Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine - May 2024

DEPARTMENTS

KEEPING YOU INFORMED

NEW MEMBERS CALENDAR 2024

Automechanika Kuala Lumpar

Kuala Lumpar Convention Centre, Malaysia

8 – 10 May 2024 www.automechanika.messefrankfurt.com

Autopromotec Bologna, Italy 21 – 24 May 2024 www.autopromotec.com/en

Automechanika Frankfurt Frankfurt Exhibition Grounds 10 – 14 September 2024 www.automechanika.messefrankfurt.com

AAPEX

The Venetian Expo & Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, NV 5 – 7 November 2024 www.aapexshow.com

SEMA

Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV 5 – 8 November 2024 www.semashow.com

Automechanika Shangha

National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) China 2 – 5 December 2024 www.automechanika.messefrankfurt.com

PRI Show

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA 12 – 4 December 2024 www.performanceracing.com

Wayne

Bryant Chairman

A&B Auto Electrical

32 Winbourne Road BROOKVALE NSW 2100

Ph: 02 9939 4626 E: brad@aabautoelectrical.com.au

Accurate Car Services

124 Bombay Street LIDCOMBE NSW 2141

Ph: 02 9748 1961 E: accurate@accuratecarservices.com

Adventure 4x4 & Auto Electrics

46 Boothby St KEDRON QLD 4031

Ph: 0425 188 992 E: mark@adventureauto.com.au

Bridgestone Urunga

2 Marina Cres URUNGA NSW 2455

Ph: 02 6655 5033 E: scott@bridgestoneurunga.com.au

Brookvale Automotive

1/25 Dale Street BROOKVALE NSW 2100

Ph: 07 9905 1122 E: brookvale.automotive@outlook.com

Canelanders Auto Service Centre

10 Toonburra Street BUNDABERG QLD 4670

Ph: 0427 337 085 E: manager@canelandersauto.com.au

CJD Mechanical Repairs Pty Ltd

Unit 6 74 Millaroo Drive HELENSVALE QLD 4212

Ph: 07 5519 3608 E: repairs@cjdmechanical.com.au

Classic Automotive Pty Ltd

PO Box 1048 PENRITH NSW 2751

Ph: 0499 484 814 E: mick@classic-automotive.com.au

Continental Car Repairs

102 Grigor Street West CALOUNDRA QLD 4551

Ph: 07 5491 5633 E: service@continentalcarrepairs.com.au

Diesel Central

4 Alexander Court GRACEMERE QLD 4702

Ph: 07 4933 4310 E: shawn@dieselcentral.com.au

Eurocars Road & Track

4 Elite Way MORNINGTON VIC 3931

Ph: 0430 435 520 E: lee@eurocarsroadandtrack.com.au

Favero Motors Automotive & Glass

51- 55 High Street STANTHORPE QLD 4380

Ph: 07 4681 1194 E: stephen@faveromotors.com.au

Green Square Garage

801 Elizabeth Street ZETLAND NSW 2017

Ph: 02 9319 1180 E: info@gsgarage.com.au

Guest 4WD

194 Grange Road (Cnr Christmas St) ALPHINGTON VIC 3078

Ph: 0438 163 279 E: info@guest4wd.com.au

Jason’s All Mechanical Services

4/30 Aurora Ave QUEANBEYAN ACT 2620

Ph: 0402 273 621 E: enquiry@jasonsallmechanical.com

JHM Bendigo European

78 Wood Street BENDIGO VIC 3550

Ph: 03 5446 8635 E: jhmvolvo@hotmail.com

JME Engineering

14 Orange Grove Ave UNANDERRA NSW 2526

Ph: 0418 423 375 E: mark@jmeengineering.com.au

CHAIRMAN Wayne Bryant (VIC)

Division, GPC Asia Pacific Ph: 03 9566 5444

Craig Baills (QLD)

Mark Dewhurst Automotive Engineering

5 Koolera Rd WYEE NSW 2259

Ph: 0438 572 405 E: wyeetorana@gmail.com

Mastertech Auto Electrical & Mechanical

138/140 Victoria Rd MARRICKVILLE NSW 2204

Ph: 0420 706 046 E: info@mastertechautoservices.com.au

Mobile Volksworx

398 Princes Hwy BOMADERRY NSW 2541

Ph: 0412 108 677 E: info@mobilevolksworx.com.au

Mohrs Garage Pty Ltd

26 Quintin Street ROMA QLD 4455

Ph: 07 4622 5188 E: mohrsgarage@outlook.com

Repco Authorised Service Clare (Clare Auto)

60 New Road CLARE SA 5453

Ph: 08 8842 3733 E: clareauto@hotmail.com

Repco Authorised Service Wentworth (Bysouths Garage)

43 Murray St WENTWORTH NSW 2648

Ph: 03 5027 3009 E: cebys@bigpond.net

RodBods Downunder

Lot 119 Pacific Hwy NABIAC NSW 2312

Ph: 02 6554 1166 E: rodbods@bigpond.com

RP Mechanical Certification

18 Homestead Drive DUBBO NSW 2830

Ph: 0439 856 750 E: russellphibbs@westnet.com.au

SCG Mechanical Pty Ltd

6 Tenth Street COBAR NSW 2835

Ph: 0458 004 611 E: scgmechanical@outlook.com

South East Queensland 4x4

4/7 Ryecroft Street CARRARA QLD 4211

Ph: 07 5522 7299 E: info@seq4x4.com.au

Terry’s Garage

17 Copeland Street KINGSWOOD NSW 2747

Ph: 02 4732 3444 E: Tnzn2001@yahoo.com.au

TJM Hervey Bay

87 Old Maryborough Road PIALBA QLD 4655

Ph: 07 4368 0200 E: sales@tjmherveybay.com.au

Transit Serv

97 High St WAUCHOPE NSW 2446

Ph: 0403 597 337 E: admin@transit.net.au

Ultra Tune Bundaberg East

15 Princess St BUNDABERG EAST QLD 4670

Ph: 07 4153 1194 E: bundabergeast@ultratune.com.au

Voodoo Auto Electrical

6/24 Hawke Drive WOOLGOOLGA NSW 2456

Ph: 02 5642 4988 E: careers@voodooautomotive.com.au

Wired Auto Electrical And Airconditioning

52A Randall St SLACKS CREEK QLD 4127

Ph: 0434 622 413 E: wiredautoelec@gmail.com

XAGA Automotive Services

196 Chetwynd Rd GUILDFORD NSW 2161

Ph: 02 9681 1122 E: technician@agaauto.com.au

AAAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DEPUTY CHAIRMAN Adam Pay (NSW)

6500

SECRETARY Janelle Gonzalez (NSW)

Toro Pty Ltd Ph: 1300 258 386

DIRECTORS

Mechanical Ph: 07 4696 7116 Michael Carnemolla (NSW)

TREASURER

Steve Drummy (VIC) BAPCOR Ph: 03 8878 1111

Colette Kirby (VIC)

Ph: 1300 322 782 Mark Pedder (VIC) Pedders Suspension Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9706 3500

FUTURE LOOKING BRIGHT AFTER BEST EVER EXPO

The passion and dedication of our industry has never been clearer, with record breaking numbers turning out to invest in their future at the Australian Auto Aftermarket and Collision Repair Expos

There is no doubt about it, the 2024 Expos were an enormous success, providing the perfect opportunity to celebrate and showcase our incredible industry and all it has to offer.

Each of the three days broke visitor records, with the best turn out since our previous record attendance in 2011 streaming into the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, to the point we still had people wanting to visit two hours out from closing time on the final day.

To see the enthusiasm for what we had on offer was exceptionally satisfying, especially given we brought a lot of the organisation of the event in-house this year for the first time.

Our theme was The Future Is Here, and this was chosen very intentionally because while we have been talking for a number of years about new vehicle technology coming down the line, that technology and its impact on businesses and service, repair, and modification techniques is now well and truly here. What we are trying to do, as the national representative association of the industry, is not to push businesses one way or the other on issues and opportunities, but instead provide insights on what is coming and what impact it will have, so members can make informed decisions on how they want to tackle the unprecedented wave of change. Our role is to give members the information and confidence to move forward while market conditions continually change around them.

The challenge we have here is we have such a wide variety of businesses in our industry who will each have a different perspective. So, our approach was to deploy a varied training and education program –including technical training for the first time – and to have it delivered by leading experts from around the country and the world. Based on visitor feedback, this seems to have comprehensively hit the mark.

Our thanks goes out to each and every one of our speakers, experts and trainers who helped us deliver our incredible training program, including (but not limited to), our international visitors Diagnose Dan and Martin Moller, Bill Hanvey, Sean Tipping, Bud Centre, Dirk Fuchs and Robert Snook.

At the AAAA we work hand-in-hand with industry and members to design major events which are truly reflective of industry preferences. To that end, we worked with experts from The Garage Network and The Automotive Technician (TaT) to identify and secure some of these amazing trainers and called on our own strong relationships with industry leaders abroad to complete what was a compelling program. We are grateful to every person involved.

An extension of our commitment to creating a worldclass learning environment could also be seen in our new ADAS Technology and Expo Electrified Zones,

two specialist areas born out of consultation with our exhibitor sub-committee.

Many of you will remember at the 2022 Expo we had the Workshop of the Future Zone which delivered shorter ‘TED Talk’ style presentations. Heading into 2024 we heard loud and clear our audience wanted to get hands-on and by partnering with ADAS Solutions and TaT we were able to offer those opportunities, with each and every session packed out.

It was not just in these zones that attendees showed their interest in the educational topics we had on offer. For the first Thursday seminar, I joined Wayne Bryant from GPC Asia Pacific, Steve Drummy from BAPCOR, and Bill Hanvey from Auto Care Association (USA) to deliver an Industry trends panel in a 420-seat theatre which had people standing in the aisles. The thirst our industry members have for knowledge and desire to stay ahead of the curve was abundantly clear.

Another thing we did differently this year was to increase our use of digital and social media marketing to expand the Expos’ audience and attract new visitors to Expo and our exhibitors’ stands. Traditionally those that visit are workshop owners and managers, and while continuing to cater for them as our industry leaders, we also wanted to reach out to our next generation – the technicians who will be the owners of the future, our apprentices, and those considering the industry as a career.

For apprentices in particular we were really proud to have a number of initiatives, including the popular Flying Spanners competition, coordinated jointly by Kangan and Box Hill TAFE. A number of our members such as Bosch Car Service, mycar Tyre and Auto and others also brought large groups of apprentices who were able to take part in sessions which helped to keep them educated on how big our industry is and the myriad of career prospects it presents. We are looking forward to doing more of this going forward as the Expo is a wonderful way to showcase our industry at its magnificent best as we tackle the skills shortage.

Something that was also very pleasing was the energy on the floor – the atmosphere was electric and right from the Thursday morning, which historically has been quieter, it was more packed than I have ever seen. It is safe to say the hall was absolutely pumping and the quality of the exhibitors and their activations really helped us to deliver an engaging experience which saw many attendees coming back for multiple days to completely immerse themselves in the experience.

The Expo was a practical demonstration of the energy and optimism there is around our industry, and I am so proud of what we were able to achieve together for our members and our industry as a whole.

Anyone that visited Expo and didn’t get an opportunity to complete the post event survey can still have their say by sending an email to admin@aaaa.com.au

Coming up: Autocare 2025

While we are still buzzing from such an exceptional Expo, we are also hard at work on our next big event: Autocare 2025. Mark your calendars for Friday the 20th and Saturday the 21st of June 2025 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

After a fantastic Autocare in 2023, we are going to be taking the training to a whole new level in 2025, with the best local and international trainers combining to provide a massive array of diagnostic, technical and business training all delivered across longer sessions with topics of interest for your entire team. There will also be a trade show featuring all the major industry brands as well as networking events providing additional value.

Autocare will provide us all with another great opportunity to connect again in Brisbane, and we encourage business owners and managers to bring their team along.

And of course, Expo will be returning to Melbourne in 2026 and I personally cannot wait – it has been so good to see our industry come together and show our best side, and I am very much looking forward to joining with you all again at both Autocare 2025 and Expo 2026.

Stuart Charity Chief Executive Officer

EMBRACING CHANGE

Last month’s Australian Automotive

Aftermarket Expo was a fantastic reminder of the opportunity that exists for us all when we embrace change

Fraser Group CEO,

I always enjoy deep discussions about our industry’s future, and I’ve been struck by the passion and enthusiasm with which some in the aftermarket are greeting the tectonic changes facing automotive businesses.

The Expo’s Business Education Program provided us with a number of interesting and educational talks and workshops to help prepare us for the future.

Now is the time for all Members to keep a watching brief – to start thinking about the changes ahead, prepare for them and learn from the mistakes and successes of others.

This isn’t just about tools and equipment; it is about training, too. It all starts now. Those who don’t get involved will eventually lose a lot of business to those who do.

I particularly enjoyed the Right to Repair session. Here’s an opportunity that’s in front of us right now.

The Australian Government passed the legislation two years ago, but are workshops taking advantage of the potential this has opened up? Or are we leaving money on the table by ignoring the opportunity of Right to Repair?

I urge every Member to check out www.aasra.com.au and maximise your advantage.

Earlier this year, the Capricorn team moved into our new office in the heart of the Perth CBD.

Our growth in Members and Preferred Suppliers over the past few years brought about a need to increase our workforce, which resulted in us outgrowing our West Perth office.

Moving into the CBD will ensure we are able to create and seize more opportunities for Members, whilst attracting and retaining the right talent.

As the aftermarket faces this period of great change, Capricorn must embrace an opportunity of our own: it is time to become a much louder voice for our Members.

David Fraser Group CEO – Capricorn Society Ltd

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

4WD NETWORKING BREAKFAST A HUGE SUCCESS

The 4WD Industry Council 4WD Networking Breakfast was at capacity at the Brisbane National 4x4 and Outdoors Show

Hosted by 4WD Industry Council Convenor, Nigel Bishop, the 4WD Networking Breakfast kicked off the 2024 Brisbane National 4x4 and Outdoors Show, with attendance a sell-out.

To open the morning’s official proceedings, Nigel provided an update on industry news before inviting keynote presenter, AAAA Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, to speak about the recent political activity organised in response to the crippling delays and inefficiencies AAAA members have been struggling with whilst navigating the federal Rover system.

“To have the room fully sold out was really great and shows the appetite our industry has for insights and networking opportunities within our rapidly evolving industry,” Nigel said.

“I was pleased to present a number of topics around 4WD Industry Council activities, including progress with the Certificate 2 in Automotive Accessory Fitting, and the next steps we need to take as an industry to see the course rolled out nationally.

“It was a six-year journey for our Council, working with members, RTOs, and the Skills Services Organisation advocating for the development of this new national qualification.

“We are excited to see the course available in Queensland, and we are asking our members to help demonstrate the national industry demand so we can encourage training organisations in other states to follow the lead of the MTAQ Institute and invest in offering the course.

“I was really pleased to be able to outline the opportunities here to the Breakfast attendees, and to invite them to lend their support in taking this to the next level – encouragingly, there was a lot of support in the room, and I look forward to working with our members further on pushing this course forward.”

Another area focused on at the Breakfast was an update on the GCM (Gross Combination Mass) Modification Code.

“There are a number of sticking points that are impeding the GCM pathway, both here in QLD where the code is active, and in other states where the code has not yet been implemented,” Nigel said.

“The national rollout of the GCM code has been delayed in some states following the announcement of a forthcoming review of VSB14 (of the National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction and Modification),

although the start date for this review has yet to be advised.

“While the GCM code affects a proportion of our membership, the VSB14 review will touch every business that is involved in any kind of modification whatsoever, and so was an important topic for the attendees at this event to be aware of.”

Stuart delivered important updates on the AAAA’s recent delegation of Second Stage Manufacturers to Canberra, explaining how the delegation had met with Members of Parliament and Senior Officials from the Department of Transport to advocate for an urgent overhaul of the Rover approval process.

He outlined how those urgent meetings highlighting these issues and the financial impacts have been pivotal in addressing the bottlenecks affecting SSMs, and are a fantastic example of the wider industry advocacy work undertaken by AAAA and the 4WD Industry Council on behalf of members.

“Individually, it is very difficult to affect change at a policy level; but collectively, when we come together as an industry, we have the strength to influence and negotiate for better outcomes, and we look forward to continuing our work on behalf of industry at the 4WD Industry Council,” Nigel said.

Amongst the attendees were special guests, Scott Hall and Anna Flowers from Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads.

“To have two senior representatives from the Queensland Department of Transport in the room with us in the area of Vehicle Standards was fantastic,” Nigel said.

“We deeply value our relationship with the Department and their willingness to work with industry, so were very appreciative that Scott and Anna accepted our invite not only to the Breakfast, but also a post-event meeting to talk through the issues with the GCM Modification Code.”

For more from the 4WD Industry Council, visit www.4wdcouncil.com.au

David

Capricorn Society Ltd

THE TIME FOR TALK IS NOW

We need to future proof our industry

There is no questioning that the current apprentice system in Australia is broken.

In the automotive service and repair sector we have extremely high first-year dropout rates for apprentices, and it is clear the current incentive structure is not benefiting businesses, training providers, nor the apprentices and their families. The Australian Federal Government recognises the existing system is struggling and is currently undertaking a Strategic Review of the Australian Apprentice Incentive System.

As a part of this review, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is calling out for assistance to create new pathways forward. This presents a huge opportunity for AAAA members to let the Government know what is and isn’t working.

It is extremely important that AAAA members respond to this opportunity – the Government is asking for our input and we need to have this conversation now; we cannot simply sit back and let others control our fate. Change will only occur through the action of the industry, and AAAA members in particular.

Our apprentices are vital for the future of our industry, and we have always supported the Government’s short-term fixes to the skills shortage problem, including supplementing the workforce with skilled migration – however, these changes have often been a temporary Band-Aid fix.

It is also important to note that skilled migration is a pathway that can enhance our industry, but it can’t be our only option for increasing the labour pipeline. The migration process can work well, but it can also be expensive and subject to changes in political sentiment which we believe is low at the moment.

True future-proofing of our industry requires strong apprenticeship enrolment and completion rates now, so we have a robust competitive local workforce well into the future.

The aforementioned review is a real opportunity to examine why apprentices are dropping out in their early years, and what can be done to keep them in the industry.

AAAA is grateful to be involved in these discussions, to be working with several government reviews and we are pleased to hear that the Government is heavily committed to addressing the current skills shortages.

The AAAA’s recent Addressing Automotive Skills Shortage Report found that 69 percent of apprentices see living costs as a major challenge when undertaking their apprenticeship with a further 22 percent citing commuting to work and training providers also being a major challenge.

This is one area where we are hopeful this review will look at incentives to ease this burden on apprentices, and there are sure to be many other areas where we can suggest new ways forward as well.

The apprenticeship system should be modernised and capable of embracing a diverse workforce –including mature entrants and we would all like to see more women entering our trades.

We need a contemporary flexible system that supports apprentices throughout their journey, and we need to adopt a new standard in which we expect the majority of our new starters to complete their studies and commence a career in our industry.

The Department will be releasing a discussion paper shortly to formally ask for input from the industry. AAAA will be making a submission to this review, and we want to hear from members

Lesley Yates, AAAA Director of Government Relations and Advocacy info@aaaa.com.au

who have had experiences with the apprenticeship system recently.

We want to hear from you about what could be improved, and we also want to hear about what went well to see if that can be further scaled.

This is a problem all of industry will face, and even if you are not impacted now, it does not mean it won’t become a problem for you in the future.

And yes, it would be easier to simply throw our hands in the air and say this system is broken, but the reality is that if we don’t recommend changes when the Government has actually asked what we want, we will be left with a system that meets our low expectations.

We have good solid research on 600 of our auto apprentices and we are well prepared to embrace the opportunity to collaborate on a new way forward.

I hope you will join with us in responding to this call from the Government – if you have any personal case studies we can use, we ask that you please email  advocacy@aaaa.com.au to share your experience.

NEWS WIRE AND GAS 2024 TICKETS ON SALE

The automotive air conditioning, electrical and thermal management event will be held across August 23 to 25

VASA says it is thrilled to announce the launch of tickets to Wire and Gas 2024, which it says is Asia-Pacific’s pinnacle event for professionals in the automotive air-conditioning, electrical and thermal management sectors.

Scheduled from August 23 to 25 at a new venue in the heart of Queensland’s capital – The Westin Brisbane – this year’s Wire and Gas convention promises “unparalleled opportunities for education, networking, and industry recognition.”

Building on the success of previous years, Wire and Gas 2024 offers an enriching program featuring expert speakers and trainers – including the AAAA’s Lesley Yates – covering topics ranging from hybrid and electric vehicles to airconditioning, electrical systems, and emerging technological trends as well as the business acumen required to prosper in a fast-changing industry.

Attendees can expect a diverse range of presentations, seminars, and panel sessions designed to provide valuable insights and foster professional growth.

Confirmed speakers are as follows, with more to be announced:

• Bob Ansett: Founder of Budget Rent A Car, renowned for his pioneering customer service and employee programs, and innovative marketing strategies.

• Grant Hand: Founder of Automotive Training Solutions, a leading expert in vehicle climate control systems, sharing insights from his extensive automotive air-conditioning knowledge.

• Kylie Farrelley: General Manager of Refrigerant Reclaim Australia, providing critical insights into refrigerant emissions and environmental protection initiatives.

• Jeff Smit: Owner of two auto electrical and repair workshops in Sydney, and co-founder of The Automotive Technician network, advocating for continuous training in the automotive repair industry.

