Advertisers and advertising agencies lodging material for publication in Australasian Automotive indemnify VACC, its directors, board, employees, members, and its
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of
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unfair competition, breach of trade practices or fair trading legislation, violation of rights of privacy or confidential information or licences or royalty rights or other intellectual property rights, and warrant that the material complies with all relevant laws and regulations. This publication is distributed with the understanding 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 from editor@australasianautomotive.com
Connect with VACC
THE press recently reported the likely rise in Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) debts of between 4.2 and 4.8 per cent based on annual indexing to inflation.
That’s bad news for university graduates struggling under the weight of crippling debts, all while establishing a new career and navigating life.
Last year, HECS debt owners also copped a whopping 7.1 per cent inflation rise on their debt.
That means undergraduate students can have a debt in the tens of thousands of dollars before Day One in the workforce.
And all the time this occurs, Australia cries out for skilled trade workers.
Worse still is that, as we continue to march off reams of school leavers into higher education pathways, what we often end up with is more double-degree baristas.
What looks at a distance like a university course that will never
really come to fruition often turns out to be another debt that limits real savings and reduces the likelihood of buying a home and getting ahead in life.
GEOFF GWILYM
GET A TRADE
This doesn’t mean all university courses are bad or that the learning pathways aren’t ideal for some, but we really have to think about whether this is the right route for our limited youth pool.
Apprenticeships mean young people earn while they learn.
TAFE and other trade training provider fees are microscopic compared to uni fees and trade graduates will go into the world with valued and transferable skills they can utilise for a lifetime.
So, come on and give your kids a real go. Get them into a trade apprenticeship.
Want to hear more from VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym? Read his weekly column in The Herald Sun.
JOHN CAINE UNCOLLECTED VEHICLES
UNCOLLECTED vehicles are those that a consumer has left with a business but has not returned to claim or collect, has not told the business owner what to do with the vehicle, the business owner cannot contact the vehicle owner, or the vehicle owner has not paid the business within a reasonable time any costs associated with keeping the vehicle (also known as the ‘relevant charge’).
For example, a towing business has picked up a damaged vehicle, but the owner or owner’s agent has not told them what to do with it.
A motor mechanic diagnoses or repairs a car and the owner doesn’t return to pick it up and pay the account (relevant charge).
Goods are not considered ‘uncollected’ if a business refuses to return or deliver them or prevents the person who left them with the business from collecting or reclaiming them.
In the case of Victoria, the disposal rights come from Part 4.2 of the Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012. The following guidance applies to Victoria only. Other states should contact their state MTA for guidance.
Under Victorian legislation, the business must notify the owner that the business intends to dispose of their uncollected goods, then hold the goods for a certain time period before disposing of them. For motor vehicles, this is 30 days after having served the owner and any interested party a ‘Notice of intention to dispose’ in the prescribed form. The vehicle’s owner can prevent disposal of their goods by paying the relevant charge and collecting their vehicle or, if a dispute exists, applying to a court or the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to resolve a dispute with the business holding them.
If there is money left over after
the business sells the uncollected vehicle and pays the relevant charge and disposal costs (also known as ‘unclaimed money’).
This must be dealt with according to rules set by the Unclaimed Money Act 2008. Further information is available at the State Revenue Office website (search ‘unclaimed money’).
Goods sold correctly under uncollected goods laws give the purchaser ‘clear title’ to them.
This means they own the goods provided that, when they bought them, they were not aware of any failure by the business to comply with uncollected goods laws.
The term ‘clear title’ means the previous owner can no longer claim the goods or ask the purchaser to pay any money to keep them.
VACC has a dedicated ‘Disposal of uncollected goods’ kit for Victorian businesses. This is available for purchase from the OurAuto iStore.
IMOGEN GARCIA REID
ROVER ADVOCACY WIN
IN early May, the Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Australia (CVIAA), along with the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA), galvanised an industry coalition of 46 stakeholders in a letter to the Hon. Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government requesting urgent reform to the Road Vehicle Regulator (ROVER) platform by the Federal Government.
The ROVER IT system is the user interface for the Road Vehicle Safety Act (2018) legislation. It provides an online platform for the industry, including manufacturers, to lodge a range of vehicle-related approvals.
CVIAA’s advocacy on the Road Vehicle Standards Act (2018) and its related IT platform ROVER has been ongoing for years. They have actively engaged with the development of the system through BETA trials and participated in government/industry stakeholder roundtables designed to provide feedback on the system’s operations. CVIAA has consistently voiced its concerns with the ROVER system regarding its functionality, claiming the new improved version was in fact worse than the system it replaced.
In their recent letter to Minister King, CVIAA, with the support of industry stakeholders, highlighted the very real impact the system’s lack of functionality has on people’s livelihoods, the supply of new vehicles and their parts into the Australian market and broader industry productivity. Extreme delays on
applications can result in literally millions of dollars’ worth of equipment being held up on manufacturers’ premises, or on the wharf incurring hundreds of thousands of dollars in demurrage costs.
Further to this, it was made clear that additional pressure placed on the system to accommodate legislative changes associated with the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) could have detrimental effects.
In summary, the letter detailed five recommendations for immediate action by the Federal Government. These included to:
1. Immediately reinstate case managers within the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts to verbally liaise with the industry on open applications. This should help ease the ongoing backlog of applications and could be achieved at minimal expense.
2. Allocate adequate federal funding to rebuild the ROVER system to meet its stated objectives.
3. Establish a ministerial-led steering committee of select industry participants to inform and guide the system’s rebuild.
4. Conduct the legislated RVSA Implementation Review, as a matter of priority, by an independent organisation, and not as an internal departmental review. Anything less than a comprehensive,
external review would carry no credibility with the industry.
5. Establish an independent ombudsman, or other dispute resolution mechanism, to address complaints or outstanding issues related to applications.
CVIAA is pleased to advise that Minister King has listened and responded accordingly by announcing $84.5 million in federal funding in the May Budget. This funding has been allocated to NVES implementation and to address issues with the ROVER platform, which may include a complete system rebuild and additional resourcing. CVIAA welcomes the funding but will need to work with the Federal Government and its related agencies to ensure the ROVER system meets the needs of both industry and the government moving into the future. This is a win for the industry and the direct result of tireless advocacy behind the scenes by CVIAA. CVIAA, along with an industry delegation will be meeting with the minister shortly to discuss the funding details.
CVIAA would like to thank the numerous industry stakeholders along with the Motor Trades Association of Australia who supported the letter to Minister King. The power of a united voice has yielded a great result.
Note: The Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Victoria (a VACC division) is an active member of the Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Australia. VACC hosts the CVIAA Secretariat at VACC House.
BRUCE MCINTOSH ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
I was recently out with a group of friends and, as is almost predictable these days, a conversation on cars and electric vehicles (EV) kicks off. In these cases, I try to avoid complicated policy settings and the challenges authorities around the world face when introducing EV fleets, but I can’t help myself. And it’s complicated because there aren’t what we would call comparative markets in other places.
