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New acquisition for 4x4 Aftermarket Auto Accessories Group
This is the fourth strategic acquisition for the Aeroklas Asia Pacific Group
Aeroklas Asia Pacific Group (AAPG) – a division of Aeroklas – recently completed its fourth strategic acquisition in the Australian 4x4 automotive accessories market, which it says places the business amongst the industry’s largest players. With an eye on international growth, the Aeroklas Asia Pacific Group says it has big plans for the Australian Market. On the 1st of July, AAPG acquired a 100 percent shareholding in 4 Way Suspension Products Pty Ltd. 4 Way Suspension Products designs, manufactures and distributes suspension products including shock absorbers, coil springs, leaf springs and other accessories for four-wheel drives and SUVs under the “Tough Dog” brand. Aeroklas, a manufacturer of light weight premium dual skinned plastic canopies and ute liners for major OE vehicle manufacturers, has made several significant acquisitions in the Australian 4x4 accessories market. It first acquired well known 4x4 accessories retailer TJM in 2015, and then in 2018 the business added Flexiglass (fiberglass canopies) and Bocar (aluminium trays and accessories). The company’s latest acquisition looks at the underside of off-roading and further complements the business’ complete offering to the four-wheel drive market. These acquisitions represent an overall investment in the Australian automotive parts manufacturing sector of over $100M in the last seven years and the company plans to continue to grow both locally and within the lucrative Asian, US and European markets. Within Australia the AAPG business has more than 100 retail outlets throughout the country, most recently opening new Aeroklas fitment centres in Western Australia and new TJM locations in Tasmania. Locally, Tough Dog will continue to enjoy a strong relationship with automotive retail groups and independent automotive retailers throughout Australia as the brand continues to grow and expand. The owners of 4 Way Suspension Products have been retained under an earn out provision as part of the deal. Tough Dog will continue to operate independently from other Aeroklas brands to ensure the ongoing success of the brand in its key markets. It is for this reason Aeroklas will also be retaining the Tough Dog management team. Group General Manager of the Aeroklas Asia Pacific Group, Greg Kelly, spoke about the acquisition and where the group is heading. “The Tough Dog brand is a well known and wellloved Australian made product with excellent growth prospects and wider distribution opportunities both at home and in overseas markets,” Greg said. “The business has a proven track record of developing innovative and market leading suspension products for over 30 years and is a welcomed addition to the Aeroklas Group’s already extensive range of high-quality four-wheel drive accessories. “In recent years we have seen a shift in consumer preferences towards four-wheel drives, utes and SUV models. We know that with the addition of Tough Dog, coupled with our other market leading brands, our business is well placed to service the growing needs of consumers in this market. “Aeroklas is in an excellent strategic position to provide our customers with the very best in 4x4 automotive accessories so that they can optimise the performance of their vehicles with specialised light weight and durable products to get the most out of their motoring experience.” For more information, visit www.aeroklasasiapacificgroup.com
WEBFLEET MOBILITY CONFERENCE A VIRTUAL HIT
Webfleet Solutions, one of the world’s leading telematics solutions providers and part of Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, presented its first global edition of the annual Webfleet Mobility Conference virtually recently. Under the theme ‘Mobility 2032: Are you ready?’ industry experts from across the fleet and mobility landscape shared their insights and best practices to equip fleet decision-makers and business leaders with knowledge, inspiration and practical tools to design the fleet of tomorrow. To open the conference, Bridgestone Mobility Solutions Chief Executive Officer, Jan-Maarten de Vries, took a dynamic look at the rapidly changing world of mobility and the challenges fleets will need to overcome to thrive in this time of constant disruption. The following keynote speeches then shone a light on the evolving mobility landscape from different angles: • Urban mobility in smart cities with Greg Lindsey: the future of urban mobility promises to be filled with scooters, stores and drones seemingly
with a mind of their own. These technologies are already transforming the way we see, understand and get around cities. Greg Lindsay, an internationally known futurist and urbanist, took a trip through the smart city as it will look in 2032 and explained how to get ready to do business in it. • The truck of the future with Volta Trucks: from autonomous platooning to alternative fuels and everything in between, technology is changing the trucking sector. The team from Volta Trucks, a cutting-edge manufacturer, revealed their innovative new electric commercial vehicles and explained how they differ radically from the traditional urban delivery vehicle. • Partnerships: The key that can unlock the full potential of mobility solutions: experts from Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services, project44 and EasyPark discussed how data interconnectivity and integrations between
Software-as-a-Service mobility providers will unlock the true, full potential of mobility across
