LOOKING AFTER YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS
REPCO SUPPLIER DINNER AND AWARDS NIGHT
AUTO INDUSTRY REMAKING THE HUMAN-MACHINE RELATIONSHIP, ONE CAR AT A TIME
ABOUT THE COVER ZF is an automotive aftermarket powerhouse offering an extensive range of driveline, chassis, steering and braking components from its primary brands ZF, LEMFÖRDER, SACHS and TRW.
REGULAR DEPARTMENTS Calendar................................................ 4 New Members........................................ 4 AAAA Report ......................................... 5 News..................................................... 6 Products.............................................. 22
Consumer Law...................................... 92 Inside Inventory.................................... 93 PRTC.................................................. 94 HR Matters.......................................... 96
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KEEPING YOU INFORMED Kmart Tyre & Auto Service rebrands to mycar ............................................................... 6 New research unveils key areas for workshop growth...................................................... 7 New CEO for Super Retail Group.................................................................................. 8 Two days, two big awards for Redvision....................................................................... 10 Repco celebrates...................................................................................................... 11 Wrecked cars to drive TAFE NSW auto students forward............................................... 12 Bosch to be carbon neutral world-wide by 2020 ......................................................... 13 Why Australians won’t be plugging into electric cars any time soon................................ 14
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FEATURES Cover Feature: ZF: An automotive aftermarket powerhouse............................................. 16 R&D: OzCharge Rescue Mate...................................................................................... 18 2019 Innovation Awards - Performance........................................................................ 66 Member Feature: Australian Clutch Services - three decades of success.......................... 68 Safety: All the latest on safety products and news........................................................ 70 Garage Equipment: Everything you need to service your customers’ vehicles..................... 76 Business Services: Looking after your business needs ................................................... 82 Future Auto Innovations: Auto Industry remaking the human-machine relationship, one car at a time.................................................................... 88 Trade Talk: Frank Hutchinson celebrates 50 years........................................................ 90
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Publisher Cameron McLachlan for The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association ABN 23 002 271 454
CAB Audited
Suite 16, Building 3, 195 Wellington Road, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia Phone: 03 9545 3333 Fax: 03 9545 3355
Official publication of the AAAA
Email: info@aaaa.com.au Website: www.aaaa.com.au EDITOR Allan Edwards
EDITORIAL Tel 61 3 9372 9125
PRODUCTION MANAGER Brigid Fraser, Tel 61 3 9505 0121
ADVERTISING Tel 61 3 9545 3333
PUBLISHER Cameron McLachlan
All material appearing in Australian Automotive Aftermarket magazine is copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly forbidden without prior written consent. Contribution: Freelance contribution and submissions are welcomed by this magazine. No responsibility is accepted for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and transparencies. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the AAAA. All statements made, although based on information believed to be reliable and accurate, cannot be guaranteed and no fault or liability can be accepted for error or omission. The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any advertisement and the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher for all damages or liabilities arising from the published material.
AAAA NEWS
NEW MEMBERS
CALENDAR 2019
ARB Geraldton
East Coast Mobile Safety Certificates
ARB Narellan
Genie Auto Electrics
78 North West Coastal Hway GERALDTON WA 6530 Ph: 08 9921 8077 E: sales@arbgeraldton.com.au
Automechanika Dubai
Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre 10 – 12 June 2019 www.automechanika.messefrankfurt.com
AAPEX
3 Angus Close SMEATON GRANGE NSW 2567 Ph: 02 4648 1900 E: sales@arbnarellan.com.au
55B Norma Road MYAREE WA 6154 Ph: 08 9317 8788 E: genieautoelectrics@westnet.com.au
ARB North Lakes
Sands Expo, Las Vegas, NV 5 - 7 November 2019 www.aapexshow.com
MRT Performance
66 Flinders Parade NORTH LAKES QLD 4509 Ph: 07 3491 9600 E: sales@arbnorthlakes.com.au
1 Averill Street RHODES NSW 2138 Ph: 02 9767 4545 E: josh@mrtperformance.com.au
ARB Shepparton
180 Benalla Road SHEPPARTON VIC 3630 Ph: 03 5822 1877 E: sales@arbshepparton.com.au
SEMA
Las Vegas Convention Center 5 – 8 November 2019 www.semashow.com
11/29 Blanck Street ORMEAU QLD 4208 Ph: 07 5549 2511 E: Grant@safetycertificates.com.au
Repco Authorised Service Beckenham
25 William Street BECKENHAM WA 6107 Ph: 08 9303 4881 E: info@carworksgroup.com.au
ARB South Hedland
Repco Authorised Service Casino
ARB Springwood
Repco Authorised Service Cranbourne West
2 Hamilton Road SOUTH HEDLAND WA 6722 140 Barker Street CASINO NSW 2470 Ph: 08 9160 4900 E: sales@arbsouthhedland.com.au Ph: 02 6662 1999 E: rodneys@iinet.net.au
Automechanika Shanghai
National Exhibition & Convention Center, Puxi, Shanghai 3 – 6 December 2019 www.automechanika.messefrankfurt.com
Performance Racing Industry Trade Show Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 12 – 14 December 2019 www.performanceracing.com
3355 Pacific Highway SLACKS CREEK QLD 4127 Ph: 07 3493 3030 E: sales@arbspringwood.com.au
ARB Thornleigh
Repco Authorised Service Dalby
15 Sefton Road THORNLEIGH NSW 2120 Ph: 02 9980 8855 E: sales@arbthornleigh.com.au
58A Patrick Street DALBY QLD 4405 Ph: 07 4662 2127 E: gibbsd-v@bigpond.com
ARB Warragul
Repco Authorised Service Dysart
10 Howitt Street WARRAGUL VIC 3820 Ph: 03 5623 5599 E: sales@arbwarragul.com.au
23 Queen Elizabeth Drive DYSART QLD 4745 Ph: 07 4658 2290 E: admin@tayloredauto.com.au
ARB Wollongong
2020
1 Bridge Street CONISTON NSW 2500 Ph: 02 4225 2050 E: sales@arbwollongong.com.au
Taipei AMPA Teipei Nangang Exhibitor Center 15 – 18 April 2020 www.taipeiampa.com.tw/
Automotive Electrical Designs
Unit 4/103 Garling Street O’CONNOR WA 6163 Ph: 08 9331 6996 E: autoelecdesign@optusnet.com.au
Autocare 2020 Brisbane Exhibition & Conventions Centre 19 – 20 June 2020 www.autocare.org.au
Blue Toro Albury/Wodonga
Automechanika Frankfurt Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main Frankfurt, Germany 8 - 12 September 2020 www.automechanika.messefrankfurt.com
6/23-25 Aster Avenue CARRUM DOWNS VIC 3201 Ph: 03 9775 0507 E: carjack20@bigpond.com
Repco Authorised Service Orange
171 March Street ORANGE NSW 2800 Ph: 02 6362 8766 E: bensautocentre@gmail.com
Repco Authorised Service Toowoomba
5 Laurel Street TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350 Ph: 07 4632 7522 E: info@bothwellmotors.com.au
Repco Authorised Service Tullamarine
462 Whytes Road BARANDUDA VIC 3691 Ph: 0428 300 673 E: whiteman887@gmail.com
Unit 12, 85 Keilor Park Dr TULLAMARINE VIC 3043 Ph: 03 9330 2699 E: info@allpointauto.com.au
Carjack Automotive
Chris Albertini Automotive
1/12 Universal Way CRANBOURNE WEST VIC 3173 Ph: 0430 326 077 E: singhsautoclayton@yahoo.com.au
Toughy’s Garage
29-35 Victoria Street DIMBOOLA VIC 3414 Ph: 0429 707 306 E: toughysgarage19@outlook.com.au
150 Terania Street LISMORE NSW 2480 Ph: 02 6622 3300 E: admin@albertiniauto.com.au
WD-40 Company (Australia) Pty Ltd
Suite 23, Level 2, 41 Rawson St EPPING NSW 2121 Ph: 02 8876 3305 E: nroberts@wd40.com
AAAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN Graham Scudamore-Smith (QLD) Fulcrum Suspensions Ph: 07 3892 9000 DEPUTY CHAIRMAN Mark Pedder (VIC) Pedders Suspension Ph: 03 9706 3500
Stuart Charity Chief Executive Officer
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SECRETARY Guy Nicholls (VIC) Ryco Group Ph: 03 9243 3371
DIRECTORS Adam Pay (NSW) Kmart Tyre & Auto Service Ph: 02 9680 6500
Peter Rogers (SA) Inspired Automotive Marketing Ph: 08 8362 1225 COMMITTEE
John Benson (VIC), Davies, Craig Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9369 1234
Janelle Gonzalez (NSW), Blue Toro Ph: 1300 258 386
Wayne Bryant (VIC), Repco Ph: 03 9566 5223
Craig Magill (VIC), Burson Automotive Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9914 5555
Nikki Gerling (VIC), Robert Bosch (Australia) Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9541 3919
Darren Robinson (VIC), HELLA Australia Ph: 03 9581 9407
Graham Scudamore-Smith Chairman
AAAA NEWS
CHOICE OF REPAIRER How workshops are working to support consumer choice Workshops are increasing their efforts to support their customers’ consumer rights. Independent government reports have revealed that consumers are under increasing pressure to return to the place where they purchased their vehicles for regular logbook servicing. Research conducted by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) found that about 39 percent of consumers felt that they did not have a choice, and they were of the false view that visiting their independent repairer would void the warranty. Many car manufacturers are now extending the warranty period out to five and seven years and any consumer view that owners of vehicles under warranty have no choice is only going to make matters much worse for workshops. But a separate study revealed very high levels of trust in our industry: 86 percent of consumers agreed that “once you find a good mechanic you stick with them;” 78 percent reported that they have a good relationship with their mechanic and 71 percent stated that they trust the mechanic’s recommendations on parts. The quality of the relationship between customers and workshops is a great foundation for a conversation about consumer rights. As a result of this research, workshops are increasingly likely to be having conversations with customers about fair competition and choice.
Consumers have choice The advice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is that a consumer’s
warranty rights are not affected by their use of an independent workshop as long as the service or repair is conducted by qualified staff using fit for purpose parts. The Truth about New Car Servicing brochures are now widely available at workshops. Customers are using this information to support their warranty claims and to continue their patronage of their local workshop. Concern about warranty rights also occurs when consumers are looking to modify vehicles including adding tow bars, frontal protection or suspension upgrades. New materials have now been developed to provide advice to consumers about modifications and warranty claims. The fact is that modifying a vehicle does not, in itself, automatically void a manufacturer’s warranty. Car manufacturers are required to fix manufacturing faults on vehicles during the warranty period: vehicle upgrades and the fitment of quality accessories does not affect this obligation unless the modification caused the fault.
Fair Competition AAAA is working on several fronts to ensure a level playing field for the industry. The increasing use of electronic logbooks can be problematic: some manufacturers do not allow workshops to access the logbook in order to record a scheduled service. As such it is likely that access to the eLogbook will be a feature of the new Mandatory Industry Code for Sharing Service and Repair information. Until this new code is signed off by the government and becomes enforceable, it is recommended that workshops record the service and recommend that customers retain a copy in their glovebox. It’s not ideal, but it’s a stop gap measure to support consumers until the new Code is enacted. Speaking of the Mandatory Code for data sharing, this is now government and opposition policy. The Federal Government Treasury Department is drafting the Code which will require all car manufacturers that sell into our market to provide vehicle service and repair information on fair and reasonable terms. Very soon our industry will be operating in a regime that closely mirrors the American system in which independents can access the same level of vehicle information that dealers have in real time. The Mandatory code will be comprehensive and will require that car companies make available important information that has thus far been withheld:
• Dimensions and tolerances for mechanical parts. • Initialisation and reset codes for computerised systems. • Calibration files for electronic control units (ECUs) • Specifications for oils and lubricants. • Diagrams of wiring looms /electronic component voltages. • Repair manuals, body repair manuals and wiring diagrams. • Supplements or updates, including software updates. • Technical service bulletins. The new Mandatory Code is expected to be finalised this year. It’s a wonderful demonstration of what can be achieved when the industry speaks with one voice. For further information or to order your free instore consumer education kits, contact the AAAA National Office on 03 9545 3333 or info@aaaa.com.au
GRAHAM SCUDAMORE-SMITH President
STUART CHARITY Executive Director 5
NEWS
KMART TYRE & AUTO SERVICE REBRANDS TO MYCAR
One of Australia’s largest tyre, automotive service and repair retailers, Kmart Tyre & Auto Service has announced its nationwide rebrand The rebrand to mycar comes following the acquisition of Kmart Tyre & Auto Service by Continental AG. mycar says it will remain focused on delivering high-quality workmanship, a great in-store experience and industry-leading guarantees, all at an everyday low price. “We’re really excited to be launching the mycar brand and entering into a new and exciting chapter for our business,” mycar Managing Director, Adam Pay, said.
“We will be continuing to invest in our teams and our key projects, that will help shift the customer experience and carry the new brand forward. “One of our key opportunities for the future is to be where drivers need us the most. “The convenience of our existing store network, our plans to grow store numbers, and our mobile tyre fitting service are all focussed on providing customers with ultra-convenience. “We now have the opportunity to adopt a brand that speaks more about the type of work we do and the relationship we have with our customers.” The rebrand will commence in stores from major metro areas through to all regional locations from June. mycar will continue to provide tyre replacement, vehicle servicing and general repairs which Adam says will be “all backed by our expert advice, great benefits such as the tyre care plan, and our lifetime guarantee on workmanship.” mycar has 1300 team members across 260 locations nationwide and is the single largest employer of apprentice technicians in Australia. For more information, visit www.mycar.com.au 6
REDARC RELEASES FACTORY TOUR VIDEO The new video features Pat Callinan Redarc has showcased the breadth of its $22m investment in advanced manufacturing capability in a new factory tour video. Redarc Electronics has drawn on its longstanding relationship with popular recreational 4WD personality and television host of Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures, Mr Pat Callinan, featuring as the host of its new video. In November of 2018, the company celebrated the finalisation of a $22 million capital expansion project. It included the addition of 3,000sqm of advanced manufacturing space, the introduction of new state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and systems and the installation of sustainable power infrastructure. Redarc also began expanding the Redarc team and continuing investment in its highly skilled workforce. The impressive factory tour video reveals the breadth of Redarc’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and includes segments on Redarc’s innovation and technology, customer support and quality (featuring their testing and validation technology), or as Pat calls it “quality and ruggedness.” Pat also shares his love for 4WD experiences
and the beautiful, yet often extreme, nature of Australia’s landscapes and reveals that he has been using Redarc products for more than a decade, stating: “to explore these places confidently, you need equipment you can rely on.” In championing a spirit of adventure, Pat talks about how Redarc products keep customers in control so they can confidently follow their sense of adventure and create incredible travel experiences. And with that, the assurance that Redarc products can go the distance to enable people to experience the magnificence that is the Australian outback. “For almost 10 years Pat Callinan has put our products to the test; enduring long distances and being put through their paces in the harshest and most trying conditions,” Redarc Managing Director, Anthony Kittel, said. “We couldn’t be prouder of our capital investment in Redarc and are delighted to share the factory tour video, with thanks to Pat for his presentation.” Redarc’s new factory tour video can now be viewed on its website and YouTube channel. Please visit www.redarc.com.au/facilities for more information.
COOLDRIVE SELLS LOGICAR SHARE The sale was effective in February CoolDrive Auto Parts has confirmed that its Joint Venture (JV) with Stillwell Motor Group has sold its interest in Logicar Equipment, ending the JV operations which commenced in October 2017. Logicar will remain as a preferred supplier to CoolDrive, with its workshop equipment including vehicle hoists, tyre and wheel balancers, tyre changers and diagnostic scan tools continuing to be available through CoolDrive’s branches. The Assets and Business of JV were sold to Hoist & Equipment P/L. Former Logicar Chief Operating Officer, Colette Kirby will be in charge of the new entity as its newly appointed Chief Executive Officer.
The sale was effective as of 22 February, 2019 at 5.00pm. CoolDrive Auto Parts is one of Australasia’s largest automotive parts distributors with a comprehensive range of automotive air conditioning, rotating electrical, electrical accessories, engine cooling, engine management, underbody, braking and suspension products. CoolDrive Auto Parts is 100 percent family owned and operated, and has over 30 branches in Australia and New Zealand. For more from CoolDrive, visit www.cooldrive.com.au
NEWS
NEW RESEARCH UNVEILS KEY AREAS FOR WORKSHOP GROWTH The ACA Research study highlights women and new services as key factors The latest research conducted by ACA Research for the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has delved deeper into workshop performance, business profitability, growth strategies, and industry challenges. The Australian automotive workshop landscape remains in a healthy condition overall despite challenges and a significant slice of the workshop sector is growing with encouraging focus on further opportunities to increase profitability and customer satisfaction. Considering the average capacity of Australian workshops is sitting at 82 percent, there is certainly room for growth across the board. This new research shows that of the 48 percent of businesses that expected more growth last year, 38 percent achieved that growth into 2019. As such, the outlook for the industry remains strong and this is backed up with two in every five workshops expecting to increase the number of vehicles they service over the coming year. Businesses, particularly industry leaders, are pursuing a range of strategies to aid productivity and drive this growth; from an increased female focus, to new service offerings. Of the workshops surveyed, 81 percent believed increasing female customer satisfaction was an important goal. Furthermore, nearly 60 percent reported female customer growth in their business, showing the importance of a female focus as a key growth avenue. Investing in equipment, increasing staff efficiency and reducing overheads remain high priorities for business growth across the industry. Value add customer services, fleet servicing and capturing customer feedback are also important growth drivers. At the same time, customer feedback enables business owners and managers to better
understand their customers and help steer their business in a direction that improves customer satisfaction and retention and identifies areas for new customer growth. The addition of new servicing offerings builds value and efficiency for existing customers and can also attract new customers. Of the future service offerings automotive workshops are aiming to add or expand, vehicle collection and drop off (81 percent) and the use of email/SMS confirmation systems (69 percent) remained the most popular areas of focus, while online booking systems (50 percent) and loyalty programs (28 percent) have seen the largest increase in focus. Weekend servicing, extended business hours, vehicle cleaning, mobile servicing and courtesy buses were also listed in the research. However, the research found the industry is not without its challenges. The largest concern for automotive workshops was the number of consumers that are not aware they can choose an independent workshop to service their car during the warranty period. The AAAA is actively campaigning to address this challenge, both at a government level and with the Choice of Repairer consumer education campaign. On the positive side there has been growth in the number of vehicles serviced within warranty periods for 21 percent of the respondents over the past 12 months and log-book servicing by independent repairers increased from five percent to 11 percent. According to Lesley Yates, Senior Manager – Government Relations and Advocacy of the AAAA, this research is a great snapshot of the health of the industry and a resource with insights into effective growth strategies for independent automotive repairers nationwide.
“Our industry has always put the customer first. It’s clear from the research that businesses who develop new strategies to make their customer experience more satisfying, increase business productivity, invest in staff development and market to new customers are being rewarded for their efforts,” Lesley said. “It is fantastic to see more workshops focusing on attracting women and operating in a more female friendly manner and it backs up the findings of our consumer perception study that indicated the majority of decision makers for car servicing in the household were women. “On the challenge front, we are encouraged by positive signs around the increase in the number of vehicles being serviced within warranty, but we understand there is much more to do, and we will continue to campaign on behalf of independent workshops on this front.” The latest research from ACA Research is available to all AAAA members for no charge. “We first ran the AAAA Workshop Research program in 2018, mapping the workshop landscape, and setting benchmarks for the industry around business profitability and labour utilisation,” ACA Research Director, Steve Nuttall, said. “The 2019 research was a chance to go back, and look at how the sector has changed over the last 12 months, as well as exploring in more detail the strategies workshops are using to improve business revenue, profitability, and productivity. “What was most obvious to us was that despite less optimism than we saw last year against a background of increasing competition and declining optimism, many are still targeting growth, proactively looking for opportunities to add capacity to their business, increase efficiency, and deliver improved experiences for their customers (particularly women). “A greater focus on delivering to the needs of their female customers stands out as a key outcome of this year’s research, with workshops appearing to increasingly recognise the role women play in servicing and maintenance decisions.” For your free copy of the report, please contact the AAAA Head Office. 7
NEWS
NEW CEO FOR SUPER RETAIL GROUP Super Retail Group has appointed Anthony Heraghty as its Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Anthony Heraghty succeeded Peter Birtles as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Super Retail Group from the 31st of March, 2019. At the time of his appointment, Anthony was the Managing Director of Super Retail Group’s Outdoor Retailing business. The Super Retail Group board determined that Anthony was the standout candidate from an executive search that commenced after Peter’s retirement was announced in October of 2018 as part of a planned succession process. Super Retail Group says the appointment ensures a smooth leadership transition, positioning the business to continue its growth and value creation. Anthony is a customer-focused retail executive with a strong digital background underpinned by a blend of strategic and operational leadership experience from the retail and marketing sectors. As Managing Director Outdoor Retailing, he was responsible for the BCF Boating, Camping and Fishing, Rays and Macpac businesses. Previously, he held executive roles at Fosters Group and Pacific Brands, where he led the overhaul of the Bonds business from a wholesale operation to an omni-retailer. “A comprehensive national and international search conducted by global executive recruitment firm Heidrick and Struggles identified a number of quality candidates,” Super Retail Group Chair, Sally Pitkin, said. “Following a rigorous interview process, the Board concluded that Anthony had the best combination of attributes and values to lead the next era of growth for the Super Retail Group. “In selecting our new CEO, the Board’s priorities were to find a candidate to entrench a customerfirst mentality and shape strategy to lead our evolution to a world-class omni-retailer.
“We wanted an experienced retail executive to lead our passionate team and develop talent, continue the process of refining Super Retail Group’s capability to meet the challenges of an increasingly competitive and technology-driven retail environment and build momentum across the business as we strive to continue long-term value creation for shareholders. “Anthony is a trusted and respected leader with a track record of delivering improved business performance, coupled with an absolute commitment to and understanding of customer needs. Fresh thinking, embracing innovation, and harnessing data and technology are trademarks of his leadership. “The Board also acknowledges the immense contribution Peter Birtles has made over the past 18 years, including 13 years as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, in the successful pursuit of Super Retail Group’s omniretailer strategy. “Under his leadership, Super Retail Group has transformed its business. Group EBIT has enjoyed a near seven-fold increase with the growth of the SuperCheap Auto business, creation of the BCF business and successful acquisition and embedding of the rebel and Macpac brands. Super Retail Group has established itself as a respected player in a rapidly changing and competitive marketplace and enters its next phase in very good shape.”
Outgoing CEO Peter Birtles (left) and new CEO Anthony Heraghty (right).
and understands what we can offer them. I am very pleased to be handing over the leadership of this great business to Anthony. “It has been a privilege to lead this organisation and I take great pride in the strong financial performance of the business during my tenure. “I am particularly proud of the improvement in team member retention and engagement, which I firmly believe has been the bedrock of the company’s growth and I would like to thank all of our team for their support, passion and commitment. “I remain very optimistic about the future for Super Retail Group.”
Peter has continued to work closely with Anthony to ensure a smooth transition.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to navigate a great Australian company through the radical changes rapidly reshaping the retail sector globally,” Anthony said.
“I can assure you that Super Retail Group is in good hands. I’ve worked closely with Anthony for four years, he’s a strong and experienced leader who has helped modernise the business,” Peter said.
“With changing customer expectations, we are being challenged to innovate and modernise our business to ensure we are fit to compete in the even more competitive retail environment of tomorrow.
“Not only does he have a terrific grasp of the business but he knows what drives our customers
“In an era where customers have greater demands and choice than ever before in what, where, when and how they want to buy, our customercentric approach and engaged team can help differentiate Super Retail Group and drive the next phase of growth around our four core brands. “With team members at the heart of Super Retail Group’s business, one of my priorities will be to build on our strong culture of teamwork and team member pride. “With engaged team members who share the passion of our customers for our products, we are well positioned to grow our business and deliver for shareholders for many years to come.” For more from Super Retail Group, visit www.superretailgroup.com.au
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NEWS
TWO DAYS, TWO BIG AWARDS FOR REDVISION Redarc’s RedVision was recognised by both the Endeavour Awards and the Caravan Industry Association of Australia recently Redarc’s RedVision allows users to control multiple automotive aftermarket devices, such as turning lights, inverters, water pumps and other loads such as televisions, electric steps and fridges on or off. It also provides the monitoring of water levels, temperatures, energy (battery power) consumption and storage, with the battery information available when used with a Redarc ‘Manager’ battery management system.
Australian Industrial Product of The Year. On the 16th of May, RedVision was awarded as the Australian Industrial Product of the Year at the 2019 Manufacturers Monthly Endeavour Awards, held at the Arts Centre in Melbourne. The Manufacturers Monthly Endeavour Awards were established to recognise and reward excellence and innovation in the Australian manufacturing industry. They are said to be the most esteemed and prestigious awards program for the manufacturing industry in Australia. The Australian Industrial Product of the Year award recognises Australian made and/or designed products and their points of difference
to other available products designed for industrial applications. “Every year, we get a stronger pool of nominees for the prestigious awards up for grabs – a testament to the incredible growth of local manufacturing here in Australia,” Manufacturers Monthly Managing Editor, Syed Shah, said.
Inaugural Gerry Ryan OAM Award for Innovation On the 17th May, Redarc was honoured to receive the first Gerry Ryan OAM Award for Innovation from the Caravan Industry Association of Australia for RedVision. The new award was introduced in the name of long-standing contributor to the caravan industry, Gerry Ryan OAM, who was the owner and founder of Jayco Australia. The Award recognises the implementation of creative ideas in order to generate value. “It is an honour that RedVision has been recognised with the inaugural Gerry Ryan OAM Award for Innovation, gaining national recognition in the caravanning and camping industry,” Redarc Managing Director, Anthony Kittel, said.
REDARC Victoria Sales Manager Cameron Bleakley (L) and Electronics Design Engineer, Tom Cross (R). Image courtesy of www.endeavourawards.com.au The CIAA Gala Awards capped off Redarc’s three-day interactive trade exhibition at the CIAA Conference 2019. RedVision continues to gain recognition since the product won a Good Design Award in 2018. “These awards are the culmination of a true team effort to create an innovative product that exceeds customers’ expectations. Our team is committed to designing products that offer a distinctive experience from similar products on the market,” Anthony said. Since its release, Redarc says RedVision has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from end-users, installers and manufacturers who have praised it for its ease of use, simplicity and the new level of automation it brings. To find out how RedVision can work for you, visit www.redarc.com.au/redvision
AUTOMECHANIKA FRANKFURT BROADENS ITS SCOPE
The show will take place from the 8th to the 12th of September, 2020 The leading international trade fair for the automotive aftermarket is creating new structures for the 2020 event, both thematically and physically on the exhibition grounds. The portfolio will now be more clearly organised, particularly in the areas of workshop equipment and future mobility. New themes and an optimised hall structure for Automechanika Frankfurt will feature a strongly
differentiated portfolio when it takes place from 8 to 12 September 2020. The event says it is taking advantage of the reconstruction of Hall Five to create important synergies on the exhibition grounds and bring related themes together in the same locations. In the future, products and solutions in the ‘Accessories and Customising’ area will be grouped together in Hall 12, ensuring that this topic can be found in the direct vicinity of the workshop exhibition in Halls Eight and Nine that will now be called ‘Diagnostics and Repair’. For the first time, the product groups in focus in Hall 11 will be receiving their own designation at the next Automechanika, ‘Body and Paint’. They will be found in their customary location, and will be supplemented by a comprehensive supporting programme in the adjacent Portalhaus. The Festhalle will continue to serve as the stage for tomorrow’s mobility, and will now be focusing in particular on ‘Mobility as a Service and Autonomous Driving’ and ‘Alternative Drive Systems and Fuels’.