Even in countries with a similar car fleet as Australia, there are usually multiple factors that differ: things like fuel pricing, EV incentives, vehicle emission zones, and on it goes.
This makes it difficult when we see emerging national EV policies designed to limit the sale of internal combustion engines and to encourage the use of EVs and other
zero and low emission vehicles.
Again, we often see international examples used to compare Australia’s overall vehicle emissions, but with little detail on other impacting factors offshore.
And the conversation usually ends with someone asking me if they should buy an EV, a conventional hybrid or a plug-in hybrid, sometimes a question on hydrogen cars.
Of course, the answer is to buy what your budget will allow and, most importantly, the vehicle that best suits their needs.
The environmental factors are also important, but for many with less cash to splash, the ideology of a clean air EV is a leap too far.
Want to hear more from Bruce? Read his weekly column in the Mercury.
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."
Justin
Walker, General Manager, Grant Walker Parts
Apprentice goes the extra mile
VACC Automotive Apprenticeships apprentices are among the finest in the country. We know this because the completion rate for VACC apprentices is 85 per cent, which is much higher than the national average of 56 per cent.
Of course, VACC Automotive Apprenticeships, ably led by Nigel Muller, has an award-winning team that works incredibly hard to make this a reality. In the frame too are VACC members who host the apprentices and the training providers at TAFE colleges, who also play a role.
But, in the end, an apprenticeship scheme is only as good as the apprentices in it. So it follows that the young people in the scheme are a cut above.
Jaycob Edwards is a school-based apprentice hosted by car dealership Etheridge Ford, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. The Lilydale site concentrates on servicing, while the Etheridge establishment in Ringwood also sells new and used vehicles.
When not at the service centre, Jaycob attends Mooroolbark College and Ringwood Training.
But the story doesn’t end there. The Year 12 student is also a hero firefighter, defending his local community, which
borders rural land on the outskirts of Melbourne.
Jaycob’s VACC Automotive Apprenticeships Field Manager Alan Maggs said it was no surprise to learn of Jaycob’s extracurricular activities.
“Jaycob is in his second year of his school-based course and he’s going extremely well at work and his RTO,” said Alan.
“In his spare time, Jaycob volunteers with the Country Fire Authority and was recently awarded his five-year service award by Federal Member for Casey, Aaron Violi MP.”
Jaycob completes his schoolbased apprenticeship in November and then will go into a full-time apprenticeship at Etheridge Ford.
The future looks bright for the automotive industry as long as VACC Automotive Apprenticeships keeps attracting people of Jaycob Edwards’ calibre.
Buy genuine dealer information to increase your profit
THE Motor Vehicle Service & Repair Information Sharing Scheme is the first time aftermarket workshops are on level pegging with dealership service departments. Whatever service, repair, diagnostic hardware, or software a dealer accesses, so can you. This covers every vehicle and light commercial from 1 January 2002 to today. So how does this legislation potentially change how you should use information?
You can now make a great leap in workshop efficiency by using a combination of aftermarket and genuine information. You are missing
the major efficiency gain if you only use AASRA as a last resort for missing information. For example, subscribe to Toyota’s Service Information for $21-plus a day to access every service/repair manual, TSBs, and wiring for all models from 2002 onward. Subscribe to the dealer Techstream diagnostic software for $80-plus per month (J2534), which is popular with 4WD workshops. Based on 21 working days a month, that's $3.80-plus per day. Scan the Toyota, get every DTC description, Technical Service Bulletins links and if any ECUs/ controllers need software updates.
If using genuine information or software saves you 30 minutes, it has paid for itself. You bill the subscription fee to the job and then use the 30-minute gain on another job. Let’s say you save 30 minutes on one job per day. That’s over 120 hours saved per year (252 working days in 2024). Using genuine information will result in higher year-end profits. Visit aasra.com.au, select 'Automotive Websites' (LH menu) to view all the car companies' pricing by day, month and year. AASRA's home page has two PDFs: Joining Help and Navigation. Rodger Nardi | aasra.com.au
Ray Massaro Massaro Motors Gippsland
RAY Massaro of Massaro Motors Morwell and Greater Gippsland, is another high profile VACC member. Ray’s business is located on Princes Drive, which is the main road through Morwell. Ray and his family have sold vehicles, tractors and machinery for over 50 years. While having a proud history of selling cars, their long-term emphasis has always been to support local farmers through their tractor and farm machinery offering. They have been located on these premises since the beginning of 1973.
Ray reflected: “I always wanted to work on the farm as a young boy, but my dad insisted I get an apprenticeship as a motor mechanic, so I could look after the machinery on the farm. I don’t think anyone realised where that good advice would take me and my family.”
The key to Ray’s success has been his wife for more than 50 years, Dianne. Ray is a local lad of the Massaro family farm in Yinnar and Narracan East. Ray started out spinning spanners at the age of 17 with Travally Motors in Morwell. His apprenticeship training was at Yallourn Tech, where Ray won best apprentice three times during his four-year apprenticeship.
Ray told the VACC team, “I would do any extra specialist training that was available during and after my apprenticeship. I often had to wait for a lift into town to get to work or training, as I was not old enough to have a driver’s licence at that stage.” Not content with just being a good mechanic, Ray continued to build his skills through specialist technical courses in the evenings. This undoubtedly gave him great confidence when seeking to start his own business at the age of 23.
Chrysler was looking for a dedicated dealership in the area. Ray, having been the service manager at Travally Motors in Morwell, saw this as an opportunity to get out on his own. Dianne also came into Ray’s life at this time. Having fallen short of a team member on a tenpin bowling night, Dianne was asked to come along to make up the team numbers… It looks like Ray was ‘bowled’ over on the night and they haven’t looked back since. Needing a site for a new business, Ray
spotted the old Shell Roadhouse coming up for auction. This site he currently occupies and at the time worked hard to convince Dianne that this would be the dream home for them to start their lives together.
Ray said, “I knew the attached house to the roadhouse would need a lot of work to bring it up to scratch. I had a lot of mates in trades and family members who were also ready to help us out. Italian people are famous for helping to build the lives of younger people in their communities; more so in migrant communities where everybody needs as much help as they can get. I am grateful to all the people that helped me then and, in turn, I have helped others out similarly over the years.”
Through all this time, Ray has remained hands-on in the business.
In the VACC meeting, Ray explained, “My main philosophy at work was to engage positively with people and to make sure the people in the business were engaged. You need to talk, listen and think about what people need, helping to solve problems. It’s not rocket science.”
Time was running out for Ray to buy the new (old) house as he and Dianne were also engaged and due to be married in the months ahead. Dianne saw the glint in Ray’s eye and busied herself with ways to renovate a virtually derelict property. Guess what? Ray was in the backyard staking out the new and bigger workshop. Ray was up and running by the beginning of the next year with a few Chryslers in the yard for sale and a workshop for servicing. Ray said, “Once Chrysler saw I was going to buy the site, they arrived soon after and concreted in the new Chrysler sign. The workshop wasn’t fully set up at this stage!”
