Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine - March 2021 by aaaa710

MARCH 2021

DRIVING PASSION IN SPORT AND BUSINESS

AUTO ELECTRICAL AND LIGHTING

INJECTRONICS HYBRID BATTERY REMANUFACTURING EXCHANGE PROGRAM LAUNCHED

ABOUT THE COVER NAPA Auto Parts overcame the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver significant network expansion through 2020, launching 17 new branches in five states across Australia

REGULAR DEPARTMENTS Calendar................................................ 4 New Members........................................ 4 AAAA Report ......................................... 5 News..................................................... 6 Products.............................................. 28

Consumer Law...................................... 96 HR Matters.......................................... 97 4WD.................................................. 102 Storefront.......................................... 104

KEEPING YOU INFORMED AAAA says Government should act on ‘hidden’ telematics............................................... 7 ACS: Brenton Jordan’s story of success......................................................................... 8 Vale: Jim Dean......................................................................................................... 10 AAAA website updated.............................................................................................. 11 Garrett Connect launched.......................................................................................... 12 Australian 4WD Parts & Accessory Manufacturing........................................................ 13 Skilled technicians = business success....................................................................... 17 ESG strategy at the forefront of BAPCOR’s success...................................................... 18

FEATURES Cover Story: NAPA Auto Parts continues to grow........................................................... 20 Technofile: IVS 360 team tackles timing chain rattle .................................................. 22 Product R&D: ZF Aftermarket - Key to success of TRW Braking range.............................. 24 Member Feature: RYCO Filters - Racing to drive innovation............................................ 54 Auto Electrical and Lighting: Keeping on top of electrical and lighting nuances................. 56 Brake, Clutch & Driveline: All the latest on brake, clutch & driveline................................ 74 Trade Talk: Scott Pedder - Driving passion in sport and business .................................. 94 Members in Motorsport: Penrite: Driving forward innovation on all levels.......................... 98

Publisher Cameron McLachlan for The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association ABN 23 002 271 454

CAB Audited

7 – 8 Bastow Place, Mulgrave VIC 3170, Australia Phone: 03 9545 3333 Fax: 03 9545 3355 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

Official publication of the AAAA

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 2021-2022

A V Gas LPG Installations 78 Rawson Road WOY WOY NSW 2256 Ph: 02 4343 1065 E: avgaslpg@bigpond.net.au AAAAY Mobile Mechanic 32 Statesman Drive KURUNJANG VIC 3337 Ph: 0407 304 833 E: peternaudi69@gmail.com Auto One Melville 164 Leach Highway MELVILLE WA 6156 Ph: 08 9329 2555 E: MattL@magicent.com.au Baw Automotive C1 & C2 / 194 Zillmere Road BOONDALL QLD 4034 Ph: 0488 788 224 E: info@bawauto.com.au BMTech 295 Canterbury Road CANTERBURY VIC 3126 Ph: 03 9836 1888 E: joe@bmtech.com.au Bosch Car Service Leederville 4 Bermondsey Street LEEDERVILLE WA 6007 Ph: 08 6116 8106 E: john@performancetune.com.au Brentech Auto Pty Ltd 12 / 33 Timms Road EVERTON HILLS QLD 4053 Ph: 07 3855 8040 E: brentechauto@outlook.com Brown Davis Automotive Pty Ltd 47 Holloway Drive BAYSWATER VIC 3153 Ph: 03 9762 8722 E: jennifer@browndavis.com.au Car Solutions 3/96-98 Hallam South Road HALLAM VIC 3803 Ph: 03 9796 5676 E: sales@carsolutions.net.au Diesel Performance Tune 1 / 219 Brisbane Road BIGGERA WATERS QLD 4216 Ph: 07 5527 7207 E: rick@dieselperformancetune.com.au J & N Car Care 6 Vicary Street TRIABUNNA TAS 7190 Ph: 03 6257 3525 E: JNCC@mail.com Johnson’s 4WD Repair Shop 61 Lucas Street BERSERKER QLD 4701 Ph: 07 4927 7170 E: nathan@johnsons4wd.com.au Legendex Unit 4, 1-3 Business Drive NARANGBA QLD 4504 Ph: 07 3203 2333 E: barney@legendex.com.au Lexus International Level 3, 97 Pirie Street ADELAIDE SA 5000 Ph: 0403 451 507 E: ruwan.jayatilake@gmail.com Lock & Load Ute Bodies Factory 5 / 35-37 Jesica Road CAMPBELLFIELD VIC 3061 Ph: 0427 531 752 E: bernie@lockandloadutebodies.com.au Open Sky Touring Pty Ltd 10 Mistletoe Close KAMERUNGA QLD 4870 Ph: 1300 397 134 E: nic.mckenzie@openskytouring.com

Taipei AMPA Teipei Nangang Exhibitor Center 14 – 17 April 2021 www.taipeiampa.com.tw/

Automechanika Dubai Dubai World Trade Centre 7 – 9 June 2021 www.automechanika-dubai.ae.messefrankfurt.com

Automechanika Frankfurt Frankfurt am Main 14 – 18 September 2021 www.automechanika.messefrankfurt.com

AAPEX Sands Expo & Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, NV 2 – 4 November 2021 www.aapexshow.com

SEMA Las Vegas Convention Center, NV 2 – 5 November 2021 www.semashow.com

Automechanika Shanghai National Exhibition & Convention Center, Puxi, Shanghai 24 – 27 November 2021 www.automechanika-shanghai.hk.messefrankfurt.com

Performance Racing Industry Trade Show Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 9 – 11 December 2021 www.performanceracing.com/tradeshow

Automechanika Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia 15 – 17 March 2022 www.automechanika-kualalumpur.hk.messefrankfurt.com

Repco Authorised Service Bayswater (Bayswater Auto Care) 483 Dorset Road BAYSWATER VIC 3153 Ph: 03 9736 4270 E: jrmautomotive1@gmail.com Repco Authorised Service Bethania (Y B Garage) 4 Glasson Drive BETHANIA QLD 4205 Ph: 07 3805 9070 E: ybgarageaus@gmail.com Repco Authorised Service Cobram (Cobram Tyre and Auto) 17 Broadway Court COBRAM VIC 3644 Ph: 1300 272 886 E: info@cobramtyreauto.com.au Repco Authorised Service Cooloola Cove (Cooloola Tyre and Automotive) Shed 2, Lot 8 Scullett Drive COOLOOLA COVE QLD 4580 Ph: 07 5486 4840 E: cctbnauto@hotmail.com Repco Authorised Service Hindmarsh (Challenger Mechanical Repairs) 28 Richard Street HINDMARSH SA 5007 Ph: 08 8340 0488 E: alan@cmgauto.com.au Repco Authorised Service Innisfail (Advanced Auto Electrics & Mechanical) 59 Grace Street INNISFAIL QLD 4860 Ph: 07 4061 1998 E: admin@advancedae.com.au Repco Authorised Service Invermay (Tassie Automotive) 138 Invermay Road INVERMAY TAS 7248 Ph: 03 6778 6751 E: Tassieauto@gmail.com Repco Authorised Service Kilmore (All Round Automotive Repairs) 94 Sydney Street KILMORE VIC 3764 Ph: 0421 753 750 E: ararptyltd@gmail.com Repco Authorised Service Thornton (In Tune Auto Services) Unit 2, 39 Glenwood Drive THORNTON NSW 2322 Ph: 02 4937 0299 E: admin@intuneautoservices.com.au Repco Authorised Service Truganina (Truganina Tyre and Auto) 288 Leakes Road TRUGANINA VIC 3029 Ph: 1300 451 886 E: info@truganinatyreauto.com.au Repco Authorised Service Welshpool (YA Auto Repairs) Unit 1/103 Harris Street WELSHPOOL WA 6106 Ph: 08 9361 3007 E: yaautorepairs@gmail.com Repco Authorised Service Wulguru (Wulguru Automotive) 362 Stuart Drive WULGURU QLD 4811 Ph: 0409 048 065 E: wulguruautomotive@gmail.com Riverside Motors 1 Riverside Avenue WERRIBEE VIC 3030 Ph: 03 9741 9774 E: riversidemotors@bigpond.com Sinister Offroad 23 Hastings Court BURPENGARY EAST QLD 4505 Ph: 0431 978 177 E: jeff@sinisteroffroad.com.au Total Automotive & 4WD 45 Wilmot Road HUONVILLE TAS 7109 Ph: 03 6264 1783 E: total.automotive4wd@gmail.com

AAAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN Mark Pedder (VIC) Pedders Suspension Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9706 3500

DEPUTY CHAIRMAN Wayne Bryant (VIC), Repco Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9566 5444

SECRETARY Janelle Gonzalez (NSW), Blue Toro Pty Ltd Ph: 1300 258 386

TREASURER Don Cormack (SA) ADRAD Pty Ltd Ph: 08 8243 9888

DIRECTORS

Stuart Charity Chief Executive Officer

Craig Baills (QLD), Highfields Mechanical Ph: 07 4696 7116

Sean Buckley (VIC), Ultra Tune Australia Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9815 9200

Craig Magill (VIC), Burson Automotive Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9914 5555

Darren Robinson (VIC), HELLA Australia Pty Ltd Ph: 1800 061 729

John Benson (VIC), Davies, Craig Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9369 1234

Steve Lewis (QLD), Supercheap Auto Ph: 07 3482 7900

Adam Pay (NSW), mycar Tyre & Auto Service Ph: 02 9680 6500

Graham Scudamore-Smith (QLD) Fulcrum Suspensions Pty Ltd Ph: 07 3892 9000

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

Mark Pedder Chairman

AAAA NEWS

PLAYING TO OUR STRENGTHS – AUSSIE INGENUITY I recently attended the launch of an Australian remanufactured hybrid battery exchange program as a guest speaker. It was a significant event for a number of reasons. Firstly, after a prolonged period of ongoing lockdowns and working remotely, it was refreshing to attend my first public industry event in person, in over a year.

in our industry who looked at the best the car industry can do and thought ‘we can do it better’ – we can design products that better suit car owner’s needs.

I attended with a new appreciation of how important face-to-face interaction is and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Products like frontal protection systems that protect vehicle occupants from animal strike in rural and regional areas, to suspension upgrade solutions that enhance vehicle handling and control when towing – I could name hundreds of innovative products that have been developed by the aftermarket industry.

Secondly, the program, designed and implemented by IM Group/Injectronics is a great initiative for the emerging hybrid/electric market here in Australia. See page 59 for full story. If a workshop is presented with a hybrid vehicle with a faulty battery, the workshop can order and fit a remanufactured unit and send back the faulty battery for remanufacturing. As you can imagine, this program will significantly reduce the cost of hybrid vehicle ownership, while having a positive impact on the environment. While preparing my speech for the event, I was able to reflect on our innovative and exciting industry, on where we should focus our attention and why we should be proud of our industry. Initiatives like this demonstrate the resilience and smarts of our local companies. Our six billion dollar automotive aftermarket manufacturing industry continues to go from strength-to-strength in both domestic and export markets. Much of the inspiration for our most successful companies and products came from clever people

As an industry we must continue to play to our strengths. We should not engage in a race to the bottom on price. Australia’s success in automotive manufacturing lies in our commitment to invest in research and development, state-of-the-art equipment, and skills. This underpins our position in the global market to compete and succeed on innovation, brand reputation and quality. Our biennial Australian Auto Aftermarket Awards program is another great activity that showcases, recognises and rewards the incredibly varied array of clever new products and technologies developed by our industry. We look forward to our next Aftermarket Awards program which will coincide with the Australian Auto Aftermarket and Collision Repair Expo, from 7 – 9 April 2022.

It is also great to see Government supporting our manufacturing industry. IM Group was just one of several aftermarket companies participating in the Federal Government’s Automotive Innovation Lab Access Grants program. This program, which came about through lobbying by the AAAA, provided a total of seven million dollars in grants to assist companies to develop and commercialise new technologies. These grants are making a real difference in fast tracking the development of technologies and products that will further enhance Australia’s reputation as market leaders across the globe. It was indicative of this support that politicians were in attendance at the IM Group event, including Federal Senator, David Van; Federal Member for Bruce, Julian Hill MP; and Member for the Northern Metropolitan Region in the Victorian Parliament, Craig Ondarchie MLC. I wish to thank each of them for their support for our industry. From the winged keel to the world’s first RaceCam, innovation is part our DNA. And the world needs and wants that Aussie ingenuity, and the Australian auto aftermarket can deliver this in spades. The world may be different, but the opportunities are limitless.

STUART CHARITY Chief Executive Officer L-R: AAAA CEO Stuart Charity, Injectronics Executive General Manager Gino Ricciuti and Federal Senator David Van Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

NEWS

CAPRICORN MEMBERS BENDIX LOOKS TO REDUCE EMISSIONS NOW GET MORE The company has commenced a series of VALUE FROM THEIR environmental initiatives GROCERIES In this column, Capricorn Society’s Group CEO, David Fraser, discusses the latest way members can get more value At Capricorn, we are always looking at ways to help our Members get more value from their business purchases. With Woolworths at Work joining our extensive network of Preferred Suppliers, I am pleased to announce that this now includes their grocery purchases too. The new partnership with Woolworths at Work is evidence that more and more big-name brands are recognising the win-win benefits that come with servicing the auto repair community as a Capricorn Preferred Supplier. For our Members, it is an easier, smarter and healthier way to get their workshop’s groceries and essential items. By purchasing on their Capricorn Trade Accounts, our Members benefit from participation in one of Australasia’s most generous rewards programs. All Woolworth’s at Work purchases earn Members one Capricorn Rewards point for every dollar spent. When you consider how much is spent on groceries over a year, the number of rewards points that can be accumulated through this service will be significant. Additional advantages for Capricorn Members include free next day delivery for any Woolworths at Work orders over $99.00 (in non-remote areas) and access to a personalised website that is packed with time saving features to make grocery and essentials shopping easier than ever. Woolworths at Work also offers Capricorn Members a “Click and Collect” option. Purchasing through Woolworths at Work is another way Members can consolidate more of their business expenses on one monthly invoice. With only one bill to pay, doing the accounts is a much simpler process to manage.

Leading Australian brake manufacturer Bendix has commenced a series of initiatives with a strong environmental approach to the business to reduce emissions. In a major move the company has signed up with Greenfleet, a leading not-for-profit environmental organisation, to offset 170 company and employee vehicles on a mission to protect the climate by restoring our Australian and New Zealand forests. Greenfleet is said to be Australia’s first carbon offset provider and since 1997 the organisation has planted 9.6 million trees, creating more than 500 biodiverse forests in Australia and New Zealand which are protected for 100 years and have offset more than 3.5 million tonnes of CO2-e. Greenfleet is currently working with more than 400 organisations, many of which have been offsetting carbon emissions for over 10 years. Using the Full Carbon Accounting Model (FullCAM), developed by CSIRO and approved by the then Australian Department of the Environment, the organisation ensures the carbon uptake of each forest at each planting site. Greeenfleet forests are legally protected on-title for up to 100 years from land clearing, harvesting and construction, even if the land is sold. In cases of natural disaster such as fire, floods and drought, or damage from browsing animals or pests, the trees are replaced or planted in other areas. To provide the right foundation for a complex forest to ultimately emerge in each bioregion, the plantings include a range of trees including locally adaptive species in any planting to ensure resilient forests will thrive and flourish. After any planting, regular checks are made especially during the establishment phase to check on the health and growth rate of the trees. “We’re thrilled to have FMP join our network of committed supporters,” Greenfleet Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Wescott, said. “By partnering with Greenfleet, FMP is taking practical climate action with lasting environmental benefits. The native forests we’re planting to offset FMP’s vehicle emissions will be legally protected for up to 100 years.” “FMP are offsetting hundreds of tonnes of CO2 emissions, but they’re also enabling ecosystem restoration right here in Australia. This means conserving biodiversity and creating habitat for our critically endangered native wildlife.” The move by Bendix involves its many employees, thus ensuring the greatest impact on carbon emission reduction is achieved and is just one of many initiatives being introduced by the company to protect the environment.

For more information on how a Capricorn Trade Account can strengthen your business, visit www.capricorn.coop or call us on 1800 327 437.

“As an environmentally conscious company, the FMP Group is initiating a series of projects to reduce carbon emissions and the Greenfleet approach has allowed us to not only counter our fleet vehicle emissions but to also include the many vehicles owned by our employees,” FMP Group (Australia) Pty Ltd General Manager, George Kyriakopoulos, said.

Yours cooperatively, David Fraser Group CEO, Capricorn Society Ltd

“The company is dedicated to creating a better environment for future generations and with Greenfleet we join with a number of other major corporate conscious national and international companies in this objective.”

For more on Capricorn Society membership, visit www.capricorn.coop

For more from Bendix, visit www.bendix.com.au

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

NEWS

AAAA SAYS GOVERNMENT SHOULD ACT ON ‘HIDDEN’ TELEMATICS And research shows, consumers agree Nearly eight out of 10 drivers (78 percent) are unaware that their vehicle is transmitting data back to the car manufacturer about the vehicle and the driver’s behaviour, according to a research report commissioned by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA). More commonly known as Telematics, vehicles are fitted with SIM cards to capture and transmit data on vehicle performance and location. This data is then transmitted back to the manufacturer. Telematics can be used for multiple purposes – for theft reduction, for safety and by fleets to manage productivity and fuel efficiency. The area of most concern for the Australian vehicle repair industry is the functionality to monitor the vehicle’s performance and direct the consumer to a manufacturer’s site or a manufacturers’ approved site for repair. “Diagnosing faults before real damage can occur is a good value-add service for drivers but only if they give their permission for this to occur and they can choose where that data is sent. For me, I want that functionality, but I want it to go to my mechanic, not to the foreign owned car maker,” AAAA Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, said. The AAAA says Australia should follow the lead of the US state of Massachusetts and include Telematics in the Australian draft legislation of the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme which is currently in the final drafting phase. Stuart said including Telematics will help future proof the law. “Massachusetts passed the Right to Repair Act in 2012 and had to go back and vote to include Telematics,” Stuart said. “We believe that if our legislation doesn’t include Telematics it could be redundant by the time it passes through the Senate. We should learn from the experience of our US colleagues and only vote once. “The draft Australian scheme will require car companies to make available all motor vehicle service and repair information on fair and reasonable terms. The industry argues that diagnostic information that is transmitted wirelessly instead of through the OBD (on-board diagnostics) port should be made available to a consumer’s repairer of choice. The proposed Australian law was recommended by the ACCC and it is designed to provide a fairer playing field for the repair and service of the 74

automotive brands in Australia in an industry worth $25 billion annually. The law will compel car manufacturers to share all mechanical repair and service information with the independent auto repair sector on “fair and reasonable commercial terms.” “The principle of the proposed Australian Motor Vehicle Scheme is that all diagnostic information is available on fair and reasonable terms. If manufacturers undertake the collection of diagnostic data wirelessly, this information should continue to be available on fair and reasonable terms,” Stuart said. He said the survey showed that Australian consumers were unaware that data was constantly being captured and sent to manufacturers. “Obviously if you are running a fleet of vehicles, keeping track of them in real time is important. It also helps in understanding the fuel efficiency of individual drivers along with driver behaviour such as rough braking and aggressive acceleration,” Stuart said. “But there are two problems here – the fact that the car maker is collecting diagnostic information and using that data to sell services to drivers and the fact that car owners have not given their permission – drivers show considerable concern regarding cars being able to transmit data back to the manufacturer with 48 percent expressing some level of concern, and only 18 percent expressing positivity.” Other findings from the survey found: • An overwhelming majority of consumers (74 percent) believe that they should have access to the vehicle data. • It appears somewhat acceptable for the manufacturer, repairer, roadside assistance and/or emergency services to access this

information also, but there is a real hesitancy to allow law enforcement, family members and the selling dealership to have access. • Drivers appear comfortable sharing information pertaining to vehicle maintenance with their mechanic (both reactively and proactively diagnosing issues), but there is some discomfort in sharing other data such as giving your insurer access to your driving style (using information such as your speed, acceleration, braking) to calculate your premium. • Only 29 percent believed the vehicle manufacturer should have access to the data. • 77 percent were in favour of the vehicle owner choosing who has access to the vehicle’s data with just seven percent opposed. • 50 percent were okay with data being shared as long as it was for a specific purpose with 21 percent saying the data should not be shared no matter what the circumstance. • 71 percent were extremely or very concerned about the associated risks of data sharing with 71 percent concerned about the data being sold to a third party to be used for commercial purposes. Telematics has been progressively integrated into new car design since 2015. The AAAA estimates that there could be more than one million cars on Australian roads that already have that capability. “This is a growing and largely concealed practice and government should respond before the car makers simply embed this technology without our knowledge or our permission. How many car owners know that their vehicle has a SIM card? How many are asked if they are OK about that?” Stuart said. For more from the AAAA, visit www.aaaa.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

NEWS

GUD HOLDINGS STRENGTHENS ITS AUTOMOTIVE PORTFOLIO GUD Holdings has acquired Australian Clutch Services GUD Holdings Limited announced on February 10 that it has entered into an agreement to acquire 100 percent of the shares in the businesses of Australian Clutch Services Pty Ltd, (ACS) and subsidiaries XCLUTCH USA Inc and ACS NZ Pty Limited. Completion of the acquisition is expected to occur on 1 March 2021. “This is a strategic acquisition of a strongly performing business which complements GUD’s automotive portfolio,” GUD Holdings Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Graeme Whickman, said. “This acquisition follows in close succession to GUD’s acquisition of companies formerly comprising AMA’s ACAD business, in further demonstration of GUD’s growth strategy. “We are delighted to add ACS, a proudly Australian and Adelaide-based business with a heritage of over 30 years servicing the industry, to our portfolio. “ACS enjoyed strong sales growth over the past year and is well placed to continue that growth going forward in both ANZ and international markets. “ACS has a diverse customer base and is a leader in the traditional manual clutch, and the growing higher value dual clutch transmission replacement/repair markets. “The business is an excellent complement to Disc Brakes Australia (DBA). ACS and DBA together will form GUD’s Friction-based businesses, to be led by Mr Gideon Segal, currently Executive General Manager of DBA. “We look forward to welcoming the ACS employees to the GUD team.” With the change in ownership to GUD, ACS Founder Brenton Jordan will stay on with ACS for a short period to work alongside Gideon Segal and ACS General Manager Sales and Marketing, Simon Acton, to achieve a smooth transition.” GUD Holdings offers a very comprehensive portfolio of market-leading automotive brands for the Australian and New Zealand markets. For more information, visit www.gud.com.au 8

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

ACS: BRENTON JORDAN’S STORY OF SUCCESS Operating for more than 30 years under private ownership, Australian Clutch Services has grown into one of the largest clutch suppliers in the southern hemisphere Australian Clutch Services (ACS) currently distributes throughout Australia, New Zealand, Europe, The Middle East and the United States. The company says it has continued the expansion of its domestic and export programs and is a market leader in the supply of the latest in clutch technology, including Dual Clutch Transmission components. In recognition of its success, GUD Holdings recently announced the acquisition of the South Australian based Clutch, Flywheel and Hydraulic specialist, which was originally founded in a small facility in Torrensville, South Australia in 1989 and was initially focused on clutch rebuilds. In 2005, after continual growth and a changed focus to the supply and manufacture of new clutch and flywheel products, ACS moved to a purpose-built facility housing a comprehensive research and development facility as well as manufacturing, sales and marketing. ACS Founder Brenton Jordan, along with ACS’ management team, quickly recognised the potential for growth throughout Australia and reinvested heavily into the market, including the introduction of distribution centres in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Townsville, Darwin and Perth. Today, both Melbourne and Sydney have two distribution centres to support fast delivery times and stock holding.

ACS is also the owner of leading brands ClutchPro, Xtreme Clutch, Xtreme Outback, ClutchPro Commercial, AG Clutch and Classic Clutch as well as a specialist US-based performance brand, XClutch. These brands cover all aspects of the clutch market including standard replacement and performance applications for passenger car, 4x4, commercial, agricultural, industrial, forklift and marine applications. “I’m extremely proud of the business that Australian Clutch Services has become,” Brenton said. “With over 30 years of hard work and the support of a fantastic team, ACS is now an integral part of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket and this change of ownership is a new chapter in the life of the business.

NEWS

“We have shown exceptional growth over the years and I look forward to seeing it progress further forward in Australia and overseas.” Brenton has always held a strong emphasis on supporting young talent and helping his employees to learn and take on new challenges within the business and says that the team at ACS has been critical to the growth of the business. “I have always been a big advocate for supporting young talent and I have been very fortunate to work with some fantastic individuals,” Brenton said. “The culture here is great and I have seen many of our team members grow and prosper over the years. “That has been one of the most memorable and important things for me and I’m proud that we have created a workplace with very limited staff turnover. “Many of the team here today have been a part of ACS for many years with several being here for over 15 years. “I have built many great friendships both in the business and externally and I look forward to continuing those friendships after I step down from my current role.” Brenton is also especially proud of the expansion of the business into international markets and the success it has seen over that time. “Moving into export markets was a major challenge but it has been highly successful, and we have enjoyed every step,” he said. “I have met some fantastic people along the way,

and we have built great business partnerships with companies around the world.” Brenton has become well renowned for his constant desire for improvement in the business. “Brenton and I met originally at one of the trade shows overseas probably more than 15 years ago,” Ozparts Managing Director, Shemek Wisniewski, said. “About eight years ago Brenton entrusted our company with the distribution of ACS products in Europe and the UK - and we started cooperating very closely. “I think that the most impressive thing about his approach to business has been the focus on constantly improving his operations and products. “He has been structured, very persistent and very effective in elevating his products to the level of leading performance and aftermarket brands in Australia and overseas. Kudos to him also for being able to create a team with a very strong ‘can-do’ outlook.” ACS is a two-time winner of the AAAA Excellence in Export Award and over the years has built a strong relationship with the AAAA, including involvement in the Auto Innovation Centre and attending a number of international trade shows alongside AAAA. “Brenton Jordan is an aftermarket industry legend and a massive supporter of the AAAA and our activities,” AAAA Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, said. “Brenton was a regular exhibitor and sponsor of the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo and Awards

program, the AAA Magazine as well as exhibiting on the Australian National Pavilion at trade shows around the world. “ACS also won a range of AAAA Excellence Awards for Marketing, Manufacturing and Export and Brenton was an enthusiastic collaborator and mentor to other businesses, always keen to give back to the industry that he loves. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his outstanding contribution to the aftermarket industry and wish him every success in the next phase of his career and life.” Brenton would like to pass on his sincere gratitude to all of those in the Australian Automotive Aftermarket who have supported him over the years. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me and Australian Clutch Services over the past 30 years,” Brenton said. “The response I have received from people in the industry since the announcement was made has been overwhelming and although I will be stepping down from this role, I know that ACS will have a long and successful future. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my wife Sophie who has supported me through a lot of the challenges in building and expanding the business and has been a major part of ACS for nine years working in Marketing and Export. I now look forward to focusing on my family and new endeavours.” For more on ACS, visit www.australianclutch.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

NEWS

VALE: JIM DEAN Across a highly successful career of more than five decades, Jim made a real impact on the Australian Aftermarket industry Frank and Di Hutchinson and family and all of the staff of the Don Kyatt Group of companies, along with the members and staff of the AAAA, mourn the recent loss of esteemed friend and industry stalwart, James (Jim) Dean. Jim worked at Don Kyatt for 40 years, rising from motor mechanic to General Manager and in that time helped to navigate the company to where it is today as one of the world’s leading 4WD companies. Starting as Service Manager and progressing through the ranks, Jim became the General Manager of the Don Kyatt Group and spearheaded many programs and initiatives that helped the company grow into the success it is today, overseeing the growth of the Terrain Tamer and Flashlube brands both locally and overseas. Jim’s automotive career started as an apprentice mechanic with GV Clark Motors, a Victorian distributor of Bedford Truck and Bus Parts through General Motors. There he met Frank Hutchinson, a Parts Interpreter who soon branched off to start his own business with the late Don Kyatt. Fatefully, Frank advertised a mechanic’s position within that company 10 years later, at the same time Jim was looking for a new role. When Frank saw Jim’s application, it was a chance he was more than willing to take. Over the following 40 years, the two men grew the company to employ almost 150 staff exporting their aftermarket 4WD replacement parts into their 14 warehouses, (including five abroad) and selling into more than 80 countries around the world through more than 3500 direct distributors. Much of Jim’s success could be accredited to a rare trinity of mechanical expertise, a keen business mind, and a naturally genial personality. These attributes helped him lead the company into the design and manufacture of a catalogue of more than 40,000 different hard-wearing, quality aftermarket parts; many of which were awarded for their innovative designs and surpassing their genuine equivalent. In the early days as Don Kyatt’s Service Manager, Jim developed the company’s reconditioning

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

program, which at its prime saw the company become the biggest manufacturer of Bedford Reconditioned Engines in Australia. This was a forerunner for the company’s offering today which includes gearboxes, transfer cases and engines for popular 4WD models. The program was a huge contributing factor to Don Kyatt being named the official Bedford Genuine Parts distributor in Australia by Bedford UK. Similarly, he was key in orchestrating the purchase of not only the entire stock of Bedford Third-Arms from the company’s UK manufacturer, but also the tooling, on a hunch that a highly publicised bus accident would see a change in legislation regarding the part. Soon after, buses were legally required to be fitted with the part and Don Kyatt was able to sell all purchased stock direct to Bedford Bus Operators across Australia. Jim also fronted the Terrain Tamer Tooling program where he developed and built exclusive tooling for 4WDs, often improving on the original. He was also key in the development of the company’s Flashlube Kits, spending years researching and developing the brand’s Valve Saver Kits, the first in the world to be granted highly sought after German TUV approval in a road test, as well as the ECUs, self-priming pumps and plug and play cables that feature in every Electronic Valve Saver Kit sold around the world and have been responsible for two innovation awards. In the early days, outback tour drivers like Bill King, who started AAT Kings, relied on Jim’s knowledge and parts to ensure they didn’t break down in the remote outback. This inspired Don Kyatt to design and develop parts that would solve the weaknesses that they saw in customer’s vehicles and take them to the world. That demand grew past the company’s loyal customer base of early bus operators, local workshops and enthusiasts, to include the mining, agriculture and emergency service industries, both here and abroad; now stretching across more than 80 countries to the likes of Senegal, Uzbekistan, Bolivia, and even Iceland.