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The classic cars business was extremely popular at Automechanika 2018, and will be expanded even further as a result. Synergies were also achieved for workshop and tyre retailers at the last event, so Automechanika 2020 will be expanding to include the new ‘Tires and Wheels’ product group. This theme will remain in Hall 12, where it will be found alongside ‘Car Wash and Care’. For more information, visit www.automechanika-frankfurt.com
NEWS
REPCO CELEBRATES Repco recently held its Repco Hall of Fame Supplier Dinner In early May, Melbourne’s Metropolis in Southbank hosted the Repco Hall of Fame Supplier Dinner, attracting more than 130 of Australasia’s leading automotive aftermarket suppliers from all over Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Repco says the annual event has become known as an “unmissable” function for the automotive aftermarket, with this year’s event hosted by none other than one of Australia’s most loved presenters and award-winning actors, Shane Jacobson. As a keen motoring enthusiast, journalist and motorsport fanatic, Shane was a natural fit as the master of ceremonies. The Repco Supplier Awards recognise supplier partnerships and their excellence in the Repco ANZ business. Both nominees and winners were acknowledged across 13 award categories which included celebrations of Innovation, Sales
Promotions and Events, and Service to the Store Network. Opening the evening’s proceedings was Genuine Parts Company (GPC) Asia Pacific General Manager, Merchandise and Strategic Marketing, Jamie Walton. “We would not be here today without the support of our suppliers. It is vital that we take the time to provide them with the appreciation and recognition they deserve,” Jamie said. As part of the evening, guests enjoyed a spectacular three-course dinner accompanied by light entertainment, a business overview and the prestigious awards. As a special treat, dinner also featured a brief intermission for a entertaining interview with special guest and legend of Australian motorsport, Dick Johnson. Dick is a five-time Australian Touring Car Champion, a three-time Bathurst 1000 winner, a V8 Supercar Hall of Fame inductee and co-owner of the Shell V-Power Racing Team. Concluding the evening’s formalities were final award presentations, including the highly anticipated Supplier of the Year. Repco explains the Repco Supplier of the Year Award is considered the ultimate recognition of supplier performance, as it is achieved via the delivery
of tough criteria across the Australian and New Zealand landscapes. The 2018 Repco Supplier of the Year award was deservingly presented to Penrite. It was accepted by Toby Dymond, Penrite’s General Manager, Sales and Marketing; and John Firth, Penrite’s National Sales Manager. The 2018 Repco awards were the last event in its current format, which will in future become the GPC Asia Pacific Supplier Awards from 2019. The new format will recognise suppliers for GPC as a group, including their performance across Repco, NAPA and its other trade businesses. For more information on the Repco Hall of Fame Supplier Dinner and a full listing of Award winners, please see pages 48-51 of this magazine. For more from Repco, visit www.repco.com.au
ACCC TAKATA AIRBAG UPDATE Australia’s largest ever recall is over two thirds progressed with 2.8 million faulty Takata airbags replaced with around 1 million still outstanding The ACCC reports that more than 70 percent of all affected airbag inflators have been replaced nationally since the Federal Government put manufacturers on notice in February last year. “Despite good progress, both motorists and car manufacturers shouldn’t become complacent,” ACCC Deputy Chair, Delia Rickard, said. “If you receive a letter or call from your car’s manufacturer, don’t delay or ignore it.” Vehicle manufacturers’ data shows the location of all known registered vehicles affected and number of airbag inflators replaced or outstanding for replacement as at December 31, 2018.
Vehicle manufacturers are replacing all faulty Takata airbags according to priority risk factors and are required to complete the mandatory recall by 31 December 2020. Some vehicles are under active recall for replacement now, with others on a rolling basis, scheduled for future recall based on priority factors. High risk “alpha” airbags were fitted to about 114,000 cars with manufactures claiming there are around 7,800 still on roads, excluding those written off or irreplaceable. These airbags require urgent replacement and drivers should not drive cars containing these airbags until they have been fixed. Vehicle manufacturers must offer to arrange for these cars to be towed to the place of replacement or for a qualified technician to travel to you (or some similar arrangement) so that you do not have to drive these cars. “The ACCC’s recall efforts are being helpfully complemented by state and territory authorities
who are progressing registration sanctions for any consumers who are not replacing the dangerous alpha airbags. They are also helping us with our surveillance and enforcement initiatives to ensure suppliers are complying with the terms of the recall,” Delia said. To check if a car is affected, visit www.ismyairbagsafe.com.au or the www.productsafety.gov.au website. *Manufacturers are working to determine where these vehicles are and if they are still on the road. These figures may change if a vehicle manufacturer updates their historical records and submits updated reports. 11
NEWS
DOMETIC WINS 2019 iF DESIGN AWARD The prestige design prize recognised Dometic’s design concept for its new portable lithium battery Dometic was a winner of this year’s iF Design Award, a world-renowned design prize. The winning product was the portable lithium battery, Dometic PLB40, which won in the discipline of Product Design, in the Outdoor category. Each year, the world’s oldest independent design organisation, Hannover-based iF International Forum Design GmbH, organizes the iF Design Awards. Dometic PLB40 won over the 67-member jury, made up of independent experts from all over the world, with its innovative design concept backed by new technology Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFoPo4) in outdoor usages.
The competition was intense with 6,375 entries submitted from 52 countries in hopes of receiving the seal of quality. “The design concept of the Dometic PLB40 brings a completely new product category to the market. Powered by LiFoPo4, this portable power pack is among the most compact and lightweight in its class while delivering unparalleled power performance,” Dometic Group Head of Product Design, Samuele Meda, said. “Robust, outdoor-proof construction with ergonomically designed stainless steel carryhandle makes the Dometic PLB40 easy to carry and use in multiple environments from family camping to the most rugged expeditions. “Last but not least, convenient three-way charging allows users to charge the battery onthe-go eliminating the need for a dual battery set-up.” For more from Dometic, visit www.dometic.com 12
WRECKED CARS TO DRIVE TAFE NSW AUTO STUDENTS FORWARD Suncorp has donated three cars to assist students with real-world training According to the latest TAFE NSW research, the occupation of ‘motor mechanic’ is expected to experience the largest employment growth in the NSW Automotive Trades and Services industry over the three years to 2021. Those looking to capitalise on plentiful job opportunities will do well to seek hands-on education and training first. This is the case for TAFE NSW Glendale students, who can now get their hands even dirtier thanks to a delivery of three written-off late-model cars from national insurance company Suncorp. The vehicles will play a key role in providing students with real-world training in repairs and maintenance. “We already have plenty of state-of-the-art training equipment, but having whole cars will make a difference. They will be a valuable practical teaching and learning resource that will enable students to be job-ready, to learn how to bring a damaged car up to a customer’s expectations,” TAFE NSW Head Teacher for Light Automotive, Dave Allen, said. “It’s the hands-on experience TAFE NSW provides that sets us apart from other training providers and ensures students receive currency of training. These vehicles will be integral in our training and used every week, shared across automotive repair and maintenance, panel beating and vehicle painting, and our light vehicle apprentices, pre-apprentices and high school students. Everyone will benefit. We owe a big thanks to Suncorp.” “Suncorp is a proud supporter of automotive training for apprentices, and is pleased to donate three late model damaged vehicles to TAFE NSW
Glendale,” Suncorp Executive Manager, Assessing and Repair Performance, Brett Wallace, said. “We know this is the best way to tackle one of the major challenges facing the motor vehicle repair industry – reaching, engaging and developing skilled apprentices of the future. Our support of this latest industry initiative, in partnership with TAFE NSW and AAPR, will further assist in educating today’s apprentices to become tomorrow’s technicians.” “One of AAPR’s major goals, via its Auto Skills Jobs Site program, is to assist with securing our future workforce of tomorrow. Another major goal, via our Auto Industry Team program, is to seek out key industry stakeholders to assist with continuously developing the knowledge base of today’s automotive apprentices and technicians,” AAPR (Australian Association of Progressive Repairers) Chief Executive Officer, Greg Preston, said. “We are very grateful to TAFE NSW for their support and being a part of this project, and especially to Suncorp for its ongoing support and commitment to the automotive repair industry by providing these vehicles to increase the knowledge base and technical expertise of automotive apprentices at TAFE NSW Glendale.” TAFE NSW is Australia’s largest training provider, offering more than 1,200 courses from certificates to degrees, many of which can be studied online via TAFE Digital. For more information, visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.
NEWS
BOSCH TO BE CARBON NEUTRAL WORLD-WIDE BY 2020 Bosch says this will mark the earliest carbon neutrality of any global industrial enterprise Bosch plans to be fully climate-neutral as early as next year with its 400+ locations worldwide, and their engineering, manufacturing, and administrative facilities, to no longer leave a carbon footprint. The company explains this will make Bosch the first major industrial enterprise to achieve this ambitious goal in a little over a year. “We see climate action as our responsibility, and believe we have to act now,” Robert Bosch GmbH Chairman of the Board of Management, Dr Volkmar Denner, said. In a bid to swiftly achieve carbon neutrality, Bosch will buy more green electricity in the near term and compensate for unavoidable CO 2 emissions with carbon offsets. In the years to 2030, Bosch says it will gradually increase the share of renewable energy in the power that it generates and buys, and will invest a billion euros to boost its locations’ energy efficiency. Once Bosch achieves climate neutrality, it will no longer adversely affect carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere. As such, the company says it is making an important contribution to the Paris climate agreement ratified in 2015, which calls for global warming to be kept well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. “Everyone has to contribute to climate action,” Dr Denner said.
Focusing on sustainable, renewable power supply
Climate action pays social and economic dividends In the years up to 2030, Bosch says it will incur one billion euros in added costs by buying green electricity, engaging in carbon offset programs, and sourcing power from renewables. In that same period, Bosch will invest one billion euros to boost in-house energy efficiency. This increase in energy efficiency will save Bosch around one billion euros, thereby bringing the company’s expenditure on carbon neutrality down from around two billion to one billion euros by 2030. “Carbon neutrality is doable and, if pursued with the necessary determination, can be achieved quickly. Our investments benefit not only us at Bosch, but humankind in general as well,” Dr Denner said. For more information, visit www.bosch.com
Starting in 2020, Bosch will compensate for any residual and unavoidable carbon emissions primarily by buying green power from legacy plants and taking part in carbon offset programs. The company is investing in environmental projects, certified to rigorous standards, aimed at supporting social and ecological development. Carbon offsets are to be gradually scaled back by 2030, and Bosch is stepping up investments in renewable energies to this end. It also intends to enlarge company-owned photovoltaic systems such as those in place at the Nashik and Bidadi locations in India. The company expects to achieve a tenfold increase in installed energy capacity with this move. Bosch will also sign long-term, exclusive supplier contracts with new wind and solar farms around the world, which can then operate profitably even without government subsidies.
A billion euros – and connected solutions – for greater energy efficiency Enhanced energy efficiency is a powerful tool for achieving carbon neutrality. Bosch will invest a billion euros in the energy efficiency of its plants and buildings over the next ten years. “We want to reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions in absolute terms, and not just relative to value creation,” Dr Denner said. By 2030, the company plans to save additional energy amounting to some 1.7 terawatt hours per year. This is more than one-fifth of its current annual consumption, and comparable to the amount of electricity consumed by private households in Cologne. Bosch says it has been vigorously pursuing environmental management practices for years, stating that in 2018 alone, it carried out some 500 energy-efficiency projects, reducing power consumption by close to 1.5 percent. Connected manufacturing has also become a key efficiency driver and Bosch has already deployed its proprietary energy platform, a part of the company’s portfolio of Industry 4.0 solutions, to more than 30 factories around the world. This platform is a cloud-based software solution that can track and control every single machine’s power consumption. 13
NEWS
WHY AUSTRALIANS WON’T BE PLUGGING INTO ELECTRIC CARS ANY TIME SOON ACA Research takes a look at EV targets and the Australian market’s demand During the federal election campaign, the Australian Labour Party, as part of its climate change action plan, pledged to implement Australia’s first national electric vehicle (EV) policy; setting a national electric vehicle target of 50 percent new car sales by 2030, which would have equated to around 600,000 vehicles sold. Jaguar, manufacturer of the I-Pace, has been even more bullish in its projections. In its recent report ‘Driving Australia Forward’, Jaguar suggested an incredible two thirds of Australians expect to be driving an electric vehicle by 2030. Despite the Liberal government being returned to power in May’s election, we decided to explore how realistic these targets would have been, given that only 1,352 EVs (excluding Tesla) were sold in 2018? Four key variables were identified as being critical in determining whether these targets are realistic: 1. Consumer demand 2. Government incentives 3. Manufacturing capacity 4. Infrastructure
Turning back to ACA’s research, it is clear that lower pricing and Government incentives will help to overcome some of the barriers that are impending the adoption of EVs.
Manufacturing Capacity A recent Deloitte report presents an analysis of project demand and supply for EVs to 2030. The conclusion of this report is that supply will exceed demand by around 14 million units, with the EV market sitting at 20 percent of total share. The growing gaps between supply and demand is shown in figure one. If 600,000 EVs were sold in Australia in 2030, that would equate to three percent of the demand project by Deloitte, which seems somewhat unrealistic.
currently in the low hundreds compared to around 6,000 petrol stations which reflects the small number of EVs on our roads. However, to match future demand the number of charging stations will need to grow significantly. More critically in ACA’s view is the development of a competitive aftermarket that can meet the servicing requirements of a growing EV car parc. While service intervals for EVs are less frequent than their ICE counterparts, their servicing requirements are more complex. For example, an independent repairer will need technicians who have the skills and expertise to service different battery packs, typically requiring a higher level of training in electrical engineering than is currently the case.
Consumer Demand
Summary
ACA’s latest research on consumer attitudes to EVs suggests around a quarter of Australians would be interested in purchasing an EV as their next vehicle. However, interest does not equate to vehicle purchase and a much smaller proportion of those interested would actually purchase a vehicle. Moreover, the demographic segment most interested in purchasing EVs is the youngest group with the lowest purchasing power.
ACA’s view is that various powertrain technologies will co-exist alongside each other for a very long time to come. KPMG’s 2019 Global Survey of Automotive Executives projects global car production volumes to reach 134.27 million units by 2040 with the majority being some form of electric powered drive train. Given Australia’s investment in EV technology and infrastructure has lagged the rest of the developed world, we believe 2040 is a more realistic target for 50 percent of new vehicles sold being an EV.
Government Incentives Norway is the world’s biggest per capita market for EVs. Half of all new cars sold to Norwegians are fully electric or hybrid vehicles due to the generous Government incentives on offer, including exemption from a 25 percent sales tax. Without a similar program of incentives, we are unlikely to see Australian EV sales matching Norway’s example anytime soon.
Figure One: Electric vehicles - market demand vs industry supply
The evolution of battery technologies and the global availability of lithium will also be critical to a successful EV supply chain. As the world gears up for an electric revolution, the lithium industry that supplies one of its core materials needs to be ready for it. The CEO of one of the leaders in lithium technology has questioned whether the market is able to meet demand over the next five years, with Paul Graves, the Chief Executive Officer for Livent, stating “Our biggest challenge is producing enough (lithium) to meet the demand -- there’s a much greater risk that this market is consistently in a deficit in the near future.”
Infrastructure Australia’s growing EV market will require an extensive recharging and aftermarket servicing network. The number of fast charging stations is 14
BEV = Battery Electric Vehicle PHEV = Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle FCEV = Fuel (Hydrogen) Cell Electric Vehicle ICE = Internal Combustion Engine
This column was prepared for AAA Magazine by ACA Research, our partners in the AAAA Aftermarket Dashboard, which is delivered to your inbox each quarter. For more information, visit www.acaresearch.com.au or contact Ben Selwyn on bselwyn@acaresearch.com.au
NEWS
NEW CAPRICORN AUTOMOTIVE CEO ANNOUNCED Bradley Gannon will become the Capricorn Automotive CEO from 1 July 2019 Capricorn says it is delighted to announce the promotion of current Company Secretary and General Counsel - Legal Risk and Marketing, Bradley Gannon, to the role of Capricorn Automotive Chief Executive Officer from July 1, 2019. Bradley takes on this exciting new responsibility following the promotion of current Capricorn Automotive Chief Executive Officer, David Fraser, who progresses to the Capricorn Group Chief Executive Officer role on the same date. Bradley was appointed as Capricorn Company Secretary / General Counsel in 2008, managing various corporate functions including legal and risk management, working closely with the Capricorn Board of Directors and more recently overseeing Capricorn’s marketing functions. He has gained a wide and varied body of direct Capricorn business experience across the past 11 years, particularly within the company’s automotive aftermarket operations where he has been directly involved with key projects. Bradley has been admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor for the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the High Court of Australia. He has a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Major in General Management) from the University of Western Australia. The incoming Capricorn Automotive CEO has also completed the Australian Institute of Company
Directors (AICD) Course Diploma requirements, achieving Order of Merit status. In addition, Bradley has also successfully completed the Governance Institute of Australia Graduate Diploma of Applied Corporate Governance, receiving National Dux and State Dux accolades for Corporate Accountability along with Corporate Governance and Corporate Financial Management respectively. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Business School (USA) Advanced Management Program. “Along with his outstanding qualifications, Brad takes on this role with an excellent understanding of our business following his impressive 11 year career with Capricorn,” outgoing Capricorn Automotive Chief Executive Officer, David Fraser, said. “Our constantly growing automotive business and membership base could not be in better hands and we look forward to the progress that will continue to be made under his leadership with the support of the entire Capricorn management team and the Capricorn Board.” For Bradley, this is an exciting opportunity. “I’m really excited about the opportunity entrusted to me. It is as an important time for Capricorn Members and the broader automotive community. There are a number of opportunities and challenges accompanying the continued technological advancements of vehicles and
evolution of industry practices,” Bradley said. “With strong foundations in place and the combined power of more than 20,000 automotive workshops, surviving and thriving as a Member of Capricorn, with everything it has to offer, has never made more sense. “I look forward to working with the entire Capricorn team to assist Members and our relationship partners to grow and prosper.” For more on Capricorn, visit www.capricorn.coop
MICHELIN APPOINTS NEW GROUP PRESIDENT Manuel Montana will be based out of the Michelin Group’s Bangkok office Michelin has recently announced the appointment of Manuel Montana as the new President for East Asia and Australia of the Michelin Group. The appointment was effective from 1 April 2019. Manuel graduated from HEC Paris, one of the top-ranking academic institutions in Europe and worldwide; and is fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. He first joined the Michelin Group at ClermontFerrand, France, in July 2013 as Mining European Sales Manager. Later, he was transferred to the Michelin office in Turkey to assume the position as Commercial Director in September 2014, and was further promoted as Managing Director in August 2016 – his latest position prior to the recent appointment
as President for East Asia and Australia, which results in his relocation to the Michelin office in Bangkok. “It is my pleasure and honour to assume my new position at the Michelin office in Bangkok, and to work in close collaboration with professionals at Michelin offices across the East Asia and Australia region,” Manuel said. “I realise that my new roles and responsibilities come with tests and challenges at times, but I am ready to confront them with steadfast dedication. “All my experiences and expertise during the years will be brought to ensure utmost benefits for Michelin in this region, and push forth the business to another level of success.” Under the leadership of Manuel, the Michelin Group says in the East Asia and Australia region it
will continue to uphold customer-focused policies and strategies in an attempt to strengthen Michelin’s reputation as a premium tyre brand for excellence; as well as to develop innovations for sustainable mobility that is safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly – in line with its mission: “A Better Way Forward.” For more from Michelin, visit www.michelin.com 15
COVER FEATURE
ZF: AN AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET POWERHOUSE ZF is one of the world’s leading suppliers in the automotive aftermarket, with more than 30 years of local operations servicing the industry across Australia, New Zealand and the entire Oceania region Operating worldwide in more than 120 locations across 40 countries, ZF Aftermarket is a €3 billion business that employs around 8,000 people, supplying and servicing original-equipment quality technology and components for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, light trucks, heavy trucks and buses. Three decades in, ZF Services Australia operates two locations with representation in four states, employs more than 70 people and works with over 25 ZF service partners across Australia and New Zealand. Underlining its commitment to the local market, earlier this year ZF Services also relocated its Oceania headquarters to larger premises in Blacktown (NSW), enabling it to bring all its activities under the one roof. “As a pioneer of automotive technology and one of the world’s primary original equipment suppliers to the global passenger car, truck and bus manufacturers, ZF comes to the market with unrivalled credentials,” ZF Services Australia Managing Director, Mark Lowe, said proudly. “That is not a boast, it is just a fact … ZF technology is the result of the company’s enormous commitment to research and development, which manifests itself in the supply of original equipment components to manufacturers across the globe. “The benefit of that flows directly into the aftermarket, where original equipment quality components are offered as repair, replacement or upgrade parts for all manner of fitments, be that here in Australia or globally.”
The company’s range of automotive aftermarket offerings in Australia is indeed extensive, with components available for driveline, chassis, steering and braking from its primary brands: ZF, LEMFÖRDER, SACHS and TRW. ZF explains it is well known globally for its extensive range of automotive transmissions which are fitted as original equipment to many different types of vehicles. Demonstrating its absolute commitment to cutting-edge transmission technology, ZF displayed an innovative eight-speed plug-in hybrid transmission with electric drive unit at the recent Australian Automotive Aftermarket Expo (AAAE). Here in Australia, ZF supports its original equipment transmissions with a range of genuine spare parts for servicing and repair, carrying stock for up to 15 years after volume production has finished. Additionally, ZF offers its original equipment transmission lubricants range as an aftermarket product called ZF-Lifeguardfluid for passenger car transmissions, which is available for servicing or replacement. These synthetic or semi-synthetic lubricants are factory filled on ZF transmissions, having been optimised to reduce friction and therefore fuel consumption, while also promoting the reduction in exhaust emissions. One of the power brands in ZF’s portfolio is SACHS, purveyors of premium grade shock absorbers and clutches. Locally, the SACHS range offers more than 3,000
The ZF Services Australia Leadership Team
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shock absorber references, with a combination of mono-tube and twin-tube gas pressurised shock technology throughout the entire range. Additionally, over 385 strut mounts and bearings and more than 220 bump stop and boot kits are available. In a demonstration of its commitment to the local automotive aftermarket, ZF Services Australia has increased the SACHS shock absorber range in Australia by over 500 units in the last three years. Likewise, SACHS’ clutch catalogue continues to expand, and now numbers over 1,500 components which includes clutch covers and discs, flywheels and clutch release systems, for various applications including buses, agricultural and construction vehicles. Demonstrating the technology-led approach apparent right across the ZF group of brands, ZF Services Australia recently displayed the world’s first aftermarket brake pad for electric vehicles from TRW at the AAAE. Called ‘Electric Blue’, the new brake pad is the result of extensive research and development and has been produced in recognition of the global move toward hybrid and electric vehicles, and the now-increasing demand for specialised brake pads to suit.
The ZF Services Australia stand at AAAE 2019
COVER FEATURE
SACHS TAKEN TO THE MAX ZF’s commitment to the Australian market is no better demonstrated than with its recent introduction of the SACHS MAX range of shock absorbers
For more conventional petrol and dieselpowered vehicles, COTEC is an advanced silicon coating that TRW applies to the majority of its replacement brake pads. It results in improved contact between brake disc and pad, promoting shortened stopping distances of up to seven metres during the first few stops after fitment, compared with other premium brake pads. The innovative COTEC coating means the TRW pads consistently outperform rival major brands during the bedding-in period when the friction co-efficient is lower than usual, says ZF. In addition to COTEC, TRW has recently developed DTEC, a premium quality ceramic brake pad which reduces brake dust exfoliation onto the surface of the wheel rim by up to 45 percent. TRW produces more than 12 million brake discs worldwide every year for both original-equipment and the aftermarket. Weight is often viewed as the ‘enemy’ of braking systems with vehicle manufacturers worldwide seeking reductions as a means of improved efficiency, economy and dynamics. This is why TRW developed its High Carbon Discs, says ZF. These High Carbon Discs not only offer reduced weight but also improved braking performance and lower NVH (noise vibration harshness) properties, via optimal thermal conductivity. Fundamentally this technology allows the discs to run cooler, for more consistent brake performance, better stability, plus increased resistance to distortion and thermal cracking. Tighter production tolerances also ensure original equipment quality on these aftermarket TRW components, with DTV (Disc Thickness Variation) of 12um or less, and run-out of 30um or less. All castings are made from top-quality GG15HC high carbon materials. Black Painted discs are another TRW signature product, the special gloss black paint coating
the disc to provide a protective barrier against corrosion as well as enhancing their appearance. Of course, there’s also a range of TRW cast iron discs too, made from GG20 grey cast iron material and then a further range of discs with integrated bearings, ABS ring sensors and fixing accessories. TRW’s area of expertise is broader than just brakes, as it demonstrated at the recent AAAE with its ‘Corner Module’ that displayed a range of its aftermarket components which included steering and suspension parts, as well as brake components. LEMFÖRDER is another brand in the ZF portfolio, offering the aftermarket premium quality steering, suspension, chassis and rubberto-metal replacement parts for passenger car, light commercial vehicles and heavy trucks. Utilised as original-equipment fitments by more than 50 vehicle manufacturers worldwide, LEMFÖRDER’s range of steering and chassis components includes stabiliser links, steering arms, idler arms, tie rods, control arms and suspension joints. Available too are engine mounts, transmission mounts, axle bearings, suspension strut mounts and complete mounting kits. Three decades after ZF Services Australia’s 1987 establishment, the company now provides via its trusted brands a wide range of original equipment quality aftermarket components for local passenger car, commercial vehicle, light truck, heavy truck, construction and mining vehicles, plus agricultural equipment, marine and even railway applications. With its industry leading forward thinking research and development, ZF says it continues to define and embrace the latest in automotive technology to ensure the Australian automotive aftermarket is future proofed. More information is available at www.aftermarket.zf.com/au
For fitment to both standard and raised suspensions for off road, four-wheel-drive and utility applications, the SACHS MAX range of big bore heavy duty shock absorbers has been developed specifically in response to Australian customer demand. “SACHS MAX is a great example of responding to the prevailing market conditions,” ZF Services Australia Head of IAM Oceania, Darren Leyshon, said.
“Our big bore SACHS shock absorbers have been around for a couple of years now, but was limited in terms of local fitments, so we were able to develop a portfolio of new products, under the brand SACHS MAX, that met the market and responded to customer demand. “In doing that, it was imperative that we retained the qualities and performance attributes that SACHS is renowned for.”
The heavy duty big bore design of the SACHS MAX shock absorbers incorporates larger pistons and cylinders, which results in a reduction in heat and improved consistency under repeated loads, for a more durable shock absorber and a more comfortable and safer ride. Delivering superior handling and enhanced safety through performance in extreme conditions and under heavy loads, the SACHS MAX premium quality shock absorbers are available to fit some of the most popular 4x4 vehicles in Australia including Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Land Cruiser, Nissan Navara and Isuzu D-MAX. For more information call 1800 ZF SALES (1800 937 2537) or visit www.sachsmaxshocks.com.au 17
PRODUCT R&D
OZCHARGE RESCUE MATE The Rescue Mate Onboard Jump Starter (RM800i) is an onboard jump-starting solution that minimises vehicle downtime The Rescue Mate Onboard Jump Starter has widespread applications, including emergency service vehicles, business fleets, 4X4ers or even the everyday driver. A dead or weak battery is one of the most common causes leading to vehicles becoming stranded.
Features include: • • • •
Maintenance free Push button start 800 Amps of starting power Start up to 8.0L petrol and 5.0L diesel engines
The OzCharge Rescue Mate onboard jump starter ensures your car is equipped to combat flat batteries when they strike.
The RM800i is the first jump-starting solution on the market that can be confidently and safely operated by any user, says OzCharge.
With one press of a button, you’re back on your way. The Rescue Mate provides you with ultimate peace of mind and ensures that you and your vehicle make it to the destination.
It integrates the jump-start procedure in a way that both looks and functions like a feature standard from factory. Simply engage the dash mounted jump-start button and the RM800i is now delivering the required power to start the vehicle.