The Massaro Motors business went on to become a family name in the district, sporting new car brands such as Land Rover, Suzuki and Volkswagen, along with Kubota tractors and farm machinery. The world of selling cars was changing and so was Ray’s thoughts for the future. Having a passion and always being successful with tractors and farm machinery, Ray felt it was time to
In the workshop, Ray explained, “MBWA (management by walking around) was my motto. I knew managing from behind a desk was not something I wanted to do; it’s just not me. Every day, I greet the first customers that come into the showroom. In the mornings, I walk through the workshop and check in on my staff. I think of my staff as my work family. Over the years, I have had many long-term staff with as many as 50 at one time. If they are happy, I am happy.”
The future is also in Ray’s thoughts, with all six of Ray and Dianne’s children having worked in the business at some stage over the years. His son Luke is part of the transition plans for the business; to grow into the areas of industrial, commercial, construction and earthmoving tractors, equipment and machinery in Gippsland. Locally, Ray has put an enormous effort into local politics, sporting clubs and social organisations by helping and contributing to their successes. For VACC, this is another 50-year member of whom we are very proud. We take our hat off to Ray for his hard work and dedication to the business and local community. Well done.
2024 Automotive Industry Awards (AIA) finalists have been announced by the Victorian and Tasmanian Chambers of Commerce.
The awards give hardworking automotive businesses an opportunity to showcase achievements, gain recognition for successes and promote themselves to consumers. All VACC and TACC members were eligible to apply (accredited and non-accredited). All applicants are thanked for their participation, but only some can be finalists.
Award winners will be revealed at the 2024 President’s Gala Dinner at Crown Palladium in Melbourne on Saturday 29 June. The next generation, VACC and TACC Automotive Apprenticeships’ award winners and graduating apprentices, will also be celebrated on the night. Hosted by VACC ambassador Shane Jacobson, with entertainment from the Voices Supergroup featuring Jason Singh, the Eurogliders and Rob Mills, magic with Cosentino, and great food and wine – it’s set to be the industry’s night of nights.
For tickets and more information, visit: automotiveindustryawards. com.au/gala-dinner
Special thanks to major event partner DENSO for their support, as well as AIA category sponsors, Podium, Commonwealth Bank, Exedy, Vic Roads, HaynesPro, SixFam and Shell Card. Additionally, VACC and TACC Automotive Apprenticeships sponsors, Spirit Super, Mas National and SP Tools.
President’s Award
Employer of the Year
Innovative Mechatronics Group
JMC Automotive Group
Patterson Cheney
Sheen Panel Service Vic Pty Ltd
Tas Trucks
President’s Award Employee of the Year
Dylan Eagleton Agpower
Jayden Bennett
Autobody Solutions
Georgia Joynson
Creswick 4WD Centre
Jack Asprey
Howell Automotive
Naveen Pathania
MJ Mechanical
David Pyne
Original Engines Co
Julian Driscoll
Peninsula Service Centre
Sebastian Wilson Tas Trucks
VICTORIA
Best Large Business
Metropolitan Agpower
Barry Bourke Motor
BM Tech
Essendon Mazda
HM GEM Engines
Innovative Mechatronics Group
Original Engines Co
Patterson Cheney
Peninsula Diesel Repairs
Werribee MG/LDV/SsangYong
Werribee Mitsubishi
Werribee Nissan and Werribee GWM/Haval
Western Ford
Western General Bodyworks
Western Honda Holdings Pty Ltd
Western Mitsubishi
Western Nissan and Caroline Springs Jeep
Questions? Contact Event Coordinator Ismini Tsiftis 03 9829 1263 | info@automotiveindustryawards.com.au | automotiveindustryawards.com.au And
Best Small Business
Metropolitan
Alan Lennox Motors
Azzco Deluxe Garage
Berwick Tyrepower
Bosch Car Service Ringwood
Buckley's Auto Repairs
DSI Panels Blackburn
Melbourne Euro
Melbourne Eurotech
Montmorency Service Centre
Ozwide Wide Tools
Prorepair Auto Care Centre
Sheen Panel Service Brooklyn
Sheen Panel Service Glen Waverley
Sheen Panel Service Kensington
Sheen Panel Service Reservoir
Sheen Panel Service Tullamarine
Smarter Choice Auto
Best Large Business
Regional
Always There Automotive
Davison Motors
Morrow Motor Group
Warragul Nissan and Mitsubishi
Best Small Business
Regional
Admiral Towing
Auto Care Ocean Grove Pty Ltd
Azzi Nusser Service Centre
Cohuna Auto Electrical and Air Conditioning
CPK McLaren MotorBody
Echuca Service Centre
Geelong Collision Centre
Geelong Performance Centre
GMC Onsite
Mansbridge Motors
Mansfield Power Ag
PJ's Discount Tyre Service
Major Partner
TASMANIA
Best Large Business
Tasmania
Cooper Automotive
JMC Automotive Group
Powell Motor Group
Best Small Business
Tasmania
Blackmans Bay Motors
Danbar Automotive Pty Ltd
Fatbuilds 4x4
Howell Automotive
Kate Presnell Bodyworks
Southern Automotive
experienced a dip in production during COVID, Taiwan saw a 30 per cent increase in exports based on its ability to customise OEM and aftermarket auto parts and, despite a recent devastating earthquake, the island country’s manufacturing future looks assured, with a rise in demand for vehicles and related products.
Taiwan is renowned for its high-quality custom manufacturing and OEM automotive aftermarket parts. Less reported is its R&D capability, with local companies supplying big-name companies like Tesla, Rivian, Lucid and Fisker.
Show rules
TAIPEI AMPA – Asia’s most important auto industry showcase – this year boasted a broad range of exhibitors from car, heavy vehicle and motorcycle aftermarket parts, auto electronics, software, hardware, and electric and autonomous vehicle suppliers.
Held during April in Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, the 2024 TAIPEI AMPA focused on the latest ecosystem developments. This year the show expanded its exhibits, from gas to electric vehicle parts, to accommodate recent trends and included a rare glimpse into automotive’s future.
Now 30 years old, 2024 TAIPEI AMPA featured a huge range of parts and accessories, and also promoted Taiwan’s capability to produce parts for the world’s vehicle requirements.
TAIPEI AMPA, this year, sat alongside AUTOTRONICS TAIPEI and 2035
E-Mobility Taiwan, showcasing the entire industry’s present and future trends under one roof. Forums, seminars and start-up activities took place across all days, along with the expected exhibits.
Networking was also an important element of the four-day show.
While the global automotive industry
Featuring over 1,000 exhibitors in 2,700 booths, TAIPEI AMPA showcased automobile and motorcycle parts and accessories, as well as promoting Taiwan’s capability to produce parts for the globe’s vehicle requirements.
Exhibition focus areas included:
Diagnostics and maintenance
Automotive safety equipment and systems
Alternative fuel vehicles and solutions
Parts and components
• Automotive lighting
Motorcycle parts and accessories
Car care
Customising and accessories supplies
Automobile Electronic Products
Automobile Electronic Components & Parts
Highlights this year included companies heavily featuring ADAS technology: avoidance technologies - especially for heavy vehicles - heads-up displays, driver monitoring systems (seatbelt warnings, driver fatigue, mobile phone usage and more) and pedestrian warning systems.