Jim attended many Trade Missions, visiting countries such as China, India, Dubai and parts of Africa as well as SEMA exhibitions in the US and Automechanika Frankfurt. In the mid-90s, with a backpack full of Flashlube Valve Saver Kits, Jim left his young family behind with the open-ended task of finding a European distributor who could help tap into the LPG/CNG market. The trip was the beginning of a new export chapter for the business, and 15 years later Jim found himself back there, tackling the issue of a growing European 4WD market, starved of local supply. Beyond his business nous, Jim was known as a people-person with a genuine friendliness and understanding of human nature that has not only endeared him to family, friends and colleagues, but also given him a natural edge with customer and supplier relations alike. These skills translated across cultures, helping Jim source suppliers in areas where language is a barrier. His strong work ethic, positivity and friendliness, coupled with a persistence, passion and determination to solve complex problems have carried him forward to make real change in both the automotive aftermarket industry and the lives of those he worked with throughout what proved to be an exceptional career and life. Jim will be remembered for the incredible love and respect that he gave to his fellow employees, customers, suppliers and opposition companies and the way that he treated them all on the same high level in life. His presence will be sadly missed by all who have benefited from having him in their lives.

NEWS

REPCO BACKS THE AAAEXPO The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Expo will be held in April 2022 The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) says it is proud to announce Repco as the Major Sponsor of the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo, which is set to take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre across April 7 – 9, 2022. The Expo is the nation’s most comprehensive exhibition for the aftermarket industry, featuring the very latest vehicle repair and servicing equipment, replacement parts, tools and accessories, plus industry experts sharing technology and trends. Repco’s significant new partnership with the show will also form part of the iconic Australian company’s efforts in celebrating their 100th year in operation in Australia. “We welcome Repco as major sponsor for the

Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo 2022, an event we have every confidence will be our biggest and best ever show,” AAAA Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, said. “The Expo is a trade show run by the industry, for the industry, so having a company of Repco’s standing front and centre at the event is a great endorsement of the importance and strength of the Expo and shows their support of our industry. “It is incredible to think Repco will celebrate 100 years in operation next year and having this great Aussie brand as our major sponsor is a fitting way to celebrate that achievement. “Our thanks to Rob Cameron, Wayne Bryant and the entire team at Repco for their support – we look forward to April next year.” Repco is one of the largest auto parts and car accessories providers in Australia, with over 320 stores supplying quality parts and service to the automotive aftermarket.

“The AAAA and their Expo provides such an important function to the auto aftermarket and trade. “Equally, Repco proudly serves the automotive aftermarket, supplying the knowledge, service and parts that keeps our industry moving. “Next year we will celebrate 100 years in operation as a proud Australian company and becoming major sponsor of the industry’s showcase event is a great combination.” Repco will proudly join hundreds of Australian companies exhibiting at the 2022 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo, April 7-9 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Repco’s Executive General Manager Wayne Bryant was equally excited by the new partnership with the AAAA for the 2022 Expo.

For more information on Repco, head to www.repco.com.au The Expo is just over a year away and already 70 percent booked, so if you are interested in securing space at the Expo you should contact AAAA Expo partner, IEC Group on 0402 067 321 or nina@iecgroup.com.au. To enquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact the AAAA on 03 9545 3333 or michelle@aaaa.com.au

“Repco is thrilled to partner with the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo as major sponsor,” Wayne said.

For more information, visit www.autoaftermarketexpo.com.au

AAAA WEBSITE UPDATED The new updates have been inspired by and designed for AAAA members The website of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association – www.aaaa.com.au – recently underwent a redesign. The modifications which have been made to the AAAA website have been inspired by and designed for the needs of AAAA members. The upgraded website showcases the value of AAAA membership like never before and moving around different areas of the site has been made easier. With intuitive navigation and the latest articles on all things automotive aftermarket, www.aaaa.com.au is sure to become a regular online destination for anyone wanting to stay in the loop on industry issues, intel and resources. “The website improvements will help members and visitors from across the industry to find valuable information and tools, easily and quickly,” AAAA Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, said. “Members will also find exclusive resources to help them manage their business as best as possible.” Some key features of the new site include:

• Easy to find content through new sections broken down by industry segments; • Updated navigation and design that makes finding what you need easier and quicker; • More information about AAAA’s Special Interest Groups to help you network and collaborate on industry specific activity; and • Increased promotion of the strength, importance and diversity of the Australian automotive aftermarket. “The website modifications were designed to celebrate the diversity, energy and high levels of expertise in the industry,” AAAA Head of Membership and Marketing, Tiffany Conway, said. “It also showcases how AAAA really is the voice of the industry. We are committed to fighting for our members, bringing them together and promoting what they offer. The new website design highlights how we do this.” “Members can continue to access market-leading research and data, including our car parc data, in the members area of the site. “The website is packed with current, easily

accessible information, articles and resources. We’d love to see members taking advantage of the features of the site and getting the most out of their membership.” The next phase of development for the AAAA website will include a review and upgrade of the online Members Portal. To see the new-look website, go to www.aaaa.com.au If you have any feedback about the refreshed website, please feel free to contact Tiffany Conway at tconway@aaaa.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

NEWS

GARRETT CONNECT LAUNCHED Garrett has launched an aftermarket mobile app Garrett says its new aftermarket app, Garrett Connect, places technical information, expert insights, replacement technology and distributor communication at the fingertips of turbo technicians precisely when they need it. Garrett Connect captures all the resources on Garrett’s Aftermarket website in one easy-touse application, enabling garage customers and turbo technicians to instantly access diagnostic tools, training modules and more on their mobile devices. Garrett says this will allow them to optimise the service they deliver to vehicle owners with mobile access to rapid step-by-step fault resolution, easy turbo identification by vehicle, and direct communication with distributors for fast replacements. “The new app underlines the bond of trust that is central to Garrett’s support for the mechanic community,” Garrett Global Aftermarket President, Eric Fraysse, said. “This bond starts with technology, with the peace of mind that comes from the certified quality, reliability and performance of original OE-specified turbochargers, but now we are going further.

“By placing expert diagnostics, product knowledge and multi-level training directly into the hands of technicians through Garrett Connect, we are helping them to boost their skill levels, speed up fault resolution and become ‘turbo heroes’ in the eyes of their colleagues and their customers.” The app is available via the Apple App Store, Google Play or Huawei App Gallery and provides resources and functionality purpose-designed to make life easier for busy mechanics. The features include: • Turbo Diagnostics – a comprehensive stepby-step fault resolution guide, incorporating a dynamic diagnostic progress tracker, action recommendations, downloadable summary reports and signposting to replacement models. • Find a Turbo – a fast search facility across more than 6,000 part numbers by vehicle manufacturer, model, or part number. • Installer Connect – multi-level, interactive training modules for turbo technicians to boost knowledge, earn capability certificates and win customer recognition. • Push Notifications – automatic updates on products, news articles and industry events for mechanics. • Boost Advisor – a turbo matching service that crunches engine data and provides boosting system recommendations and ‘where to buy’ distributor details. Garrett says the diagnostics resource is particularly valuable for mechanics because it offers three start points for fault finding, based on noise, leakage/smoke, or performance criteria. Each route takes technicians through a dynamic sequence of symptoms and points to recommended actions to resolve any flagged issues.

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

Each intervention can be tracked and saved at any stage of the diagnostic process, with an option to print a summary report. Where a replacement turbo is needed, the onboard searchable database query field can be auto populated using a mobile device generated nameplate scan, with mechanics then signposted to distributor contact information. Garrett says the app also provides easy access to Garrett’s Aftermarket’s portfolio of 6,000 parts covering variable geometry, wastegate and two-stage boosting systems, including all major vehicle line-ups. It says this means there is a replacement turbo for just about every boosted vehicle dating back to 1968. In line with its ‘peace of mind’ commitment, Garrett says all of its turbos meet the rigorous standards of auto makers, with each model manufactured and calibrated to original equipment specification and certified to perform reliably for three years or up to 150,000km. This is critical, given that some systems rotate at 300,000 rpm and operate in temperatures up to 1050oC. To find out more, please visit www.garrettmotion.com/turbo-replacement/get-garrett-app

NEWS

AUSTRALIAN 4WD PARTS & ACCESSORY MANUFACTURING In this article, ACA Research takes a deeper look at the learnings gathered from the AAAA 4WD Industry Council Market Study The popularity of 4WD utes and SUVs has risen steadily over the past decade. This trend only accelerated in 2020, with restrictions on overseas travel making the prospect of local road trips more appealing than ever, and leading to SUVs making up seven of the ten most popular new vehicles. It is natural then, for this growth to carry through to the 4WD parts and accessories market, which is well illustrated by ARB’s recently released halfyearly financial results. The company posted an after-tax profit of $54m, more than doubling its profit from the same period in FY20. Based on this, it is safe to say the 4WD aftermarket is big business, but just how big is it? According to our latest study on the 4WD market, conducted on behalf of the AAAA, the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of 4WD parts and accessories generates annual revenues within Australia of $6bn. This is direct revenue, with manufacturers then also sourcing two thirds of their raw materials from local suppliers, which sits outside of this figure. Additionally, these 2,100 businesses employ more than 70,000 staff within their Australian operations, further highlighting the scale of their impact on the broader community.

While the current results already position 4WD as a key component within the Australian automotive aftermarket, the industry is predicting a 17.5 percent increase in 4WD revenue over the next two to three years. Should this growth be realised, it will naturally have flow-on effects to other aspects of the economy. While many businesses are already sourcing parts locally, the research identified an increasing appetite to distribute, sell, or fit Australian made parts and accessories. Businesses do however recognise that this growth will not be achieved by resting on their laurels, with a range of strategies in place to drive change. These are grounded in a combination of innovation in terms of their product offering, increased operational efficiency, and improved sales and marketing activities. Ultimately though, the positivity and level of activity both speak to the confidence manufacturers have around the growing demand for these parts in years ahead.

Chart three: Top concerns impacting the future of the 4WD parts and accessories market Source: 2020 AAAA 4WD Industry Council Market Study

environment and potential future legislation (eg. relating to post-sale modifications) is creating a level of uncertainty for manufacturers, and others within the 4WD supply chain. While they are willing to invest in the development of new products, they recognise that unexpected changes could legislate them out of a market, despite high levels of unmet consumer demand. Beyond regulatory issues, the sector also recognises the work required to stay up to date with advances in vehicle technology, and the risk of poor-quality copies or counterfeit products (although this could be an opportunity to further leverage the good name of ‘Australian-made.’) In the broader context of an increasing market for 4WD vehicles both within Australia and overseas, this latest study shows the Australian aftermarket is well positioned to capitalise on the growing demand for parts and accessories, including opportunities to grow local production and further support the Australian economy. For further insights from the AAAA 4WD Industry Council Market Study, or to access your copy of the report, get in touch with info@aaaa.com.au

Chart two: Top 5 strategies for revenue growth. Source: 2020 AAAA 4WD Industry Council Market Study

Chart one: The business landscape for Australian 4WD aftermarket parts. Source: 2020 AAAA 4WD Industry Council Market Study

Despite this confidence, a number of challenges do exist. In particular, uncertainty regarding the regulatory

This column was prepared for AAA Magazine by ACA Research, our partners in the AAAA Aftermarket Dashboard which is delivered to AAAA members each quarter. For more information, visit www.acaresearch.com.au or contact Ben Selwyn on bselwyn@acaresearch.com.au

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

NEWS

RECOGNISE, REWARD AND RETAIN YOUR APPRENTICES Nominations for the 2021 Capricorn Rising Stars close April 30 Nominations are now open for Capricorn Members across Australia and New Zealand to recognise the efforts of their star apprentices by nominating them in the 2021 Capricorn Rising Stars competition. A quick and easy visit to www.capricornrisingstars. com will secure your star apprentice a nomination for this automotive aftermarket industry renowned accolade. A finalist placement or the overall win will not only earn the apprentice and the Capricorn Member some outstanding prizes, but will also serve to encourage apprentices to continue their chosen vocation for several years to come. Capricorn Rising Stars is unique compared to other apprentice of the year competitions as it does not focus solely on the technical proficiency of each nominee. Capricorn Rising Stars prioritises rewarding apprentices who demonstrate a passion for automotive, a positive can-do attitude and a strong commitment to forging a long and rewarding career in the service and repair industry. This unique judging criteria creates a level playing field for first to fourth year apprentices across all automotive service and repair disciplines. This also means that Capricorn Members can nominate any of their apprentices who demonstrate outstanding character and potential as they continue to learn their craft and display eagerness to further develop their skills. Capricorn Chief Executive Officer Automotive and judging panel member, Brad Gannon, said Capricorn Rising Stars continues to be

an important initiative to help stop the loss of apprentices to other industries. “The shortage of mechanics remains a challenge faced by our industry. We also know that completing an auto repair apprenticeship is no easy undertaking,” Brad said. “Through Capricorn Rising Stars we are providing an opportunity for our Members to acknowledge their apprentice’s efforts and reward them for their hard work. By showing our apprentices that they have a bright future ahead of them, we can help keep them committed to their workshops and the auto repair industry more broadly.” Highfields Mechanical owner Craig Baills, who nominated 2020 Capricorn Rising Star winner Gabrielle Clift, said it was important to recognise apprentices’ good work.

Every Capricorn Rising Stars nominee will receive a certificate that is sent to their workshop. An additional $20,000 in cash and prizes will be shared by the overall winner, the top five finalists and the Capricorn Member workshops that nominated them.

again makes nominating your star apprentice very rewarding. The overall winner will receive $5,000 from Castrol, a Capricorn Rising Stars trophy, along with all of the prizes that the top five finalists receive. These include $1,000 from Castrol, a $1,000 Repco voucher and tickets to two Repco Training Masterclasses. The prizes don’t stop there – the Capricorn Member workshops who nominate the top five finalists will also be rewarded with a 12-month Repco Autopedia subscription. Additionally, the overall winner’s workshop will receive enrolment in the Workshop Whisperer’s Service Advisor Pro online program, which is valued at over $3,000. Capricorn thanks long-term Capricorn Rising Stars program sponsors Castrol, Repco and the Workshop Whisperer who have donated these fantastic prizes.

The 2021 Capricorn Rising Stars prize pool once

For more information, visit www.capricornrisingstars.com

“Gabby has a work ethic that is rare, and she never expects to be rewarded for what she considers normal effort. But to us, she is an integral part of our team and an employee who improves the performance of those around her,” Craig said. “Our industry will only benefit by the calibre of her attitude, desire to learn and willingness to be the best she can.”

JOBMAKER HIRING CREDIT SCHEME To participate, you will need to check your eligibility, register, and nominate eligible employees The JobMaker Hiring Credit scheme is an incentive for businesses to employ additional young job seekers aged 16–35 years. Eligible employers can access a JobMaker Hiring Credit of up to $10,400 for each eligible additional employee they hire between 7 October 2020 and 6 October 2021. If you and your new employees are eligible, you can register and then claim JobMaker Hiring Credit payments for 12 months for each new job filled with an eligible additional employee. To be eligible to receive JobMaker Hiring Credit payments for a JobMaker period, you must: • check you are an eligible employer. • employ eligible additional employees. 14

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• register for the JobMaker Hiring Credit before your first claim. • satisfy the headcount increase condition. • satisfy the payroll increase condition. Detailed information including a step-by-step guide for employers is available at www.ato.gov.au/General/JobMaker-Hiring-Credit Employers that are not eligible to claim the JobMaker Hiring Credit may be able to claim other support payments from the Department of Education, Skills and Employment. For more information on available options from this Department, please visit www.dese.gov.au For more information on the Job Maker Hiring Credit Scheme, please visit www.ato.gov.au/General/JobMaker-Hiring-Credit

NEWS

BURSON AUTO PARTS LAUNCHES $50K TRADE PROMOTION The new promotion is part of the celebrations for Burson Auto Parts’ 50th anniversary Australia’s Burson Auto Parts achieves a major milestone in 2021 with the trade supplier of parts, tools, equipment and accessories celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Burson Auto Parts trade customers across the country can look forward to being a major part of the company’s celebrations through a number of major promotions and events throughout 2021. The year of celebration is already underway with the exciting Burson Auto Parts 50th Anniversary $50,000 giveaway. All Burson Auto Parts trade account customers who purchase specific supplier product as promoted during the year (no minimum spend value) will be automatically entered into the draw to win a randomly selected $1,000 Visa Gift Card every week through to December 20, 2021. In addition to this year-long cash giveaway there are more exciting promotions coming your way in 2021. Making Burson Auto Parts’ Golden Anniversary even more exciting is a $50,000 trade customer cash giveaway which forms another exciting part of the festivities. All trade account customers are eligible to take part with one entry gained for every $50K worth of purchases made all year to December 2021. One of Burson Auto Parts’ many loyal trade customers will have 50,000 reasons to celebrate the Aussie company’s 50th Anniversary at the end of 2021. To ensure that the hard working and dedicated Burson Auto Parts team members are rewarded for their efforts during 2021, a special 50th

Anniversary Team Member of the Month Award will be presented to the highest performing staff member located in each of the 12 regions nationwide. A $500 cash prize and a memento certificate will be presented to the winner each month. According to Anthony Hughes, Burson Auto Parts General Manager – Marketing, no stone has been left unturned to make 2021 a year of celebration and continued growth. “We wanted to ensure that we could celebrate our 50th Anniversary together with our loyal trade customers and all of our team members throughout the entire year,” Anthony said.

gradually to 25 stores across Victoria and New South Wales by 1996 and to 50 stores by 2004. Burson Auto Parts expanded into South Australia by 2006 and Queensland by 2008.

“These promotions will ensure that this is exactly what we will be doing.

Existing store acquisitions and greenfield establishments followed across the Australian Eastern Seaboard, Western Australia and in Tasmania during the following years.

“It is particularly good to emerge from the challenges of 2020 and head straight into a major year of celebration all the way through to December to mark such a major milestone for our company. “We look forward to our customers, team members and suppliers making the most of what is sure to be a fantastic year.” Burson Auto Parts says it is Australia’s preferred trade supplier of parts, tools, equipment and accessories and explains it was established in 1971 by company founders Garry Johnson and Ron Burgoine, who initially sold parts from their car boots and cash vans to service stations and automotive workshops across Melbourne. The first Burson Auto Parts store was opened in Braybrook (Victoria) in 1978. The company grew

Burson Auto Parts reached the milestone of 100 company owned and operated stores in 2012. Burson Auto Parts now has 194 stores operating across every state and territory in Australia and will reach 200 strategically located stores during its 50th Anniversary year in 2021. Parent company, BAPCOR Limited, was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) in 2014. BAPCOR Limited is the Asia-Pacific’s largest automotive aftermarket specialised company with an unparalleled footprint of locations across Australia, New Zealand and Thailand covering all facets of the industry from wholesale and trade to retail and service. For more information, visit www.burson.com.au

HYBRID BATTERY REMANUFACTURING EXCHANGE PROGRAM LAUNCHED The new program has been introduced to the market by Injectronics Injectronics’ new hybrid battery remanufacturing exchange project will deliver a scalable component re-use and resource recovery program of retired battery packs from hybrid-electric vehicles. Part of IM Group, Injectronics says it is Australasia’s leading supplier of quality new and remanufactured automotive electronic components, as well as the preferred repairer of electronic and mechatronic parts. A hybrid battery has often been seen as a single use part, but Injectronics says its ability to remanufacture battery packs that are faulty, slow to charge or no longer performing at an effective

level has created a circular economy that will maintain battery life long after manufacturer warranties have lapsed. Supported by the Federal Government’s Automotive Innovation Lab Access Grants program – a key element of the Government’s $100million Advanced Manufacturing Fund – the initiative prevents batteries, plus its toxic materials, from being discarded into landfill.

environmental advantages as well as cost savings down the line.

Once available to market, Injectronics says it is envisaged that the cost of a remanufactured battery for the end consumer will be between 60 and 80 percent less than a new unit – with the company saying its project will offer considerable

The hybrid battery exchange project works in conjunction with automotive workshops. For the full story, see page 59 of this magazine.

In preparation for the project start – which is expected in the next several months – Injectronics will have a bank of remanufactured hybrid battery packs ready for exchange as required.

For more from Injectronics, visit www.injectronics.com.au or www.im-group.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

NEWS

MTAA SUPER AND TASPLAN TO BECOME SPIRIT SUPER The Super funds will be known as Spirit Super after completion of their merger on 1 April 2021 To be born out of the much-anticipated merger of MTAA Super and Tasplan, Spirit Super will be Australia’s newest Industry Super Fund with approximately $23 billion in funds under management and approximately 326,000 members across Australia. The merger follows a successful year for MTAA Super and Tasplan, with both funds receiving Platinum ratings by SuperRatings and being named ‘Best Value for Money’ funds for 2020.

“That’s what makes this merger so exciting. This is not about a big fund absorbing a smaller fund. It is about two successful funds coming together to get even better,” MTAA Super Chief Executive Officer, Leeanne Turner, said. “It is a true partnership that will provide a better super experience and outcomes to members across the nation.” Leeanne was also pleased to announce a reduction in administration fees for all Spirit Super members. “The details are being worked through, but there will be a drop in administration fees when Spirit Super kicks off. So right off the bat, members will start seeing the benefits of the merger,” Leeanne said. Tasplan Chair Naomi Edwards said the new fund name was an important milestone to mark in the merger process. “Our name is our future, so it was important we embraced something our members could be proud of and inspired by. I think Spirit Super nails it,” Naomi said. For more information, visit www.mtaasuper.com.au 16

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

ARB ACQUIRES AUTO STYLING TRUCKMAN GROUP Truckman is an industry recognised brand leader in the UK ARB has announced its acquisition of Auto Styling Truckman Group, which trades as Truckman. Truckman is a leading manufacturer and distributor of utility accessories in the United Kingdom. It is principally focused on rear of vehicle products such as canopies, bed liners and general utility vehicle products. The acquisition meets ARB’s aim of expanding international distribution and aligns with the company’s evolving product strategy. The Truckman business is based at its 4,860m2 head office and central distribution hub in Birmingham in the UK. It was founded in 2002 and currently employs around 80 staff. ARB will retain all existing staff and management and the Truckman business will continue to operate in the usual way with the added support of ARB’s expertise and resources. Michael Wheeler and Richard Langman, the long-term Chairman and Managing Director of Truckman respectively, will continue to manage the business. The maximum net cash purchase of AUD 39.44 million includes AUD 17.92 million payable upon

completion, deferred payments of AUD 7.17 million and a further amount of up to AUD 14.16 million subject to performance hurdles over the next three years. The purchase includes the business operations of Truckman and a property from which the business operates. The purchase is being funded from ARB’s existing cash resources and ARB says the business is expected to operate profitability from the commencement of ARB ownership, effective 2 March 2021. The acquisition adds scale to ARB’s global business and provides a base for the Group in Europe’s largest utility vehicle market. In its announcement to the ASX regarding the acquisition, the ARB Board said it welcomes the employees and management of Truckman to the ARB Group and looks forward to working with them to grow the business. For more from ARB, visit www.arb.com.au

VASA WIRE & GAS POSTPONED The convention has been rescheduled to July 2022 VASA, Australasia’s peak trade association for specialists in auto air-conditioning, electrical and thermal management, has taken the tough decision to further postpone its flagship Wire & Gas conference until 2022 due to ongoing uncertainty caused by regular state border closures and snap lockdowns that it anticipates will likely continue well into this year. The rescheduled conference will run across 29-31 July 2022, with the venue remaining at the refurbished and rebranded JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa in Surfers Paradise (Queensland), which has been cooperative in VASA’s decision to again postpone. Light is visible at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel with the first shipment of vaccines rolling out this week, but VASA is well aware that until some stability returns, members and other potential delegates would be discouraged from making the substantial financial and time

investment to attend Wire & Gas from all over Australia and New Zealand. To honour the commitment of its delegates, sponsors, exhibitors and speakers, VASA said it must do its very best to ensure this flagship event goes ahead without the additional stress and inconvenience of rolling the dice against the potential of further outbreaks. VASA says the majority of speakers and sponsors have already recommitted to the new dates, so the 2022 event promises to be as unmissable as originally planned. VASA continues to work on details of the rescheduled event and will make further announcements in due course. For more information, visit www.vasa.org.au

NEWS

SKILLED TECHNICIANS = BUSINESS SUCCESS Looking for new staff or need to ensure your current staff are appropriately qualified? Box Hill Institute is ready to help Box Hill Institute is a leading provider of automotive apprentice training in Victoria and offers automotive courses from Certificate II through to Diploma level.

Looking for new staff? When looking for new staff, Box Hill Institute encourages you to consider taking on an apprentice. “An apprentice can be a great asset to your business. They can inject a new life to your workshop and are keen to learn about the latest automotive technologies,” Box Hill Institute’s Automotive Manager, Michael Cope, said. “They can be a cost-effective solution to increasing the productivity of your workshop and generous government financial incentives may be available. “In employing an apprentice, you are helping feed the pipeline of skilled automotive technicians; an area that is facing a current skills shortage. “Box Hill Institute has a number of ‘job ready’ people that have either just finished or are near finishing the Certificate II in Automotive Studies (pre-apprentice) course.

“These people have shown the drive and dedication required to complete the course and are keen to start their career in the automotive industry.”

Do you service and repair automotive air conditioning systems? When it comes to working on automotive air conditioning systems, there are licencing requirements that must be observed. ARCtick is the governing body that issues the Refrigerant Handling Licence (RHL) that a person needs to hold in order to work on air conditioning systems that are fitted to the cabin of a motor vehicle. There are a number of ways of obtaining this licence. You can study the full Certificate II in

automotive air conditioning servicing (13 units); or if you are a qualified mechanic, you can use your existing qualification as credit towards completing this course – you may only need to complete three units through flexible delivery (conditions apply). Box Hill Institute delivers the Certificate II in Automotive Air Conditioning throughout the year. Recognition of prior learning may also be available to prospective students. This course is also part of the government’s Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative. For more information on either of these subjects, please contact Box Hill Institute via www.boxhill.edu.au or call 03 9286 9623.

A NEW ERA OF NATIONAL EXPANSION FOR REDARC REDARC has opened a new office in Victoria at the Auto Innovation Centre (AIC) The new REDARC office at the AIC is situated within the automotive district, which is centrally located in Mulgrave, South East of Melbourne. REDARC says the company is set up to serve its customers locally and increase its capability, having already begun recruiting local engineers. “We are committed to increasing our workforce nationally and internationally. Setting up in the AIC positions us to work closer with our Victorian customers including RV, Light and Heavy Vehicle OEMs, aftermarket distributors, and auto-electrical installers across the State,” REDARC Managing Director, Anthony Kittel, said. The new Victorian location complements REDARC’s Advanced Electronics Manufacturing Facility in Lonsdale, South Australia and its branch at the Aerospace Centre in Williamtown, New South Wales. In 2018, REDARC completed a $22m expansion of its state-of-the-art facility in SA, which included the capability to scale up production by 250 percent. REDARC says it was strategically prepared for

the demands of the unprecedented growth it is experiencing as today, its production floor is running almost 24 hours a day. REDARC has onboarded more than 80 new employees nationally and internationally in the last 12 months, taking its tally to over 250 staff. This growth trajectory has seen REDARC set up Business Divisions for Commercial, Aftermarket, Defence and Export segments, each supported by Strategic Marketing. Each division is led by a General Manager to support the company’s advancement, continual innovation and to meet the changing needs of customers. The Auto Innovation Centre is a state-of-the-art facility assisting Australian manufacturers in continuing to develop world-class products. The Centre offers access to vehicles and the use of the workshop for test fitting, plus 3D scanning and post processing; 3D printing; dynamic vehicle testing and ADAS calibration; a dedicated 100-person capacity training room, and laboratoryspec tensile/compression testing and a Damper Dynamometer.

Newly appointed General Manager Commercial Sales, Guy Nicholls; Business Development Manager Recreational Vehicle OE, Tim Chivers; and newly appointed Area Sales Manager Victoria and Tasmania, Ian Madanis are the first to use the new facility. The team looks forward to conducting local product training sessions and utilising the centre’s advanced tools. “Innovation is one of REDARC’s hallmarks, so it’s fitting to be at the Auto Innovation Centre. I look forward to our customers taking advantage of our full-service capability to conceptualise, design and build advanced electronic products as we deliver new and exciting technologies,” Guy said. For more information, visit www.redarc.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

NEWS

ESG STRATEGY AT THE FOREFRONT OF BAPCOR’S SUCCESS

BAPCOR Limited has spent three years developing and actioning the company’s four pillar Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy Australia and the Asia Pacific’s largest automotive aftermarket specialist, BAPCOR says its detailed ESG strategy and its related action plans outline the Australian company’s solid commitment to corporate responsibility and highly effective governance throughout all of its automotive aftermarket industry operations across Australia, New Zealand and in Thailand. The importance placed by BAPCOR in the implementation of a world class ESG strategy saw

the Australian company join the United Nations Global Compact in early 2020, ensuring that all facets of its ESG strategy are aligned directly to the highest global standards of corporate, social and environmental responsibility. Of primary importance in BAPCOR’s ESG strategy is ensuring that the company’s many thousands of automotive aftermarket products are sourced from highly ethical suppliers. The second pillar of BAPCOR’s ESG strategy is the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability; while strong, highly effective and responsible corporate governance represents the strategy’s third pillar. The fourth and final pillar of BAPCOR’s ESG strategy is the company’s local community support across its entire footprint of over 1,100 stores, wholesale operations and automotive service centres across Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand.

According to BAPCOR Limited Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Darryl Abotomey, the establishment and actioning of BAPCOR’s detailed ESG strategy has been a highly rewarding process. For more on BAPCOR’s ESG strategy, please visit www.bapcor.com.au and watch out for further info in the August edition’s environmentally friendly feature.