In other words, OzCharge says the Rescue Mate is your battery’s insurance policy, stating it is the number one safety product to consider for your new or current vehicle. The Rescue Mate has been designed specifically to combat flat batteries and keep you safe out on the road. The Rescue Mate is a permanently mounted power reserve, is completely isolated from the vehicle’s electrical system and cannot be drained flat by any of the vehicle’s accessories. The Rescue Mate’s power can only be utilised for starting. The RM800i was released in 2018 for the Australian Emergency Services and as of 2019 is now available for purchase at a retail level.
Once the Rescue Mate is installed, there is no reliance placed upon the user. The vehicle’s alternator automatically maintains the Rescue Mate while the motor is running so that it’s always kept at full charge. In fact, within just minutes of the engine running, the RM800i is fully charged, having been charged up via the vehicle’s alternator in two to three minutes. Once fully charged, the RM800i completely isolates itself from the starting battery and is now ready to jumpstart when required. Once charged and isolated, the RM800i will hold full charge for four to six months without the vehicle being operated.
Don’t let this happen to you. Install an OzCharge Rescue Mate.
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This automatic recharging process via the alternator removes responsibility from drivers to manually recharge the jump starter (as required with portable jumper-packs). OzCharge says that with zero maintenance and unparalleled reliability, the Rescue Mate Onboard is the smart solution to combat flat batteries and minimise vehicle downtime. In the instance of a flat battery, the Rescue Mate will illuminate the dash mounted LED button. Once the button is engaged, the Rescue Mate delivers the starting battery the required power to start the vehicle.
PRODUCT R&D
The entire starting process can be achieved without entering the engine or battery compartment and can be achieved without leaving the driver’s seat. The Rescue Mate also removes the danger and confusion associated with jump-starting. There are no jumper leads, no sparks and no mechanical knowledge required. There is no requirement to connect clamps and no exposed power or sparks – simply press the LED start button and you’re back on your way. As such, the Rescue Mate is the effortless jump-
starting solution that all users can safely and confidently operate, says OzCharge. Australian Emergency Services have opted for the fitment of the OzCharge Rescue Mate onboard jump-starter as standard equipment in their fleet. The Rescue Mate is perfect for vehicles and vessels that are required to run additional electrical accessories. With zero maintenance and unrivaled reliability, OzCharge says the Rescue Mate is the smart solution to combat flat batteries and ensure you get to your destination.
What’s in the box • • • •
OzCharge RM800i Jump Starter Heavy-duty battery cables Start switch User guide and warranty information
The RM800i must be professionally installed to ensure proper mounting and wiring. The OzCharge Rescue Mate has a two-year warranty and is available from all specialist 4X4 outlets and auto electricians. For more information, call 03 9482 2203, email info@ozcharge.com.au or visit www.ozcharge.com.au
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine Publisher, Cameron McLachlan, takes a look at the products driving the automotive aftermarket. cameron@aaaa.com.au
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PRODUCTS
REPAIR YOU CAN COUNT ON POWERFUL ONmore than 300 repair solutions and 1800+ BOARD CHARGING With individual parts, Schaeffler’s new INA Front End Auxiliary Drive 2019/2020 spare parts catalogue SOLUTION is more comprehensive than ever before From CTEK
Utilising award-winning Swedish technology, CTEK’s D250SA five-step charger gives 4WDers the flexibility and ease of quickly charging service batteries from either traditional, smart alternators or solar power, while also giving the starter battery a maintenance charge. Drawing its energy from the vehicle alternator, CTEK says the D250SA delivers a safe, powerful 20A charge to any 12V lead acid service battery from 40-300Ah. Designed to maximise the performance of the starter and service batteries, the D250SA leaves users free to get the most from their leisure time, says CTEK. The D250SA can maintain a stable output up to 20A to vehicles fitted with smart ECU controlled alternators and also has a temperature sensor for optimised charging, regardless of weather conditions.
When the service battery is fully charged, the D250SA will automatically redirect maintenance charge power to the starter battery, ensuring critical devices such as emergency lighting always function. Developed for use with smart alternators – meaning that the system won’t shut off even if the smart alternator does – the system also features a specific AGM charge voltage to enable a faster charge for AGM batteries. A solar panel connector, regulated with Maximum Power Point Tracking, enables additional maintenance charging of both the leisure battery and starter battery when parked in daylight. CTEK says the D250SA is fully automatic and requires no specialist knowledge for installation or use, making it an ideal recommendation for users on extended off-road camping or holiday trips.
Schaeffler has collected its wide-ranging portfolio of repair solutions and individual parts for the front end auxiliary drive in a new edition of the spare parts catalogue: INA Front End Auxiliary Drive 2019/2020. The company says it has been developing innovative products for the FEAD for decades under its INA brand. The Aftermarket specialists now offer the automotive spare parts market the right repair solution for more than 100 vehicle manufacturers, which covers more than 97 percent of the European fleet. “With this market-leading product portfolio, we underscore our system expertise for the auxiliary drive, which is becoming more complex and more important all the time,” Christian Kos, Director Engine and Chassis at Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket division, said. In the roughly 1,200-page catalogue, garages will not only find over 300 FEAD KITs, but also a complete range of individual spare parts like overrunning alternator pulleys, tensioner and idler pulleys. Newly-added to the catalogue are crankshaft vibration dampers, crankshaft de-couplers, and over 600 single belts. The catalogue also lists components for vehicles built between 1950 and today, meaning the repair of older vehicles with lesscomplex auxiliary drives can also be done quickly and efficiently. Fixing a modern auxiliary drive, on the other hand with different aggregates like power-steering pumps, air-conditioning compressors, or alternators that have to be operated as well means intervening into a complex system. “It is often difficult to diagnose exactly which part of the belt-driving system is damaged, and which part could fail next. This is why, with an eye on long-term repair, we recommend always replacing all of this system’s components,” Christian said. “Our INA FEAD KIT has proven itself especially valuable here. With it, we offer garages a complete repair solution for the front end auxiliary drive that combines all the components they need for optimal repair.” A time-consuming search to collect these components individually is unnecessary, and the mechanic has more peace-of-mind when installing the parts. INA FEAD KITs contain a tensioner pulley, an idler pulley, a V-belt and a graphic diagram showing the vehicle-specific belt path. Depending on vehicle application, the repair solution can also contain an optional overrunning alternator pulley, a water pump, a crankshaft vibration damper and other accessory parts.When using the new reference work from Schaeffler, part identification is simple and precise as well, it says. Clearly organised with a logical catalogue structure, garage employees can quickly find the spare parts and repair solutions they are looking for.
The CTEK D250SA is available to purchase via Bainbridge Technologies.
All content is in five languages: English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish. Garages can obtain the INA Front End Auxiliary Drive 2019/2020 spare parts catalogue for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles from the distribution partners of Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket division.
For more information, visit www.baintech.com.au
The catalogue is also available for downloading at www.schaeffler.de/en and at www.repxpert.com
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PRODUCTS
PROBLEM SOLVED Unique Auto Parts says it offers affordable solutions to some very common problems Using a wealth of knowledge collected over the years, Unique Auto Parts reports it has identified some common problems faced by mechanics today and used its connections to source some of the most cost effective solutions. Some of the problems indentified include replacing parts unnecessarily purely because parts are not available separately, such as the front lower control arms for Mercedes ML and GL W164. In this case Unique Auto Parts says generally it is only the bushes that crack and perish over time while the control arm itself remains in perfect working order. While genuine dealers only sell complete arms, Unique Auto Parts can provide the rear bush and housing separately, eliminating the need to replace the whole arm to save time and money. Unique Auto Parts also stocks the complete arms with all the bushes ready to bolt straight on. A similar issue is found with Porsche Cayennes and Volkswagen Touaregs when the center tail shaft mount and bearing fail due to wear, says Unique Auto Parts.
The company says as a general rule the only option is to replace the entire tail shaft, an exercise which can run into the thousands. However, Unique Auto Parts has reportedly saved you the hassle and the cost of doing this and sourced a German made repair kit which contains everything needed including a mount, bearing and grease. These kits are not available from genuine dealers and at just a fraction of the price of a full replacement they provide a cost effective solution which will make any workshop customer happy, says Unique Auto Parts. Unique Auto parts claims to also aim to provide customers with more reasonably priced alternatives without compromising on quality, stating that a great example of this is air suspension struts for Mercedes W164 ML which can be very costly when purchased genuine or are often reconditioned. Unique Auto Parts explains it imports top quality new air suspension struts from Trucktec that “are just a fraction of the cost of buying genuine.” Unique Auto Parts boasts five conveniently
located warehouses which are “busting at the seams with over 20,000 line items” including brakes, electrical and ignition, steering and suspension, filtration, oils and lubricants, specialty tools and much more. Unique Auto parts also delivers and not only has its own fleet of delivery vehicles but also uses a combination of Australia’s best couriers to dispatch freight daily. For information, visit www.uniqueautoparts.com.au or call 1300 864 864 to be connected to your nearest branch.
NEW FROM MOTHERS Mothers has released a number of new products to market Premier car care product brand Mothers is proud to introduce the following products.
Triple Action Foam Wash Mothers says its Triple Action Foam Wash is a powerhouse, suds-inspired shampoo, delivering unmatched lubricity and scratch protection thanks to its penetrating polymer surfactant foam blend that safely dissolves, lifts and suspends dulling contaminants. This versatile formula increases in strength – and foam – based on your needs, yet remains safe and effective on every exterior surface. Whether you’re looking for a quick, all-purpose super-sudsing shampoo, or an “insane” foam concentrate to use in your favourite foam cannon or gun, you’ll be left with a perfectly clean, streak-free shine.
And best of all, says Mothers, it won’t strip wax, sealant or ceramic coatings regardless of strength because of its dilution-optimised pH balanced and environmentally friendly formula.
Odour Eliminator and Refresher: Unscented or New Car Scent Mothers Odour Eliminator and Refresher whole car fogger is not a cover-up. Instead it provides a permanent and effective solution to neutralise and eliminate tough lingering odours in your car, truck or SUV. Featuring Total Malodor Management (TMM) technology with molecular malodour recognition, this exclusive process seeks out and destroys up to 99 percent of unwanted odours from food, smoke, mildew, pets and more. Mothers says this residue-free, fine-mist fogger knows no bounds, penetrating deep into your vehicle’s ventilation system, encompassing the fibres of your carpet and other upholstery to encapsulate odour-causing molecules and block them, permanently.
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your vehicle perfectly clean, shiny and protected. Mothers says it is as easy as…suds, rinse, done! Thick, penetrating suds blanket your vehicle, dissolving, lifting and suspending dulling contaminants so they can be safely rinsed away, while simultaneously boosting your existing wax– giving you that ‘just waxed’ look and feel, wash after wash.
Speed Foaming Wash and Wax
Specialised water softening polymers and surfactants quickly encapsulate and neutralise water spot causing minerals, leaving you with a spot-free, brilliantly shining finish. And best of all, says Mothers, this powerful, ultra-sudsy, biodegradable and pH balanced formula won’t strip waxes, sealants or ceramic coatings.
Mothers Speed Foaming Wash and Wax provides maximum results with minimal effort, leaving
Mothers car care products are available from Command Auto Group. For more information, visit www.tcag.com.au
PRODUCTS
5000 LUMEN LED HEADLIGHT UPGRADE KITS From LED Autolamps LED Autolamps’ 5000 Lumen high powered range of LED Headlight upgrade kits are said to offer twice as much power as the company’s 4000 range. These lamps offer a superior brightness with exceptionally clean white light that LED Autolamps says is up to 80 percent more energy efficient than OEM original halogen style globes. The 5000lm LED upgrade kits each contain two LED globes with H1, H3, H4, H7, H8, H9 and H11 as well as the HB3 and HB4 socket types available. They are all easily installed with the appropriate Plug Connector. Each lamp also features state of the art LED circuitry and a super heavy-duty build making them perfect for converting your older halogen style to a more improved higher-powered LED technology. They also have a complete range of CANBUS modules available which will ensure a seamless conversion and help stop computer error messages or nonfunctioning lamps. The base has been manufactured by using heavyduty aviation grade HDF electro coated aluminum
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which is known for its superior thermal transfer properties. A fan-less heat sink design ensures efficient heat dissipation so you know these lamps will not overheat the circuitry and give you a long service life up to 30,000-hours. In each lamp the heat resistant lens hood and thermal lamp body house high powered 9x3 Watt COB LED clusters. They also output a 360-degree beam angle with high light efficiency that closely match the dispersion of a standard H4 Halogen Filament. Correct thermal management is important in forward facing light design to deliver the most efficient and extreme white light of 6500k. These lamps offer all this as well as a huge 10000 Total Raw lumens and 5000 Total Effective Lumens. Solid state technology with no moving parts makes the 5000-lumen range resistant to severe vibration lasting up to 30 times longer than original halogen lamps that are susceptible to damage and failure due to excessive vibration. They have also been tested to IP67 water and dust ingress protection.
These lamps are available in a voltage range of 9-32 volts and with a very low current draw of 1.6 amps measured at 13.8 volts. Supplied in a secure retail blister twin pack with a two-year warranty and superior forward-facing performance they deliver exceptionally clean white light and are easy to install and upgrade your original lamps for off road use. For more information, visit www.ledautolamps.com or call 03 9466 7075.
PRODUCTS
ONE STOP SHOPPING Diesel Technic boasts 41,000 products, two product brands and one partner for onestop shopping Diesel Technic says it is one of the largest suppliers of automotive parts and accessories and was founded in Germany in 1972. With the product brands DT Spare Parts and SIEGEL Automotive, Diesel Technic says it provides the trade with the opportunity to “meet all of the demands of the market at all times.” The company reports the core competence of Diesel Technic is to develop brand spare parts in guaranteed quality for various requirements and to ensure a worldwide supply of spare parts for DT Spare Parts and SIEGEL Automotive products. Distribution partners and their workshop customers in more than 150 countries value Diesel Technic’s expertise as a reliable fullservice partner that keeps their business and vehicles moving, says Diesel Technic. Besides the corporate headquarters in Germany, the Diesel Technic Group includes subsidiaries in Singapore, France, The Netherlands, Spain, Great Britain, Italy and Dubai/UAE. It says the constantly growing product range includes automotive parts and accessories for trucks, trailers, buses, transporters, cars, agricultural vehicles, construction vehicles and
marine and industrial applications. All products can be found in the Partner Portal under www. partnerportal.dieseltechnic.com
Branded partners in “guaranteed quality” Diesel Technic says distribution partners and their workshop customers benefit from the high process reliability, the feedback culture and the Continual Improvement Process (CIP) at Diesel Technic. Diesel Technic AG’s quality management is certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 and furthermore implements several best practice methods, it says, stating that at the centre of the business trade is the sustainable increase of satisfaction from distribution partners and their workshop customers. As part of quality management, the extensive process management of control, monitoring and optimisation serves all of the business processes
at Diesel Technic AG, says the business, which states they are documented in the Integrated Management System (IMS) and are subject to the Continuous Improvement Process (CIP). The regular, open feedback from distribution partners and their workshop customers from the worldwide markets flows straight back into the continuous further development of the product and service offer at Diesel Technic. The result of this close collaboration throughout the whole value chain are sustainable solutions for the generation of mutual growth, says Diesel Technic. The Diesel Technic Quality System (DTQS, www.dtqs.de) is the guarantor for the consistently high level of quality and the continuous product optimisation. The central interface between product management, engineering and development and quality management is the Computer Aided Quality System (CAQ). For more information, visit www.dieseltechnic.com
ELF EVOLUTION RN-TECH Elf brand celebrates 50 years with Renault, launches new line of co-branded lubricants The Elf brand says it has been sharing its expertise in lubricants and its spirit of innovation with French carmaker Renault for half of a century. It reports that the values that underpin this long-standing partnership recently inspired the new ELF Evolution RNTech line of co-branded lubricants, which covers all of the car models built by Renault in 2018. Elf says it has been working alongside Renault for the benefit of motorists for 50 years. Spurred by a determination to stay ahead of market trends and showcase the latest tech advances, it explains the partnership aims to enhance racing performance and everyday driving enjoyment alike. Elf’s commitment to motorsports also enables the partners to draw on recognised expertise to develop even more effective products, used daily by millions of motorists. From racing circuits to roads and working with both racecar and ordinary drivers, Elf says it pulls 28
out all the stops to develop constantly improved motor oils, thereby protecting Renault engines from wear and corrosion and optimising their endurance and fuel efficiency.
The new co-branded Elf Evolution RN-Tech Line Designed for performance and reliability, the new line of very-high-performance lubricants is marketed under both the Renault and ELF brands and meets the new RN17, RN17 FE and RN RSA carmaker standards. Elf reports it leveraged its technological knowhow to develop an optimised line, which features three co-branded oils that now cover all Renault car models built in 2018. The Elf Evolution RN-Tech Elite FE 0W-20 oil for the new Scenic IV MPV and the Elf Evolution RN-Tech Sport 0W-40 oil for the Alpine A110 are just two examples. Exceeding the latest technical and environmental requirements imposed by the European
Automobile Manufacturers’ Association in the ACEA standards, the new line lowers fuel consumption by reducing engine friction, thereby improving fuel economy by up to three percent* with Elf Evolution RN-Tech Elite FE 0W-20. For more information, visit www.totaloil.com.au *As measured by the official M111FE fuel economy improvement test.
PRODUCTS
NEW PREMIUM SENSOR RANGES Premier Auto Trade has launched several new product ranges The new product ranges from Premier Auto Trade (PAT) include Water Temperature Sensors, Cooling Fan Switches, Stop Light Switches, and Reverse Light Switches. The Water Temperature Sensor (WTS) range, used for water temperature gauge applications, includes more than 60-part numbers covering almost four million vehicle applications in Australia and New Zealand. As a general rule, very early vehicles right up to vehicles manufactured as late as the early 2000s will be fitted with a water temperature sensor, says PAT. The Cooling Fan Switches (CFS) range includes more than 85-part numbers covering almost two million vehicle applications. Cooling fan switch technology was used from the late 1980s through to the mid-2000s and can be used for switching the thermo fan or warning light on and off at given temperatures. The Stop Light Switch (SLS) offering is used to switch the brake lights on when a driver presses the brake pedal. This switch will trigger the brake light relay in older vehicles or let a control
module know to illuminate the brake lights in later models. The range includes more than 120-part numbers covering almost 13.5 million vehicle applications. The Reverse Light Switch (RLS) range, used to turn on reversing lights and to warn other drivers the vehicle is about to reverse, includes more than 50-part numbers covering over 6.5 million vehicle applications, and is growing rapidly. PAT says it has also expanded the existing Coolant Temperature Sensor (CTS) and Oil Pressure Sensors (OPS) ranges, significantly increasing the number of part numbers and vehicle coverage now available, making it a “market leading range.” PAT has also launched a new packaging solution as part of the new sensors range. These sensors and switches will now be supplied in easy to see clam shell hang packs, allowing easy visual product identification and merchandising. Premier Auto Trade says its Premium Range includes premium brands and original equipment products from the world’s leading manufacturers
including Bosch, Delphi, Pierburg, Hitachi, Denso, TI Automotive, Walbro, Hella, TE Automotive, Airtex, NTK, VDO, Bremi, Valeo, Walker Products and Intermotor. The full range of Premier Auto Trade replacement Switches and Sensors is now available in the aftermarket via a network of specialised resellers and leading automotive groups. For more information visit www.premierautotrade.com.au
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PRODUCTS
PRO QUIP MAKES IT EASY TO CARRY THE CAN Pro Quip’s new 15L can fills gaps in several markets The new Pro Quip 15L can is lighter and shorter than a 20L plastic fuel can, but has the same footprint. Despite having more than 50 varieties (size, style, colour) of plastic and metal jerry cans in its range, Pro Quip says it is always looking for opportunities to fill gaps in the market The Pro Quip 15L Plastic Fuel Can is made in the same style and look as the rest of the Pro Quip Fast Pour Range, making it easily recognisable as a Pro Quip plastic fuel can.
Reducing the overall weight, when full, by almost 25 percent caters to this particular demographic and reaches further market sectors as well, says Pro Quip. The company explains that a key objective for the development of this product was to provide a solution to consumers who are subject to ‘single person’ lift limits. Generally, stickers, labels or markings on cartons declare that anything above 16kg should have a second person to assist with the lift.
It also maintains the same shape and key accessory features that Pro Quip says have served the company well for almost 20 years. The can retains the 20L ‘footprint’ and girth dimensions but is shorter and naturally lighter than a 20L can.
Despite this, workmen in highly OHS-regulated industries lift and carry 20L fuel cans weighing around 20kg.
The weight of a full fuel can has been identified as a key consideration for the consumer when making a purchase decision.
The reduced height of the 15L plastic fuel can makes it perfect for many applications, says Pro Quip, such as in 4WDs where space is often limited.
By retaining the 20L Plastic Fuel Can girth, the 15L can will fit all cradle-style 20L jerry can holders that are commonly found mounted on trailers, vans and off-road setups.
The lower height gives the 15L can a ‘squat’ feel,
For more information, visit www.proquip.com.au
With the ‘grey nomad’ market, lifting and pouring a 20-plus litre fuel container can prove difficult.
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The Pro Quip 15L weighs in at just 14kg when full of diesel, making it perfect for OHS-conscious industries.
with a lower centre of gravity and the ability to fit in ute trays, under tonneau covers or hard lids.
PRODUCTS
WIPERTECH HITS 10,000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS To celebrate, Wipertech is offering free wiper blade samples Wipertech, Australia’s leading online supplier of wiper blades, says it has just received its 10,000th online five-star review. To celebrate the milestone, Wipertech is offering all AAAA readers a free ‘Made for Mechanics’ sample pack with multi-fit wiper blades, metal backed refills, and washer jet tablets. The Australian owned and Melbourne-based wiper blade manufacturer has been supplying wiper blades and accessories online for the last 10 years. In this time, it says it has supplied around 10 percent of all Australian car dealerships, and in the last two years launched a Multi-Fit product offering specifically designed for mechanics. According to Wipertech, the 10,000 Five-Star reviews reflects a customer-centric approach and a lot of hard work over the last 10 years. Sean Bolger, Wipertech’s Marketing Manager explains that “as a team, we’re very proud of this achievement, it’s a cliche, but it really has taken a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get the business to this point, and it feels like a really nice reflection of the work we’ve put in.”
Sean explains that of the 11,200 total reviews currently posted online about Wipertech, 90 percent of them are five-star, and 98 percent are either four or five stars. “The majority of our reviews can be viewed on feefo.com (an independent third party review platform), as well as a number on Google Customer Reviews, ProductReview.com and Google My Business,” Sean said. One recent Wipertech’s review comes from Tom in Bundaberg who posted on ProductReview. com.au: “Five-star company. Excellent website, easy to navigate and find wipers. They really care about their products, and customer service is first class. Super fast delivery and easy installation.” “From the beginning, we’ve always put the customer first, everything we do is designed to make the experience the best it can be for our customers, from ordering, to fitment, to our warranty, our great customer service and of course by designing our products to really perform and last,” Sean said. Sean explains that being so close to the end
user has given Wipertech an edge over their competitors, “by dealing directly with the people who are using our blades on their cars we’ve been able to use customer feedback to redesign and refine products as required.” “Rather than distributing our products to other sellers, and having very little specific feedback make it back to us, the growth of our business is based on listening to our customers, and the quality and performance of our products reflect that,” Sean said. Wipertech is encouraging all AAAA readers to make the most of this free sample offer and grab a ‘made for mechanics’ sample pack in time for winter. The free (no obligation) ‘Made for Mechanics’ Wiper Blade Sample Pack is available now and includes Multi-Fit Wiper Blades, six and eight mm Metal Backed Refills and Washer Jet Tablets. Contact Wipertech for your free sample on 1300 778 502 or sales@wipertech.com.au
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TJM MOD X DRAWERS An innovative new drawer system combining a sleek design with market-leading features TJM 4x4 Equipped has announced the arrival of what it calls an innovative new drawer system that combines a sleek design with market-leading features: Mod X. Featuring a flush front face design that’s backed by premium materials and a 150kg load rating per drawer, TJM says its Mod X Drawers are the perfect complement to your 4WD. Plus, because they’re available for 10 vehicle models and with more development planned for the range, it is easy to make room for more in your 4x4 with TJM Mod X Drawers.
Sleek yet tough design TJM Mod X Drawers combine a sleek factory look with high-end performance. A 150kg load rating for each drawer allows you to pack heavy items and access them with ease, all of which is possible thanks to Mod X’s purpose-built construction. Built around a galvanised steel frame, each drawer contains high-grade, rattle-free coated steel runners and housings as well as a UV and
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water-resistant marine ply top – which is then finished with highly durable low-pile carpet. Mod X Drawers also feature a flush front face design with no protruding edges, which are crowned by a tough ABS handle and latching system custom designed by TJM. This unique system not only ensures your cargo remains secure, but it also delivers up to five percent more usable storage space compared to other systems on the market.
Packed with innovative features
Tried and tested to the limit
TJM Mod X Drawers come with clever features to make life easy whether you’re at home, at work or at play. Thanks to its unique and easyto-use braking system, you can keep individual drawers open at any position with minimal effort and maximum safety when you’ve only got one hand free – preventing accidental roll-out or unnecessary effort on slopes. In addition, Mod X’s Drawer Safety Gaps means you or your children are protected from injury when closing drawers with your hand placed on top of the drawer.
To create a drawer system that integrates seamlessly into your vehicle, TJM Mod X Drawers have been tested with longevity and functionality in mind. This means they’re Australian Design Rule compliant (ADR) for Seats and Anchorages, Child Restraint Anchorages and General Safety Requirements. In addition to this, they boast an AS-approved 150kg load rating that gives you more packing potential. For more information, visit www.tjm.com.au
PRODUCTS
MICHELIN LAUNCHES NEW TYRES The new Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV replaces the Michelin Latitude Sport 3 The Michelin Group recently launched new additions to its Pilot Sport range at the Geneva International Motor Show. Amongst the additions was the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyre. The SUV segment has seen huge growth in recent years with the launches of several really serious high performance SUVs. These present a new challenge for tyre designers – a much higher centre of gravity than your typical sports car and heavier body weights which necessitate a tyre that works with higher and larger centrifugal/ lateral forces. Michelin says this is why it has developed the new specialist Pilot Sport 4 SUV range: real sports tyres adapted to an SUV, rather than a sporty SUV tyre. The new Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV replaces the Michelin Latitude Sport 3 and can be used for the full range of SUVs – 4X4, compact, medium, premium and sports, the latter being a sector with strong growth. In 2019, the Michelin Pilot
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Sport 4 SUV will be available in 53 sizes, 18 of which are new products. Michelin says this new tyre benefits from the powerful innovation capacities of the Michelin Group and the latest technologies of the Michelin Pilot Sport range, with an emphasis on control and stability at high speed while guaranteeing safety and a long tyre life. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyre is said to deliver exceptional comfort and the pleasure of driving sporty SUVs, in safe conditions on dry and wet roads alike, while having a longer tyre life compared to its competitors, says Michelin, which states it has managed to combine all these features by using motorsport tyre technologies in addition to innovations taken from the latest Formula E tyres. In independent TÜV SÜD testing in Germany, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyre outperformed six competitors in several key performance areas, reports Michelin, including in braking on dry and wet surfaces, wet road grip and performance, and lifespan in kilometres.
Key features and benefits include: • An asymmetrical tread design for exceptional grip in wet and dry conditions. • A new compound mix of special operational and innovating elastomers(1) and fine silica. • ‘Dynamic Response’ technology, a belt with a hybrid reinforcement made of aramid and nylon. • Excellent tyre life due to the rigid tread blocks and a two-layer high density casing ply which reinforces its stiffness. • Designed for maximum comfort with minimum noise. • ‘Michelin Premium Touch Technology’ – high contrast sidewalls with a velvet touch. • A rim-protector to protect the alloy wheels from kerbs and pavements during town driving. For more information, visit www.michelin.com.au
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COOLDRIVE PLUGS INTO ELECTRIC CAR MARKET Ensuring a complete electric and hybrid vehicle service offering for customers CoolDrive Auto Parts has plugged into the rapidly growing Australasian hybrid and electric car market with a new range of specialised equipment and parts. CoolDrive says it is the first to market with this new offering for hybrid and electric vehicles and now stocks a range of 180 related spare parts and 25 different tools and chargers. “Although Australia only saw its first contemporary hybrid vehicle in 2013, there are almost 110,000 hybrid or electric cars now on our roads, and a further 20,000 in New Zealand,” CoolDrive Chief Executive Officer, John Blanchard, said.