Taipei AMPA 2025 takes place 23-26 April next year at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Taipei City, Taiwan. See taipeiampa.com.tw
TOUGHER BIKIE THAN A KANGAROO IN A BAR FIGHT
EXEDY Safari Tuff clutch range is precision engineered to deliver cutting-edge performance in the most demanding driving conditions.
Expanded Bendix General CT™ range showcases industry-first wear indicator feature
Bendix’s popular General CT™ range has expanded with the addition of new Bendix Disc Brake Rotors which introduce industry-first technology for Australian and New Zealand markets. The new Bendix General CT™ rotors are designed to provide reliable, durable and confidence inspiring braking performance for ‘everyday’ passenger vehicles, and debut Bendix’s new SwiftCheck™ innovation, a market first innovation.
SwiftCheck™ provides a fast and convenient visual indicator of rotor wear, letting motor trade professionals estimate remaining rotor life without the need to measure rotor thickness, allowing them to decide on part replacement. The feature also provides added convenience and peace of mind for vehicle owners, who can inspect the rotors themselves and take appropriate action if needed, such as when preparing for an extended driving holiday or similar. SwiftCheck™ is a machined feature that creates circular grooves on the rotor surface that narrow and disappear progressively as the rotor wears. Once the wear indicator displays a singular dot in the centre, this indicates it’s time for the rotor to be changed. Along with providing this time-saving feature, General CT™ Disc Brake Rotors excel when it comes to braking performance. The range features high
quality metallurgy that’s designed for longevity and improved heat dissipation. The range also delivers an ‘E+ Original Equipment Fit’ that’s designed to be a direct replacement for OE rotors – they meet or exceed OE specifications and deliver confidence for both workshops and vehicle owners. General CT™ Disc Brake Rotors were developed to provide great results with all disc brake pad formulations, but for optimum performance, they’re best matched with the Bendix range of brake pads. As with Bendix’s other disc brake rotor product lines, General CT™
rotors feature SwiftFit™ surface protection. SwiftFit™ is a coating that allows the rotor to be fitted without needing to remove oils. SwiftFit™ also helps prevent corrosion of the rotor resulting in an almost unlimited shelf life and a rust-free rotor. Bendix’s strong focus on sustainability sees the General CT™ Disc Brake Rotor range adopt FSC™ Certified exterior packaging, which is suitable for curbside recycling.
For the first time on any Bendix packaging, the General CT™ Disc Brake Rotor box also contains fitting instructions in the form of an illustrative guide, which should be uses along with vehicle specific information provided by the OE manufacturer during installation. Another new feature of the packaging on most rotors within the General CT™ range, is the introduction of ‘Easy Lift’ finger holes. These are pre-punctured holes that allow each box to be picked up and handled more ergonomically and easily.
Bendix’s new General CT™ Disc Brake Rotor range is available to suit a wide selection of both late and early model passenger cars, four-wheel drives and light commercial vehicles. For a full overview of compatible vehicles, visit: bendix.com.au or call 1800 819 666
DISC BRAKE ROTOR
The new General CT™ Disc Brake Rotors adopt Bendix’s high quality and proven metallurgy, providing outstanding heat dissipation to reduce brake fade in demanding conditions, while also delivering value and longevity for drivers.
INTRODUCING INDUSTRY-FIRST SWIFTCHECK™
Fast and convenient visual indicator of rotor wear
Trade professionals can estimate remaining rotor life without the need to measure rotor thickness, allowing them to decide on part replacement.
Convenience and peace of mind
Vehicle owners can inspect the rotors themselves and take appropriate action if needed, such as when preparing for an extended driving holiday or similar.
WITH a theme this year of ‘The mobility of joyful experiences’, the 45th Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) impressed again in 2024 with its world-leading concept that has seen incredible growth, not just in exhibitor and spectator numbers, but where it matters most: vehicle sales.
This is where BIMS is unique. Manufacturers sell cars and commercials and motorcycles there. Lots of them.
And with motor shows around the world capitulating, their organisers would do well to heed the BIMS message: sell or be damned.
Owned and organised by Grand Prix International and held during March and April, BIMS hosted exhibitions of cars, buses and light trucks, motorcycles and scooters, automotive equipment (consumer and business facing) and consumables, such as tyres and car care accessories. And sell they did.
This year, exhibitors at BIMS moved 58,611 vehicles (including motorcycles) during the 12-day show (up 27.5 per cent on the previous year). EVs made up almost 33 per cent of sales. Toyota moved 8,540
BIMS’ secret formula
cars, followed by Honda with 4,607, MG (3,518) and Mitsubishi (3,409).
Even niche manufacturers like RollsRoyce did well with three sales.
Bentley also moved three vehicles, Maserati sold 15 cars and Porsche 65.
Companies that have yet to make a big splash on the Australian market also excelled: Great Wall Motors sold 2,815 vehicles and BYD offloaded 5,345 cars.
And then there were the Chinese and Vietnamese brands that don’t have a presence here at all. How about this?
Two-wheel exhibitors also moved a lot of stock, with 4,495 motorcycles and scooters going to Thai buyers, with Yamaha winning the sales race (1,171), followed by Strom (780), and Rapid (614). 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
Nexpoint 87, Xpeng 188 and Zeekr 398. Not bad at all.
numerous small desks with chairs and tables for completing the big deals. Even smaller manufacturers, like Porsche, boasted an impressive array of desks, a sign of the vehicle volumes they intended to sell at the show.
Many 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 and MG, had offerings for the Thai market Australians cannot yet buy.
A parochial highlight included the Vinfast VF-3, with styling by Melbourne design studio, Gomotiv. 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 that 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 influences to robots used to boost media attention and sales.
An innovation for the expanded 2024 show included a jaw-dropping display of hyper cars, super cars and classic cars, motorhomes, and a glamping zone.
This year,1,610,972 people attended BIMS.
The 46th Bangkok International Motor Show starts on 26 March 2024. See motorshow.in.th
Show stunners
Some of the unveilings this year included a number of vehicles not yet seen in Australia, including:
Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric
New Volvo XC30
Audi TT Final Icon Black
X Benzilla Edition
Suzuki ewx
Isuzu D-Max EV Concept
Isuzu Elf EV
BYD Denza DM-i
Volvo EX30
Lotus Emeya EV
Lotus Eletre EV Hyper SUV
Lotus Emira
New Jeep Wrangler
Mitsubishi Xpander HEV
Vinfast VF-3
Vinfast VF7 EV SUV
Changan Lumin mini EV
MG Roadster
Tackling one of the biggest imposts to EV uptake in Australia… total cost of ownership
IT'S no secret electric vehicles (EV) 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 GLC: EQC400 4Matic v GLC
300 4Matic
Our aim is to determine whether the overall savings in running costs and service will 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 ICE cars. Brands have already calculated all government rebates when providing pricing for the EVs.