RECORD YEAR FOR ZF SERVICES AUSTRALIA The company marked a record year of sales in Oceania last year ZF Services Australia has shaken off the challenges of 2020, posting a record year of sales in Oceania. “When reflecting on the past year as a whole, we performed much better than where we thought we would be during the eye of the storm in the second quarter,” ZF Services Australia Managing Director, Mark Lowe, said. “There were quite a few highlights from 2020, particularly our OE business remaining exceptionally strong and, as a whole, relatively unaffected by COVID-19. “Of particular note, was our commercial vehicle business increasing as a result of more demand in transport requirements and services, and new opportunities in e-Bus in the second half of the year. “Marine was incredibly buoyant, with OE sales of products remaining strong due to build projects continuing throughout COVID-19, plus the new requests to quote are at pleasingly high levels. “In the passenger vehicle segment, the Sachs Max shock absorber range saw an increase in sales of over 48 percent and we launched an expanded TRW braking range into Oceania.” It wasn’t just the product side of ZF Services Australia which saw growth opportunities, with the business adapting to offer more online content. 18

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

“Along with recording increased demand in field service, our technical service team also focused on going online, successfully delivering multiple online technical training sessions to staff and external service partners, to ensure service could be delivered when it was required,” Mark said. “The formation of a dedicated COVID-19 team saw the business able to make fast decisions in response to changing conditions, to enable adaptability and meet customer needs, whilst ensuring staff wellbeing. “I am incredibly proud of how the entire team, right across Oceania, pulled together last year. Their positivity and flexibility, and support for each other was immense and ensured we could continue to keep our customers front of mind.” With success during one of the most challenging years in history, ZF Services Australia says it is well-situated to build on its current market position and take the business to the next level across Oceania in 2021 and beyond. “Our current product range will continue, with plans to expand lines where possible in response to customer and market demands,” Mark said. “OE-wise, e-Bus will be a key focus area, with various governments setting volume targets, and ZF Services Australia is well-equipped to support

ZF Services Australia notched up a record year of sales in Oceania in 2020 (Photos taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic).

with leading-edge e-mobility products and a full service offering. “In addition, with an expanded personnel presence in New Zealand, we have seen customer acceptance and increased opportunities, and we anticipate strong results coming from this region in 2021.” For further information on ZF Services Australia, please visit www.zf.com/au

NEWS

VALVOLINE AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES 2021 MECHANICS MONTH CAMPAIGN The second running of the annual campaign will be held throughout the month of March Valvoline launched the brand’s second annual Mechanics Month – a global campaign to celebrate essential industry professionals who keep the world moving – earlier this month. The 31-day campaign honours mechanics throughout multiple countries where the 150-year-old engine oil brand operates, including Australia, giving special thanks to mechanics’ ongoing, everyday service, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, service centres and auto-repair shops across the globe have remained open and operational as essential services,” Valvoline Senior Vice President, International, Jamal Muashsher, said. “It is especially important given the hardships of this past year to recognise these unsung heroes who not only keep each of us safe and on the road, but also keep other essential service workers moving to help those in need.” During Mechanics Month, Valvoline is celebrating

industry professionals through a digital campaign run with a competition giving away 50 Valvoline merchandise packs utilising social media activity, print, digital advertisements and unique partner collaborations to heighten appreciation for mechanics and how they have continued to deliver services through an unprecedented moment in history. While essential, mechanics have had to change their normal routines to account for COVID-19. Business hours have fluctuated, extra sanitation measures inside vehicles have been implemented and onsite human interaction has been minimised greatly as many workshops have offered drop-off and pick-up services, no matter the location. “We’ve proudly supported mechanics with a variety of programs throughout our brand history,” Jamal said. “And due to the many changes, hardships, safety measures and overall alterations in how they’ve done their business in light of COVID-19, we want to pledge a more robust alignment of partnership

and support — and encourage people across the globe to do the same.” In Australia, Valvoline has continued to work hard to support workshops in such difficult times. Valvoline Australia employed safety measures to keep sales staff within arm’s reach, implemented new pack sizes to alleviate stock level issues on the workshop floor and introduced an innovative multi-application engine oil aiming to rationalise engine oil inventory. Valvoline says thank you to all mechanics, whether automotive or heavy duty, for keeping Australia moving. For more information on Mechanics Month, visit www.valvoline.com/en-australia/about-us/mechanics-month

TECALLIANCE INTRODUCES PREMIER DATA SUPPLIER CERTIFICATE The new certificate builds on the established and well-known Certified Data Supplier status Since 2020, TecAlliance, one of the world’s leading data specialists for the digital automotive aftermarket, has been running a data quality offensive to continuously optimise data quality in the TecDoc Catalogue.

With the new quality certificate, TecAlliance says it honours the efforts of data suppliers whose data meet high quality standards in an exceptional manner, thus contributing to sustainable sales success at points of service.

A new set of rules with additional validations and key performance indicators (KPIs) supports parts manufacturers in improving their product data.

On 2 March 2021, data suppliers will be evaluated against the new criteria. However, the results will not yet be published.

A data supplier who fulfils these higher, contentrelated requirements will be certified as a “Premier Data Supplier” from June 2021. The new quality certificate for data suppliers builds on the established and well-known “Certified Data Supplier” status.

On 2 June 2021, the “Premier Data Supplier” certificate will be awarded for the first time to qualified companies or brands; in addition to the “Certified Data Supplier” certificate and the brands will be labelled with the corresponding seals.

Data suppliers who meet the TecDoc standard and TecAlliance’s quality requirements for maintenance of TecDoc data at a particularly high level will continue to receive the established “Certified Data Supplier” (CDS) status.

New guidelines improve data quality

In order to also receive the higher-quality certificate “Premier Data Supplier” (PDS), the supplier’s product data must meet significantly stricter content-related requirements and take into account the newly introduced KPIs.

Today, more than 700 brands are represented in the TecDoc Catalogue, one of the world’s leading replacement parts catalogues for the automotive aftermarket.

TecAlliance says the TecDoc standard ensures the highest data quality, comparability, efficiency and transparency in the global automotive aftermarket. To ensure the highest possible quality of TecDoc data, TecAlliance says it checks the product data supplied by the parts manufacturers every quarter against defined quality criteria. The evaluation results are communicated to the parts manufacturers to support them in the continuous improvement of their data.

It comprises more than 110,000 vehicle types, 6.6 million item data from more than 700 brands, 254 million links and 48 article groups.

Since last year, TecAlliance has been working on the further development of the set of rules for data suppliers in order to constantly increase the data quality in the TecDoc Catalogue. New validations and KPIs for data quality ensure that TecDoc data aligns even better with the information needs at the points of service.

Celebrating over 25 years of global recognition,

For more information, visit www.tecalliance.net Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

COVER STORY

NAPA AUTO PARTS CONTINUES TO GROW

NAPA Auto Parts overcame the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver significant network expansion through 2020, launching 17 new branches in five states across Australia NAPA Auto Parts says it brings together more than 90 years of aftermarket industry heritage, knowledge and experience from Australia’s leading Trade and Specialist automotive aftermarket distributors: Ashdown-Ingram, Covs, Global Auto Spares and R&E Auto Parts. In bringing the heritage businesses together as one cohesive operation, NAPA Auto Parts explains it is making more parts available to more aftermarket professionals in general mechanical workshop, specialist automotive electrical and thermal, industrial and mining environments. NAPA Auto Parts is not planning on slowing the rapid network expansion any time soon and this will certainly be the case in 2021, with numerous new NAPA Auto Parts branches to be added to the 31 branches operating around Australia. This will include the conversion of existing heritage branch businesses to NAPA Auto Parts, selected relocations and completely new builds. “The initial development of our NAPA Auto Parts branch network has been exciting, allowing us to add an incredibly wide range of new products to our existing product range. This comprehensive and market leading offer of both specialist and generalist product under one roof, augmented by exceptional product expertise, is what the Australian aftermarket industry has been looking for,” NAPA Auto Parts Executive General Manager, Julian Buckley, said. “This year we will continue to optimise our network, including opening new greenfield locations, to allow us to make our exceptionally compelling customer offer available to even more of the country’s leading Trade and Specialist aftermarket professionals. The width and depth of stock in each NAPA Auto Parts branch and our Team’s expertise are positioning us to continue to build and strengthen relationships with mechanics, auto electricians and thermal control specialists everywhere.” Alongside the 31 NAPA Auto Parts branches, a further 31 branches operate under the heritage business banners of Ashdown-Ingram, Covs, and R&E Auto Parts. While the heritage branches have a great in-branch range, NAPA Auto Parts says its branches offer upwards of twice the stock width as the heritage branches. These heritage branches will be progressively converted to NAPA Auto Parts in the coming years. 20

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

In areas where there is no NAPA Auto Parts branch currently, the existing heritage branch network continues to assist customers. These branches can offer the same products as a NAPA Auto Parts branch, despite not holding the inventory width a NAPA Auto Parts branch carries. These parts can be ordered and are never far away thanks to a nationwide network of distribution centres. Julian says it is crucial that the network has a wide range available and stock on hand. “It’s pretty simple – our customers have jobs to complete and we want to make sure we’ve got what they need to complete that entire job, when they need it,” Julian said. “We want to make sure we are providing great value for our customers every day, to make their day easier. This means having the products they need and the ability to provide them with expert parts advice, when they need them.” Each heritage business is said to be renowned for its expertise in servicing the needs of specific customer channels, ranging from small family mechanical workshop garages to multinational businesses with multiple fleets and workshops operating in remote and hostile environments.

A wider range NAPA Auto Parts says it is proud to partner with many of the world’s leading brands including Century, Delco Remy, Denso, Ecco, Gates, Hella, Monroe, Milwaukee Tool, Narva, NGK, Penrite, Philips, Prestolite, Red Dot, Redarc, Ryco and Sanden. These brands cover many requirements of the wider automotive aftermarket and are relied

upon globally by workshops to get their customers and fleets back on the road safely. In addition to the leading brands, NAPA Auto Parts also has a collection of market leading own brands, including OEX, Great Whites, RDA Brakes, Drivetech 4x4 and NAPA. It says this extensive range has been tried and tested over the years, offers OE-equivalent quality, and is trusted by the country’s leading aftermarket trade specialists and often asked for by name. NAPA Auto Parts says there is good reason for this. It explains Thunder recently launched an innovative DC-DC Charger with unique features never before seen in the Australian market; while Great Whites was one of the first Australian brands to launch LED driving lights and the first to achieve an incredible one lux at one kilometre. Meanwhile, OEX has been trusted by electrical and thermal specialists for over 20 years, earning a reputation for quality, value and reliability, while also developing patented innovative products to simplify life in a workshop. OEX has now begun expanding to traditional mechanical parts including ignition leads and engine pulleys. The newest addition to the NAPA Auto Parts own brand stable takes its name from a company with

COVER STORY Auto Parts says it offers a winning combination for each location. Not only does each NAPA Auto Parts branch have dedicated ranges to support each of these customer types, but also has dedicated team members in each region to manage their particular needs. For example, with Industrial customers spanning everything from caravan and trailer builders to truck and equipment fleets, each customer’s needs are different and need to be fully understood in order to fully support their business. Industrial Sales Manager, Wes Skewis, knows his team is equipped with the knowledge and capability to keep up with demand.

more than 90 years of international automotive heritage: NAPA. The new NAPA branded range includes oil, filters, wipers, timing kits and power steering pumps, with more products on the horizon. Backed by comprehensive warranties, NAPA Auto Parts says these logbook service consumables ensure greater value to workshops, every day.

NAPA Know How Having the right parts available to professional workshops is important, but so is having the knowledge to select the parts for the right application, across a broad spectrum of customers. This is just one facet of NAPA Know How, a philosophy that runs deep within NAPA Auto Parts. “NAPA Know How is fundamental to the business, and a true point of difference in the industry. This knowledge is evident with parts application information and data available from within their leading online systems, printed catalogues and of course, expert teams available to answer customer questions and recommend the correct parts needed to complete the job at hand,” Julian said. The Team has access to comprehensive training programs to help new and existing members

build deep understanding of the ranges to help best support customers. This includes dedicated material on air con, braking, clutch, driveline, electrical, engine cooling, servicing, steering and suspension and workshop tools and equipment. NAPA Know How is also demonstrated in a range of regular catalogues including the monthly ‘Trade Deals’, quarterly ‘Heavy Duty’ and digital vehicle application guides. Whilst the latter showcases vehicle specific data, ‘Trade Deals’ and ‘Heavy Duty’ regularly showcase useful tips and information about leading brands and ranges. This may be as simple as a pairing guide for Red Dot evaporators and condensers or an application guide for CRC products, or answers to common industry problems such as why you can only use specific LED headlights and globes on Australian roads.

Covering the market NAPA Auto Parts is positioned to continue to build on its 90-year local heritage of providing outstanding service to support the needs of general mechanical, automotive electrical and thermal, industrial fleet, manufacturing and mining specialists. When grouped with unmatched access to all of the parts these customers need, NAPA

“With customers needing a wide range of products to suit a myriad of vehicles, workshops and equipment, the sales teams have extensive NAPA Know How to draw upon to make sure the right solution is provided”, Wes said.

The NAPA Auto Parts Strategy in Action In February 2021, NAPA Auto Parts Molendinar opened its doors on the Gold Coast. This site involved building on the platform of the existing Ashdown-Ingram Molendinar branch, and combining in the operations of the nearby Global Auto Spares Labrador and Southport branches. This is the essence of the NAPA Auto Parts strategy – combining under one roof the product range, customer relationships, knowledge and skills of team members from both specialist and general mechanical. This conversion meant the integration of Global Auto Spares and the end of an era on the Gold Coast. SEQ Regional Manager, Dennis McKay, felt nostalgic closing the doors at the two Global branches for the last time but was also excited for the future. “Global had a loyal following on the Gold Coast, known for great value and excellent service,” Dennis said. “We’ll definitely keep the service levels up and the wider range and expertise in NAPA Auto Parts enable us to continue to add value here on the Gold Coast, like we do successfully elsewhere in South East Queensland and across the country. We keep the spirit of heritage businesses alive but make significant improvements from a solid base to better serve our customers.” Soon, this will be the case for WA’s Covs, Victoria’s R&E Auto Parts and Ashdown-Ingram as the NAPA Auto Parts network is rolled out around the country. In addition to the ongoing rollout in Australia, NAPA Auto Parts is also growing its presence in New Zealand, with 10 locations operating from Auckland to Invercargill. For more details about NAPA Auto Parts, or to find your nearest location, visit www.napaparts.com.au or visit its Facebook page for regular network updates. Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

TECHNOFILE

IVS 360 TEAM TACKLES TIMING CHAIN RATTLE The Opus IVS team recently supported a customer with a Mazda 6 2007 timing chain rattle on start-up All Opus IVS mechanical repair solutions come with live repair guidance from IVS 360 OE-brandspecific master technicians. Opus IVS says its IVS 360 support is a unique offering in the automotive aftermarket, offering live repair guidance worldwide to help workshops and technicians fix complex vehicles safely and fast. Using the DrivePro’s “market leading” diagnostic software and extensive product knowledge, the IVS 360 team identifies the cause and steps needed to fix vehicle faults. Opus IVS says its IVS 360 provide technicians with the confidence to repair the most complex vehicles fast with live repair guidance from OE brand-specific master technicians. Opus IVS’ experts remote programming services provide access in real time directly to vehicle communication systems to diagnose, program and calibrate vehicles. It says this eliminates uncertainty, giving workshops the confidence to get the most complex vehicles back on the road. Customers can quickly and easily request support from the IVS 360 team directly from their DrivePro device. The IVS 360 team recently supported a customer with a Mazda 6 2007 model year which would make a rattle noise on start up. Following is the essential cause and repair step guidance that was provided to the customer to get the vehicle back on the road fast. Affected vehicles: • Mazda 6 (2007 - 2012) | 2.2 D • Mazda CX7 (2006 - 2012) | 2.2 D • Mazda 3 (2008 - 2013) | 2.2 D

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

Fault: DPF Light flashing on Instrument Panel Cluster. Fault Codes: P1336 - Camshaft Crankshaft sensor range performance PCM - Engine Control Module Symptoms: timing chain rattle on vehicle start up. Possible Causes: timing chain could be stretched or has become loose. Repair Steps: 1. Connect DrivePro device a. Read out DTC for engine. b. If P1336 is set and DPF light flashing while the engine is running check timing chain. 2. Remove valve cover: once valve cover is removed, the timing chain, camshaft gears and valve train are exposed. 3. Check tension on the timing chain: check the timing chain for any slack by pushing on the chain on the tension side. No slack should be felt.

4. If any slack is felt, then the timing chain kit will need to be replaced. It is advisable to replace the oil pump chain at the same time. All Opus IVS mechanical repair solutions come with live repair guidance from IVS 360 OEM brand-specific master technicians. For more information on Opus IVS diagnostic solutions and how they can help your workshop, visit www.opusivs-au.com or contact 03 8561 7600 or sales-au@opusivs.com

PRODUCT R&D

R&D KEY TO SUCCESS OF TRW BRAKING RANGE For more than 100 years, the TRW brand – part of ZF Aftermarket – has earned a reputation as an expert in automotive braking and safety systems.

ZF says its Aftermarket Division is leading the field with TRW OE quality braking components for passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles and heavy commercial vehicles, as well as motorcycles, with products also covering steering and suspension. Available throughout Oceania via ZF Services Australia, the TRW brake program offers more than 9,000 passenger car part numbers, with the range featuring superior solutions for a wide array of applications, with a local target of more than 90% car parc coverage across the TRW range. The range covers brake pads and discs, as well as companion products like brake hydraulics, brake hoses, brake fluid, brake grease and brake cleaner. ZF says safety is at the forefront for its activities with its team conducting rigorous testing of all items, giving vehicle manufacturers, aftermarket suppliers, workshops, and ultimately consumers, the confidence to trust the wide array of products available from its brands.

Research, Development and Innovation The success of the TRW range has largely grown thanks to the focus on ongoing research and development programs, which are carried out with extensive input from vehicle manufacturers globally.

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

In recent times, ZF’s Aftermarket Division has focused on developing products specifically for the e-Drivetrain market, which has resulted in many new innovations, including the TRW Electric Blue brake pad for electric and hybrid vehicles, which limits noise and vibration while reducing brake dust. ZF says products such as TRW Electric Blue are the result of ongoing consultation with vehicle manufacturers on future product lines, with recent trends seeing development centre on regenerative braking systems, vehicle motion control surrounding automated/autonomous driving, reducing CO2 emissions, as well as digitalisation.

Another instance of innovative technology in play is the advanced copper-free COTEC coating applied to the friction material of all TRW brake pads as standard. Produced from natural occurring silicates, the treatment allows for improvements of seven metres in stopping distance when fitted new. Further, ZF says its TRW DTEC brake pads take the COTEC-coated range to the next level, by reducing rim surface dust by up to 45 percent, all while making significantly less noise. Green credentials are also at the heart of the design and production of the braking range. TRW brake pads are produced using Powder

PRODUCT R&D

TRW: BACKED BY ZF ZF is a global technology company and supplies systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology, enabling the next generation of mobility. ZF explains that it allows vehicles to see, think and act. In the four technology domains of Vehicle Motion Control, Integrated Safety, Automated Driving, and Electric Mobility, ZF offers comprehensive solutions for established vehicle manufacturers and newly emerging transport and mobility service providers. ZF electrifies different kinds of vehicles. With its products, the company says it contributes to reducing emissions and protecting the climate. ZF, which acquired WABCO Holdings Inc. on May 29, 2020, now has 160,000 employees worldwide with approximately 260 locations in 41 countries. Adhesive Technology, which bonds the pad to the carrier plate without the use of solvent-based adhesives. By using powder, ZF says a total of 150 tonnes of solvents are eliminated from the manufacturing process each year, a process which was honoured with the Partslife Environmental Award for 2019. This manufacturing takes place in fully automated factories, which feature the latest in cutting edge systems, such as scientific manufacturing employing statistical quality control methodology, which works hand-in-hand with the environmental production aims.

ZF explains that these practices have led to ISO/ TS 16949 and ISO 14001 certification. Ultimately, it says the high level of precision in the manufacturing process produces final products that conform to exact tolerances, which in the workshop, provides hassle-free fitment. The TRW brand is also said to be a leader in the fields of Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), Electric Park Brakes (EPB), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Integrated Brake Control Systems (IBC), vacuum boosters and brake callipers, as well as new-generation drum brake systems. For further information on the TRW braking range, visit www.trwbraking.com.au

ZF Friedrichshafen AG’s leading aftermarket and fleet solutions portfolio is built on its strong brands: Lemförder, SACHS, TRW and WABCO. It says a broad product and service offering, advanced connectivity solutions for digital mobility management and a global service network, support and enhance the performance and efficiency of all vehicle types throughout their life cycle. The company says its aftermarket organisation is both an architect and pacesetter for the Next Generation Aftermarket and the preferred partner for fleet and aftermarket customers worldwide. For more from ZF, visit www.zf.com/au

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine Publisher, Cameron McLachlan, takes a look at the products driving the automotive aftermarket. cameron@aaaa.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

PRODUCTS

NEW FROM GARRETT Colorado MY14+ Turbocharger released Garrett Advancing Motion has just launched the Holden Colorado 2.8L MY14- XLDE replacement turbocharger 901994-5001S to the aftermarket. It says this new release delivers all of the quality you would expect from the OE manufacturer. The 9019944-5001S turbocharger is a direct fit replacement for 814067-0005, 814067-0004, 814067-0003, 814067-0002 and 8140670001. Garrett says this product offers the same performance, same intricate calibration and same whole-life advantages – but with none of the risks associated with poor-quality copy turbos sold around the world as supposed substitutes.

Product analysis was recently undertaken by Garrett – Advancing Motion, comparing original quality Garrett turbos with remanufactured VNT turbos using non-original components and copy turbos. Garrett says this research showed its marketleading Garrett turbos deliver significantly better whole-life value than lower-cost non-genuine alternatives when taking into account reliability, performance, fuel efficiency and longevity. Garrett warns that some copy turbos fail literally within hours of installation and the effects can be catastrophic. While bearing problems are most commonplace, it says the bolts joining the turbine housing to the centre housing are also known to ‘relax’, leading to gas leakage, mechanical damage and oil leakage which can in turn contaminate the catalytic converter or the DPF system. As such, the company says you should “insist on Garrett.” It states that every Garrett turbo distributed through the global Aftermarket meets the specifications demanded by the original car and truck manufacturer. For more information or to find your nearest Genuine Garrett Master Distributer, go to www.garrettmotion.com or email turbosales@garrettmotion.com 28

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

PENRITE RELEASES NEW COOLANT The Australian owned and operated company has just released its new ‘Purple OEM Coolant’ range The new Purple OEM Coolant range from Penrite – which consists of Concentrate and Premix products – features the latest specification PSiOAT coolants as used by manufacturers such as VW, Audi, Skoda, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, Deutz and Volvo. Penrite says the coolants are also ideal for use in vehicles such as Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, and other Asian manufacturers that are currently using P-OAT based coolants. The new Penrite Purple OEM coolant is approved for use in VAG (Volkswagen Automotive Group) vehicles such as Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti, and Porsche where the new TL 774-L/G12evo specifications are required. It may also be used as a replacement where TL 744-J (G13) was previously specified, provided a full system service is completed. Penrite explains that its new OEM Purple Coolants are designed for modern “downsized,” high power density, hotter running engines used

in the latest generation of passenger cars as well as in many other engines. The extended long-life inhibitor formulation reportedly prevents rust, corrosion, cavitation, and degradation of the cooling system for eight years or 500,000km. Since 1926, Penrite says its products have helped shape the country. Penrite has remained a 100 percent Australian owned and operated business, which says it is committed to producing the best lubricants, coolants, and additives; made right here in Australia. For more information, visit www.penriteoil.com.au

SOLDER MASTER A new long lasting cordless iron Under the bonnet, under the dashboard or in the boot, the Solder Master soldering iron is the perfect iron for small or confined spaces. Boasting up to 270 minutes of run time before recharging is required, the new Lithium Ion powered soldering iron from Solder Master provides a professional grade tool for any workshop, with those behind the product exclaiming: “that is up to one month of regular daily use between recharges!” Featuring a rapid 10 second heat-up time, LED guide light for poorly lit areas and interchangeable solder tips, this lightweight, ergonomic tool is adaptable to most environments and tasks. No Gas, no flame and no leaks eliminates potentially dangerous unwanted gasses and the accidental ignition of nearby flammable materials found with Butane powered irons, and trip hazards from extension cables used with plug-in Irons. Designed and engineered by the battery experts at Master Instruments, the high-quality Japanese cells and protection found in the internal battery means safe and consistent performance for years to come, with full recharges achievable in approximately four hours.

The Carbon fibre styled casing also features an easy to operate mode button with LED indication of heat level and battery state of charge and the silicon lined safety cap is capable of covering the tips, even when they’re still hot. Solder Master ESM-50WL is supplied as a full kit with AC and DC Chargers, two tips and some solder. For more information, visit www.soldermaster.com.au

PRODUCTS

BILSTEIN’S DAMPTRONIC X Increasing agility, driving comfort and safety Sports cars do not only draw their performance from high-powered engines and a captivating design. Instead, Bilstein says it is not uncommon for their suspension to work with state-of-the-art technology as well. The close development cooperation between Bilstein and the vehicle manufacturers on the new Maserati MC20 and the Porsche 911 (992) reportedly shows how important this aspect is to suspension manufacturers. Bilstein explains that these cars are the first to be equipped with the new DampTronic X shock absorbers from the German specialists.

With its expertise, however, Bilstein says it does more than just ensure that modern premium vehicles from sports cars to SUVs and luxury limousines set standards in terms of suspension technology. It says that if the need for aftermarket spare parts and performance upgrades should arise later, all factory features are supported almost without exception. It says that this is by no means the case with all suppliers, as Bilstein explains the development effort is huge unless a technology is already known from a company’s original equipment activities. Bilstein says a good example of the technology transfer already mentioned is the Bilstein EVO SE coilover suspension for the new Porsche 911, which it says is the only product in its class to support the original electronic damper control with deactivation becoming a thing of the past. When it comes to the Bilstein DampTronic X, Bilstein says the high adjustment dynamics of the shock absorbers allow the required damping forces to be adapted to the demand determined by the central control unit in just a few milliseconds.

It says the control concept calculates and adjusts the damping several hundred times per second, depending on the driving situation and wheel selectivity and in this way, agility as well as driving comfort and safety can be increased. “It is a very good system that offers a wide spread between comfort and a sporty and dynamic set-up,” Bilstein Technical Project Manager, MarcRaphael Stratmann, said. “We have the only inboard system on the market that works with pilot-operated pressure relief valves in both the rebound and compression stage. “The excellent controllability combined with very high dynamics is impressive. Simply rebuilding or imitating such a complex system without OE knowledge and the necessary patents? Almost impossible!” For more information, visit www.bilstein.com

RACKSBRAX ACCESSORIES The RacksBrax range is going global RacksBrax says its RacksBrax HD Hitch is one of the most innovative 4WD products released in recent times and has proven to be “a huge success” not only in Australia, but also overseas. RacksBrax is now exporting its full range of products to over 30 countries across the USA, the EU and the Middle East. It was just over 12 months ago when RacksBrax released its very first product onto the Australian market: the fast release HD Hitch for roof rack accessories. This was quickly followed-up with nine new products including the Adaptor Bars for the Foxwing and Batwing awnings and a slightly modified hitch to suit the Supa Peg and Drifta range of awnings. In addition, RacksBrax says its innovative and cleverly designed Accessory Plate now means recovery boards can be added to or taken off vehicles fast; easily stored on the side of roof racks including roof bars, platforms and trays, for quick and easy access. The company says new products are also coming thick and fast; with a new state-of-the-art range of fully engineered stainless steel, powder coated brackets “with a difference” coming soon. Further, RacksBrax says the much-anticipated Super Hitch for the larger wing awnings is currently in the test phase with engineers fine-tuning the design to make sure it is as good as the original. RacksBrax says its secret sauce continues to be quality design and manufacturing for safety, function and durability. For more information, visit www.racksbrax.com Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

PRODUCTS

AUTOMOTIVE WORK MATS AND COVERS From Tough-As Products Tough-As Products says it is the Australian market leader in premium padded work mats and automotive covers; manufactured in South Australia, from Australian sourced materials. Tough-As Work Mats extend the user’s PPE to protecting the back, knees, hips, and shoulders by providing a safe, clean, and comfortable workspace. Specially designed work mats allow you to become more efficient and stay healthy at work. Reducing fatigue and making the job more comfortable. The Tough-As work mat range reportedly has sizes of mats to suit all of the transport applications. For example, the range includes the Super Kneeler, a 500 x300mm pad made with 20mm high-density Australian made foam for concentrated area work on car bodies in the crash industry; and the Large Work Mat, a two metre by one metre work mat for use under large equipment in the field, with the 2x1 padded space giving plenty of room to keep you, your tools, and your parts clean and organised, whilst providing comfort and protection. All of the mats in the range feature a durable, premium grade PVC outer; closed cell, soft high-

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

density foam inner: and welded seams (no stitching). They are waterproof and protected by a five-year UV warranty while being tear and cut resistant. Tough-As also specialises in premium automotive workshop covers to protect the customer’s car while work is carried out. Tough-As manufactures Australian made Guard Covers in a generous 1030mm x 750mm size, featuring sand filled pads for easy positioning (no magnets to catch metal shavings and scratch paintwork), wheel cut out and using soft, premium materials for long life and non-marking use. These Guard Covers are suitable for both modern and classic vehicles. To complement the Guard Covers, Tough-As also produces a Front Protection Cover with sand filled pads for location, two fender seams for a nice fit and to hold items and a large apron for protecting grill, bumper, and accessories – all made from soft, non-marking premium materials. Two other products available from Tough-As Products for the repair industry is the Door Cover and Sill Protector.