“These numbers are small right now, but they are growing rapidly and the demise of local manufacturing has meant that the Australasian car market is now even more closely following global trends, and that’s definitely toward electric cars. “Australia’s four largest trading partners, China, Europe, US and Japan, are also the world’s four largest buyers of plug-in electric vehicles, so that’s a further influence.” As part of this new range and to ensure a complete electric and hybrid vehicle service offering for customers, CoolDrive says it has welcomed the Tolsen brand into its fold, with specialised tools including insulated screwdrivers, spanners and ratchets. All Tolsen tools are 1000V AC rated and tested to VDE Standards, complying with IEC60900. Also available as part of CoolDrive’s hybrid and electric vehicle equipment range is protective workshop apparel including insulated electrical gloves (1000V), safety glasses and even warning signage. Capping off the range is the Bosch FSA 050 Tester for insulation testing.
Further information on CoolDrive’s range of hybrid and electric vehicle equipment and parts is available at CoolDrive branches nationwide and at www.cooldrive.com.au
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SOUND AND VISION COMBINED LOOKING FOR ELECTRIC WINDOW With new Narva ALS LED Audio Lights SOLUTIONS? Electric Life can help Electric Life says it is a market leader in quality aftermarket and genuine electric window replacement parts and also offers repair service for hard to find window regulators for all kinds of vehicles. The company says it prides itself in sourcing the highest quality products, such as electric window mechanisms, power window motors, power window switches as well as motor and regulator assemblies.
Narva says it has expanded its expertise as a “premium supplier of lighting products” into new areas with the recent release of its Advanced Lighting Systems (ALS) LED Audio Lights, bringing a crisp white light with audio clarity to the workshop, camping ground or other trade applications.
Available in three model variants producing 600, 2000 and 5000 Lumens of output respectively, the audio lights all feature high efficiency COB LEDs and high quality Bluetooth speakers, which provide quick and easy connection with any smart phone or tablet and impressive maximum volumes (84±3dB). The Narva ALS Audio Lights have a Bluetooth range of up to 20 metres and also remember the last device they were paired with, making it even easier for repeat use, says Narva. All three lights also feature a glow in the dark locator making them fast to find in the dark and are impact-resistant with high quality aluminium housings for reliability in demanding Australian conditions.
It caters for European, Japanese, Korean and American vehicles including commercial vans and small to heavy duty trucks. Established in 1988, Electric Life states it has established itself in the market as a specialised company in the automotive power window field with 30 years of experience and expertise. In addition to the products it markets, Electric Life has also been offering its repair service for the past 20 years and in recent times, has also introduced an online parts store where customers can search for items and enjoy the convenience of purchase on the website. Further, Electric Life is currently working with Auto Info to incorporate its products into OSCAR. Electric life in Europe has extensive experience in the manufacturing process of window regulators and over the years has reportedly achieved many European Manufacturing standards while distributing products all over the world through a large distribution network which includes Magneti Marelli, Valeo and many more. Electric life Australia carries a vast range of the products and in addition to its range has developed a window regulator for the domestic market as well as window switches and window motors to complement the window regulator business. For more information, visit www.electriclife.com.au
The range begins with the rechargeable 71400 model. Producing 600 Lumens, this is a compact hand-held light with a 90 degree rear bracket and magnetised base that makes it simple to position on a number of surfaces. At full power, Narva says this audio light will shine brightly for two hours; at half power (300 Lumens) battery life is extended to four hours. If used as an audio device alone, the battery life will last up to 15 hours. To ensure reliable performance, the 71400 is water and dust resistant to IP65, making it ideal for harsh environments. Charge time for the unit’s 3.7V 3200mAh Lio-Li Battery from flat to fully charged is between three and four hours via the included USB lead. The larger 71404 Audio Light is said to produce an even more impressive 2000 Lumens of output. It can be operated both corded or as a rechargeable unit, thanks to its 10.8V 6000mAh Lio-Li Battery.
Depending on the light output selected (adjustable via the dimmer control feature which also includes a visual battery life readout), this Audio Light will shine light for between 2.5 to 12 hours yet takes only between four and five hours to fully charge via either the included USB cable or five metre, 240V AC power cable. As with the smaller 71400 variant, the 71404 also includes a powerful magnetised base allowing flexible placement options. At the top of the new Audio Light range is the 71406 unit, which produces a brilliant 5000 Lumens of bright light output. Battery life is again dependent on the level of output at which the unit is operated. This ranges between 1.5 to 17.5 hours and is adjusted via the same dimmer and battery life indicator as the 71404. Charging time for this powerful Audio Light using either USB lead or five metre, 240V AC power cable takes just three to four hours as it contains the same high performing Lithium battery as the 71404. The two larger lights also feature a power bank function to charge mobile devices and other similarities are a higher dust and water resistance rating to IP67. To complement the 71404 and 71406 Audio Lights, at additional cost, Narva offers two stand options allowing more flexible mounting particularly for the workshop or out in the field. On offer is a height adjustable (135cm to 300cm), heavy duty tripod stand (Part No. 71470) as well as a height adjustable (75cm to 180cm) stand with lockable castors, providing convenient movement in garages or on building sites (Part No. 71472). Narva says the audio lights easily couple to the stands using a heavy duty mounting bracket which forms the base of these lights. All three Narva ALS LED Audio Lights are patent protected and covered by a two-year warranty and are available from leading automotive, transport, recreational and trade outlets. For more information, visit www.narva.com.au
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REDARC RELEASES UPDATED PRODUCT CATALOGUE The catalogue is the most comprehensive and informative ever released by Redarc Electronics Redarc says it is proud to announce the release of its newly updated Auto Electrical Components Product Catalogue. The catalogue is now available in two accessible digital formats: a downloadable PDF and an interactive, easy-to-navigate, digital catalogue for online browsing. The updated catalogue illustrates the increasing breadth and depth of Redarc’s product lines and highlights its continued commitment to innovative product design and being the industry leader in the development of vehicular power solutions for the automotive and transport industries. The catalogue features detailed information on more than 230 products resulting in the most comprehensive and informative catalogue ever released by Redarc Electronics. It features more than 80 pages of in-depth product information, including installation tips, specifications, wiring and troubleshooting guides, a glossary of technical terms and applications. Teeming with advanced innovative technologies to keep you powered for longer, the guide
showcases Redarc’s extensive range of power management systems (BCDCs, Solar Panels, Inverters, Battery Management Systems), vehicle safety devices (Tow-Pro, Alarms and Roll Over Sensor), voltage converter products (Reducers and Charge Equalisers), electrical control systems (RedVision and 52mm Gauges) and many more. Australian-made and designed, Redarc says its “goal is to ensure that its products are the benchmark by which the competition is measured.” The new catalogue features all of Redarc’s latest product releases including its Total Vehicle Management System RedVision, SmartCharge range of AC Battery Chargers, TowPro Elite V3 electric brake controller and related Switch Inserts and Wiring Kits. Redarc National Sales and Marketing Manager, Ben Marsh, feels customers are potentially spoilt for choice. “We have developed a really solid portfolio of products, which has grown substantially over the last couple of years,” Ben said. “There is genuine depth to our ranges with
several distinctive new products added allowing us to service diverse markets and offer customers specialist solutions to their vehicle or related application.” The ever-changing technological climate and perpetual innovation will see new and updated products continually released, says Redarc, which recommends you check its website which is “constantly updated with everything customers need to know and much more.” The catalogues will be available from local distributors and Redarc Area Sales Managers will have copies on hand as they visit businesses around Australia. For your copy, contact Redarc on 08 8322 4848, email at power@redarc.com.au
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PRODUCTS
YORKTOWN MECHANICS ROLL From Atlas 46 The Yorktown Mechanics Roll is the Big Brother to Atlas 46’s Standard Yorktown Tool Roll. Atlas 46 says it is the premiere tool roll pouch for mechanical work, delivering more carry space and organisation for your specialty tools. Four generously sized pockets (600 in³ total) store a variety of tools, while the back is designed to organise mechanic wrench and tool sets. Atlas 46’s Quick Roll System allows the pouch to easily roll up and condense for better mobility.
Key features and benefits: • Condensed Quick Roll for ‘Throw N Stow’ • Four large front pockets (20”x 2.5”x 3” = 600 total cubic freedoms) • 11 mechanic wrench slot organiser • Seven multipurpose tool slots • Smallest Wrench slot: 7.5”x 1” • Largest Wrench slot: 10”x 2.5” • Constructed of heavy duty 1000D Cordura material • YKK USA made zippers • Two carrying handles secured by precision tack • Hand crafted in the USA • Available in black, coyote, multicam, orange and charteuse Atlas 46 says “as long as America is the land of the free this product is guaranteed for life.” The company says its products are conceived and produced with the end user’s wants and needs in mind. “Understanding our customers will settle for nothing less than the best drives product
development from the very beginning,” A247 Managing Director, Mark Muras, said. “Our mission to provide the highest quality goods possible is evident in the materials and craftsmanship that goes into every product we make. “Relying heavily on our rich history of supplying top quality goods for the military and law enforcement community gives Atlas 46 the experience needed to create new equipment to meet our customers’ unique needs. Every Atlas 46 product is subject to the strictest quality standards.” For more information, visit www.a247.com.au/product/yorktown-mechanics-roll/
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ADRAD COOLING SOLUTIONS Adrad has been manufacturing radiators and automotive cooling systems since 1985 Based in Beverley, South Australia, Adrad Radiators says it is the only automotive cooling manufacturer in Australia to have the international quality accreditation ISO9001:2015. Adrad says it is also the only automotive parts company with both manufacturing and distribution networks throughout Australia and New Zealand. The Adrad Group – a wholly Australian owned family company – specialises in the manufacture, importation and distribution of radiators, automotive air-conditioning parts and other heat exchange products for aftermarket and original equipment. Adrad’s aftermarket parts offering continues to grow with the product range now including EGR Coolers, Water Pumps, Coolant Overflow Bottles, Spark Plugs, Optibelt belts, Valeo wipers, Hella globes, and FRAM filters. With expertise from heavy duty and industrial cooling to high-performance vehicle cooling, knowledge is transferred throughout the group to deliver the most up to date, effective cooling systems available in Australia, says Adrad. The Adrad Group includes retail-focused Natrad stores, Natrad Trade Online, Harrop Engineering, Air Radiators, Wingfan Australia and Adrad New Zealand. Harrop Engineering designs and manufactures high performance engine components, performance
brake systems, driveline systems and supercharger assemblies, with current partnerships to supply Ford Performance Vehicles and Lotus Cars. “It’s not just about designing and building a good cooling system for our clients. It’s about creating a great one, then making sure we do even better the next time round,” Adrad Managing Director, Gary Washington, said. Air Radiators researches, designs and manufactures innovative heat transfer and air movement solutions in partnership with their customers. As original equipment suppliers for on-highway, off-highway, industrial and process cooling for more than 40 years, Air Radiators builds cooling packages that minimise downtime. The techniques used extend serviceability, facilitate field repair, load capability and validation testing, and have been proven in Kenworth and IVECO trucks, says Adrad. Wingfan Australia distributes fans designed and manufactured for high performance cooling in an extensive range of applications from transport to industry and construction. Adrad says Wingfan boasts pioneering technology that increases efficiency, reduces noise, reduces emissions, and improves durability. Adrad also supplies a range of high performance alloy radiators, oil coolers, intercoolers, fans and accessories for performance vehicles and
4WD. With special high performance cooling fins and strong construction, Adrad Australian manufactured performance cooling products have been used by winning teams in extreme motorsport events including Supercars and the punishing Dakar Rally. “Our commitment to customers is under-pinned by a comprehensive aftermarket sales support system which offers replacement parts service, nationwide warranty support,” Adrad Chief Executive Officer, Don Cormack, said. Adrad says its range of automotive heat exchange products are designed, manufactured and selected using this extensive understanding of what makes cooling efficient and durable. Further, it states that as the Adrad Group expands its range, each product is carefully selected to meet the highest Adrad quality standards, backed by the nationally supported Adrad warranty. For more information, visit www.adrad.com.au
HIGH-PERFORMING YET SAFE CRC BioDegreaser is a unique product with a very positive clean safety profile CRC Industries Australia says its CRC BioDegreaser was developed to provide the automotive aftermarket and other industries with a high-performing yet safe (for personnel and the environment) degreaser product which was capable of penetrating and dissolving tough grease, oil and contaminants for easy removal – safely. The product has been scientifically formulated for use across the automotive, service industry and industrial sectors with a focus on personal and environmental safety without sacrificing the highest levels of performance when it comes to penetrating and dissolving tough grease, oil and contaminants for easy removal. As such, CRC BioDegreaser is biodegradable, non-toxic, non-hazardous, non-flammable, pH balanced and water soluble and the advanced formula is powerful but non-abrasive, noncorrosive and contains no solvents. These properties make it ideal for use in many applications including in workshops and
garages, especially where there are regulations or restrictions in place concerning the types of products that can be safely used or allowed. Applications include fast and effective cleaning of engines, parts, bearings, motors, generators, compressors, mechanical equipment, tools, wire rope, chains, conveyers, hydraulic systems, filters and grills. CRC BioDegreaser is also safe on metals – it can be used confidently on all metals including alloys and it will not damage bright metals including aluminium and brass. It is also safe on fibreglass, plastics, rubber, painted surfaces and laminates. It is available in 20L and 5L bulk packs as well as 750mL trigger bottles. Both the 20L and 5L packs are concentrated and can be diluted to suit heavy to light cleaning needs. The 750ml trigger product is ready-to-use and the 250ml product is ready-to-use with no mixing required. CRC says its BioDegreaser is a unique product
within the market, combining high-performance cleaning and degreasing qualities with a very positive clean safety profile. At the same time, the product is gentle on the environment as it is biodegradable with all ingredients readily decomposable. Evidence of this can be found in the fact that there are no EHS environmental warnings on the label. For more information, visit www.crcind.com.au 47
PRODUCTS
NEW PHILIPS ‘ECOVISION’ GLOBES Philips says they last up to four times longer It is inevitable that drivers who regularly use their vehicles for long periods at night or during dusk and dawn hours, will experience more blown headlamp globes than regular drivers, as extended use takes its toll on standard globes. Philips says the release of its new ‘EcoVision’ Long Life Halogen Globes combats this by providing up to four times (3000 hours*) more globe life compared to standard globes, without compromising light output.
This is great news for professional drivers such as couriers, road transport operators or taxi drivers who regularly spend long periods with their lights on, and who can’t afford the downtime and inconvenience caused by blown globes. For regular drivers, the benefit of using EcoVision globes is that their headlamps can become virtually maintenance-free for the life of their vehicle, says Philips. Philips explains that the added longevity of EcoVision Globes is achieved through higher quality construction including the use of Xenon gas instead of Krypton, a longer lasting filament and a higher precision overall production process. The EcoVision Long Life Globes are available in twin packs and cover the most popular globe types including: H1 12V 55W; H4 12V 60/55W; H7 12V 55W and H11 12V 55W. When replacing a blown headlamp globe, Philips recommends changing both headlamps. The globes are available from leading automotive, four wheel drive and transport outlets nationwide. For more information, visit www.philips.com.au *Based on Philips H4 Globe: Lifetime may vary by bulb type 48
ELECTRONIC Y-PIPES REIMAGINED RaceCraft is about to launch Dual Valve Electronic Y-Pipes to the market Racecraft has designed and is about to launch Dual Valve Electronic Y-Pipes which it says address a number of problems facing those looking to take their sedate exhaust system to a “diff dumping” beast all at the flick of a remote control. “When I was young and I would attend automotive events, I would always see blokes removing the rear half of their exhausts to ‘open them up’ and make them sound more aggressive,” Racecraft Founder Gregg Mathieson said. “This would always entail jacking the vehicle up, sliding underneath onto the dirt or bitumen and removing the two or three nuts and bolts on the rear sections of the exhaust system. I remember hearing the swearing and annoyance at getting under a potentially hot, dirty undercarriage of a car to squeeze two spanners into a tight space in front of the diff to remove the rear tail pipe from its centre connecting flanges. “As the years went by there was a string of easier options for the guys who wanted to ‘drop their rear mufflers’. There would be guys who even had a custom exhaust system that ended early, without any rear mufflers. These were called ‘Diff Dumpers’. The trouble with these were the fact it was loud all of the time. Definitely not ideal if the car saw street duties!” The introduction of V-Band Clamps enabled an easier release of a rear tail pipe with just one nut per side. This, however, did not combat the issue of the heat and cumbersome act of having to get under the car to remove the rear section, explains Gregg. “Things progressed even further and we saw fabricators making use of Y-Pipes. The full exhaust system would run the entire way to the rear as per normal but there would be an
integrated Y-Pipe close to the diff where a V-Band would be used with a ‘cap,’” Gregg said. “The cap on would obviously cause the gas to continue through the rear mufflers. Once the cap was removed the diff dumpers would essentially kick in, though some of the exhaust gas would still travel through the rear tail pipes.” This is where the Electronic Y-Pipes come in. As the name suggests, the Y-Pipe is controlled by an electric motor which can open and close. This eliminates the need to get under the vehicle and allows an open and a close at the touch of a button. “At Racecraft, we noticed many of these Y-Pipes on the market and we believed we could refine these even further for the perfect product for custom diff dumpers,” Gregg said. “All of the Electronic Y-Pipes we saw on the market had a single butterfly which is either open or closed. With just one butterfly, this meant that when it was open, the alternate exit was still open as well. Although this does have a solid affect on the gas flow and volume, it is far from perfect. “We took it upon ourselves to add a central shaft and an additional butterfly to the other side of the Y-Pipe. This way when one butterfly is closed the other is completely open and vice versa. With our first few prototypes being designed, we are now weeks away from officially launching our Dual Valve Electronic Y-Pipes! “Gone are the days of having to risk scuffing your clothes and burning your hands to drop the rear pipes from your exhaust system. Now, you simply click the supplied remote control and voila your quiet, sedate full exhaust system turns into an angry, rumbling, diff dumping beast! “Not settled on just remotes, we are also in the midst of developing an app for both Android and iPhone users to allow the wireless Y-Pipe Valve operation from their phones!” For more information, visit www.racecraftaus.com
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AIRBAG MAN’S NEW WIRELESS AIRBAG PRESSURE GAUGE This plug and play installation removes the wiring and airline plumbing required in many existing systems Airbag Man’s new Wireless Airbag pressure gauge offers new levels of simplicity and features for Airbag Suspension pressure monitoring. A plug and play installation removes the wiring and airline plumbing required in existing systems while the 12v power outlet type monitor connection also removes any display mounting requirement as it becomes more difficult to find stand-alone mounting positions within modern cabin designs. The system connectivity allows removal and storage of the display as required, with a quick plug-in to check Airbag pressures as needed. The product development spanned three years of defining and refining the hardware and software requirements inherent to Airbag Suspension use. The hardware architecture utilises the robust basis of Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems with the ancillaries, programming and synchronisation specifically developed for the adjustment and monitoring of Airbag Suspension.
The pressure gauge actively monitors the pressures of two airbags independently, updating these as required, while minimising battery draw from the remote mounted pressure sensors. The display allows 0-150psi outputs for left and right, displayed together for ease of reference and operation. The monitor, which allows user saveable high and low pressure alarms, when used with Airbag Man’s specific Airbag Suspension systems operation pressure advice, ensures easy pressure awareness from all operators. The wireless sensors are built not only for the required airbag pressure range, but also feature the signal range to allow wireless monitoring of pressures on air suspension equipped Trailers or Caravans, from the comfort of your tow vehicle. Airbag Man says its wireless pressure gauge is packaged with all of the components and fitment
tools required for simple DIY fitment in under two minutes. The system also includes fittings to allow easy adaption to an existing or new onboard Airbag control system. The in-built power outlet voltage display operates at the press of a button and is a convenient means of checking the vehicle voltage for your on-board compressor or other attached 12v systems. According to Airbag Man, this is one of the simplest Airbag pressure monitoring systems to install, with a raft of features to coincide with Airbag Man’s “massive” Airbag Suspension range. For more information, visit www.airbagman.com.au
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KT’S INNOVATIVE DC POWER LINK Connecting power from one 12V/24V power source to three individual devices The new and innovative DC Power Link is a purpose-built device, which acts as a ‘Power Board’ and digital multi-meter for 12V and 24V devices. The DC Power Link can connect power from one 12V/24V power source to three individual devices. You can view volts, amps, watts, battery percentage and amp hours of connected devices via the integrated Smart-Touch LCD Screen and view statistics both at an individual circuit level or as a complete overview of the total load on the power source. Devices and power source are connected via 50A heavy-duty connectors and the unit also features USB inputs for charging USB devices. The DC Power Link is suitable for camping, marine, 4WD, caravanning and recreational activities and can be used for a range of 12V/24V purposes
including fridges/freezers, lighting, satellite TVs, air compressors or charging phones and tablets via the integrated USB Inputs. KT Cables says its continual commitment to innovation and the development of the DC Power Link has provided consumers with a complete solution to power and monitor their devices and has revolutionised the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Industry. The DC Power Link features many attributes, which KT Cables say are not currently available in the one device. Advantages are: • Monitoring volts, amps, watts, battery percentage and amp hours • Custom designed one-piece body moulded from UV stabilised polycarbonate/ABS hybrid material (added durability and UV stable) • Design registered and designed by KT • Suitable for use with grey, red, blue and black 50A heavy-duty connectors • LED indicators to show active circuits • Ability to charge USB devices • Dustproof and splash proof covers • Smart-Touch LCD technology • Mounting points with hardware provided • New, innovative and functional packaging • Comprehensive instructional manual and online support • Marketing assistance to retailers
Using the DC Power Link is simple. Once switched on and devices are connected, the DC Power Link will automatically cycle through each individual circuit in a clockwise direction, providing a ‘live reading’ of electrical information for a period of 10 seconds. A flashing LED indicates which circuit it providing the readings on screen. After providing a reading for all devices, the DC Power Link will display the total load capacity of all three ‘output’ connections and then the display will automatically turn off and the full cycle is complete (40 seconds). The screen is easily reactivated by a soft touch of the LCD display. Outputs can be turned ‘on’ or ‘off’ individually, or all outputs may be turned ‘on’ or ‘off’ all at the same time via a simple touch of the Smart-Touch LCD. For more information, visit www.ktcables.com.au
NULON’S PRO-STRENGTH RANGE Designed to increase performance, improve reliability and restore normal vehicle operation Nulon says it is the number one brand in the Australian retail Automotive Aftermarket market for both Fuel Additives and Engine Additives. In evaluating the market for Fuel Additives and Engine Additives, Nulon says it identified the opportunity for a premium positioned product with an improved efficacy over existing products. Nulon says its Pro-Strength range of fuel and engine treatments has been specifically designed to increase performance, improve reliability and restore normal vehicle operation. Formulated with the latest world class additive technology, the Nulon Pro-Strength range of fuel and engine treatments delivers superior performance for all petrol and diesel passenger, light commercial and heavy duty applications. The Nulon Pro-Strength range has been created to give retailers a true sell-up story, particularly in Fuel Treatments. Nulon states that the narrative for fuel treatments is: 54
• Good – Injector Cleaner • Better – Fuel System Cleaner • Best – Pro-Strength Fuel System Extreme Clean The varying levels of efficacy gives the consumer the exact product for their needs, says Nulon. The Nulon Pro-Strength range features brushed aluminium packaging which has been designed to differentiate fuel and engine additives by the shape of the bottle. There are competitive products available in metal containers, however for fuel treatments Nulon says that the consumer has to apply a plastic extension to the metal container. In light of this, Nulon states it has specifically created a product that the consumer need only remove the cap to fill the product into their fuel tank. Nulon says the Nulon Pro-Strength range is the first time in this category that a multi-
tier approach has been communicated to the consumer through Point of Sale and packaging and as a result of this“best-in-class” execution, it says it has maintained its pre-eminent position in the market. For more from Nulon, visit www.nulon.com.au
PRODUCTS
TECHNICAL VIDEO AND RESOURCES FROM SCHAEFFLER For transmission repairs using LuK GearBOX repair kits Schaeffler Australia’s REPXPERT online portal adds extensive technical resources to assist Australian garages with easier and quicker transmission repairs. The technical video on www.repxpert.com.au shows the disassembly, repair and re-assembly of a five-speed manual 02T VW transmission using components included in the LuK GearBOX repair solution to help make these types of repairs easier and quicker for garages to do themselves. The technical video demonstrates (in time lapse) the LuK GearBOX comprehensive repair solution and specialist tools, that are available for most leading vehicle manufacturers for many popular manual and double-clutch transmissions, as well as differentials.
With the LuK GearBOX product range, garages can repair damaged transmissions easily and professionally. Each LuK GearBOX repair kit is tailored to a specific transmission type meaning that garages do not have to search for the correct individual parts. Each kit contains all the parts and components that are necessary to carry out repairs. These include all wear parts, like gaskets, o-rings, shaft seals, main bearings and support bearings as well as transmission specific components for repair of specific causes of failures. Schaeffler says all the components are perfectly matched and are in “Schaeffler quality”, for a long-lasting repair.
To access, sign-up for a free account at www.repxpert.com.au
“With REPXPERT we aim to give Aussie garages more services and technical information to help make their jobs easier. And we continue to improve the portal to make it more user-friendly,” Schaeffler Australia and New Zealand Automotive Aftermarket Manager, Warren Barnett, said.
Also available on www.repxpert.com.au are technical repair instruction manuals to perform gearbox repairs to Ford/Mazda MT82, VAG 02T and PSA MA transmissions. Other helpful technical resources include TecDoc online catalogue search for the exact vehicle and specific repair solution, appropriate special tools, service information and visual instructions.
For more information or to sign-up for free visit www.repxpert.com.au or call Schaeffler Australia on 1300 585 462.
The technical videos and resources for LuK GearBOX repair kit are available on www.repxpert. com.au/en/installation-guides/page-ds8897
“REPXPERT is more than an online catalogue, it’s our service brand for technical information, videos and training presentations. It’s covers all of the technical services we offer with our products and repair solutions.”
ICS-01 IONNIC SWITCHING SYSTEM Controlling LED lighting and other electronic automotive accessories The ICS-01 switching system has been developed specifically to control LED lighting and other electronic automotive accessories. The ICS panel incorporates eight individual switches rated to six amps each and has a maximum total system output of 40amps. The system is compatible with 12 and 24volt systems. The switch panel and output module communicate using a proprietary signal, which is transmitted via a single three-core data line. This allows the switching system to be configured using a single output module for typical applications or expanded with additional slave output modules added for larger systems or vehicles. With competition for new motor vehicle sales increasing daily, vehicle manufacturers are opting for a more premium, tech focused interior in an effort to lure customers to their brand. With this comes the trend to reduce the number of, or remove entirely provisions for aftermarket 56
switches. While this might be preferable for vehicle manufacturers it brings with it a new set of challenges for installers when fitting aftermarket accessories. The new ICS-01 switching system by IONNIC has been designed specifically to address this issue while at the same time offering a range of new and intelligent features as compared to traditional switches. The ICS-01 uses an in-cab switch panel and remote output module connected by a single data or communication line. The switch panel and receiver communicate using a proprietary signal which allows the switching system to be configured in multiple ways using a single output module for typical applications or with additional slave output modules on larger systems or vehicles. The ICS switch panel also features three user programmable master switches. These switches can be used to link any combination of the eight switches together to allow activation of multiple
circuits via the switching of a single button. The ICS-01 incorporates the latest in onboard circuit protection technology. In the event of a short circuit the ICS panel immediately turns off the affected output, preventing damage to the switch panel and devices controlled by it. As well as being extremely compact the ICS panel offers installers multiple mounting options. For more information visit www.aeimports.com
PRODUCTS
FRAM FILTERS: A QUALITY FILTRATION CHOICE FRAM Filters is distributed in Australia by Filpro Automotive FRAM Filters says its brand is one of the most renowned automotive aftermarket filtration brands in the global aftermarket and that its reputation for premium quality spans more than 85 years. Over this time, it says it has been producing industry leading, premium quality filtration products designed to suit a broad range of vehicle applications; from passenger cars to high performance and heavy-duty vehicles. The entire FRAM range of oil, air, fuel and cabin filters are manufactured in accredited Original Equipment manufacturing facilities that also supply many of the world’s leading car manufacturers. FRAM Filters says that this ensures that when automotive repairers and re-sellers select its filters, they are selecting premium quality at a competitive price – quality that meets or exceeds vehicle manufacturer specifications with competitive pricing due to the sheer volumes that are being manufactured to meet global vehicle manufacturer demand. The company responsible for the distribution of
FRAM Filters in Australia, New Zealand and across the Pacific Region is Filpro Automotive, headed by highly experienced automotive aftermarket industry executive, Roger Lassen. Roger joined the company following a meteoric 17 year career heading Sales and Marketing with Tenneco Automotive (Monroe) and is joined by a team of highly experienced industry executives at Filpro Automotive. Roger is very clear on why he believes the FRAM Filters brand has become so successful over its 85 year history. “When it comes to service items such as oil, air and fuel filters, these products are crucial to engine performance and life, so you want an Original Equipment specification or better product at a value price and the FRAM Filters range offers exactly that here in Australia and all over the world,” Roger said. “The major differentiating factor between FRAM Filters and competitor products is that we have full quality control over the components used and the manufacturing process.