• Lesley Yates: Director of Government Relations and Advocacy for the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association, leading advocacy campaigns and addressing industry challenges such as workforce shortages and government regulations.

• Clinton Brett: Founder of Diesel Help Australia, a fifth-generation heavy vehicle mechanic and diesel fuel injection specialist providing specialised education in common rail technology for diesel vehicles and heavy machinery.

• Geoff Mutton: Co-founder of The Automotive Technician network, offering expertise in business coaching and implementing profitable business practices for automotive workshop owners.

• Michael Bennett AM: Master of Ceremonies, bringing his wit, humour, and industry knowledge to the event as a Member of the Order of Australia and recipient of the VASA Legend Award.

• Keegan Sparke: Acclaimed musician known for his engaging performances, returning to entertain Wire and Gas delegates for the third time.

One of the highlights of Wire and Gas 2024 will be the inclusion of prestigious awards recognising excellence in the industry.

The Gala Awards Dinner will feature the inaugural Australian Refrigeration Council’s ARC Award for Best Refrigerant Management in the mobile sector, alongside the first-ever REDARC Young Technician of the Year Award and the new Grant Hand Industry Mentor Award as well as VASA’s longstanding Pioneer and Legend awards.

Wire and Gas 2024 will also mark the official launch of Cool Mavericks, a comprehensive history book on automotive air-conditioning.

Authored by Mark Mitchell and Ken Newton, who will be on hand at Wire and Gas 2024 to sign copies of the book, Cool Mavericks delves into the intriguing evolution of automotive airconditioning, celebrating the pioneers who shaped this indispensable aspect of modern vehicles. Attendees can look forward to engaging with leading industry sponsors and partners, including Platinum Sponsor NAPA Auto Parts.

Many more businesses, including CoolDrive Auto Parts, Honeywell, IM Group and Alientech will also be represented at the event, with their support instrumental in making Wire and Gas 2024 possible.

Cognisant of inflationary pressures, VASA says it has worked hard to reduce the price of tickets to Wire and Gas 2024 by around 30 percent compared to the 2022 event. As always, special discounts are available for VASA members.

Additionally, exclusive accommodation rates have been secured for attendees at The Westin Brisbane (five-star hotel) and adjoining Four Points by Sheraton (four-star hotel).

For more information and to book tickets and accommodation, visit www.wireandgas.com

AAAA, APMEC RESPOND TO EV INQUIRY

The AAAA and APMEC were pleased to provide formal submissions to an important Government inquiry recently

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water’s Inquiry Into the Transition to Electric Vehicles provided an important opportunity for industry bodies to speak on this critical subject.

As the peak body of the automotive aftermarket in Australia, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) is committed to guiding the industry through the challenges of this transition to EVs and welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the Inquiry, as did the AAAA’s Australian Automotive Products Manufacturers and Exporters Council (APMEC).

Both the AAAA and APMEC took the opportunity to address a number of the terms of reference offered up by the Inquiry, and also took the opportunity to highlight other areas of importance when considering the transition to EV.

“The automotive landscape is evolving and the introduction of EVs presents a significant change to the entire aftermarket,” AAAA Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, said.

“However, our industry is no stranger to change; in fact, we have embraced it. Our industry has continuously evolved, adapting to new technologies, shifting consumer preferences,

THE FUTURE IS GOOD

changing regulatory landscapes, and major manufacturers leaving the Australian market.

“Through every phase, our commitment to excellence and progress has remained unwavering and now the aftermarket industry is Australia’s automotive manufacturing industry.

“We understand the path forward is not just about adapting to change but about leading it, and shaping the future with our innovations, however it is paramount that this transition is sustainable, and beneficial for all.

“While we embrace change as an industry, we are also cautious that changes which are not solely consumer driven can create a level of angst amongst our whole industry.

“Australia has always been a unique market with a harsh terrain and vast distances in between major metropolitan centres, and we have always provided components that are appropriate for these conditions.

“However, with nearly all of the EVs on Australian roads currently under the average age of ICE vehicles, we ‘don’t know what we don’t know’ when it comes to how EVs perform under Australian conditions.

“This isn’t to say we are underprepared, but

Automotive Aftermarket predicted to remain strong, though businesses will need to evolve

The future of the Automotive Aftermarket sector is strong – that’s the prediction of a panel of business leaders who discussed the state of the industry during the recent Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (AAAExpo).

Hosted by Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, the panel was made up of AAAA Chairman and GPC Asia Pacific (Repco) Chief Executive Officer Automotive Division, Wayne Bryant; BAPCOR Ltd Executive General Manager Trade, Steve Drummy; and Auto Care Association (USA) Chief Executive Officer, Bill Hanvey. Stuart said that the future of the Aftermarket is strong, but that businesses will need to evolve to remain competitive in the face of some of the biggest changes seen in the automotive industry in the past century.

“As a workshop owner and repair and service technician, if you think that you can just still do what you’ve been doing for the last 20 years, for the next 20, think again – this industry is changing and there is support out there, but you need to have the mindset that you need to embrace that

change and invest in your business and in your team,” Stuart said.

Wayne pointed out that EVs will play a part in the future, though the take up of EVs is not going to happen as fast as the hype would suggest.

He said the good news is that the market is getting larger as new car sales remain healthy, but that the car parc is also getting older, which is good news for independent workshops – though he did also warn that manufacturers are trying to hold vehicles in their dealer-supported workshops for longer by offering longer new car warranties.

Steve also sees this as one of the big problems for the aftermarket.

“OEMs are getting smarter and smarter with how they go to market, and they’ve gone from three-year type warranties and service to five and seven and beyond,” Steve said.

Stuart and all three panelists agreed that telematics is the next big fight for the Aftermarket sector, pointing out that the Right to Repair laws in Australia do not cover access to telematics data.

Bill believes this is a must for independent

rather a candid acknowledgment of the complex, uncharted waters we find ourselves in.

“This transition is not solely about changing an internal combustion engine to an electric powertrain, it is a review of entire supply chains, consumer behaviour and vehicle use pattens.

“It is a task that will not be easy, but one that will be necessary before major funding is spent on infrastructure that can have dramatic impact on the market.

“We are fortunate to have access to the expertise of the APMEC members and we were very pleased to have the opportunity to submit a range of views for consideration by the Inquiry, and we look forward to working further with them.”

You can review the submissions from both AAAA and APMEC at www.aaaa.com.au/category/industry-advocacy/

workshops to have access to these systems and data if they are going to continue to compete with the dealer workshops.

“If you are a shop owner and all of a sudden you are getting a message from your customer’s vehicle that you’ve got an oxygen sensor that’s going bad, you can have the part ordered, you can make the appointment and you can get the customer in and have the part waiting for you when that customer arrives,” Bill said.

This panel discussion, held on the opening day of the 2024 AAAExpo, set the scene for what was described as the best aftermarket expo held in this country.

A full review of the 2024 AAAExpo starts on page 60 of this magazine.

ACIA HOSTS SA INDUSTRY INFO NIGHT

A broad section of the industry attended, including collision repairers and industry suppliers

Industry representatives attended the Australian Collision Industry Alliance (ACIA) event at the Motor Traders Association of South Australia recently to discuss how the industry can work together to tackle the skills shortage in Australia.  This is the sixth information evening held since the ACIA was set up to inform the industry of the alliance’s strategy to attract new talent into the industry and to encourage businesses to join.

ACIA board member Rob Bartlett was there to explain the aims of this not for profit and how it will undertake to raise the profile of the industry with the public and to promote careers in collision repair.

“It was great to be able to share the vision for ACIA’s national approach to tackling our skills shortage,” Rob said.

“We’re still a young organisation with a way to go and lots to do. Together, as a collective, there is so much more we can achieve to address the biggest challenge to the sustainability of our industry.

“I would like to thank MTA SA for hosting our information session and congratulate them on the great work they are doing with their apprentice training program.”

Dario Tonon from Eblen Crash Repairs attended the evening and joined the ACIA immediately.

“Any initiative to attract young people into the industry is welcome. As it becomes more technical it should appeal to younger people, we just have to get the message out there,” Dario said.

The ACIA reports it has 49 members to date from a cross-section of the industry and is growing with each event it hosts across Australia.

For more information, to join a working group or to become a member of the ACIA, email info@theacia.com.au

AUTOMECHANIKA KUALA LUMPUR TO BECOME AN ANNUAL AUTOMOTIVE EVENT

The show will be held annually from 2024, with the move driven by increased industry calls

With economic growth, electric vehicle (EV) adoption and industrial transformation accelerating at an unprecedented rate, Messe Frankfurt says it is extending its support to the Malaysian market by confirming a yearly edition of Automechanika Kuala Lumpur.

The once-biennial event has been a gateway for trade between the country and the rest of the world for over 20 years.

In this time, its format has shifted from a purely business-centric platform to one that incorporates activities and showcases for participants.

The next show will take place from the 1st to the 3rd of August 2024 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

“The decision for Automechanika Kuala Lumpur to become an annual event was based on feedback from government bodies, industry associations, exhibitors and visitors,” Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd General Manager, Fiona Chiew, said.

“Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030 was a reoccurring theme in our extensive discussions, where the EV sector is set to play a critical role over the medium to long term. Therefore, with all corners of our network converging at the show, I believe we can navigate these changes together.”

Representatives of government agencies, associations, media, key exhibitors and supporters from the Malaysian automotive industry attended the announcement event of Automechanika Kuala Lumpur 2024.

The strategic direction reflects the growing global focus on sustainability, technological innovation, and solutions for mobility and logistics across the automotive industry.

“Automechanika Kuala Lumpur will continue to offer opportunities for marketing, training, information sharing and business exchange; however, it will do so at a much faster and more frequent rate,” Fiona said.

“It mirrors the speed at which the automotive industry is evolving. Participants can expect to see the latest innovations making their way to the local market, while Malaysian companies can benefit from the show’s network across ASEAN.

“This will ultimately contribute to the country’s growing influence in the regional automotive supply chain.”

From this perspective, specialised zones at the upcoming show will highlight how players can

leverage the existing automotive industry to create a robust EV ecosystem.

Themes will centre around the transformation of auto parts and components, manufacturing, accessories and customising, and repair and maintenance. These include:

• Mobility and Logistics Solutions Zone (new): the zone will dive into the latest provisions for urban development, city planning and smart mobility. Solutions are being heavily driven by electrification and digitalisation in the pursuit of an efficient supply chain, higher customer satisfaction and sustainable future.

• Commercial Vehicle and Fleet Zone: the area will cater to traditional commercial vehicles like buses and trucks, as well as introduce other types of fleets like motorcycles, cars and light vehicles. The additional coverage comes as a response to the growing demand for e-commerce, ridesharing and food delivery services, in addition to business transformation of B2B and B2C operations.

• Auto Repair, Maintenance and Care / Accessories and Customising Zone: a key spot for aftermarket players featuring diagnostics technology, specialised equipment and tools for mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance, car washing, detailing and customisation as well as oil and lubricants.

Each zone will be paired with a related fringe event, which aims to create an industry-wide dialogue in Malaysia and ASEAN.

Elsewhere, autoFEST@KL is set to return with an even stronger line-up of events. The format has continued to attract a wider scope of visitors to the show, allowing exhibitors to expand the depth of conversations with end-users.

In addition to a series of activities like the Auto NITZ Music Party and DIY Workshops, Automechanika Kuala Lumpur will extend the EMMA Malaysia showcase by exhibiting a whole new range of motorsports and classic cars at the upcoming show.

For more information about Automechanika Kuala Lumpur 2024, please visit www.automechanika-kl.com, or email autoasia@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com

VALE: TERRY VEALE

Automotive Aftermarket industry loses a legend

The AAAA and Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine were saddened to hear of the passing recently of industry stalwart and entrepreneur, Terry Veale.

After completing an automotive apprenticeship, Terry’s entrepreneurial ambition kicked into gear during 1962 when he leased a BP service station in Bunbury and by 1990, Veale Auto Parts was born. During the 1990s and 2000s the business grew quickly and he established a footprint of 17 stores across Western Australia.

“Terry was a very private man, not one for attending corporate events like this, happy to stay close to home, staying focused on his customers, his business and enjoying his passion for sailing, golf and cycling,” AAAA Chairman, Wayne Bryant, told those in attendance at the recent AAAExpo gala dinner in Melbourne.

“Terry didn’t let too many people get too close to his business, and few got a front row seat. He was a passionate, driven, and ruthless competitor and a proud man who marched to the beat of his own drum.

“Terry will be sadly missed, and our thoughts are with his partner Maureen, his family, and the wider Veale team at this time.”

As a qualified mechanic running a petrol station workshop that specialised in engine reconditioning for mainly Holdens and Fords, Terry was careful as he disassembled the engines to store and catalogue all the remaining spare parts that were in good condition, in what can only be described as a fastidious manner.

Locals would continuously come and ask to loan a spare part, so Terry got the idea to start selling them instead as his spare parts catalogue had grown immensely and everything was perfectly stored and easily accessible.

Business flourished and Terry realised there was a role in selling not only engine parts, but other parts as well. So, he started to expand his range.

He observed that one particular expectation from the workshops was critical, and he knew because it was important to him: that was to be first and fast to market with new lines, and to this day, Veale Auto Parts is an industry leader in this regard.

Today a distribution centre that Terry himself designed and had built when he was 78-years-old backs the 17 Veale Auto Parts stores.

“It was incredible that Terry and his team were able to close his Redcliffe DC and move to their new Bassendean DC in a weekend. And not miss a

CAPAS CELEBRATES 10 EDITIONS

The 10th edition of the trade fair will be held across the 16th to the 18th of May

The 10th edition of the Chengdu International Trade Fair for Automotive Parts and Aftermarket Services (CAPAS) will take place at the Chengdu Century City New International Exhibition and Convention Center.

With over 650 exhibitors across 50,000 sqm of expected exhibition space, this edition will integrate the regional resources from the government, industry players and media, to provide a platform for business exchange, trade investment and incorporation of industry and education.

The show will spotlight products related to new energy vehicles and connected mobility, in addition to offering events and supportive services that promote these rising segments.

It will also pay extra attention to the incorporation of industry and education with training, contests, and match-making to strengthen the supply chain and upskill the labour force.

Elsewhere, the Chengdu-Chongqing Dual-city Economic Rim zone will welcome over 15 pavilions from provincial Sichuan cities and Chongqing.

CAPAS also continues to expand its global

footprint, with international brands joining the show to bring their latest offerings to the local market.

The exhibition leverages its geographical advantages through close ties with ASEAN member states, Central Asia, and the Middle East to facilitate communication between domestic and overseas industries.

Meanwhile, local provincial and municipal pavilions will present new energy vehicle components in the Parts and Components zone.

The Accessories and Customising zone is set to target upcoming trends in the market to attract the attention on distributors, customising stores, experts and car owners.

CAPAS will also stage a virtual car racing competition with Red Bull and UP, also joining to share inside knowledge about customising technologies.

Meanwhile, fringe programme events focus on the integration of industry and education to promote sustainable development.

One such topic includes transformations in the automotive industry that have raised the

beat,” said long-time friend Ian Stokes of Bendix, who describes Terry as a mentor.

“On a personal note, Terry didn’t suffer fools. He closely aligned with only a handful of people in the trade. He was product and customer driven. He couldn’t stand time wasters.

“He loved the competitive nature of golf and his mates at the Bunbury Golf Club. He won two Honour Board events in 2013, when he was 73 years of age.

“There is and will only ever be one Terry Veale, and we have been privileged to have him in our Industry,” Ian concluded.

All at the AAAA and AAAM express their sincere condolences to Terry’s family and friends.

requirements of professional skills and service levels.

Furthermore, the International Cooperation Conference on China’s Automotive Supply Chain 2024 is set to focus on the themes of integration, innovation and green development.

Other highlighted events include the Automotive Aftermarket Summit in the Southwest Region 2024 and the Terminal Empowerment and Brand Development Forum in the Commercial Vehicle Aftermarket 2024.

CAPAS is jointly organised by CCPIT-Auto, Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd and CCPIT-Sichuan.

For more information, please visit www.capas-chengdu.com or email auto@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com

RAS CELEBRATES EXCELLENCE

The 2024 Repco Authorised Service Member Achievement Awards were held recently

Wild horses couldn’t drag the smiles off the faces of the winners of the 2024 Repco Authorised Service Member Achievement Awards.

While Aussie rock icon Daryl Braithwaite wowed the crowd at the recent awards ceremony held in Queenstown, New Zealand, the real legends of the night were the five businesses presented with these prestigious awards that recognise the commitment of RAS workshops to excellence in customer service and business operations.

With more than 500 independent mechanical workshops in the Repco Authorised Service network, each dedicated “to delivering exceptional service, technical expertise, and innovation,” Repco Authorised Service said selecting the winners of these awards becomes ever more challenging as the years pass and business standards rise.

Repco Authorised Service National Manager, Peter Rogers, commended all the winners and nominees for their outstanding contributions to the industry.

He noted the challenges faced by businesses today and applauded these workshops for their unwavering commitment to excellence.

“In an age where running a business of any size is a challenge, it is heartening to see the independent workshops in our network doubling down on their commitment to delivering excellence across all aspects of their business,” Peter said.

“The dedication of these award-winning workshops to excellence in customer service, technical expertise, and business innovation sets a high standard for the automotive aftermarket industry as a whole and we offer our congratulations to them all on their achievements.”

Repco Authorised Service is delighted to announce the following award recipients for 2024.

Service Centre of the Year

For the third time, Maryborough Service Centre in Maryborough, Queensland, was awarded the prestigious Service Centre of the Year. This recognition underscores the consistent commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction of owners Daryn, Petrina and Dana Brims.

Sally Saines Customer Service Award

Towers Automotive in Charters Towers, Queensland, achieved a back-to-back win for the Sally Saines Customer Service Award. This recognition reflects the unwavering dedication to providing exceptional customer experiences of owners Kelly and Aaron Stibbs.

RACV INVESTING IN EV NETWORK IN VICTORIA

A range of upgrades are planned for the RACV EV charging network

RACV first invested in EV charging nearly 10 years ago via the installation of some slow chargers in its Victorian Clubs and Resorts.

In 2017 RACV became a significant shareholder in Chargefox, which it says is now Australia’s largest charging network, and in 2022 became a major Shareholder in JET Charge, which it describes as Australia’s leading supplier of charging equipment.

Given increasing utilisation of RACV’s firstgeneration ultra-rapid charging stations, RACV has committed to a significant upgrade of current charging stations, an increase in the number of these charging stations, and are looking at a further expansion of RACV’s public charging network. These upgrades commenced in February 2024 and will be completed by the middle of 2025. All of the charging stations will be connected via the Chargefox App and become part of Australia’s largest charging network, with over 1800 public plugs available to access across Australia and

growing at over 90 per month. To explore the network of charging stations, you can download the Chargefox App.

“It is time to replace the first-generation technology with new high-quality chargers of varying speeds,”

RACV General Manager Energy, Greg Edye, said.

“RACV will be replacing 24 Tritium DC chargers at RACV’s seven public charging sites.

“These achieve an 80 percent charge in 15-30 minutes (depending on the EV make/model) for users looking for close to a full charge in a short time.

“RACV will also be installing six new fast DC chargers (50KW) at Victorian RACV Clubs and Resorts. These achieve an 80 percent charge in one to two hours (depending on EV battery size) for users having a day activity at a resort.

“In addition, RACV will be upgrading 22 AC chargers (7KW to 22 KW) at RACV Clubs and Resorts. These achieve an 80 percent charge in about five hours

Outstanding Business Improvement Award

Total Auto and 4WD in Huonville, Tasmania, received the Outstanding Business Improvement Award. Mark and Ellita Oost’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation has set a benchmark for excellence in the industry, says RAS.

Outstanding Staff Development Award

Marks Mechanics in Townsville, Queensland, was honoured with the Outstanding Staff Development Award, highlighting owners Tracey Wise and Greg McDonnald’s investment in staff training and development to enhance their service delivery.

The Peter Webb Spirit of RAS Trophy

Jodie Field and Darryl Blacker of Ultimate Automotive in Gympie, Queensland, were recognised with the inaugural Peter Webb Spirit of RAS Trophy. This award acknowledges their exceptional dedication and commitment to the values of the Repco Authorised Service network. For more information about Repco Authorised Service, visit www.repcoservice.com

for those with longer dwell times, notably in-house guests.

“RACV are also looking to further invest in locations which tie in RACV Club and Resort facilities to customers visiting from all parts of Victoria and will have further announcements to make on this in the coming period.”

“Upgrading all these facilities and looking to add more to help EV owners visit RACV Club and Resort properties in Victoria with more confidence and regularity, is very exciting,” RACV Executive General Manager Leisure, Craig Peachey, said. For more from RACV, visit www.racv.com.au

ACCELERATING PROGRESS FOR WOMEN IN AUTOMOTIVE

An International Women’s Day Breakfast led by the AAAA has launched a new program tackling diversity in Australia’s automotive aftermarket

On the eve of International Women’s Day, a special breakfast was held to not only celebrate the women of Australia’s automotive aftermarket, but also launch a new program dedicated to accelerating the rate of change when it comes to the participation of women in the industry.

The ‘Accelerating Progress for Women in Automotive’ program is spear-headed by five very passionate and industry-leading women: AAAA Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, Lesley Yates; GUD Holdings Chief People Officer, Barbara Harrison; GPC Chief People Officer, Aileen Hayes; Gates Corporation Marketing Manager, Priscilla Robb; and BAPCOR Chief People and Culture Officer, Meryl Dooley.

The program’s International Women’s Day Breakfast was held at the Hyatt in Scoresby, Victoria; attended by a host of amazing women from across the automotive industry alongside a small number of male industry leaders. The Breakfast also included an address from business, leadership and philanthropy powerhouse, Lucy Bloom.

