MAHA secures double award

The company has been recognised as a world market leader for the fifth time and also as a ‘valuable employer’

Workshop supplier MAHA has been honoured twice as part of an annual evaluation of world market leaders by economists for the University of St Gallen, in cooperation with WirtschaftsWoche, Germany’s leading business Magazine. The program evaluates internationally active companies that stand out for their leading technologies and the superior quality of their products and services, seeking to identify trailblazers across various industries. In 2022, MAHA has been recognised as a ‘World Market Leader – Champion 2022’ and was also awarded as a ‘Valuable Employer – High Contribution to the Public Good.’ MAHA has now been ranked at the top in the field of workshop and automotive testing technology for the fifth time in a row – showing convincingly that a great deal is being done right in the company. As part of the evaluations for the ‘Valuable Employer’ award, citizens across Germany were surveyed about the companies in their region. This award is not about sales figures or profits, but about the local perception of a company and its value for the public good and among the 2,130 companies scrutinised, the survey highlighted MAHA as a valuable employer. “We are very proud of both awards. Passion and innovative strength have brought us this far together with our employees. The result spurs us on even more to continue defending precisely this position of our company,” MAHA Managing Director, Stefan Fuchs, said. Both results were published by the official media partner, WirtschaftsWoche at www.wirtschaftswoche.de. The ranking of world market leaders was also printed in a special edition under the title “The 500 Hidden Champions – World Market Leaders 2022.” MAHA Maschinenbau Haldenwang GmbH & Co. KG is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of workshop and vehicle inspection equipment. As a company with an international outlook, MAHA operates two production sites in Germany and the USA and a global sales and service network in over 150 countries, including Australia. The company employs a total of more than 1,000 staff worldwide. For more from MAHA, visit www.maha.de/en/news or www.maha.com.au

BILSTEIN AND REPXPERT PARTNERSHIP PROVES A GREAT SUCCESS

The successful cooperation on this workshop portal will continue

In 2015, Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket gave its popular workshop portal REPXPERT a major relaunch. Since then, 200,000 professional users from 36 countries have regularly sought help here, with 16 different languages available as repair and maintenance work in the automotive sector becomes ever more complex. Since summer 2021, REPXPERT users have also been able to rely on Bilstein’s suspension expertise and due to its great success, the project is now going into regular operation. “We have thoroughly evaluated the set-up phase we conducted together with Schaeffler on the REPXPERT portal, and our optimistic expectations have been fully met,” thyssenkrupp Bilstein GmbH Head of Sales Aftermarket, Volker Wegerhoff, said. “There really is every reason to continue cultivating this partnership and adding new facets step by step.” Accordingly, Bilstein’s content is currently not only available on the country page for Germany, but also in the United Kingdom and Poland. Other nations and languages are to follow in the course of the year. “We are very pleased to be able to expand our partnership with Bilstein,” Sven Müller, the Head of Schaeffler REPXPERT Garage Services, said. “Both sides learn a lot from this, and workshops appreciate the wealth of information on the REPXPERT portal.” “Our content on shock absorbers, springs, etc is very well received,” said Rainer Popiol, the Head of the Bilstein Academy. Together with his team, Rainer is responsible for the content of classroom and online training, training videos, workshop tips and much more. The aim of the REPXPERT cooperation is to combine Schaeffler’s expertise in the field of axle parts with Bilstein’s competence in shock absorbers, springs and suspensions. Since the update to the new version of the portal (REPXPERT 3.0) at the end of 2021, workshops can look forward to even more intuitive control and a more modern look. In addition, the pace of content creation has been stepped up once again. Consequently, Bilstein has already published 16 detailed workshop tips and installation videos, and new content is being added successively. These cover everyday situations as well as more exotic problems that often leave even top workshops at a loss due to a lack of specific experience. The spectrum ranges from the vehicle-specific installation of a B4 air suspension module to the conversion of a level control system to normal dampers. Detailed product information can also be found on REPXPERT, with Bilstein presenting a total of nine product lines with thousands of vehicle applications. The new video series “Suspension fundamentals – powered by Bilstein Academy” is also represented. For more information, visit www.workshop.bilstein.com Photo: Copyright Bilstein 2022

