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from Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine - March 2021

Consumer Law

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 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 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

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

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. Much to their relief and delight, many Natrad workshops have reported strong results during the past 12 months. At the start of lockdowns, the AAAA applied pressure to have motor vehicle repairers classed as essential services which allowed them to keep trading. 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. Since 1984, Natrad says it has been trusted by Australian motorists, first as radiator specialists, then in auto air conditioning. 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. 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.