“In late 2023, we came together to start a conversation about our common concern that we are not seeing a change in the pace for accelerating progress for women in our industry, it is slow progress. Our numbers as a percentage of participation in the industry are small, but more concerningly, they aren’t markedly improving year on year,” Lesley said.

“With International Women’s Day fast approaching

at that point, it made perfect sense to launch the program here with an event that not only brought together some amazing women of our industry and celebrated their achievements, but also took the opportunity to get their feedback through a tableby-table workshop on what they wanted us to be focusing on as we look to advance the participation of women in our industry.

“This wasn’t just a breakfast, it was the kick off for what is going to be an important and ongoing activity to really accelerate progress towards diversity in our industry, and it is something we are very proud of.

“Having said that, the breakfast really was a very special event – to see the coming together of women across the industry and the discussion of ideas was just fantastic, and the vibe in the room was incredible.

“I was glad also that we could have a few men in the room as well, so they could witness the discussions and take those back to their businesses and their own teams.

“It really was a very personally rewarding activity for myself and the committee, this group of five amazing women, and this has probably been one of my favourite projects to date – with my role in government relations and advocacy, it would be no surprise to hear that a lot of the work I do is quite combative, so I am really loving working on a project where we are all working together for a common purpose.”

After analysing the feedback from the IWD Breakfast, the program will be focusing on two key initiatives in the immediate future.

“Firstly, we will be creating a calendar of events to share ideas and knowledge and find ways to overcome barriers. This calendar will culminate in another big International Women’s Day event in 2025, so keep an eye out for various event announcements coming across the year,” Lesley said.

“Secondly, we are going to examine how we can best establish a mentoring program to further the development of women in our industry, likely to be delivered in a group context by bringing together connected circles and groups of women who are able to support each other around common issues and/or common professions within the industry.”

If you are a woman in the Australian automotive aftermarket industry and would like to provide any feedback or suggestions on the Accelerating Progress for Women in Automotive program, its calendar of events or planned mentorship program, please email info@aaaa.com.au

CAPRICORN’S DAVID FRASER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

David has been the Capricorn Group CEO for the last five years

Capricorn Group Chief Executive Officer, David Fraser, has announced that he is retiring from the role in December 2024, after 18 years with the company.

“It has been a privilege to lead Capricorn for the last five years, and I am very proud of what I’ve achieved and the positive impact we’ve been able to have for Members businesses,” David said.

Capricorn Society Limited Board Chair, Mark Cooper, paid tribute to David’s contribution to Capricorn and the Industry.

“David has done a truly wonderful job of leading Capricorn over the last five years. We have seen substantial growth in this time and improved Member returns,” Mark said.

“This year, Capricorn will celebrate our 50th anniversary and David has set the organisation up for a successful next 50.”

David has more than 38 years of experience in

the automotive industry and has held senior sales, marketing and general management roles over the past two decades. Prior to his appointment as Capricorn’s Group Chief Executive Officer in 2019, he was Chief Executive Officer of Capricorn’s Automotive Division.

The Capricorn Board has announced Brad Gannon, current Chief Executive Officer of Automotive, will be the new Capricorn Group Chief Executive Officer from January 2025.

“I am absolutely thrilled that the Board have asked me to take on the role of Group Chief Executive Officer following David’s retirement,” Brad said.

“It is a great honour and a privilege. I look forward to continuing to deliver an amazing experience for our Capricorn Community.”

David is looking forward to developing his Board career further. He currently sits on the Board of Business Council of Cooperatives and Mutuals,

Western Australian Motor Industry Foundation, and Tyre Stewardship Australia.

“While there is never a perfect time to retire, I felt now is the right time for both Capricorn and for me. I have full faith that Brad will continue to grow the business to support the wonderful Capricorn community,” David said.

For more from Capricorn, visit www.capricorn.coop

Capricorn CEO Automotive - Brad Gannon, Capricorn Group CEODavid Fraser and Capricorn Society Ltd Chair - Mark Cooper

MTA QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY AWARD NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

Nominations

close at 4.30pm on the 28th of June

The Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) is putting the call out to the Queensland automotive industry’s best and brightest, with nominations now open for its 2024 Industry Awards.

Celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and businesses from across Queensland’s automotive industry over the last 12 months, the Industry Award winners will be crowned at the 2024 MTA Queensland Industry Awards Gala on Saturday the 23rd of November 2024 at the W Brisbane.

Following a successful launch in 2023, the Small and Large Business Awards for Excellence are back this year, with both awards to be presented to a member business that demonstrates excellence and best practice in all aspects of business.

“It has been terrific to see so many of our members get involved and nominate for the new award categories,” MTA Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Rod Camm, said.

“The quality and quantity of nominations we received last year highlight the incredible level of dedication and commitment to customer service and service excellence delivered day-in day-out by automotive businesses across Queensland, which often goes unnoticed.”

In total, five award categories are open for nominations: the Small Business Award for Excellence; the Large Business Award for Excellence; the Community Award; the Innovation Award; and the Women in Industry Award. Additionally, the MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year will also be crowned. For more information, visit www.mtaq.com.au/industry-awards-gala

PREPARING YOUR WORKSHOP FOR THE CHALLENGING TIMES AHEAD

Australian households are looking ahead with cautious eyes according to the latest Fifth Quadrant Consumer Sentiment research, with cost-of-living pressures set to squeeze household budgets even tighter

Negative sentiment is evident across the board, with almost three in five consumers expecting their situation to get worse over the next 12 months.

Importantly, no generation sees a substantial improvement coming, suggesting that households nationwide are bracing for continued economic pressure.

With that said, we can see a level of variation across age groups, with Baby Boomers and Gen X the most pessimistic, Gen Y slightly more positive, and Gen Z showing relative optimism, potentially reflecting the hope and resilience of youth.

Concerns about utilities and basic essentials

Consumer sentiment is clearly grounded in the significant (and frequently) increasing bills facing households, with rising utility bills the primary concern across all generations.

This is followed by the affordability of essential products, highlighting economic pressure that goes beyond luxuries and treats — this is about the day-to-day ability to provide for your household.

Overall, this data reveals a level of apprehension about financial stability, healthcare accessibility, and the cost of living. It paints a picture of a year where prudent financial management will be key for Australian households.

We also need to recognise the prominence of mental health and wellbeing in the results, emphasising the stress of Australia’s changing work environment and economic uncertainty.

Around one in three Australians in each group (except Baby Boomers) called mental health and wellbeing out as a significant concern, highlighting the need for support amidst the stress of modern work-life and financial pressures.

Impact on servicing behaviours

Given the pressure on household spending, it is no surprise that Australians are increasingly selective about car maintenance.

Almost one in four admit to only visiting a workshop for necessities like registration checks.

While Gen Z are the most likely to admit to this behaviour, it is present across the board, with Australians of all ages adopting a ‘service-whenrequired’ approach, potentially deferring regular maintenance in favour of other financial demands.

Looking ahead

Australian consumers clearly don’t see an end to current cost-of-living pressure, expecting the situation to worsen over the next 12 months.

It is no surprise that this would carry over into their vehicle servicing behaviours, but this is a significant red flag for automotive workshops. Even though businesses might not yet be seeing reduced volumes, it is important to start looking at options that can help keep work ticking over in the months ahead.

Looking at strategies that commonly emerge in our research, this could include more structured proactive service reminders to customers (via email, SMS, or phone call), emphasising the potential risk and additional cost of delayed maintenance versus regular check-ups.

Similarly, workshops can more explicitly discuss the different servicing packages they offer that can cater to tightened budgets, promoting budgetfriendly options that may help to maintain a steadier customer flow.

Each workshop is unique, and business owners are best placed to decide how to process. Regardless of the strategy taken though, workshops that can demonstrate they understand and are adjusting to their customers’ financial realities will likely fare better, maintaining relevance and building stronger relationships for the future.

This column was prepared for AAA Magazine by Fifth Quadrant, the AAAA’s partners in the AAAA Aftermarket Dashboard which is delivered to AAAA members each quarter.

For more information about Fifth Quadrant’s services, visit www.fifthquadrant.com.au or contact Ben Selwyn on ben@fifthquadrant.com.au

TRANSGOLD SAYS NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE

With Chinese cars playing an increasing role in the Australian car parc, Transgold is taking steps to prepare

Back in 2017, Australians bought less than 5,000 Chinese-made cars and that was less than one percent of the total car sales for that year.

Fast forward to 2023 and we now see that Chinesemade cars represent 16 percent of sales for the year and China sits third in the country of manufacture table behind Japan and Thailand, but ahead of Korea.

“This has partly been driven by the growth of the EV segment, which reached 7.2 percent of total sales. With a range of government incentives available, early adopters moved in and built the segment,”

Transgold Managing Director, Keith Young, said.

“Three models, Tesla’s model Y and Model 3 and BYD Atto 3, made up just under two thirds of these sales last year. All three are manufactured in China.

“A long tail of other models makes up the EV segment, including some 25 brands including MG, GWM, LDV and BYD – all Chinese brands.

“In parallel to this China has continued to build its automobile making capacity and its reputation for reliable, well-built vehicles.

“The MG brand, purchased by the SAIC Motor Corporation (formerly known as the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) in 2007 became a pioneer by leveraging the brand and backing it with well-priced vehicles. It now sells over 58,000

vehicles a year in Australia but has achieved global sales of over 1.2 million vehicles to date. It currently offers eight models, only three of which are electric.

“GWM (Great Wall Motors) has six models on sale, one of which is electric while LDV has ten, four of which are electric. All three BYD models are electric.

“Chinese manufacturers have also taken a leaf out of the Korean brands playbook with very generous warranty and fixed price servicing packages.

“GWM offer a seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and, on their Haval range, add a five-year fixed-price service program.

“MG offers a seven-year/80,000-mile warranty whilst all new LDV models with a combustion engine have a five-year/130,000-kilometre warranty, except for the Mifa model where the warranty has been extended to seven years and 200,000 kilometres.

“Electric vehicles will not place the same demands on the aftermarket as combustion engine models but as illustrated above there are a lot of new models on the market that will soon be making their way into Australian workshops.

“So, what does all of this mean for the Australian automotive industry?

“We already operate in a very extensive market. We have had over 50 manufacturers here for a while and now with the Chinese brands, we are up to about 56.

“It makes our job more complex as we have to follow our sourcing process for all these new models.

“Now it might be a few years before repair shops encounter Chinese brand vehicles, but we’ve got to be ready with the appropriate range of parts – particularly across engine mounts, rubber suspension and transmission kits.

“We’ve already started to identify the models, obtain the right OEM specifications, and liaise with our suppliers to get prototype parts under way.

“We’re sticking with our ISO:9001 or TS:16949 certification policy to ensure the Transgold quality.

“We might need a larger warehouse!”

For more from Transgold, visit www.transgold.com.au

STRENGTH IN NEW CAR SALES DRIVING USED CAR MARKET

Strong new vehicle supply is leading to a positive used car market for consumers, shows new report

Automotive experts AutoGrab and the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) recently released the March Automotive Insights Report (AIR).

They say the report shows that Australia has posted an impressive used car sales result for the month of March despite the disruption in trade brought on by the Easter holidays.

“There were 184,054 used cars sold in March which is a very impressive result considering the number of trading days lost through weekends and public holidays,” AADA Chief Executive Officer, James Voortman, said.

“Ongoing strength in new car sales has improved the supply situation on the used car market leading to more choice and improved affordability. Consumers are in a good position to shop around and negotiate a good price for a used car.

“The used market for electric vehicles is gradually emerging with strong growth in the number of listings and cars sold. Sales of EVs grew by an impressive 13.1 percent while PHEVs grew by 8.9 percent.

“Customers in the market for a used EV have plenty of bargaining power as the number of listed vehicles is well above the number being sold.

“The average time to sell a used car is now the lowest it has been for 12 months which tells us that sellers are becoming more pragmatic, and buyers are taking advantage of lower prices of used cars.

“Amid all the talk of fuel efficiency standards in recent months, this data underscores the resilience of the Ute market.

“Utes aged two to four years were the only category which did not see a reduction in retained value and the likes of the Ranger, Hilux and Triton experienced significant increases in sales from the previous month.

“While retained values continue to trend downwards, the cars which are holding their value the best are smaller used cars such as the Toyota Yaris, the Honda Jazz and the Mazda 2 which are all highly sought after by Australians.

“The Ford Ranger remains Australia’s best-selling used car, while Australia’s love affair with Toyota is demonstrated by the fact that it makes up five of the top ten used cars sold in March.”

AutoGrab Chief Operating Officer Saxon Odgers said March was another strong month for Australia’s used car market.

“While prices of used cars eased slightly, pleasingly the average days to sell remained steady at a low point for the past 12 months at 44 days,” Saxon said.

“We have seen several manufacturers recently reduce the prices of their new cars, with this flowing through to pricing in the second hand market.

“EV sales grew more than 13 percent which is substantially higher than petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles. EVs still make up less than one percent of the used car market, with Australians continuing to prefer Rangers, Hilux and Corollas.”

To view the report, visit www.aada.asn.au

INTRODUCING THE NEW BOSCH QUIETCAST BRAKE PADS

Bosch invites you to experience the difference

Bosch says its QuietCast brake pads sees industryleading technology meet unparalleled performance, representing Bosch’s enduring legacy of automotive excellence and innovation.

Zirconia coating: reduced wear and extended life

Bosch explains that at the heart of QuietCast brake pads’ superiority lies its Zirconia coating, a cuttingedge feature designed to reduce wear and extend the lifespan of the brake pads and rotors.

This innovative zirconia coating is completely transfered to the surface of the rotor and protects the brake pad and rotor from excessive wear, leading to enhanced disc recovery and prolonged durability.

With QuietCast brake pads, Bosch says drivers can enjoy peace of mind knowing their brake pads are engineered for longevity and reliability.

Premium shims: premium shims supporting silent operation

In addition to the Zirconia coating, QuietCast brake pads come equipped with premium shims, further enhancing their silent operation.

Bosch says these high-quality shims not only minimise noise but also provide increased strength, ensuring optimal performance under various driving conditions.

Ceramic material, copper free, and convenient installation

QuietCast brake pads incorporate the latest Ceramic friction formulations to deliver classleading performance and reliability, says Bosch.

The company explains that the copper free brake pads outperform the last generation friction materials they replace with better stopping power, fade resistance, pad life, and noise suppression. Furthermore, QuietCast brake pads are packaged with all necessary accessories in the box, simplifying

the installation process and saving time for the workshop.

With an expanded range that caters to a diverse array of vehicles, QuietCast brake pads continue to uphold Bosch’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

Development and manufacturing

The development of QuietCast brake pads represents a significant milestone in Bosch’s storied history of brake system innovation, leveraging decades of automotive expertise.

QuietCast brake pads are manufactured and designed in Bosch’s own brake pad manufacturing plant.

Bosch says in-house developed friction allows a selection of formulations based on OE performance requirements to exceed key regulations such as ECR90.

During development, extensive performance and NVH dynamometer testing along with extreme environment testing ensures Bosch QuietCast brake pads demonstrate a high level of performance and service life before they are approved for sale.

Additionally, Bosch QuietCast brake pads are

vehicle match engineered to determine the best match of advanced Ceramic friction formulations.

A globally trusted brand

Bosch explains that it makes a substantial investment each year in the research and development of braking products and systems and is the world’s leading supplier of anti-lock braking systems (ABS), traction control systems (TCS) and electronic stability programs (ESP).

With continuous development and the use of innovative techniques and materials, Bosch says it assures product quality through constant checks during the entire production process.

Bosch’s new QuietCast brake pads are more than just a component of a vehicle’s braking system; they embody Bosch’s unwavering dedication to quality, safety, and innovation.

Whether navigating city streets or cruising down the highway, Bosch says drivers can trust QuietCast to deliver exceptional braking performance with minimal noise and maximum peace of mind.

If you would like to learn more about the new Bosch QuietCast brake pads please visit www.boschaftermarket.com.au or contact the team via email at customerservice.aa@au.bosch.com or by calling 1300 30 70 40.

BOSCH QUICK FIT

A universal tyre pressure monitoring sensor

Bosch universal sensors for TPMS measure the air pressure directly on the vehicle’s tyres and transmit it reliably by radio to the control unit in real time.

Continuous monitoring of the tyre pressure prevents unnoticed pressure deviations and thus makes an important contribution to road safety. Adherence to the recommended tyre pressure also ensures optimised fuel consumption and reduced tyre wear.

Bosch explains that these are not a retro fit part and are only available for vehicles with a preexisting tyre pressure monitoring system installed. The advantages of the Bosch universal sensors for TMPS include:

• Universal programmable: Over 90 percent vehicle coverage with just four-part numbers (EU).

• Available as a rubber and steel version, matching steel, and aluminium rim design.

• Compatible with the Bosch TPA 300 or other brands for sensor programming.

Bosch TPA 300 – a sensor programming tool for tyre pressure monitoring systems

The Bosch TPA 300 programming tool has been specially developed for the vehicle-specific configuration of universal sensors for tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS).

The tool supports a wide range of universal sensors available on the market.

Using wireless transmission, the TPMS data is displayed and checked directly on the coloured 2.8-inch display.

Bosch explains the relearning with OBD-II module is mainly needed for Asian OEMs such as Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan, and so on.

An OBD-II module for the Bosch TPA 300 is available as an accessory. Alternatively, the ESI[tronic] 2.0 Online Software can be used for the relearning.

Bosch explains that the advantages of the Bosch TPA 300 include:

• The TPA 300 achieves a vehicle coverage of over 95 percent.

• Over 20 different universal sensor brands can be programmed for very high market coverage.

• Vehicle relearning procedures: practical step by step instructions are included.

• Three years of software updates included. If you would like to learn more about the Bosch universal tyre pressure monitoring sensors or Bosch TPA 300 sensor programming tool, visit www.boschaftermarket.com.au or contact Bosch by emailing customerservice.aa@au.bosch.com or calling 1300 307 040.

A GLOBAL LEADER

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services

Across the world, The Bosch Group employs roughly 429,000 associates worldwide as of December 31, 2023. The company generated sales of 91.6 billion euros in 2023.

Its operations are divided into four business sectors: mobility, industrial technology, consumer goods, and energy and building technology.

With its business activities, the company aims to use technology to help shape universal trends such as automation, electrification, digitalisation, connectivity, and an orientation to sustainability.

In this context, Bosch’s broad footprint across industries and regions strengthens its innovativeness and robustness.

Bosch uses its proven expertise in sensor technology, software, and services to offer customers cross-domain solutions from a single source.

It also applies its expertise in connectivity and artificial intelligence in order to develop and manufacture user-friendly, sustainable products. With technology that is “Invented for life,” Bosch wants to help improve quality of life and conserve natural resources.

By acting in an economically, environmentally, and socially responsible manner, Bosch wants to improve quality of life and safeguard the livelihoods of present and future generations.

Its team aims to make renewable energy more affordable and mobility even safer, cleaner, and more economical, and to develop eco-friendly products across the board.

Bosch in Australia

Bosch has had a presence in Australia since 1907, opening its first wholly owned subsidiary, Robert Bosch (Australia) Pty Ltd in 1954.

Bosch generated revenue of more than 1.2 billion Australian dollars in 2022 in Oceania and employed more than 1,300 associates as of December 31, 2022.

Bosch’s regional activities span a diverse range of businesses including household appliances, security and building technology, power tools and accessories, general automotive parts as well dedicated parts for motorsport enthusiasts, equipment for automotive workshops, franchised car servicing, industrial drive and control technology, factory automation solutions, efficient home comfort products, and service support for Bosch equipped eBikes.

To learn more about Bosch in Australia, visit www.bosch.com.au

ENHANCING 4WD PERFORMANCE AND DURABILITY WITH GATES

In today’s automotive landscape, the demand for high-performance 4WD components that can withstand extreme conditions is paramount

Among such crucial components, drive belts play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient transfer of power to various accessories, such as alternators, power steering and more.

Recognising the significance of durability, flexibility, and performance, Gates says its XtremeRunner range introduces an innovative line of belts engineered to excel in the most demanding environments.

Crafted from the highest-grade EPDM compound and a proprietary blend of elastomers, Gates states the XtremeRunner belts stand out as “the epitome of wear resistance in the market.”

“The innovative design ensures exceptional flexibility even under prolonged exposure to high temperatures, setting a new standard for reliability in automotive accessories,” Gates Australia Product Manager - Automotive Replacement, Scott Johnson, said.

“The superior adhesion gum layer further reinforces the composite materials, giving the belt unparalleled durability.

“Unlike conventional drive belts that succumb to wear and lose their effectiveness over time, XtremeRunner belts maintain peak performance throughout their lifespan.

“This resilience translates into optimised power transfer, mitigating issues like belt slip, excessive heat generation, and premature component failure.”

Key advantages of XtremeRunner belts:

• Reinforced Top Cover: offers heightened resistance against damage from foreign objects, ensuring uninterrupted operation.

• Strengthened Tensile Cords: exhibits superior load-carrying capabilities and resistance to elongation, thereby extending belt life and handling high shock loads effectively.

• Patented Elastomers: provides enhanced flexibility and longevity, enhancing overall belt performance.

• Reinforced Adhesion Gum: delivers marketleading durability and fatigue resistance, contributing to an extended service life.

By opting for XtremeRunner belts, Gates says vehicle owners can expect a multitude of benefits, including enhanced power transfer efficiency, quieter operation, and prolonged lifespan of driven pulleys.