“This is due to the fact that our strategic partner in this business is in fact an Original Equipment manufacturer. So we know exactly what goes into our filtration products, particularly the filter media, the quality of which is imperative to the long term efficiency of the filtration product.” FRAM Filters says you will be hearing much more from Filpro Automotive across the automotive aftermarket as the company continues to market its “unrivalled” premium quality range of products headed by the FRAM Filters, Prestone, Holts and Simoniz product ranges, with more to come in the near future. For more information, visit FRAM Filters at www.framfilters.com.au
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DIESEL HELP AUSTRALIA DEVELOPS OPTIMUS PRIMER Helping aftermarket technicians to work around problems created by modern manufacturing techniques Diesel Help Australia has developed a number of cost effective tools to assist in diagnosing and repairs. It says one of the most popular releases is the Optimus Primer. Initially the Optimus Primer was innovated to assist with priming the air from the fuel system during replacement of a diesel fuel filter. Removing the air completely enables the fuel system to operate and the engine to start first time thus avoiding damaging any components. Many manufacturers have not included a hand primer on their engine systems, proving difficult for technicians to successfully ‘bleed the air.’ Even with electric or manual hand pumps fitted, considerable time costs or resulting damage have been proven. If a fuel tank is low and the electric pump is operated, the risks of seizing are doubled. As vehicle hand pumps age they may split causing air to enter during the priming process. As technology progressed, manufacturers began using a much cheaper option: pre-moulded
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plastic pipes with a quick release fitting at each end. Without an ‘old style barbed end’, this proved difficult to connect a hand primer especially to the female end of the quick release fittings. There was no assurance to get a good seal without air entering during priming. The Optimus Primer provides access to over 30 individual diameters and angles of quick release fittings with a barbed sealable end, ensuring the user will have success connecting a hand primer to the vehicle’s supply without unwanted air entering the system during bleeding of the air. Air is one of the diesel fuel system’s worst enemies and has proven to be difficult to diagnose with a scan tool or any tool for that matter. Diesel Help Australia’s Clinton Brett has a populated list of fault codes when air is entering a diesel system. When adapting hose for liquid to travel particularly in a diesel to prevent air from entering, you have to be sure you have a good seal. By adapting clear hose to the barbed end of
the quick release fitting that has been matched to the system, the mechanic can run the vehicle stationary or take it for a test drive and look for air in the system. The kit itself can be seen demonstrated and purchased for a special training course price at Diesel Help Australia’s Ultimate CRD course around Australia and New Zealand. The Optimus Primer kit and/or replacement parts are available for purchase from www.dieselhelp.com.au
PRODUCTS
Making tyre deflation a breeze
THE EZY WAY TO CHANGE DRIVELINE FLUIDS
Saber Offroad says its Tyre Deflator is just the tool every off-roader needs when they are out and about in this amazing nation of ours, and beyond.
Nulon EZY-SQUEEZE is an adaptation of the concept used in foods such as pouch yoghurts
Conditions change quickly, whether it’s sand, rocky outcrops, gravel tracks or more, and you need your tyres to maintain the level of deflation to get you where you need to go.
Nulon has created an innovative, unique and essential platform that enables the DIY and smaller workshop owners an easy way to service gearboxes, transmissions and differentials. The Nulon EZY-SQUEEZE gearbox, differential and transmission range employs the first use of a pouch to market automotive lubricants in Australia. The product is an adaptation of the concept used in foods such as pouch yoghurts, using a similar mechanism to easily dispense the fluid. The 14 SKUs/Parts in the Nulon EZY-SQUEEZE gearbox, differential and transmission range covers most of the Australian car parc. Nulon says the removal of the need for a pump and the speed in which fluid can be delivered is particularly innovative within this market segment. The product will be particularly attractive to four-wheel drivers in circumstances where they need to change fluids after water crossings and the like. Less fluid is left in the pouch and pouches are more easily compacted than rigid HDPE bottles (the standard for automotive fluids) thus being friendlier in the waste stream. In testing, Nulon has found pouches to be more durable than HDPE bottles. The addition of the fill tube and bracket on the pouch gives the consumer an easy-to-understand proposition in the retail environment. The bracket allows for the attachment of the tube to the pouch, while also being a functional
SABER OFFORAD TYRE DEFLATOR
This deflator will make this task a breeze, says Saber Offroad, which states that finding the right amount of deflation has never been easier with both PSI and kPa readings on a clear, concise display. Combined with a stainless steel braided hose, this heavy duty deflator is ready for when you need it most, says Saber Offroad which boasts that unlike some others on the market, this deflator has a specially designed storage bag included at no additional cost. For more information on the full Saber Offroad range and distribution enquiries, call 03 9016 3777 or visit www.saberoffroad.com.au
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attachment which enables the user to bend the tube at an angle to insert into the transmission, gearbox or differential. Nulon says its FILLER-TOOL range is specifically designed to enable the DIY consumer to easily change the fluids in their late model transmissions and will be available through automotive aftermarket retail outlets. Traditionally, this type of product has been the domain of OEM dealerships. With eight Nulon FILLER-TOOLs in the range, most of the Australian car parc is covered. Without these tools, Nulon says it is virtually impossible to change fluids in late model vehicles. Nulon says the combination of the EZY-SQUEEZE pouch and Nulon FILLER-TOOL will empower DIYers to perform their own fluid change at a much-reduced cost, no longer forcing them into an OEM service centre. To further support consumers, Nulon has partnered with Autodata (in what it calls a consumer first) to provide them with the information required to change their vehicle’s fluids. Details of fill and drain point locations, the torque needed to tighten plugs, as well as instructions on what to do, will be emailed to them after registration on the www.ezysqueeze.com.au website. For more information, visit www.nulon.com.au
PRODUCTS
DAYCO’S SWITCHABLE FRICTION WHEEL TENSIONER From the best OE technology to the best aftermarket service Dayco’s Switchable Friction Wheel is an intermediate wheel, which transmits the motion from the crank shaft pulley to the water pump pulley. A significant advantage of the Switchable Friction Wheel is the possibility to disconnect the water pump on demand by an electro mechanic actuator. The actuator is controlled by an ECU (with an on/off voltage signal) and it can couple or decouple the water pump impeller from the belt drive mechanical power supply.
When the engine is cold, coolant is not circulated until engine has reached normal operating temperature of 103°C, heating up the engine more quickly and reducing the fuel consumption (fuel saving potential is of approximately one percent) and the emissions of exhaust gas according to EURO5. Faster cabin heating is achieved as well, increasing perceived comfort in the cold season for car passengers. Mechanical losses of water pump are saved during the disconnected phase. The difference between Switchable and Not Switchable Friction Wheels is related to the electrical control of the movement: SFW is activated by an electrical device and the NSFW is not as the water pump works continuously as in a standard engine. The part is now available from all authorised Dayco distributors for the Aftermarket throughout Asia Pacific and Europe. For more information, visit www.dayco.com.au 64
GOSS EXPANDS EGR COOLER RANGE The addition of the EGR Cooler range has been extremely well received by Goss’ distributors and the aftermarket Goss offers an extensive range of replacement EGR Coolers to the automotive aftermarket and says it has redesigned the EGR Cooler to produce a product less prone to cracking and leaking than the original parts. This innovative product was totally designed, manufactured and tested by the IM Group Research and Development team. The internal tubes are now manufactured from stainless steel for longevity. These tubes are then TIG welded to laser cut plates isolating the coolant from the exhaust. This new design cools the exhaust gases more efficiently and also helps prevent a build-up of carbon that would usually diminish the effectiveness of the system. To combat the common fault of cracking due to heat stress, the Goss EGR coolers have been reinforced in certain areas to make a stronger and more resilient item than original. Goss believes it is important to offer customers a top quality product and an imperative part of that is to make sure the product arrives intact and undamaged when being freighted. Due to the weight and shape of the EGR coolers,
Goss says it recognised the current packaging would not be sufficient to stand up to the stresses of freight carriers and so it set about designing packaging that would ensure the cooler arrived in perfect condition. Goss says all of its EGR coolers are heat, stress, pressure and resonance tested to meet or exceed OE specifications and unlike OEM EGR coolers, are supplied with a complete fitting kit, providing the customer the genuine alternative. Working closely with its manufacturers on the design of these EGR coolers has allowed Goss to bring the end user a better product at a lower price, it says. Its range of EGR Coolers is also continuing to grow with Goss’ offering now including 15 part numbers with many more in development for both passenger cars and the Heavy Duty segment. The vehicle applications covered by these new numbers represent more than one million vehicles on the road today. For more information, visit www.goss.com.au
MAINTAIN BATTERIES ON THE GO Narva introduces innovative new Trailer Socket Leading automotive lighting and electrical company, Narva, has released a new seven-pin flat trailer socket that also features a built-in heavy duty battery connector, providing added versatility for buyers. Developed with the camping, caravanning or boating enthusiast in mind, the product is ideal for people who regularly tow vehicles requiring battery maintenance to the trailer or caravan, to power on-board equipment. The seven-pin trailer plug delivers power to operate the standard stop, tail, reverse and licence plate lights, while also providing a built-in, heavy duty battery connector that delivers up to 50A of power to the battery to charge, maintain or power equipment such as fridges. This innovative socket and connector features a heavy duty, moulded hard plastic housing for superior reliability, while also combining a sleek, low profile design that is easy to mount and
compatible with the standard mounting plate on most common tow bars. When not in use, the connector can be sheathed for protection using its hard-wearing rubber tab, while the seven-pin socket spring loaded protective cover benefits from side tabs, making it easier to open. For added performance, this product includes silver-plated copper contacts to suit 8mm² (8B&S) cable. Narva’s new seven-pin flat trailer socket with built-in, heavy duty battery connector (part no. 82048BL) is available from leading automotive, transport and off-road recreational outlets. For more information, visit www.narva.com.au
PRODUCTS
BEDROCK FLOOR LINERS Australian ingenuity used to fill a gap in the market Fitmycar reports that when it realised there was a gap in the Australian market for floor liners, it looked internationally for a supplier sourced solution. Fitmycar soon realised there were better options to fill the priorities, but conflicts still existed. Availability was also an issue as the left-hand drive market appeared to be the focus for the major manufacturers in this segment. Fitmycar made the decision to enter the market itself under a newly formed brand Bedrock, using its existing experience in manufacturing and product design from its cargo liner and carpet floor mat ranges. The objective for the Bedrock product was to create a better floor mat and to meet its customers’ requirements in Protection, Durability, Value and Aesthetics.
The solution for the gap in the market was to take the existing concept of a durable rubber or similar floor mat, as is already available as an OE or aftermarket accessory, and make it better so it met the requirements identified by Fitmycar customers. To do this, Fitmycar says it addressed each of its customer requirements separately: • Protection - The Bedrock Floor Liner had to exceed the protection offered by the equivalent OE accessories. Fitmycar achieved this through a 3D bucket style design which captures and holds dirt, sand, mud, snow, or anything your feet drag into the car without it ever coming into contact with the primary floor of the vehicle. • Durability - The TPE material, which the mats are constructed from is extremely durable. Additional advantages of TPE is the material’s resistance to deformation in temperature extremes, medium coefficient of friction for a surface that will not interfere with feet movement between the pedals, as well as a softness and flexibility that allows for easy fitment and a feel that isn’t distinctly ‘plastic’. It is also completely odourless. • Value - From the outset Fitmycar’s target was an RRP of $199. It surveyed the price points of equivalent OE accessories, which unlike
aftermarket alternatives are a tailored fit and a more comparable product. It pinned the price of the Bedrock to be on high end of this range, due to its premium features, including being made in Australia. • Aesthetics - Fitmycar knew from its customer survey that simply offering a functional product at a good price was not enough. It designed a signature impression for the base that would carry across all of its mats. The company took inspiration from the Australian landscape and the two geographical extremes of central Australia and the coasts to create a blended design of the water at the coast running into the broken earth of central Australia. It also included functional elements like a firm edge that can be used to clean your boots when you get into the car. For more information visit www.fitmycar.com.au
303 TOUCHLESS SEALANT Simply spray and rinse away Taking proper care of your car is a very timeconsuming and difficult effort. There are so many different aspects of car detailing that it can be incredibly tough to allot the time necessary to do them all. One of the most important and lengthy processes in car detailing is the application of a protective wax or sealant. This process can take an entire day to do properly and needs to be done frequently enough to make your dread doing it as often as you must. Trico Products says you should let 303 Touchless Sealant make your life a whole lot easier. 303 Touchless Sealant is an easy-to-use protection product that will allow you to receive the same protection you would expect from a wax in a fraction of the time, says Trico Products. The fact that you don’t have to touch your car’s paint with anything in order to apply 303 Touchless Sealant greatly cuts down on the risk of ruining your paint’s impeccable finish and 303
Touchless Sealant will reportedly give you durable protection that not only rivals, but also exceeds what you can expect from a traditional wax. Whenever you are required to touch your car’s paint, you are running a serious risk of instilling scratches and swirls in it, especially if you have soft paint. The only way to avoid this risk is to avoid touching you paint entirely. Because 303 Touchless Sealant is applied with a simple spray-on, rinse-off application, the only thing that will touch your paint while applying protection is a jet of water. 303 Touchless Sealant was formulated using a special blend of SiO2 that allows it to bond much quicker and easier than most SiO2 products you see on the market. It is water-activated and does not require any buffing in, buffing off, or curing to work properly. This unique functionality of 303 Touchless Sealant allows it to be applied in a fraction of the time it would take to apply a traditional wax
or sealant. All you need to do is wash, wet, spray on and rinse off. Even though 303 Touchless Sealant boasts easy application, Trico Products says the product does not slack on the quality of protection to achieve that, delivering an “outstandingly long-lasting sealant” that can last up to twice as long as a traditional wax. For more information, visit www.trico-group.com 65
INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS
2019 AUSTRALIAN AUTO AFTERMARKET INNOVATION AWARDS AAAA Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product - Performance The competition for AAAA Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product - Performance award was exceptionally close with nine entries in total from seven AAAA members. In this issue, we take a look at the entrants who vied for this award including the winning Turbosmart Kompact Electro-Mechanical (EM) Blow Off Valve. For more information about the Australian Auto Aftermarket Awards, please visit www.aftermarketawards.com.au On page 71 of the May issue of Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine the incorrect copy was ran under the heading of Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product (Performance). Unfortunately the copy related to Turbosmart’s Wastegate range rather than its Blow Off Valve, which was the award-winning product. AAAM apologises for any confusion and inconvenience caused.
Turbosmart – Turbosmart Kompact Electro-Mechanical (EM) Blow Off Valve – WINNER Turbosmart says its Universal Kompact EM-BOV is a world first, fully patented, plug-n-play solution for OEM replacement for Electro-Mechanical Blow Off Valves which requires no additional hardware, hoses, adapters or assembly. It allows for seamless integration into vehicles which require actuation of the BOV to be controlled via the engine ECU without compromising flow or performance. The new universal Kompact EM BOV range flows at higher levels than existing compressor cover solutions and provides an alternate option where hybrid turbochargers demand more flow to prevent the compressor falling into surge with rapid load changes. For more information, visit www.turbosmart.com
Australian Clutch Services – Hyundai i30N Performance Clutch Upgrade ACS says this performance upgrade for the Hyundai i30N included an extensive research and development program incorporating Hyundai Australia. The kit was believed to be the first upgrade clutch available for the i30N anywhere in the world and provides greatly increased performance on the road and track, offering a 600 Nm peak torque capacity for the organic upgrade and a 910 Nm peak torque capacity for the ceramic upgrade. By optimising the lightweight design of the 240mm performance clutch range, Xtreme Clutch was able to keep the overall weight of the kit to an impressive 12kg which is 30 percent less than the OE equivalent whilst also ensuring drivability is not significantly affected. For more information, visit www.australianclutch.com.au
Australian Clutch Services – Xtreme Clutch 2018 Ford Mustang 230mm Twin Plate Organic Upgrade The Xtreme Clutch 2018 Ford Mustang GT 230mm Twin Plate Organic Upgrade is designed to offer significant increases in performance for highly modified street driven vehicles. The 230mm kits include a lightweight alloy cover, rigid organic or ceramic friction discs and chromoly flywheel as well as accessories including a concentric slave cylinder, pressure plate bolts, flywheel bolts and metal alignment tool. The design and engineering of this kit results in a 1210 Nm peak torque capacity (organic friction discs) whilst seeing an overall reduction of static mass from 27 kg to 18.7 kg. This significant reduction in mass helps to improve shifting quality and engine response. For more information, visit www.australianclutch.com.au
Garrett – Advancing Motion, Garrett G25 Series Turbo Garrett – Advancing Motion says the Garrett G25 Series Turbo is the most powerful small frame turbocharger on the market. The product is tailored to meet the demands of hard core racing enthusiasts while providing industry leading power capability in a small package. The G-Series G25-550 and G25-660 turbochargers are compatible with 1.4L – 3.0L engine displacements and capable of producing up to 550 and 660 horsepower each and can be used in a twin turbo configuration with reverse rotation available in both of the G25 series range. They are reportedly smaller and outflow all comparable products on the market. For more information, visit www.garrettmotion.com 66
INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS
Motospecs – Drivetech 4x4 Supashock The Drivetech 4x4 team worked closely with Supashock’s highly experienced engineering team in the development of the Drivetech 4x4 Supashock Suspension Kits. Drivetech 4x4 says Supashock dampers are designed, manufactured and assembled to stringent Automotive OEM and defence standards and operate unlike any other product on the market; featuring world leading technology that provides the owner with offroad capability not available anywhere else. Featuring inverted strut technology, high displacement pneumatic bump and ride control, input response technology, patented shell reservoir system, high performance bushes and adjustable spring pre-load and stress receiving seat, the dampers are designed and tuned so that they do not need external adjustment, providing a wide operating window and unrivalled performance. For more information, visit www.drivetech4x4.com.au
Harrop Engineering – Harrop 4x4 Front Brake Upgrade Kit Developed entirely in-house at its state-of-the-art facility in Preston Victoria, Harrop’s innovative 4x4 Front Brake Upgrade range includes kits to suit Holden RG Colorado, Ford PX Ranger, the Ford Raptor (Australia’s current 4x4 of the year) and Australia’s top selling vehicle, the Toyota Hilux. Harrop’s 4x4 Front Brake Upgrade delivers substantial increases in braking performance for these extremely popular vehicles. Consisting of onepiece 36mm non-directional rotors with drill point pattern and 6 Piston Ultimate Calipers, the Harrop Front Brake Upgrade offers superior heat dissipation and resistance to brake fade when compared to OE fitted brakes. For more information, visit www.harrop.com.au
Pedders Suspension & Brakes – Pedders TrakRyder Rear Drum to Disc Conversion Kits For ute drivers and fleet owners, braking performance under load and excess weight can create a safety issue. The Pedders TrakRyder Rear Drum to Disc Conversion Kits use kevlar ceramic high tech formulated brake pads for extra stopping power and the added value benefit of low dust. When fitted to a Toyota Hilux Generation 8 model, the kit provides a stopping distance reduction of up to 34 percent, representing a huge difference when compared to original equipment – a potentially life-saving result. The upgrade braking kit is offered to suit selected Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mazda BT50 and Isuzu D-Max models. For more information, visit www.pedders.com.au
Pro Quip International – Pertronix Digital HP Mobile Ignition Box Pro Quip says the Pertronix Digital HP Mobile Ignition Box with Bluetooth Wireless Technology offers unprecedented control and customisation of your Ignition System via an easy to use app. You can set three rev limits, shift light, start retard, spark settings and tachometer preferences and load multiple settings for quick change between Street and Strip modes. The easy to read dashboard displays engine tachometer, an active shift light, and system voltage in real time. Multiple Dashboard themes allow you to select the look and feel you want and robust one touch security modes allow the user to set the ignition system into a valet mode or completely secure the vehicle by disabling start. For more information, visit www.proquip.com.au
Turbosmart – Turbosmart Gen-V Wastegate Over 18 months of stringent research and development went into the production of what was to become the Gen-V Wastegate range. When tested against the existing competitive market offerings, Turbosmart says its new design was found to outflow the closest competitor by a significant margin and offer greater reliability and longevity of the product for the end-user. Against Turbosmart’s existing performance on the fourth iteration of the product, a three time increase on the thermal temperature handling capabilities of the product was found. In atmosphering chamber testing, the new diaphragm design was found to handle cycles more than double of that of the nearest existing market offering. For more information, visit www.turbosmart.com 67
MEMBER FEATURE
THREE DECADES OF SUCCESS Celebrating 30 years of operation in 2019, Australian Clutch Services has grown from a local clutch rebuilder to one of the largest clutch suppliers and manufacturers in the Southern Hemisphere With more than 50 employees and seven major brands, Australian Clutch Services says it is a market leader in clutch development and innovation and has also become a major exporter to New Zealand, Europe and America. ACS was founded in 1989 as Adelaide Clutch Services by Managing Director, Brenton Jordan. Originally the business was focused around remanufacturing and servicing clutch components. “When we first started out, clutch manufacturing procedures were nothing like they are today,” Brenton explains. “Back then, when you needed a clutch, you purchased a rebuilt unit rather than buying brand new components. “At the time this was viable in Australia and I sometimes look back on the days of driving around picking up old worn out clutch kits from our customers around the state, ready to go through the rebuild process.” Brenton was, and still is, an avid car enthusiast and enjoyed working on restoration projects and competing in motorsport. “I had a number of restoration and racing projects. It was a massive help to have those projects when I was younger as it really helps you to understand the importance of quality components and puts you in the customer’s shoes,” Brenton said.
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After the introduction of the GST and with significant changes to the production procedures for clutch components, remanufacturing was no longer a viable option and ACS completely changed its core business to the supply and manufacture of new clutch kits and components. “The days of rebuilding old components are long gone and now we only rebuild kits for very specific classic car applications or vintage agricultural applications where the components simply cannot be sourced,” explains Brenton. “The business now is almost unrecognisable from its days in the 1990s in terms of the range of products, the number of employees and the facilities.” The company originally started out in a relatively small facility before expanding into their current head office. “We started off in a small facility in Torrensville which quickly became overcrowded with both stock and employees. “After the introduction of the GST and changes to our core business, we determined that this facility would not effectively support the research and development that was required for manufacturing and testing, so started scouting areas to build a purpose-built facility.” ACS opened its new headquarters in the industrial hub of Wingfield in 2005. The development of
Brenton Jordan this new facility allowed for greater stock holding and research and development resulting in a major growth period in the Australian market. “We pride ourselves on offering our customers the highest levels of service and quality. Our technical support staff and state of the art research and development facility help us to keep the highest standards possible,” Brenton said. “Each of our kits are put through a strict process for development and we don’t just look at getting the highest clamping force possible, but also elements like driveability and clamping force over the lifecycle of the product.” In 2006, ACS took on a new challenge with a shift into the export market.
MEMBER FEATURE how we have been able to develop such a diverse range of standard replacement and performance clutch kits and accessories.” This ability to adjust quickly has been critical to the expansion of the export program. “One of the biggest factors to our success in Europe and America, has been our ability to supply products that no one else can,” Brenton said. “Being more flexible in our development has allowed us to produce many world first performance upgrades for our Xtreme Clutch and Xtreme Outback brands. “This allowed us to break into niche markets and because of the quality and performance of these kits, the brand name quickly grew throughout the entire performance and 4x4 industries.” Stock holding is also one of the factors that Brenton emphasises throughout the organisation and ACS has continued to expand their distribution facilities around Australia. “Moving into the export market was a major change for us as a business,” Brenton said.
next step for us and is already proving to be very successful,” Brenton said.
“Having the kit close to our customers and ready to go is one of the most important factors in today’s market,” he said.
“There were many challenges and obstacles we had to overcome, but it has become a major part of our business and we are proud to see how highly renowned our brands are all over the world.”
Brenton credits the success of ACS to its ability to quickly adjust to changing market trends whilst retaining the highest quality, innovation and service.
“With current market trends and the number of vehicles on the road, our customers need the products as quickly as possible to ensure they can support their own customer networks.”
ACS’ first export market was New Zealand before expanding into Europe. These markets quickly grew and in 2018, ACS expanded even further to include a warehouse in the US holding their American performance brand, XClutch.
“The business has been built around adapting to market change. Our first major change was to adjust to the introduction of the GST by becoming a manufacturer and supplier rather then focusing on the remanufacturing services we were offering previously,” he explained.
ACS now has nine warehouses around Australia with extensive stock holdings of complete clutch kits and hydraulics.