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 EVs 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 and 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 to 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 been reducing 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.
$1,223 Total fees per year $1,223 Yearly fee for $150,000 balance $453 $506 $571 Yearly fees for multiple $50,000 balances
1 account Charlie
MATT HOBBS
CEO MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
Prior to joining the Motor Trades Association of Australia as Chief Executive Officer in January 2024, Matthew Hobbs spent most of his career in senior roles in the automotive industry. Immediately before MTAA, Hobbs worked at the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries and has held important leadership roles at Nissan and General Motors, including at Holden in Australia, and GM Korea. He has also worked in the aviation and tourism industries, and brings to his role a wealth of experience in government relations.
You’ve spent a lot of your working life in the automotive world.
What’s your background?
My background includes senior executive roles at General Motors and Nissan as well as at the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. I have had the opportunity to work on a broad range of issues including being a member of the GM Holden senior leadership team, restructuring GM Korea, being on the GM international product board and negotiating fuel efficiency standards across the world.
Why the automotive industry?
Auto is central to people’s lives; everyone has a car story and can relate to what the industry is doing. I have worked in other sectors, but few have the innovation and excitement of today’s auto industry. It keeps work fresh and the people I work with across the industry are passionate about what they do every day.
What does your job as MTAA CEO entail?
The MTAA CEO is responsible for representing the state MTAs and VACC’s 15,000 members in Canberra on national issues as varied as franchising laws, skills, vehicle recycling through to the relationship between the body repair industry and insurers. It is my job to connect the auto industry with the key decision makers on issues that will impact their businesses and the future of the Australian automotive market.
How does MTAA work?
MTAA is the peak national advocacy association for the automotive industry in Australia. MTAA works with the MTAs and VACC, together with other industry stakeholders, to develop policy positions and advocacy campaigns which help governments make informed decisions.
Who are your stakeholders?
Obviously everyone who is involved with the Australian automotive industry but also those who buy and use our vehicles, such as the national farmers federation. Interaction with this broad group of stakeholders helps MTAA meet the challenges of the evolving automotive sector with knowledge and solutions derived from the expertise of members, staff, industry partners, governments and international relationships.
What is MTAA’s point of difference?
The MTAs and VACC’s combined membership is over 15,000 businesses strong and covers the whole of the automotive industry except for the full line automotive manufacturers. MTAA has the largest and most diverse membership of any auto industry association. The
nature of MTAA’s membership means it can be a potent force in Canberra if used wisely to shape the future direction of the auto sector.
We’re experiencing great change at the moment. What are your policy priorities right now?
The global and Australian automotive industry is going through the largest change it has experienced in many decades. All members are impacted and as such MTAA is focussed on a broad number of issues including skills and training, a standalone automotive franchising code, recycling, charging infrastructure for auto retail, and the rewrite of the Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry Code of Conduct just to name a few.
What do dealers and repairers tell you when you go into their businesses?
Access to skilled people is always first and foremost. Second are the concerns about the EV transition; how the industry will make the change and how
governments will not just focus on driving the increase of EVs on the road but how they will help business transition to ensure a fair outcome. This is particularly important especially if some OEMs decide to change what they offer in the Australian market. Does the government have their back?
If you could change one thing to make automotive retail work better what would it be?
Closer connection between the people who run automotive retail with those that make the decisions in Canberra. It is often too easy for governments to rely on industry to ‘just work it out’. A key priority for MTAA is to reinvigorate its connection with the people who run businesses so we can better represent them. We need to listen to those businesspeople who will ultimately have to live with the decisions made in Canberra.
What’s the best piece of advice you have received?
Don’t just do it because that is the way it has always been done – seek better ways to get the job done.
Any individuals employed by Australian repairers or Registered Training Organisations.
What information can be accessed?
Service schedules, service manuals, service bulletins, repair procedures, wiring diagrams, diagnostic hardware, software etc. Key, immobiliser and radio codes require VSP* status.
The legislation covers vehicles (cars, SUVs, light commercial) from 1 January 2002 onwards.
ALTHOUGH we support electric vehicles in general, they are not without problems. Electrifying the entire global vehicle fleet of a billion cars poses enormous difficulties that critics say are insurmountable. But then, say green champions, we have to start somewhere and they’re correct, we have to try everything. Some suggest there’s yet another way. Last issue we looked at the enormous challenges facing net zero targets in Australia and around the world. However, there’s an increasingly popular idea that renewable, carbon neutral fuels, also called e-Fuels, could allow us to have our hydrocarbons and burn them too. But how can that be so? Burning hydrocarbon fuels emits carbon. Everyone has heard the term biofuels. These fuels are said to be carbon neutral because the crops from which they are made absorb carbon dioxide as they grow. So, when biofuels are burned they release only that CO2. Ideally, the same carbon is recycled without adding more to the atmosphere. This is the good news. However, the carbon footprint of producing biofuels must also be considered, and that’s the bad news; part of it, anyway. There are many types of biofuel and they can be made in a number of ways from a variety of feedstocks. Most commonly, the term biofuel is taken to mean firstgeneration biofuel. Technically, these aren’t pure hydrocarbons. They are derived by means of fermentation from crops like corn (in the US) sugarcane and other edible crops. Those intended for use in ICE applications contain oxygen, which makes them alcohols. However, biofuel derived kerosene and bio-diesel can also be made. These also contain oxygen and are chemically classified as esters although oxygen free heavier hydrocarbons can be made. The trouble with using food crops as inputs for biofuel is that producing it in significant amounts diverts both land and other inputs from meeting food requirements. Second-generation biofuels are intended to mitigate these disadvantages by utiliising waste material from the biologically fed production streams of various other products. Woodchips are an example of material that can be used to create secondgeneration biofuels. Again, many of these are alcohols but other processes can be used to create pure hydrocarbons directly. This is true for all generations of biofuel. Then there’s third generation biofuels. These are derived from algae. Depending on how it’s produced, algae doesn’t compete with food crops as directly as first-generation biofuels. One of the two main caveats here is that if it’s produced by the open pond method, it does require a lot of land. If it’s produced by the closed loop method (in clear tubes and vessels)
E-FUELS
Will we keep burning liquid fuels in internal combustion engines? (far left). The e-Fuels production path, greatly simplified (above). Biofuels can be produced from just about any sort of biomass (below)
production is more compact and efficient, but more expensive. Regardless of growth technology, algae also requires fertiliser. If scaled up to become a major fuel source, the need for fertiliser would most definitely compete with food crops. Still, algae also grows very quickly and, importantly, absorbs far more carbon dioxide than other organic materials used for biofuel. Algae also contains more lipids (a type of fat) than other materials from which carbon neutral fuels can be made, which is important because lipids are ideal for producing these e-Fuels. As far as growing area is concerned, algae produces far more usable material per acre than other crops.