“In addition to maximising battery charging efficiency and minimising spike loads on other belt drive components, XtremeRunner belts ensure reliable performance even in the most challenging conditions.”

Whether subjected to extreme heat or harsh environments, Gates states these belts exhibit unparalleled durability and longevity, providing peace of mind to vehicle owners and mechanics alike.

“XtremeRunner belts represent a premium solution tailored for vehicles exposed to the harshest elements, where performance and reliability are non-negotiable,” Scott said.

“Moreover, these belts offer increased loadcarrying capabilities, resilience to shock loads, and protection against damage from external elements, thereby safeguarding the entire belt drive system,” Scott said.

“Elevate your vehicle’s performance and durability with XtremeRunner belts, the ultimate choice for 4WD enthusiasts and professionals.”

Gates says it is also important to apply its ‘Protect the Ride’ philosophy of complete system replacement.

All components within the accessory belt drive system (ABDS) are designed to wear together, so when replacing a serpentine belt, it is also recommended you replace the associated tensioner and pulley(s) as well.

Installing a new belt like a Gates XtremeRunner with an old tensioner or pulley can significantly reduce the life of the belt itself, with Gates stating that 99.8 percent of all belt failures are due to another worn component.

It is always recommended to inspect all parts of the ABDS system at 100,000kms and make sure you replace all components by 150,000kms. By doing this your workshop can reap benefits such as increased sales; improved customer satisfaction by reduced number of comebacks; and less warranty claims.

Another product suitable for 4WD enthusiasts is Gates’ range of 4WD emergency kits.

“These kits are designed to provide drivers with everything they need to tackle unexpected breakdowns,” Scott said.

“Whether on the side of the highway, off-roading in the bush or stranded in an isolated location, a 4WD emergency kit can save the day from an unexpected hose or belt failure.”

Each kit is specifically tailored to cater to 4WD and

high kilometer vehicles and is available for a wide range of popular makes including Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, and Mitsubishi Pajero.

Each kit includes a range of essential parts, such as radiator hose(s), V and/or micro-v belts, and hose clamps.

Packaged for compact storage in the vehicle, drivers can replace worn parts wherever they are, giving them peace of mind knowing they have everything they need to navigate any situation that comes their way.

“Let’s take a close look at some of the key components of these 4WD emergency kits,” Scott said.

The hose(s) are manufactured to fit upper and lower radiator applications with OEM specifications and is engineered to resist electrochemical degradation – the leading cause of hose failure.

“The V and/or Micro-V belts on the other hand, feature advanced technology that matches the OE size, construction, and materials to ensure optimal vehicle performance.

“And the hose clamps are designed to provide secure and reliable connections between hoses and fittings.

“But perhaps the best thing about these kits is their convenience.

“With everything packed into a single compact/ reusable bag, drivers can easily store the kit in their vehicle and have it on hand whenever they need it.”

When it comes to ensuring a 4WD is ready for any outcome whether on the road or off, Gates explains it has 4WD specific products designed to operate in the harshest of environments, with the XtremeRunner belts designed to give you long-lasting performance, while keeping a Gates 4WD emergency kit handy in your vehicle can ensure you are prepared if there’s an unfortunate breakdown with the ABDS or cooling system.

For more information on Gates new XtremeRunner belts go to www.visit.gates.com/xtremerunner

For more information on Gates 4WD emergency kits and other products, go to www.gatesaustralia.com.au

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

NEW FROM FLASHLUBE

Flashlube’s family of premium automotive lubricants and additives continues to grow

Flashlube has now released its new DOT4 Brake Fluid to the market.

Compatible with all common hydraulic brake system parts, Flashlube says its DOT4 Brake Fluid has been developed using synthetic polyglycol fluids, designed to deliver the correct hydraulic braking requirements for all DOT4 specified applications.

It is important for drivers to be able to trust that they are using a product which provides both performance and safety, and that as they apply pressure to the brake pedal, the vehicle will, of course, stop as needed.

As the pedal is depressed, brake fluid is pressurised and sent through the brake hydraulic lines, forcing the pistons into the brake callipers, compressing the brake pads onto the disc rotors and effectively, causing the vehicle to come to a stop.

This process causes a build-up of heat and increases brake fluid temperature, and so Brake Fluid must maintain a consistent viscosity and temperature parameters to meet the vehicle’s requirements.

Flashlube explains that its DOT4 Brake Fluid features a higher boiling point, allowing it to stay consistent and provide the driver with responsive and efficient braking even in harder, high pressure braking applications.

DOT4 Brake Fluid is also compatible with other low-temperature and non-silicone based brake fluids, such as DOT3 and DOT5.1.

Flashlube DOT4 Brake Fluid is Australian made and currently available in a 500ml opaque bottle, featuring an easy side view guide and measuring markings.

For more information and where to buy, visit www.flashlube.com

SAFETY FIRST FOR EV SERVICING

Defibrillators are highly recommended for those working on EVs

If you service Electric Vehicles (or intend to), you will have seen the new Australian Standard AS 5732:2022 ‘Electric vehicle operations –maintenance and repair’ which recommends the immediate availability of a Defibrillator in a workshop environment where any electric vehicle is undergoing repairs to its electrical systems.

The stats are compelling – approximately, 30,000 Australians suffer sudden cardiac arrest each year, explains Integrity Health and Safety.

Integrity Health and Safety says a victim of a sudden cardiac arrest may have less than a 10 percent chance of surviving unless there’s a nearby defibrillator and a willing (even untrained) bystander prepared to administer CPR and the device. This action may result in the victim’s survival rate exceeding 70 percent.

The Australian Resuscitation Council recommends a defibrillator be placed within a three-minute round trip of a cardiac emergency. While the traditional workshop environment is often physically challenging, the risk to technicians from EVs is far greater than from traditional vehicles.

Creating a safe EV workshop means technicians must wear appropriate PPE, including 1000V-rated insulated gloves and insulated boots, and your workshop must have insulated matting on the floor and defibrillators installed. Recommended defibrillators are those that are intuitive to use and provide prompts to guide you through the process.

Integrity Health and Safety says it is one of Australia’s leading suppliers of defibrillators and invites you to contact its team for help with next steps by emailing tim.cohen@integrityhs.com.au or calling 0417 401 828 – noting a special offer is available for AAAA members.

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

MACKAY GROWS ITS RANGE

The company’s range of centre bearings and control arms has been expanded

Mackay’s Centre Bearing range now covers an additional one million plus vehicles on the road, while the Control Arm range now covers an additional six million plus vehicles on the road.

Mackay says the expanded ranges are manufactured to the highest standards and backed by its 90 years of industry experience and reputation for quality.

Mackay is certified and audited to the ISO 9001 quality system and states this ensures any part carrying the Mackay brand is fit for purpose.

Suspension arms, also known as control or radius arms, are the link that connects your wheels to the chassis.

Historically it has been common to replace worn components of suspension arms (Ball joints or bushes), however this is time consuming for the Mechanic and requires specialised tools and press to push out/in new bushes.

Mackay says replacing the entire arm is far more time efficient from a labour point of view with a bolt in solution with bushes already installed. It says this is a big win for hoist downtime and allows mechanics to get the next job on the hoist quicker.

Centre Support Bearings, also known as shaft support bearings, are used to support / stabilise tail shafts (particularly in rear-wheel-drive configurations) and reduce vibration. The typical construction is stamped or cast bracket with a polymer membrane supporting a bearing. Worn membranes or bearings can lead to noise and vibration in the drive line. The membranes and bearings wear during normal operation.

Mackay explains Centre Bearings are commonly replaced as preventative maintenance when signs of wear are detected. It offers an extensive range.

For more information visit www.mackayrubber.com.au

PRODUCTS

BILSTEIN DAMPMATIC

Bilstein says its DampMatic is a premium system with a large damping force spread

Adjusting the damping force depending on the road conditions often means additional electronic components – and thus a harder job for workshops to diagnose and repair the suspension system.

A leading manufacturer for electronic suspension, Bilstein says it has developed a different passive solution offering significantly more comfort.

Bilstein states its DampMatic technology is an amplitude-dependent damping system that adapts the damping force depending on the actual driving situation without cables, sensors, or an external control unit.

Bilstein’s DampMatic technology is fully integrated into the shock absorber. It features a large damping force spread, which is made possible by a control piston, and “100 percent mechanically.”

In the “soft setting” the damper oil flows through both the main piston and a special DampMatic bypass.

If the vibration amplitude increases due to the driving situation, the control piston moves to its stop due to the sudden excitation.

It thus closes the bypass and the entire volume flow is handled by the main spool. As the flow rate is thus reduced, the shock absorber behaves “more tightly.”

So, depending on the driving situation, the shock absorber behaves more softly or more firmly.

Bilstein explains that as such, on a welldeveloped road, the passengers can enjoy outstanding rolling comfort, while on a serpentine road, dynamic attitude and agile handling are achieved.

It states the system reacts at lightning speed so that even unexpected evasive maneuvers can be safely mastered.

What do workshops need to be aware of?

When a vehicle with DampMatic shock absorbers as series equipment, like the Mercedes-Benz C- class (for example, W204/W205), E-class (for example, W212/W213) and GLC (for example, W253), is in the workshop, the smart feature can often be overlooked. After all, no cables or other visual features draw attention to the DampMatic system, even if it is removed.

Bilstein warns that if the shock absorbers need to be replaced and the workshop orders just any aftermarket replacements, the suspension loses its “intelligence.” It states the only exception to this is if the workshop has opted for the B4 series replacement shock absorber from Bilstein. Along with the genuine Mercedes-Benz spare parts, Bilstein says this is the only shock absorber that offers the unique DampMatic system, as Bilstein holds the patent for this technology. The installation of Bilstein B4 DampMatic shock absorbers is just like with any other shock absorber.

For more information, visit www.bilstein.com

Photo: Copyright Bilstein 2024.

PROTECTING VEHICLES WITH NO DING

Ground-breaking solution designed to redefine the concept of car door panel dent protection

In the ever-evolving landscape of vehicle protection, No Ding, an Australian company in the automotive industry, has emerged with a ground-breaking solution designed to redefine the concept of car door panel dent protection.

According to the company, No Ding has made a significant investment in perfecting its state-ofthe-art car door protector. It states it has integrated patented “Advanced Impact Protection” technology. It says it is uniquely developed with real-life usage in mind, and that the product aims to set a new standard for everyday users.

Unlike other car-door protectors on the market, No Ding does not use magnets as a means of attaching to vehicles, which differentiates them from other competitors. No Ding claims magnet-based products will scratch a car’s paintwork due to the contact element magnets generally have onto metal, as such, if a vehicle has light dust or dirt on its panel, it will automatically scratch the car’s paintwork.

“The outer material is meticulously crafted to behave like velour, providing a cushioning effect between the product and the vehicle’s current condition,” No Ding’s Peter Agamalis said.

“Beyond its primary function of shielding vehicles from potential damage, No Ding takes an environmentally conscious approach. By reducing the need for harsh chemical repairs, the product aligns with modern principles of sustainability and responsible consumption.

“No Ding doesn’t just protect your vehicle’s appearance and value; it also eliminates the hassle and cost associated with insurance claims and repairs. The dedicated team at No Ding is committed to delivering unparalleled protection and branding solutions, catering to both individuals and businesses.

“Available in a range of colours and sizes to accommodate various vehicles, the No Ding product is not just a protector—it’s also a dynamic advertising platform, further enhancing its value and versatility in the market. Embrace innovation and elevate your vehicle protection with No Ding.

“For resellers and channel partners, No Ding isn’t just a product; it’s an open door to new and exciting opportunities in a market that has seen little to no competition. By aligning with No Ding, you’re not merely selling a Car Door Protector;

you’re introducing a revolutionary concept that transforms the way consumers perceive vehicle protection.

“The exclusivity of our patented technology, coupled with the unique advertising platform it offers, positions resellers at the forefront of an emerging market. With a product that practically sells itself, resellers can enjoy healthy profit margins and tap into a demand that is poised for significant growth. Seize the chance to be a pioneer in this space, offering customers not just a solution, but an experience that transcends traditional expectations. Join us on this journey to redefine vehicle protection and create a lucrative path in an untapped market.”

For more information visit www.noding.com.au

PRODUCTS

BREMBO RANGE EXPANDS AT COOLDRIVE

Brembo Sport brake pads, discs and brake upgrades are now available

The Brembo braking range has expanded at CoolDrive Auto Parts, with Brembo Sport products and selected upgrade kits now available from the leading Australasian automotive parts distributor.

Manufactured in Italy, the Brembo Sport products are aimed at ‘sport’-oriented drivers, or enthusiasts who use their vehicles both for normal road use, as well as high performance driving.

Headlining the range at CoolDrive are Brembo Sport HP2 brake pads which are recognised for their quality construction and the use of state-ofthe-art materials.

CoolDrive says they offer outstanding performance levels even without being pre-heated and at low speed, thanks to a specific compound that generates constant friction across the entire temperature range.

In addition to providing improved performance levels, this compound ensures outstanding silent operation and increased durability for both the brake disc, and the pad itself.

Designed to be interchangeable with original equipment, the Brembo Sport HP2 brake pads are approved to ECE-R90.

Also available at CoolDrive are the Brembo Sport TY3 brake discs, which are distinguished by their use of Type3 slotting and the Brembo logo engraved on the braking surface.

The Type3 slotting is the result of years of research and development by the Brembo racing department and resembles the design of brake discs used in many competitive motorsport categories.

The specific design of the slot on the braking surface enables constant cleaning of the pad’s surface which increases friction and improves performance and braking modulation, resulting in more responsive and consistent braking.

When compared with an original equipment brake disc, CoolDrive says the Brembo Sport TY3 guarantees smooth brake pedal feel, improved performance, stability, and resistance to fading – traits which are appreciated by those who love sportier driving.

CoolDrive also stocks Brembo GT and Pista brake upgrade kits, which are complete braking systems comprised of components derived from motorsport and offer “unrivalled levels of technology.”

The systems feature forged or billet aluminium calipers with increasing performance and specifications, depending on the vehicle’s braking system and intended purpose, combined with oversized brake discs with the same number of dedicated characteristics.

Depending on the type of system and the required performance level, the calipers can either be in a two piece construction, monobloc, or even billet monobloc from solid metal, while the oversized brake discs can be single piece or two piece and come in either drilled or slotted facing styles.

Designed and tested specifically for track day enthusiasts and for drivers who demand maximum performance from their vehicle, these systems are a genuine Brembo engineered package and offer exceptional performance along with a truly sporty look.

Brembo has an enviable reputation in Australia,

founded on unique working relationships developed with more than 30 global automotive manufacturers.

In addition to Brembo, CoolDrive also stocks braking products from leading global brands including Bremtec Brakes, Fremax, Bosch, Project Mu, and Stolz covering an impressive range of street, performance, track, and off-road products.

CoolDrive states this impressive product offering has increased significantly in recent years, to see it now considered one of the market leaders in brakes in the local automotive aftermarket.

CoolDrive customers also have access to a digital catalogue of CoolDrive’s expansive braking range, “BrakeBook” which simplifies the searching for and ordering of replacement parts.

For further information, visit www.cooldrive.com.au

PRODUCTS

LANOTEC’S LONG-LASTING LUBRICATION AND PROTECTION

A growing list of Australian workshops are converting to the long-lasting range of Lanotec protective maintenance and degreasing products. Made in Australia from naturally produced lanolin, Lanotec says its range has been specially formulated to outlast and outperform the petrochemical-derived alternatives available in the marketplace.

Lanolin is an organic substance produced by sheep to shield the coating on their fleece, with these amazing protective properties used in a wide range of real-world applications, including automotive, mining, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, timber treatment, defence, aviation, and more.

Supplied by Australian wool producers, Lanotec has formulated three new products from lanolin, namely MPX, a multi-purpose entry-level lubricant and penetrant; EGX, which has been specially

designed for electrical applications; and MGX, for use in the marine setting.

Lanotec says MPX is the ideal product to use around the workshop whenever a dependable lubricant or penetrant is required.

While providing long-lasting lubrication, MPX also penetrates, freeing up rusted tools, nuts, and bolts, stops squeaks, repels moisture while preventing water ingress, protects metal from corrosion, and rejuvenates vinyl, leather and powder-coated surfaces, amongst a multitude of potential uses.

The product is available in 300g aerosol, 600ml spray packs, and five-litre bulk pack sizes. The new aerosol line features a handy combo nozzle for use in any circumstance, with its inert CO2 propellent non-hazardous and non-flammable, ensuring maximum delivery of active ingredients. Meanwhile, another workshop hit is EGX, which offers long-term corrosion protection and lubrication for a wide array of electrical uses, with the product being non-conducive to 70kV.

EGX is ideal for use on or around electrical cabinets, circuit boards, connections and terminals, cables, compressors, automatic door mechanisms, and components in reticulation systems, such as solenoids, relays, and control boxes.

Resistant to high-pressure wash-off, EGX has been salt spray tested to Australian Standard 2331.3.1 and is safe to use on rubber and plastics.

Lanotec’s liquid lanolin products are also available in various other formulations for different applications, with specialist products including greases, Steal-Seal, a popular choice for protecting 4WDs and machinery, Wire Rope Lube, welding Anti Spatter, and more.

The perfect companion to the liquid lanolin-based range is Lanotec Citra-Force, an organic industrialstrength cleaner and natural degreaser, which safely cleans a wide range of finishes, including aluminium, stainless steel and anodised surfaces without streaking.

This industrial strength product removes hardto-clean material, including oil, grease, carbon, adhesives, acrylic paint, shipping waxes, blackjack, uncured silicone, sealants, lanolin and rubberised glue, amongst many uses.

Backing up the green credentials of the Lanotec offering, multiple products have received Global Green Tag’s prestigious certification, NSF certification, are endorsed for use in industries operating a HACCP-based food safety program, as well as being approved by AQIS for use in export registered meat establishments.

For more information, check out www.lanotec.com.au

PROJECTA INTELLI-START JUMP STARTER RANGE

The most recent additions to the range include the powerful IS3000 and IS5000 models

With their easy portability, light weight and patented Rapid Recharge Technology (RRT), Projecta says the IS3000 and IS5000 jump starters add convenience and efficiency for users.

The Projecta Intelli-Start Jump Starter range also reduces the risk of being caught out without charge when going to jump start a vehicle, as recharging the trolley rigs can often be forgotten.

By leaving the Intelli-Start Jump Starters connected to a vehicle’s battery once started, RRT can fully replenish the energy that was discharged during the starting process in just 40 seconds.

This feature means that the Intelli-Start Jump Starters will then be ready to use in the next emergency without needing regular recharging –clever technology that is reportedly unique to the Projecta Intelli-Start Jump Starter range.

The IS3000 is suitable for both 12V and 24V electrical systems and provides 1000A clamp power for 12V systems and 850A for 24V electrical

set-ups – enough to start petrol and diesel engines up to 12L displacement in 12V machines and all 24V engines.

The larger IS5000 has even greater clamp power, an impressive 1500A in 12V electrical systems and 1000A for 24V systems, sufficient to breathe life into petrol and diesel engines up to 16L capacity in equipment with 12V systems, and unlimited capacity in the case of vehicles with 24V electrics.

The two jump starters also offer ‘no battery’ operation and can jump start vehicles without a starter battery.

Both the IS3000 and IS5000 Jump Starters feature a strong exterior casing that uses a steel chassis and rubber over-moulded construction with integrated handle and concealed cable storage.

Also ensuring reliability and safety are ‘no solder,’ high current connections and solid 3mm clamp teeth, while an advanced all-in-one protection system prevents surges, short circuits and

overheating in these units. When it is finally time to recharge the IS3000 and IS5000, this is done using the included docking station, which provides hassle-free benchtop charging.

Other Projecta Intelli-Start models in the line-up include the IS920, IS1220, IS1400, IS1500 and IS2000.

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

PRODUCTS

INTRODUCING RHINO LININGS METAL FUSION

Elevate your garage floor to a new dimension

Rhino Linings invites you to transform your garage floor into a stunning masterpiece with its Rhino Linings Metal Fusion, which it describes as the ultimate 3D Metallic Epoxy Floor Coating.

Boasting a vibrant, three-dimensional finish, this innovative coating offers a myriad of benefits that will leave you speechless, says Rhino Linings.

“Imagine stepping into your garage and being greeted by a floor that radiates elegance and sophistication,” Rhino Linings Marketing Manager – Australasia, Lance Meredith, said.

“With Metal Fusion, this dream becomes a reality. Our fast-drying formula ensures minimal downtime, allowing you to enjoy your newly coated floor in no time. Say goodbye to long waiting periods and hello to instant gratification.

“But the benefits don’t stop there. Metal Fusion is not only visually stunning but also incredibly durable and easy to clean. The seamless showroom finish is designed to withstand the test of time, ensuring that your garage floor remains in pristine condition for years to come.

“Whether you’re parking your car, working on DIY

projects, or simply admiring your space, Metal Fusion delivers unparalleled performance every step of the way.”

Versatility is another hallmark of Metal Fusion. This high-grade epoxy coating is suitable for a wide range of applications, making it perfect for residential use, schools, universities, retail businesses, showroom floors, office spaces, sports arenas, museums, and more.

“From living rooms to kitchens, bathrooms to retail stores, Metal Fusion can enhance the aesthetic appeal of any space, elevating it to new heights of style and sophistication,” Lance said.

“But what sets Metal Fusion apart from the competition? It’s not just about looks – although its vibrant colours and depth certainly make a statement. Metal Fusion is engineered with a range of properties that ensure superior performance in any environment.

“From excellent adhesion to resistance against amine blush, Metal Fusion excels where other coatings fall short.