the coming decade and what it means for commercial fleets and suppliers. The one-day virtual conference was free of charge and held simultaneously in 21 countries globally. Alongside the international presentations, local experts tackled various mobility themes in more than 50 sessions including roundtable discussions, interviews and best-practice presentations. The subject matter ranged from adding electric vehicles to commercial fleets to sustainable data solutions and new product integrations as well as country-specific advice on how to deal with existing and future legal requirements. For more information, visit www.webfleet.com
THE WORLD RETURNS TO FRANKFURT
Over 80 percent of Automechanika Frankfurt exhibitors are coming from abroad
The international automotive aftermarket is getting back together in Frankfurt: from 13 to 17 September 2022 and then in even-numbered years. Numerous leading companies from over 60 countries have already confirmed their participation for Automechanika Frankfurt 2022. Event organisers state that recent statements by major industry players have underscored Automechanika’s significance as the sector’s most important international meeting place. The Automechanika Innovation Awards have also received a record number of submissions; while in-person networking is proving more important than ever, with additional networking lounges now available. Other areas of focus at the show will include automotive logistics, sustainability, training, professional development and recruiting. Be it electromobility, connectivity, autonomous driving or digital solutions for workshops and car dealerships, manufacturers and suppliers in the automotive aftermarket will have a wealth of new products and innovations on tap for the upcoming Automechanika Frankfurt. Automechanika Frankfurt Director, Olaf Mußhoff, is delighted with the positive feedback from the sector. “I look forward to seeing numerous international key players and trade visitors from all over the world back here in Frankfurt,” Olaf said. “It is a long-awaited opportunity to do business in person and enjoy an up-close experience of new products and live presentations. “We have created new formats for the occasion and put important trend topics on the agenda.” Event organisers state that no other trade fair covers the entire value chain of the automotive aftermarket like Automechanika Frankfurt, with an international Who’s Who of the industry set to get together at the Frankfurt exhibition grounds. Today more than ever, the focus is on innovations and trends, and it’s not just the exhibitors’ stands where these can be found. The ‘Innovation4Mobility’ showcase presents pioneering solutions for connected vehicles and climate-neutral mobility; while more products than ever before have nominated for the Automechanika Innovation Awards. Also planned is a forum focusing on automotive supply chain management, an area in which the industry urgently needs greater dialogue and new ideas. Attracting young people and talents of all ages to the automotive aftermarket is another area where action is needed, so the fair’s management has put training, professional development and recruiting at the top of the agenda. Special events for pupils and newcomers are planned, as are accident repair management workshops and training for professionals.
TEST YOUR PARTS TO THE MAX
At the AIC Hydraulic Durability Testing Facility
Aftermarket product developers can now test their latest product designs to the limit and beyond thanks to the cutting-edge Hydraulic Durability Testing Facility of the Auto Innovation Centre (AIC). Hydraulic Durability Testing (HDT) offers aftermarket companies a number of advantages during the development phase. Demonstrating the accelerated life span of a component, both in breaking strength and fatigue strength in a short time frame, allows the aftermarket to fast-track product development. “The AIC’s HDT facility is a service for aftermarket manufacturers to understand the strength of their products’ real world loading conditions, confirm results of simulation modelling and devise ways to improve or remedy any faults before the products are released in market,” AIC Managing Director, Luke Truskinger, said. The AIC’s dedicated HDT room houses hydraulic rams controlled by state-of-the-art equipment that enables testing of up to 10 tonnes of load and 500mm of stroke. Durability testing is customisable via a range of fixtures and moveable rams. The facility can also apply multiple loads, or torsional loads in different directions and the equipment can operate nonstop for days on end to complete millions of cycles. “GVM upgrades and general suspension component testing are perfect examples of how companies are already using HDT at the AIC,” Luke said. “One of our recent customer tests involved a 300 Series Toyota Landcruiser rear axle assembly setup to fatigue test the spring mounts and bump stop overload capacity. “We have setup the facility to be totally customisable, and our engineering team works with customers to devise a testing solution suited to their specific requirements.” The industry’s new ‘Talents4AA’ initiative will also be shining a spotlight on employment and career opportunities at the fair; while sustainability is yet another area of focus with the show set to host ‘Remanufacturing Day.’ Remanufacturing Day, which is held in collaboration with the international Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA), takes place on 14 September and features experts presenting the latest developments in remanufacturing and the circular economy. The topic will also be present in the exhibition halls, with a special green remanufacturing logo identifying those exhibitors offering products and services in this area. At the FIA Smart Driving Challenge sub-event sponsored by Automechanika that takes place in advance of the trade fair, the focus is on driving in the most sustainable and resource-conserving manner possible. Anyone who drives and also owns a smartphone is free to participate. The goal is to collect as many points as possible through intelligent and environmentally friendly driving – the winner will be honoured at Automechanika Frankfurt. For more information, visit www.automechanika.com