There are also fourth-generation biofuels. Algae for these basically reap the benefits of modern gene editing technology, which is applied to increase lipid content, enhance carbon absorption, improve photosynthetic efficiency and increase growth rates. Additionally, algae can also replace petroleum in the production of plastics. This is an enormous improvement because bioplastics decompose much more readily with fewer environmental side effects than petroleum-based plastics. Although some biofuels can also be used directly in some modern engines, it’s important to remember they have to be combined with conventional hydrocarbons to do so, at least at this stage. E10 (90 per cent petrol 10 per cent ethanol) can be used in most modern engines and is available locally. E85 (85 per cent ethanol 15 per cent petrol) is widely used in the US but only to a limited degree in Australia. It should only be used in specifically designed or modified engines. Newer types and new engines in development may not have this restriction but that’s another matter. Synthetic fuels, as distinct from biofuels, constitute another class of alternative, carbon neutral fuel. These are pure hydrocarbons manufactured by combining hydrogen and carbon dioxide through
catalysis. Such fuels can be used directly in all current internal combustion and turbojet/fan engines with no changes required. They’re commonly referred to as ‘drop-in’ hydrocarbon replacement fuels. Importantly, because synthetic fuels are direct replacements for hydrocarbon fuels they could readily be used as substitutes in aviation and shipping, two applications indisputably vital for modern life yet notoriously difficult to decarbonise. With
the appropriate processing, biofuels can also be used in these applications. They aren’t at the moment to any significant degree but proponents of a biofuel powered future are calling for that to change. Both biofuels and synthetic fuels are claimed to be carbon neutral but the reality can be even a little better than that. They can also be considered to be carbon sinks, of a sort. This is because, on average, fuel tanks always contain some fuel.
Algae is better suited to biofuel production than other sources (top). Green algae grows just about anywhere, without a lot of attention (centre left). Commercial algae farms can have varying degrees of sophistication (centre right). Bio-waste of all types can be processed into biofuel (above)
Let’s suppose the fuel tanks of all the world’s billion vehicles always contain, say, 10 litres of fuel on average. We’ve plucked this figure out of thin air but it seems conservative enough. So, there’s 10 billion litres of hydrocarbon fuel contained in the world’s fuel tanks at any point in time. A litre of petrol contains about 0.63kg of carbon, which works out to around 6.3 billion kilograms of carbon. That’s 6.3 million tons of carbon. Each molecule of CO2 contains just one carbon atom but two oxygen atoms, which are heavier. This all multiplies out to near 17 million tons of CO2 permanently sequestered. Not that much in the overall scheme of things. Of course, that’s just what’s contained in vehicular fuel tanks. Adding all the fuel stored at service stations and within production facilities would add up to considerably more. And that’s CO2 actively removed from the atmosphere. If alternative fuels replaced conventional petroleum fuels then that much carbon would constantly be prevented from adding to atmospheric CO2
As with biofuels, synthetic fuels also recycle carbon dioxide from the atmosphere but do so by capturing it directly rather than utilising photosynthesis. Synthetic fuels also use plain hydrogen as the other feedstock
rather than more complex gasses. So, these are very simple constituents but the processes by which they are combined into various hydrocarbons are many and varied. It’s the same with biofuels. A deeper examination of the details is fascinating but far too complex for one article. Even a simple summary of the processes would require so much explanation that it could never fit in an article. But both biofuels and synthetic fuels are the same in one fundamental way – producing them is very energy expensive.
Unlike petroleum-based hydrocarbon fuels, alternative fuels can be considered renewable in that there’s an abundance of CO2 in the atmosphere and huge supplies of hydrogen can be extracted from water. But there’s a high energy cost in both of these processes. While hydrogen is an excellent feedstock that can be converted into just about any hydrocarbon, obtaining it is expensive and creates enormous amounts of CO2. Similarly, extracting CO2 from the atmosphere by means of air filtration technology is staggeringly energy expensive and uses technologies that have not proven their effectiveness at scale. Still, as glass half-full types say, we have to start somewhere. The great sounding thing about exchanging petroleum-based hydrocarbon fuels for alternative fuels is that all current conventional hydrocarbon infrastructure can easily be adapted to handle them. Hooray, we can all keep driving our cars. Well, at least we could if it was a realistic proposition. It’s not that we can’t do it, the technology has been proven to work and there are companies
producing these fuels in limited amounts for niche applications. The issues are up-scaling, finding enough production resources and also the economics.
The stark energy requirements for producing alternative fuels, particularly synthetic fuels, at meaningful volumes are always answered by suggesting that solar and wind are the answer. These are excellent technologies that should be developed and installed as quickly as possible but the electricity needed to convert the world to alternative fuels, certainly synthetic fuels, is absolutely staggering. It’s many, many trillions of kWh.
Alternative fuel production has been a nascent industry for a long time. The past is littered with start-ups and research projects that have come to nought. However, there are still many research and proof of concept projects operating around the world. There are also companies operating continuously at low volumes. But scaling these operations to the point at which they make a significant impact on fossil fuels is the furthest thing from immanent. Start-ups have also faltered because these alternative fuels are much more expensive than petroleum derived fuels. It just hasn’t been worth it. However, oil is going to run out one day. But even more motivationally strong is the need to mitigate the effects of atmospheric carbon dioxide. While these conditions could provide impetus for the development of alternative fuels, the practical limitations remain.
The technology of e-Fuels is well established and it works (above). e-Fuel production uses much of the same sort of technology currently present in the conventional hydrocarbon fuel industry. However, scaling it to completely replace fossil fuels just isn’t realistic (below)
to continue producing and selling their products into the future. So are the car companies that are investing in the sector. This is hardly a secretive conspiracy theory; it’s just good business practice. As we’ve said in previous articles, companies and people do almost everything they do for more than one single reason. Oil companies may want to keep selling their products but that doesn’t mean they don’t want a greener planet at the same time. It’s not either or.
Setting aside the sheer amount of electricity needed for alternative fuels, the simple fact that the carbon capture alone requires more energy than the fuel returns isn’t necessarily the end of the argument. Manufacturing conventional petrol takes more energy than is obtained by burning it. So, why do we continue doing it?
Well, we simply want to drive our cars. When we fill up, we’re not just buying a tank of converted energy so we can continue converting it with the greatest possible efficiency. That’s not the point. It’s certainly true we want to maximise the dollar value of our fuel spend, but what we’re actually buying is the ability to drive wherever we want, whenever we want. It’s a tank full of convenience. If the overall process of production consumes more energy than we get in a tank of fuel we don’t mind paying for it if we get the added value of convenience, which we most certainly do. Cars and the convenience they offer have become an embedded part of our way of life. Some large companies continue to put money into alternative fuel research. The efforts of oil companies in particular come in for strong criticism. They are accused of ‘greenwashing’ and simply trying to find a way to continue making and selling hydrocarbon fuels. The former is almost certainly true but that’s just PR. All companies try to present a favourable impression of their activities. It’s naive to think an industry will trumpet the faults and inadequacies of its products. As far as the second charge is concerned, of course they’re trying to find a way
There are many organisations and companies that espouse the potential benefits of renewable alternative fuels produced using green electricity. But the question will be that if we can manage to produce enough solar and wind generated electricity to make alternative fuels at scale, why wouldn’t we just feed it into electric cars? Well, doing so calls for remaining oblivious to many issues as significant as those concerning these renewable hydrocarbon fuels. Try this, try that, try everything. The point is, just keep trying.