“Plus, its self-levelling nature means you’ll achieve

a flawless finish every time, without the hassle of uneven application.

“So why settle for an ordinary garage floor when you can have one that stands out from the crowd? Upgrade to Metal Fusion today and experience the difference for yourself. With Rhino Linings Metal Fusion, the possibilities are endless – and the results are nothing short of extraordinary.”

Rhino Linings Australasia (an ISO 9001 Quality Assurance certified company) says it is proud to have been developing premium protective coatings that repeatedly dominate the protective coatings market for retail, commercial and industrial applications since 1988. It says its mission has been to develop top-quality, high performance hybrid polyurethanes, pure polyurea, polyurethanes and epoxies. For more information, visit www.rhinolinings.com.au or call 1300 887 780.

ARNOTT COIL SPRING CONVERSION KITS

Arnott explains the advantages and disadvantages of converting a vehicle from air to coil suspension

While air suspension provides a smooth ride and load leveling, there are reasons why car owners prefer to remove their air suspension systems.

Arnott says the main drivers for this decision are usually cost of ownership and usage. For aging vehicles especially, the value of the vehicle and expected remaining time of ownership can play a key role in making the decision to install a coil conversion kit instead of repairing air suspension system defects.

Sometimes converting to coil springs is simply the least expensive option. Another reason to go for a coil conversion kit could be that the vehicle is going to be used in long road trips, safaris, or similar expedition trips where there is extreme weather or little possibility of an air suspension repair along the way.

Converting from air to coil can be a viable option at that point because it eliminates rubber components and uses traditional steel coil springs in the suspension instead.

On the other hand, Arnott says losing the beneficial characteristics of air suspension – additional

safety, stability and comfort – are clearly the biggest disadvantages of converting a vehicle from air to coil spring suspension.

It states customers who tow larger trailers or often carry large loads are advised to keep the air suspension system to maintain the benefit of the automatic auto-leveling functionality.

Arnott states that coil springs are designed to provide an excellent ride within certain boundaries.

It states if a converted car carries heavy load, the springs will sag. Consequentially, the reduced suspension travel will affect the driving comfort (harsher ride, possibility of bottoming out), the balance of the car, and the reaction of the vehicle to steering inputs.

Additionally, it affects wheel alignment, eventually causing irregular tyre tread wear.

Arnott’s coil conversion kits

For older vehicles or those with a multitude of air suspension system issues, Arnott offers coil spring conversion kits expertly designed to replace a vehicle’s failing air suspension components with

traditional steel coil springs and matching struts and/or shocks.

All of Arnott’s coil springs conversion kits are made in the US and are designed and road-tested to provide a smooth ride along with many years of trouble-free driving.

These kits can be installed without special modifications to the vehicle. Many of Arnott’s kits include an Electronic Bypass Module (EBM), which is designed to eliminate suspension dashboard warning lights/fault codes.

For more from Arnott, visit www.arnottinc.com

PRODUCTS

MANAGER ALPHA HAS LANDED

Smaller, lighter, and more powerful, REDARC’s “revolutionary” three-way battery charger has landed

REDARC says it is excited to introduce its new range of power management systems, Manager Alpha.

Available in 50A, 75A and 100A capacities, REDARC says the Manager Alpha redefines mobile power management.

Modern explorers are looking to spend more time away, but don’t want to sacrifice modern comforts and conveniences.

At up to 55 percent smaller and 28 percent lighter than comparable competitor systems, REDARC says the Manager Alpha will maximise your vehicle’s capacity while leaving room for those adventure essentials and creature comforts.

REDARC states the Manager is the only charger to charge from AC, DC and solar, allowing you to charge while you drive, while plugged in at camp or from the sun.

This makes it an ideal companion whether you’re driving, soaking up the sun at a remote camping spot, or at a caravan/RV park. With the Manager Alpha onboard, you’ll never be without a charging option, says REDARC.

REDARC states “the Manager Alpha100 delivers an unrivalled 100A from a combination of available power sources, including solar.”

On top of this, it says the Manager Alpha boasts a charge rate that’s more than three-times faster than that of the Manager30.

“With this much power on tap you can run everything from induction cooktops to air conditioners, to fridges and lights, and still charge your batteries faster than you can drain them,” says REDARC.

Not just a charging powerhouse for your secondary battery, REDARC says the Manager Alpha can also take care of your start battery.

When your auxiliary battery is fully charged, the Manager will begin to deliver up to 25 A to the vehicle’s start battery automatically.

Better yet, when disaster strikes and your start battery goes flat, with the touch of a button the Manager Alpha can bring your start battery back to life.

With RedVision connectivity thanks to the included Smart Battery Monitor, you can stay informed and in control of your system, accessing accurate, real-time monitoring through REDARC’s RedVision app or included RedVision display, offering state of charge, remaining charge, and current flow.

Further, REDARC says that with monitoring that is

MEYLE GIVES BRAKING ADVICE

What to look for in brake pads

What could be more annoying than rolling up to a set of traffic lights, slowly taking your foot off the accelerator, pushing towards the brake, and then hearing a squealing sound?

We can probably all agree, there is hardly anything. Squeaking brakes are not only unpleasant to our own ears, but also to those outside the car. But where does this particularly unpleasant noise come from?

A closer look at the brake system reveals that the tiny space between the disc and the pad allows high-frequency vibrations to occur, causing the typical squeaking sound when braking.

Although some people consider a loud squeal to be the signature of sporty brake pads, MEYLE believes that this is something to be decided on an individual basis.

So, what do you need to look out for if you are seeking a less dramatic appearance?

MEYLE says it has got you covered and has summarised the below as “everything there is to know” when it comes to making a silent entrance:

• Individual shims can be little helpers since

they act like “vibration absorbers.” A vibrationdecoupling adhesive layer between the shim and the carrier plate helps to increase the damping value and reduce noise.

• Individualised chamfers for each type of brake pad also help to reduce noise. The chamfers therefore need to be individually adapted to the vehicle type in order to ensure an optimum transition between the pad and the disc without hard edges.

• The individualisation of the mixing ratio for the friction lining also plays an important role: the right materials provide the perfect balance between performance and comfort to deliver top performance.

• Another important factor are the slots for brake pads: MEYLE, for example, has included individually designed slots for one of its brake pads – not only to prevent cracks in the brake pads, which can occur due to temperaturedependent expansion, but also to reduced noise as they dissipate the brake dust.

• The right components: not only high-quality raw materials and the processing of those, but also the accuracy of fit and durability, are

“up to five times more accurate than the leading competitors, you’ll know that ‘five hours left’ means ‘five hours left.’”

Paired with latest Bluetooth 5.1 technology, you’ll be able to stay connected anywhere at camp, with reliability over distances up to 42m – which REDARC says is “nearly one and a half times further than the competition.”

REDARC says the Manager Alpha has been tested to the toughest vibration standards in the world and is made for Australia’s extreme conditions. REDARC states there will be limited availability on release and invites you to register your interest in the Manager Alpha at www.redarcelectronics.com/au/manager-alpha For more from REDARC, visit www.redarcelectronics.com

important factors when it comes to ensuring a pleasant braking experience.

To summarise, when it comes to brake pads, one should look out for the right composition of materials and the structure in order to reach the destination not only safely but also quietly. The Hamburg-based manufacturer MEYLE continues to expand its range of brake components. With additional brake components, MEYLE says it strengthens its comprehensive brake portfolio with further reliable and performance-oriented solutions. In total, the range now comprises almost 3,000 brake discs and pads, and with more than 25 years of experience as a manufacturer in the independent aftermarket, MEYLE says it knows exactly the high demands placed on brake components. For more information, visit www.meyle.com

BWI TO DISTRIBUTE TYRI LIGHTING PRODUCTS

The TYRI range has been developed to handle extreme conditions

Brown and Watson International (BWI), the company behind leading automotive lighting brands including Narva, has further broadened its lighting portfolio by becoming the distributor of TYRI products in Australia and New Zealand.

BWI says TYRI is a global leader in the supply of LED lighting solutions to OEMs, particularly for machinery working in the mining, civil construction, forestry, materials handling and agricultural industries, where durability and light output is crucial to maintaining a safe and productive work environment.

Given the demanding conditions in which TYRI lights operate, the range was developed to handle extreme conditions.

All lights are tested in the company’s in-house laboratory to meet EMC requirements as well as vibration, shock and IP benchmarks.

The lights are also exposed to salt spray for up to 500 hours – BWI says these are some of the toughest testing procedures carried out by any work light manufacturer, ensuring TYRI lights perform in the harshest of environments.

For further peace of mind, TYRI is both ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 Certified.

TYRI’s LED product line covers a full range of light outputs, from low level lighting needs (700-800 lumens) to high illumination requirements (16,500 lumens).

Among the model line-up is INTELLilight, an innovative lighting system which provides real time control of light output and color temperature to adapt to different worksite conditions and operator requirements, to help create a safer, more productive work environment.

This system connects via a wireless mesh network which is controlled by using a mobile app, remote module, or via CANBUS.

National Brand Manager, John Bamfield, said the TYRI product line-up perfectly complemented BWI’s broader lighting offerings.

“Having TYRI Lighting under the BWI umbrella allows our company to better meet the lighting requirements of a wider user base, particularly within industrial and commercial sectors,” John said.

“Along with broadening our offering, TYRI’s excellent reputation in the market as a high-quality lighting producer provides strong synergies with BWI’s other product lines, making it a fantastic new partnership that we’re certainly excited about.” For more information, visit www.tyrilights.com/au/

PRODUCTS

ENGINE AIR FILTERS

UFI Filters discusses what maintenance is required for Autumn

At the end of Summer, an engine air filter can be particularly dirty due to the dry weather, long journeys on dusty roads, or accumulated insect and pollen residue.

A dirty and clogged filter can significantly reduce the air flow to the engine, compromising its performance and increasing fuel consumption.

The air filter is a fundamental component for optimising performance, fuel economy and ensuring a long service life for a car or commercial vehicle’s engine. This oft-neglected component plays various key roles in vehicle performance.

It protects the engine by capturing particles of dirt and debris present in the air, preventing them from entering the intake system.

This helps prevent wear and the accumulation of damaging deposits on the inner surfaces of the engine components, such as the valves, pistons, and combustion chambers.

It improves performance: a clean flow of air without obstructions is essential for correct engine operation, as it enhances combustion efficiency and vehicle performance. Correct

combustion also means better acceleration, improved responsiveness, and greater power.

It optimises fuel efficiency as restriction in the nominal air flow required in the combustion chamber due to a clogged filter will cause the driver to press harder on the accelerator, resulting in higher fuel consumption.

UFI Filters manufactures two types of air filter with specific dedicated materials.

FormulaUFI.Cell is made from cellulose combined with synthetic fibres to maximise its mechanical stability, reduce pressure drops and, thanks to the hydrophobic treatment, increase its resistance to moisture, thus guaranteeing a longer service life.

UFI’s filters are also flame-resistant, generally class F1. They can be combined with pre-filters in unwoven fabric to increase the solid-particle retention capacity.

FormulaUFI.EXTREME is a 100 percent synthetic filtration medium with additives that guarantee the impermeability of the filter and increase its service life.

UFI Filters says this materia also offers unparalleled flame resistance, achieving F1 classification, the highest available, on the DIN53438 – ISO standard – test.

The engine air filter change frequency should follow the vehicle manual for the manufacturer’s specifications. In any case, typical intervals are around every 10,000-20,000 km, or else once a year. However, if you drive in particularly dusty conditions or use a lot of dirt roads, more frequent changes may be necessary.

For more information, visit www.ufifilters.com or www.ufi-aftermarket.com/eu

NEW PISTON-STYLE CHECK VALVE

From Vibrant Performance

Vibrant Performance says it is proud to introduce its all-new Piston-Style Check Valve, featuring a one-way flow piston (spring) operated check valve that it says provides a 100 percent leak free seal in both low- and high-pressure applications. Featuring what Vibrant Performance says is an “industry first” “Dual Seal” design, the allnew Piston-Style Check Valve is said to prevent back flow of Fluid, Air and Vapor, with minimal pressure and flow loss while in the open position. It explains that this works to maintain sealing throughout high duty cycles.

The all-new Piston-Style Check Valve is compatible with Fuel, Oil, Coolant, Vacuum and Vapor systems, and is ideal for street cars, high performance cars, industrial and non-hydraulic applications.

Vibrant Performance says this small but mighty Check Valve can be easily adapted inline with-AN Flare Hose Ends or Adapters and can withstand operating temperatures of 400°F(205°C), while featuring an opening pressure of <1psi and an operating pressure of 300psi.

It says its “industry first Dual Seal design” features an O-Ring captured within a flare and provides a 100 percent leak back seal with the O-Ring at low pressures and a high-pressure seal is provided by the flare-to-flare mate.

The piston and flare seal is designed to minimise flow and pressure loss through the valve, with less than one psid for -10 to-16 sizes, and 1.2psid for -6 and-8 sizes at 170 LPH.

Key features and benefits:

• Flow direction is indicated on the body

• Easy to disassemble if servicing is required

• 100 percent leak free back flow

• Below one psid opening pressure

• Little to no modification is required to replace existing-AN inline check valves

• Minimal flow loss through the valve For more information, visit www.vibrantperformance.com.au or email abrookes@vibrantpower.com

BRUSHLESS THERMATIC ELECTRIC COOLING FANS

New product is now available at Davies Craig

Australian manufacturer Davies Craig says it has entered an exciting new era with the launching of four new “ground-breaking” Brushless Thermatic Electric Fans.

The new models include eight-inch, nine-inch, plus 10-inch and 12-inch 12v Hi-Power models.

The new Brushless Thermatic Electric Fans with IP68 rated brushless motors and built in reversable motor rotation technology allow for either upstream (pusher) or downstream (puller) applications.

Davies Craig says it offers the flexibility of nine different smart motor control modes, while full speed running, analogue speed control or pulse width modulation (PWM) speed control offers optimal control in any application.

Davies Craig says the new Brushless Thermatic Electric Fans complement its current and “highly impressive” Davies Craig line-up, appropriate for either automotive and/or air-conditioning market segments.

Davies Craig says in-house wind tunnel testing produced very impressive airflow statistics, and

further stated that the long-life durability testing proved the fans were capable of thousands of hours of service life.

Further, the company states it offers an “unmatched three-year warranty, further endorsing the high quality of these great Australian produced cooling products.”

Few will deny ambient temperatures around the world are rising and these high-capacity Thermatic Electric Cooling Fans provide increased airflow generating cooler operating conditions, says Davies Craig.

Davies Craig says these four value-packed Davies Craig Thermatic Electric Fans offer outstanding performance for their size, delivering up to a staggering 40 percent increase of airflow over the standard brushed models.

Full specifications and dimensions for each model are available at www.daviescraig.com.au

BANG SHIFT BY AEROFLOW ATTACK SLIM LINE GATE SHIFTER

Aeroflow says this product is all you require for your serious street car application

The Bang Shift by Aeroflow Attack Slim Line Gate

Shifter is a narrow street performance shifter with a hardened steel gate plate which is said to ensure consistent and precise spring-loaded gate action every shift.

Detent activation is controlled by a trigger lever that is pulled in towards the gear shift handle to activate (this shifter does not have a reverse lockout to meet NHRA/IHRA safety rules).

Aeroflow explains that the Attack SL shifter is compatible with forward or reverse pattern valve bodies which are capable of controlling two, three and four-speed automatic transmissions by simply replacing the gate plate and applicable brackets and levers.

To back up the “incredible” gate mechanism inside this Attack SL shifter, Aeroflow explains it is encased in a full billet bolt together bespoke outer cover to give that high quality finish.

It also features a bolt on top plate with a rubber insert to prevent unwanted dirt and dust out of the mechanism.

Each Attack SL shifter is specifically designed for right hand drive vehicles and for a rear exit shifter cable.

Further, Aeroflow explains that the pistol grip handle attached to the shifter stick is a handy two-piece bolt together design that allows interchangeable billet side plates to be purchased separately.

The Attack shifter includes a LED lit gear position indicator in the top plate, two micro-switches for reverse lights and a neutral safety switch preventing accidental starts when in gear all to keep the engineer happy and your vehicle safe.

Included with this kit is an Aeroflow Performance four-foot-long race shifter cable, all necessary hardware (including an Attack SL specific mounting plate), detailed instructions for an easy installation, cable brackets and transmission shifter levers to suit the following automatic transmissions: GM TH350, TH400, 700R4, 200R4, 4L60, 4L60e4L80e without PRNDL switch, Ford C4, C5, C6 and Chrysler 1966 and later Torqueflite A727 and A904. For more information, visit www.aeroflowperformance.com

POWER UP WITH POWERFRAME GRID TECHNOLOGY

PowerFrame Grid Technology enables Delkor batteries to handle today’s power requirements with ease

Today’s vehicles have more power requirements than ever before. Modern vehicles are fitted with multiple power-hungry accessories which can put tremendous strain on batteries.

Vehicles using Idle Stop Start (ISS) technology will shut off the engine when the vehicle is stationary, and then automatically re-start the engine when required to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

PowerFrame Grid Technology is a key feature which enables Delkor batteries to handle these requirements with ease.

PowerFrame grids are made by rolling lead alloy into strips which are then stamped into the grid shape.

This process results in a stable frame which is said to be up to three times more resistant to corrosion* to help avoid premature battery failure.

Delkor explains the PowerFrame Grid Technology design is optimised for full grid utilisation, improving current flow by up to 60 percent* for improved conductivity.

Further, it says the manufacturing process of the

grids is environmentally responsible as well, using 20 percent less energy and producing 20 percent fewer greenhouse gases than competitors’ manufacturing methods.

Trusted by both everyday users and professionals alike, Delkor says it is one of the best-selling battery brands in the automotive aftermarket industry.

Delkor’s award-winning automotive battery range features PowerFrame Grid Technology. All models in the Delkor AGM, EFB and Calcium ranges and selected models in the Premium Silver range are powered by this technology.

Delkor says the automotive range is well regarded for its quality, performance and durability, stating it has won the prestigious Korean Standard Quality Excellence Index (KS-QEI) award for 17 consecutive years.

Part of the Clarios group, which globally manufactures more than 150 million batteries every year and supplies batteries to leading automotive manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and Kia, Delkor says

it excels on the technology front too with its patented PowerFrame Grid Technology delivering the performance needed for modern vehicles. R&J Batteries is the exclusive distributor of Delkor batteries in Australia.

The comprehensive range consisting of automotive, commercial, deep cycle, marine and leisure and lawn mower batteries are available at all 24 R&J Batteries branches nationwide.

For more information, please visit www.rjbatt.com.au or call 1300 769 282.

*Based on comparison to other grid designs in real world fleet testing

DBA’S COMPREHENSIVE BRAKE SOLUTIONS

Trusted

by professionals

For over four decades, Disc Brakes Australia (DBA) says it has stood as a leader in disc brake manufacturing across Australia.

From humble beginnings, the company has evolved into a powerhouse, synonymous with innovation, quality, and reliability in the automotive industry.

However, DBA says its story is more than just about manufacturing discs; it is about pioneering complete braking solutions that set new standards and redefine performance on the road.

Within its in-house Research and Development team, DBA says it ensures every aspect of its braking systems is meticulously designed, rigorously tested, and continually improved, while utilising only the finest grade materials to craft brakes which exceed expectations in both performance and durability.

While DBA’s legacy began with rotors nearly half a century ago, the company’s vision extends far beyond these components.

Today, DBA boasts a comprehensive range of braking solutions, including brake pads, hydraulic components, brake fluid, and brake wear sensors.   DBA explains that its diverse selection of brake pads

is tailored to various driving styles and applications, whether it’s daily commuting with Street Series pads, towing heavy loads and off-road adventures with Street Performance and Xtreme Performance pads, or high-performance track racing with Race Performance pads.

It states one of DBA’s hallmark achievements is its ability to provide customisation combinations that adapt to the demands of the vehicle for an optimised braking experience.

DBA reportedly covers 97 percent of the Australian car parc, having crafted a vast number of components to suit an array of driving styles.

Its Street Series OE-replacement line offers over 3000 individual Brake Rotors and Drums, 1500+ Brake Pads and Shoes and 2500-plus Hydraulic Brake Parts.

Its Upgrade Performance tier, the 4000 Series, offers over 1400 Brake rotors and 600-plus Brake Pad variations. While at the top, DBA’s 5000 Series gives the performance-oriented driver a choice of 800-plus unique Brake Rotors and 375plus Brake Pads.

By staying at the forefront of technological advancements and actively engaging with the automotive community, DBA says it remains poised to meet the evolving demands of modern drivers. Whether it is pioneering new materials, refining manufacturing processes, or collaborating with industry experts, DBA says it remains committed in its pursuit of excellence.

With a legacy built on quality, innovation, and reliability, DBA states it is not just a manufacturer – explaining it sees itself as a driving force behind safer, more efficient, and more exhilarating automotive experiences, which has been repeatedly voted as a number one brake rotor brand by Australian workshops.

For more information, please visit www.dba.com.au

WHY AIR FILTERS ARE IMPORTANT

The experts at Ryco explain

It is easy to dismiss the necessity for air filters by writing them off as all doing the same thing, or suggesting oil and fuel filters are more important. However, a vehicle is best protected by high quality filters that are all working together to prevent contaminants from entering the engine. Air filters are one of the most crucial components to an engine’s life cycle, because the quality of air that enters a car is entirely out of a driver’s control.

Even when using high quality oil and fuel, it is no surprise that almost all contaminants in the engine come in through the air intake.