The Door Cover protects the integrity of the original door trim, glass and body work whilst performing repairs. Spark and weld resistant, they are made from non-marking PVC with an easy slip-on fitment. The Tough-As Sill Cover protects the integrity of the original bodywork, sill panel and scuff plate of the customers car. It is made from non-marking PVC with a weighted hem to keep the protector in place. Tough-As Work Mats and automotive covers are available from specialised automotive supply businesses throughout Australia. Distributors are also being sought in key territories around Australia. For more information, visit www.tough-as.com.au

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MILWAUKEE EXPANDS PACKOUT RANGE Two new product sets have been released Milwaukee says it continues to impress with the continued expansion of its PACKOUT range. Designed specifically for automotive professionals, Milwaukee recently announced the launch of two new ratchet and socket sets that are fully compatible with its PACKOUT Modular Storage System. “Our PACKOUT Modular Storage System is the most versatile and durable modular storage system in the industry,” Milwaukee Tool Product Manager, Jack Johnson, said. “The PACKOUT System has proved extremely popular with automotive professionals, especially with those who need to leave their workshops frequently to complete jobs on site.” Milwaukee’s PACKOUT System has set a new benchmark for modular storage. Featuring an intuitive and quick attachment mechanism, it gives users the freedom to stack and lock PACKOUT tool boxes, organisers, totes, and bags of different sizes in numerous configurations to best suit their needs. “We know that every mechanic would be lost

without their socket set, but in reality, there has been little innovation in socket and ratchet technology in the last decade,” Jack said. Whether it is cordless impact wrenches or under hood lighting, Milwaukee Tool says it has developed the power tools, hand tools, and accessories that help every workshop be safe and efficient and is dedicated to providing trade solutions for professional users. “The sockets in our two new PACKOUT kits all feature the versatile FOUR FLAT Sides, which are anti-roll and wrench-ready and are engraved with sizing for lasting readability,” Jack said. In addition, Milwaukee’s ratchet is designed with a slim profile head and 90 teeth delivering four degrees of arc swing for better access in tight spaces, making it perfect for use in the tight confines of modern engine bays. “Automotive manufacturers are packing more and more under the hoods of their vehicles,” Jack said. “These days, when you pop the bonnet, it’s rare to see any ground at all, so we designed our new

ratchet to work efficiently when space is at a premium.” For added flexibility, all Milwaukee PACKOUT Ratchet and Socket Sets come with removable inner trays that have been specifically designed to be taken out of the PACKOUT organiser and placed into steel storage toolboxes. Milwaukee says this provides users with the flexibility to transfer tools quickly and easily from use in the workshop to mobile service call outs. For more information, please visit www.milwaukeetool.com.au/storage/packout/

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

PRODUCTS

GOSS: A GENUINE ALTERNATIVE Goss says its products are the genuine alternatives you can count on Us humans are an interesting bunch – when it comes to product selection, we do our research to determine what we should and shouldn’t consider. You don’t just buy it without due diligence.

Goss says the auto parts industry is a fascinating one when it comes to brand or unknown brand consideration. If a product is not aligned to a car brand or have a well-known name, we really question whether we should be even looking at it.

However, we are inconsistent. While we will spend weeks investigating one product over another, comparing features and warranties for peace of mind, we’ll happily pick the no name pasta over the brand name with zero consideration, or happily tick the generic box when ordering our medication to save a couple of dollars.

But here’s the ‘goss’ says the company: an OES (Original Equipment Supplier) part is as good and sometimes better than an OE (Original Equipment) or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part.

Goss says that what is interesting here is that we put these into our body! We trust that the medication is approved, tested and safe. The no name pasta, well it’s just pasta so how can anyone screw that up? We don’t know why we don’t question this, we just…don’t.

Whether it is cam and crank sensors, EGR coolers, power steering switches, throttle bodies or a variable valve timing solenoid, and now the latest addition of fuel injectors, Goss says it is not only the country’s leading mechatronics parts suppliers, but its products meet and, in many cases, exceed OE alternatives. It states they are also considerably more cost effective.

quality and longevity at its high-tech testing lab and all parts are backed by warranty. It says that in a nutshell, Goss says this means that its “parts and products are as good, if not better than OE or OEM alternatives, they are thoroughly tested, stand the test of time and cost you less. It really is your genuine alternative, what more could you want of a product?” For those wanting to know more about Goss, its products and who would like some post-purchase support, Goss says its customer service hotline is waiting and you can call 03 8792 999 between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday and its team will answer all of your questions and can even help with diagnosing issues, all via its free technical help line. Alternatively, you can visit the Goss website to find product detail, catalogues and a wide range of technical documents, news and other important information.

Goss explain that its products are tested for

For more information, visit www.goss.com.au

These are parts that are identical, are used for the same purposes, have the same or superior quality and are backed by the same warranty. For instance, Goss explains it has been a highly respected supplier of quality aftermarket parts and products to the automotive industry for over 75 years and offers a true genuine alternative to OE and OEM parts in Australia.

XTREME CLUTCH GR YARIS UPGRADE IN DEVELOPMENT The GR Toyota Yaris is one of the most highly anticipated performance cars of 2020/2021 Australian Clutch Services’ performance street and motorsport division, Xtreme Clutch, is said to be well renowned for being first to market with some of the latest clutch upgrades for exciting new cars in the market. With this in-mind, ACS says it is no surprise to see the new GR Yaris in its car park. Designed and built as a homologation special for the World Rally Championship, this 1.6l turbo performance hatch transfers its power through a

six-speed conventional manual transmission to a permanent four-wheel drive system. Built by the specialist motorsport and performance brand, Toyota Gazoo Racing, these special vehicles have proven very popular in the Australian market and are already seeing increased values on the second-hand market due to limited supply. With aftermarket tuning companies around the world already developing upgrades for increased performance, Xtreme Clutch is currently developing new upgrades to handle the increased power and torque expected from modified vehicles. “The GR Yaris is one of the most highly anticipated cars to hit the market in recent years and we are excited to be getting straight into the development for this,” Xtreme Clutch Mechanical Engineer, Stewart Furze, said. “We have already introduced the standard replacement version to our range, and we are working on a range of Xtreme Clutch upgrade

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

kits to help support the growing tuning market for these vehicles as well as specific Motorsport applications.” ClutchPro, ACS’ standard replacement passenger car brand, is already offering the standard replacement kit for the vehicle including pressure plate, friction disc, dual-mass flywheel, concentric slave cylinder and replacement bolts. For more information, please visit www.xtremeclutch.com.au

PRODUCTS

UFI ARGENTIUM FILTERS “A revolution in cabin air filtration” UFI Filters, a leader in filtration and thermal management solutions, says it has touched a new high in the world of cabin air filtration with a technological breakthrough of particular relevance in these challenging times. Named Argentium for the unique nature of its structure and materials, UFI Filters’ new filter medium - entirely developed and produced by UFI Filters - is made of synthetic polymer fibers that contain a combination of elements with an increased antibacterial function. Developed from UFI Filters’ extensive experience in the research and development of new materials, this “revolutionary” filter medium consists of a non-woven fabric incorporating silver particles hence the name Argentium. UFI Filters says the fabric has a powerful antimicrobial action whose innovation lies in the ability of the fibers to neutralise bacteria, fungi and mould, reducing the bacterial load by over 99 percent. Tests carried out at the UFI Innovation Centre (UFI Filters R&D Centre) have reportedly shown

that this new product maintains its antimicrobial characteristics, and therefore its ability to destroy bacteria, throughout the filter’s entire lifetime. Significantly, with UFI Argentium filters, the antimicrobial principle lies inside the fibers themselves, so their ability to destroy bacterial load is extended over time. In the other solutions currently available on the market, UFI Filters says these properties tend to diminish just a few working cycles after installing the filter on the vehicle. UFI Filters’ says its new Argentium medium therefore offers a marked improvement in the air quality produced by cabin air filters, as well as better driving conditions thanks to a specific active carbon combination. Tests run by an independent German laboratory, certified in accordance with Standard ISO 111551, reportedly show this combination guarantees more than 98.5 percent filtration efficiency of particles with a diameter of 2.5 micron (such as pollen and dust), whilst also ensuring the elimination of harmful gases like nitrogen oxide (NOx) and bad odours.

UFI Filters says the innovative UFI Argentium filters will be introduced into the company’s Aftermarket cabin air filter range in March 2021. UFI Filters Group recommends cabin air filters are changed once a year, as failure to replace them regularly leads to poor air quality in the vehicle. The accumulation of dust and polluting materials puts the occupants’ health at risk, fostering not only allergies, throat problems and sneezing but also fatigue and poor concentration after long periods of driving. Visibility is also hampered by the condensation that builds up on the windscreen and windows. For more information, visit www.ufifilters.com

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

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POWERING YOUR AUTOMOTIVE ENGINE With premium lubricants from Fuchs R&J Batteries – Australia’s largest distributor of Fuchs lubricants – says Fuchs is a game changer and a market leader in premium performance engine lubricants. It states Fuchs’ commitment to providing the very best engineering and products for the Australian market sees over 95 percent of its products manufactured locally in Victoria, Western Australia and New South Wales; with each factory boasting ISO9001 certification, individual distribution, and their own R&D and quality control capabilities. Working hand in hand with Fuchs Lubricants (Australasia) Pty Ltd, R&J Batteries says it can provide an unrivalled, personalised focus to customers with distribution available across 22 company-owned branches and a vast network of 8,000 stockists across Australia. R&J Batteries explains that the Fuchs range of automotive lubricants includes TITAN lubricants which were developed with input from leading automobile manufacturers and tailored to satisfy the demands of today’s high-tech engines; while

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

offering outstanding high-performance, fueleconomy and wear protection. The TITAN premium lubricants range includes GT1 Flex 23 SAE 5W-30 (synthetic), SYN SN SAE 10W-40 (semi-synthetic) and Formula SN SAE 20W-50 (mineral). The Fuchs Titan GT1 Flex 23 SAE 5W-30 is a premium performance, extreme fuel-economy engine oil. It features optimum cold start ability and outstanding performance reserved for modern passenger cars and light commercial vehicles with or without extended service intervals. The ‘23’ in the Fuchs Titan GT1 Flex 23 represents the product’s unique ability to combine European ACEA C2 and C3 in a single product and ‘Flex’ refers to its Flexible Application to meet multiple global approvals relevant to the Australian market. The Fuchs Titan SYN SN SAE 10W-40 is a highperformance engine oil that provides excellent protection with exceptional oil consumption control properties. This is a stay-in-grade lubricant which maintains wear protection and

fuel economy characteristics even in severe conditions. Furthermore, Fuchs Titan SYN SN SAE 10W-40 has minimum oil consumption and the lowest possible evaporation losses as well as protection against sludging. The Fuchs Titan Formula SN SAE 20W-50 is an all-season performance SAE 20W-50 engine oil developed for normally aspirated, turbo and light commercial engines and four-stroke motorcycles. It is compatible with catalytic converters, maintains engine cleanliness and is suitable for vehicles using LPG fuel, leaded and unleaded fuel. R&J Batteries invites you to visit any of its company-owned branches or one of 8,000 stockists across Australia. For more information, visit www.rjbatt.com.au or call 1300 769 282.

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PROMO PRODUCTS TO BOOST YOUR SALES IQ Merchandising can assist with a range of promotional items IQ Merchandising has a range of licensed, branded and generic products imported from Germany that can be used for either on-sale purposes or as a promotional tool for your brand. For example, IQ Merchandising offers a wall clock range featuring fully licensed speedo designs for Harley-Davidson, BMW and Merecedes-Benz. Other designs include a Goodyear tyre design and Garage designs including BMW, Volkswagen, Harley-Davidson, Vespa and Mercedes-Benz along with Kombi designs and a generic Service and Repair design – all of which are available to see on IQ Merchandising’s website. The clocks are 30cm in diameter and are five cm deep. They have a metal outer rim and metal backing with domed glass face. The clocks can also be made in your own corporate design, which IQ Merchandising says is a great way to stay in front of your clients with your brand always on the wall and a permanent reminder whenever they look at the time. Along with the clocks, the IQ Merchandising range includes tin signs, thermometers, mint tins,

ceramic and enamel mugs, storage tins, money boxes, magnets and key rings – all of which feature great retro designs with merchandise licenses including Ford, Volkswagen, Audi, Fiat, Vespa, Harley-Davidson, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Goodyear, Coca-Cola, Mini and Moto Guzzi. The tin signs are made from extra thick steel sheet metal, pressed so they sit slightly out from the wall with embossed images adding a further level of depth and dimension. IQ Merchandising says these are quality made in Germany to the same demanding standards you would expect from a company that produces items for the brands named above.

IQ Merchandising says its mint tin range features metal tins about the size of a matchbox with hinged lids, embossing and a host of designs across a good number of automotive brands. They come filled with sugar-free mint pellets and the great designs and practicality of the tin mean they are usually kept for other purposes once the mints are finished. These tins can also be branded in your company’s branding. Similarly, with the rest of its exciting range, IQ Merchandising says the design, quality and finish is second to none with most products available to carry your design logo. To see the range, go to www.iqmerchandising.com.au or for more information please call Jim on 0488 068 286.

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

PRODUCTS

MANN-FILTER AIR FILTERS Now with even more recycled fibers Working with resources sustainably reportedly goes without saying for global filtration expert, MANN+HUMMEL. For example, it says one contribution to sustainability is the improved MANN-FILTER air filter C 24 005, with its renewed filter medium made from recycled synthetic fibers.

“One square meter of filter medium now contains plastic from up to six 1.5-liter PET bottles,” MANN-FILTER Product Range Manager Air and Cabin Air Filters, Jens Weine, said. “This meant we could triple the proportion of recycled fibers and make an important contribution to the conservation of resources.” More air filters will now follow in the footsteps of the C 24 005. The green colour of their recycled fibers makes these air filters look different to the others but they meet the replacement intervals prescribed by the vehicle manufacturer even under dusty conditions, and are characterised by their flameretardant properties. Thanks to the multilayer Micrograde A-S medium, the separation efficiency of the C 24 005 air filter is reportedly up to 99.5 percent when tested with ISO-certified test dust. With its high dirt holding capacity throughout the entire service interval, the air filter requires only 30 percent of the filter medium area of traditional air filters based on cellulose media. The fibers of the renewed medium are certified according to Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, meaning they are tested for pollutants and declared non-harmful. MANN+HUMMEL says its filters are in continuous development; stating that alongside meeting technical specifications, one of the most important factors for its team is sustainability. For more information, visit www.mann-hummel.com 44

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

DANA TRU-COOL OIL COOLERS Exclusive to Adrad Adrad says Dana is one of the most respected names in the global automotive industry for both aftermarket and original equipment products. Adrad has secured the exclusive distribution of Dana’s Tru-Cool range of engine and transmission oil coolers in Australia. It says these aftermarket oil coolers are ideal for a variety of applications including trucks, vans, passenger vehicles and SUVs which are used for carrying heavy loads or towing duties. Packaging for these coolers features the manufacturing name “Long” (owned by Dana), which was a Detroit-based parts manufacturer supplying America’s pioneer auto industry. Adrad says Tru-Cool oil coolers have been the preferred choice of US vehicle manufacturers and repairers, car enthusiasts and motorsport teams for decades. Many vehicle manufacturers recommend fitting an auxiliary transmission oil cooler when adding a tow bar and typically will include one in their optional accessory ‘towing pack.’ Adrad says Dana Tru-Cool high-quality coolers are available in a selection of sizes and styles to suit all manner of vehicles and include Tru-Cool LPD (Low Pressure Drop) and Tru-Cool MAX high performance variants. Installers can choose from 20 products depending on the size and performance requirements. All products in the range have installation kits featuring hoses, mounting hardware and fittings either already included or available separately. They carry a 12-month warranty which is supported by Adrad’s extensive nationwide network. Featuring high strength brazed construction in either a stacked plate or fin and plate arrangement, Tru-Cool LPD products are said to deliver 30 percent more cooling and 15 times less flow restriction than provided by a traditional tube and fin design unit. Adrad says vehicles which require superior cooling performance should opt for Dana’s TruCool MAX unit. It explains these feature the same high strength brazed aluminium construction but offer double the cooling of the Tru-Cool LPD design.

The provided installation kit includes multiple fitting sizes and even a bypass to protect against cold start damage in severe winter conditions. The bypass will start to open at 82°C (180°F) and is fully open at 96°C (205°F). Adrad explains that there are some essential rules to follow when selecting an oil cooler. It notes that as mentioned earlier, larger size is not always going to provide better cooling. It suggests you take note of the hose diameter that supplies your existing oil cooler – this hose diameter is often larger for diesel engines as their high torque can place more load on the transmission. The hose fittings on your auxiliary oil cooler should not be smaller than the standard line diameter as this will restrict oil flow. No matter which oil cooler is chosen, it needs to be correctly fitted and a good installation location is important to get the best cooling performance. When installing an auxiliary oil cooler into a vehicle, it needs to be exposed to ram air in order for effective cooling to be delivered. If a location with good air flow is not available, Adrad advises this can be overcome by adding an electric cooling fan to the oil cooler. Adrad says you should avoid disconnecting the existing oil cooler in the radiator tank unless the vehicle manufacturer recommends it. Leaving this in place will not only allow the cooler to continue functioning, it also assists in preheating the transmission after start-up to help it reach operating temperature quickly. Mounting the oil cooler in front of the radiator is an acceptable location and has the advantage of allowing the radiator fan to boost air flow at slow driving speeds. While it is true that heat released by the oil cooler will partly reduce the effectiveness of the radiator, it is also true that some of the heat load to the in-tank oil cooler is being removed, so overall the engine temperature should not increase by a significant amount, says Adrad. Dana Tru-Cool oil coolers are available from Natrad, Adrad Radiator Experts and independent repairers across Australia. For details of your nearest stockist, please contact Adrad on 1800 882 043 or enquire at customerservice@adrad.com.au

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GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR AIR FILTERS Fleetguard offers a number of solutions in this area Air filtration is a simple concept; but in order to get the best performance from your engine, and the most out of your air filter, there are a few other technologies worth being aware of.

Fleetguard Magnum Fleetguard says its Magnum filters fit in more media than traditional air filters, providing greater surface area for trapping particles. Greater surface area means greater capacity, which results in longer service intervals and reduces the need for filters to be changed as often. Consequently, Fleetguard says its Magnum filters help to reduce downtime and lower an engine’s total cost of ownership (TCO). Magnum filter upgrades are identified by the “M” suffix on the end of the part number. Many Fleetguard air filters are available with Magnum upgrades.

Fleetguard Sy-Klone Precleaners Precleaners help reduce the contamination load

of an air filter by removing particles before they get to the element. Fleetguard Sy-Klone precleaners are an ejective type precleaner, which reportedly require zero maintenance. Fleetguard says they provide high efficiency removal of larger particulates that would otherwise contribute to more rapid blockage of an air filter element. Precleaners work to extend service intervals, reducing downtime and TCO.

Restriction Indicators Often overlooked, the humble restriction indictor is a small but important accessory and is very useful in determining when a filter needs changing, allowing you to service only when necessary, and never prematurely. Fleetguard says restriction indicators ensure you get the longest possible life out of your air filters and therefore prevent you from wasting time and money on unnecessary servicing.

Safety Elements The safety element, also referred to as the secondary or inner element, has an important role to play. If your air filtration system is fitted with one of these, you only need to change it every third primary filter element change. This is because all of the hard work is done by the primary filter, and typically, the safety element should see very little contamination. Generally, the only contamination that the safety element faces, is what falls off the primary element during a service. By ensuring safety elements are changed on this basis, Fleetguard says you save on parts and labour, lowering TCO. For more information, call 1800 030 037 or visit www.fleetguard.com.au

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

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DIESEL TUNE AUSTRALIA SET TO EXPAND Businesses wanted to join its dealer network With the Diesel tuning market growing exponentially each year, Diesel Tune Australia is growing its dealer network and is actively seeking suitable workshops looking to expand their business into this exciting market. Diesel Tune Australia explains it is backed by more than 40 years in the performance tuning industry and offers locally developed remap ECU tune calibrations for most common rail diesel vehicles through its national dealer network. With a minimal outlay, it says you can be tuning diesels and reaping the benefits of DTA’s regular national advertising campaigns. Diesel Tune Australia says its CRD Flash Tuning

is ‘the’ state-of-the-art way of improving both the power and torque from modern common rail diesel engines. By strategically re-calibrating the factory engine control unit (ECU), DTA says it is able to safely optimise the engine power and torque output of most common rail diesel engines without tricking or going behind the back of the vehicle’s ECU. It says as all of the complex fuelling and boost calibrations are still controlled by the factory ECU, the vital safety parameters are left 100 percent intact. Additionally, remapping the ECU reportedly gives DTA the unparalleled ability to alter torque management tables, throttle mapping, turbo pressure, fuel pressure and injector timing to name just a few – something it says no individual chip or module can come close to claiming. “CRD Flash tuning by Diesel Tune Australia consistently delivers far safer Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGT), far greater control over the engine functions, far greater reliability and is much more affordable – this all adds up for a far more effective result when compared to fitting any sort of diesel chip or module,” Diesel Tune Australia says.

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

Key features of CRD Flash Tuning: · Every Vehicle is DYNO checked for accuracy and reliability · 100 percent reversible by new car dealer or DTA dealer · Throttle response drastically improved · Typical gains in power and torque between 20 percent and 40 percent · Economy improved, especially when towing · Lifetime warranty on Flash Tune · 12 Month warranty on workmanship · 90 Day Money back satisfaction guarantee · No other upgrades required For more information, visit www.hp-f.com.au

PRODUCTS

PRESTONE: DEFYING CORROSION The brand has been protecting cars in extreme conditions since 1927 Filpro Automotive says it brings market leading brands to the Australian automotive aftermarket, including globally renowned brand, Prestone. For the past 93 years, Filpro says Prestone has kept its technologies ahead of the rest, with its industry leading innovations. Established in the United States in 1927 by means of supplying the motoring industry with an answer to regulating optimal engine operating temperatures; Prestone introduced its Antifreeze/ Coolant. The pure Ethylene Glycol was a non-flammable solution compared to the likes of alcohol, which was used most commonly at the time. Filpro explains that in 1930 Prestone began making the first inhibitor powerful enough to protect cooling systems from rust formation, which gave them a leading edge within the industry. Now, after 90 years of research and development, comes its “revolutionary formulation” of patented Cor-Guard inhibitors.

The primary function of engine coolant is to increase the boil point and lower the freeze point, allowing the vehicle to maintain optimal temperature, and to provide corrosion protection for the engine and cooling system. Unlike most other brands of coolant inhibitor packs, the Prestone Cor-Guard inhibitor package is said to be designed specifically to start working immediately, providing protection to all types of metal and all surfaces. It has also been designed to protect hot spots in areas prone to cavitation-corrosion, such as the water pump and engine block; ultimately extending engine life. Filpro goes on to explain that Prestone can be used in every passenger and light commercial vehicle on the market. It is compatible and mixes safely with any other colour or brand of coolant and will take on the original cooling system colour when used as a top up. Filpro says this eliminates the need for workshops to carry three or four different colour coolants.

Filpro also explains that Prestone is an OEM global supplier, which means the coolant will not void manufacturers’ warranties; helping professionals and consumers enjoy the benefits of a new found simplicity. Filpro Automotive invites re-sellers, nationwide, to explore the Prestone range at www.filpro.com.au For more information, contact Filpro Automotive on 0400 878 837 or arossiter@filpro.com.au

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

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JENOK WIPER BLADE STARTER PACKS More than 1,100 workshops across Australia trust Jenok products Jenok says that its starter packs are a great and very economical way for workshops to get started with Jenok car wiper blade products. Wall and Floor packs are available, with Jenok saying these packs off significant cost savings. Available are the following starter packs: • Floor Display Aero and Framed Wiper Blades Pack: this starter pack comes complete with one wall mounted stand and a total of 84 Aero Wiper blades and Framed Wiper Blades (four each of the size 15,16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 26 and 28 inch Aero Wiper Blades and five each of the size 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 24 Framed Wiper Blades). • Floor Display Aero Wiper Blades plus Hook Type Pack: this starter pack comes complete with one floor mounted stand and a total of 96 Aero Wiper Blades and Aero Wiper Blades Hook Type (four each of the size 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26 and 28 inch Aero Wiper Blades and five each of the size 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26 and 28 inch Aero Wiper Hook Type Blades).

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

• Wall Mount Qty 4 Euro Blades of 11 Sizes Pack: this starter pack comes complete with one wall mounted stand and 44 Aero Wiper Blades (four each of the size 15,16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 26 and 28 inch Aero Wiper Blades).

A unique offering “Over the last few years, we have introduced a unique design which makes our wiper blade refillable. This means it easy to replace just the wiper rubber in seconds with no need to replace the whole assembly at every service which customers really appreciate,” Jenok Founder, John Warne, said. “We also always ensure all of the components we use in the manufacturing process are of the highest quality – this is critical in our pursuit of offering the best wiper blades on the market. “For example, our cold rolled flat wire from Europe with a zinc aluminium coating provides good corrosion resistance and keeps its tension over time, which makes for a longer lasting wiper blade and is the choice of car manufacturers the world over.”

As well as its wiper blades, Jenok also offers adapter kits which include nine different adapters. Jenok says its website allows for easy online ordering and features aero blades in all sizes from 14 inch to 28 inch as well as a full range of metal frame wiper blades and wiper blade refills. For more information, visit www.jenok.com.au

MEMBER FEATURE

RACING TO DRIVE INNOVATION RYCO Filters are always pushing the envelope, and in 2021 they have upped the ante by launching a technical partnership with Tickford Racing More than just a sponsorship deal, RYCO will be providing the team with a variety of filtration products to assist in their endeavour to secure the 2021 Supercar Championship. “We’re extremely excited about our technical partnership with Tickford Racing,” RYCO Group Pty Ltd General Manager – Sales, Tony Sheedy, said. “It signals the next horizon for the group as we test new innovations in what is considered the world’s most competitive touring car championship.” RYCO has a long and successful history in Australia that can be traced all the way back to 1936. “RYCO was born out of the war effort when the Defence Department partnered with W L Ryan Pty Ltd to manufacture and supply filters to military vehicles deployed in North Africa and the Pacific theatres,” Tony explained. “Once peace was declared, W L Ryan Pty Ltd was purchased by GUD, and RYCO was born.” Right from the very beginning, RYCO has been based in Melbourne’s West, originally situated on the Maribyrnong River, close to the Williamstown shipyards. The unique grey colour that has become synonymous with RYCO’s iconic spin-on oil filers can be traced back to the entrepreneurial spirit of Founder, Bill Ryan. “Rumour has it that Bill sourced surplus battleship grey paint from the Williamstown shipyards at discounted prices,” Tony explained. “And while the shade has changed and is a little lighter today, that entrepreneurial spirit is still a driving force at RYCO.” That entrepreneurial spirit, combined with RYCO’s commitment to innovation, was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. While spin-on oil filters are still one of RYCO’s largest segments, its air, fuel, and cabin filter ranges have grown significantly in the recent past. “Our technology, especially in cabin air, has come a long way with our new N99 medical grade media for cabin air filters,” Tony explained. “The COVID-19 pandemic introduced the wider community to the value of the N99 medical grade media, and our new N99 Cabin Filter range was developed to leverage that increased knowledge.” In addition, RYCO has also redesigned its 10 most popular Cabin Air Filters to ensure they completely seal in the vehicle’s HVAC system to stop bypass, a common issue with many OE filters. The RYCO team is currently working through the 54

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

redesign of the rest of its extensive Cabin Air Filter range to ensure it provides the same level of protection to vehicle occupants. Combined, RYCO says these two new innovations have raised the benchmark for Cabin Air Filters. RYCO’s design philosophy, to meet or exceed original equipment performance, has long been a driving force and it says its new Cabin Air range certainly highlights its commitment to this mantra. “For every product in our extensive range, our benchmark at a minimum is that we meet OE performance,” Tony said. “But in reality, our ultimate goal is to exceed OE performance, and while our innovation in cabin filter technology is an excellent example of achieving this goal, we’re investing the same amount of effort into every one of our product ranges. “When we identify an issue with an OE product, we build an improvement into the RYCO product offering. Our in-house innovation and technology laboratory allows us to design, prototype, and test new product innovations and commercialise them quickly. “Our ability to get new products to market fast ensures our competitors are always playing catch-up,” he added. RYCO says its new Hilux catch-can fitting kit is an excellent example of RYCO’s streamlined product development process. “The 4WD market is huge for us right now and our new catch can fuel water separator has proved extremely popular,” Tony described. “To make installation quick and easy, we have developed model-specific kits. Our innovation lab

Tony Sheedy

houses 3D printers and 3D scanners that allow us to scan a Hilux engine bay, print the bracket, and test fit it prior to production.” RYCO is also a longtime supporter of the AAAA, and its membership provides it with access to the Association’s Automotive Innovation Centre, which offers critical engineering and product development support. “I’d say that we’d have an engineering team down at the AIC at least once every couple of weeks,” said Tony. “They are constantly crawling over one of the large variety of vehicles housed at the facility to assess OE quality, assess new product opportunities, and test fit prototypes. “It is a fantastic initiative on the part of the AAAA, and speaking from experience, I know the facility is helping Australian brands to improve their own local product development.”

MEMBER FEATURE “As a result, we have been working with the team at Tickford Racing to improve their already hightech cabin and helmet air filtration systems.” Anyone with even the slightest interest in motorsport should tune in and watch this year’s Supercar Series as it promises to deliver one of the most hotly contested championships for many years as a result of several driver changes and a number of technical updates. “With 2020 champion Scott McLaughlin heading off to the States to compete in the IndyCar series, Tickford have emerged as one of the favorites in 2021,” Tony remarked. Tickford is fielding three entries in the 2021 Supercars Championship. While the iconic RYCO logo appears prominently of James Courtney’s Mustang, all three Tickford Mustangs will run RYCO branding and will have Ryco Filters protecting the power plant.

RYCO’s recently announced technical partnership with Tickford Racing is also proving to be a fertile ground for new product development, with plans in place to launch a new range of racing-specific filtration products. “It’s early days, but we’re already working handin-hand with Tickford’s engineers on product development,” said Tony. “We’ve never played in this space before, but we’re excited about the potential to grow this market segment.” RYCO’s initial starting point in motorsport was focused on fuel filtration – one inline and one intank, both designed to protect the V8 powerplant of a Supercar – but quickly expanded to include oil, intake, and cabin air filtration. “Our two new fuel filters were developed specifically with V8 Supercars in mind and we’ve already fulfilled orders from other teams competing in the Supercars Championship,” Tony explained.

“We haven’t made a big song and dance about it yet because at this stage, the cars haven’t hit the track in anger for the 2021 season, but we are very confident in our potential to grow our racing filtration range,” Tony said ahead of the 2021 season opener. Of course, fuel is not the only thing that needs to be filtered on these high-performance thoroughbreds. RYCO already has the Z160ST SynTec Oil Filter installed in the Tickford Mustangs and is working on intake and racing cabin filtration systems to increase its penetration into this new market segment. “What many people don’t realise is that driver comfort and fatigue have a significant impact on performance during a race,” said Tony. “The cabin of a Supercar is a pretty extreme environment in which drivers have to operate at their peak for extended periods and air quality is critical.

