15 minute read
Burson Auto Parts and Dayco celebrate 38 years together
Both companies have enjoyed outstanding growth since their association began in the early ‘80s
Australia’s Burson Auto Parts celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2021 and one of the company’s most enduring supplier relationships exists with global automotive engine component manufacturer, Dayco. This unbroken business relationship was established from a hand shake almost four decades ago. Back then, Burson Auto Parts, the company that would become a preferred supplier of automotive parts, accessories, tools and equipment in Australia, had just 11 stores located in Victoria. Almost four decades later, Burson Auto Parts has become one of Dayco’s top ten global aftermarket customers, with more than 195 stores strategically located across Australia and branching out internationally with its first stores in Thailand. During this timeframe, Dayco has continued to expand its vast aftermarket product range to meet the demands of local automotive repairers and the unique diversity of the Australian car parc. Thousands of new Dayco SKUs have been added in the areas of drive belts, engine thermal management components, moulded hoses and performance components during this relationship. According to Dayco Vice President Aftermarket – Asia Pacific, Arnold Mouw, this outstanding Burson Auto Parts business relationship was formed with a handshake 38 years ago and continues to this day. “The Dayco team really enjoys working with the many Burson Auto Parts stores across the country and we look forward to continuing this almost four decade strong relationship,” Arnold said. “We are delighted to continue to play a part in Burson Auto Parts’ Australian and international success story and congratulate the company on its Golden Anniversary in 2021. “We look forward to celebrating many more Burson Auto Parts and BAPCOR Limited milestone business anniversaries together in the future.” BAPCOR Limited Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Darryl Abotomey, highlighted the two companies’ commitment to ensuring the broadest aftermarket application coverage as being integral to their long term mutual success. “Dayco has always understood the importance of supplying the broadest possible range of applications for each of its engine products to suit the Australian car parc,” Darryl said. “Being able to say ‘yes’ to a customer and to be able to fill that order quickly is of prime importance to us, while also ensuring that we are supplying high quality automotive products. These are the key factors behind our highly successful 38-year association,” Darryl said. For more information, visit www.burson.com.au
MYCAR LAUNCHES ‘SENSE CHECK’
The campaign seeks to assist Australians when evaluating used vehicles for possible purchase
Aussies’ love affair with second-hand cars has had a huge resurgence following the pandemic, but according to new research from mycar Tyre and Auto, many still find the inspection process nervewracking and confusing. mycar says nearly two thirds (64 percent) of Australians are planning on buying a car in the next two years, and due to the financial constraints of the past year, over half (53 percent) are turning to second-hand options. However, when it comes to the purchasing process, it says Australians are feeling more overwhelmed than ever, with 83 percent of second-hand car buyers concerned the car will have a mechanical fault. The anxiety of purchasing stems from an overall lack of knowledge of what to look for when inspecting a second-hand car. The top feelings being described by Australians during the inspection process are inexperienced, anxious, and stressed. The research findings encouraged mycar to create ‘mycar Sense Check,’ an easy-to-remember inspection guide instructing Aussies on what to look, feel, smell, and listen for when buying a second-hand vehicle. Managing Director of mycar, Adam Pay, said he hopes the Sense Check guide will help Aussies avoid any future issues while becoming more car conscious. “Without proper knowledge of what to look for, inspecting a second-hand car can be a very daunting task for many Australians,” Adam said. “At mycar, we’re here to alleviate some of this anxiety by giving buyers confidence throughout the purchasing process, and guiding them through what to check for.” The ‘mycar Sense Check’ encapsulates all the details most buyers miss when inspecting a used vehicle, to equip them with the mechanical knowledge they need to feel confident when buying used. The research showed that outside of a test drive, most people don’t check essential vehicle functions when inspecting and purchasing their used vehicle, including 34 percent who didn’t test the radio, 29 percent who didn’t check the oil, and another 29 percent who didn’t even check the child safety features. ‘mycar Sense Check’ includes a list of all the important areas of the car, including outside, inside, under the bonnet and the engine, and guides the car buyer to use their senses as a way to inspect these areas of the vehicle, enabling them with confidence during the inspection process. The mycar Sense Check inspection guide is free and available to access via www.mycar.com.au/sense-check