Renewables are touted as the solution to everything, and they are, but there’s a difference between wishes and reality (top). Some applications are extremely difficult to decarbonise. e-Fuels are suited to these (above, left, below). e-Fuels won’t displace EVs. Indeed, e-Fuels will exist as a niche among a range of solutions to the future of mobility (bottom)
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FORD 10R80 10-SPEED AUTOMATIC ATF DRAIN AND REFILL PROCEDURE
The 10R80 10-speed transmission can be found in many rear-wheel drive Ford vehicles since 2018. However, there are three slight differences in checking the fluid level depending on the model. This article provides the procedures to ensure fluid levels are correct for all three.
ONCE upon a time if you wanted a faster and more fuel-efficient variant of a vehicle you would have picked the one with a manual transmission. Modern automatic transmissions have changed this equation with computer control, torque converters that lock up sooner and an ever increasing amount of gear ratios and lighter more compact construction.
Diagram 1
The 10R80 case is marked so you can tell the difference from the earlier 6R80
Fuel efficiency is the main driver for more gear ratios. This is because if you travel at a set speed, it is better to use the lowest engine rpm as possible. This reduces frictional losses, and power strokes per minute, resulting in better fuel economy. A secondary advantage of these modern automatics are an increase in vehicle performance figures. A test of the manual and automatic versions for the 2018 Mustang showed that the
The 10R80 has a twin
automatic was faster down the quartermile. More ratios allow the engine to remain at its most efficient, or powerfull for a given wheel speed or load.
The 10R80 is found in the Ford Mustang, Rangers and Everest in Australia and many other models overseas and seems to be a reliable unit.
Draining for Mustang Ranger and Everest
Remove the transmission pan.
NOTE: There are 6 stud bolts and 12 bolts that hold the pan on. See Diagram 2
GM vehicles in the USA use this transmission which they call the HydraMatic 10L80 or the 10LXX. This is because Ford and GM developed this transmission together. However, they each build their versions in different factories and have developed different control software for their specific applications.
You might find the GM version in the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 which was imported and converted to right-hand drive by HSV. However, the following procedures may not apply to the Camaro, because there are three different types of dipstick for the Ford and GM would probably have one of their own.
NOTE: The pan gasket can be reused if it is not damaged.
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the filter to drain the transmission fluid. See Diagram 2
However, if you are replacing the filter, remove the two filter bolts; there is one long one and one short. See Diagram 2
Pull the filler gently from the pump assembly. See Diagram 2
The filter seal may still be in the pump assembly. Use an appropriate tool to remove it.
Fit a new seal into the pump assembly, then lubricate the seal with clean ATF recommended for the transmission.
Fit the new filter into the pump assembly.
NOTE: These filters can be reused if not excessively contaminated. However, it is recommended to use a new one.
Install the filter bolts in the correct positions. The long one (71mm) is fitted to the RH front of the transmission, and the short one (20mm) is fitted to the LH rear of the filter. Tighten these bolts to 10.5Nm. See Diagram 2
2019 - 2020 Ford Mustang | 2019 - 2020 Ford Ranger | 2019 - 2020 Ford Everest
Diagram 2 – Transmission filter
WARNING: The transmission may be damaged if these bolts are fitted into the wrong hole.
Clean the pan and magnets, then align the gasket to the pan.
Fit the pan to the transmission and install the bolts and stud bolts loosely.
Tighten stud bolts in a diagonal pattern to 12Nm.
The Ranger has a dipstick tube which is fitted to this hole and can be accessed from under the bonnet.
Remove the transmission filler plug from the right-hand side of the transmission at the bell housing end. See Diagram 7
Remove the dipstick.
With an appropriate pump and fitting. Add 4.8 litres of the correct fluid (WSS-M2C949-A or MERCON™ ULV) as an initial fill. This will allow you to start the engine.
NOTE: If the transmission is new or has been reconditioned add 5.7 litres.
Connect a compatible scan tool and monitor the transmission fluid temperature via the live data.
With the transmission in Park, hand brake applied and with your foot on the brake pedal, start the engine.
Move the selector through each gear range position, holding each position for at least five seconds.
Return the transmission to Park and allow the engine to idle.
Check the transmission fluid level with the dipstick.
There are two different types of dipsticks. One will have the letters ‘A’ and ‘B’ marked (which seems to be in the reverse order to the earlier 6R80 models), the other will have numbers from ‘1’ to ‘6’. See Diagram 4 & 5
For the one with letters ensure that there is fluid is just below the start of the cross-hatched area marked ‘A’.
See Diagram 4
For the one with numbers, ensure that there is fluid up to mark ‘6’.
See Diagram 5
Add fluid as required.
On the Mustang, the filler plug is on the RH side of the transmission. The dip stick is under the plug.
Tighten the remaining bolts in a diagonal pattern to 10Nm.
Mustang Filling Procedure
WARNING: Using any transmission fluid other than what the manufacturer recommends may result in damage to the transmission.
WARNING: The use of transmission flush or any other cleaning agents may damage internal parts.
Refit the dipstick and filler plug and tighten the plug to 70Nm.
See Diagram 3
Test drive the vehicle while monitoring the transmission fluid temperature to ensure that it is between 96 and 101 degrees Celsius.
Return to the shop and with the engine idling, in Park with the temperature in the range above. Raise the vehicle safely, and remove the filler plug and dipstick.
For the dipstick with letters, the fluid level should be within the crosshatched area marked ‘A’.
See Diagram 4
Stud bolt
Stud bolt
Stud bolt
Stud bolt
Stud bolt
Stud bolt
Long filter bolt 71mm
Short filter bolt 20mm Oil pump Filter seal
Diagram 3 Filler plug location
For the dipstick with numbers, the fluid level should be between ‘4’ and ‘5’. See Diagram 5
If not, top up the transmission. If it is overfull at operating temperature, use a suitable suction gun or large syringe to draw out any excess fluid.
Once the fluid level is correct, refit the dipstick and filler plug. Tighten the plug to 70Nm. See Diagram 3 Ranger refilling procedure
The Ranger has a traditional dipstick and tube which can be accessed from under the bonnet just like the good old days.
With an appropriate pump and fitting, add 3.3 litres of the correct
Diagram 4 Mustang Dipstick with Letters
fluid (WSS-M2C949-A or MERCON™ ULV) as an initial fill via the dipstick tube. This will allow you to start the engine.
NOTE: If the transmission is new or has been reconditioned add 11.35 litres.
Connect a compatible scan tool and monitor the transmission fluid temperature via the live data.
With the transmission in Park, hand brake applied and with your foot on the brake pedal, start the engine.
Move the selector through each gear range position, holding each position for at least five seconds.
Return the transmission to Park and allow the engine to idle until the fluid
Diagram 5 Mustang Dipstick with Numbers
temperature is between 96 and 101 degrees Celsius.