“We’re confident our technical partnership will give Tickford an edge against some tough competition and the lessons we learn at the race track will certainly flow down to our wider range,” Tony said. All RYCO products are designed, tested, and manufactured to perform in Australia’s severe conditions. From the latest Mercedes Benz C63 to the Toyota Land Cruiser that racks up plenty of country miles, RYCO says its extensive range will help protect your customers’ vehicles, whatever they drive. “Australians have a huge appetite for European vehicles and when they are delivered new, these are running around in high dust conditions with filters that are designed for the rolling hills of Southern Germany, not the Australian outback,” Tony explained. “In many applications, our filtration solutions will deliver improved performance when tested against OE equipment, regardless of where the vehicle was manufactured.” RYCO has enjoyed more than 80 years of success in Australia’s automotive aftermarket. With its continued focus on quality, innovation, and technical excellence, it says there is little doubt that the next 80 years will deliver even greater business outcomes. “I am privileged to be part of a high-performing team and a business with the vision, resources, and history of success of RYCO,” said Tony. “I believe everyone in the business would agree that we are just custodians of this brand for a small moment in time of the brand’s history. “My personal goal is to leave it in a better than position than I found it and to make sure that it is strong for another 80 years.” To find out more about RYCO Filters, visit www.rycofilters.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

AUTO ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING

ESITRONIC 2.0: FUTURE-PROOF AND EFFICIENT Bosch explains its diagnostic tester provides access to the latest diagnostic protocols and technologies According to Bosch, every third independent workshop today in Europe uses Esitronic, the comprehensive workshop software from Bosch for multi-brand diagnosis on passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, trucks and off-highway vehicles. Bosch Esitronic 2.0 is a comprehensive diagnostic software program for the maintenance, diagnosis and repairs of vehicles with more than 200,000 active users worldwide. The software bundle covers more than 90,000 vehicles across more than 150 different brands. Bosch explains that Esitronic eases troubleshooting requirements at the workshop by providing maintenance schedules, repair instructions and circuit diagrams. When using Esitronic 2.0 Online, Bosch says all data and information is always up to date, without any need for time-consuming updates. Bosch says new practical features and functions within the Esitronic software also support workshops concerning future developments and the constantly growing demands placed on diagnoses. It says this also includes diagnostic access to Mercedes-Benz and FCA-group vehicles with vehicle electronics protected against manipulation and unauthorised access as well as the information type, “experience-based repair” (EBR). By now, the EBR database comprises practical

notes and experiences shared about more than a million common repair cases and vehicle combinations. Moreover, the diagnostic tester KTS 250 has also been upgraded, with the new version now also including an e-mailing function easing everyday work for the mechanics using it.

Diagnosis and maintenance of protected vehicle electronics From September 2020, all new vehicle models in Europe have been required to be equipped with secure diagnostic access in accordance with EU Regulation 2018/858. This regulation provides for the protection of

vehicle electronics against manipulation and unauthorised access. Following FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), Mercedes-Benz AG is now, amongst others, also introducing such safety measures in a two-stage concept. Bosch explains that by means of its update 2020/1.02, workshops using Bosch Esitronic workshop software will receive the necessary software update to perform comprehensive diagnostic, service and repair tasks without any restrictions even on Mercedes-Benz vehicles with secured diagnostic access. In order to meet the requirements of the mentioned EU regulation, the vehicle manufacturers work on safety concepts that often include restrictions on access to the vehicle electronics. For this purpose and as a first step, MercedesBenz AG is using an extension of the so-called Seed and Key procedure. This is based on a special algorithm that is required to enable the protected functions. The mode of operation is similar to that of a Security Gateway. However, the Bosch solution does not require any registration at the vehiclemanufacturer portal. Without unlocking, certain functions such as calibration of driver assistance systems will be blocked and future access will be restricted to ECU identification, readout of actual values as well as readout or deletion of the fault memory. Several Mercedes-Benz models produced as of the last quarter of 2019 are already equipped with Seed and Key.

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

AUTO ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING for fault diagnostics in the workshop and on-themove. Equipped with Esitronic including an outstanding coverage of more than 150 vehicle brands, as well as the best Bosch VIN database, automatic VIN identification and automatic online updates, the KTS 250 ensures workshops are up-to-date and at the forefront of vehicle diagnostics. Bosch explains it is also ready-to-use within seconds and thanks to its intuitive software interface, is extraordinarily user-friendly and now also equipped with a practical e-mailing function. This allows, for instance, sending the protocols created at the vehicle diagnosis to a desktop computer or even right to the client. Several reports – even of different vehicles – can be attached to a single e-mail. Fixed or regular recipients can be stored, subject and message body can be adapted and modified. The KTS 250 is not the only diagnostic tester offered in Australia by Bosch. Also available are the following:

Bosch explains that regular updates of Bosch Esitronic workshop software allow workshops to continue working on Mercedes-Benz vehicles protected by means of Seed and Key without any restrictions. No special access data is required, nor is registration via the vehicle manufacturer portal necessary. For the unlocking, the workshop only needs an internet connection and a Bosch diagnostic tester of the current generation such as KTS 560, 590 or 350 (more information on these can be found further in this article) and as of mid-2020, KTS 250 will also support this function. In the course of the year, Mercedes-Benz AG also plans to further develop its safety concept as a second step and Bosch says Esitronic users will be informed in due time. Bosch had already prepared its workshop software for working on FCA vehicles (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) with Security Gateway with the Service Pack 2019/03. In this case, internet connection is used to exchange safety certificates between modern Bosch KTS diagnostic testers such as KTS 560, 590 and 350 as well as (as of end 2020) the KTS 250 and the vehicle manufacturer server, thus granting access to the vehicle electronics. In line with the FCA regulations, each individual mechanic must register beforehand in order to obtain a fee-based license for activation. Afterwards, Esitronic can be used as usual to perform comprehensive diagnosis on protected FCA vehicles.

Experience-based repair solutions (EBR) resulting from everyday workshop business The information type EBR has proven to be a very useful Esitronic tool for everyday workshop business. By means of an algorithm developed by Bosch, the EBR finder searches a multitude of sources – including forums and online posts – for common technical issues and their solutions. Experienced Bosch experts then develop practical and verified repair solutions based on the information thus obtained. Once a workshop employee faces one of these known errors during vehicle diagnosis, Esitronic reportedly recommends a repair solution which has already proven its worth. Users can evaluate specific repair solutions once they have used them; solutions which have proven to be particularly useful will thus receive a higher ranking. In this manner, Bosch says workshops can benefit from the experience of Esitronic users worldwide across more than a million real cases of applications and vehicle combinations.

Sending diagnostic protocols via e-mail right from KTS 250 The modern and compact all-in-one ECU diagnostic tester Bosch KTS 250 can be used for all vehicle-diagnostic functions, both at the workshop and as a mobile solution. The KTS 250 is a state-of-the-art ECU multifunctional tester with all the necessary tools

• KTS 350 – Bosch says the mobile KTS 350 integrated diagnostic tester will maximise workshop operations today and provide futureproofed technology to benefit operations in the future. A built-in Ethernet interface achieves high-speed data transfer reportedly up to 100 times faster than previous CAN technology and with PassThru technology, users can access and reprogramme vehicle manufacturer control unit software at any time; helping technicians to improve productivity of daily workshop routines and achieve optimal diagnosis. • KTS 560 – Bosch says the many innovative features of the KTS 560 diagnosis module will speed up workshop operations, improve accuracy and enhance potential. The module’s advanced, fully compliant PassThru interface enables easy reprogramming of vehicle manufacturer software, and the ability to run parallel diagnosis – as the module can communicate with up to three CAN and K-Line interfaces simultaneously – means faster, more productive output in the long run. • KTS 590 – Bosch says the KTS 590 communication module ensures the most advanced ECU diagnosis for Ethernet-based (DoIP – Diagnostics over Internet Protocol) vehicle interfaces with features that will significantly enhance workshop output. With access to the latest measuring technology, technicians can efficiently test and measure all sensor and actuator signals, and quickly and effectively evaluate voltage, resistance and current. Bosch says that the KTS 590 is the most up-to-date control unit around, making it “the future-proofed choice.” For more from Bosch, visit www.boschaftermarket.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

AUTO ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING

INJECTRONICS HYBRID BATTERY REMANUFACTURING EXCHANGE PROGRAM LAUNCHED The new project works in conjunction with automotive workshops Injectronics recently announced its new hybrid battery remanufacturing exchange project which it says will enable the scalable component re-use and resource recovery of retired battery packs from hybrid-electric vehicles. “We are extremely excited to announce Injectronics’ hybrid battery remanufacturing exchange program,” Injectronics Executive General Manager, Gino Ricciuti, said. “A project of this type creates a circular economy, putting to an end the single use nature of hybrid batteries, is environmentally friendly in its approach and will save hybrid vehicle owners a considerable sum when their battery fails to work as expected.” Part of IM Group, Injectronics says it is Australasia’s leading supplier of quality new and remanufactured automotive electronic components, as well as the preferred repairer of electronic and mechatronic parts. A hybrid battery has traditionally been seen as a single use part, but Injectronics says its ability to remanufacture battery packs that are faulty, slow to charge or no longer performing at an effective level has created a circular economy that will maintain battery life long after manufacturer warranties have lapsed. Supported by the Federal Government’s Automotive Innovation Lab Access Grants program – a key element of the Government’s $100 million Advanced Manufacturing Fund – the initiative prevents batteries, plus its toxic materials, from being discarded into landfill. The hybrid battery exchange project works in conjunction with automotive workshops. When a fault with a car’s hybrid battery is presented to a workshop, the repairer contacts

Injectronics which then securely ships a remanufactured battery direct to them. The repairer places the faulty battery into the protected container provided and returns it to Injectronics for remanufacturing. Once complete, this functioning hybrid battery – which comes with an updated two-year warranty – will be made available to future customers. With the increasing interest in hybrid vehicles, the need for remanufactured hybrid batteries is going to rise over the next decade and beyond. In 2021 alone, Injectronics says it is estimated that over 16,000 hybrid batteries need be replaced in cars across Australia. This will rise to more than 23,000 in 2024. Once available to market, it is envisaged that the cost of a remanufactured battery for the end consumer will be between 60 and 80 percent less than a new unit – with Injectronics stating the project also offers considerable environmental advantages as well as cost savings down the line. In preparation for the project start – which is expected in the next several months – Injectronics will have a bank of remanufactured hybrid battery packs ready for exchange as required. Apart from the cost savings for the end user, Injectronics says it is setting the automotive industry – particularly independent workshops – up for success with this new project. It says that by giving workshops access to specialist HEV-specific aftermarket products and services by a reputable business, it offers vehicle owners, via their preferred workshop, a viable alternative to new original equipment battery packs, and enables independent general mechanics to expand their service offering to the emerging hybrid-electric vehicle markets.

Looking to export remanufactured hybrid batteries to New Zealand, in the longer term Injectronics says it wants to further invest in research and development, new technologies and equipment, and align with universities to find cost effective solutions for the reuse and remanufacturing of other battery types, including lithium-ion batteries. It also wants to look at the possibilities with EV, heavy duty and non-road vehicles. Injectronics says this innovative approach has been recognised by the Federal Government, which supported Injectronics and its hybrid battery remanufacturing exchange program with a $103,000 grant. “As businesses are still reeling from the impacts of COVID, there hasn’t been a more critical time than now to invest,” Senator David Van said. “These grants will help the businesses get their products to market sooner, which will grow the economy and create new Australian jobs. “We recognise how vital innovation is to advance the nation’s automotive manufacturing industry and are committed to back businesses who can think out of the box and expand their product offerings to local and global markets.” Supported by a dedicated customer service network, Injectronics states its website is one of the most complete technical resources in the industry. The website is said to explain all its products and services and includes technical bulletins, videos, catalogues and brochures – which are downloadable – and can connect customers with their local Injectronics agents. For more information, visit www.injectronics.com.au or www.im-group.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

AUTO ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING

NEW THUNDER DC-DC CHARGER RELEASED Taking DC-DC chargers “to the next level” Thunder has released its new DC-DC charger which it says boasts features “never before seen in the Australian market, including a remote mount Bluetooth LCD display as well as an IP67 rating and 90°C temp rating.” Whilst others have the IP67 rating, Thunder says the combination of the three features means it can be installed under the bonnet without fear of the charger de-rating due to engine heat or being damaged through a creek crossing. The remote display means drivers can see what the charger is doing from the cabin, understanding at a glance their battery’s state of charge, whether it is being charged by the engine or solar, and if there is a connection error. Merchandise Manager, Steve Mitchell, said he could not be more excited about launching the new charger and the introduction of the remote screen.

“This new charger is the result of years of work from our first-generation charger, with ongoing testing and research,” Steve said. “Thunder understands the needs of 4x4 enthusiasts because we are enthusiasts ourselves. We’ve listened, we’ve watched, and we’ve worked alongside other industry leaders to bring the next generation of in-vehicle charging to life.” Thunder says having a DC-DC installed in the engine bay is always ideal as it can provide additional air flow to keep the unit operating in peak condition. The issue has always been not knowing the state of charge or thinking the unit is charging when it is not. Thunder says another exciting feature is the linkable design, allowing multiple units to be linked to increase the amperage and charging power. This has been dubbed Modular Sense Technology and Thunder says it is an excellent building block for off-roaders as they expand their kit. The company explains that when people first start off-roading, they will typically buy a 20A charger. Then as they buy more and more accessories or need more charging power, they will upgrade to a 40A or higher capability charger. This means you are purchasing more and more chargers, each at a significantly higher price point. With Modular Sense Technology, Thunder says you start with the 20A unit and then if you want

to upgrade, you purchase another 20A unit, link it and then you have got a 40A system. This new charger is also the first of the Thunder range to include a Lithium profile in addition to the Lead Acid, GEL, Calcium and AGM profiles of previous chargers. It also has the ability to accept 50V unregulated house panels without blowing fuses or melting. Thunder notes that whilst house panels are not ideal for off-road use, their lower price and availability have meant they are finding their way into more and more setups, particularly mounted to the top of caravans. The new Thunder DC-DC is available to automotive industry specialists and mechanics from NAPA Auto Parts, Ashdown-Ingram, Covs, Global and R&E Auto Parts, as well as leading 4x4 and electrical retailers. For more information, visit www.napaparts.com.au

MEGALIGHT ULTRA +150 Available from Invision Sales Tungsram says its Megalight Ultra +150 outputs an amazing amount of light, illuminating up to 150 percent more of the road than a standard halogen.

“With it designed and manufactured in Europe, it is literally a guarantee of quality that gives you the confidence to fit it to your customer’s vehicles.”

Invision Sales, distributor for the Tungsram globe range, says the Megalight Ultra 150+ uses an ultra-fine filament design, 100 percent xenon gas filling system and precise European engineering to create an advanced product.

Invision Sales says Tungsram is a European manufacturing success story that began over 120 years ago. The company has reportedly held true to its principles and maintained the highest quality standards and resisted the temptation to manufacture in Asia as many other brands have.

Further, a specialised coating system and enhanced strength glass envelope on the Megalight Ultra +150 is designed to prevent overheating which improves bulb life. “Tungsram has created an absolute standout product in the Megalight Ultra +150 by combining incredible performance along with OE quality that meets our ADRs,” Invision Sales Managing Director, Wayne Blackman, said. 60

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Invision has also created a very trade focused program for Tungsram with the introduction of fantastic wall mounted cabinets and a great parts box system that covers every globe in the range. It says it is the ideal way for a busy workshop to feed their daily requirements and the setup gives you a clear and concise view and makes selecting the globe you need fast and efficient.

“When you fit Tungsram globes to your customer’s vehicle, you can be assured that you’re fitting original equipment quality that has been manufactured in Europe. What this means to the Australian market is the return of the Tungsram brand, with made in Europe bulbs,” Wayne said. The complete Tungsram globe range is available through JAS Oceania. For further information visit www.invisionsales.com or contact Invision Sales on 03 9336 2066.

AUTO ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING

DON’T LEAVE YOUR CUSTOMERS STRANDED THIS WINTER Century’s DHC BT521A hand-held battery tester can provide an on-the-spot test result in minutes As we start heading into the cooler months of the year and the temperatures start to decline, automotive batteries go through changes that can begin to affect the vehicle’s starting performance. Colder temperatures can increase the amount of friction which engine components endure, and an increase in oil viscosity means that additional cranking power will be required to start the vehicle. To add more stress to the situation, a fully charged battery at 250C has approximately 100 percent of its power available to crank the engine. But at 00C, the battery’s ability to deliver the same amount of power is reduced by around 35 percent. The combination of the vehicle’s operating conditions, an increase in engine tolerances and a decrease in available CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) is a big factor behind an increase in battery failures leading into the colder months. Century explains that research has proven the correlation between the more batteries you test, the more replacement batteries you will sell.

It says this is particularly pertinent when we consider that approximately 750,000 battery sales are lost each year to roadside replacements because of people waiting until their batteries fail before replacing them. Over 70 percent of these vehicles would have visited a service bay or retail outlet within the last six months – and the owners could have potentially benefited from receiving a free battery test during that visit. This is particularly interesting when we consider that approximately one in every twenty batteries identified with a ‘chance of failure’ leads to a battery sale. Century says proactive battery testing using a hand-held tester like its DHC BT521A provides an accurate on the spot test result in minutes. It can help identify suspect batteries before they fail and highlight problems with the vehicle’s starting and charging system. But more importantly, says Century, it helps your customers avoid the financial and emotional costs associated with a flat or faulty battery.

It says that not only will this translate into increased battery sales, but it will also help maintain your reputation of offering good customer service and further cementing your business in the local community. For more information, contact your Century Yuasa representative on 1300 362 287 or visit www.centurybatteries.com.au

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

AUTO ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING

NEW REAR COMBINATION LAMPS From LED Autolamps LED Autolamps – designers, and manufacturers of high-quality LED automotive lighting – says it is excited to release its new 407 series range of rear combination lamps. The new lamps are reportedly packed with features, including a super low profile, intensely bright LEDs and adaptability to many vehicle and trailer applications. LED Autolamps says the 407 series possesses all necessary functions housed within a stylish modern design. It explains that there are two Stop/Tail/Indicator models supporting 12 Volt with a coloured or clear lens, while a multi-volt model with a coloured lens offers the full Stop/Tail/Indicator and Reverse lamp functions in one unit. This series’ key feature is its surface-mounted low profile design measuring 407mm x 147mm x 35mm. Fitted using the four supplied screws, LED Autolamps explains you also have matching screw caps to ensure a seamless, clean installation which not only enhances your application but also

protects against unwanted impact damage with some thicker profiled assemblies. Purpose-built and manufactured to the highest standards, LED Autolamps says you can rest assured these lamps are up to any task. Specially designed hardened acrylic lenses with enhanced optical performance amplify the 42 high-powered SMD LEDs; while high impact plastics with solid-state circuitry ensure shock, vibration, and UV resistance while delivering a super bright, even-spread output that “looks incredible and exceeds all required Australian Road standards.” LED Autolamps states that its entire operation is certified to ISO9001:2015; the internationally recognised Quality Management Standard and says its main production facility is certified to IATF16949:2016 standards. More importantly, it says, it guarantees conformity

of production, exceptional service, technical expertise, supply reliability and dedicated aftersales care. The 407 series lamps offer a low current draw on electrical systems, are fully submersible, and are environmentally tested to IP67 water and dust ingress protection standards. LED Autolamps says they will enhance any application and are sure to be the perfect fit for your truck, trailer, caravan, bus, or motor home. LED Autolamps offers the multi-volt model in a retail twin blister, and bulk for the 12 Volt models. LED Autolamps says as it takes full control in the design, development, and manufacture in producing the lamps, it can confidently offer a five-year warranty. The 407 series is available to order now. For further information, visit www.ledautolamps.com for your local distributor or call LED Autolamps on 03 9466 7075.

CTEK COMPLETES SIX-WEEK WORKSHOP TRIAL The company says battery testing can be a key revenue stream for workshops A six-week workshop trial undertaken by CTEK reportedly identified that as many as 25 percent of vehicles arriving in the workshop had a battery problem. In addition, a further 32 percent of vehicles were at some risk of battery failure if action was not taken to maintain the condition of the battery. CTEK says this study revealed a huge opportunity as changing driving styles are impacting the health of the vehicle battery. As a result of the study, CTEK has issued advice to workshops which recommends the battery is always tested when a vehicle enters the workshop. CTEK says it is worth remembering the demands complex vehicle technologies are placing on workshops and says whether you are repairing a vehicle, testing electrical circuits, carrying out diagnostic procedures, flash programming ECUs or programming vehicle keys, battery support is a vital activity. It explains that a free battery check can also

become a cornerstone of your workshop’s customer service, just like when a vehicle enters the workshop and oil and other fluid levels, tyre pressures and brake condition are all regularly checked and monitored. To make the most of this opportunity, the workshop needs to be equipped with an up-todate battery tester, ideally incorporating a printer facility. Complemented by a battery charger, such as the CTEK PRO25S, workshops can test, charge, and condition a vehicle’s battery during other vehicle work, which is a chargeable service. CTEK says results from the six-week trial showed a workshop that was servicing an average of ten vehicles per day completed around 20 battery services per week at $15.00 per service, producing an additional $300.00 of revenue per week. Over the course of a year, it says this would result in an additional $15,600 of revenue for the workshop. Further, it states that on top of the revenue from battery maintenance, the workshop

sold an average of three batteries a week as a result of testing. So, if each battery retails for $150, then the workshop will make $23,400 per year in battery sales for a total combined revenue increase of $39,000 for battery sales and servicing. To purchase a CTEK PRO25S and a CTEK PRO Battery Tester for example would cost $1,700. CTEK explains this means that in just five weeks the equipment would be paid off with the revenue from battery testing alone and so the workshop would enjoy a profit of $13,900 from just battery servicing only – let alone the increased revenue from new battery sales. For more from CTEK, visit www.ctek.com Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

AUTO ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING

AUTO ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS From Unique Auto Parts For more than 25 years, Unique Auto Parts says it has been importing top quality parts for European vehicles; but did you know its team also sources parts from top European brands on Australia shores? Unique Auto Parts explains that it supplies top quality replacement parts for passenger and light commercial European vehicles including Mercedes Benz, BMW, Mini, Seat, Skoda, Audi, Citroen, Peugeot, Renault, Volvo, Porsche, Volkswagen, Land Rover and Range Rover. The company stocks what it calls a “huge” range of electrical and ignition parts as well as lighting options, the majority of which are sourced in Australia directly from well-known manufacturers, Bosch and Hella. Unique Auto Parts says Hella’s main focus has always been the design and manufacture of automotive lighting and electrical equipment and they offer a wide range of state-of-the-art electrical and lighting options for both passenger and commercial vehicles. Unique Auto Parts stocks a wide range of Hella products including camshaft sensors, crankshaft sensors, oil level sensors, fan resistors, glow plug

relays, oxy sensors, air con pressure sensors and ignition coils. The Bosch name is synonymous worldwide with reliability and quality and for this reason Unique Auto Parts says it keeps its warehouse shelves stocked with great Bosch products. This range includes air flow sensors, oxy sensors, alternators, starter motors, spark plugs and nonelectrical items such as wipers. Bosch and Hella are just two names on an extensive list of both national and international suppliers which also includes JP Group, Quinton Hazell, Carlube, Meyle, Trucktec, Victor Reinz and SKF. Unique Auto Parts also has an extensive range

of new parts to suit all needs including filters, brakes, steering and suspension, cooling, sealant and gaskets; as well as an exclusive range of oils and lubricants and a line of specialty tools designed specifically for European makes. Unique Auto Parts now has five convenient locations around Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, with local delivery and interstate shipping available from each location. It says ordering is easy and stress free – just provide your VIN or vehicle registration number to ensure you receive the rights parts every time. For more information, call 1300 864 864 to be connected to your nearest branch or visit www.uniqueautoparts.com.au

EMERGENCY TRAILER BREAKAWAY KIT ‘Sure Brake’ released by Projecta Projecta has released its new ‘Sure Brake’ Trailer Breakaway Kit, ensuring safety in a towing disconnection emergency. All Australian states for trailers exceeding 2000kg gross trailer mass must now be fitted with a breakaway system. The safety device is designed that in the event of the trailer disconnecting while towing, it will activate its electric brakes and bring it safely to a stop. Projecta says the TBS700 Sure Brake accomplishes this with a durable, all-in-one case that houses its own 12V battery and charger and can be installed out of view, leaving only the plunger, lanyard and carabiner visible.

The battery case can be hard wired to the house battery of a caravan or boat, the tow vehicle alternator via the trailer plug, or charged externally via its terminal posts on the front, ensuring its 12V 7Ah battery is always charged. A test button allows for easy checking of battery status and there is a remote monitoring output wire for those who wish to install the battery case out of reach or monitor from the towing vehicle cabin. Inside the ‘Sure Brake’ system case you’ll find a fused battery connection, potted circuitry with overvoltage, overcurrent and short circuit protections ensuring the safety of the system and its battery. For ease of installation the unit is prewired, has colour-coded inputs and outputs and comes with mounting screws. “Sure Brake is cheap insurance for peace of mind when towing,” Projecta Marketing Manager, Jake Smith, said. “The system not only has a built in battery, it can keep this battery charged through multiple sources, whether it’s the alternator, solar panels, house battery or even an external battery charger.”

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

Jake also commented that whilst smaller breakaway solutions are available, many of these systems tend to rely on external power such as the caravan house battery. If not sufficiently charged, users run the risk of these breakaway systems failing in an emergency. Projecta’s ‘Sure Brake’ Trailer Breakaway Kit is available from leading automotive, caravan, camping and transport outlets nationwide at approximately $320.00. For more information, visit www.projecta.com.au

AUTO ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING

AEROFLOW AUTO ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS Available from Rocket Industries Rocket Industries says Aeroflow’s range of performance products includes an impressive range of ignition and auto electrical parts to build and service your street machine, custom or hot rod. The range includes universal eight, 12 and 21 circuit wiring harnesses, LS1 and LS3 standalone harnesses, fan relay kits, electrical bulkheads, weatherpack connectors, de-pin kits, coil plugs and extensions, injector adapter plugs and harnesses, ethanol content sensors, 02 sensors and connector kits as well as the Xpro ignition range of distributors for Ford Holden Chevy and Chrysler, ignition leads coils and associated accessories, starter motors and alternators. Xpro starter motors are a Nippon Denso style high torque reduction starter that are available in standard and compact 1.9HP and 2.7HP variations, which Rocket Industries says are perfect for high output engines that need good clearance for exhaust headers and require a strong reliable starter. The billet aluminium mounting block is able to rotate to maximise clearance. Xpro 1 wire self-exciting alternators are available from 100 up to 200 amp and are available in chrome, black and natural finish depending on the model. Service parts and accessories are also available.

Aeroflow’s range of switches includes battery isolators, missile switches in different colours with leads, switch panels, starter switches and relays to help you control all your electrical functions.

Each wire is colour coded and labelled every six inches (152.4mm) for the entire length to allow ease of installation in any car, hot rod or race car.

outputs, brake switches, instrument clusters and more and Rocket Industries says the included fuse box is compact and therefore perfect for installation in confined areas. Further, it states Aeroflow’s GM LS series plug and play harnesses for EFI GM LS1/LS6 and LS3 series engines are a complete standalone replacement wiring harness that suits GM LS series with drive by cable throttle body and manual or automatic transmissions. It says these are perfect for retrofitting into older muscle cars and street rods or newer non-emissions-controlled vehicles. To round out the range, Aeroflow offers a multitude of conversion injector adapters to convert between Bosch/Denso/Uscar/Nissan/EV1 and Toyota.

These eight, 12 or 21 circuit wiring harnesses will wire up heaters, air conditioning, wiper motors, various accessories, turn/hazard signals, relay

For more information visit www.aeroflowperformance.com or contact Rocket Industries on 02 88251 900 or via www.rocketind.com

To complement these is a plethora of harnesses, relays and bulkhead connectors and connector kits in weather tight and weather pack styles that make all your electrical installations a snap, says Rocket Industries. Aeroflow Performance’s range of universal wiring harnesses come complete with fuse box, relays and fuses.

THE RIGHT LED FOR EVERY VEHICLE JW Speaker’s headlight range covers a wide array of applications The JW Speaker LED headlight range is designed to provide optimum light output for every vehicle type and driving style. As a leading manufacturer in LED headlight systems, the company embarked on developing a range of specifically designed products such as direct fit with inbuilt CANbus, projector and reflector headlight bulbs, ultra-high powered +180 percent, fog and high beam and low beam bulbs for specific vehicles. “To ensure the headlight system performs correctly a globe needs to be engineered for the specific headlight system to maintain the overall lighting performance,” Invision Sales Managing Director, Wayne Blackman, said. “If they are out of specification it can create dangerous driving conditions for oncoming drivers. The LED chips and shields need to be precisely positioned for each particular headlight system which is why JW Speaker have developed this range.” 68

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The JW Speaker LED Bulb Kits have been engineered to offer a precision beam pattern that reduces the chance of glare for oncoming traffic while delivering the driver with a full spread of light on the road. Invision Sales says the spread of light is incredibly even, meaning there are no hot spots or dark patches to distract the driver. With so many options in the range, Invision Sales says the JW Speaker LED headlight bulbs are ideal for the car, 4WD, transport, mining, and agricultural markets. For those looking for the ultimate headlight improvement, it explains the Model 4000 Evolution has an output up to 180 percent compared to standard halogen bulbs while the Direct Fit range replaces a standard halogen bulb without extra cabling – simply take out the old bulb and plug in the new LED. Invision Sales says JW Speaker is a world leading

LED lighting manufacturer which produces technologically advanced products for leading OEM and aftermarket customers around the world. As a highly respected supplier to a wide range of markets such as agriculture, construction, on-road commercial, material handling, mining, motorcycle, recreation and aviation, Invision Sales says the range of LED products produced by JW Speaker covers just about every application imaginable. To see the range of LED lighting solutions, visit www.invisionsales.com or for further information please contact Invision Sales on 03 9336 2066.

AUTO ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING

PARKSAFE CARAVAN LIGHT AND BRAKE TESTER New from Burg Design Checking your caravan or trailer lights/brakes for correct operation prior to a trip is a must-do. Relying on your partner or neighbour to confirm that your tow car’s instructions have been relayed further rearwards means having a reliable person around when you hitch up. And if there is something wrong, you need to know what globe or wire to change. Burg Design says there is now a simple Wireless Trailer Lights and Electric Brake Tester available to check out all your connections before you hit the road. Marketed in Australia by Burg Design, the Parksafe tester comes packed in a strong and compact plastic box that you can slip into your tow car or a cupboard in your van so you can repeat the checks during a trip.

NEW FROM NAPA AUTO PARTS The company is lighting up 4x4 NAPA Auto Parts brands Thunder and Great Whites have been busy developing new ranges for Australian off-road enthusiasts.

Great Whites expand range Great Whites recently extended its range of Attack LED driving lights with the launch of its Alloy Series. The new series complements Great Whites’ existing 170 and 220 Series. These high-performance lights can reportedly achieve one lux at one kilometre and Great Whites says they are the perfect addition to vehicles with chrome or alloy accessories.