“We are very excited to be expanding into the US market. After the success we have seen in New Zealand and Europe, it was an obvious
“We have worked hard to ensure that we can quickly adjust our business to changes in clutch technology and car manufacturing trends which is
Looking at future challenges, Brenton believes ACS is well placed to face the rapidly evolving automotive aftermarket and Australian car parc. “We are seeing lots of new technology in clutch, despite what people may think about the decrease of manual vehicle sales. Dual Clutch Transmission technology is a perfect example of this change and we have already focused on expanding our range of DCT clutch kits as well as the specialised tools required for installation to ensure that our distribution network has access to the products they need to support their own local markets,” Brenton said. As for the future of ACS as a company, Brenton is excited by the position ACS has achieved and is keen to continue the growth seen over the past 30 years. “We will continue to evolve and strive to offer the best for our customers around the world. That is now ingrained in the culture of the business,” he said. “As we continue to grow, we will not lose focus on our core values or the relationships we have built with our customers around Australia and the world.” For more on Australian Clutch Services, visit www.australianclutch.com.au 69
SAFETY
THE MOOSE, THE SWEDE, AND THE MAKING OF ESP
20 years ago this year, Mercedes-Benz became the first automaker in the world to offer standard ESP across its entire range of vehicles. In this article, AutoMate’s Harrison Boudakin looks back on the unusual story of how some fake-Swedish roadkill helped democratise one of the great safety breakthroughs of the modern age Wolfgang Inhester had barely stepped out of the glittering Tokyo Convention Centre when his mobile rang. It had been a long week for the Chief Spokesman at Mercedes-Benz – he was tired, and frankly, the call could wait. So without thinking much about it, he quietly slipped the phone back into his pocket and continued on towards the hotel. The peace didn’t last long though. Less than ten seconds later, his phone rang again, the same number flashing up on the screen. Wolfgang glanced at his watch – it had just gone midnight. Clearly, whoever was calling had something important to say, and although he really didn’t want to answer, something told Wolfgang he probably should. And so it was that in the very early hours of October 21, 1997, one of the most powerful Mercedes-Benz executives stopped on a quiet street corner in Tokyo, and answered his phone. He couldn’t have possibly imagined the gravity of what he was about to hear. There had been an accident, said the German voice on the other end of the call. Unbeknownst to Wolfgang and his colleagues at the Tokyo Motor Show, back in Europe a Swedish car magazine had taken delivery of the company’s brand new A-Class hatchback for some testing – and all had not gone well. In 1997, this revolutionary, front-drive Baby Benz was a total break from the norm for the otherwise
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very-traditional German automaker. Merc had spent more than $1.5 billion developing its radical ‘sandwich’ platform design, and so there was a lot riding on its shoulders. If it succeeded, the A-Class would demonstrate to the world that Mercedes was no longer the brand of the stuffy executive types or the old-money set – at the end of the 90s, they now wanted to reach out to an all-new audience of younger buyers, and so far the enormous public interest in the quirky-butinnovative A seemed to indicate that their plan was working. But when Robert Collin at Teknikens Varld got hold of the A-Class on October 21, 1997, Mercedes’ luck ran out. Having loaded the tall, skinny hatchback with five people and their luggage, the Swedish editor proceeded to run the A-Class through his now-infamous “elk test” – a high speed swerve and avoid manoeuvre, designed to simulate how well a car would handle a sudden encounter with a stray moose. Every car his magazine had ever put through the test had sailed out the other side still very much on all four wheels. The A-Class, though, did not. The images of the little-Benz flipping spectacularly onto its roof will be forever etched into the collective memory of the proud German automaker. The company that had once declared “Das Best oder Nichts” (the best or nothing) as its motto was now struck dumb, as a mediafrenzy engulfed the automaker, and consumer confidence in the A-Class took an immediate
nose-dive. Mercedes spent the first 19 days of the saga in total denial, even going as far as to claim “well, you can flip any car if you really want to.” But no amount of obfuscation could hide the stark truth: there was a fundamental stability problem with their little A, and if it wasn’t fixed immediately, all of Merc’s future plans were in jeopardy. That’s where ESP enters the story. A little less than two years before the A-Class flunked the “elk test”, Mercedes had launched a radical new safety device on its top-of-the-line S600 Coupé, called Electronic Stability Program. Co-developed with Bosch, ESP was the result of six years of research and development, and was premised on the idea that a car could be electronically ‘stabilised’ when sensors detected a loss of control. A young Mercedes engineer had first proposed the concept in the late-80s, after he’d crashed a 300E on an icy road, and wondered if braking individual wheels might’ve helped avoid the accident. Despite some initial skepticism, Mercedes soon picked up on the genius of the idea, and ran with it. By 1995, their R&D efforts paid off, and any
SAFETY
potential Merc customer with a spare $350,000 would now be delighted to find ESP fitted as standard on the two-tonne, V12 C140 coupé (above). Road testers were given a preview of this seemingly-magical technology on a frozen lake in Sweden, and came away raving about its ability to ‘pulse’ the brakes on individual wheels to keep the car from spinning on the low-grip surface. Within a few months, buyers of the S-Class sedan and the SL sports car were also given the option of speccing ESP – but while this was no doubt a genuine breakthrough in automotive safety, which went far beyond a simple traction control system, the fact remained that it wasn’t yet anywhere near being a democratic proposition. But the events of October 21, 1997 would change all that. With the “elk test” debacle threatening to derail their $1.5 billion investment in the A-Class, Mercedes took drastic action. For 12 weeks, they pulled the A-Class from the market, and initiated a radical, $100 million re-engineering program to fix the car’s wobbly dynamics: the ride height was lowered, the track was widened and the suspension re-designed. But most importantly, the company then went
one step further, spending an extra $60 million to fit every A-Class with ESP as standard equipment. At the time, the idea that this hightechnology would find its way onto a $35,000 car was remarkable, yet it showed just how seriously Mercedes were taking the situation. But the true impact of the A-Class accident was yet to come. Having equipped their cheapest car with ESP, Mercedes now had little option but to proliferate it rather quickly throughout the rest of its model range. And so it came to pass that by 1999, every car with a three-pointed star on its nose was fitted with the life-saving technology – far quicker than anyone would’ve expected in normal circumstances. What’s more, because Mercedes chose to release all the patents for the system free of charge, other car makers were soon able to follow suit with their own versions. Today, ESP sits alongside ABS, the airbag, the crumple zone and the seat-belt in that pantheon of very special safety technologies debuted by Mercedes-Benz. And there can be no doubt, the ESP story is one with a fantastic ending: Bosch estimates that more than 8000 lives have been saved by the technology, and today almost every
developed nation mandates the system be fitted as standard to all cars. For many people, the original A-Class will forever be remembered as the funny little car in that nowfamous photo, sitting all smashed and broken on a Swedish runway. But the fact is that the legacy of that picture is something far more important. It is the democratisation of ESP; it is the making of the great guardian angel of modern motoring. And we can thank a moose for that. Written by Harrison Boudakin for AutoMate Training, a world’s leading provider of online, video-based technical training, with over 400 modules featuring high quality graphics, the latest vehicles and real presenters. Automate says its library covers everything from system fundamentals to advanced diagnostics and technology, including training on Electronic Stability Control and the key sub-systems that help make ESP a lifesaver. You can subscribe today for only $33 per month for professional techs and just $9.90 for trainees. Visit www.automatetraining.com for a free trial.
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SAFETY
REDUCING SLIP HAZARDS IN THE WORKPLACE Unsealed or deteriorated concrete flooring increases the risk of slips, trips and falls Trips can occur even if there is a change of one centimetre or less in flooring height, while flooring which is too smooth or glossy can cause slips, especially when there are spillages or other contaminants present.
“There will always be uncontrollable variants such as shoe characteristics or walking pace, but the onus is on the employer to maintain a safe workplace for staff members,” Hychem Head of Flooring, Chris Bauer, said.
Renewing and sealing concrete flooring with a seamless, slip-resistant coating is best-practice to reduce safety risks for employees, says Hychem.
“The responsibility of employers involves putting measures into place to reduce the chance of an accident occurring wherever possible.”
According to Safe Work Australia, trips and falls are amongst the most common causes of workplace injuries.
Some considerations should be made when selecting a coating for concrete floors, including its expected use and foot traffic, the cleaning requirements, and the assessment of floor heights and surfaces to ensure consistency.
Over a 12-year period between 2003 and 2015, slips, trips or falls caused the death of 386 workers and caused 23 per cent of serious injury claims. Environmental factors were to blame for 56 percent of the trips, slips and falls, including slippery surfaces following rain or spills, poorly maintained walkways and trip hazards. Most slips occur when a floor surface is either too smooth, uneven, damaged or contaminated. One way to reduce the risk of injuries occurring because of these factors is to install a slip-resistant coating to create positive traction on the surface of a floor, says Hychem. This is done by adding an anti-slip substrate — such as bauxite, aluminium oxide or quartz sand — to the coating mixture before installation to create the desired coefficient level of friction.
Hychem says it formulates and manufactures a number of flooring systems to meet the slip resistance ratings required of various applications. “Each application has its own design requirements when it comes to slip resistance so our systems are designed to be tailored to suit every working environment,” Chris said. “Depending on the requirements, we can add a range of anti-slip aggregate types and sizes, such as bauxite, aluminium oxide and quartz sand, to meet slip ratings from R9 to R13.” Selecting a flooring system that is seamless and easy-to-clean can also help to reduce the risk of injuries in the workplace due to spillages. Ensuring that spillages are quickly and completely cleaned is crucial. Old and worn flooring is more
susceptible to holding moisture, while liquids getting into seams and cracks can make it difficult to effectively clean the surface. Hychem says its epoxy flooring solutions are seamless and highly durable, reducing the occurrence of the sorts of cracks and deterioration that can hold moisture and prevent the proper cleaning of spills. While selecting a flooring solution to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls is important, there are numerous other factors that need to be taken into consideration as well. “Flooring design needs to take into consideration numerous elements, with slip resistance just one. This is why Hychem systems are designed to be customisable. We can provide different colour options, chemical resistance, UV resistance and antimicrobial,” Chris said. “This allows for a finished floor that can be tailored to suit the needs and requirements of individual projects.” For more information, contact Hychem on 02 4646 1660.
BAILEY HAND TRUCKS Built to last a lifetime No other range of hand trucks offers this level of construction quality and load capacity, says Bailey Hand Trucks Australian distributor Haigh Australia. The Bailey Hand Truck features an exclusive pivoting axle lock bar and was designed in Australia. Those behind the product say that if you are not using one of their hand trucks, you are likely “working too hard.” The award winning hand trucks feature a laser cut heavy duty metal frame backed by a lifetime factory warranty. The trucks roll on PU filled puncture proof tyres to ensure they never go flat, which delivers a heightened level of safety and confidence especially when using them over rough, uneven terrain, gutters, steps and stairs or carrying loads of up to 300kg. The relationship between the pivoting axle with locking bar and the curved base is what makes 72
Bailey Hand Trucks the trusted choice, explains Haigh Australia. By shifting the load’s centre of gravity, these two components work together to reduce the effective load weight over the entire axle in both free standing and in-transit positions. This makes the hand truck better balanced and easier to move allowing almost anyone to handle huge 300kg loads with the equivalent effort usually required for loads of only 120kg. With all these features working in unison, the risk of unbalancing the load is virtually eliminated, says Haigh Australia. Those behind Bailey Hand Trucks claim that using their hand trucks significantly reduces the kind of back injuries commonly associated with using cheaper hand trolleys. Being a hand truck with the ability to reduce tilting effort to avoid such injuries is why the Queensland Government awarded them a
Workplace Health and Safety Innovation Award, says Bailey, which states it has been providing superior quality hand trucks to Australian businesses for more than 15 years. To see the Bailey Hand Trucks in action, visit www.baileyhandtruck.com or simply call the Australian distributor Haigh Australia on 1300 654 008 or email sales@haigh.com.au
SAFETY
GATES NEW EMERGENCY KIT RANGE Providing vehicle owners peace of mind in a convenient pack Gates Australia, a leading global provider of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions, has announced the release of a new range of automotive emergency kits.
Gates explains the emergency kits provide all of the things required for that unexpected breakdown packed into a convenient duffel bag. Whether out in the bush or driving long distances, Gates says keeping one of its emergency kits in the vehicle enables vehicle owners to replace wear parts wherever they are.
Each kit contains: • Radiator hose • V and/or Micro-V belts • Hose clamps. Gates emergency kits are available for popular makes including Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Nissan Patrol and Mitsubishi Pajero, with the range constantly expanding. The new Gates emergency kits are available now from all Gates automotive distributors in Australia and New Zealand. For more information on this product go to www.gatesaustralia.com.au/emergency-kit or contact Gates Australia Customer Service on +61 3 9797 9688 or at southpacsales@gates.com 74
THYSSENKRUPP SAFETY INNOVATIONS thyssenkrupp has rolled out an innovative safety concept for its coil inspection line two At thyssenkrupp dedicated coil inspection line two in Dortmund, Germany, steel coils for the automotive industry are inspected, thereby ensuring the maximum quality of delivered materials. As part of an extensive modernisation, Unitechnik Automatisierungs GmbH has now implemented a uniform functional safety concept that covers all subsections. The measures were implemented on the basis of a detailed hazard analysis. The Dortmund installation is reportedly of great strategic importance for thyssenkrupp Steel Europe: all steel strip undergoes thorough inspection before leaving the facility. The purpose of the installation is to inspect steel strip for faults and defects as well as to detect and remedy flaws. The steel strip can also be edge-trimmed, oiled and cuted. All of this is carried out by different machines: coilers are used to wind up and uncoil the up to 40 ton steel coil. From there, the start of the strip is transported to the welding machine where it is welded to the end of the last coil. At the inspection station, trained personnel using a wide range of measuring technology inspect the 1,700 millimeter wide strip. The sophisticated automatic system ensures seamless tracking of material and error detection. Cropping shears and edge trimming shears cut the strip to size. The installation also includes an oiling machine as well as devices to automatically mark and strap the coils. When the installation first went into operation in the early 70s, thyssenkrupp explains safety regulations were different than they are today. This has necessitated ongoing further development to keep the installation state-of-the-art and guarantee its long-term safe operation, it says.
The goal: greater functional safety while maximising performance To determine the concrete modernisation needs, Unitechnik and the thyssenkrupp divisions Production, Maintenance and Work Safety as
well as the Professional Trade Association for the Wood and Metal Industries (BGHM) conducted a functional safety analysis of the technical installation. Depending on the detected hazard potential and technical needs, the installation was broken down into different safety sections. This served as the basis for Unitechnik’s modernisation concept for coil inspection line two. Together with the high safety standard to be met, there was another parameter that defined the framework for the potential solution: the modernisation measures were not to have a negative impact on the installation’s performance values.
Safety and protection in all work areas In addition to implementing electrical, mechanical and hydraulic safety equipment and devices, the concept also included modernisation of all drive and control technology including a new supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and human-machine interface (HMI) system.
Automation: an important key to success In its 45-years of existence, the coil inspection line two was regularly modernised and new machines added. The challenge Unitechnik faced was consequently integrating components from a variety of manufacturers and different interfaces in the functional safety concept. Automation of what were previously manual work steps was an important key to success in this process. New measuring technology using laser light barriers, for example, automated the process of placing coils onto the coiler. Using transfer equipment, such as tables and conveyors, the strip is now transported to the welding machine without manual intervention. The straightening of the respective beginning and end of the strip in the welding machine is now also fully automatic.
Ready for the next 20 years thyssenkrupp Steel Europe profits from the modernisation not only from shorter set-up times and a major reduction in the number of manual work steps but also from state-of-the-art functional safety technology. The modernisation has secured the long-term and efficient operation of the installation, says thyssenkrupp. For more information, visit www.thyssenkrupp.com
SAFETY
ROUTINE VEHICLE CHECKS FROM ZF For maximum driving and road safety ZF Aftermarket is encouraging motorists who want to drive safely on the roads to have their vehicles carefully inspected on a regular basis, particularly coming into the colder months. Workshops that offer such vehicle inspections with a focus on safety-related components can not only meet the understandable desire of the driver to have a vehicle in good working condition, they also have the opportunity to successfully connect with the customer by demonstrating a high level of expertise. ZF Aftermarket supports these workshops in their role by providing highquality spare parts and sound expertise.
Recognising and repairing chassis damage Unevenly worn tyres on one axle, for example, might indicate that the shocks absorbers are not working properly anymore. This can impair the vehicle’s traction and stability on uneven roads or in curves. Not only that, it creates a risk of aquaplaning even at lower speeds meaning that safety systems, such as ABS, slip and stability control, may not be fully functional. The stopping distance is also significantly longer. Faulty
shock absorbers should therefore be replaced immediately. Defective, worn joints can lead to major problems while driving and represent a safety risk. The rubber bellows and sealing boot on the tie rod should also be inspected for cracks. Wear on these components tends to be gradual, however, it can significantly impact vehicle handling, especially in critical situations.
ZF Aftermarket brands
SACHS and TRW stand for original equipment quality and technical innovations as well as technical service solutions. The product portfolio includes transmissions and transmission parts, axles, steering systems and differentials, chassis and steering components, shock absorbers, disk brake systems, drum brakes and actuating systems, not to mention steering and drive components and rubber-metal parts from the world’s leading technology company in driveline and chassis technology as well as active and passive safety technology.
ZF Aftermarket says it has the right components for repairs, stating that its brands LEMFÖRDER,
For more information, contact ZF Services Australia on 1800 ZF SALES (1800 93 72537) or visit www.zf.com/au
Keeping brake systems in good shape A routine brake systems check is also necessary when it comes to the issue of safety. Brake pads should be replaced when the residual lining is down to less than two millimetres and no later; and drum brake shoes when the residual lining reaches one millimetre. Nowadays, almost every car is equipped with disc brake wear indicators, which should not be ignored.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CHOOSING TIRES No matter whether you’re driving at 40km/h or 120km/h, your tires are the only part of the vehicle that comes in contact with the road Whatever maneuver you do with your car: speeding on the highway, hitting the brakes to stop, making a corner turn or reversing into a parking space, you depend on your tires to get there safely. When you depend so much on your tires, shouldn’t you choose the best ones out there? Regretfully, many people often overlook the importance of the safety of your tires provide when choosing a set of tires. Imagine making the wrong choice and jeopardising the safety of you and your loved ones driving your car. Your tires are actually one of the key elements ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones, says tire manufacturer PT Gajah Tunggal, which states at the crucial time it is one of the deciding factors of survival. You tires don’t need to be the most expensive choice, says PT Gajah Tunggal, just the more reliable one. It advises that when choosing your tires you should consider the braking distance when driving at high speeds on both dry and wet conditions – make sure your tires provide the optimum braking distance. Choosing tires that have excellent grip and
which give stability are other factors you should consider, with PT Gajah Tunggal suggesting that GT Radial Tires is a brand worth considering. GT Radial is a registered tire brand under the Indonesian company which owns and operates one of the largest integrated tire manufacturing facilities in South East Asia. PT Gajah Tunggal was established in 1951 manufacturing passenger, commercial vehicle and motorcycle tires, having a complete lineup covering all segments in the market. With the product quality and safety to customer always as top priority, PT Gajah Tunggal products are said to have been manufactured as according to the highest international standards. To date they
have been exported to more than 100 countries worldwide and the product quality has reportedly been recognised by global car manufacturers including Volkswagen, Toyota, Honda, GM, Mitsubishi, Hino, Mercedes-Benz etc. As further evidence of its commitment to product development, in 2016 PT Gajah Tunggal inaugurated a 65 hectare tire testing track which serves as an outdoor facility capable of simulating all different kind of road conditions. To date this facility remains one of the biggest of its kind in South East Asia. For more information, visit www.gt-tires.com or email ITPC Sydney at trade@itpcsydney.com
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SUPERPRO WHEEL TWO-POST CLEAR FLOOR LIFTS From MAHA German Workshop Equipment STUD TOOL KIT Meeting the challenge of fitting wheels onto a vehicle without wheel studs, simply and safely The industry is ever changing all over the world, however the needs of workshops and at home DIYers generally remain the same. Tools to make tasks more efficient both in time and effort remain in demand. With many individuals becoming time poor and a lot of jobs relying on minimal manpower, SuperPro says it discovered a gap in the market’s available tool offerings. Modifications to all vehicles are increasingly popular and removing, changing and rotating wheels and tyres is high on the list, now and into the future. As part of this, vehicle and wheel combinations that require wheel bolts to be aligned while holding the wheel are frequently seen in workshops.
SuperPro says that over years of experience in the automotive industry, both in manufacturing and servicing, it has identified that fitting wheels onto a vehicle without wheel studs is a difficult and sometimes dangerous task. This challenge is faced by many, not only the everyday consumer and enthusiast but also workshops alike. So the question was: why not just recreate a wheel stud to support the wheel and tyre while the other wheel bolts are started? It sounds too simple, but sometimes the simplest solutions are often overlooked and this is exactly how SuperPro designed the Wheel Stud Tool Kit. While SuperPro reports this tool was ultimately born out of frustration, it says it has grown into a very popular product for all of SuperPro’s customers and “is a must have for all workshops once they hear about it.” The TRC0033K Wheel Stud Tool Kit comes with two different sizes: 12 x 1.5 pitch and 14 x 1.5 pitch; and was designed to include both wheel lug thread sizes so it can fit “just about anything.” For more information visit www.superpro.com.au 76
MAHA German Workshop Equipment has a range of German engineered, two-post clear floor lifts, offered with a two-year factory direct warranty. MAHA offers the following models; all are Australian design registered three-phase pump options: • HL CS 4,000 L - 4,000 kgs capacity, 11.9’ (short) • HL CS 4,000 - 4,000 kgs capacity, 13.7’ (medium) • HL CS 4,000 H - 4,000 kgs capacity, 15.7’ (tall)
MAHA says the reliable designs of the lifts feature simple construction and no electronics for minimal maintenance requirements. The motor and pump are installed above eye level on the column, making maintaining hydraulic fluid easy, and the lifts are easy to operate – just one button raises the lift, one lever releases the locks, and one button lowers the lift. Installation is easy, taking only four to five hours. The large base plate is safe for installing on concrete as thin as 125mm and this decreases the cost of installation and site preparation. The MAHA two-post clear floor lifts have an adaptable three-phase motor with an American made pump unit. It is compatible with the electrical setups of most shops, is easy to work on, and parts are readily available from the Australian supplier. With this kind of lift, MAHA says you can lift any vehicle frame or unibody design thanks to screw adjustable and stackable pads and extensions which provide the flexibility to lift many types of vehicles. You can even lift low-profile sport cars as the HL CS 4.0 was designed specifically to slide under German sports cars and is an excellent fit for Japanese imported cars. Also featured in the design of the lifts is the easy slide twin stage support arms with fine tooth tapered locks – this unique safety feature allows effortless positioning of the support arms with the locks engaging on every lift.
MAHA says other brand lifts are constructed with a cheaper coarse tooth vertical lock where the support arms are unlikely to seat in the locks properly or refuse the correct positioning, both resulting in a safety issue.
Key features: • Removeable and screw adjustable 90mm pick up point for lowered vehicles • Generous 4010mm clear internal height for high roofs • Hydraulic cylinder in each column pushing down on baseplate • Motor and pump fixed in raised position • Large baseplate outside of working area for superior stability • Large baseplate requiring only 125mm concrete depth • FAST 35s lift/lower time • Mercedes Benz Approval with specialised pickup points for German OEMs • Available in RAL colours ex-factory USA or Germany • Supplied with 50mm and 100mm supports which can be combined for side steps For more information, visit www.maha.com.au
GARAGE EQUIPMENT
WORKSHOP TOUGH Rechargeable Inspection Lamps from LED Autolamps LED Autolamps’ range of heavy-duty rechargeable inspection lamps boasts two different versions.
The small and compact HH190 LED Autolamps says the HH190 is perfect for general workshop inspection lighting. A super strong rear magnet and magnetic base including a 180-degree seven position adjustable body makes these lamps handy for difficult dark work environments. They also have hidden away a swivel/pivot hook for hanging the light if necessary.
The longer HH340 wand style This lamp also offers a super strong magnetic base with a 120-degree five position adjustable head that is thin enough to reach into tight spaces where the others can’t. The flexibility built into these lamps ensures your hands are on the task with the light exactly where you need it. Workshop environments can test the integrity of any product but LED Autolamps says its inspection lamps have been Manufactured tough. A Polycarbonate lens sits atop the main light and impact resistant ABS is used for the housing and Base, making them water, oil and chemical resistant. The HH340 handle also boasts a rubber wrapped non-slip grip for extra security when reaching for those hard to get at places. The high-powered main lights feature the latest in COB (Chip on Board) LED technology. High powered SMD LEDs are used for the convenient inbuilt top light, converting the inspection lamp into a torch all with a push of a button. Highly efficient, COB LED clusters deliver a clean white light of 6500K with a CRI of 80 which is important for colour definition when inspecting vehicle wiring and other mechanical componentry. The compact HH190 has an impressive 350 lumen main flood light and 80 lumens for the top torch light. The HH340 wand with dual high/low function outputs an incredible 600 lumen for high, with 300 Lumen for low and finishing with 120 lumens for the top torch. Charging is quick and effective with only 3-3.5 hours from empty by using encased 3.7 Volt 2200maH Li-on Batteries which ensure a long reliable charge of up to six to eight hours for main lights and seven to eight hours for torch lights depending on which model. Both come standard with a micro USB to wall charger and the HH190-1 also includes a recharging docking station perfect for storage/charging convenience. The HH190 and HH340 are supplied in a secure retail hang blister pack and the HH190-1 with docking station is neatly packaged in Hang and stand for merchandiser base or counter display. The lamps are supported by a two-year peace of mind warranty. For more information, visit www.ledautolamps.com for your local distributor or call 03 9466 7075. 77
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THE DENSO DIFFERENCE Diagnostic Scan Tools Today’s vehicle engine and electronic systems are constantly evolving. As emission management becomes more integrated with other electronic devices, it has never been more essential to offer advanced on-board diagnostics, correct service and effective repair. Denso says its approach to diagnostics is unique and differs considerably from that of other diagnostic scan tool manufacturers. It states that its main priority is to provide full depth technical knowledge and support for the Denso systems throughout the car life cycle. Denso Diagnostics Services are offered to OEM car dealers, independent workshops and to the aftermarket through an established network made up of selected Diagnostic Specialists. The Denso Diagnostic System Tester can communicate with multiple ECUs (Electronic Control Units) through serial as well as via the latest CAN-bus protocols.
It is supplied with a library of interactive digital workshop manuals, making it capable to continuously cover more applications. Denso’s diagnostics software provides comprehensive diagnostic functions combined with automatically retrieving vehicle information and directing to advanced system knowledge.
Denso-C Denso says the Denso C-Diagnostic Tool is not only “the essential diesel service tool for independent garages,” it is also the first and only tool on the market that is specifically designed for independent garages to use with Denso’s advanced diesel vehicle parts and systems; which means you will never have to miss out on that business again.
DST-PC Diagnostic Tool Available only to authorised Denso service dealers, the DST-PC comprises of a Denso
developed computer interface and specialised associated software that is compatible with most PCs and laptops. Denso says this complete and easy to use package provides everything needed for advanced troubleshooting on Denso diesel common rail applications (pumps and injectors). For more information, visit www.denso.com.au
MORE CHOICE With the expanded Narva ‘SeeEzy’ LED Rechargeable Lamp Range Following the reported success of the original ‘SeeEzy’ LED under bonnet rechargeable lamp (Part No.71230), Narva has expanded the range to include a magnetic, mountable variant (Part No. 71228) which it says provides even greater versatility. Using its powerful magnets, the new lamp easily mounts to any metal surface and will fit under most car and commercial vehicle bonnets, while also providing the flexibility to be secured to workshop hoists, hoist arms, toolboxes and even underneath vehicles to components such as chassis rails or similar, allowing the technician to work more efficiently by keeping both hands on the job. Narva says users can rest assured that with its durable foam covered magnet, the lamp won’t scratch or damage the surface it is mounted to. With its two powerful, long-life 5W ‘COB’ LEDs, the new lamp is said to provide an impressive,
6000°K of bright, white light output that clearly illuminates the work area. Depending on the task at hand and the level of light needed, the user can either use a single light (producing 350 Lumens) or both together for a total of 700 Lumens of brightness. Each of the two LED housings can also be swivel adjusted up to 40 degrees, ensuring superior light adjustment to the area where it’s most needed. Additional adjustment is also provided by the magnets’ 90 degree hinges which allows light to be projected across a large range of movement. As well as producing a bright light output, the new SeeEzy lamp’s high quality lithium ion battery provides between six and 15 hours’ runtime depending on the light output selected, meaning it’s unlikely to require charging in the middle of a job. When charging is needed between use or at the end of the day, the process is as easy as plugging
the lamp into a USB socket using the supplied cable (AC adaptor is also included). Charge time from fully discharged to a full charge is only 6.5 hours, while an easy-to-read battery level indicator ensures the user always knows how much charge they have. Developed with demanding workshop conditions in mind, the new lamp features aluminium, ABS and polycarbonate material construction to provide a tough, yet lightweight product that is easy to mount and move around the workshop whilst also providing a viable option as a caravanning and camping light. Narva’s new ‘SeeEzy’ Magnetic Mount, Rechargeable LED under bonnet lamp is backed by a 12 month full warranty and three year LED warranty, and can be purchased from leading automotive and transport outlets nationwide. For more information, visit www.narva.com.au
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CHALLENGER LIFTS Logicar is the sole Australian distributor for these “industry leading” vehicle hoists out of the United Sates Logicar has been distributing hoists and workshop equipment into the Australian automotive industry for over 20 years and believes that the Challenger Lifts range is the best fit for the local market. After eight months of global product research and sending a team of hoist experts to America for technical, commercial and build quality assessment, Logicar says it was clear that Challenger Lifts is a leading supplier of lifts in the American and Canadian markets. With a drive for innovation, Logicar says Challenger Lifts has developed several technological advances over the other global suppliers it assessed to make its automotive lifts efficient, innovative, price competitive and environmentally friendly. Available from Logicar is the Challenger SA10 Two-Post Lift with a 4.53 tonne capacity which can be configured in either the symmetric or asymmetric position. It features three-stage front arms that provide maximum extension and retraction ensuring safe and reliable lifting on all vehicles within rated capacity.