Check the transmission fluid level with the dipstick.
The fluid level should be in the centre of the ‘B’ section. See Diagram 6
If more fluid is required, add it in 0.25-litre increments until the level is correct as stated above.
If it is overfull at operating temperature, use a suitable suction gun or large syringe to draw out any excess fluid.
For more information on the Ford vehicles with this transmission log on to VACC MotorTech or call the VACC TechAdvisory Service.
Diagram 6 Ranger/Everest Dip Stick
On the initial refill the fluid level should be just below the ‘A’ crosshatch section.
On the initial refill the fluid level should be just below the ‘6’.
The transmission dipstick on these models can be accessed from under the bonnet near the fire wall.
Once the fluid temperature is between 96 and 101 degrees Celsius the level should be within the ‘A’ section indicated.
Once the fluid temperature is between 96 and 101 degrees Celsius the level should be between ‘4’ and ‘5’ as indicated.
Once the fluid temperature is between 96 and 101 degrees Celsius the level should in the middle of the ‘B’ crosshatched section.
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HOLDEN COLORADO 2.5-LITRE LVN/2.8-LITRE LWH
DURAMAX FAN HUB REMOVAL
It is not hard to remove the fan hub on the RG Colorado with the LVN 2.5-litre or LWH 2.8-litre Duramax engines once you know how.
The following procedure is based on the Colorado procedure, and it is unknown how much of this would apply to other variants of this engine family. See Diagram 5
Removal
Unclip the transmission cooler lines, electrical connectors or harness attached to the upper and lower fan shroud. See Diagram 1
Remove the engine protector shield/bash plate from under the vehicle.
Remove the serpentine belt. See Tech Online
Remove the upper and lower fan shrouds. They should be able to be unclipped from each other and the radiator. See Diagram 1
Remove the three bolts which hold the inner fan shroud to the engine and remove the shroud. See Diagram 1 Remove the four bolts which hold the cooling fan to the fan clutch, then remove the fan. See Diagram 1
You now must prevent the fan pulley from turning. The first option below is the workshop manuals recommendation. The second is what the trade does.
Loosen the two bolts which attach the front engine lift bracket. Remove the lower front engine lift bracket bolt and then slide the bracket down over the fan pulley so the bolt hole will align with one of the holes in the pulley. Then place the bolt you have removed from the bracket through the bracket hole to lock the pulley from moving. See Diagram 2
Or insert a short ½-inch drive socket extension or similar blunt shaft into one of the holes in the coolant fan pulley so that it will lock the assemble. See Diagram 3
NOTE: As the fan hub is driven by the back of the belt, it is turning anti-clockwise and therefore it will have a right-hand thread Tech Talk July 2018 page 4536
To replace the cooling fan pulley assembly (the manual calls it an Engine Cooling Fan Bracket), use the following steps.
Remove the serpentine belt idler above the pulley. See Diagram 4
NOTE: This is a left-hand thread. Remove the front engine lift bracket. See Diagram 2
Remove the three bolts from the cooling fan pulley assembly. See Diagram 4
Installation
Refit all components in the reverse order to the following torques specifications. Cooling fan pulley assembly: 45Nm.
Front engine lift bracket: 68Nm.
Serpentine belt idler: 45Nm (LH thread). Fan hub: 100Nm.
For more information log on to VACC MotorTech or call the VACC TechAdvisory Service.
2012 – 2019 Holden Colorado RG
Diagram 1 Inner and outer fan shroud
Four fan bolts Inner shroud bolt
Inner fan shroud
Upper outer fan shroud
Diagram 2 Front engine lift bracket
Loosen this bracket then move it down over the pulley hole. Use this bolt to lock the pulley
Diagram 3 Fan hub pulley locking
Italian company VM Motori has designed and built many diesel engines, one of which is the VM Motori A 428 DOHC. This variant seems to have been first used in the Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Nitro in 2007, then in the Chrysler Grand Voyager in 2008, up to the current models. A variant of this engine was fitted to the Holden Colorado in late 2012 under the Duramax brand, and is made under licence in Thailand
Use a short socket extension to lock the pulley so you can undo the fan hub
Note: The fan hub is a right-hand thread
Diagram 4 Fan hub bracket
Note: Lefthand thread
Three bolt holes
This is not the coolant pump. The coolant pump is driven by the timing belt
Diagram 5 Engine Family History
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With Commonwealth Bank, VACC members can receive special discounts on our Smart terminal range of EFTPOS solutions.
We can also offer a customised comparison2 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 1300 013 341 or email membership@vacc.com.au and they’ll put you in touch with a Commonwealth Bank Relationship Manager..
Things you should know: As this advice has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the information, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances.
10.24% is the merchant service fee rate which does not include the Mastercard and Visa Interchange rates. Interchange fees are set by card schemes such as Mastercard and Visa for processing transactions between Commonwealth Bank and the cardholder’s bank and is subject to change, therefore, savings may vary.
2Commonwealth Bank merchant cost comparison is available to compare all fee types & competitors. Different assumptions and estimates could result in materially different results. On this basis, no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy of the information or projections contained in this example. Fees, charges, terms and conditions apply. Please view our Merchant Agreement, Financial Services Guide and Operator and User Guides at commbank.com.au/ merchantsupport
VACC may receive a referral fee from Commonwealth Bank for each successful referral (excludes existing customers) on eligible Business Banking products and services. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.
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
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
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Partner with VACC and TACC, connect with 5,000 members. Call 0407 344 433
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
Eiffel Lubricants
A market leader in lubricants, and distributes a range of effective and safe automotive products for maintenance and care of all types of vehicles.
03 9394 1079 eiffellubricants.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
Freight Services
VACC and TACC members receive discounted rates and benefits, including trace and track capabilities, one number to call, one easy-to-understand invoice, and online job quoting, booking and tracking. Contact VACC for an application form.
03 9829 1152 vacc.com.au
OurAuto Diagnostic Tool
Easy-to-use diagnostic tool with class leading automotive fault technology, including seamless integration with VACC MotorTech, providing auto-detection, top range health reports and monthly updates. The Diagnostic Tool is available on a convenient monthly subscription plan.
1300 687 288 ourautoscantool.com.au
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
Environmental Advice
VACC members can benefit from environmental compliance advice, briefings, training and on-site assessments. Green Stamp is an accreditation program that recognises and promotes businesses which have implemented sound environmental practices.
Spirit Super is a multi-industry super fund with over 321,000 members and $26 billion in funds under management. We work hard for members through low fees, excellent service, and a focus on competitive investment returns.
1800 005 166 spiritsuper.com.au
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.
03 9829 1167
accreditation@vacc.com.au vacc.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
Sixfam
Sixfam is an experienced Telecommunications Service Provider, built on the basis to help ease the frustrations of small to medium businesses in Australia.
03 9200 2800 sixfam.com.au
Apprentice Helpline
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
Advertise here!
Partner with VACC and TACC, connect with 5,000 members.
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 statewide, 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
The last word
From the archives: The Australian Automobile Trade Journal June 1924
OurAuto
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