Thunder releases new charger Thunder has released a new DC-DC charger to the market, featuring a unique wireless LCD screen. This screen can be discreetly mounted inside the cabin with the driver, while the charger is mounted in the engine bay, allowing the driver to know their battery health at all times. The new DC-DC charger suits lithium as well as AGM and lead acid batteries. For more information, speak with the team at your local NAPA Auto Parts or visit www.napaparts.com.au

CONNECT WITH AEI “Proven performance when it matters most” Auto Electrical Imports (AEI) says it offers a comprehensive range of “worldrenowned” Deutsch connectors. AEI says Deutsch connectors are the ideal choice when adding accessories including power systems, lighting for safety and increased visibility, radio systems, reverse cameras, and alarms.

The unit itself consists of a small aluminium ECU box containing a 240v rechargeable battery, with a wiring harness connected to a standard 12-pin trailer plug. An adapter harness to allow connection of a round seven-pin plug is included in the kit. To use, you simply connect the unit to your trailer’s plug, switch it on via the illuminated button, and then use the supplied remote control unit to check the activation of its lights via the numbered button on the remote. This allows you to check that your caravan or trailer has been wired correctly as per standard electrical practices and a coloured chart is also supplied to confirm the standard wiring. The Parksafe, which is designed and made in Australia, comes with a 12-month local warranty and support. For more information, visit www.burgdesign.com.au 70

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The Deutsch range is designed for all driving environments and is said to withstand extreme or demanding conditions, where dirt, moisture, salt spray and rough terrain could otherwise damage electrical connections. AEI says it has connector ranges available in a variety of sizes, configurations and contact arrangements; stating the range offers durable performance and easy assembly with a firm secure locking mechanism and water and dust tight seals up to IP68. Compared to other connectors, AEI says the Deutsch connector range is easy to use, reliable and robust; and the simple, user friendly design reportedly eliminates the need for countless different components for each connection. With a connector available to suit almost every application, AEI says the Deustch range offers a strong, durable, and versatile solution, which is achieved by utilising the latest technology in metal and thermoplastic shells. The entire Deutsch sealed connector range incorporates fluid resistant silicone seals moulded into each housing. This aids in ease of use and ensures correct assembly by eliminating incorrectly installed seals. It also eliminates the chance of seal failure due to damage during the crimping or assembly process. This smart series of connectors utilises a standard contact system, available in solid or stamped and formed construction. They are available in either nickel or gold plated and a range of sizes to suit a wide variety of conductors. AEI also offers convenient grab kits for common connectors. For more information, call 1800 724 690 or visit www.ionnic.com

AUTO ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING

ICON IGNITION LEADS Available now from Burson Auto Parts Burson Auto Parts says it takes pride as Australia’s preferred trade supplier of automotive parts, tools, accessories and equipment in sourcing premium quality products for automotive technicians. Of the many important replacement parts repairers need, Ignition Leads is definitely one of them – an automotive component in which any quality compromise simply cannot be an option for long term motoring reliability, engine performance and fuel efficiency. Burson Auto Parts has now introduced Icon Ignition Leads to its automotive aftermarket product range. All Icon Ignition Leads are manufactured in the USA and terminated in Europe, with all products in the vast application range featuring double silicone insulation, while each kit also includes lead separators.

REDARC LITHIUM BATTERY RANGE LAUNCHED REDARC has released a new range of 12-volt deep cycle lithium (LiFePO4) batteries Available in 60Ah, 100Ah and 200Ah variants, REDARC says there are options to create the perfect auxiliary battery set up suitable for 4WDs, RVs, campers, caravans, or boats. When it comes to auxiliary batteries, REDARC says its range of Lithium batteries are fast charging, have a long lifespan, are lightweight and maintenance free. They also include an internal BMS (battery management system) which enables the batteries to be connected in parallel to increase capacity for more storage. Lithium batteries are fast to charge and are up to 50 percent lighter than the AGM/Lead Acid equivalent. With a saving of 15 – 20kg per battery, REDARC says you can effectively cut down some serious weight leaving more room for accessories, adventure gear and luggage. It is no secret that lithium batteries do come at a premium. However, with their extended number of charge cycles, sometimes up to eight times that of an AGM/Lead Acid equivalent, REDARC says lithium batteries can often be cheaper in the long run. REDARC says this long lifespan combined with a low self-discharge rate and zero maintenance makes its lithium battery range the perfect set and forget solution.

Further, Burson Auto Parts says the quality design and manufacturing of the Icon Ignition Lead range is supported by a two-year/40,000 kilometre warranty. Burson Auto Parts says while no compromise has been made in quality with the new Icon Ignition Lead range, they are also available at lower cost compared to equivalent quality international brand ignition lead products. “We are pleased to introduce this premium quality, internationally manufactured and tested ICON Ignition Lead range to our constantly expanding automotive parts inventory,” Burson Auto Parts Product Manager, Gavin Keedle, said. All 194 Burson Auto Parts stores nationwide now have access to the new Icon Ignition Lead range, with its application range continuing to grow in the future. For more from Burson Auto Parts, visit www.burson.com.au 72

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

The other advantage of lithium is that you do not need to work out your available usable energy like you do with AGM/Lead Acid. The label on the battery declares the amount you can use which makes it simple. “Our batteries have been highly anticipated and well received to the delight of our customers as they complement our whole off-grid power solutions,” REDARC Managing Director, Anthony Kittel, said. Pairing batteries with the Manager30 Battery Management System and the RedVision Total Management System gives customers access to real-time battery information and system control, with the added benefit of connecting to the RedVision app to monitor and control systems via a phone or tablet. With a decade of extensive real-world testing followed by independent validation, REDARC says it has applied its expertise to ensure its lithium batteries are suitable for Australian conditions.

Introducing the range: • 200Ah (LABT12200): for maximum energy storage and for applications requiring a high current, the 200Ah variant has a recommended continuous discharge rate of 100A and can also be used with a 1000W inverter (per battery). • 100Ah Heavy Duty (LBAT12100-HD): ideal for applications requiring a high current, the 100Ah Heavy Duty variant has a recommended continuous discharge rate of 100A and can be used with an inverter up to 1000W in size (per battery). • 100Ah Standard Low Draw (LBAT12100): great for applications when a powerful current is not required over an extended period, the 100Ah standard variant has a recommended continuous discharge of 50A and be used with an inverter up to 500W in size (per battery). • 60Ah Slimline (LBAT12060): the 60Ah variant is offered in a slimline design, suitable for installation where space is limited, for example, behind the rear seat of a dual cab ute or under the passenger seat. With a recommended continuous discharge of 85A it provides a powerful energy solution for its capacity and can be used with an inverter up to 850W in size (per battery).

Key features: • Available in 60Ah, 100Ah Standard, 100Ah Heavy Duty and 200Ah variants. • Built in Battery Management System (BMS) protects the battery pack from over charge, over discharge and short circuit. • Can be configured in parallel connection for increased energy storage. • Backed by a three-year warranty and customer technical support. For more information, visit www.redarc.com.au/batteries

BRAKE, CLUTCH & DRIVELINE

NEW FROM KELPRO REPLACEMENT Brake and clutch hydraulics range launched FLYWHEELS Kelpro, a brand specialising in high quality rubber and hard parts, says it is proud to launch a full line of braking and clutch hydraulics to the market. The new range, which is now available, consists of Brake Master, Clutch Master, Clutch Slave and Wheel Cylinders to suit popular applications. The Kelpro Hydraulic range is sourced from an ISO 9001 and TS accredited “world leading” factory which specialises in manufacturing automotive hydraulic cylinders and uses Critical Rubber Seals from a Japanese OE supplier. Established in 1982, the factory operates with more than 180 Employees and has a production capacity of over 17,000 pieces per day. To ensure the quality of every part manufactured, Kelpro says its manufacturing partner offers a full suite of Testing and in-House Lab Facilities including ambient high and low temp testing; bore hardness and roughness testing; and 100 percent on line pressure testing.

Clutch Industries says: why grind when you can replace? Traditionally when a clutch kit is replaced, the flywheel must be ground to ensure the surface finish is correct. Clutch Industries says it has surveyed workshops and found that on average, 4.5 hours of hoist time is wasted due to this process, and in addition, the trade price for a grind is on average $70 plus the delivery cost. Financially to workshops this is a massive cost when the cost of the grind, delivery time/cost and lost hoist time is considered. Clutch Industries say its new single mass flywheel range will revolutionise the clutch replacement process by offering a range of OE style replacement flywheels at an affordable price. Previously, to buy an OE spec replacement flywheel there were very limited options, says Clutch Industries, which meant if a replacement flywheel was needed a workshop would have to purchase a second-hand unit from a wrecker. Generally, the only option to buy new was through an OEM which in most cases is not stocked locally and the price can be several times more than the price of the clutch kit.

The range spans more than 1300 parts and includes a recent expansion catering for an additional 5,000 applications and 15,00,000 vehicles on road, covering popular light commercial applications such as the Ford PX Ranger/Mazda BT-50 and Isuzu MU-X. Now available exclusively through Repco and NAPA Auto Parts, the Kelpro brake and clutch hydraulic range offers the following key features: • Made from superior-quality and durable materials (cast-iron or aluminium, weight reduced). • Superior quality materials used for longer service life. • Improved cylinder surfaces to minimise cup abrasion, to help maintain long term reliability. • Has tight tolerance specifications to ensure functioning and freedom from leaks. • Pressure and dust-protection sleeves made from EPDM (where applicable) to ensure optimal functioning and leak-tightness, and prevent the ingress of dirt, air and moisture. For more information, visit www.repco.com.au 74

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“This flywheel range will change the way a clutch replacement is done, in the same way as replacement rotors did with brakes,” Clutch Industries Senior Product Manager, David Talbot, said. “Eventually as the range extends, replacing the flywheel will be a common practise for every clutch replacement.” Clutch Industries say there is a multitude of reasons why you would replace a flywheel instead of grinding one, including: • Faster installation time; less hoist time wasted.

• In most cases the price is comparable to a grind. • Eliminates issues related to a poor grind like shudder, noise and slipping. • Restores correct stack height, reducing the chance of disengagement issues after installation. • Stick out from the competition; offer your customer new instead of old. Clutch Industries says that the range currently covers around 50 percent of the common clutch kits sold (where the OE flywheel is single mass), with the range being expanding regularly. It says the range is available in major Repco or NAPA branches, meaning “you’re able to buy everything you need to get the clutch job done in one place.” Clutch Industries say its OE style replacement flywheels are available in the CI range which comes with a two-year or 40,000km warranty and also offers other advantages such as: • 1045 grade steel, exceeding Australian standards. • Manufactured by quality assured factories. • Includes a ring-gear. • Engineered and manufactured to OE specifications. “We’re excited about the range and wanted to have a bit of fun by offering a promotion for customers purchasing a flywheel in the month of March from Repco or NAPA,” Clutch Industries Sales and Marketing Manager, Justin Batten, said. “Basically, if you purchase a flywheel in the range you will go into the chance to win two virtual reality Ifly experiences which is a great way to experience skydiving while staying on the ground (or close to the ground). “There is an Ifly location in most major cities and (the prize) is valid for three years, so you will have plenty of time to muster up the courage to give it a go.” The competition concludes at the end of March and is a lucky draw, so the more flywheels you purchase from Repco or NAPA, the more chances you have to win. For more information, contact your local Repco or NAPA branch or visit www.clutchindustries.com.au

BRAKE, CLUTCH & DRIVELINE

TRAKRYDER DUAL BRAIDED BRAKE HOSES Bendix says braided brake hoses offer DIAPHRAGM many advantages for 4WD vehicles BRAKE BOOSTER From Pedders for Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series

Pedders Suspension and Brakes has just released an “exciting product to enhance the braking performance of the Landcruiser 70 series.” Following extensive Australian development and engineering, Pedders says it is proud to offer its TrakRyder brake booster to the suit Landcruiser 70 series (VDJ76, VDJ78, VDJ79) ABS models from 2012 to current and Non-ABS models from 2007 to 2012. With a significant increase in braking performance by up to 30 percent, Pedders says its TrakRyder dual diaphragm brake boosters are a must have for those that tow and carry loads. The TrakRyder dual diaphragm brake boosters have been designed and engineered in Australia to full ADR35/05 compliant brake testing. Pedders says these units are ideal for load carrying and towing vehicles with a GVM of up to 4380kgs (ABS) and 4310kgs (Non-ABS). All units come with a two-year/40,000km nationwide warranty.

Braided brake hoses included in the Bendix Ultimate 4WD Upgrade Kits are now available in a range for individual purchase and Bendix says they offer a number of advantages over the factory fitted hoses fitted to the vehicle. By upgrading a vehicle’s brake hoses, Bendix says drivers will experience a vastly improved firm brake pedal feel as the new stainless steel braided hoses do not expand under high pressure and can withstand severe damage from stones and obstacles experienced in off-road conditions. The Bendix 4WD brake hoses are available for standard ride height vehicles and also in longer lengths to suit two-inch and four-inch raised suspensions requiring longer length hoses. Bendix explains that fitting the Ultimate 4WD hoses poses no problem as they are designed to fit without any modification. Bendix braided hoses meet SAE J1401 and are fully compliant to international design standards and as such will not impact on the vehicle warranty. They are constructed from PTFE (Teflon) tubing covered by woven stainless 304 braiding with a Bendix blue protective sheath to protect the braid from dirt, grease and road grime. The hoses are terminated with 12L14 steel chrome plated fittings and also feature rubber overmoulded sleeves designed to minimise coupling to hose fatigue for long life in tough conditions. Bendix states that its Ultimate 4WD Brake Hoses are available from leading automotive and specialist 4WD outlets nationwide. For more information, visit www.bendix.com.au

ACS ADDS TO CLASSIC CLUTCH HYDRAULICS RANGE New components are now available for early Jaguar models

Key features and benefits: • Increase braking performance by up to 30 percent. • Designed and engineered in Australia. • Reduced pedal effort and improved stopping power. • Direct bolt on replacement. • Includes fitting instructions. • Includes engineering compliance letter and QLD LG1design code approval number. • Full ADR35/05 compliant brake test available to Engineers or Transport Authorities for sign off. • Ideal for load carrying and towing vehicles with GVM of up to 4380kgs (ABS) and 4310 (Non-ABS), • Two-Year/40,000km Nationwide Warranty. For more information, check in with your local Pedders outlet on www.pedders.com.au 76

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Australian Clutch Services’ specialist classic and vintage brand, Classic Clutch, has recently added several new hydraulic components to its range to suit early Jaguar models. These brand-new components include slave cylinders to suit series I and II XJ6, XK150, S-Type, MKII and the legendary E-Type as well as a new master cylinder to suit the XK150. These components have been designed to meet OE quality and are direct fit replacement for the originals. “We are continually evaluating the market to ensure we add in the necessary components for classic and vintage vehicle applications,” ACS Business Development Manager, Colin Jevons, said. “These new additions to the Jaguar range will be helpful for specialists around the country who are looking to replace the hydraulics with high quality components when fitting a new clutch kit in the vehicle.” Classic Clutch offers a range of rare or obsolete clutch kits and components for classic and vintage cars, trucks, buses, boats and even military tanks. With a highly experienced technical team, Classic Clutch can provide new clutch components or rebuild original clutch kits to new or improved specification. They also offer performance upgrades for classic vehicles being used in motorsport. “We cover all types of classic vehicles and equipment including everything from classic boats through to the custom servicing requirements for older Formula One cars,” Colin said. “We can either offer brand new components, or if these are no longer available, we can rebuild the clutch in our state-of-the-art workshop facility.” For more information, visit www.australianclutch.com.au

BRAKE, CLUTCH & DRIVELINE

BOSCH ENV6 BRAKE FLUID Developed to cope with the high strains caused by modern and future brake systems The performance of modern brake systems is being continuously improved while the reaction times of ABS and ESP are getting faster and faster. As a developer of modern vehicle safety systems, Bosch says it also focuses on the brake fluids used. With ENV6, Bosch says it provides a particularly powerful and reliable brake fluid meeting the growing demands of modern and future brake systems.

A unique combination of characteristics: low viscosity and high wet boiling point Bosch says ENV6 stands out for being the first brake fluid ever developed to combine both a very low viscosity – ie: very high fluidity – and a very high wet boiling point in comparison with conventional brake fluids. The lower the viscosity, the shorter the reaction times of ESP systems, for instance, while the high wet boiling point reduces the risk of formation of vapor bubbles – the main cause of brake failure.

So far, Bosch says this combination of both of these features is absolutely unique and makes ENV6 particularly reliable and safe. As a result, Bosch says ENV6 can be used to replace several different brake fluids such as DOT3, DOT4 or DOT5.1; stating that only “very rarely used brake fluids based on mineral oils (LHM) or containing silicones (DOT5)” are the only ones not compatible.

Significantly increased replacement intervals Bosch says that thanks to its very good technical characteristics, the replacement intervals of this high-performance brake fluid have been significantly increased as well. It states that while standard DOT4 brake fluids need to be replaced every two years, the ENV6 replacement interval comprises three years. Bosch explains that its high lubricity prevents noises and protects the brake system against wear and corrosion. At the workshop, ENV6 can thus be used to replace several different conventional brake fluids.

Bosch says this reduces the risk of filling the brake system with inappropriate brake fluids or mixing different ones and also reduces the required storage space at the workshops. Bosch supplies ENV6 in 500ml bottles in Australia. Distributors include Stopmaster, CoolDrive Auto Parts, Burson Auto Parts, Specialised Brake and Clutch, Fry Auto Parts and Automotive Superstore. For more information, visit www.boschaftermarket.com.au

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

BRAKE, CLUTCH & DRIVELINE

AEROFLOW PERFORMANCE DRIVELINE COMPONENTS Available from Rocket Industries Aeroflow Performance manufactures a range of driveline components including engine plates, billet SFI rated flex plates, transmission yokes for GM and Ford transmissions and a range of replacement Ford 9” differential components. Rocket Industries says “as with all Aeroflow parts, these quality components represent great value for money that give workshops and mechanics the ability to make good margin while keeping prices competitive.” The Ford 9” range includes diff housings, axle tubes, axles, billet tube ends, wheel studs, nodular iron cases, full spools, limited slip style PowerTrax assemblies, shim kits, seals and bearing kits, diff breathers, axle perches and universal joints. Rocket Industries says these parts are perfect for replacing and upgrading all old school cars running Ford 9” diffs and for building custom 9” differentials for most street machines. Diff housings are available in standard and competition spec which utilise thicker steel and CNC housing flanges that allow the axle’s tubes to be welded in two places for extra strength. Thick (4.77mm) axle tubes and billet axle tube ends to suit small, big and early model Ford

bearings complete your 9” housing which would be at home on the street or race track. Cut-to-fit 9” axles are available in 28 and 31 spline in different lengths with four inches of spline so they can be cut to your requirements. 31 spline axles are drilled for 4.5 and 4.75 stud patterns to suit Ford, Chrysler and Chevy. Aeroflow also offers two options for your diff centre. It says the Powertrax assembly is the latest design in traction control, utilising three x two spiral gear technology for smooth, dependable operation that combines limited-slip characteristics from gears contained in a machined, forged steel centre housing. The Powertrax reportedly delivers progressive and variable traction releasing tension on the centre to turn corners while locking up to put the power down through both wheels in a straight line. And for the more competition-oriented diff, Aeroflow’s full spools come in 28 and 31 spline lightweight steel. The Ford 9” CNC forged aluminium Daytona style pinion support is said to be a great upgrade from the cast iron models. This pinion support uses a standard Ford 9” front pinion bearing and the Daytona style pinion bearing on the rear.

The latest addition to the Aeroflow Performance range are billet flexplates. Rocket Industries says the lightweight one-piece design is stronger and more durable than any twopiece style of flex plate. Machined from 4340 round bar with precise tolerances and with a chamfered gear teeth for better engagement with the least amount of runout, Rocket Industries says all of its Aeroflow billet flexplates are certified to SFI 29.2 and are available for many different models. Rocket Industries explains that Aeroflow offers a comprehensive range of bearings, studs, seals and gaskets to build and overhaul your 9” differential and a massive array of performance parts. For more information visit www.aeroflowperformance.com or contact Rocket Industries on 02 88251 900 via www.rocketind.com

BRAKE SHUDDER In this article, ZF Aftermarket provides important information on this common problem Brake shudder is essentially rotational vibration of the steering wheel which can occur during braking and is usually accompanied by a booming noise. Depending on the cause, it can be divided into thermal shudder, which occurs during deceleration from high speeds, and cold shudder, which can occur at any speed.

Hot/Thermal Shudder “Thermal shudder” is marked by a booming noise in a frequency range between 100 and 250 Hz. The intensity of the booming can vary during deceleration but does not affect braking. It is normally accompanied by vibrations in the steering wheel and a pulsation in the brake pedal.

The effects of hot shudder can usually be identified by a circular arrangement of spots on the friction surfaces of the brake disc. This martensite formation is harder than the basic structure of the disc material and can be removed only by machining. When repairing a disc with martensitic spots, ZF Aftermarket encourages you to make sure you completely remove the hardened areas without reaching or falling short of the minimum thickness of the brake disc.

Cold Shudder “Cold shudder” occurs during normal braking and can be identified by pulsation in the brake pedal, torque fluctuations in the steering wheel and/or vibration of axle and chassis components. Cold shudder can occur virtually every time the brake is applied, regardless of temperature, and has a much lower frequency range (about 5 to 50 HZ) than thermal shudder. These noises can be louder or quieter depending on the speed. The main cause of cold shudder is the thickness variation in the brake discs. Defective bearing parts and wheel imbalances can also increase the effect, as with thermal shuddering.

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

Analysis In most cases, brake shudder is caused by several factors, making it difficult to clearly identify the root cause. ZF Aftermarket offers the following as some general steps to follow: • Determine whether the shudder is coming from the front or rear axle. • Check all brake components including the brake pedal, brake booster, master cylinder, brake lines, brake hoses and wheel brakes. If replacing components, make sure to replace brake pads and brake discs, brake drums and brake shoes in complete axle sets. • Check the wheels for balance, axial runout, radial runout and the condition of the tyre tread. • Check the axle settings, wheel suspension, steering components and adjust/repair as necessary. For further information on ZF’s TRW braking range, visit www.aftermarket.zf.com/au/trw

BRAKE, CLUTCH & DRIVELINE

RELIABILITY IS EVERYTHING Especially when it comes to brakes Flexible Drive – an original equipment supplier to some of Australia’s largest and most demanding manufacturers – says it understands that in the aftermarket industry, reliability is everything. As such, it says it applies those same exacting standards to the aftermarket products it supplies with its products sourced from “the best suppliers across the globe.” When it comes to brakes, Flexible Drive says it is your reliable partner as the exclusive distributor of Remsa brakes in Australia – providing performance and reliability for over 1,300 plus parts and 24,000 Australian vehicles. Flexible Drive says it knows value for money is important, stating that “comparing like for like, our prices are better value. We are a private business, which means lower costs for you. We are in business to grow and we believe the best way to compete is by keeping our costs down and offering you a better deal than our larger competitors. We give customers like you the best value, so you can pass it on, and continue to grow your business.” Further, Flexible Drive says it is continually looking for ways to do things better and to grow. For five years, it says its range has expanded, with the hydraulics range growing by 100 percent and its Remsa brake pads range by 500 percent. It says its catalogue is constantly being updated and its new eCatalogue allows you to find the parts you need and have them delivered faster. Flexible Drive’s communications systems have also been upgraded to make ordering and tracking easier while its range and availability has reportedly increased nationwide.

“At this rate, it won’t take long before we will have the best programs for parts interpreters in Australia. Constant innovation helps our business – and yours,” Flexible Drive said.

Not just brakes Flexible Drive says brakes are just the beginning of its offering, explaining that it also specialises in cables, mounts, commercial wipers, safety systems and an ever-increasing range of control systems and replacement parts. Flexible Drive says it welcomes brake resellers of any size, so whatever your needs and whatever your scale, it invites you to get in touch. For more information, contact Flexible Drive on 1300 363 735 or sales@flexibledrive.com.au

DAYCO HARMONIC BALANCERS Increased power with “total reliability” The Dayco Powerbond harmonic balancer range includes a number of precision engineered applications designed specifically for high performance and racing vehicles. Dayco says its Powerbond Street Series delivers bonded balancer technology within the budget of every performance street engine builder while also being an excellent option for heavy duty OEM balancer replacements. The bonded dampening rubber eliminates spinning and component separation, providing reliable performance in engines used to 6,500rpm, and these balancers combine new high strength SG (Nodular) Iron Balancer centres and inertia rings, which have been bonded and balanced to extremely tight tolerances. To assist automotive technicians and enthusiasts, Dayco Powerbond Street balancers also feature easy to read permanently etched timing marks on the outer ring.

Dayco says this highly advanced design ensures that Powerbond Race Series balancers are extremely light for an all-steel product and in most cases, they are only marginally heavier than the original cast iron balancer and generally much lighter than other all-steel balancers available in the aftermarket. In addition, the steel inertia ring of the Race Series models is positively protected against forward and backward movement and has the assurance of bonded rubber to eliminate spinning; and every model has easy to read laser etched timing marks. All Powerbond Race series balancers meet SFI specification 18.1.

balancer that acts like a lightweight flywheel which under-drives the accessory pulleys to reduce parasitic power losses from the alternator, air conditioning, water pump and power steering at high engine RPMs. Dayco Powerbond Overdrive balancers are suitable where a supercharged engine requires more boost. This is achieved by increasing the diameter of the harmonic balancer, which in turn increases the speed of the supercharger. Dayco Powerbond overdrive balancers are available five percent to 18 percent bigger in diameter and also feature an eight-rib serpentine drive for maximum belt grip. Dayco Powerbond supercharger balancers offer twin keyways for secure crank mounting and have extra bolt holes for bolting on the factory pulley or six bolt Gilmer drives. Dayco’s Powerbond range also features power pulley kits for a complete heavyduty fitment of under driven harmonic balancers. Dayco has responded to market demand and introduced a high quality Nissan Navara OEM replacement harmonic balancer (Dayco Part Number HBB1882N) for models manufactured from May 2015 onwards. This part number also suits Mercedes-Benz X220d and X250d models manufactured from December 2017.

The Dayco Powerbond Underdrive balancer is a smaller and lighter harmonic

For more information, call Dayco Australia on 03 9794 4466 or visit www.dayco.com.au

The Dayco Powerbond Race Series reportedly brings the advantages of bonded balancers to high revving race applications where an SFI approved balancer is required. Every Race Series Powerbond balancer features a precision CNC machined AUSI 1045 forged steel hub bonded to an equally strong steel inertia ring.

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

BRAKE, CLUTCH & DRIVELINE

REPCO BRAKING AND CLUTCH RANGE A wide array of solutions are on offer from Repco Repco offers an extensive range of products, including in the areas of brake and clutch.

Repco braking range Repco has a comprehensive braking range which consists of both branded and “market leading” exclusive programs, such as the RCT (Repco Premium Ceramic) and REX (Repco Extreme) Brake pad ranges. The extensive Repco Rotor range has recently been enhanced through the addition of the Kelpro hydraulic program. Repco says it has also expanded the Repco Extreme Brake pad offering which has had 37

new part numbers added to suit more than 2,800 applications and in excess of 500,000 vehicles. Repco explains that the Kelpro Range of Brake and Clutch Hydraulics is specifically sourced from accredited world leading factories that specialise in making automotive hydraulic cylinders. Repco says this ensures the robust quality of every Kelpro Hydraulic part manufactured, providing long service life and excellent reliability. The range spans over 1,300 parts and consists of the following to suit popular applications, Brake master, Clutch master, Clutch slave and Wheel cylinders.

Clutch Kits, Dual Mass Flywheels and Specific Tool Kits for DCT The automatic transmission is a constantly evolving piece of technology. One of the more recent trends has been the introduction of the Dual Clutch Transmission, or DCT. These mechanical wonders are designed for fast efficient shifts and fuel efficiency.

With a range spanning Volkswagen, Audi, and Skoda vehicles, fitted with the 7-speed “dry clutch” DCT unit, LuK has a comprehensive range of DCT Clutch Kits and Dual Mass Flywheels (DMF). The replacement of these clutch and DMF units is made easier with ‘all in one’ clutch kits and tech data. Repco explains that the key benefits of the LuK DCT Clutch Kits are: • OEM Product • All components including Clutch, Forks, Bearings, and Shims contained in one box • Complete fitting / assembly instructions • Specific Tool Kits All of the products listed here are available from Repco. For more information, visit www.repco.com.au

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

BRAKE, CLUTCH & DRIVELINE

HELLA PAGID BRAKE SYSTEMS Meeting the growing demand for European parts With European brands becoming an increasingly popular choice, one of Europe’s leading Original Equipment brands, Hella Pagid Brake Systems, says it is meeting the growing demand for premium quality European parts. Hella Pagid Brake Systems is the result of a joint venture between German automotive giants Hella KGaA Hueck and Co GmbH and TMD Friction, the world’s largest manufacturer of Original Equipment brake friction and the name behind the Pagid brand. Pagid’s reputation for serious stopping power stretches back over 60 years and Pagid friction materials are still used on many current models, including performance cars such as the Porsche 911, SUVs such as the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, and city cars and utility vehicles including Volkswagen’s Golf and Amarok models. More than 50 different friction formulations, derived directly from TMD Friction’s OE programme, feature within the Hella Pagid brake pad range to meet the individual requirements and characteristics of the vehicle, ensuring the optimum balance of performance, safety, and comfort. Its extensive OE programme means many European models roll off production lines equipped with Pagid brake friction and over one million brake pads are manufactured each day at TMD Friction’s European production facilities. Pagid is also trusted by race teams competing at some of the highest levels of motorsport. The Hella Pagid Brake Systems range brings this Original Equipment expertise to the Aftermarket.

Perfect for the needs of European cars With a high level of desirability driving the growth in sales of European cars in recent years, the popularity of marques such as Audi, BMW and Volkswagen show no sign of slowing.