AUSSIE BATTERY PRODUCTION HITS RECORD DEMAND
A Queensland-based battery maker has recorded its biggest month of production in its 93-year history
In July 2020, Century Yuasa Batteries started mass production with equipment commissioned through a $7 million capital investment project focused on improving factory efficiencies, equipment utilisation and quality consistency. Century Yuasa General Manager of Operations, Matthieu Anquetil, said the Carole Park facility’s immediate focus was on increasing production of lead plates, a critical component of lead acid batteries. Matthieu said the gradual increase resulted in a 58 percent growth in production on Century Yuasa’s new multi-million-dollar Rotary plate making line, creating the March 2021 record. “We are looking for another 12 percent increase between now and July,” Matthieu said. “The last 12 months have been challenging. Increased customer demand has taken everyone by surprise during the COVID crisis. All aspects of operations have been at the forefront, and everyone stepped up with great professionalism. “I believe Australia witnessed how much we need Australian manufacturing and I’m extremely proud to work with my team on making and delivering the only Australian made automotive batteries to our customers. “It is the on-going market volatility coupled with fresh demand by consumers to support local companies, that will continue to drive Australian businesses to bring overseas manufacturing jobs back into the country. “At the end of November 2020, we started a night shift in our assembly area creating 11 new positions. At the end of February 2021, we started a night shift in our charging area and created seven new positions: (that is) 18 new positions allowing us to increase production by nearly 13 percent. “As the domestic aftermarket continues to grow with increased demand for Australian made batteries, the only option was to increase our local manufacturing capacity to satisfy our customers’ needs.” With operations across all of the eastern states and South Australia, along with owning a twocar Supercar operation, Waverley Forklifts Group Managing Director, Charlie Schwerkolt, signed as a customer of Century Batteries earlier this year. A fifth-generation company, and one of the largest fully independent forklift and transport businesses in Australia, Charlie said it was critical manufacturing continued to grow along with prioritising relationships with local companies. “Relying on imports is not ideal. If we can manufacture in Australia as much as we possibly can, it not only secures jobs but also wealth and prosperity for our country: unfortunately, it took a pandemic for some companies to wake up to be less reliant on the importation of goods and controlling their supply chain for the future,” Charlie said. Century Batteries’ success has not been without problems, with COVID contributing to significant international freight congestions and issues, but Matthieu says the company draws from as many other Australian businesses as it can. “Our manufacturing operations extend across the country as far south as Port Pirie in South Australia for lead, to New South Wales for recycled components and back to Queensland for plastics and signage,” Matthieu said. “We have over 8,000 customers in Australia and 3,000 in New Zealand. “So, we need to remain on the front foot to be innovative and reliable. In the first quarter of 2021, we have also conducted renovations of our technical laboratory: allowing for new testing equipment to increase testing capacity and conditions, along with improved safety.” Century Yuasa Batteries registered as a business on March 9, 1928, first operating from Alexandria, New South Wales, extending its footprint into Victoria in the 60s before relocating to Brisbane in the 1970s. Across Australia and New Zealand, it employs more than 600 people involved in research and development, manufacturing, sales and distribution. For more information, visit www.cyb.com.au
BUSY BRISBANE SHOW FOR PRECISION AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT
Precision Automotive Equipment, one of Australia’s leading premium quality workshop equipment suppliers and installers, enjoyed a strong presence at the welcome return of the Brisbane Truck Show from May 13 to 16, 2021. The first major national industry trade show to take place since the pandemic disruption, the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show proved to be a major success with strong visitor numbers and quality exhibitors covering the entire heavy duty commercial vehicle spectrum. Ensuring a strong and unmissable presence at this major industry event, Precision Automotive Equipment had two stands that proved to be worthwhile, given the vast number of customer visits gained throughout the bumper three-day event. One of the stands showcased Precision Automotive Equipment’s exclusive Hunter Engineering HD Inspection Lane, while the second stand highlighted the outstanding JALTEST Commercial Vehicle Diagnostic Unit. The Hunter Engineering HD Inspection Lane was of major interest as it unveiled the world’s first unmanned heavy duty inspection lane, which will be exclusively available soon from Precision Automotive Equipment. Inspection of this world first technological advancement drew a great deal of visitor attention and three Hunter Engineering product experts were on hand to answer questions and provide detailed technical information. The JALTEST Commercial Vehicle Diagnostic Unit was featured on the second Precision Automotive Equipment stand at the show. Diagnostics category manager Jordan Aylott provided demonstrations and in-depth system procedure run-throughs for the many highly interested show visitors. “Following the year of uncertainty that we have endured, it was fantastic to see the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show return as such a successful major industry event,” Precision Automotive Equipment General Manager, Peter Hewitt, said. “Interest in both our Hunter Engineering and JALTEST innovations, along with our general workshop equipment and fit out services made it a more than worthwhile show to be a part of.” Precision Automotive Equipment says it was proud to be a part of the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show and is looking forward to it returning in 2023. Precision Automotive Equipment is a part of Australasia’s largest automotive aftermarket specialised company, BAPCOR Limited, ensuring the procurement and supply of the world’s highest quality heavy duty and general vehicle workshop equipment products. It says these premium quality products are supported by Precision Automotive Equipment’s “industry leading” automotive workshop turnkey fit-out services. For more information, call 1300 366 252 or visit www.precisionautomotive.com.au
BUSINESS FOR SALE
Your chance to own a business that is a part of Australia’s automotive heritage
Norman Wilson founded Norman Wilson Engineering Pty Ltd in 1977. He had many years’ experience in engine research, design and manufacture before joining Repco as Chief Engineer of the Repco-Brabham racing engine project. Norman was responsible for the successful completion of the famous 1966 620 three-litre, and the 1967 740 litre 3 litre engines which gave Sir Jack Brabham success in the World F1 championships. Norman was awarded the Prince Phillip prize for his work with the RepcoBrabham organisation. Norman used his lifelong interest and knowledge of engines to create and maintain the Norman Wilson Engineering Pty Ltd business. In setting up the engine components business he did much research on the market’s needs and sourcing of appropriate stock. This involved extensive engineering drawings and documenting the characteristics of the components of cylinder head gaskets, head bolts, valves and guides, lifters and rockers etc. Months of work went into an engineering-focused parts catalogue that runs for 270 pages. Customers have found the catalogue to be an essential guide when ordering parts due to its detail. Importantly Norman’s knowledge and dedication earned him the respect of both the engine parts suppliers and the customers to whom he distributed components. Norman Wilson Engineering Pty Ltd has a 30year track record of importing and distributing top-quality engine components for European and Japanese cars. The company owns the business name European Automotive Components. The company has a warehouse in an inner Melbourne suburb from which deliveries are made across Australia. The decision has now been made by the estate to sell the business and this represents an excellent opportunity for an existing business to integrate the Norman Wilson Engineering Pty Ltd business or for a new entrant in the automotive engine components to do so. For more information email David Floyd, david@timelyaccounting.com.au
STABILITY IN UNSURE TIMES
Parts 4 Automotive Group gives its members confidence to grow in uncertain market conditions
Parts 4 Automotive has more than 70 members across Australia, all of which enjoy the benefits of being part of this powerful buying group, while at the same time remaining fiercely independent. “Parts 4 Automotive was formed in February 2001 by a group of independent automotive businesses who could see the value of combining their buying power,” Parts4 Automotive Business Development Manager, Kim Mamourey, said. Parts4 says its model is attractive. It allows members to purchase stock at extremely competitive pricing, provides them access to marketing and promotional activities, and above all, helps secure their future in this extremely competitive industry and give them peace of mind during the uncertain Covid-19 environment. “We’re not there to profit from our