With adjustable height and width options as standard, double telescoping screw pads, durable powder coat finish, plated arm restraints and pins, the SA10 can accommodate the rigorous demands of a full service facility, says Logicar. Alternatively, the high quality 4P14 Surface Mounted 4-Post Lift with a 6.35 tonne capacity is loaded with features including louvered approach ramps, solid piece column construction, automotive wheel stops and with multiple customer purchases and positive customer feedback, this is sure fit for any workshop considering quality and price. For further information on the Challenger Lifts range of hoists, go to www.logicar.com.au 80
MACNAUGHT’S BOP20 BATTERY OPERATED PUMP The solution for managing the everincreasing variety of fluids needed in a modern workshop Modern vehicles require more specialised fluids, if not in the engine then in some other part of the vehicle. This is evident from the growth of new, affordable European vehicles in the Australian car parc. The proliferation of motor vehicle fluids has added more stress to managers and technicians to store and effectively use these multiple fluids in their workshops. Service Managers from the largest dealers to proprietors of the smallest service workshop are always seeking ways to streamline their process. In order to do so, managers are working with suppliers by embracing new innovations across the board in both service techniques and the tools they employ within their work practice. One area of the modern workshop that is falling behind the trend is the dispensing of fluids from 20-litre drums. The current regime of labour intensive manual pumping is still quite the norm despite the fact these 20-litre containers have become more ubiquitous as vehicle requirements have become more specialised. Macnaught’s new BOP20 Battery Operated Pump for 20L drums enables automotive workshops to work more efficiently. The clever use of patent pending technology, combined with innovative design and intuitive operation provides a product that not only solves the problem of fatiguing manual pumps, but also reduces the likelihood of spills and provides an expandable platform of oil handling efficiencies for the business. The BOP20 achieves this in two distinctively integrated ways. Firstly, it employs powerful 18V Lithium Ion battery technology to provide on-demand power for the accurate delivery of specialised oils up to SAE90. Battery power is common in the modern automotive workshop and the BOP20’s Lithium Ion rechargeable battery is complemented with a desk charger to provide a full recharge in just one hour. Secondly, it features a portable, self-priming pump capable of single handedly dispensing oils from 20-litre containers, on-demand. The on-demand feature comes from an internal pressure switching mechanism that senses the fluid pressure when the control nozzle is closed, thereby interrupting the pumping process. Flow resumes when the control nozzle is opened due to the pressure drop in the delivery hose detected by the pressure switching mechanism. Pumping oil from small containers in automotive workshops is a binding association individuals have with the trade and practice using manual pumping equipment. The BOP20 addresses this inefficiency, says Macnaught. Designed and manufactured in Australia, the Macnaught BOP20 is a portable, rechargeable, 18volt battery operated oil pump, designed to improve workshop efficiency and reduce the fatigue inherent in the operation of manual oil pumps. For more information, visit www.macnaught.com.au
GARAGE EQUIPMENT
ACS INTRODUCES TOOL HIRE PROGRAM The tools are available via ACS warehouses around Australia Australian Clutch Services recently announced its new tool hire program for specialised tools required for the removal and installation of a Dual Clutch Transmission clutch assembly or fitment of a self-adjusting pressure plate. The tool hire program has been designed to assist workshops and the ACS nationwide distribution network with the tools needed to ensure an efficient and accurate installation process. “The tool hire program is available to any ACS distributor with the purchase of an associated ACS clutch kit,” Australian Clutch Services Business Development Manager, Colin Jevons, said. “The tools are available via our warehouses around Australia ensuring quick delivery to distributors.” The tool hire program currently consists of specialised tools for dry DCT clutch removal and installation as well as a self-adjusting clutch tool
designed to avoid damage to a self-adjusting pressure plate during installation. “The tools are designed to ensure the best fitment for these kits and allows workshops to take on jobs they may otherwise have been unable to complete,” Colin said. “We encourage workshops that are looking at taking on Dual Clutch Transmission clutch replacements to utilise the tool hire program through their local ACS distributor so that they can progress into this market cost effectively.” ACS continues to develop its already extensive range of specialised clutch tools available for purchase. The range includes a variety of vehicle specific DCT tools, dual mass flywheel testing tools, commercial clutch fitment and testing tools as well as a wide range of general workshop equipment including pressure sprayers and bleeder tools.
ACS also offers a range of flywheel grinding machines for workshops looking to take on flywheel grinding services in-house. For more information on the ACS tool hire program, please visit www.australianclutch.com.au or call 1800 CLUTCH.
INTEREQUIP CONTINUES TO GROW Over its 12 years in business, Interequip has become one of the largest automotive equipment suppliers in Australia The old adage of ‘Trust’ being difficult to create and easy to break is never truer than when talking of equipment, says Interequip. It is here where Interequip says it has the edge, with industry name brands like Powerrex, Autel and Carman scan tools plus Hofmann wheel service products making Interequip “a great choice.” Interequip was founded twelve years ago by husband and wife team, Alex and Ariel. The company explains that Alex’s background of working in Korea and China for automotive equipment manufacturers as a research and design engineer in hoist, scan tool and wheel service equipment companies has resulted in a very robust product range. The company says this depth of understanding of the commitment required to support technical
products has seen it enjoy a slow and steady growth to become one of the largest automotive equipment suppliers in Australia and to also now have direct sales and support employees or distributors in all mainland states, New Zealand and Fiji. “Interequip were the original Australian supplier of Autel scan tools and it still plays a large part in our offering,” Interequip General Manager, Don McEvoy, said. “With the addition of Powerrex hoists (Interequip are the sole Australian importer of the Powerrex range of hoists) we now believe we have a hoist from a quality Korean manufacturer second to none. We already import hoists from manufacturers producing hoists for many name brand companies but the quality we are seeing from Powerrex really is next level.” Recently Interequip consolidated its back up and after sales service in both Victoria and South Australia with new distributors, service agents and employees. “Offering after sales service and support to SA has always been a priority,” Interequip Director, Alex Visser, said. “We felt that this will always be handled best by independent service technicians utilising their own existing networks and customers. This way
we get transparent and honest advice with a long term view of market allegiance.” Brendan Bettes has joined Interequip from a parts company having worked in the automotive equipment industry for 15 years. “Good people are hard to find and Brendan had worked for me ten years ago. I knew he was an honest guy capable of supporting what he sold. So when I needed someone Brendan was a natural fit,” Alex said. Brendan now heads up the Interequip fitting team and Melbourne warehouse, overseeing sales into Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. Added to this is back up in South Australia from Tim Gleeson, a well-known wheel service technician. Help with hoist sales/service is provided by Gary Bailey, a well-known name in the equipment business. Gary comes from a recently closed Adelaide based hoist manufacturer, installing their hoists around the world and in a development role, his experiences are highly valued and respected, explains Interequip. For more information, visit www.interequip.com.au 81
BUSINESS SERVICES
PAYMENT PLANS TO HELP YOUR CUSTOMERS Openpay can assist your customers with their expenses thanks to short-term interest-free payment plans Openpay provides flexible interest-free payment plans to customers across a wide range of industries and has a specialist automotive arm.
upgrade their tyres because of the cost, despite a recommendation by a technician that the tyres needed to be made safe.
The service allows customers to have more time to pay, allowing them to ensure their car is safe and well maintained.
“These financial concerns resulted in around 90 percent of customers either delaying scheduled services – or opting not to have their car serviced at all – despite more than 70 percent saying that a missed service would discourage them from purchasing someone else’s second-hand car.
The business has been operating in the market since 2016 and says it is ramping up its presence in the automotive space across the country, helping customers to pay for those items that are often sacrificed due to cost: such as muchneeded services, tyres, brakes, new parts, protection products, dash cams, parking sensors, extended warranties and more. Openpay’s Head of Automotive, Eric Weitzman, says research conducted by the company on customer attitudes and behaviours around car servicing and payments illustrated how important a service like Openpay is. “Almost 80 percent of respondents said they had been unprepared for a car service bill and many customers were even opting to avoid recommended servicing because of the financial strain,” Eric said. “Almost 60 percent said they opted not to
“More than 90 percent of those surveyed stated that a buy-now, pay-later payment solution would improve their satisfaction with their service.” Openpay reports there are various degrees of usage across its merchant portfolio but that it typically finds those who communicate the benefits of Openpay early on in the conversations with a potential customer, have an average transaction value (ATV) of $1450, and even higher in the aftermarket.
transaction value of a typical service repair order when Openpay was used in the transaction. “Our customers are using Openpay as an upselling tool, a customer retention tool and are offering a payment plan rather a discount. More importantly, they are helping their customer get a safer car back on the road in a more affordable way. “Customers can be signed up to Openpay via an online portal or they can download the Openpay app to their phones. Regardless, the process is seamless, paperless and the merchant gets paid on the next business day.”
“If you walk into any service centre whether they are doing 30 ROs or 80 ROs a day, they are invoicing typically between $400 and $500 per transaction,” Eric said.
Openpay can be used to fund just about any major service or repair. Customers must have a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card account and an Australian drivers licence or passport. Customer fees are relatively small and transparent when compared to a credit card.
“Auto Service centres using Openpay have seen an almost threefold increase in their average
For more information, visit www.openpay.com.au or email eric@openpay.com.au
WEST COAST SUSPENSIONS TALKS MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS The Senior Manager of West Coast Suspensions was recently interviewed by Jiwa about WCS’s use of its products With its origins dating back to 1924, Jiwa explains that West Coast Suspensions (WCS) is the largest manufacturer and supplier of automotive suspension equipment in Western Australia.
“This created problems when it came to reporting because we couldn’t produce reports in the formats we preferred, for example PDF or Microsoft Word. What we clearly needed was an upgrade to a comprehensive Windows-based ERP solution.
WCS has been a Jiwa customer since 2015. Prior to then WCS had been using a midrange business management system to handle accounting and other basic functions, however as business demands grew performance issues began to emerge.
“We checked out a number of business management solutions but only Jiwa met our full list of criteria.
“As our company expanded we could see that our business software system was not keeping up,” West Coast Suspensions Senior Manager, Phil Anderson, said. “Its shipping and inventory control capabilities were limited and, because it was not Windowsbased, it wasn’t compatible with some of our other applications. 82
“Jiwa has extensive reporting, inventory and purchasing functionality, is based on Windows and is relatively affordable, so in the end it was an easy choice for us. “The company’s Jiwa solution provides complete visibility of all the key aspects of WCS’s operations, streamlining critical business processes and providing tight control of shipping and inventory.” Looking to the immediate future, Phil is exploring further customisations to the system.
“As our business requirements expand so will our use of Jiwa”, Phil said. “I’m now looking to introduce some customisations to do with the management of product upsells, where we package up additional products on top of what the customer originally ordered. One thing I’ve learned about Jiwa is that if additional functionality is required it can almost certainly be created.” For a discussion on how Jiwa might work for your business, please contact David Fisk on 0452 215 492 or aaaa@jiwa.com.au
BUSINESS SERVICES
PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD Is your photography up to scratch? Increasingly the demands of eCommerce are requiring more enhanced online retail photography with a trend towards interactive, ‘spinning 360’ and 3D imaging, especially in the automotive industry. 3D Photomation says it can provide ecommerce turnkey solutions, designed to meet everyday business product photography requirements for online websites or catalogue prints. It says it can also offer its photography solutions as a service at a more affordable price for small businesses.
“Our automated solutions can produce stunning images and animations for online marketing that are high in quality and consistency as well as achieving the highest efficiency in photography production workflows, saving both time and money,” 3D Photomation Business Director, William Kartawidjaja, said. “Our range of solutions can produce still shots photography, 360-degree and 3D animations utilising exclusively patented technologies to capture objects on pure white backgrounds or transparent backgrounds. Our images can also be saved in various formats compatible with and responsive to desktop applications as well as mobile devices.” 3D Photomation is a subsidiary of Scorpion Technology Computers, a Online/Retail businesses operating in the IT industry since 1998. “Through Scorpion Technology, we can offer a more complete solution by providing not only photography services, but also expertise in IT hardware and software as well as its related e-commerce services, providing a true one stop shop for all of your business needs,” William said. 3D Photomation has also been the Australian and New Zealand exclusive distributor for Ortery Technologies since 2005, providing local sales, services and support for Ortery branded photography solutions. For more information or a demo, visit www.3dphotomation.com.au or call 1300 437 732. 84
WHY DO MECHANICAL GARAGES NEED 5IQ WORKSHOP SOFTWARE? 5iQ workshop software addresses your customers’ increasing appetite for ‘on demand’ services The automotive industry has undergone serious technological innovation at a rapid pace, making it tough for even the most tech-savvy enthusiast to keep up. Cloud based workshop software like 5iQ has been on the upward trend over the last five years and has brought change and disrupted the normal, says 5iQ Chief Executive Officer, Mark Alfred. “We expect the industry will continue to see rapid growth as more strategic players continue to enter the marketplace, coinciding with the increased utilisation of mobile technologies that have propelled industry operators into the spotlight as they readily employ these new developments in their operations. “Customers today have been spoilt by ‘on demand’ products and services like ordering Pizza, watching Foxtel or Youtube and with services like Afterpay and eBay making it easy, fast and accessible 24/7. “Workshops have no choice but to respond and keep aligned with the trend of mobile technology (apps) in order to survive, thrive and grow. “The communication and distribution of information is critical to keep our customers engaged, loyal and happy. With ‘on demand’ products and services leading the next wave of change, all auto mechanical repair workshops must adapt now!”
Why 5iQ Workshop Software? As we all know, the most important part of our business is our customer, so how do we provide for them? 5iQ says its workshop software suite of products provides mobile apps for workshops to address the increasing appetite for ‘on demand’ services by providing a customer app, technician app, and digital forms app to name a few. • Customer app – a complimentary app linked to your workshop that your customer downloads. Through a live calendar they can book in their cars for logbook services, repairs, tyre maintenance or inspections 24/7. The app also contains other cool features like service history, reminders and even the option to make payments; giving your customer an ‘on demand’ service on a cloud based platform. • Technician app – whether you’re a mobile startup or have a mobile fleet the Technician app will manage your entire workflow
including taking a customer booking; raising a purchase order; performing an inspection report including all images, videos and notes; raising an invoice; and taking payment – all while your time is being tracked on the job. In addition, your customer can sign off the job and rate their experience through the customer survey, giving you insights where to double down and those areas you need to focus on. • Digital Forms app – as a customer, we know that feeling when you are given a paper based service report or inspection report with greasy fingerprints all over it and we just can’t wait to shove it in the glove box. Your customers don’t need to feel that way anymore with 5IQ Digital forms. You can build your own form templates from scratch or upload a PDF, creating a library to choose from. With this library integrated into both the customer and technician app, this allows live and instant updates and approval in real time, fulfilling the appetite for ‘on demand’ products or service. All you need is a tablet or mobile phone and your auto repair or mechanical workshop running on 5iQ workshop software will be able to deliver their customers and technicians that ‘on demand’ product and service, and you don’t even need to lift a finger with 5iQ saying it brings the technology to you. As the demand for cloud based workshop software rises, so will the need for a technology platform that can provide an ‘on demand’ solution along with the traditional workshop software functions like CRM, Customer and Asset Management, Workshop Management, Inventory, Live Scheduling, Marketing, Reports and much more including Supplier, Accounts and Payment integration. You can try 5iQ Workshop Software for as little as $65 / month or start a 14 day free trial now at www.fiiviq.com
BUSINESS SERVICES
CAPRICORN SERVICE DATA Delivering value for Capricorn members Capricorn, Australasia’s largest automotive co-operative, says it has the constant goal of ensuring that its more than 20,000 Members across Australia and New Zealand are always gaining exclusive benefits to make running their businesses easier. It says one important benefit is a complimentary subscription to Capricorn Service Data that all Members receive. Powered by Autodata, Capricorn explains this online resource gives its Members access to highly reliable service information and technical data.
Capricorn Service Data was introduced in 2016 to provide Capricorn Members access to the data they need to repair their customer’s vehicles to manufacturer standards. Capricorn explains this was far more preferable to some workshops in the industry, who were relying on unverified information found via Google searches – information which isn’t always suitable for Australian and New Zealand vehicles. In addition to providing up to date, verified log book service schedules for thousands of vehicles, Capricorn Service Data also provides access to battery disconnect and reconnect procedures; timing belt or chain replacement procedures; fuses and relay searchable locations; tyre pressure monitoring; VIN plate locations; electrical component locations; and much more, making it suitable for workshops of all types. The option also exists for Capricorn Members to upgrade to the full Autodata diagnostic and repair information service. With more than 90,000 Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) including OEM specific codes and hard to find non-standardised codes, the full Autodata diagnostic and repair information service packs many thousands more DTCs than your average scan tool.
Capricorn says there is no doubt that using Capricorn Service Data has made running automotive repair, collision repair or auto electrical specialised businesses so much easier and continues to do so with its constant updates. To find out more about Capricorn Service Data and the other benefits that come with Capricorn Membership, visit www.capricorn.coop
CHANGES TO CHAIN OF RESPONSIBILITY LEGISLATION The COR legislation changes have been impacting all businesses sending or receiving goods since October 2018 Austbrokers ABS would like to remind AAAA members that major changes to the Heavy Vehicle National Law have commenced, with these changes imposing substantial liabilities for all parties involved in the movement of goods by road vehicles in Australia. The new COR legislation means that any company or individual involved in the process of buying or selling products can be held accountable for the safety of the vehicles delivering or sending their
goods, as well as the safety of their drivers and members of the public. Companies and their executives can incur substantial fines and penalties even though they have no direct control over the operation of the road freight companies they deal with. These fines and penalties can still be imposed regardless of whether an accident or event has occurred. Companies will now be required to demonstrate they have in place effective Risk Management to ensure they are dealing with transport companies who actively safeguard their vehicles, drivers and subcontractors.
How Austbrokers ABS can help Cover for these statutory liabilities is not readily available under standard business insurance packages or general liability policies. However, Austbrokers ABS – the appointed brokers for the AAAA – says it is able to secure appropriate coverage under a combination of Management Liability and Supply Chain Risk Cover policies arranged with leading Australian based insurers.
The Supply Chain Risk Cover insures goods from the time they leave overseas or local suppliers premises until the time they are delivered to customers including whilst they are held at intermediate storage facilities, 3PL distribution centres and other storage facilities. The policy also insures legal liabilities and legal expenses that arise in connection with the transport of the goods; including protection for the statutory liabilities introduced by the new COR legislation. To find out more or to obtain an insurance quote that takes into account the particular needs and circumstances of your business, contact Jarrod Franklin of Austbrokers ABS on 02 8567 3122 or jarrod.franklin@austbrokersabs.com. au or visit www.austbrokersabs.com.au *This article from Austbrokers ABS is intended to highlight key risks to your business as a result of the recent change to laws. It should not be relied on as legal advice. It does not cover everything that may be relevant to you and does not take into account your particular circumstances. It is only current as at the date of release. For more information on the changes please refer https://www.nhvr.gov.au/law-policies/heavy-vehicle-national-lawand-regulations
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BUSINESS SERVICES
CASE STUDY: AUDI AIR CONDITIONING FAULT Affected vehicles: Audi A3, A4, A6 2008 – 2013 Autologic says AutologicLive is an invaluable technical support resource uniquely designed to empower technicians to repair vehicles with confidence. Through its dedicated team of OEM-Trained Master Technicians, Autologic explains it is able to provide brand-specific diagnostic support to technicians and workshop owners all over the world. As testament to this, Autologic provides the following information as an example of the guidance provided via AutologicLive in response to a customer support request.
Symptoms Provided: 1. Air conditioning does not work 2. Local data bus fault 3. Possible battery drain 4. Non-start
Affected Vehicles Audi A3 (2008 - 2013), Audi A4 (2008 2013) and Audi A6 (2008 - 2013)
Faults codes presented • 256 refrigerant pressure sensor/temperature sensor G395 (08) A/C electronics
• 3278 function impairment due to missing message (09) Central electrics ECU
Additional Information: Faults in central electrics (09) ‘sender for refrigerant pressure/temperature - implausible signal’ and Air conditioning (08) restricted function because of error value – no signal/ communication.
Cause identification In most cases the refrigerant pressure/ temperature sensor G395/G805 is faulty, but in some cases there is a wiring issue with the LIN (signal feedback) wire which breaks/corrodes in the loom on near the inner front wheel arch.
Repair steps provided by Autologic’s OEM-Trained Master Technician 1. If the pressure sensor G395 has been replaced already and faults are still present, check part number of sensor and software of A/C electronics. If a part number 4H0 959 126 is fitted and a software level/version 050 is present, the A/C control unit will require an update to level/version 060 2. Find the air conditioning pressure sensor
which is found attached to the side of the condensor behind the front grille. The three pin connector will consist of a Power (battery voltage), an earth and a signal (LIN). This can only be accurately tested with an oscilloscope. If the power and earth are ok, try to plug in a substitute sensor, or new. Make sure the faults disappear and pressure reading comes back in live data. 3. If there is still a fault then there will be a wiring fault with the LIN bus wire. Tools Required Multi Meter Parts Required G395/G805 A/C pressure/ Temperature sensor For information on AutologicLive support, visit www.autologic.com
DIGITAL MARKETING: WHERE TO START? AusGarage is ready to help AusGarage is a digital marketing company which specialises in the automotive industry. On any given day, it is working with a wide range of businesses at different stages of their digital marketing programs. One thing it reports seeing consistently is the struggle of businesses trying to enter the digital market – they start signing up for campaigns without knowing what results they truly want to achieve. AusGarage says the simple answer to this problem is strategy. “Everything must start with strategy. Work out what a digital conversion is for your business. It could be a form enquiry, a phone call, a click to a distributor’s site or better yet an online sale,” AusGarage Creative Director, James Payne, said. “Once you know this, you can simply work backwards to find the most cost effective platform that suits your brand.” AusGarage explains there are two main options available for those looking to get started with a digital marketing campaign: Google and Social Media. 86
Google Google AdWords is often a great place for any brand to focus their digital marketing efforts, says AusGarage. “Google’s ad platform covers a great many things, including text based search ads,” James said. “When you search for, for example, ‘tyres Melbourne,’ the first three results at the top of your page will be Google ads. These are simple, straight to the point text ads that drive customers directly to your website and there are few platforms that can rival these ads as by using them correctly, you are hitting the potential customer right at the moment they are in active research or buying mode.”
Social Media (Facebook/Instagram) Social media is incredibly effective and it can be cheap to start off with, but there is a rather large caveat here: AusGarage explains that advertisers often treat Social Media like any other form of advertising where you can just buy space, create an ad and that is your campaign but unfortunately, this isn’t the case. “You need to engage with your audience and work
out how your brand speaks to your customers. Most importantly, you must remember that Social Media gives everyone a voice and how you deal with that is the difference between success and failure,” James said. “Our biggest advice for any business no matter the size is ‘don’t spend money until you have a strategy.’ Work out your goals, the customer journey, your messaging and then you can work on the distribution through digital channels.” If you find yourself stuck with this or are just looking for an outside opinion, AusGarage encourages you to contact its Account Director Bernard Raffaut on 0439 602 763. AAAA members can even access discounts on AusGarage services as part of the company’s commitment to supporting the Aftermarket Industry. For more information, visit www.ausgarage.com.au
FUTURE AUTO INNOVATIONS
AUTO INDUSTRY REMAKING THE HUMAN-MACHINE RELATIONSHIP, ONE CAR AT A TIME Despite massive advances in robotics and digitalisation that would appear to threaten auto-manufacturing jobs, in this article AutoMate’s Harrison Boudakin says OEMs are in fact seeking to build a healthier relationship between human and machine, bringing significant benefits to workers in the process Perhaps more than any other industrial sector over the last 30 years, automotive manufacturing has been the one most visibly and symbolically scorched by the flamethrower of globalisation, and its equally-disruptive twin: automation. While both have unlocked galloping technological and economic opportunities for many, they have also – in the case of manufacturing – forced upon workers the prospect of unbeatable offshore competition, and in particular, the threat of robotically-induced obsolescence. Australia, barely two years after the closure of its last major automotive production line, is an example of this phenomenon stretched to its most acute and final form. But even those nations with a still-thriving manufacturing base now face core questions about what the production line of the future looks like, and more importantly, what role the human worker will play in the manufacturing equation of tomorrow. Unsurprisingly, it is the German auto sector that is leading the way in ‘evolutionising’ the answer to this key question. Though always spurred by a relentless quest for efficiency and productivity, Germany also has a vested interest in protecting its large automotive
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workforce from the cutting effects of increased automation – not least because the threat of mass job losses in the automotive sector is as much a social issue as a political one there. For manufacturers such as Porsche, arguably the most German of German automakers, this means the imperative to marry long-term job security with ever-strengthening levels of productivity is real – and nowhere are their efforts to achieve this more evident than in Leipzig: the former East-German city that is home to Porsche’s most advanced and most important factory. It is here that the company is laying down a blueprint for the automotive factory of the future: one that seeks to use the very latest advancements in data-driven robotics and humancentred automation, to enhance the role of the production line worker, increase the efficiency of their outputs, and in doing so safeguard their jobs in a changing, globalised production market. Porsche’s belief is that automation need not threaten workers; instead, it sees it as a way to add value to the people-driven processes that still make up a substantial part of vehicle manufacturing. This new approach to the humanmachine relationship has been spurred by an
unusual, but very significant catalyst: the need to defuse the country’s ticking demographic time bomb, as an ageing workforce struggles to maintain themselves in what are typically labourintensive manufacturing jobs. With its economy so keenly dependent on automotive manufacturing, the challenge for German car makers is to transform the risk posed by its ageing employee base into an opportunity to extend the working life and productivity of workers. To that end, Porsche’s plant at Leipzig has been quite rapidly transformed into a haven for human-assisting, production line automation. Where before workers would stand awkwardly beneath Macan body shells and bend upwards to tighten bolts on the chassis, now the two-tonne SUVs spin down through a 90 degree arc on
FUTURE AUTO INNOVATIONS
enormous, robotic conveyors, bringing the work to the humans at an ergonomically-perfect height and angle. On the other side of the facility, hydraulicallycontrolled swivel chairs pivot employees directly underneath Panameras, allowing them to comfortably inspect underbody fittings without performing any ergonomic contortions. And for those jobs where heavy lifting is simply unavoidable, Porsche now fits workers with body-hugging exoskeletons, which are worn like backpacks and essentially provide physical support to the arms, reducing as they do the potential for injury through repetitive strain. Of course, dealing with an ageing workforce is only one part of Porsche’s ongoing efforts to better co-mingle human and machine in its production facilities. Beyond the physical world
of robotics and production-line automation, the realm of augmented and virtual reality provides an enormous vista of opportunity for a company such as Porsche, and it’s one it has seized with a vengeance at Leipzig. Using a system dubbed ‘Inno Space,’ Porsche is able to simulate a factory environment using a virtual reality headset, allowing new production processes to be tested without disrupting the regular operation of the plant, with a view to integrating them after validation in the simulator. Augmented reality – essentially a combination of a virtual reality projection with objects in the physical world – is also now being deployed as an advanced training tool for production line workers, where employees can practice a physical process whilst viewing graphical overlays and instructions through AR glasses.