Many Ryco Air Filters can trap dirt that’s as small as 0.3 microns. To give you an idea of how small that is, a human hair is 70 microns.

Australia in particular has extremely old dirt with high silica content levels. The volume of dust combined with how fine it is means it will find its way through an inefficient filter’s media and create damage to a vehicle’s engine.

Ryco Air Filters are designed for the sort of dust found in Australia.

For those not familiar with the importance of highefficient filtration media, the different air filters on the market might all look like they would perform the same. However, not all filters are created equal.

Ryco says the testing, development, and performance specifications that its team strives towards is what sets Ryco apart, and states it is important to emphasise this detail.

When in only 10 minutes, 12,500 litres of air

would have passed through a car’s air filter, for an inefficient filter that could be a lot of potential contaminants entering the engine.

Ryco says that by using a Ryco Air Filter, this can be prevented.

Without looking at this under a microscope, it can be hard to gauge the difference between Ryco Air Filters and other aftermarket filters, but Ryco says these microscopic differences create a long-lasting effect on a vehicle by protecting its engine’s longevity.

For more information, visit www.rycofilters.com

EXPANDED RANGE FROM CATERAN

More turbochargers are now available for Mitsubishi vehicles from Cateran

Stricter vehicle emission standards, while aiming to reduce environmental impact, have inadvertently led to challenges in the longevity and performance of turbochargers.

The pursuit of lower emissions has pushed automakers to implement technologies such as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).

Measures like this, designed to minimise pollutants, expose turbochargers to increased stress and heat.

The recirculation of exhaust gases, often containing particulate matter, can lead to accelerated wear and fouling of the turbocharger components.

Additionally, the high temperatures generated during combustion in engines complying with stringent emission norms can contribute to thermal stress on the turbocharger, potentially causing premature failure.

The need for turbochargers to operate efficiently under these demanding conditions has resulted in increased maintenance requirements and, in some cases, premature failure.

Demand from customers has driven Cateran –which explains it is an award-winning supplier of

premium quality new replacement turbochargers, gasket kits, fastener kits, oil supply lines, intercooler hoses and intercoolers – to expand its range of turbochargers for Mitsubishi vehicle applications.

The two newly released turbochargers fit the Mitsubishi ASX 1.8l 1.8 DI-D (GA6W) and the Mitsubishi ASX 2.2l DI-D (GA8W) and Outlander 2.2l 2.2 DI-D (GF6W).

These two new turbochargers add to Cateran’s growing range of parts that it says covers the most popular turbo diesel 4x4, SUV and LCV applications, including Toyota Landcruiser, Hilux, Prado and HiAce, Nissan Patrol and Navara, Mitsubishi Pajero, Triton, Holden Rodeo, Colorado and Captiva, Mazda BT50, Ford Ranger and Transit, Isuzu D-Max, Hyundai iLoad and iMax, and Mercedes Sprinter and Vito.

Like all Cateran VNT turbochargers, Cateran says the MIT-116 and MIT-117 turbochargers are designed and built to fit exactly like the original parts they replace.

Every Cateran turbocharger is thoroughly quality checked and dynamically calibrated in Australia

to the original specifications to match the original part performance and durability.

Cateran further explains that its turbochargers are new, not reconditioned, are balanced to over 150,000rpm and for added convenience, every Cateran turbocharger includes a complete set of gaskets and a start-up oil supply syringe.

Cateran offers what it describes as “an industry leading” three-year/100,000km warranty for peace of mind on all its produce and complimentary product and technical support via its national technical support hotline, 1300 176 071.  It states, “Cateran offers all this for less than the cost of an OEM part.”

These new turbochargers are all available from Repco, NAPA Auto Parts, Sparesbox and through the Burson Auto Parts network.

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

INTRODUCING THE TECHPRO DIGITAL ADAS 2.0

MAHLE says this new launch is revolutionising Driver Assistance System Calibration

MAHLE says its new TechPRO Digital ADAS 2.0 is reshaping the landscape of driver assistance system calibration, offering simplicity, reliability, and efficiency to automotive professionals worldwide.

It says this revolutionary system boasts patented Targetless technology, eliminating the need for additional panels and ensuring adaptability across various car makers’ reference protocols.

Key features and benefits:

• Targetless technology: the core of the system, MAHLE’s patented Targetless technology, guarantees versatility and seamless adaptation to any existing or future car maker’s protocols.

• User-friendly interface: say goodbye to complex calibration procedures. The system’s intuitive interface guides users through every step, minimising learning curves and maximising efficiency.

• Fully automatic calibration: with automatic frame adjustments and virtual target movements, calibration becomes a hands-off experience. The car remains stationary throughout the process, ensuring precision without the need for manual adjustments.

• Keystone system: the self-adaptive Keystone system evaluates environmental and physical conditions, ensuring extreme accuracy in calibration. The system dynamically adjusts digital target images for optimal results.

• Universal coverage: TechPRO Digital ADAS 2.0 offers extensive market coverage, continuously updated to keep pace with evolving automotive technologies.

Further enhancements with digital ADAS 2.0:

• Reduced calibration times: experience lightning-fast calibration thanks to integrated laser meters directly connected to the diagnosis, providing instant parameter acquisition for swift adjustments.

• Plate recognition function: optional in select markets, the plate recognition function streamlines the calibration process, eliminating guesswork and saving time with just one click.

• Clear 3D tutorial guidance: navigate calibration procedures with confidence using clear 3D video tutorials directly accessible from the diagnostic tool interface. Eliminate uncertainties and ensure accurate calibration every time.

• Wireless transmission laser meters: automatic acquisition of vehicle alignment parameters with wireless transmission laser meters ensures error-free calibration, allowing professionals to focus on the task at hand without wasting time.

For more information, please visit www.mahle-aftermarket.com or email mapl.sales@mahle.com

PRODUCTS

BRAKE-BY-WIRE BY ZF

A purely electric brake system of the future has been presented by ZF for software-defined vehicles

At its Next Generation Mobility Day in Shanghai, ZF presented a new, purely electro-mechanical brake system for the first time, whereby braking force is generated at each wheel by an electric motor, ie. without a hydraulic system and brake fluid.

The brake system was developed at ZF’s development centres in China, the USA, and Germany for the global market.

“Our purely electrically controlled braking system is a significant addition to our portfolio of networked chassis systems,” ZF Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Holger Klein, said.

“With such by-wire systems, we are opening the door to a new era of vehicle control.”

Holger added that this is especially true in softwaredefined and electrically driven vehicles where this type of brake system has even more advantages and can open up new freedoms in design and development.

In a so-called ‘dry’ brake system, brake fluid is not required any more. Brake pressure is therefore no longer generated by the pressure of fluids in the hydraulic system, but by electric motors.

Brake signals from the pedal to the electric motor are also transmitted purely electrically, which is why the term ‘dry brake-by-wire’ is used.

Safe, reliable and sustainable

Compared with conventional braking systems, ZF says the new brake-by-wire system, like Integrated Brake Control (IBC), enables shorter braking distances, better recovery of braking energy, and lower maintenance costs.

During automatic emergency braking, the braking distance at a speed of 100 km/h can be up to nine metres shorter than with conventional braking systems.

In addition, electric cars can achieve up to 17 percent more range via even better recuperation of braking energy.

With dry brake-by-wire systems in particular, the residual drag torques that occur with conventional braking systems due to minimal contact between the brake pads and the brake discs can be reduced to almost zero.

This results in even fewer particulate emissions due to brake abrasion.

This lower resistance during driving also saves energy and can increase range in an EV.

Dispensing with a hydraulic system means significantly lower assembly and logistics costs even during vehicle production, as the system consists of fewer parts.

In addition, during the vehicle’s service life, the user benefits because brake fluids no longer need to be changed, reducing the amount of servicing required in the workshop.

Even though there is no longer a mechanical connection between the brake pedal and the brake actuators, the braking feel is the same as that of a hydraulic brake.

The safety of the data transmission and processing as well as the energy supply to the electric motors is ensured by the duplication of all connections and systems, as is also common in by-wire systems in aviation.

Purely electric, purely hydraulic or combined

With more than 50 years of experience in the development and production of brake systems and with more than three billion brake components manufactured, ZF is one of the largest and most renowned suppliers worldwide.

ZF says vehicle manufacturers can put together their optimum braking system from the classic purely hydraulic to the new purely electric braking system depending on their requirements.

Hybrid forms with, for example, a hydraulic system at the front and a purely electric system on the rear axle are also possible.

In addition, ZF offers all components of a braking system from a single source, from wheel brakes to parking brakes, and hardware to software.

By-Wire in

combination:

brake, steering and damping

ZF states it has one of the most comprehensive portfolios of purely electronically controlled steering, brakes, or damping systems for softwaredefined vehicles.

“Networked chassis systems for longitudinal, lateral, and vertical dynamics can improve driving dynamics, and ZF is uniquely positioned in the market with its range of actuators and functions for combining all three dimensions of vehicle dynamics as well,” Holger said.

ZF says purely electronically controlled and networked by-wire systems offer better vehicle control, shorter braking distances, more steering flexibility, greater driving stability at high speeds, and greater range and efficiency.

For further information, visit www.zf.com/au

FROM MECHANIC TO BUSINESS OWNER, HYDRAULINK IS EMPOWERING SELF-STARTERS

The Hydraulink national hydraulic hose, fittings, and service organisation is expanding throughout Australia and giving mechanically minded self-starters the opportunity to add income and become successful business owners

Hydraulink explains that its extensive national network includes 15 company-owned sites in Australia, 115 network partners, and more than 250 service vehicles offering 24/7 onsite and mobile services to the same uniformly high levels of outstanding service, safety, standards compliance, traceability, and diverse machinery and equipment knowledge.

“Hydraulink provides accredited training, outstanding support, and the backing of a nationally recognised network, so anyone who has mechanical aptitude and is looking to take the next step in their career can find it here,” Hydraulink National Franchise Manager, Wayne Abbott, said.

Examples of Hydraulink success stories, of which there are many, include those of Giorgio Katsambalos, Sascha Humphreys, and Mathew Xuereb.

Giorgio Katsambalos – Hydraulink Bibra Lakes

After watching his father travel around for technical service work, Giorgio Katsambalos followed a similar passion and has become a dedicated mobile service provider in the Bibra Lakes area of Perth, specialising in the complex machinery and fleet needs of clients spanning

market spectrums ranging from civil engineering, mining, manufacturing, metal fabrication, road and rail transport, agricultural tractors, heavy machinery, and hire equipment.

“I compared the best way to get ahead with my own abilities and the best backing out there – and the name Hydraulink kept coming up,” Giorgio said.

“It was recommended to me by industry insiders as a company with a long, 75-year, reputation for quality and service as well as for backing selfstarters with training and career progression.

“And that is exactly how it has worked out –Hydraulink started me out at the ground level at the local office, getting me familiar with branch operations and systems in WA.

“Then they recognised my eagerness by putting me in the deep end to learn and work out on the road with some of the most experienced people in the business.

“Their backing and enthusiasm to see you progress motivates me now to always do the best for the customer and for the company that is backing me, because they looked after me. It has been a very good experience.”

Sascha Humphreys – a mechanical engineer with more than 20 years’ experience in Melbourne’s construction, manufacturing, and industrial sectors – says he is relishing the opportunity to serve the huge diversity of industry requiring hydraulic services to optimise the uptime and reliability of machinery in the major economic generator region for the city of Thomastown, north of the Melbourne CBD.

“I love technical details and solving the challenges that get people and their machinery moving, having spent the last 20 years down there in the trenches designing, managing, and commissioning engineering projects,” Sascha said.

“I have always wanted to run my own business but, with mortgages and children like most younger people, you need solid backing to step out with confidence.

“I had seen and heard of Hydraulink plenty of times

Sascha Humphreys – Hydraulink Thomastown

Every day offers a different service opportunity for Giorgio, from truck and forklift fleets to heavy civil engineering and mining equipment

Sascha Humphreys realised a dream in running his own business backed by a respected national brand with which he can apply his wealth of experience to customer service

SPECIAL FEATURE

before this opportunity came along, and I understood them as a trusted brand which I could optimise my skills and broaden their reach to the local market.

“All the staff I have met throughout this journey into a franchise are well skilled and have outstanding product knowledge.”

Mathew Xuereb – Hydraulink Hawkesbury

Mathew Xuereb has taken his future into his own hands by becoming a franchise network partner serving the Hawkesbury region of Sydney, where he was born and raised.

“I love the idea of putting my skills to work in my own home area – backed by the network quality and training standards. This is a dream come true for a guy with a passion for all things mechanical – it couldn’t be better,” Mat said.

“The great thing about Hydraulink is they give you a foundation of excellent training in all aspects of the job and encourage you to go out and run your own business if you want to.

“Their support and training are both wonderful,” added Mat, who was a fully qualified mechanic with seven years of trade experience before joining Hydraulink two years ago to broaden his horizons.

The Hydraulink family

As a family-owned company, Hydraulink says it places a strong emphasis on growing and nurturing its employees and franchisees through training and support.

It states that across more than 75 years it has attracted a broad pool of hardworking talent dedicated to 24/7 hydraulic services.

“Hydraulink attracts quality franchisees with a variety of skills in areas such as mechanical engineering, diesel fitting, machining and maintenance fitting, and other industries,” Wayne said.

“Many regional franchisees have existing workshop businesses and see Hydraulink as the ideal opportunity to grow their business and add another revenue stream to an already successful business.

“For anyone mechanically minded looking to take their future into their own hands, I would encourage them to explore what Hydraulink can do for them.”

For more information about rewarding careers and franchise opportunities with Hydraulink, visit www.joinhydraulink.com or contact Wayne Abbott on 1300 36 37 34 or wayne.a@hydraulink.com.au for a no obligation conversation about Hydraulink’s franchise network.

Mat with his Hawkesbury mobile Hydraulink hydraulic hose and fitting service vehicle

AUTO AFTERMARKET AND COLLISION REPAIR EXPO A RECORDBREAKING SUCCESS

The co-located expos attracted a record-breaking number of trade visitors who immersed themselves in what was a magnificent industry event

Across three days at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 13,282 visitors participated in the Australian Auto Aftermarket and Collision Repair Expos, experiencing the best the industry has to offer.

With world-class training and a plethora of aweinspiring innovations and product offers, visitors left the Expo armed to charge into the future with new skills, ideas and opportunities.

“I am incredibly excited about the success of the 2024 Auto Aftermarket Expo and Collision Repair Expo,” Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, said.

“The vibe was electric in the packed halls, and feedback from visitors has been off the charts.

“The number and quality of exhibitors was amazing, as was the popularity of our expanded training programs and features.

“Expo ’24 was a truly remarkable and extremely valuable trade event.”

The Expo was officially opened on Thursday the 11th of April by Dr Andrew Leigh MP, the Federal Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury.

Andrew was joined by AAAA Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, AAAA Board Chairman, Wayne Bryant, Auto Care Association (USA) Chief Executive Officer, Bill Hanvey, and APMEC Chairman, Gino Ricciuti, to launch the Expo.

With over 400 exhibitors representing the entire automotive aftermarket supply chain, attendees were treated to a showcase of the latest tools, technology, parts, and services.

Exhibitors, both big and small, presented their

offerings through captivating stands while actively engaging with trade visitors, fostering networking opportunities, and cultivating business relationships.

“Our objective was to show visitors how incredible our industry is and give them access to new skills, products, equipment, experts, offers and opportunities - all under one roof,” Stuart said.

“The tradeshow floor encompassed renowned brands, sought-after training, and avenues for career and business advancement.

“This is a fundamental role of the AAAA, and we are very proud of our contribution to fostering industry growth through this event.

“The Expo has exceeded expectations across all our key measurables and the feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Reflective of compelling changes unfolding in the industry, the Expo Electrified Zone and ADAS Technology Zones proved to be valuable additions to the Expo.

With all scheduled training sessions for each zone fully booked ahead of the event, it demonstrated the hunger the industry has for these emerging and critical areas of the automotive aftermarket.

Melissa Horne MP, the Victorian Minister For Roads And Road Safety, officially opened the Expo Electrified Zone on the first day of the Expo.

Minister Horne generously took the time to speak to attendees before touring the specialised training zone to meet with industry leaders and visitors. Training was a central feature of the 2024 Expo, with the delivery of world-class, comprehensive training sessions covering advanced diagnostics, EV training, business management, collision repair and much more.

In an Australian first, an in-depth Technical Training Program led by international diagnostics experts Danny Versluis from the Diagnose Dan YouTube channel and Sean Tipping from the Automotive Diagnostic Podcast gave automotive technicians a unique opportunity to remain at the forefront of vehicle diagnosis across key themed sessions.

Meanwhile, the ground-breaking Business Education Program covered the most important automotive business topics, led by many of Australia’s leading aftermarket voices and respected subject matter experts, as well as Auto Care Association USA President and Chief Executive Officer, Bill Hanvey.

Subjects covered the latest aftermarket trends, how to address the industry skills shortage, marketing and much more, with many sessions filled to capacity.

The international flavour of the Expo continued in an exclusive Collision Repair Training Program. US-based EV expert Dirk Fuchs, the Chief Executive Officer of Electric Mobility Consulting, held multiple sessions covering EV service, repair and workshop fundamentals.

Highly respected UK-based business coach Robert Snook and Chief Executive Officer of Business Success Global hosted valuable business improvement sessions, while Bud Center, the Director of Technical Products and Curriculum at I-CAR USA, tackled advanced collision repair techniques and strategies.

Further, an exclusive networking event held on the show floor on Friday afternoon provided both visitors and exhibitors with a rare opportunity to connect with peers on an unprecedented scale, all amidst the uplifting backdrop of live DJ music and light refreshments.

To encourage and promote the next generation

of automotive technicians, the Flying Spanners competition was introduced to the Expo.

The competition involved teams of automotive students from different Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) competing against each other to rebuild an engine faster than the opposing team, using only hand tools. The competition was a huge success for everyone involved.

The best and brightest of the automotive aftermarket industry were also celebrated and formally recognised at the Auto Aftermarket Innovation Awards Breakfast and the Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards Banquet.

These outstanding events helped to create an unforgettable three days for the auto aftermarket industry.

“I want to sincerely thank all of our incredible exhibitors, our world-class speakers who came from across the globe and around Australia, and the record number of visitors who showed their commitment to the future of our industry by taking time out of their businesses to attend –the passion and dedication shown by everyone involved has been brilliant,” Stuart said.

“I would like to acknowledge and express my gratitude for the support of Auto Aftermarket Expo Major Sponsor Repco, and Collision Repair Expo Major Sponsor SAPE Group, and all of our valued partners and sponsors who helped us to deliver this amazing industry event.

“I would also like to thank the AAAA Board, the amazing AAAA team and the MSE events team for their relentless work bringing this incredible event to life. We are now looking forward to Autocare in Brisbane in 2025.”

The next Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo and Collision Repair Expo will take place in 2026.

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

EVENT SPONSORS

AUSTRALIA’S BEST RECOGNISED AT THE AUTO AFTERMARKET EXCELLENCE AWARDS

The best and brightest of the automotive aftermarket industry were celebrated and formally recognised in two incredible awards events at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo

The Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards Banquet, presented by Platinum sponsor Burson Auto Parts, is the aftermarket’s most prestigious national awards event, and took place on the Thursday evening of the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo in the spectacular Melbourne Room at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The aftermarket industry’s night of nights was a major highlight of the Expo, with nearly 700 industry guests coming together to celebrate and recognise excellence in the automotive aftermarket industry across a wide range of award categories.

Three new awards were also introduced this year: the Automotive Sustainability Business Award, the Automotive Education Excellence Award, and the Women At The Wheel award.

The evening also marked the opportunity to honour a number of worthy individuals: Anthony Kittel from REDARC Electronics received the Outstanding Service To Industry award, Lex Gelmi from Pedders Suspension and Brakes was awarded the Kim Aunger Young Achiever Award, while Margaret Dymond of the Penrite Oil Company, and Jeff Smit of The Automotive Technician became worthy inductees into the AAAA Hall of Fame.

The memorable evening was hosted by sports personality Russell Robertson, and TV presenter Neroli Meadows, with the evening’s soundtrack provided by DJ Emma Peters, adding to the buzzing atmosphere in the room.

“The awards dinner was a truly special night that reinforces my admiration for this incredible industry,” Australian Auto Aftermarket Association (AAAA) Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, said.

“The vibe was electric, and importantly we were able to celebrate and reward those achieving great things in our industry.

“Congratulations to all our award winners at the Gala, and the Innovation Awards Breakfast. It is inspirational for all of us.”

The Auto Aftermarket Innovation Awards breakfast, sponsored by Ryco, was held before the opening of the Expo on Thursday the 11th of April, and saw nearly 300 guests treated to an inspirational morning where the companies producing the most innovative products, services and campaigns in the industry were recognised.

The 2024 Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards’ Honour Roll is as follows.