European styling flair, brand appeal and high levels of refinement are amongst the reasons why European cars are finding favour with Australian car buyers. However, to meet the demands of their domestic markets, typically European passenger cars are developed to offer different driving dynamics to their American and Asian counterparts too, with steering, chassis, suspension – and braking – all playing a role in shaping the vehicle’s characteristics and the driving experience. When it comes to friction components, European manufacturers favour low-metallic brake friction materials. With a lower metal content, low-metallic friction compounds are said to offer improved heat dissipation, more consistent braking performance and are kinder to discs than the semi-metallic and non-asbestos organic (NAO) friction formulations used by many Asian and American manufacturers. Hella Pagid Brake Systems states that replacing worn brake pads and shoes on European vehicles with anything other than high quality low-metallic friction components can alter the characteristics of the vehicle under braking and result in increased vibration, more noise and longer stopping distances.

A comprehensive OE disc range from Hella Pagid Brake Systems Hella Pagid Brake Systems offers a comprehensive range of brake discs, all of which are manufactured to OE specifications and cast from high-end alloys to ensure optimum performance and life, without the issues of vibration and overheating commonly experienced with inferior products. The range includes coated discs, which use a chrome-free Geomet coating that provides extended corrosion protection and speeds up fitment by removing the need for degreasing; uncoated discs for price-conscious customers and older vehicles; high carbon discs for premium and high-performance vehicles; and two-piece composite discs for certain BMW applications. Using the same low-metallic friction materials specified by European vehicle manufacturers, Hella Pagid Brake Systems says its comprehensive range of brake pads – which covers most European vehicles – is engineered alongside the OE parts and finished to the same high standards, ensuring that these products provide the same performance, long-life and comfort characteristics as the original part.

A wide array of products In addition to brake pads, Hella Pagid Brake Systems says it also offers high quality brake discs, available with a special Geomet coating for advanced protection from corrosion; uncoated discs for older vehicles and price-conscious customers; high carbon discs for premium and high-performance vehicles, and two-piece composite discs for certain BMW applications. The range also includes brake shoes and brake drums, as well as replacement wear indicators, ABS sensors and accessory kits. For more information, call 1800 061 729 or email info.au@hella.com 82

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

BRAKE, CLUTCH & DRIVELINE

NEW CALOFFROAD DIFF DROP KIT RELEASED For Toyota Hilux 2005-2015 on N70 and N80 CalOffroad is an Australian owned and operated company which says it is rapidly expanding its warehouse capability. Over the next 12 months, CalOffroad will be expanding its warehouse size by over double the existing floor area, and combined with the latest inventory management software, it says this will allow greater stock levels and faster dispatch times. CalOffroad says that amongst its many highend parts, it has now released a new diff drop kit for the Toyota Hilux 2005 - 2015 on N70 and N80. This diff drop kit reportedly comes immaculately presented in its own box, allowing you to see the quality of the parts and to be a part of the CalOffroad culture.

for first coat and then High-End Finish Powder Coat to make its components the most corrosion resistant and high quality finish for the harsh Australian conditions. CalOffroad explains that it chooses E Coat and powder coat over the older galvanised or zinc coat to be more environmentally friendly and to help keep our world cleaner. If you are running over 2.5 inches of lift, CalOffroad says you will need to correct your CV angles to help eliminate CV boot failure and early wear and tear on your CV joints. The CalOffroad Toyota Hilux Diff Drop Kit also reinforces the vulnerable drivers’ side diff mounts by adding a second mounting point to the rear cross member.

CalOffroad states it has been the leader in modified suspension components, requiring the extra attention of high-end parts like its diff drop kits, upper control arms and shock absorbers.

Added polished Stainless Logo plates for CalOffroad Brand Identification and over 30mm of Diff Drop make it the leader in Hilux Diff Drop technology, says CalOffroad, which states that other major advantages include:

CalOffroad says it likes to add features like E Coat

• Drivers’ side bracket reinforced with side web.

• Drivers’ side bracket connects to front and rear crossmembers for extra strength. • Helps restore CV angles in high lift applications. • Allows more downtravel of the front suspension with less CV joint angle. • Recommended to use the CalOffroad sump guard plate for extra diff centre clearance. The CalOffroad Diff Drops can be used with any brand of suspension and are available from any of the CalOffroad resellers around the country. For more information, visit www.caloffroad.com.au

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

BRAKE, CLUTCH & DRIVELINE

AUTOPRO UP BRAKE LATHES Made in Korea, available from Interequip AutoPro Up has been established in South Korea for more than 20 years and in that time Interequip says it has been dedicated to manufacturing brake lathes and workshop presses with high precision and quality. Starting from the grass roots, AutoPro Up says it has built up its own reputation all over the world by supplying high quality equipment with very competitive prices. Interequip, its exclusive importer, explains that its team visits the AutoPro Up factory each year and reports that it is equipped with hightech manufacturing equipment including laser cutters to manufacture each component of the machines, including parts with heat treatment of tooling and cone fixtures to ensure maximum durability and precision. So, if you are in the market for a press with a spring compressor or a brake lathe, Interequip says you should look no further than AutoPro Up as it says nothing beats AutoPro up in quality and price.

COOLDRIVE’S BRAKES PROGRAM An extended product range means your brake needs are covered, says CoolDrive CoolDrive Auto Parts says it has quickly established itself as a market leader in brakes, following an extension expansion to its product range in 2020. The CoolDrive braking range features the latest products from leading global brands including Bremtec, Brembo, Bosch, Fremax, Akebono, HULK 4x4 and Stolz, covering an impressive range of street, performance and track products. Headlining the 2021 braking range at CoolDrive are the newly updated Bremtec brake pad and rotor ranges, with over 1,500 part numbers covering 21.5 million cars, offering cleaner, quieter and safer braking. Bremtec’s TRADE-LINE Ceramic+ brake pads contain a new advanced Ceramic+ formulation, reportedly offering significantly less dust, reduced brake pad and rotor wear, while still offering the optimum balance of comfort and durability. PRO-LINE Ceramic+ brake pads are Bremtec’s new Heavy-Duty brake pads, engineered for the ultimate braking performance, with the new advanced friction formulation delivering improved stopping distances and a longer life, while virtually eliminating unwanted brake dust. Born from racing technology, the newly released Bremtec Evolve F2S range of Performance rotors are engineered with unique HPC (Hyper Pillar Cooling) venting for improved air flow to resist cracking and metal fatigue. Featuring Bremtec’s hyper groove slotting for better braking consistency, the Evolve F2S rotors have a brake temperature paint applied to the edge of the rotor to easily monitor effects of driving styles.

The off-car brake lathes models include DBL4000 (for disc only max arbor weight 60 kg), DBLStar (for disc and drum, max rotor/drum weight 70 kg), DBL5000 (from passenger car to heavy truck, max drum/rotor weight 80 kg) and the DBL9000 (for heavy truck and bus, max drum/rotor weight 350 kg). Optional truck cones and flywheel adaptors, chuck adaptors and so on are also available for purchase and all are manufactured by AutoPro Up. AutoPro Up says it also manufactures reliable quality workshop presses with spring compressors and wall mounts “at a very good price.” For more information, please contact Interequip on 18000EQUIP (1800 037 847). 86

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

New additions to CoolDrive in 2021 were Brembo brake discs and pads, which provide coverage to an impressive 96 percent of the Australian car parc. With a reputation founded on unique working relationships developed with over 30 global automotive manufacturers, CoolDrive says Brembo’s products deliver OE-quality, resulting from years of research and development, laboratory, and road testing. Brembo brake pads are available in Low-Metallic, NAO and Xtra ranges, with Brembo reportedly matching the ideal friction material to each application, all while offering high performance and minimal noise. Also available is the Brembo high performance range of brake upgrades, which have been designed and tested specifically for track day enthusiasts, club racing and for drivers who demand the utmost performance for their cars.

CoolDrive also stocks the latest offering from Bosch, headlined by the Blue-Line range of brake pads, perfect for Australian, Asian and European vehicles. The OE quality parts are available in an assortment of friction materials, including ceramic, copperfree ceramic, and low metallic, with the product line delivering benefits such as smooth, quiet stopping power, all while lowering rotor wear. Reinforcing CoolDrive’s braking reputation is the Fremax range of brake discs and drums, which have earned a solid reputation over the past 30 years of production, with the company manufacturing more than 5,000,000 pieces annually for over 1,800 applications. CoolDrive Auto Parts says Fremax components offer an ideal combination of quality, innovation and safety, with all of its brake disc rotors being High-Carbon as standard, with a patented groove on the surface face for faster bedding in. Akebono – said to be the number one choice for OEMs in Japan and North America – offers brake pads that provide up to 50 percent longer lasting wear, while virtually eliminating dust and providing a smooth and quiet ride. The four-wheel drive market is also catered for with CoolDrive’s own HULK 4x4 range, which is said to offer a big performance boost through Big Brake Upgrade Kits featuring forged six piston calipers for the front slotted and dimpled rotors, rear brake drum to disc conversions, pad and rotor upgrades and dual diaphragm brake boosters. Wrapping up the main product lines at CoolDrive are the Stolz SFZ and FEX Series premium performance braking system upgrades for a host of applications. Completing the offering for workshops is an extensive range of quality consumables that get the job done right, including brake fluids, cleaners, greases, and lubes. For more information or to obtain a copy of the CoolDrive Brakes Program Guide, visit www.cooldrive.com.au or contact your local CoolDrive Auto Parts branch.

BRAKE, CLUTCH & DRIVELINE

CLUTCH CONVERSION SOLUTIONS Xtreme Outback says it is the conversion clutch kit specialist One of the most overlooked steps when converting a vehicle’s engine or gearbox is the clutch. With different dimensions often required for a conversion, it is important to ensure that a custom solution is developed to ensure the best driveability and reliability. Xtreme Outback, the heavy duty 4x4 and SUV brand from Australian Clutch Services, specialises in custom developed 4x4 clutch upgrades for those who are changing the engine or gearbox in their street, off-road or race vehicle. With a comprehensive in-house engineering team and a research and development facility at its Adelaide headquarters, Xtreme Outback can custom produce a wide range of solutions tailored to the vehicle’s use and performance levels. “We have been producing custom clutch kits for engine and gearbox conversions for decades,” Xtreme Outback Mechanical Engineer, Stewart Furze, said. “Our conversions are carefully developed whilst working closely with the customer to ensure the best solution for the vehicle.

“We analyse the dimensions available within the bellhousing as well as any adaptor kits that have been used to design a clutch kit that offers the correct release characteristics for that application. “This service is easily accessible to anyone who requires a custom solution and, depending on the specific conversion, we often keep the components required on the shelf.” Building a custom clutch kit can be as simple as switching the spline hubs over in the discs through to more specialised solutions such as tailored flywheel designs. “Some conversions are a very simple change in componentry whilst others require a full custom solution,” Stewart said. “Having developed these for many years, we have provided performance solutions for many different street and Motorsport applications in Australia and around the world and have streamlined the process to ensure we can offer the ultimate solution for any vehicle.” Xtreme Outback has also recently introduced

several new conversion kits for popular engine and gearbox conversions such as Nissan Patrol’s fitted with GM LS2 engines and RB Series engines as well as LandCruiser gearboxes fitted to a Nissan TB48 engine. For more information, please visit www.xtremeoutback.com.au or call 1800 CLUTCH.

BRAKE BEDDING SERVICE From Motorsport Brakes Alongside a wide array of braking products, Motorsport Brakes also offers a brake bedding service to its customers. Brake ‘pre-bedding’ is a way of doing the final preparation of the pad material, prior to heavy use – normally in competition conditions. Motorsport Brakes explains that the bedding process is effectively a final heat cycle that puts enough energy into the pads to ensure they reach a point of consistency required for when the user hits the track or stage. The pre-bedding process also helps with reducing pad wear rates, and costs associated with bedding brakes at the track. “The ultimate performance, consistency and life of your brakes is much more likely when using pre-bedded brake pads,” Motorsport Brakes Director, Marty Beckton, said.

Your braking needs sorted Motorsport Brakes (MSB) explains it was established to supply premium brake friction products to the Australian and NZ performance and competition markets. The company says it is now the world’s largest brake pad distributor for one of Japan’s most experienced manufacturers of braking products: Winmax Corp, which is a subsidiary of MK Kashiyama Group, Japan. World class racing brake pad brand, Circo Racing Brake Pads, is also distributed by MSB in Australia. MSB acts on behalf of Circo in all racing category supply including for V8 Supercars, the Australian Rally Championship, TA2 Muscle Cars, Touring Car Masters, the RX8 Cup Racing Series and more. “We distribute the Winmax and Circo world class products via a network of knowledgeable dealers which range from one-man band workshops right through to national retailers. However, MSB is also always available for personal service or back up where needed,” Marty said. “MSB is a business dealing in quality products offering personal service focused entirely on quality and rapid response to crucial requirements in specialist fields including

Motorsport, street performance, OEM, Fleet and Government. “Our existing range of brake pad compounds covers almost all areas of world motorsport. We are capable of supplying categories from club level right through to FIA world championship organisations. At the same time our product range caters to every area of performance vehicles, including street, tuning, enthusiast, club, rally, circuit and also the growing Performance 4x4 Heavy Duty market. Our brake pad range covers almost 1,800 applications and counting.” All Australian distribution of Winmax and Circo products is warehoused at the MSB base in Yatala, Queensland. The business operates inventory management software which allows for B2B access by Trade and Wholesale partners for all stock and ‘overnight’ purchases. For more information, visit www.motorsportbrakes.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

BRAKE, CLUTCH & DRIVELINE

HOW TO IMPROVE THE RANGE OF AN EV BY STOPPING Regenerative braking is a system found in both electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that recharges your battery by braking EVUp explains it is a simple but effective technology which is widely used in electric vehicles and is an efficient way to mitigate the loss of energy while braking.

What is regenerative braking? A moving vehicle creates kinetic energy and when the brakes are applied, this energy must go somewhere. In a conventional braking system, friction-based disk brakes are used to slow vehicles. The kinetic energy from the movement of the vehicle is being converted into heat via friction and dissipating into the atmosphere, resulting in a loss. Regenerative braking is when an electric vehicle’s kinetic energy is harvested through the action of slowing down and is sent back into the battery as usable power. Put simply, braking in an EV regenerates your power and gives you more range. However, not a lot of power is retrieved in this process and it is often depleted as the vehicle accelerates. While it does not fully reimburse the power expended to accelerate, regenerative braking is efficient enough to increase an EV’s

overall range when compared to a similar car with conventional braking systems. Overall, regenerative braking is not designed to make a car more efficient; it is designed to make it less inefficient. The most efficient way to drive is at one constant speed, never accelerating or decelerating, but as that is not feasible in real world driving, the next best option is to mitigate energy lost with regenerative braking. (Note: EVs and PHEVs do often have disk brakes as well that serve to substitute the limitations of regen braking and act as emergency brakes for if the powered systems fail.)

How does regen braking work? As you slow the speed of an electric vehicle, regenerative braking engages the motion of the wheels to act as a sort of crankshaft, sending energy to the motor via rotation of the motor shaft. This transfer of energy from the wheels to motor slows the vehicle down, often rapidly, and is why EV owners refer to ‘one pedal driving’; ie. they rarely use the brake pedal.

The rotation that is applied from wheels to motor opposes the movement of the motor shaft and creates a counter electromotive force, or back EMF. In short, the reverse force on your motor’s magnets, converts rotational energy into electrical energy. Simply put, in this scenario, the EV motor essentially serves the role of a generator powered by a crankshaft while regenerative braking; harvesting power that is stored in the battery for later use.

Is your workshop getting enquiries about electric vehicles? EVUp invites you to ask its Director, Emma Sutcliffe, about Australian-made three phase charging for your workshop by calling 1300 EVUP 00 or email emma@evup.com.au For more information, visit www.evup.com.au

CLUTCH INSTALLATION TIPS From ZF Aftermarket ZF Aftermarket has shared the following advice for workshops, to help avoid errors when conducting clutch disc installations. Before replacing the entire unit, ZF Aftermarket advises workshops to always check the surrounding components in the event of clutch malfunctions, including the clutch actuation and the seals of the engine, flywheel, and transmission.

Examining the clutch disc before assembly The clutch disc, also known as the drive plate, is subjected to the greatest load, because the clutch’s mode of operation results in mechanical abrasion. For this reason, the clutch disc must have high wear and temperature resistance. Before installation, workshops should double check the condition of the clutch packaging and the new part, as they could have been damaged during transport, or because of improper handling. To be completely certain of the condition of the part, workshops should make sure that the lateral run-out of the disc does not exceed the limit value of 0.5 millimeters. If it does, this can be corrected using a straightening fork. 90

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

Pay attention to the installation position and precisely center the clutch disc When installing the clutch disc, make sure it is in the right position. Incorrect installation can result in damage to the disc itself, its hub spline, release lever, or even to the transmission. Fitting instructions can usually be found on the component side. If no indications can be found, compare the new part with the old one before installation. The new clutch disc must be precisely centered to prevent damage to the hub spline. There is a tolerance range of only a few hundredths of a millimeter between the transmission input shaft and the hub spline. Even small inaccuracies during insertion of the transmission input shaft can prevent the mobility later required for disengaging the clutch. The hub spline must slide onto the transmission shaft without resistance. ZF Aftermarket recommends greasing the hub spline with Sachs high-performance grease. It says its viscous consistency and temperature

resistance means it adheres to the spline during operation without spreading. In order to prevent clutch shudder when the clutch is later disengaged, excess grease must always be removed, and care must be taken to keep the clutch linings absolutely clean.

Sachs Clutches ZF Aftermarket offers clutches, dual-mass flywheels, and clutch actuation systems under its product brand Sachs, as well as clutch kits that include all the relevant components needed for a clutch repair. For more information, visit www.zf.com/sachs

BRAKE, CLUTCH & DRIVELINE

AISIN BRAKING SYSTEM Stopping you reliably and safely Exedy says that Aisin is one of the world’s leading manufacturers for Japanese, European and American vehicles. Aisin/Advics braking products are available in Australia through Exedy’s vast network of dealers and distributors.

Brake Booster • Delivers optimal air pressure to the brake master cylinder. • Provides precise pedal feel to help prevent driver fatigue. • Manufactured with the highest quality materials to ensure safe operation. • Engineered to exacting OE specifications. • Maximises durability.

Brake Pads • Consistent braking performance using carbon ceramic friction material. • Designed and manufactured under OE specifications assuring superior quality. • Quiet, smooth, and low dust operation under all braking conditions.

Brake Caliper

Brake Rotors

Compared to drum brakes, Exedy says disc brakes offer better stopping performance due to improvements in cooling efficiency. Therefore, discs are less prone to the brake fade caused by overheating. Features include:

Constructed with expert machining to achieve tight, precise tolerances that eliminate judder, vibration, distortion and assure smoother stops, Exedy says Aisin Rotors are engineered to provide high heat dissipation for maximum friction and overall high braking performance.

• OE quality. • Offers improved stiffness and brake noise and vibration performance. • Quiet and smooth operation under all braking conditions. • Lighter weight and greater resilience using mono-body design.

• High carbon evenly distributed through steel for consistent heat diffusion and better fade. • Resistant to higher temperatures. • Ensures thermal stability and optimised friction characteristics for durability and long life. For more information, visit www.exedy.com.au

Features include:

TUFF CLUTCHES FOR SERIOUS PERFORMANCE Exedy says its Sports Tuff Clutches are great all rounders The Sports Tuff range of performance clutches from Exedy are said to be perfect for applications requiring extra torque capacity. “Our extensive Sports Tuff range has been designed for drivers who have modified their engines to deliver more performance with the confidence they need to get the torque to the ground reliably,” Exedy Senior Product Manager, Mark Davis, said. Exedy’s extensive Sports Tuff Range offers solutions to for a wide variety of applications. “The Sports Tuff range is one of our largest. It includes clutch kits covering the full spectrum of uses and performance requirements, for those who just need additional torque capacity for towing, right though to the driver who has

seriously increased their engine torque output,” Mark said. Exedy’s Sports Tuff range offers three levels of performance: HD Sports Tuff, with the HD suffix indicating that they are suitable for Heavy Duty applications; the Heavy Duty Cushion Button selection; and the Heavy Duty Button range which boasts the highest torque capacity of Exedy’s Sports Tuff performance range. With three levels of performance, Exedy says its Sports Tuff range is certainly the first point of call for those drivers looking to upgrade clutch performance. To leverage the growing popularity of bolt on performance modifications, Exedy also offers the Devil Clutch. Designed to handle significantly higher torque loads whilst maintaining smooth engagement and low pedal effort, the Devil Clutch range is limited to a handful of popular vehicles where a requirement for a specialised clutch system exists. “It is super tough and delivers a massive increase in clutch cover clamp load, which is vital in any vehicle with performance upgrades.” Mark said. “The inclusion of a dual friction design clutch disc results in a significant increase in clutch torque capacity.”

Exedy has taken its “No 1 for Clutch” message to the racing circuits of Europe and The United States through professional Drift driver Karolina Pilarczyk who hails from Poland and was a double champion of Queen of Europe in 2016 and 2017. In 2019, Karolina took part in more than 20 Motorsports events and 17 rounds around the world. She closed an intense season by conquering ninth position among almost 100 of the best drivers in Europe in the European Vce Championship in the women’s league. Besides, Karolina was the only woman from Europe taking part in Formula Drift in the United States. “While I am drifting, I use many techniques that require using a clutch that is strong, reliable and durable. Our choice is Exedy clutch,” Karolina said. For more information, visit www.exedy.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

TRADE TALK

DRIVING PASSION IN SPORT AND BUSINESS

From winning an Australian Rally Championship to running a successful family business, Scott Pedder has always been ahead of the pack These days Scott Pedder is the Managing Director of Pedders Suspension and Brakes, and along with his older brother, Mark, is the driving force behind the family-owned business. But, Scott has a much more interesting and exciting background than your average businessman. He is an extremely accomplished rally driver having won the 2014 Australian Rally Championship and competed with some success in the World Rally Championship for a couple of seasons. However, his biggest challenge came in 2019 when he stepped out of serious rallying and slid into the driver’s seat of the business his grandfather, Roy, started and father, Ron, expanded. Scott took over the leadership position in the specialist suspension and brakes franchise organisation from Mark, who had fulfilled the role for a decade and a half. Up until then, Scott’s focus had been more on the marketing side of the business. “I supported Mark whilst he was Managing Director for 15 years doing mostly marketing as well as anything else that needed to be done and then in November 2019, we made the decision that I’d step up to be Managing Director and Mark would fulfill the Director role that I had been doing for 15 years,” Scott said. Mark’s has a lot of strengths that I haven’t got, and I’ve got some strengths that he doesn’t, so we decided that the strengths I possess is maybe what’s needed now (in the business), so we changed roles very amicably. I have never had a fight with Mark in my adult life; we had plenty of fights as children and in our teenage years, but never as adults. It was a very quick and easy decision to swap roles.”

With his family pedigree there was no chance he wasn’t going to end up loving cars. “I didn’t have much choice. My dad took me to a rally when I was about a week old. I grew up with motorsport and with the family business I was always around cars. I probably don’t have the level of passion for cars some in my family have, but I do love cars and I do appreciate good cars and cars that are done up and cars that go fast and handle well and stop well, so yeah, I’m definitely a motorsport and auto tragic,” Scott said. Scott never planned on working on the tools. “I had a different approach to what most in the automotive industry do. I was not technical and I am not a mechanic by a long stretch. I can sort of work my way around spanners, but I went through and did a Bachelor of Commerce at Deakin University and for a time there, I was thinking about being a policeman or a teacher before I got into the business side of things,” Scott explains. “I really enjoy doing accounting and I particularly enjoy the marketing side of things, so it became pretty clear probably in my first or second year of uni when I was 18 or 19 years old, that I wanted to do something in marketing and that just made sense at that time, so I stepped in and ran the marketing department.” Scott was always a talented sportsman and driving rally cars wasn’t the first sport in which he excelled. “My first job was actually as an assistant tennis coach. I was quite a good tennis player as a junior and I started helping my coach. He had a bit of an influx of people wanting to learn to play tennis, so I did some assistant tennis coaching for a couple of years, that was probably when I was 15 or 16,

Scott Pedder and after then I don’t reckon I had a job that wasn’t related to Pedders,” he said. Scott describes his management style as keeping things simple and getting the job done without any fuss. “I’m a little bit old school, probably similar to my dad – just trust your gut,” he said. “A lot of people these days are a little risk averse and want stats and analysis and data and all that sort of stuff and sometimes that gets in the way of making a decision. The worst thing is indecision rather than a bad decision. “Probably the other thing I am noticing quite a lot is that priority of what you would call operational or job skills over human skills and dealing with people and emotional intelligence, so the advice I have would be just to trust your gut and develop you as a person rather than you as an employee. “A strength of mine is not accepting the status quo – just because you’ve always done something doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to do it that way forever. “In the short time that I have been Managing Director, that is what I believe I have added to the business, particularly around management structures and personnel and people. That’s the area I’ve probably done well and done right.” However, Scott is the first to admit that as a management team he and Mark haven’t always got it right. “When we look back eight or nine years, we made the very big decision to enter the brake market. We’ve always been a steering and suspension business and even though for 30 or 40 years, everyone’s thought ‘Pedders are brake people’, we weren’t; in fact we actively stayed out of the brake market for a lot of reasons, but we decided in around 2010 to have a go at brakes,” he explains.

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

TRADE TALK

“When we look back now, we went against our beliefs and we went against our core strategy, which has been being a specialist and innovative company and selling our own brand. We got a group of great suppliers and great brands that did a great job with us, but essentially, we were doing what everyone else was doing in the brake market and our stores struggled to sell the same products that could be bought from many other places. “Now we’ve turned that around and we’ve got our own brake partner, our own brake brand and we’re really focusing on that Pedders brand and solutions and looking at niche markets with weight and performance.”

these days, but I don’t think you can be a real true specialist unless you have total control of your product which we do, from designing it and manufacturing it to in a lot of cases, warehousing, distributing it, doing all the R&D, and doing all the training on it.

Scott believes the strength of Pedders is its “four brand pillars.”

Scott is proud of the family heritage behind the Pedders brand. “Family’s everything, it’s what my mum and dad sort of drilled into us and I think Mark and I are doing a reasonably good job of being parents and that side of things is pretty strong, very strong,” he said.

“They are family, specialists, innovation and quality, but probably to pick one out of there, I’m pretty proud of the family side of things,” he said. “Specialists is about end-to-end solutions – a lot of people use that specialist tag pretty loosely

“It’s our own product; it’s our own brand, it is sold through our own stores, with our own training…I think our competitive advantage is that total control and then that flows on to the advice, the knowledge, the trust, that whole package. If you are willing to put your name behind your product through your own stores, then you must be all right.”

“You hear some terrible stories about family

businesses and whether it’s good luck or good fortune or good management, our family’s been exceptionally close. My relationship with Mark could not be stronger. Mum and Dad are not actively involved in the business now, but they are the constant support and our business goes beyond just our core family. My uncle Bill Orders unfortunately has passed away, but he was General Manager a few years ago. His sister, my Aunty, Di is also involved and then we have got lots of other family also involved. “At Pedders, we do not use that family word as just a cliché, it legitimately is an overall family. But there are so many families within the Pedders business, husbands and wives and sons and dads and that is probably the thing that makes me the proudest to be leading a business that legitimately says what it is: it is an Australian success story, and it is family owned and family run.” Outside of business, Scott is making a bit of a comeback to rallying after stepping away from the sport in 2017. While the World Rally Championship is in the past for the moment at least, he has dusted off his trusty Renault Clio and plans to enter a few local events and he is also making a comeback to the tennis court. Scott also now has a family of his own and he enjoys spending time relaxing with them. He has known his wife, Caroline, since he was 16 years old. “I’m a simple creature; I tend to do things reasonably well once and that’s it, hopefully. But Caroline is involved in the business; the kids are obviously still at school and deciding what they want to do. I’m certainly not pushing any of them into the business and nor is Mark with his two kids, so there is no real succession plan at the moment, although I’m only 44, so there’ll be a while before they kick me out!” For more on Pedders, visit www.pedders.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

CONSUMER LAW

INCREASED ACCESS TO CONSUMER GUARANTEE REMEDIES A key change to the meaning of ‘consumer’ under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) commencing on 1 July 2021 may increase the ability of your business and individuals to access consumer guarantee remedies The change is the increase in the monetary threshold for the meaning of ‘consumer’ from $40,000 to $100,000. According to the Treasury Laws Amendment (Acquisition as Consumer – Financial Thresholds) Regulations 2020 (Cth) explanatory memorandum, the reason for the change is to increase access by individuals and businesses to applicable ACL remedies following a decrease in such access due to increasing inflation.

What is the change to the meaning of ‘consumer’? The monetary threshold for an individual or business to be a consumer for the purpose of the ACL will change from goods or services acquired for $40,000 or less, to $100,000 or less, on and from 1 July 2021. This change will be reflected in the Competition and Consumer Regulations 2010 (Cth).

When is an individual or business a ‘consumer’ for the purpose of the ACL? Where goods are acquired by an individual or business, they will be a ‘consumer’ under the ACL if: • the amount paid or payable for the goods (as worked out under section 3 of the ACL), did not exceed $100,000; or • the goods were of a kind ordinarily acquired for personal, domestic, or household use or consumption; or • the goods are a vehicle or trailer acquired for use principally in the transport of goods on public roads, and the individual or business did not acquire the goods, or hold themselves out as acquiring the goods, for: • the purpose of re-supply (or for gift cards for the purpose of re-supply in trade and commerce); or

• the purpose of using them up or transforming them in trade or commerce in the course of a process of production or manufacture, or in the course of repairing or treating other goods or fixtures on land. Where services are acquired by an individual or business, they will be a ‘consumer’ under the ACL if: • the amount paid or payable for the services (as worked out under section 3 of the ACL), did not exceed $100,000; or • the services were of a kind ordinarily acquired for personal, domestic, or household use or consumption.

What if the good or service costs over $100,000? Except for the change to the monetary threshold, the meaning of ‘consumer’ remains unchanged. This means that if the good or service costs more than $100,000, the individual or business may still be a ‘consumer’ if, subject to any other limitations, the type of good or service is ordinarily acquired for personal, domestic, or household use or consumption, or, in relation to goods, the vehicle or trailer was acquired principally for the transport of goods on public roads. When considering whether the good or service was ordinarily acquired for personal, domestic, or household use or consumption, the central assessment is the type of good or service, regardless of its description. For example, the court has found that carpet of a commercial quality is a type of good ordinarily acquired for domestic consumption (Carpet Call Pty Ltd v Chan (1987) ATPR (Digest) 46-025), meaning that the definition of ‘consumer’ would be applicable to a business purchasing carpet of a commercial quality subject to any other limitations (for example: re-supply).

