International EV and hybrid expert heading to VASA Wire and Gas

Craig Van Batenburg will make his first visit to Australia for VASA’s 2022 Wire and Gas event

VASA, Australasia’s trade association for specialists in auto air-conditioning, electrical and thermal management, will help place attendees of its 2022 Wire and Gas conference at the forefront of the hybrid and electric vehicle revolution that was seen to be in full swing at the recent Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo. Wire and Gas is renowned for attracting the best brains in the business, so it is fitting that the event will feature world-renowned hybrid and EV repair expert, Craig Van Batenburg, from the United States on his first-ever visit to Australia. A workshop owner turned training provider through his Automotive Career Development Center (ACDC) in Worcester, Massachusetts, Craig’s peerless knowledge of vehicle electrification stems from his first hybrid car purchase in 1999. He began delivering hybrid vehicle training resources in 2000 before expanding into electric vehicle training resources from 2008. The automotive industry is witnessing a rapid electrification of everything from passenger cars to heavy vehicles and earthmoving equipment. It is also becoming clear that as vehicle electrification becomes increasingly mainstream, the disciplines of air-conditioning, electrical and thermal are converging. As such, Wire and 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, particularly among young people considering or embarking on a career in the automotive sector. Craig will be joined by Michael Ingvardsen, president of VASA’s European equivalent MACPartners and global technical training manager for Danish automotive thermal management manufacturer, Nissens. Further overseas speaker announcements will be made in due course, for what will be a rare meeting of minds in the global automotive electrical and thermal management sector. Closer to home, AAAA Government Relations and Advocacy Director, Lesley Yates, will update attendees about the unique Australian choice of repairer law that comes into effect on July 1, what it means for repairers, how it works and what the future might look like with new industries and new vehicles being included in the legislation over time. Wire and Gas 2022 will take place from July 29-31 at the lavishly refurbished JW Marriott Gold Coast and landmark VASA HQ/SuperTest facility in Ormeau, Queensland. For more information, visit www.vasa.org.au/wg2022

EXPANSION, ACQUISTION AND RECOGNITION FOR INJECTRONICS

It has been a solid start to 2022 for the Melbourne-based Injectronics

Already in 2022, Injectronics has enjoyed the opening of a new office in Auckland, the acquisition of the hybrid battery re-build company and industry recognition at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards. Injectronics explains it is a preferred repairer of electronic and mechatronic components in Australasia and under the broader GUD umbrella, sits alongside well-respected brands such as Narva, Ryco and AA Gasket. The expansion with the new Auckland office, officially opening in March 2022, provides its growing customer base with local access to its wide range of repair and remanufactured solutions, plus leading technical support service and in-time its growing range of hybrid battery technology. Closely following the expansion, on April 1st the team completed the acquisition of Hybrid Battery Rebuild (HBR). By adding the technology and assets of HBR to the established Injectronics hybrid program, the acquisition sees Injectronics expanding its capabilities and product offerings in this fast-growing space in terms of being able to test, service and re-build, as well as being able to supply new aftermarket batteries. Injectronics says its hybrid battery replacements are market leaders, offering remanufactured and new battery solutions that are not only cost effective but environmentally focused. Injectronics is able to support workshop customers with options including remanufactured, and shortly will introduce its new aftermarket battery, which is suitable for a growing number of cars, alongside the remanufactured solutions. The remanufactured system implemented by Injectronics is a first of its kind in Australia and is fully backed by the federal government, says Injectronics. Injectronics was also recognised among the Automotive Aftermarket industry, picking up the award for the Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product (Electrical) at this year’s Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo. “With the latest acquisition, expansion into New Zealand and recognition of this important product range, Injectronics and IM Group are an industry leader in the hybrid battery market,” IM Group Executive General Manager, Gino Ricciuti, said. In addition to hybrid battery supplies and refurbishment, Injectronics services a range of transportation forms including rail, marine and heavy industrial. It offers technology such as the unique ‘Virtual Automotive Simulator’, which provides pin-bypin testing and program checking. Designed by Injectronics’ in-house engineers in Melbourne, this technology enables Injectronics to test auto components, while maintaining the vehicle’s original coding, security and programming information. For more information, visit www.injectronics.com.au