MORE CHIPS

Bosch is set to invest on extending semiconductor production in Reutlingen

Bosch has been developing and manufacturing semiconductors for over 60 years. In an additional move to combat the ongoing global chip shortage, Bosch plans to further extend its wafer fab in Reutlingen. More than a quarter of a billion euros is to be invested in creating new production space and the necessary clean-room facilities between now and 2025. This will give Bosch the firepower to meet the continuously growing demand for chips used in mobility and IoT applications. “We are systematically expanding our manufacturing capacity for semiconductors in Reutlingen,” Robert Bosch GmbH Chairman of the Board of Management, Dr Stefan Hartung, said. “This new investment will not only strengthen our competitive position, but will also benefit our customers and help combat the crisis in the semiconductor supply chain.” Bosch says the effects of the crisis are apparent in Australia, with the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries’ reporting new vehicle sales in November 2021 down 15.3 percent compared to the same month in 2020. The construction of a new extension in Reutlingen will create an additional 3,600 square meters of ultramodern clean-room space. As of 2025, this additional capacity will produce semiconductors based on technology already in place at the Reutlingen plant. Bosch is also extending an existing power supply facility and will construct an additional building for media supply systems serving both the new and existing production areas. The new production area is scheduled to go into operation in 2025. The Reutlingen wafer fabs use 150- and 200-millimeter technology, while the Dresden plant makes chips on 300-millimeter wafers. Both employ cutting-edge manufacturing methods based on data-driven process control. “AI methods combined with connectivity have helped us achieve continuous, data-driven improvement in manufacturing and thereby produce better and better chips,” said Markus Heyn, Member of the Board of Management of Robert Bosch GmbH and Chairman of the Mobility Solutions business sector. This includes the development of software to enable automated classification of defects. Bosch is also using AI to enhance materials flows. With its high level of automation, this state-of-the art production environment in Reutlingen will safeguard the plant’s future and the jobs of the people working there. “Bosch is already a leading chip manufacturer for automotive applications, and this is a position we intend to consolidate.” Measures to achieve this include the development and manufacture of chips made of silicon carbide, which Bosch has been producing since December 2021. Chips made of this innovative material are destined to play an increasingly important role in electromobility. Bosch states it is currently the only automotive supplier worldwide manufacturing power semiconductors made of silicon carbide. For more information, visit www.bosch.com.au

VASA WIRE & GAS EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW ON SALE

A limited number of heavily discounted tickets are now available for the conference

VASA, Australasia’s peak trade association for specialists in auto air-conditioning, electrical and thermal management, has released a limited number of heavily discounted early bird tickets to the 2022 Wire & Gas conference that will take place on the Gold Coast across July 29-31. Wire & Gas 2022 promises to be a world-class event with speakers travelling from the United States and Europe to deliver an arsenal of knowledge and skills that will help attendees navigate the rapid technological change and hot competition facing the automotive repair sector. The broad range of training topics, seminars and panel sessions on offer at Wire & Gas 2022 will also place attendees at the forefront of the coming hybrid and electric vehicle revolution – with the confidence that expertise in air-conditioning, electrical and thermal management systems will become increasingly valuable as vehicles electrify. Wire & Gas will also include technical sessions on variable-displacement compressors and the use of chemicals in air-conditioning systems, diesel particulate filters and other emission control technologies and diagnostics using oscilloscopes and transducers. Scene-setting panel sessions will bring together experts and visionaries from the world of automotive electrification; and a timely presentation from AAAA Government Relations & Advocacy Director Lesley Yates will update attendees about the unique Australian choice of repairer law that comes into effect on July 1. Wire & Gas 2022 will place a heavy focus on the changes and opportunities facing the automotive repair industry as electrification gathers momentum. This topic is expected to radically broaden the event’s appeal. For this reason, the event has gained support from other automotive industry bodies including AAAA, IAME, MTAQ, MTAWA and VACC plus training partnerships with Diesel Help Australia and The Automotive Technician. The event could not take place without corporate sponsorship from respected names such as Adrad Group, Redarc Electronics, Hella Gutmann, A-Gas, NAPA Auto Parts, CoolDrive Auto Parts, Alcius, VACC, SuperCool Group, Century Batteries and Ariazone. Contributors from beyond the automotive sector include Refrigerant Reclaim Australia and Refrigerants Australia. Early Bird tickets start from $985 including GST, with a further 10 percent discount available for multi-delegate bookings from within the same business offered for the first time. For more information, visit www.vasa.org.au/wg2022

CAPRICORN RISING STARS NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

Capricorn members have until the 30th of April to nominate their star apprentices