Hydraulic Durability Testing adds to the Auto Innovation Centre’s suite of services that serve automotive aftermarket businesses across the country. The AIC offers a growing database of high-quality 3D vehicle scans, dynamic vehicle testing, product level testing, 3D printing plus a vehicle fleet and fully equipped workshop for hire. To enquire about Hydraulic Durability Testing with the AIC, please contact testing@autoic.com.au or call 03 9545 3333. To learn more about the AIC, head to www.autoic.com.au
CARMAGEDDON TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE
The Queensland automotive industry will converge on Eight Mile Plains this July
The Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) says tickets for Carmageddon are now on sale, with the event set to see attendees discuss the latest in automotive innovation and technology. Now in its fifth year, the leading one-day auto innovation symposium will take place on Thursday the 28th of July at the Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence. Program topics will explore hydrogen fuel technology, the automotive workforce crisis, service stations of the future, changing business models for dealerships, recycling automotive plastics, and the uptake of the latest safety features and technology. Some of the subject experts include: • Rod Camm – CEO, MTA Queensland • Scott Nargar – Senior Manager of Future
Mobility and Government Relations, Hyundai • James Voortman – CEO, Australian Automotive
Dealer Association • Carla Hoorweg – CEO, Australasian New Car
Assessment Program • Adrian Salinas – CEO, Electromotiv • Mark McKenzie – CEO, Australasian
Convenience and Petroleum Marketers
Association (ACAPMA) • Nicholas Pappas – Group Managing Director,
Servco Australia • Mark Woelders – Managing Director, Motorama
Mitsubishi • Tania Meli – Senior Executive Southport West and Springwood, Frizelle Sunshine Automotive • Andrea McCarthy - Director MTA Queensland
Board, I-CAR Australia Industry Advisory Board,
Chair National Auto Collision Alliance • Paul Wessel – Principal, Wessels Petroleum,
Queensland Board Member ACAPMA • Nick Manolis - Managing Director, Genesis
Autoworks • Fraser Brown - Dealer Principal, Q Automotive The event will also feature a fantastic exhibition of the latest new-fuel vehicles including Tesla, Audi E-Tron, Hyundai’s Kona, Ioniq, and Nexo models, and the N55 JAC EV Truck, as well as the latest e-bikes and scooters. The Queensland University of Technology’s autonomous vehicle pilot prototype, the ZOE2, will also make an appearance, while local businesses will show off their cutting-edge innovations for retrofitting vehicles with electric engines and charging stations. “We are really excited to have Carmageddon return for 2022 with a fantastic line-up of experts from industry,” MTA Queensland Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Kellie Dewar, said. “The program topics are directly relevant to our automotive businesses. Now nationally recognised as a signature event on the automotive events calendar, we expect tickets to be snapped up quickly! “New to the expo this year, we are excited to see some amazing tool technology on display from MotorTech and Milwaukee Tool.” For more information, visit www.mtaq.com.au/carmageddon
BATHURST 12 HOUR SPECIALIST TRAINING EVENT A SUCCESS FOR COOLDRIVE
From 13 to 15 May, CoolDrive hosted a training event for workshop technicians and owners at the renowned motorsport event
Mount Panorama’s legendary surrounds and the dynamic atmosphere of the Bathurst 12 Hour played host to one of CoolDrive’s Specialist Training Events for 2022. The event provided attendees opportunities to hone their skills and learn new vehicle system technology from the industry’s leading trainers and experts. The event kicked off with a number of training sessions hosted at Bathurst TAFE including Servicing the Modern Hybrid and EV, BUS Diagnostics, Smart Charging Systems, ADAS Systems, Air Conditioning Diagnostics and Sensor Diagnostic Training. Saturday saw the action move to Mount Panorama with CoolDrive’s Corporate Suite hosting industry talks and discussions around what is happening within today’s automotive industry and what technicians and workshops foresee for the future. Guests were able to watch Qualifying and the Top 10 Shootout from the comfort of the Suite and also had the opportunity to experience course car rides, a podium tour, pit tours and take part in a Q&A session with the CoolDrive Aussie Racing Car Drivers, Reece Chapman and Josh Anderson. Sunday’s “Race Day” kicked off with an early morning grid walk experience before sunrise, with guests getting up close to the GT racing cars and drivers, and experiencing the roar and lights of the rolling start before heading up to the mountain to see the GTs blast through Skyline, the Dipper and Forrest’s Elbow. “The Bathurst 12 Hour Specialised Training Event was a resounding success this year with positive feedback received from all attendees,” CoolDrive Auto Parts Category Manager – Tools and Equipment, Matthew Douglass, said. “Participants found the training programs on offer to be incredibly helpful and took away a lot of learnings that can be applied in their day-to-day running of their businesses. “The event was also a networking platform for fellow automotive professionals to connect with one another, to share knowledge, as well as ensuring they remain up-to-date with new technologies to prepare for the future of the industry.” The line-up of trainers at the event included Clint Flower, ex-Automate and current NSW TAFE automotive trade teacher; Ken Fendle, Head Auto Electrical Trainer WesTrack Caterpillar Australia; Mick Jurgens, Service Manager at Lennock Hyundai and Darren Todd, Senior Technical Trainer from Bosch. For further information on CoolDrive Auto Parts, visit www.cooldrive.com.au