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Kim Aunger Young Achiever

Lex Gelmi, Pedders Suspension and Brakes

Outstanding Service to Industry

Anthony Kittel, REDARC Electronics

Hall of Fame Inductees

Margaret Dymond, Penrite Oil Company

Jeff Smit, The Automotive Technician

Terry Mahoney Excellence in Marketing Nulon Products Australia

Excellence in Manufacturing FMP Group

Excellence in Export REDARC Electronics

Excellence in Employee Engagement and Wellbeing Award

Repco Authorised Service

Automotive Education Excellence Award (New award)

Clinton Brett, Diesel Help Australia

Women at the Wheel (New award)

Priscilla Robb

Excellence in Repair and Service – Chain

Maryborough Service Centre (Repco Authorised Service)

– Daryn, Petrina and Dana Brims

Excellence in Repair and Service - Independent Workshop

Radical Automotive, Cody McKay

Kim Aunger Young Achiever - Lex Gelmi, Pedders Suspension and Brakes (accepted by Scott Pedder)

Hall of Fame Inductee - Margaret Dymond, Penrite Oil Company

Outstanding Service to Industry - Anthony Kittel, REDARC Electronics

Hall of Fame Inductee - Jeff Smit, The Automotive Technician

2024 AUSTRALIAN AUTO AFTERMARKET INNOVATION AWARDS

Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product (4WD) Zeder Corporation – Upgraded Front Steering Knuckle Kit

Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product (Accessories) Brown and Watson International – IDC25X DC to DC Charger

Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product (Electrical) REDARC Electronics – TVMS Rogue

Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product (Parts) FMP Group – General CT Rotors

Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product (Performance) Garrett Advanced Motion – Garrett G-Smart Module

Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product (Tools and Equipment)

CoolDrive Auto Parts – Powerduction 37LG

Most Innovative Community Impact Program mycar Tyre and Auto

Most Innovative Marketing Campaign mycar Tyre and Auto

Most Innovative E-Commerce Solution Zeder Corporation

Automotive Business Sustainability Award (New award) REDARC Electronics

2024 AUSTRALIAN AUTO AFTERMARKET EXPO STAND AWARDS

MINISTER ADDRESSES EXPO AWARDS BREAKFAST

The Honourable Dr Andrew Leigh told the audience that competition drives innovation

Federal Australian Labor Party (ALP) Minister, the Honourable Dr Andrew Leigh, addressed the official AAAExpo Breakfast at Crown’s Palladium just prior to officially cutting the ribbon to open the proceedings at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“Innovation has always been highly prized in the automotive industry. And it is something that should be rewarded. So, it’s great to be here today to recognise the best innovators in the automotive aftermarket industry – those of you who have deployed creativity and problem-solving skills to make the world a bit better for all of us,” Dr Leigh said.

Dr Leigh pledged his Government’s support for the automotive aftermarket, and the service and repair sector in particular.

“One of the best things governments can do to encourage more innovation across the economy is to get the competition settings right,” Dr Leigh said.

“Competitive markets increase incentives and opportunities for businesses to invest and innovate, and it keeps Australian businesses competitive relative to our peers in other countries.

“Less dynamic markets don’t have that same competitive pressure. A lack of competition puts the brakes on innovation and entrepreneurs.

“We are committed to fixing things because we know competition has the potential to accelerate economic growth.”

Dr Leigh said his Government has asked the Productivity Commission to conduct a study to come up with priorities for governments to consider.

“The Competition Taskforce has a brief to lift the bonnet and examine whether Australia’s competition laws, policies and institutions remain fit for purpose,” he said.

“The Taskforce is looking at Australia’s merger laws as one of its first priorities – the first serious review in more than a decade.

“The Taskforce has also published an issues paper inviting comment on the use of non-compete clauses in Australia and their impact on workers, businesses, and competition.

“Underpinning this work, the Taskforce is analysing large datasets and taking a fresh approach to understand Australia’s competition landscape.

“Ultimately, the Taskforce’s role is to produce practical policies that will boost competition and help fuel innovation.”

Dr Leigh reiterated his Government’s support of a fair and open marketplace.

“We’ve increased penalties available under

the Competition and Consumer Act to ensure a level playing field for all Australian businesses, big and small,” he said.

“We’ve delivered on our promise to strengthen unfair contract term laws – which are significant for the small businesses in the room who deal with larger businesses and standard form contracts.

“We’ve just passed legislation to provide designated consumer and small business advocates with a process where they can report significant or systemic market issues to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

“And we’ve consulted on options to address unfair trading practices that may currently fall outside the scope of the Australian Consumer Law.”

Dr Leigh outlined that his Government is actively backing the AAAA’s Right to Repair campaign.

“Prior to the introduction of the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme, around one in 10 vehicles taken to repair workshops experienced a lack of access to service and repair information,” he said.

“And some will recall situations where cars were being towed back to the dealership just to have a pin code entered.

“The scheme is an innovation that wouldn’t be possible without the backing of industry.

“For the first time, the scheme required data providers, including car manufacturers, to make motor vehicle service and repair information available for purchase by all Australian repairers and registered training organisations at a fair market price.

“Given the scheme is the first of its kind in Australia, we are not resting on our laurels. We are continuing to monitor for any potential implementation issues associated with the scheme, as they arise.

“The government is committed to ensuring the scheme remains fit-for-purpose, and we will continue to collaborate with the automotive sector to ensure Australia has world-leading right to repair laws.”

To learn more about the AAAA’s Right to Repair, visit www.aaaa.com.au/your-car-your-choice/

RYCO LOOKS TO THE FUTURE AT EXPO

Ryco continued to demonstrate its commitment to future technologies at AAAExpo

With a display dedicated to Ryco’s filter range for EV and hybrid vehicles, visitors were able to learn and understand just what kind of maintenance goes into the protection of EV vehicles that are becoming more common on Australian roads.

In addition to this, Ryco’s Supercars display showcased its high efficiency filters made especially for the Supercars Gen3 engine.

Ryco’s main attraction was a signed James Courtney 2023 bumper on display, with the opportunity for stand-goers to submit a survey and enter the draw to win the bumper.

Those surprised to see the Ryco stand wall art come to life were drawn in to learn what sort of technology the Ryco team developed for Supercars and where this technology is heading.

From here the Ryco team were able to lead visitors to the Toyota LandCruiser 200 on display, boasting Ryco’s 4x4 upgrade kits including an RCC360 Catch Can and Fuel Water Separator with the S102XK Bluetooth Sensor Kit.

Most importantly though, it gave Ryco the opportunity to demonstrate it’s all new A5001R Ryco NanoCel High Efficiency Air Filter in its appropriate application.

Ryco’s newest air filter is the first of many in a new range that will be utilising Supercars technology for vehicles outside of motorsport. It is made of flame retardant and hydrophobic nano-fibre coated media with patented honeycomb cell pleating construction which was the inspiration behind the name for the newest edition to this range.

Ryco says the A5001R incorporates a total of 4.2 times more filtration media compared to the OE equivalent which has 1sqm of media.

Ryco presented its comprehensive range helping highlight the importance of these filters and the technology developed in order to see them meet or exceed OE standards.

For more information, visit www.rycofilters.com

NEW FOR 2024 ZONES PROVE A HUGE SUCCESS

At Expo, two new specialist zones delivered hands-on technical training right on the show floor

Introduced for the first time at the 2024 Australian Auto Aftermarket and Collision Repair Expos, the ADAS Technology Zone and Expo Electrified Zone were exceptionally wellpatronised across the entirety of the event.

In response to calls from the industry for hands-on learning opportunities in these areas, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) partnered with ADAS Solutions and The Automotive Technician’s (TaT) EV and Hybrid Network to deliver interactive learning sessions across all three days of the show, with each and every session over-subscribed.

“In the ADAS Technology Zone, we worked with ADAS Solutions to present how ADAS systems work, what you need to look out for, what equipment ranges are out there, and exactly when a recalibration would be required,” AAAA Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, said.

“Also discussed were the benefits of doing ADAS calibration in-house or outsourcing to experts. Importantly, it was not about selling any particular kind of equipment, it was about education, and we were so pleased to see workshop owners, technicians and apprentices lining up each day to pack out every one of the live demonstration and interactive sessions using the vehicles and equipment on-site.

“And it was a similar story at Expo Electrified. There has been a lot of talk about the move to electrification with hybrid and battery electric vehicles and everything that is happening with the government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standards.

“What we are going to see over the next five years is quite a substantial change in the vehicles people buy in Australia, and our industry needs to be ready for this.

“As such, we were very proud to partner with TaT to deliver technical training – steering away from the PowerPoint presentations of old, instead the experts at TaT were able to take technicians through different stations of components, tooling and equipment to complete modules.”

The Expo Electrified Zone also displayed a Ford F-150 Lightning, which was brought over from the US by the AAAA in conjunction with the AIC, as part of a grant by the Victorian Government’s Zero Emission Vehicles Commercial Sector Innovation Fund.

“Having the F-150 on display was definitely a real highlight, and with the tub off we could show the battery and control modules and really help technicians immerse themselves into what the tech is all about and really understand what they need to set themselves up in the workshop to work in this area,” Stuart said.

“Like in the ADAS Technology Zone, all of the sessions at Expo Electrified were oversubscribed, and we were so pleased to see how valued they were by those attending.

“As our Expo theme says, the future is here, and it is our hope that all those that attended these zones at Expo now have some new knowledge and skills to take back to their workshops as we all continue to tackle this unprecedented time of change together.”

The Expo Electrified Zone was made possible by The Automotive Technician, along with supporting sponsors Autel, CoolDrive, mycar Tyre and Auto, Repco Authorised Service, Valeo, Century Batteries and Infinitev.

The ADAS Technology Zone was made possible by ADAS Solutions Australia, along with supporting sponsors Autel, Valeo, Goss, Injectronics and Hella Gutmann.

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

DIGNITARIES OPEN 2024 EXPO

Federal and Victorian state politicians commended the AAAA as they visited AAAExpo

Federal Australian Labor Party (ALP) Minister, the Honourable Dr Andrew Leigh, who is also the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury and Assistant Minister for Employment, cut the ribbon to officially open the 2024 AAAExpo on Thursday the 11th of April.

“Independent mechanics are the lifeblood of so many vehicles,” Dr Leigh declared as he opened the Expo.

“We need a strong and thriving automotive service and repair sector in Australia to make sure that people have choice. They know that it is their car, and they can choose where they want to get it fixed.

“This Expo has all kinds of new technologies and innovations and underpinning it is a real passion and a sense that in Australia we have more choices about how and where to fix our cars, more opportunities to use those new technologies, and more chances to learn from each other.”

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, described the Expo as one of the largest automotive aftermarket education and innovation exhibitions in the southern hemisphere with over

400 exhibitors displaying their products and around 11,000 trade visitors pre-registered.

Joining Dr Leigh and Stuart at the ribbon cutting were AAAA Chairman Wayne Bryant, Chair of Australian Automotive Products Manufacturers and Exporters Council (APMEC) Gino Ricciuti, and the Chief Executive Officer of Autocare Association USA, Bill Hanvey.

Later that day, Victorian ALP Minister, the Honourable Melissa Horne, the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, visited the Expo Electrified Zone to inspect the Auto Innovation Centre’s Ford Lightning F250 EV, which was funded by a grant from the Victorian Government.

“It is really good to be here to support the incredible work that the AAAA is doing and to be able to see the innovations that is occurring with this sort of vehicle,” Ms Horne said.

“I came and had a look at this (vehicle) a few months ago and have had such rich conversations with people who are working in the electric vehicle industry and without a doubt, this is the industry of the future and it’s really important for government to be able to come and see the innovations that the AIC is doing and also to be able to support it.

GLOBAL FIGHT FOR DATA

Australia and USA aftermarket associations join forces to take up the Right to Repair battle for independent workshops

Bill Hanvey, the Chief Executive Officer of Autocare USA, was a special guest at the recent Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (AAAExpo).

Autocare is the equivalent Association to the AAAA in the USA and runs the popular Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas each year.

Talking at the AAAExpo, Bill emphasised how important it is for the relevant associations from each country to work together to fight the common enemy of the global carmakers.

Bill explained that Autocare represents 4.7 million jobs in the United States and that non-dealer workshops complete 70 percent, worth $US 500 million, of the automotive service and repair business. However, projections show that is likely to reduce to 54 percent in a decade’s time unless access to repair data is made law in the country. It is a familiar battle around the world with car manufacturers trying to block work from independent workshops.

“The automakers want to create a monopoly and they want to create that cradle to grave relationship and they want to keep you (the independent workshops) out of the equation

because you are the choice of the consumer three quarters of the time,” Bill said.

He said independent workshops in the US still often couldn’t diagnose a vehicle’s problem due to being locked out of the ECU by a secret code held only by the manufacturers.

“Anytime a shop owner gives up and has to send that job to the dealership, we have lost,” Bill said.

He pointed out that the car manufacturers were prepared to stoop to low levels to try to convince US voters not to allow Right to Repair laws to pass.

He told the story of the automakers spending $30 million in a scare campaign in the US state of Massachusetts, claiming independent workshop owners could use vehicle access codes to stalk their customers to commit domestic violence and sexual crimes.

Bill said he is encouraged by Australia’s recently passed Right to Repair legislation and draws on that success to inspire himself and his colleagues in their similar battle in the United States.

“We get asked quite frequently, what are other regions around the world doing? And Australia is always first mentioned in terms of what’s happening,” Bill said.

“While it is important for us to achieve our decarbonisation goals, without a doubt this (EV) is the big wave of the future, and it is something that the government stands beside the industry in to help them advance.”

The Expo Electrified Zone was one of the most popular exhibitions during this year’s Expo with many visitors taking part in training seminars and many more just visiting to catch a glimpse of the future of the industry.

To learn more about AAAExpo, visit www.autoaftermarketexpo.com.au

“We point to Australia as a success… there’s some battle scars around the world for this initiative. And we have to make sure that we lessen the battle scars for those regions that are beginning their fight for right to repair.

“And the best way to defeat the common enemy is to work together. We have learned that the automakers are very consistent in their approach – lawyers, lobbyists, and delay, deny, and distort.

“We recognise that and we work together to say, ‘’hey, let’s be careful of this’. So, it’s really quite helpful to have partners like AAAA and others around the globe.”

For more information on Right to Repair, visit www.aaaa.com.au/your-car-your-choice/

MARGARET DYMOND RECOGNISED BY PEERS

The long-time Penrite owner has been inducted into the AAAA Hall of Fame

At the Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards Banquet, Margaret Dymond was inducted into the AAAA Hall of Fame.

Margaret is the the owner of renowned Australian automotive company, Penrite Oil, and wife of the late John ‘JD’ Dymond.

Margaret and ‘JD’ first moved from England to Australia in the late 1950s to pursue JD’s work commitments with BP and then later in the additive and lubricants sector at Lubrizol, before he and Margaret purchased the Penrite Oil Company from its original Founder, Les Mecoles, in 1979. It is said that Les joked at the time to Margaret, “it is great you have nine children as you already have your own workforce.”

In those early years, Margaret was very hands on within the business assisting JD at car club talks to showcase Penrite, at events on weekends to promote the brand, and even in the factory spraypainting oil drums or making promotional t-shirts with the Dymond children.

Throughout these formative years Penrite launched many new products to the Australian automotive industry, including the iconic HPR series. This range was designed, tested and manufactured

here in Penrite’s local plant and showcased Penrite’s ability to deliver world-class products designed in Australia for Australian conditions.

As the 2000s commenced and just as Penrite was growing into what we see today as an industry leader in the automotive landscape, Margaret and the family were impacted with the passing of both JD and their eldest son Mark, both who had been a major force behind the now iconic brand.

Lately additional Dymond family members have joined the ranks at Penrite in various roles, including sons Toby as Chief Executive Officer, Nigel in new product development, Jon as Victorian State Manager, and Fleur in merchandising. Other children Roland, Sam, Julia, and Sue have also contributed to the business throughout its growth. Margaret still maintains a hands-on role with the Board and the direction of the company and also supports Penrite’s sponsorships of grass-roots events and charitable causes, while also ensuring Australian manufacturing and family values are still Penrite’s focus.

In addition to her work at Penrite, Margaret privately has been a champion for youth involvement in automotive trades and motorsport activities.

She continues to support various initiatives aimed at encouraging young people to pursue careers in the automotive sector and has been a mentor to many aspiring motorsport enthusiasts.

“When my husband came home and said he was going to buy Penrite, I thought ‘is this something that we really want to do?’ John told me why and we said yes, so we counted our money and said, ‘we are going to do it’,” Margret said during her acceptance speech.

When asked what the secret to the Dymond family’s and Penrite’s success was, she paused before answering: “the secret is a lot of hard work and doing something together and making sure that you have good communication with everybody.”

To learn more about Penrite Oil, visit www.penriteoil.com.au

BRAINSTORM PROVIDES REVOLUTIONARY AI INSIGHTS

With DBC2, BrainStorm delivered a captivating seminar as part of the Expo

BrainStorm Software, a leading innovator in AI technology, captivated attendees at the AAAExpo with its groundbreaking seminar held in collaboration with DBC2’s Dale Brittain. The event took place on day two of the Expo on Friday the 12th of April, at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

The seminar, titled ‘Unlocking ROI: AI Technology in the Automotive Aftermarket,’ featured BrainStorm Chief Executive Officer, Ty Osborne, as the keynote speaker.

Ty delivered an insightful presentation, delving into the transformative power of AI within the automotive aftermarket industry.

Attendees had the opportunity to explore tangible

case studies, gaining firsthand knowledge on leveraging AI technology to optimise business performance.

Ty shared real-world examples that showcased the untapped potential of AI solutions, highlighting the hidden opportunities for maximising ROI.

His expertise provided invaluable insights, offering attendees actionable strategies to propel their businesses forward in an increasingly competitive market.

Reflecting on the event, Ty expressed gratitude to the attendees.

“Thank you to everyone who attended the seminar. I love sharing my knowledge on AI and its potential to revolutionise the automotive aftermarket industry.

“It has been a passion of mine for many years and continues to be and I hope that everyone that attended took away some valuable insights.”

DBC2 Managing Director and Founder, Dale Brittain, emphasised the significance of DBC2’s partnership with BrainStorm Software.

“I wanted to assist Ty as he’s invaluable. I really believe in what Ty does and what he’s doing. We are so happy to be partnered with expert knowledge on AI,” Dale said.

BrainStorm says the seminar served as a testament to its commitment to innovation and driving industry-wide progress through AI technology. By providing actionable insights and tangible examples, BrainStorm says it continues to lead the charge in reshaping the future of the automotive aftermarket sector.

Not only were they on-hand for the Seminar, but Ty and the team were also available at their stand at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo and said they felt privileged to be a part of the bi-annual event.

“The Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo really blew me away, the size of the event was incredible and to be a part of the 350 or so exhibitors was a real privilege, also their assistance in running the seminar is really appreciated,” Ty said.

For more information, please visit www.brainstormit.com.au

SPANNERS FLY AT EXPO

The Flying Spanners competition was very well received at AAAExpo

The Australian Auto Aftermarket and Collision Repair Expos played host to the next generation of mechanics, with the inaugural Supercheap Auto Trade ‘Flying Spanners’ competition taking place.

Six teams of two apprentices took part in the competition, which saw up and comers from MyCar, Kangan Institute and Box Hill TAFE pitted head-to-head to see which team could strip and rebuild an engine, using only hand tools, faster than the other.

Kangan Institute Manager of Commercial Vehicle and Engine Technology, Gavin Cribb, said that the institute’s support of the competition indicates its commitment to the future of the industry.

“At Kangan Institute, we are extremely passionate about fostering the next generation of automotive talent through our Automotive Centre of Excellence,” Gavin said.

“We were very excited to see our teams in full flight at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo, going head-to-head with some of our country’s best and brightest students.”

With the competition taking place over the three days of the Expo, the road to the final for the teams began on the Thursday, with the opening two matchups being followed by the final for the day. The process was repeated on the Friday, with the winner of each day facing off on the final day of Expo. After a long road to the final, which saw their journey begin on the opening day, Nathaniel Chin and Micheal Mercer beat fellow MyCar apprentices Dylan Suric and Matthew Hunter to be crowned champions, with the winning pair stripping and rebuilding their engine in 19 minutes and 4 seconds.

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

WOMEN AT THE WHEEL AWARD CELEBRATES PRISCILLA ROBB

Priscilla’s contribution to the automotive aftermarket has been significant and influential

Amongst the prestigious awards bestowed on worthy recipients at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo’s Excellence Awards Banquet was the new Women at the Wheel Award.

Amongst quality nominees, Gates Marketing Manager Priscilla Robb was both honoured and humbled to accept the Women at the Wheel Award at the Banquet, which celebrated the diversity of our industry with more than a thousand industry representatives.

With a notable career spanning two decades, Priscilla’s contribution to the automotive aftermarket has been significant and influential. Priscilla’s acceptance of the award was met with a standing ovation, a collective acknowledgment of her two decades of professionalism and creativity that have left an indelible mark on the industry.

“To be acknowledged by peers is an honour that I’ll cherish deeply,” Priscilla said.

“It reaffirms my commitment to our industry and the potential for more women to emerge as leaders.”

Priscilla’s dedication to the automotive aftermarket industry, marked by her extensive experience and consistent excellence, has earned her not only this award but also the respect and admiration of colleagues.

Overwhelmed by the recognition, Priscilla remarked, “This moment is truly humbling.”

The Women at the Wheel Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate significant professional success and a commitment to the advancement of women in the automotive industry.

Priscilla’s accolade serves as an encouragement for future aspirants in the field.

“The visibility of success is crucial. It is not just an accolade but a signal to other women in the industry that their aspirations are valid and achievable,” Priscilla said.

Reflecting on the award, Priscilla shared her vision for the future.

“As we celebrate achievements, let’s also forge paths for women entering this field, nurturing an

environment where their work is recognised and their progress unhindered,” she articulated, setting an aspirational tone for the evening.

Brooke Marangos, the director of Auto Talent, whose agency sponsored the Women at the Wheel Award, was on hand to present the accolade.

“Presenting this award to Priscilla is a testament to her steadfast dedication and leadership. Her success is an inspiring illustration of where talent and ambition can lead within our industry,” Brooke said.

Brooke says the award’s presentation is a fitting extension of Auto Talent’s mission to propel the industry forward by recognizing and nurturing female talent.