Nominations are officially open for Capricorn Members to nominate their high-performing apprentices as Capricorn Rising Stars. This is an opportunity for automotive workshops and repair centres to acknowledge apprentices for their ongoing effort and hard work. A nomination to Capricorn Rising Stars will not only benefit the individual, but the whole team, as it promotes and embeds a positive workshop culture, which rewards commitment and passion. As Australasia’s largest automotive cooperative, Capricorn says it supports businesses to thrive and be sustainable in the automotive repair sector. Capricorn Group Chief Executive Officer, David Fraser, said that the Capricorn Rising Stars program is an important program to help address the shortage of qualified repairers. “Encouraging and acknowledging future leaders is an important part of growing and supporting the automotive industry,” David said. “We at Capricorn wish to help Members strengthen their teams and believe recognition and reward will help businesses attract and retain the best talent.” The award prioritises acknowledging apprentices with a passion for automotive, a positive can-do attitude, and a strong commitment to forging a long career as a repairer. The competition is open to all types of workshops and disciplines; from panel and fabrication to auto electrical, general mechanical, heavy diesel and more. Focusing on initiative, eagerness to learn and commitment to the auto repair industry means Capricorn Members are encouraged to nominate any star apprentices as they continue to develop their technical proficiency. Recognising an apprentice’s commitment will keep them engaged and excited about their promising careers ahead of them. Every apprentice nominated will benefit by receiving a certificate sent to their workshop. More than $20,000 in cash and prizes is up for grabs, with the winning apprentice to score $5,000 to help support them in their apprenticeship. The Top Five finalists (including the overall winner) will receive $1,000 in cash, a $1000 Repco voucher and tickets to two Repco Masterclasses. The nominating workshop of the overall winner will receive The Workshop Whisperer Service Advisor Pro online training (valued at $3,000 plus GST). Capricorn thanks long-term program sponsors Castrol, Repco and the Workshop Whisperer who have donated these fantastic prizes. Capricorn Members should nominate their star apprentices at www.cap.coop/stars - entries close 30 April 2022. For more information about joining Capricorn, visit www.capricorn.coop/join or call 1800 327 437 (AU) or 0800 401 444 (NZ).

GIBBS TRUCK AND TRAILER PARTS JOINS BAPCOR

The company has joined the BAPCOR Commercial Vehicle Group

BAPCOR has increased its commitment to Australia’s heavy transport industry with the acquisition of the Queensland-based Gibbs Truck and Trailer Parts. Gibbs Truck and Trailer Parts joins Truckline, WANO, Diesel Drive and Diesel Distributors across Australia and New Zealand to provide aftermarket and OE, truck and trailer parts and accessories supporting all makes and models of North American, European and Japanese commercial vehicles. Operated as a family company since the 1950s, Gibbs Truck and Trailer Parts brings even more dedicated customer service, parts availability and long term heavy commercial vehicle expertise to BAPCOR, increasing the Australian company’s footprint to 59 branches nationwide. The vast customer goodwill established by this family operated company over the past five decades will be retained along with the highly experienced and knowledgeable Gibbs Truck and Trailer Parts management and team members. There are many similarities between BAPCOR’s Truckline business and Gibbs Truck and Trailer Parts, as both Australian companies were established in the 1950s, generating outstanding brand and heavy duty commercial vehicle owner and operator business loyalty. Both are also renowned in the industry for being destinations for commercial vehicle parts, equipment and accessories. Former proprietor of Gibbs Truck and Trailer Parts, Chris Gibbs, reflected on the company’s past and present success which has led to this major new step for his family company. “This is a very exciting step to ensure the continued growth and success of our company. It has been in our family’s control since 1957, so the time has come to take a new direction and to let our managers that have come up through the ranks to have more control in the running of the business,” Chris said. “Our business has been built on strong, long term and highly valued customer relationships and this will continue into the future with the same team, but now with the support and resources of Australia’s largest automotive aftermarket specialised company.” According to Craig Magill, Executive General Manager of BAPCOR Wholesale, this acquisition is a perfect fit to increase the national footprint of BAPCOR’s Commercial Vehicle Group. “Gibbs Truck and Trailer Parts has been committed to its commercial vehicle customers for decades, renowned across Queensland for their expertise and dedication to customer service,” Craig said. “They have had a long history of organic business growth and we are pleased to welcome their management and team members to the BAPCOR Group, ensuring an even stronger future ahead.” Justin O’Brien, BAPCOR Commercial Vehicle Division General Manager echoed these sentiments. “We are delighted to welcome this outstanding family business to the BAPCOR Commercial Vehicle Group, further extending our commitment to being the premier parts and equipment provider to this highly important sector of the Australian automotive aftermarket,” Justin said. For more from BAPCOR, visit www.bapcor.com.au