members. We’re here to help members to compete out in the marketplace,” Kim described. “More and more independents are realising that they need to be part of some sort of group so that they can survive. And that’s the benefit of joining Parts4, because they belong to a group but then still have control over their business.” Each of the 70 plus Parts 4 Automotive stores across Australia are locally owned and operated, so as a result no two stores are alike, but like birds of a feather, Parts 4 Automotive members stick together. “Traditionally, our members stock products like filters, brakes, oil, cooling components, under-car parts, lighting, transmission, those sorts of things, mixed in with a small range of accessories. So, we sit between what you’d consider a normal Burson and Repco store would look,” Kim said. “If a member receives an enquiry for a part and is having trouble sourcing it, many will just call another member for advice. While all our stores are independent, we have fostered a culture that ensures our members work together to deliver exceptional outcomes for customers,” he added. Parts 4 Automotive members also enjoy a rebate program with national suppliers and low annual fees, without being tethered to a lock-in contract. In addition, all Parts 4 Automotive members have the opportunity to catch-up with like-minded store owners from around Australia to share their experiences and identify new opportunities at biannual conferences. “Our members get a lot out of attending the conferences,” Kim said. “It gives them the chance to build their network, make new friends and they certainly help foster a healthy culture of collaboration and support.” The Parts 4 Automotive business structure allows members to maintain their independence while belonging to a national buying group that also delivers significant rebates. “We’re committed to helping members drive their auto parts store into the future,” Kim said. “We understand that being independent is important to you, just like our current members we understand the pressure of running your own business.” Parts 4 Automotive Pty Ltd group was formed to bring together a group of independent automotive businesses throughout Australia in order to obtain collective trading advantages by various means including negotiating supplier contracts and better freight deals for all of the members. To find out more about the benefits Parts 4 Automotive deliver to members, contact Kim Mamouney by calling 0418 532 307 or email kim@parts4.com.au
CAPAS 2021 SPOTLIGHTS TRENDS
Held in late May, the Show facilitated business exchange
The seventh edition of the Chengdu International Trade Fair for Automotive Parts and Aftermarket Services (CAPAS) closed its doors on 22 May 2021 at the Chengdu Century City New International Exhibition and Convention Center. Across the three-day show, the fair reflected market trends, facilitated business exchange and embraced investment in the region. Further to this, themed zones included the new Chengdu-Chongqing Dual-city Economic Rim zone, as well as a series of fringe events which were received well by participating industry players. CAPAS hosted 16,835 visitors and 535 exhibitors across 40,000 square metres of space. Twelve fringe events and 217 online and onsite business matching meetings were held across the show. “It is clear to see how the show has matured through experiences gained over the last six editions. This is thanks to the support of industry players, associations and other stakeholders,” Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd Deputy General Manager, James Yu, said. “In 2021, the show worked closely with these parties to highlight the potential of the ChengduChongqing developmental plan. Various onsite-to-online services acted as a way for players to obtain market updates and expand networks. “As a result, CAPAS continues to usher in growth opportunities in Southwest China’s automotive industry.” This year, exhibitors appreciated the revamp and enhancement of its seven themed products zones. These included Parts and Components; Accessories and Customising; Repair / Supply Chain and Chain Stores; Commercial Vehicle; Chengdu-Chongqing Dual-city Economic Rim; Tyres; and New Energy and Connected Mobility. As popular as ever, 12 dedicated fringe events presented the latest industry updates through a number of conferences and themed activities. Additionally, several new online services gave overseas visitors, who were unable to attend in person, access to the show. They bridged interactions between local and overseas players to facilitate business cooperation. CAPAS is jointly organised by CCPIT-Auto, Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd and CCPIT-Sichuan. The next edition of CAPAS is set to take place from 19 to 21 May 2022 at the Chengdu Century City New International Exhibition and Convention Center. For more information, please visit www.capas-chengdu.com or email auto@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com