Porsche is particularly proud of its so-called “look and feel” test. In this instance, CAD data for a specific vehicle is fed into a tablet, which is then held in front of the real vehicle as it moves down the production line. The CAD image is superimposed over the live image as the worker moves the tablet around, making any manufacturing flaws – however minor – instantly visible. The result is a new level of quality control that goes well beyond the objective limits of human eyesight, without excluding the worker from the process. Encouragingly, Porsche is not the only manufacturer deploying such augmented and virtual reality technology. Mercedes, Volvo, Mitsubishi and BMW – among others – are all trialling different versions of the tech – and benefitting greatly from the opportunity to increase the value of their production line workers through digitalisation, while also boosting quality standards and overall line productivity at the same time. In a sense, then, one may very well argue that there has never been a more exciting time to be involved in the automotive space at a production line level. Far from seeking to obliterate workers into obsolescence with mass robotisation and total digitalisation, automakers are striving towards a mutually-beneficial equilibrium between human and machine. In this case, what’s being produced is a wealth of opportunity for existing and future production line employees, as manufacturers look to not only meet the challenges of a changing technological landscape, but also use the blank canvas the digital world offers us, to define a new – and better – role for the humans within it. Written by Harrison Boudakin for AutoMate Training, an industry leading provider of online, on-demand digital training. Visit www.automatetraining.com for a free 14-day trial. 89
TRADE TALK
FRANK HUTCHINSON CELEBRATES 50 YEARS
Fifty years is a long time to have been facing the challenge of designing, manufacturing and exporting automotive spare parts, but Terrain Tamer’s Founder and Managing Director Frank Hutchinson is celebrating that exact milestone this year, with the company he started in suburban Melbourne in 1969 With only a few short years of experience learning about Bedford trucks as a parts interpreter for General Motors agent GV Clarke, Frank and his colleague Don Kyatt ventured out on their own with little more than $600 between them in 1969. What they lacked in cash, they made up for with their computer like minds for parts interpreting; acute will to serve; sheer determination; and hard work. In the early days Frank would start his day at 6am, visiting local workshops to take orders. He couldn’t afford to keep many parts on hand, so instead he would then visit individual suppliers to fulfil each of the orders before delivering them back to his customers. “We didn’t even have enough money to pay ourselves wages at that stage, let alone keep hundreds of different parts, but a lot of our customers thought we must have had one of the biggest parts supplies in Melbourne and because I would deliver the orders, no one ever knew any different,” Frank explained. As the company’s reputation grew, so too did their business, expanding to a second location in West Melbourne. Don retired early on, with Frank buying out his half of the business before taking it interstate and eventually internationally. Over the years he grew it into the success story it is today, boasting more than 120 staff and 14 branches across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Europe and most recently, Papua New Guinea. While Frank continued to sell the Bedford truck parts he had started his business with, he also recognised the need to expand his range. He had been selling a few Land Rover parts since the early days, but it was tour operator Bill King – who pioneered tour groups through the outback in the 1970s with Bill King’s Northern Safaris and formed what is today known as AAT Kings – that really made Frank take notice of the need for strong, durable 4WD parts. Unable to fit many people in his Land Rover, Bill bought an M-Series Bedford to do the job instead, and was able to start sourcing parts from Frank, who was just up the road from his Melbourne headquarters. 90
Soon after, Frank sourced two Bedford 4WD truck chassis out of Germany that had been completely knocked down and sold them to Bill, knowing that these would be the perfect size for his tours and would fit a lot more people. As they put the vehicles back together, they managed to convert them to right-hand drive, and Bill could finally expand his tour numbers with reliable vehicles that were ready to go. If he ever needed replacement parts, and he often did in Australia’s harsh and unforgiving outback, Bill would come straight back to Frank. He liked the service and Frank was able to provide him with parts that would not only fit his vehicles, but last the distance. “Working with Bill on those early tours was a real eye opener,” Frank remembers. “It really showed us what the Australian outback was capable of doing to a vehicle, and what needed to be better and stronger. That formed a lot of the basis for what would become our Terrain Tamer brand.” From there, the journey for Frank and Terrain Tamer of researching, designing, testing and manufacturing 4WD parts that are equal to or stronger than their original equipment equivalent began.
Frank Hutchinson In 1979, Frank advertised for a motor mechanic and hired the one applicant who responded, a cocky mechanic he remembered from his time at GV Clarke, named Jim Dean. At the time, this meant they were able to offer mechanical maintenance and engine reconditioning, but it would mark the beginning of a 40-year working relationship that would see Jim eventually become the General Manager of the company, spearheading many of Terrain Tamer’s innovative programs and initiatives. Jim’s mechanical background allowed him to work closely with Frank to design practical solutions to the common problems that customers would report, and was key in researching and designing a modified input shaft for the Toyota Landcruiser 79 series, one of Terrain Tamer’s earliest innovations.
TRADE TALK
The shaft essentially increased the strength of the gearbox by up to three times and was one of the most popular parts in Terrain Tamer’s range at the time, one of the first of many that the brand could claim improved on the OE counterpart. “No-one was really improving on parts back when we started,” Frank says. “I’d mentioned the idea to many people and was always met with the same reply – why would you? Genuine was the pinnacle and they weren’t interested in fixing what they didn’t think was broken, but so many of these parts just weren’t standing up to what they needed to do.” As 4WDs have increasingly become the vehicle of choice for industries and drivers, the problems that Frank assisted Bill King with all those years ago have now become the problems of mine operators, cattle station owners and recreational
drivers around the world, and are constantly presenting Terrain Tamer with new parts to modify and new challenges to solve. Many of Terrain Tamer’s more recent innovations have been driven by finding solutions to address the challenges of the mining industry, where vehicles work all night and day in extremely harsh conditions, and the constant maintenance of vehicles comes at a considerable expense. Terrain Tamer reports one mine where vehicles worked constantly in underground slush, in conditions so trying that if they didn’t change brake pads every five days, they’d have to change both the pads and the rotors every seven.
condition as fast as possible, Terrain Tamer designed parts such as its Heavy-Duty Break Pads and High-Performance Disc Rotor range out of a need for improved parts that will last months, not days.
Original Equipment componentry isn’t built for this kind of environment, says Frank, so knowing that these mines maintain a huge fleet of vehicles and that they need vehicles back in working
“Having ten or twenty vehicles off the road at a time obviously isn’t ideal,” Frank said. “Time is expensive for any mechanic but especially in the mines, so we work on developing parts and solutions to help them save time and money on constant ordering and maintenance.” After 50 years, Terrain Tamer is still privately owned, exports into more than 80 countries around the world and boasts an unmatched catalogue of more than 40,000 different part numbers, but Frank says this is only part of what has made his business so successful. “Customers want supply, of course, but above that, they want service, they want to be treated well, and of course they want quality. We’ve just always tried to help them in all of those areas,” he said. “I think our success and our longevity is a reflection of the passion all of our staff have for the brand, and the culture of listening, problem solving and hard work that has been our point of difference since day one.” For more on Terrain Tamer, visit www.terraintamer.com.au 91
CONSUMER LAW
BATTLE OF THE FORMS Whose Terms and Conditions Apply? The ‘battle of the forms’ is a phrase used to describe a situation where opposing parties to a transaction each provide their terms and conditions to the other party in an effort to have their terms and conditions apply to the transaction. When this situation arises it may be difficult to ascertain whose terms and conditions apply.
Why is confusion over which terms and conditions apply an issue? It is valuable to know which terms and conditions apply for several reasons, including: • It can be costly to resolve a dispute over which terms and conditions apply; and • Knowing which terms and conditions apply can assist you to efficiently resolve issues that arise under the transaction, such as delayed delivery. This may avoid disputes with the other party and maintain business relationships. It is also likely that your terms and conditions contain terms that protect your business, such as limitation of liability provisions. These protections may not be available to you under the other party’s terms and conditions. This can make succeeding in the ‘battle of the forms’ desirable.
How can confusion over which terms and conditions apply arise? It is likely that your business will engage in a series of communications in relation to a business transaction with another party, during which each party may provide the other party with different terms and conditions. For example, a supplier sends a quote for goods to a purchaser attaching the supplier’s terms and conditions, the purchaser sends a purchase order to the supplier which attaches the purchaser’s terms and conditions, following which the supplier supplies the goods to the purchaser. Such scenarios may lead to confusion over which terms and conditions apply to the transaction.
How is it determined which terms and conditions apply? A central contractual principle to determining which terms and conditions apply is the principle of ‘offer’ and ‘acceptance’. Under this principle a contract is formed when party A makes an offer which is accepted by party B without party B changing party A’s offer. In a simple scenario, such as the scenario set out above, the person who is the last to provide their terms and conditions is likely to have their terms and conditions apply, for example: 92
• The supplier makes an ‘offer’ to the purchaser by sending the quote to supply goods together with the supplier’s terms and conditions. • The purchaser sends a purchase order to the supplier together with the purchaser’s terms and conditions, this is not acceptance of the supplier’s terms and conditions but a ‘counter-offer.’ • The supplier receives the purchase order and the purchaser’s terms and conditions and proceeds to supply the goods to the purchaser. It is likely that the supplier by its conduct of proceeding to supply the goods after receipt of the purchaser’s terms and conditions will be considered to have ‘accepted’ the purchaser’s counter-offer, meaning the purchaser’s terms and conditions are likely to apply. However, the scenario provided above is a simple scenario and the conduct of the parties may complicate the question of whose terms and conditions apply. In determining which terms and conditions apply the court will consider the party’s conduct in forming the contract. As a result, it is important to be clear about your intentions regarding the terms and conditions.
What practical steps can be taken? The following practical steps may assist you to avoid confusion over which terms and conditions apply to a transaction and may also assist your terms and conditions succeed in the ‘battle of the forms’: • Clearly write that your terms and conditions apply to the business transaction and attach a copy of the terms and conditions, for example if you are a supplier providing a quote expressly refer to the terms and conditions and attach the terms and conditions to the communication. • Refer to the terms and conditions in all documents comprising the contract, including for example a credit application, a quote and invoices. • If you wish to make a counter-offer (to have your terms and conditions apply), clearly write that you do not accept the terms and conditions, that your terms and conditions apply and attach your terms and conditions to the communication. • Do not engage in any conduct regarding performance of the contract if the parties are still resolving which terms and conditions apply to a transaction or are otherwise negotiating the particulars of the terms and conditions for a transaction. • Be consistent in how you approach business transactions generally and within a specific
business relationship. For example, provide your terms and conditions to all new clients and provide your terms and conditions with each quote (whether or not the client is new or existing). If you and the other party cannot agree on which terms and conditions will apply, consider reviewing the terms and conditions of the other party. Although they are likely to be in favour of the other party, the terms may still be reasonable and you may be able to negotiate the particulars of any unreasonable or risky terms.
Further consideration The value in having the terms and conditions of your business apply to a transaction is dependent on the extent to which the terms and conditions favour your business, whether the terms and conditions adequately address matters relating to the supply of goods or services, and whether the terms and conditions contravene the unfair contract terms regime set out in the Australian Consumer Law (if applicable).
Takeaways • Be clear in your communications regarding your terms and conditions applying to the transaction and whether you accept or reject the other party’s terms and conditions. • Be consistent in your approach to new and existing clients in providing your terms and conditions. • Do not commence performing the contract, for example deliver goods, until it is clear which terms and conditions apply. • Review your terms and conditions to consider if they protect your business and address matters relevant to the supply of goods or services.
AAAA Member Benefits Industry Legal Group provides advice to members on commercial law matters. If you have any questions relating to the above case, please contact Industry Legal Group on 1300 369 703 or aaaa@industrylegalgroup.com.au
INSIDE INVENTORY
AT LEAST TWO MOVES AHEAD Remember when you used to play chess, playing against your brother or sister, or even the first time you beat your Dad? One of the things you learned early was that to play well you had to think ahead: at least two moves and although it could do your head in, more if you could. Was your sister going to fall into your artful trap and lose her Queen after she delightedly toppled your pawn? You learned to recognise patterns of play and how to respond. You knew how to account for the economies of battle. Were your sacrifices going to turn into strategic advantages? Inventory management is in many ways just like a game of chess. To play well you do have to think several moves ahead and you must be aware of your situation. Have you got plenty of stock, or are you constrained and you will have to move each piece of stock ever so carefully? Are some pieces of stock more important than others? Should they be moved differently? Why? How?
When do you need Safety Stock? An easy example of having to think at least two moves ahead is to explore the question of ‘if you have a seasonal product, when do you need to order extra safety stock?’ The trite answer would be, ‘well, at the start of the season obviously’ – but that could be very wrong. You actually need to order AND receive safety stock BEFORE you experience increased volatility, otherwise you have no capacity to react. In other words, you have to think two moves ahead, considering not just what you must order in the replenishment when the season starts, but you must also think of the replenishment before that. As an example, think of a seasonal product which is sold most strongly in winter. This example assumes a sales rate of one a month normally but for May through to July, the sales rate trebles and so does the volatility. In Summer, you have a minimum of one and a maximum of two, but in the three month winter season you have to increase this. Let’s also assume a two month lead time and monthly ordering. In January you are ordering for March; there is already one in safety stock so you just need one unit of cycle stock. In February however you need to think ahead as you must have an extra two in safety stock before the expected
increase in demand in May. So you order three: one for the expected sales in April and an extra two to build your safety stock ready for May. This is because you cannot wait to receive the extra stock in May because by the time it arrives, if extra demand hits a few weeks early you will be too late. So, in March and April you order three on each occasion, to maintain the higher seasonal level of safety stock and to replace the seasonal cycle stock. However you also have to look at this in reverse on the tail end of the season as you run down your safety stock and not get stuck with excess that could take six plus months to quit. In this case, in May right at the start of the season, you only order one. Why? Well you want three for the extra demand for July at the end of the season but you also wish to run down safety stock from three to one, so the net amount required to order is now only one. Now this is a simple example to illustrate the need to think ahead, however what happens if the product has a very high gross margin? Should you in fact hold on to more safety stock in July and run the risk of carrying some excess for a period thereafter? What happens to all this if you wish to raise your service level substantially? Should you be more bullish early in the season, and more conservative later? Now imagine trying to consider these conundrums for 10-20,000 products in your product range. Daunting? Clearly hard to do. Just as computers evolved to play better chess games, is it time to let a smarter policy driven inventory planning system help you play better?
A lot to consider In chess you might remember rules like the Bishop can only move diagonally, and the Rook can only move forward, back, left or right. There is a lot to consider when you are planning your strategy. How did Dad react last time? It is similar with inventory management. Should you order two years of stock from a supplier that insists on a high MOQ even though they only offer you a 10 percent cost advantage? If transport costs are high should you order more even though that will lead to short term excess? If so, which products are OK to take that risk on and achieve a higher reward?
Stick to your strategy You will have setbacks occasionally. It is important to stick to your strategy even though periodically it will not work. You want to succeed much more often than you fail and your moves should be considered and not impulsive or reckless.
One of the things the Horizon Inventory software does is to evaluate any pockets of excess that may exist. For every purchase order or stock move, it evaluates potentially many business cases to assess if it is better to order new stock externally or better to move stock that is gathering dust in a remote branch somewhere. However, if/when the business case suggests an excess move and the branch manager insists on keeping the stock they ‘own,’ then the strategy can fall down and you either fail to order the extra stock for warehouses that really can shift it, and you lose sales, or else your overall stock turns suffer. Working out a good strategy and rigorously implementing it consistently over time can help you play a better game and win more often.
Stay nimble MOQs and Pack Sizes are the bane of many industries in Australia and the automotive industry is beset by them especially for slow movers. If your normal mode of operation is to import into each of your DCs because freight is much cheaper that way, you may find as products become more mature, you need to adjust your strategy. Maybe it is better to import into one warehouse and put up with the MOQ there, and then cross dock to other warehouses that require stock but cannot justify the MOQ. The Horizon Inventory software will help you make that choice automatically. You can order for one warehouse and plan to cross dock to the others when stock is expected to be received and then when the stock arrives, the system can reassess the situation and decide a different split across the warehouses. This means you can adjust your implementation based on what has happened in the time between order placement and the stock’s arrival. Decisions, decisions! Well they don’t have to do your head in. You remember that time you beat your Dad – did he actually play dumb and let you win? Maybe? That of course will not happen with real life inventory management. Competition is fierce and those with a better game will win, so the question is, are you ready to become a Grand Master?
For further information consult www.horizoninventory.com.au or email info@horizoninventory.com.au 93
PRTC
ANTI-LAG VALVE RELEASED From Turbosmart The all-new addition to the Turbosmart line-up is the fresh air ALV40 (Anti-Lag Valve) for motorsport applications. Featuring a 40mm valve diameter and a purpose designed actuator housing, multiple fittings are also supplied for ease of fitment and fabrication. The fresh air valve allows for incoming charged fresh air from the turbo to be diverted safely into the exhaust manifold pre-turbine wheel with the throttle at low opening angles to allow for safer spooling of the turbocharger without the potentially damaging throttle based late combustion event style anti-lag that can induce high engine stresses and break connecting rods. The ALV is a sealed twin chamber design with the top port being the primary control port, the spring is designed to open under vacuum conditions to allow for the air to bypass into the exhaust manifold, the lower chamber for twin port control methods, to control the valve irrespective of manifold pressure and shaft seal allows for leak proof operation.
SQUARING THE CIRCLE Bilstein in the World Rallycross Championship Tough wheel-to-wheel duels, spectacular drifts on gravel and asphalt, and 600-horsepower racing cars that accelerate faster than a Formula 1 racing car – that’s what rallycross is all about. Since last year, Bilstein says it has been successfully involved in this particularly fascinating motorsport discipline.
What is Rallycross? Rallycross is particularly spectatorfriendly because large parts of the track can be seen by the fans on site. Up to six cars compete against each other in short, action-packed races. The circuits have both asphalt and gravel parts and are usually only a little longer than one kilometre. Most rallycross races go over five to eight laps, depending on the championship. The so-called “joker lap” is a slower alternative route of the course and has to be driven through once per race. In four qualifying runs (“qualifying heats”) the drivers must qualify for the semi-final. The 12 fastest pilots of the qualifying runs will compete in two semi-finals with six starters each. The winner and the runners-up in each semi-final qualify for the final run in which the winner is determined.
Successful start into rallycross After one year with Marklund Motorsport in the European Rallycross Championship, which Anton Marklund finished with the vice-champion, Bilstein starts 2019 in the Rallycross World Championship, the “FIA World Rallycross Championship”. Together with the team of the four-time ski freeride world champion and rallycross specialist Guerlain Chicherit, this year’s World Championships will take place on four continents.
Highest demands on the shock absorbers
Included in Box:
For Bilstein, rallycross also means a return to unpaved ground – with all the challenges that gravel and the mega-jumps that are almost obligatory for rallycross bring with it. Above all, it is these jumps that have conjured up a bead of sweat or two on the forehead of Bilstein’s motorsport specialists. According to Bilstein Motorsport Engineer Daniel Pitsch, the damping forces required for the sometimes very violent jumps are the greatest challenge. Overall, the development of rallycross shock absorbers resembles the squaring of the circle. After all, the shock absorbers also have to work on different surfaces.
• Turbosmart Gen-V ALV • Valve Seat • Inlet V-band Clamp • Inlet Hose Adapter 1-1/2” OD • Outlet V-Band Clamp • Inlet Weld Flange 1-1/2” OD • Collar Tool • Fitting Kit • Inlet O-ring The ALV and its accessories are available to purchase now.
For the Renault Mégane supercars of GC Kompetition, Bilstein developed completely new shock absorbers in winter, which are five-fold adjustable. Bilstein says its many years of experience in longdistance motorsport is a key advantage here, because just like most GT cars, the GCK Mégane also has double wishbone wheel suspensions.
For more information, visit www.turbosmart.com
For more from Bilstein, visit www.bilstein.com
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Anton Marklund: Want to be at the top of the podium The first races of the season were very positive for Bilstein and GCK. But in view of the strong competition in the World Rallycross Championship, Anton Marklund, as of yet, still refrains from bragging. “My goal, of course, is to finish in the front places. We did a lot of development work in the winter and I think we will continue to develop the car together with GCK and BILSTEIN throughout the season to hopefully be at the top of the podium before the end of the season,” Anton said.
PRTC
THE IDRIVE THROTTLE CONTROLLER Reportedly “the fastest growing performance accessory of 2019” With the changing landscape of the Australian Automotive Industry (shutting down on-shore manufacturing, higher reliance on manufacturer servicing, the ever-increasing complexity of motor vehicles, tighter regulations on aftermarket accessories and now the threat of higher trade tariffs on exports/imports); never before has it been more important to diversify and look for products that can create a new revenue stream for your automotive business. This is where the iDRIVE comes in, says those behind the product. “The iDRIVE Throttle Controller from iDRIVE Australia is fast becoming one of the most highly sought-after performance accessories on the Australian market,” iDRIVE Australia Marketing Manager, Daniel Barrah, said. “Not only does it reduce throttle lag, improve ramp up acceleration power and put a smile on the face of every single customer; it is an incredibly easy and effective product to retail.” The iDRIVE is suitable for most cars made after 2000 with either diesel or petrol engines and can be programmed to both automatic and manual
transmissions. The iDRIVE plugs directly into your factory pedal command module and can generally be installed in as little as five minutes. “Every unit is backed by a lifetime warranty and 30-day money back guarantee, the unit itself takes up very little shelf space and comes ready to be dispatched,” Daniel said.
So how does it work? The iDRIVE throttle controller works in two main ways. First, it modifies the voltage signal from the flyby-wire pedal assembly to allow you to tune the responsiveness of your accelerator pedal and greatly reduce throttle lag. The iDRIVE does this by providing new points of reference for the vehicle’s throttle mapping. It is still working within the standard parameters; however, it introduces a far sharper throttle curve. Secondly the iDRIVE is bringing the throttle in earlier during the pedal stroke, opening the throttle at a faster rate than the factory pedal range. “By opening the throttle faster, we have seen
increases in acceleration ramp up power of as high as 20 percent,” Daniel said. The iDRIVE has four different driving modes – Normal, Economy, Ultimate and Adaptive Automatic – and more than 20 adjustable settings, ensuring there is the perfect throttle response for any driving style or situation. “With more than one million new cars being sold every year in Australia and every single one of them having a drive-by-wire throttle system, the prospective market for the iDRIVE Throttle controller has never been higher,” Daniel said. For more information or a free iDRIVE to test for yourself, please contact iDRIVE Australia on 03 8740 1170 or sales@idriveaustralia.com.au
DAYCO TEAMS WITH PRO-AM ACE Dayco has partnered with Roger Lago for the 2019 Porsche Carrera Cup Championship Dayco, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of engine products and drive systems for the automotive, industrial and aftermarket industries, has formed a marketing alliance with leading Pro-Am driver Roger Lago for the 2019 Porsche Carrera Cup Championship. Roger, a highly experienced Australian Carrera Cup and GT racing driver, has competed at the top end of the Pro-Am category for several seasons and is a former Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Champion. He raced to fifth in the 2018 Tag Heuer Pro-Am Championship and is currently third in the 2019 Pro-Am standings with five rounds remaining. Dayco has previously enjoyed success with the Brisbane based driver both in local and international GT racing and during Roger’s past Carrera Cup seasons as an associate sponsor. The 2019 season finds Roger’s Porsche 911 GT3 emblazoned with the Dayco logo in a bold new gloss black livery that sure made a major impact at its racing debut at Victoria’s Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit for the third round of the national championship in April. This addition to Dayco’s Australasian motorsport
program now finds the premium quality automotive aftermarket brand promoted in Supercars with Cameron Waters in his Monster Racing Tickford Mustang, in the Blancpain World Challenge Asia GT Series with Dayco Ambassador David Russell and the HubAuto Corsa Ferrari team and again with David in selected Australian GT Endurance Championship races and Supercar endurance races this season. This forms an exciting and comprehensive Australian and Asia Pacific high exposure marketing platform for the Dayco brand. “We are delighted to have Roger Lago race with Dayco in the world’s fastest one make series this season,” Dayco Asia Pacific Vice President, Arnold Mouw, said. “We have known Roger and his team through our brand ambassador David Russell for several years now, so when the opportunity came for us to become a part of his team, we were excited to be involved in such a prestigious and dynamic racing category. “As a leading European aftermarket component manufacturer and as OE component suppliers to Porsche, this alliance makes a lot of marketing sense.
“The livery looks incredible and we are sure that our trade customers will enjoy the close Carrera Cup racing both at the high profile Supercar events and on television.” The 2019 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia rounds are all held in conjunction with Supercar events with all races broadcast live on Foxsports. The remaining 2019 rounds include Darwin June 14-16, Townsville July 5-7, The Bend Aug 23-25, the Bathurst 1000 Oct 10-13 and the Gold Coast 600 Oct 25-27. For more from Dayco, visit www.dayco.com.au
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HR
MANAGING EMPLOYEES – THE WARNING PROCESS Employer Assist often receives calls from employers who are dealing with employees who are not performing their duties to a standard reasonably expected or who are engaging in unsatisfactory workplace conduct In these circumstances, Employer Assist advises the employer to issue the offending employee with a written warning which sets out clear expectations and consequences for the employee. This article details the preferred process employers should take when issuing an employee with a formal warning.
Step One - Identify the issues Before discussing the matter with the employee, it is important that you identify the issue/s so that you can clearly articulate your concerns with the employee. Does the issue relate to the employee’s performance or conduct? Has there been a breach of the employment contract or a policy? Has the employee failed to follow a reasonable and lawful direction? If the issue relates to the employee’s duties, you should review the employee’s contract of employment, letter of offer and position description in order to confirm that the employee has been instructed to perform those duties. Alternatively, if the issue relates to the employee’s conduct, you should review any workplace policies which might relate to such conduct. The policy may include a formal process which should be followed to address the issue. It is important to record any times and dates that the employee has not performed or has engaged in unsatisfactory conduct. Particularly if the issue relates to the employee’s failure to follow directions. It is not uncommon for employers to identify a combination of the above.
Step Two – Investigate the issue You should take steps to investigate the matter before you issue the employee with the warning letter. It is important to provide procedural fairness to the employee and to have gathered
all facts and evidence before proceeding to the formal warning stage. This may even involve meeting with any employees involved to obtain their statements. If the issue was raised by a customer, if appropriate you may need to discuss the matter with the customer or review the complaint in detail. It may even be necessary to have a preliminary discussion with the relevant employee.
Step Three – Prepare warning letter Once you have completed the above steps, you should put the warning in writing. If the issue is only a minor issue, a first warning should be sufficient. However, if the issue is more serious, a first and final warning would be more appropriate. It is best to seek advice before making a decision about how best to proceed. The main elements of a warning letter include: 1. Details of the performance or conduct issue; 2. Why the performance or conduct is unsatisfactory; 3. If the issue involves a breach of contract or workplace policy, refer to the document and provide the employee with a copy; 4. Details of expectations of the employee going forward and actions required by the employee; 5. If appropriate, a timeframe for improvement; and 6. Confirm that if the performance or conduct issue does not improve, disciplinary action may be taken against the employee up to and including termination of the employee’s employment. Note: The above is a guide only and as warnings are regularly relied upon in the case of unfair dismissal applications it is best to seek advice before attempting to draft your own warning letters.
Step Four – Meet with the employee Once you have prepared the warning letter, you should arrange a meeting with the employee to discuss the issue and allow the employee to respond. Whilst you are providing them with an opportunity to respond this does not mean that you have an obligation to change your mind. You can simply accept the employee’s response and proceed if they have not provided you with any new information. Note: Always ensure that you provide the employee with an opportunity to have a support person present at any disciplinary meeting. 96
You can provide the employee with a copy of the warning letter at the meeting or email it to them afterwards.
Step Five – Follow up Once a warning letter has been issued, you should monitor the employee to ensure their performance or conduct has improved. If a timeframe or review date was included in the warning letter, it is important that you have a review meeting with the employee in accordance with the letter. This will show that you are treating the matter seriously. If the employee’s performance or conduct has not improved, further disciplinary action may be required up to and including termination of the employee’s employment. For instance, a show cause process may be appropriate where the employee has not made any attempts to improve or has continued to perform poorly or engage in unsatisfactory conduct. If the warning letter was a final warning and the employee has not improved, termination may be the next step. Before you proceed to termination, you should contact Employer Assist to discuss the process and obtain advice on whether the process has been procedurally fair and your grounds for termination can be relied upon.
AAAA Member Benefits Employer Assist can provide advice and assistance with all employment matters, including warning, show cause, termination and other disciplinary processes. Please contact Employer Assist on 1300 735 306 or aaaa@employerassist.com.au