Calculating the cost of the goods or services At times, the calculation of the monetary threshold may not be clear, for example, if the goods or services are purchased together with other property or services but without a specified price. If this is the case, then the ACL sets out how the price is to be assessed.

Considerations in light of the change If your business does not generally supply goods or services over $40,000, then this change may not impact the operation of your business, except to the extent that if your business makes a purchase of goods or services of $100,000 96

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or less, then the ACL may apply (subject to any limitations). However, if your business does sell goods or services over $40,000, and the contracts used by your business do not limit the application of the ACL to the extent permitted by law (noting that the consumer guarantees cannot be excluded, only limited to the extent permitted under the ACL), then your business may wish to consider reviewing its contracts.

Takeaways The key takeaways are: • the monetary threshold for an individual or business to come within the definition of ‘consumer’ under the ACL will increase from $40,000 or less, to $100,000 or less, with effect from 1 July 2021; • this change expands the application of the ACL meaning of ‘consumer’ and consequently, the circumstances to which the ACL may apply; • the remainder of the ACL meaning of ‘consumer’ is unchanged; and • businesses selling goods or services over $40,000 may wish to review their contracts to ensure the ACL is limited to the extent permitted by law. This document is intended for general information purposes only and should not be regarded as legal advice. Please contact Industry Legal Group if you require legal advice.

AAAA Member Benefits Industry Legal Group provides advice to members on commercial law matters. If you have any questions relating to the above information, please contact Industry Legal Group on 1300 369 703 or aaaa@industrylegalgroup.com.au

COVID VACCINATIONS AND THE WORKPLACE Many employers are seeking clarity on whether they can require their employees to obtain the COVID-19 (coronavirus) vaccine The answer currently is, it depends on the facts, taking into account the particular workplace and each employee’s individual circumstances. While the Australian Government aims to have as many Australians as possible vaccinated, receiving a vaccination is currently voluntary. According to the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) relevant factors employers should consider when determining whether they may require their employees to be vaccinated against coronavirus include: • whether a specific law exists (eg. a state or territory law or public health order) requiring an employee to be vaccinated; • whether a registered agreement or employment contract includes an enforceable provision about requiring vaccinations; • if no law, agreement or employment contract applies that requires vaccination, whether it would be lawful and reasonable for an employer to give their employees a direction to be vaccinated (assessed on a case-by-case basis); • whether employees have a legitimate reason for not being vaccinated (eg. medical reason); and • the application of protections for employees under anti-discrimination laws.

Laws requiring vaccination At the time of writing this article, there are no laws or public health orders in Australia that specifically enable employers to require their employees to be vaccinated against coronavirus.

However, states and territories may make public health orders that require some workers to be vaccinated (eg. those considered to be working in high-risk workplaces). Employers and workers will be expected to comply with any public health orders that apply to them.

Agreements or contracts requiring vaccinations Some agreements or contracts may contain terms relating to vaccinations especially. An employer may be able to enforce the term if it applies to the coronavirus vaccine and complies with anti-discrimination laws. If in doubt, employers should obtain legal advice.

Lawful and reasonable directions Employers may direct their employees to be vaccinated if the direction is lawful and reasonable. To be lawful, the direction needs to comply with any applicable agreement, contract, award or law (eg. an anti-discrimination law). Determining whether a direction is reasonable is more complex. A relevant factor includes whether the direction is a reasonably practical measure to eliminate or minimise risks to work health and safety (WHS) under WHS laws. Employers have a duty under WHS laws to eliminate, or if that is not reasonably practicable, minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus in the workplace. According to Safe Work Australia, most employers will not need to make vaccination mandatory to comply with WHS laws. However, employers should do all that is reasonably practical to minimise the risk of coronavirus and vaccinations as a coronavirus control measure should be considered in the context of a range of control measures including but not limited to physical distancing, good hygiene and regular cleaning. A direction may be more likely to be reasonable where an employee interacts with people with a high risk of infection or has close contact with people who are vulnerable to the impact so infection (eg. employees in health or aged care).

Anti-discrimination laws Anti-discrimination laws generally prohibit discrimination against employees based on a protected characteristic. Relevantly, this may include a disability, pregnancy, or religious belief. Employers should obtain legal advice before requiring employees to

be vaccinated and consider federal and state or territory discrimination laws as well as the general protections provisions under the Fair Work Act.

Employee refuses to be vaccinated An employer may be able to take disciplinary action against an employee for refusing to be vaccinated if the refusal is in breach of a specific law, an enforceable obligation under an agreement or contract, or a reasonable and lawful direction by the employer. However, if an employee refuses to be vaccinated, the employer should first seek to understand why the employee is refusing and whether the employee has a legitimate reason (eg. medical condition). If there is a legitimate reason, the parties should consider other options to keep the workplace safe instead of vaccination (ie. alternative working arrangements). Whether disciplinary action can be taken highly depends on the circumstances and we strongly recommend employers obtain legal advice before taking any action. Please note: This article contains high-level information on the rights and obligations of employers. However, this information is subject to change if new laws or public health orders are made. Employers are encouraged to obtain legal advice about their individual circumstances.

AAAA Member Benefits Employer Assist can provide advice to members on employment law matters. If you require assistance, we encourage you to contact Employer Assist on 1300 735 306 or at aaaa@employerassist.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

MEMBERS IN MOTORSPORT

PENRITE: DRIVING FORWARD INNOVATION ON ALL LEVELS From state and national partnerships to those on the international stage, Australian owned and operated Penrite Oil is a key player in the world of motorsport A range of partnerships across an array of disciplines not only delivers marketing benefits to the leading Australian company, but also a raft of technical advantages for not only Penrite Oil and its R and D department, but also for its customers both in motorsport and the consumer/retail space. “Penrite offers various levels of sponsorship across a range of platforms from international, national and state-based to local community and grassroots focused partnerships,” Penrite Oil Director of Motorsport and Corporate Partnerships Manager, Jarrod Harding, explains. “Our aim is to support as many series, teams, individuals, communities and charitable causes as we can. Unfortunately, we cannot support them all, so it is a matter of sharing things around to do the most good when and where we can. “Of these programs, our most successful is the Penrite Brand Ambassador program. Each year Penrite Oil sponsors more than 160 Brand Ambassadors in all forms of motorsport across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe.” Many would look at partnerships in motorsports and assume the key benefit to the company providing the support is mainly marketingrelated. However for Penrite, the benefits of these relationships run much deeper than that. “At last count we have over 500 products and it makes sense for us to be active across a lot of different spaces which relate to these differing product ranges,” Jarrod said. “At the top end of competition – such as with our Penrite Racing Supercar program and our Superbike team – we can focus on really testing our products at an elite level under pretty harsh racing conditions. “At the more local level, we can work closely with our ambassadors to gather that finer detail out of how our products perform under a wider range of real world conditions. “Our racing program certainly allows us to do a huge amount of work testing all of our products, and the best thing about ambassadors is they give you real feedback – the beauty too about being an Australian family-owned company is that we can grab the boss and the next day be discussing improvements or new products based off that feedback. 98

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“At the end of the day, the real benefit to our customers is that if we are constantly testing and refining our products in this way, they can have confidence our products will well and truly exceed their needs.” One of the most well-known partnerships for Penrite Oil is the one it holds with David Reynolds, who the company has followed to a new team and new marque in the Supercars championship for 2021 and beyond. “Our partnership with Dave has been in place since he joined the Erebus Motorsport team back in 2016,” Jarrod explains. “Being a family owned and operated business, Penrite is obviously not your typical oil company and at our core, our business values are more on the conservative side and are certainly driven with a high importance and focus placed on family values. “When Dave initially joined the Erebus team, we were a bit apprehensive as we knew he was a good driver and a fan favourite but there had been a bit of negative press due to Dave’s off the cuff humour.

“However, five minutes after meeting Dave you realise, he is just a regular down to earth bloke. What you see is what you get which really resonates with our customers and staff. Over the years our partnership has greatly evolved to the point where our trade and retail customers are now heavily involved in the direction of our motorsport journey. “Dave has slotted into our company dynamic and has become a face for the brand who is very personable with staff and customers alike. “The relationship is so strong that with Dave making the move to Kelly Grove Racing for 2021 and beyond, we have also made that move – swapping across to a new team and from the Holden to a Ford Mustang. It is certainly a big change, but it is one which will offer us real benefits behind the scenes.” In elaborating on these expected benefits, it is clear Jarrod and the entirety of Penrite Oil has some big plans in place for the future. “The Kellys’ have a tremendous technical capability – they manufacture a number of

MEMBERS IN MOTORSPORT

components not only for Supercars but also for most other categories raced within Australia and New Zealand,” Jarrod said. “Their in-house team builds race engines; designs and fabricates specialist parts and body panels; and they have a huge R and D program. “So really, what better way is there to continue to constantly test and better our products than with Kelly Grove Racing? It is the best of both worlds and as an added bonus, their base is only 20 minutes down the road from our own headquarters.” One product range sure to play an integral part in this new relationship with Kelly Grove Racing is Penrite’s 10 Tenths Lubricants offering, which has a unique claim to fame in being a product actually used in Supercars in the same formulation which can be bought off the shelf. “It has been a little secret in racing for decades that generally what they say is going into the race cars isn’t actually what the label says or what you at home could buy off the shelf at your local retail outlet,” Jarrod said.

“Oil companies have traditionally given race teams ‘special blends,’ usually to increase horsepower at the cost of longevity and protection to engine internals. “However, we haven’t gone down this route. Instead, since joining Supercars in 2015, it has always been our mission to promote and use off the shelf Penrite products. “It has helped that we already had a strong racing range that encompasses not only engine oil but also specialised brake fluids and coolants – the 10 Tenths brand. “The 10 Tenths range has actually been around for more than 30 years. The Dymond family behind Penrite have always been racers at heart, owning, building and competing in all sorts of car and bike racing, and the 10 Tenths range was born out of the passion John Dymonds (JD for short) held for historic motorsport. “JD was always interested in making his products the best on the market. He wanted to protect the engine but understood the need to gain the competitive edge. Today, we continue that work,

we just have better technology on hand to help us understand what is going on at the microscopic level. “By using a combination of laboratory testing, trackside data and product ambassadors, we have been able to tailor the products to meet the changing demands of the user and suit a variety of different conditions. As the years have passed and the technology has improved, we have been able to further rely on diagnostic tools and chemical analysis to ensure we are always living up to JD’s mission statement to make the best products for local conditions. “I am proud to report that since joining Supercars six years ago, we have never had a mechanical product issue despite punishing the cars in searing temperatures. We have also enjoyed great performance in events such as the 12 Hour, where brakes are at over 300 degrees lap after lap. “We have claimed podiums and won races including the Bathurst 1000 where performance and longevity are important – all using the same 10 Tenths products which can be bought off the shelf at your local retail outlet. “Whether in blistering heat or rainy and windy conditions, our products have never let us down. To me, this fact just reinforces how important it is to make products for and in Australian conditions. “I guess the real testament to the success of the range is just how many people are now using it in pretty much every discipline of motorsport. That tells me we must be doing something right!” While Penrite Oil is certainly kicking goals with its 10 Tenths range in all kinds of racing disciplines, the company is far from resting on its laurels. With the move to Kelly Grove Racing, its technical team is already hard at work with the team’s engineers to take things to the next level. “Previously we had a heap of data on how the Holden Supercars behaved under various conditions, so moving to Kelly Grove Racing and the new Ford Mustang means we need to ensure the car behaves in a similar fashion,” Jarrod said. “It is early days, but so far we have been able to run the car with no problems using our Racing 5w30 product, and additionally we are also utilising our race coolant, brake fluid, trans axle fluid and a raft of other products. “While we have had success so far, we will always be keeping an eye on how things progress and ensuring we are working with the team and continuing to look for the winning advantage. “For instance, we are already working with the team on a range of new grease options and other speciality products. So that is a work in progress and one we look forward to seeing in action soon.” For more on the Penrite Oil Company, visit www.penriteoil.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

MEMBERS IN MOTORSPORT

ACL EXTENDS KELLY GROVE RACING PARTNERSHIP Motorsport has long been a part of ACL’s DNA ACL Bearing Company (Australia) says it is pleased to announce the extension of its long running partnership with Supercars team Kelly Grove Racing (formerly Kelly Racing) into its thirteenth season. “ACL is very proud to be a partner of Kelly Grove Racing and we look forward to the 2021 season, where in addition to seeing changes at Kelly Grove Racing, we also look forward to fans returning to the events around the country,” ACL Bearing Company (Australia) General Manager, Chris Brooks, said. “Motorsport is in our DNA. There is no better test for our products than the racetrack and the work that Todd Kelly and the team have done is remarkable and we wish them every success for Season 2021.” Kelly Grove Racing Co-Owner, Todd Kelly, said he was excited to see the partnership continuing. “I’m thrilled to be continuing our partnership with ACL for the 2021 Supercars season. The team has had a partnership with ACL since we started back in 2009 so this will be our thirteenth year of working together which is really exciting and also very rewarding for us to have such a longstanding relationship,” Todd said.

“We use ACL products in all of our race engines and ACL have supported us through three highly successful engine programs during our years of racing Holdens, Nissans and now the Ford Mustang. “ACL products are extremely reliable and provide us with a great sense of confidence in our engine performance while our engines are under extreme stress and load during racing conditions. “The engineering and performance side of our business is something that I’m very hands-on with and I only choose the best off the shelf

performance parts for our engines which is why we have partnered with ACL Bearings for so many years. We demand a lot from our race engines, which is why we demand the best. “At Kelly Grove Racing, we are passionate about using Australian-made products and supporting Australian manufacturing. ACL is run out of Tasmania by a great team of people, they’re very passionate about motorsport and we love having them as part of our team.” For more information on ACL RACE Series performance engine bearings, visit www.aclperfomance.com.au

PENRITE RACING LOCKS IN BATHURST 1000-WINNING CO-DRIVER David Reynolds will reunite with co-driver Luke Youlden The 2017 Bathurst 1000-winning dream team will reunite and return to the mountain for 2021’s running of the Great Race as Luke Youlden joins Penrite Racing to partner David Reynolds in the #26 Penrite Racing Ford Mustang. Luke has been David’s co-driver in three Bathurst 1000s, highlighted by a victory in 2017 on Luke’s eighteenth attempt at the Great Race with a victory that marked the first win at the mountain for both drivers. “I’m really excited to be joining Dave and the team at Penrite Racing for Bathurst this year. It’s an interesting and exciting time to be joining the team, there’s obviously been a lot of change at Kelly Grove Racing which seems to be extremely positive and the team is really ambitious,” Luke said. “Winning Bathurst with Dave in 2017 was one of the highlights of my career, it’s something that I’ll never forget so obviously I’m really looking forward to giving it another crack this year after watching from the sidelines in 2020. 100

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“Myself and Dave obviously have history, we know how each other work and I’m used to driving the car the way that Dave has it setup so I think we’ll be able to gel together really well and hopefully have a strong result. We definitely have experience on our side, together we’ll probably be one of the most experienced combinations that’ll race at Bathurst which is cool.” Luke is one of the most experienced co-drivers in the field, with a total of 20 Bathurst 1000 starts to his name and will race in the Porsche Carrera Cup this year, allowing him to stay race fit throughout the season. The team will also field Luke at its passenger ride events throughout the year to give him the opportunity to adapt to the Penrite Racing Ford Mustang ahead of his debut in an official capacity at Bathurst in October. “We’ve got the dream team back together and it feels awesome. Luke and I shared some great memories together when we won the Bathurst 1000 in 2017, which is still one of the greatest

moments of my life. I’ve enjoyed driving with him and he’s a great guy, so it was only right we recruit him for Bathurst again this year,” David said. “Luke will be doing quite a lot of racing this year which is great for him and it means we know he’ll be race ready when it comes time to get in the car for Bathurst. With how good the co-driver field is these days it’s hard to turn up having not raced all year and give it a crack so with his regular Porsche meetings I think he’ll turn up confident and raring to go.” For more from Penrite, visit www.penriteoil.com.au

MEMBERS IN MOTORSPORT

BAPCOR, AUTOBARN AND CHICANE TOOLS PARTNER UP WITH TICKFORD The new partnership hit the track for the first time at the Mount Panorama 500 Tickford Racing has confirmed a significant partnership with BAPCOR and Autobarn which brings two exciting new commercial partners to the Melbourne-based team for the 2021 Supercars Championship. The new partnership will see Autobarn make its return to Supercars competition for the first time since 2018 as well as the debut of Chicane Tools, a new premium hand tool brand from BAPCOR. Prominent branding of Autobarn and Chicane will appear on the Ford Mustangs driven by Cam Waters and James Courtney as well as Tickford Racing crew gear. Chicane hand tools will fill the toolboxes of the team’s garages at track, putting the premium tools through their paces in the world’s most competitive touring car championship. Chicane was launched in December 2020 with an expanding range of hand and specialty tools and tool storage options. BAPCOR says all of the tools are made from the highest quality resources and are designed to meet and exceed industry standards while being priced to represent great value in the market. BAPCOR Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Darryl Abotomey, said he is thrilled to partner Chicane Tools with Tickford and show mechanics and DIY enthusiasts across the country the first-rate quality of Chicane Tools. “Aligning Chicane Tools with a team as successful as Tickford gives us a great chance to showcase our new tool brand to Supercars fans around the country,” Darryl said. “Chicane is an exciting addition to BAPCOR’s offering; our products are designed to be industryleading using the best materials available, so to partner with another industry leader such as Tickford Racing is the perfect partnership.

“Every race is a new one, and when Tickford is faced with a mechanical challenge in 2021, we are pleased to say they will turn to Chicane Tools.” BAPCOR Retail Executive General Manager, Tim Cockayne, said he is delighted to see the Autobarn name return to the sport in 2021 with the twotime Bathurst 1000 winners, Tickford Racing. “Autobarn customers have a real passion for Supercars, so to bring Autobarn back to the championship with a top team like Tickford Racing is incredibly exciting,” Tim said. “Autobarn has been helping Australians maintain, fix, and tune up their cars since 1985, and with the introduction of Chicane it was a natural opportunity for us to re-enter a sport we have positive memories in. “Tickford had a tremendous finish to their 2020 season and like us are striving to be the best in their field. We’re really looking forward to Autobarn and Chicane celebrating more success together in 2021.” Tickford Racing Chief Executive Officer and Team

Principal, Tim Edwards, shared his excitement for the partnership that sees the well-known and new brands join one of Australia’s most successful motor racing teams. “Bringing Chicane and Autobarn on board from 2021 is incredibly exciting for our team,” Tim Edwards said. “Partnering with a renowned company synonymous with the automotive industry like Autobarn and to simultaneously provide a platform to a new brand in Chicane is really the best of both worlds. “On race day we think three steps ahead, so when our crew turns to Chicane, we know they will have the best tools available. “We’re excited about what this partnership will bring. Autobarn has been part of several historic moments throughout their involvement in Supercars over the years, so we’d love to add our own while also helping to build the Chicane tool brand as we race across Australia.” Chicane Tools are exclusively available through BAPCOR’s group of stores and outlets, including Burson, Autopro, and Autobarn. Autobarn is a leading retailer of automotive aftermarket accessories, spare parts, car audio, tools, roof racks, car care, and oils and additives. Australian owned and operated, Autobarn has been serving Australians’ automotive needs for nearly 40 years and has been frequently involved in Supercars over the past two decades. For more on Chicane Tools, visit www.autobarn.com.au/chicane For more from Bapcor and Autobarn, visit www.bapcor.com.au and www.autobarn.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

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NEW IRONMAN 4X4 ALL TERRAIN SUSPENSION LAUNCHED To suit Subaru Forester 2019+, Outback 2015+ and XV Crosstrek 2018+ Ironman 4x4’s new Nitro Gas All Terrain Suspension (ATS) kit is designed to elevate the adventure of Subaru drivers, providing comfort, handling and additional clearance over mud, snow, sand and bitumen. It says the kit delivers levels of competence like never before, stating ATS is the only true twoinch lift long-travel suspension available to suit Subarus. Designed for enhanced stability and control, the frequency-matched springs paired with tuned dampers ensure the best possible ride and handling. Rigorously tested in Australian and American proving grounds, Ironman 4x4 says ATS provides superior durability and reliability on and offroad, proving the ideal suspension for Subaru adventurers.

BASE RACKS RANGE EXPANDED ARB has released Base racks for popular dual-cabs Expanding the range of its popular Base Rack, ARB has now released cab racks to suit some of the most popular dual-cab utes on the market: the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-MAX and Mazda BT-50. Featuring a fully welded extruded aluminium design with beams that run the width of the vehicle, ARB says the Base Rack has the strength of steel racks at a fraction of the weight. Due to the strength in the cross beams, ARB says there is no requirement for a sub-frame, getting the rack lower to the roof of the vehicle. The low-profile design means the roof rack looks sleek and integrates into the vehicle’s overall appearance. In addition, ARB says utilising a dovetail system on both side profiles of the rack’s internal beams and the external side of the perimeter beams provides more flexibility to attach a wide range

of accessories where you need them and without disturbing other cargo. The side mounting profile also provides full use of the beams’ top surface and allows the beams to support cargo without worrying about protruding tie-down points. ARB says its range of accessories also makes fitting cargo to your rack more efficient, saving time and effort during the packing process. Each accessory can be placed wherever you need in the moment. The ARB BASE Rack Cab Racks start from $1,125 and are available to order now. For more information, visit www.arb.com.au

THE COMPLETE JIMNY PACKAGE From Xtreme Outback Xtreme Outback, the heavy duty 4x4 division of Australian Clutch Services, says it prides itself on being the first to market with 4x4 performance upgrades for both the Australian and international markets. As such, the brand says it offers an impressive range, catering for both the new and old as well as popular and niche vehicles – including a comprehensive range of upgrades for Suzuki Jimny models.

Nitro Gas Shock Absorbers Highly versatile, Ironman 4x4 says its Nitro Gas Shock Absorbers are a big step up above OEM suspension in performance and control. When compared to budget trim-packer kits, Ironman 4x4 says the all-new ATS suspension outperforms with greater performance and stability, on and off-road. Now available at Ironman 4x4 distributors across Australia, the Nitro Gas All Terrain Suspension Kits to suit Subaru Foresters, Outbacks and Crosstreks start at $1,846.68, supply only. For more information, visit www.ironman4x4.com 102

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

Late last year Xtreme Outback released its heavyduty upgrade to suit the popular new model Suzuki Jimny. These performance upgrades were designed to suit the 2018-2020 Suzuki Jimny models fitted with the K15B engine, providing them with a 4x4 performance upgrade that could be used on the street and off-road. Due to the success of the previous model Jimny upgrades, Xtreme Outback says it was clear that these vehicles would also prove popular in Australian and overseas 4x4 markets. Xtreme Outback says it doesn’t just cover the newer models of the Jimny either, instead covering all Australian delivered models ranging back to 1985

Included in this range are a variety of accessories such as clutch forks, pivot balls, cables, and bearings as well as both heavy-duty upgrade clutch kits and even standard replacement kits under Australian Clutch Services’ ClutchPro brand. For the off-road and performance applications, the Xtreme Outback Sprung Organic kits consist of a heavy-duty pressure plate, sprung organic friction disc, thrust bearing, spigot bearing and alignment tool. These upgrade kits reportedly offer between a 35 percent and 60 percent increase in clamping force depending on the specific model whilst Xtreme Outback says the organic friction disc allows for great driveability for everyday street use. For more information, visit www.xtremeoutback.com.au

4WD

NEW FOR 2020 TOYOTA HILUX Flexiglass has launched a Premium Canopy for the 2020 Toyota Hilux The latest range of FlexiSport Premium canopies from Flexiglass is now available for ordering and fitment via your local Toyota dealership, Aeroklas Fitment Centre or approved Flexiglass reseller nationally. Prices start from $3,999 for the dual cab model colour coded to the vehicle, with a range of optional accessories available. The FlexiSport Premium series canopy features all-round central locking, a tough fiberglass body and tinted safety glass windows. “The Toyota Hilux has long been one of the top-selling vehicles in Australia, which is why it’s essential that we test and modify our range to be suitable for each new release,” Aeroklas Australia Head of Customer Experience, Matt Logan, said. “The FlexiSport Premium delivers a really functional sporty design with its all-round central locking. Customers love the stylish lines and how the canopy adds to the aesthetics of the vehicle.” Flexiglass says that by featuring full remote central locking to rear door and side windows, this canopy removes the risk of forgetting to lock up before you leave your vehicle, and adds the convenience of no longer needing to carry an extra set of keys to lock and unlock your canopy. It says another nifty feature is the push button opening side windows, with the button hidden behind the vehicle cab and front of the canopy. Simply press the small hidden button and the side widow will open up fully under its own head of steam, leaving your hands free.

Just like most of the Flexiglass range, the body of this canopy is constructed using fiberglass, meaning a tough built ute canopy, with a smooth colour coded finish. Flexiglass says the tinted safety glass provides comfort and style by reducing glare into the canopy; and states that with the premium felt lined interior finish, you could be mistaken for thinking that this canopy was part of the original vehicle build. It says it is “this attention to detail along with the market leading knowledge and experience that leads to a seamless transition from a canopy-less vehicle to a canopy integrated vehicle solution.” For quotes and more information, visit www.flexiglass.com.au or call 1300 656 599.

AUTOMOTIVE 4WD EMERGENCY KIT RANGE From Gates Australia A new range of automotive 4WD emergency kits has been released by Gates Australia, which says it is a leading global provider of application specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. The new 4WD Emergency Kit Range has been designed to give vehicle owners peace of mind in a convenient pack. Gates says its emergency kits provide all the things required for that unexpected breakdown packed into a convenient duffel bag. Whether out in the bush or driving long distances, keeping a Gates emergency kit in the vehicle can enable 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, visit www.gatesaustralia.com.au/emergency-kit or contact Gates Australia Customer Service on +61 3 9797 9688 or salesAUS@gates.com Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine March 2021

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SHOPFRONT

GEORGE CHRISTENSEN MP OFFICIALLY OPENS MIDAS MACKAY

The new Midas Auto Centre in Mackay is located at 39 Milton Street, Mackay One of the newest additions to the ever-growing Midas Auto Care store network, Midas Mackay (QLD) was officially opened on January 19, 2021 by the Member for Dawson, Mr George Christensen MP. Flanked by Midas Mackay franchisees and wellknown Mackay automotive repair specialists, Brendon and Faith Lett, the Mackay born MP had the honour of cutting the ceremonial opening

Member for Dawson, Mr George Christensen MP officially opens Midas Auto Car Mackay (QLD) with franchisees Brendon and Faith Lett.

ribbon to this modern, conveniently located and well-equipped Midas store. Mr Christensen, who also resides in Mackay, took the time to discuss issues relating to the automotive repair and servicing industry during his visit. These included the Mandatory Data Sharing Code draft legislation, gaining Brendon and Faith’s insights on how important this legislation is to independent repairers such as them along with the entire Midas Auto Care store network. Once this legislation is passed by Federal Parliament, vehicle manufacturers will be legally bound to share vehicle repair and servicing data with independent repairers on fair and equal terms, ensuring a major win-win scenario for repairers, but more importantly for consumers. The Letts’ also used this opportunity to raise their concerns about the number of unroadworthy cars on Queensland’s roads. To this end, they discussed the implementation

Member for Dawson, Mr George Christensen MP discusses important automotive aftermarket industry issues with Brendon and Faith Lett, Midas Mackay franchisees.

of regular roadworthy inspections for the state directly with Mr Christensen. They, along with all at Midas, believe that regular roadworthy inspections will not only make our roads safer for everyone to drive on, but this can also create more automotive industry jobs in the sunshine state and across the country. The new Midas Auto Centre in Mackay is located at 39 Milton Street, Mackay. You can contact the Midas Mackay team by calling 07 4818 0893. For more from Midas, visit www.midas.com.au

MORE PEOPLE ARE NIPPING INTO NATRAD A year ago many automotive workshop businesses were facing fears that COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns might bring ruin Nobody really understood what would happen, but everybody expected that it would be horrible. Natrad says its Franchise members across the country had similar concerns, but states these have proven to be unfounded.

As time progressed and interstate air travel fell, the demand for maintenance on vehicles used for transport and intrastate travel grew. This increased business for reputable vehicle repairer groups such as Natrad.

Much to their relief and delight, many Natrad workshops have reported strong results during the past 12 months.

Since 1984, Natrad says it has been trusted by Australian motorists, first as radiator specialists, then in auto air conditioning.

At the start of lockdowns, the AAAA applied pressure to have motor vehicle repairers classed as essential services which allowed them to keep trading.

In 2016, Natrad AutoCare expanded the brand further while maintaining and growing the brand’s reputation for quality auto parts and service. Running an automotive service and repair business can be complicated and demanding. Receiving help with legislation compliance, understanding modern vehicles, managing employees, inventory control and balancing finances can be a huge advantage and during 2020, Natrad says its workshops were assisted with resources to help ensure they all operated in compliance with appropriate health regulations. If your workshop would benefit from support like this, Natrad says it can provide it.

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It states that there are many significant benefits in becoming a Natrad AutoCare workshop including: - - - - - - - - - -

Powerful branding Capped franchise fees Designated territory areas Phone routing from a national 13 Number Digital marketing campaigns Website and social media Dedicated BDM support Access to an extensive parts inventory State and national conferences Warranty and network support

Opportunities exist in all states and territories to become part of the trusted Natrad AutoCare network. For more information please visit natrad.com.au/join-our-team/ or contact Steve Jones on 03 9795 1255 or email info@natrad.com.au.

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine - March 2021

Articles inside

Storefront

Consumer Law

Brake, Clutch & Driveline: All the latest on brake, clutch & driveline

4WD

HR Matters

Trade Talk: Scott Pedder - Driving passion in sport and business

Members in Motorsport: Penrite: Driving forward innovation on all levels

Auto Electrical and Lighting: Keeping on top of electrical and lighting nuances

Member Feature: RYCO Filters - Racing to drive innovation

Products

Product R&D: ZF Aftermarket - Key to success of TRW Braking range

Cover Story: NAPA Auto Parts continues to grow

Technofile: IVS 360 team tackles timing chain rattle

ESG strategy at the forefront of BAPCOR’s success

Skilled technicians = business success

Garrett Connect launched

Australian 4WD Parts & Accessory Manufacturing

AAAA website updated

AAAA says Government should act on ‘hidden’ telematics

ACS: Brenton Jordan’s story of success

Vale: Jim Dean

AAAA Report

News