She went on to state that Auto Talent’s sponsorship agreement with the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association and this reward reflects a shared vision of a diverse and dynamic industry.

As the automotive sector drives towards a more inclusive future, leaders like Priscilla and advocates like Brooke are steering the way for aspiring women in the industry.

The evening was punctuated by commendations and heartfelt accolades from industry peers, signalling a broader commitment to diversity and empowerment in the sector.

Brooke underscored the significance of Robb’s contributions, stating “Priscilla’s journey and achievements underscore the essential role women play in driving the future of automotive excellence.”

The award ceremony was not merely a recognition of individual success but an emblem of the industry’s evolution towards inclusivity.

In closing, Brooke emphasised the synergistic sponsorship between Auto Talent and the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association, stating “together, we’re not just awarding excellence; we’re accelerating a movement towards an equitable and diverse industry.”

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

LONG ROAD TO OVERNIGHT SUCCESS

Clinton Brett was recognised with the Automotive Education Excellence Award

With over 30 years of experience, Clinton founded Diesel Help Australia 10 years ago in response to the shortage of aftermarket common rail diesel training.

“I am proud to be the chosen winner of the inaugural AAAA 2024 Automotive Education Excellence award,” Clinton said.

“Firstly, I would like to thank my wife Jodi Brett for secretly nominating me for this award and her continued hard work behind the scenes in Diesel Help Australia.

“I would like to thank the AAAA and the judges who recognised our achievements as the best in class. I would also like to thank the enthusiasm from award sponsor, ZF Friedrichshafen AG.

“I work on a similar motto as ZF – see. think. act.

“It is an honour to be awarded for our face to face, group packages, and online training courses.

“I continue creating training on all applications of diesels systems. We are delivering, adding, updating, or revising courses for old and new diesel systems, AdBlue, DPF, EGR, scan tool diagnostics and Diesel Service Advisor training.

“Our technical bulletins assist our members,

recognised as training to reduce time diagnosing. These bulletins are proven techniques in our online library and are linked to videos and other valuable resources, accessible via their account login.

“With our recent release of Global Basic membership, we have made it even more accessible and cost effective for large groups and organisations.

“One of the tasks Jodi has been tirelessly working on behind the scenes, is the ease of access via the website for groups with 20 staff to 100 or more members to access our expanding library of 240+ bulletins.”

Clinton has the following message for the industry.

“As the winner of this prestigious award, I ask Australian technicians to step up and have a go at delivering training,” Clinton said.

“I have witnessed the talent shared on social media and most vehicle owners won’t appreciate your skills as much as the next generation of automotive technicians.

“We are an evolving industry and though it’s easy to get distracted by media hype around EV and hybrid, remember these systems are a drop in the ocean

compared to the continued dominance of diesel and EFI in all sectors.

“I ask all AAAA suppliers of parts and services, to band together and share everyone’s training courses with your clients – we all deserve to have options. “Technicians are missing out on valuable training in their area. Whether it’s diesel, EFI, EV, hybrid or powertrain training, workshops will appreciate your efforts to improving and lifting the industry as a whole.”

To learn more about Diesel Help Australia, visit www.dieselhelp.com.au

ANTHONY KITTEL HONOURED AT AAAEXPO

REDARC’s Managing Director was recognised as the auto electronics company picked up multiple wins

REDARC Managing Director, Anthony Kittel, was honoured with the Outstanding Service to Industry Award as part of the Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards.

For 26 years Anthony has guided REDARC Electronics, taking it from a small tin shed into a global powerhouse.

His tenure at REDARC is marked by dedication to innovation and technical advancement. Anthony is also a former AAAA Hall of Fame Winner.

“I would just like to thank the AAAA and all of the sponsors this evening, our suppliers to REDARC and our customers,” Anthony said when accepting the award.

“I’m grateful to be involved in such a passionate industry and to see the amount of change and opportunity that lays ahead for not only everyone in this room but for all of the young people in Australia and what a great opportunity we have to make exceptional products and supply the best customers in the industry.”

REDARC Electronics was also presented with the Excellence in Export award, the Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product (Electrical) award for the TVMS Rogue, and the Excellence in Business Sustainability award, a new category added this year.

“I am delighted that REDARC have been acknowledged on the national stage as a leader in the automotive aftermarket,” Anthony said.

“Receiving awards over multiple categories highlights REDARC’s commitment to investing in innovation and desire to become a truly global business, as well as REDARC’s absolute dedication to sustainable business.

“Winning both Excellence in Export and Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product for the TVMS Rogue are great rewards and acknowledgements for all the hard work our REDARC team have put in, a team, who continue to strive to be the best in the market with high quality, rugged products.”

These successes follow REDARC’s recent backto-back awards for Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Exporter of the Year at the South Australian and National Export Awards.

Outside of product development and business growth, REDARC has put substantial efforts into its environmental practices.

A range of initiatives have been implemented which have resulted in notable reductions in carbon emissions, energy consumption, and waste generation, pushing REDARC further towards achieving its goal of being completely carbon neutral by 2025.

These initiatives include heavy investment in solar power, development of effective waste management processes, and a dedication to the development of sustainable product packaging.

“REDARC is committed to the preservation of the environment for the benefit of future generations,” Anthony said.

“Our team shares these values and are passionate in ensuring that REDARC is doing everything it can to reduce emissions, waste and ensure sustainable sourcing practices.

“Being acknowledged by our peers through the Excellence in Business Sustainability Award highlights the work that REDARC have done in becoming an environmental leader within the Automotive industry.”

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

DON KYATT GROUP OF COMPANIES SHOWCASE NEW PRODUCTS

Terrain Tamer and Flashlube both took the opportunity at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo to showcase a range of innovative products that have either flourished or been newly added to their portfolios since the Expo’s last iteration in 2022.

From its 60,000 strong range, Terrain Tamer displayed its popular Parabolic Leaf Springs, along with Heavy Duty Bearing Kits, Air Filter Insert Shim Kits, and its most recent addition, the Fortified Plus 4WD Kevlar Clutch Kit, to a record number of visitors.

The new Terrain Tamer Sealed Alternator Assembly, which has been gathering attention from the mining industry in recent months, was also showcased as a nominee for the Expo’s Innovative Parts Awards.

“The AAAExpo is really our industry marketplace,” Don Kyatt Group General Manager, Brent Hutchinson, said.

“Of the events we attend throughout the year, this one has the most benefit to us, as it allows us to come together to celebrate achievements, release new products and discuss ideas and trends for the future.

“It has been wonderful to see the Expo continue to grow over time, and reach record growth again this year, to make it a true centre piece of our industry.”

Meanwhile, the Flashlube exhibition donned a large and colourful wall display sporting images of the range of additives, greases and more. These products were also physically available on the stand for industry visitors to view and discuss with the Flashlube team.

Most notable for Flashlube was the display of several newly released products, including DOT4 Brake Fluid, AdBlue, Distilled Water and both premix and concentrate Radiator Coolant.

The Expo also offered the opportunity for the release of Flashlube’s new ‘Keep It All Running Smoothly’ campaign, which expands focus to the full family of products, marking a departure from the previous long running ‘Next Generation’ campaign, which exclusively featured dieselbased products.

“The best thing about AAAExpo is that it gives us the opportunity to display our full range of products to the industry and showcase any new

innovations that we, as a company, have released over the past two years,” Flashlube Product Manager, Sam Maio, said.

“It also offers such a great chance to reconnect with the industry via suppliers, manufacturers, competitors and consumers, to exchange ideas and concepts while discussing the pros and cons of business and hear about the future through the eyes of industry leaders.

“Even if I wasn’t associated with the industry, I would definitely still visit, and I am already looking forward to what we’ll have on offer for 2026!”

For more information, visit www.terraintamer.com and www.flashlube.com

PRECISION EQUIPMENT AND BURSON EQUIPMENT STEAL THE SHOW

BAPCOR Limited, which explains it is Australasia’s largest automotive aftermarket specialised company, occupied a total of four large and well-equipped stands at the country’s biennial industry showcase

Two of the Australian company’s largest stands at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre were devoted to the company’s commitment to providing and servicing a selection of the world’s highest quality and technologically advanced workshop equipment to the nation’s general automotive and collision repairers.

Burson Equipment used AAAExpo to promote its brand-new range of Launch diagnostic tools, accompanied by the latest Autel and Jaltest diagnostic tools and their accompanying industry leading software.

The Autel ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist Systems) tools saw a very high level of AAAExpo visitor engagement and enquiry, as more automotive repairers deal with modern vehicle ADAS calibration requirements.

The latest specification Rotary Lift AV Arms (All-Vehicle) were on display at the Precision Automotive Equipment stand, gaining a great deal of visitor interest.

Precision Automotive Equipment explains these are the highest capacity low profile vehicle lifts available, featuring the industry’s lowest pad height, 20 percent longer length, 470mm front arm retracted length, a 30 percent larger arm sweep area along with the capability to lift anything from hatchbacks, sedans, exotics, 4WDs, EVs and more, providing total versatility and improved workshop productivity.

The Rotary LT35A Lifting Table also proved popular, with the Precision Automotive Equipment display stand showcasing its 1,587 kilogram lifting capacity, 1,981mm pendant cord, side to side and fore and aft tilt alignment, expandable

platform, split sliding top and lockable lifting height capability.

This lifting table also works in conjunction with the Rotary RT30 Repair Table to create multiple repair stations within the one workshop space.

Precision Automotive Equipment also teamed up with exciting EV manufacturer BYD at AAAExpo to showcase Rotary’s EV Battery Tables on its stand.

As the exclusive national distributor of the leading Hunter range of wheel service equipment products, the stand also showcased a number of new and industry leading products from this world-renowned innovator.

Wheel alignment technology has never been more advanced at AAAExpo with Precision Automotive Equipment also featuring the HawkEye Elite Aligner combined with WinAlign Software.

With a database supporting more than 285 million vehicles, Precision Automotive Equipment featured this benchmark setting wheel alignment system and its software that it says sets the world’s highest performance standard for wheel alignment equipment.

Hunter’s new Maverick Wheel Changer was also displayed sharing many features with Hunter’s popular and standard-setting Revolution tyre changer.

This model keeps the technician completely in charge with smooth and fully variable operation with hydraulic controls that combine low-speed functionality with on-demand faster operation, allowing technicians who prefer a more hands-on approach to adapt the process to suit their individual needs.

Precision Automotive Equipment also showcased what it describes as the world’s fastest diagnostic wheel balancer, the Hunter Road Force Elite Wheel Balancer.

This state of the art balancer solves vibration problems and provides a “new car ride” using its diagnostic load roller.

Precision Automotive Equipment General Manager, Peter Hewitt, said the 2024 AAAExpo was the company’s most comprehensive equipment showcase.

“We were inundated throughout the three days at AAAExpo. Between the Precision Automotive Equipment and the Burson stands we had the latest and greatest that the world has to offer in workshop equipment, which has become more important than ever with ADAS calibration requirements and modern vehicle servicing requirements,” Peter said.

“It is always great to liaise with our customers face to face at AAAExpo and we encourage any visitors who want to learn more about anything that they have seen or discussed at the event to visit our fully operational equipment showroom, where we can personally guide customers through our world leading lift, wheel service and diagnostic equipment range.”

To learn more about Precision Automotive Equipment, call 1300 366 252 or visit www.precisionautomotive.com.au

To learn more about Burson Equipment, contact your local store by calling 1300 287 766 or visit www.bursonequipment.com.au

NEW SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR EVS HIGHLIGHTED

Dirk Fuchs tells independent workshops they need to prepare for the dangers of fires and shocks caused by batteries

Dirk Fuchs, the Chief Executive Officer of Electric Mobility Consulting, alerted independent workshop owners and mechanics to the new frontier of safety required when working on EVs at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (AAAExpo).

Dirk, who completes a lot of emergency response work in the United States, stressed that statistically it is not often that something goes wrong, but when it does, it can be catastrophic.

He detailed a number of case studies where cars had been burnt out and workshops destroyed by fire, going on to outline the safety requirements any workshop which stores damaged EVs or hybrids, or vehicles with batteries that are known to be faulty, should know.

Dirk could not stress enough the importance of isolating and disabling all electrical systems in such vehicles as soon as they arrive, if not before; pointing out that a number of workshops have been burnt to the ground in the US by EVs that were left overnight.

Dirk said the first safety precautions should be made when a damaged vehicle is towed to the workshop. He said it must be taken on a flatbed truck or at least towed in such a way so that the driving wheels do not spin.

He also stressed the importance of the correct PPE and making sure that PPE is regularly replaced.

Dirk explained every electrified vehicle has an ERG or Emergency Response Guide, which can be provided by the vehicle manufacturer, and repairers should make sure they have a copy of the relevant ERG and make themselves familiar with its contents before attempting to work on any electrified vehicle.

He says if an EV with a fault needs to be stored for any length of time while waiting for parts, it must be stored correctly as batteries can remain dangerous even when the car is not active.

Dirk also said workshops need to consider where to work on EVs, making sure they are not worked on near combustible products. He recommends developing dedicated EV repair stations.

He outlined many EV battery faults cannot be seen with the naked eye, and these could include quite serious problems where the battery could be giving off toxic gasses, highlighting the need for specialist equipment.

“We need diagnostic tools; we need proper tools to evaluate the battery like CO monitoring as well as thermal imaging,” he stressed.

Dirk also pointed out there are special tools

WINS CONTINUE FOR COOLDRIVE AT AAAE

CoolDrive Auto Part’s GYS Powerduction 37LG claimed the Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product in the Tools and Equipment category.

The Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards, presented in front of 700 industry guests, recognised the best products across a range of specialist categories.

The Powerduction 37LG provides instant and powerful heating for a range of metallic products, with the light and portable water-cooled design allowing it to heat continuously uninterrupted.

The 3.7kW induction-heating system is ideal for releasing or disassembling steering rods, brake discs, exhaust components, shock absorbers, thread-locked screws, and seized bolts, amongst a multitude of potential uses across workshop disciplines.

The GYS Powerduction range offers eight distinct products, each tailored to different power levels to meet various automotive repair needs.

Additionally, the range includes a variety of inductors specifically crafted for different induction processes, simplifying the heating of workpieces of any shape and size, and facilitating access to challenging areas.

The GYS tools, manufactured entirely in France, are engineered to address technical challenges encountered by professional mechanics, enabling them to complete complex repairs efficiently.

CoolDrive Auto Parts said GYS is a worldwide leader in equipment for welding, battery maintenance and body repair, with the company’s research and development department employing 90 engineers who have a proven track record of bringing fresh innovations to the marketplace.

“We are delighted to introduce the GYS Powerduction 37LG to Australia, and this award recognises its status as a market leader,”

CoolDrive Auto Parts Category Manager – Tools and Equipment, Matthew Douglass, said.

“The system is incredibly precise, heating only the targeted area, and the heat transfer is instantaneous.

“Furthermore, it’s a much safer alternative to traditional gas-heating torches, with its gas-free and flameless design allowing users to work near heat-sensitive or flammable areas without causing damage.

“The new technology and innovations currently

required for removing batteries and, just like with the actual vehicle, special knowledge is needed to store batteries.

Even something as simple as lifting an electrified vehicle should be done with caution as, depending on the particular vehicle, it may need to be done in a different manner to an ICE-powered vehicle in order to not damage battery packs and other electrical components.

For more information, please visit www.electricmobilityconsulting.net

coming to the market are really impressive, and here at CoolDrive, we are proud to be the official Australian partner of GYS induction heating and battery charging equipment, a brand at the forefront of these advancements.”

CoolDrive’s display at the 2024 event featured a wide range of interactive product displays, with a focus on technical training that uses the latest technologies to create efficiencies for workshops. For more information, visit www.cooldrive.com.au

APEX+ TAKES THE PRIZE

Nulon claimed the Terry Mahoney Excellence in Marketing Award for its latest engine oil product advertising

Nulon won the prestigious Terry Mahoney Excellence in Marketing Award at the recent Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards Banquet.

The APEX+ marketing and advertising campaign focuses on Nulon’s mantra of being “born to push the limits.”

The APEX+ advertising continues: “It haunts us. This obsession. To go further, faster… louder. Because we don’t settle. We build on the past, innovating, evolving, pushing ourselves until we reach… Perfection! To create something better than anything that’s come before. Introducing the next generation of high-performance engine oil: Nulon APEX+. Engineered with Advanced Fluid Dynamics, for the ultimate performance, protection and efficiency in all conditions.”

Nulon Channel Marketing Manager, Tom Murray, said his team was “delighted to receive the prestigious 2024 Terry Mahoney Excellence in Marketing Award for our successful launch of the APEX+ engine oil range and marketing campaign”.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our entire team at Nulon,” Tom continued.

“The journey of developing the APEX+ engine oil range and marketing campaign was driven by our commitment to innovation and quality and our desire to bring world-class products to market.

“With our business’s unwavering support, we created an innovative and engaging marketing brand campaign that effectively communicated our brand vision, commitment to continuous improvement and desire to do things differently.

“We are thrilled that it has been recognised with this prestigious award.”

For more information, visit www.nulon.com.au/our-brands/apex-plus

STANDS STEP UP IN 2024

Brembo and Megabus named as the best AAAExpo displays as overall quality sets new level

The level of visitor engagement and the overall quality of the displays at the 2024 AAAExpo took another step up from previous shows, making the job of the judges of the best stand awards almost impossible.

The Brembo stand was ultimately declared the winner of the Best Stand over 36 square metres, while Megabus took the honours for Best Stand 36 square metres and under.

The judges also gave honourable mentions to the stands of ASV, GMB and Castrol in the over 36 square metre category and to Airbag Man, CTEK and Rislone in the 36 square metre and under section..

“AAAExpo is a key event for Megabus Software’s calendar,” Megabus Chief Executive Officer, Justin Chalk, said.

“The platform allows Megabus and its team to demonstrate its products and services to our fastpaced, ever-evolving industry.

“It allows us to have a platform for our staff and attendees to converse and interact and engage with so many workshop owners, suppliers, exhibitors and key aftermarket personnel.”

Justin indicated that the stand provided key opportunities for customer interaction.

“Having technology on hand to experience our solutions including displays, touchscreens, mobility, audio and visual equipment and PointOf-Sale terminals was invaluable,” Justin said.

He also said the stand “provided iconography, as well as visual cues and symbolism of the range and width of the industry we envelope.”

Justin also stated it was important for Megabus to engage the company’s audience to learn and better their skills and business. However, he said perhaps the most exciting part of the stand was its racecar simulator.

“An exceptional amount of fun was had in our professional-level racing simulator, creating an exciting backdrop and a hive of sound, engagement, smiles and activity,” Justin said.

He described winning the Best Stand Award as an “amazing compliment.”

“It is a true by-product of the importance we place on extracting every inch of value from our engagement with the AAAA and the Expo – our most significant marketing engagement on the calendar.”

GBU Aftermarket Brembo Marketing Head, Matteo Busnelli, was equally as thrilled to be declared as a Best Stand winner.

“At Brembo we are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the prestigious title of Best Booth over 36 square metres at the AAAExpo,” Matteo said.

“This honour fills us with immense pride and gratitude. Australia is undeniably a pivotal market for our ongoing and future business strategies, and we are elated by this fantastic recognition.

“The Expo provided a phenomenal platform to showcase our comprehensive product and solution portfolio, while also facilitating valuable face-to-face interactions with our customers and prospective clients.

“It is always a thrilling experience to connect personally with those who support and believe in our vision.”

To learn more about Megabus and Brembo, visit www.megabus.com.au and www.brembo.com

BENDIX WINS MULTIPLE AWARDS AT AAAEXPO

The leading friction material and brake component manufacturer won two coveted industry awards at Expo

Among strong competition, Bendix took out the 2024 Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product (Parts) category for its newly released General CT Disc Brake Rotors, as well as the 2024 Excellence in Manufacturing award.

A new addition to the General CT range, the disc brake rotors deliver reliable, durable and confidence inspiring braking performance for ‘everyday’ passenger vehicles, and also introduce an industry-first SwiftCheck innovation.

SwiftCheck provides a fast and convenient visual indicator of rotor wear, letting motor trade professionals estimate remaining rotor life without the need to measure rotor thickness, allowing them to decide on part replacement.

The second accolade for Excellence in

Manufacturing acknowledges the company’s ongoing commitment to local manufacturing at its Ballarat (Victoria) Manufacturing Facility and Research and Design Centre.

Last year saw a major upgrade of the manufacturing facility’s aftermarket disc pad finishing line, allowing it to finish product in single piece flow and set manufacturing, thereby eliminating the need for batch finishing (grind, groove, paint, brand, titanium application and hardware attachment) of each part of the brake pad set.

This reduced setup time by more than 50 percent, minimising lost production time and increasing productivity by 15 percent.

A new world first Robotic Grinder was also installed in Ballarat last year, developed to support Bendix’s future vision of a single set make to order production model.

The machine allows Bendix technicians and engineers to apply complex grinding geometries in the Bendix range of brake pads including angular groves and chamfers. Additional upgrades to the facility are continuing in 2024.

FMP Group (Australia) Bendix Chief Executive Officer, George Kyriakopoulos, said the company was extremely pleased at earning the awards, as they acknowledged the brand’s commitment to delivering innovative braking solutions to Australian and New Zealand markets.

“We’re thrilled that Bendix has been recognised with these two awards by its industry peers

FUCHS LUBRICANTS MOVES VISITORS’ WORLDS

AAAExpo provided the perfect opportunity for FUCHS to reach out to the industry

With more than 13,000 industry members attending the three-day Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (AAAExpo), FUCHS – which explains it is the world’s largest independent lubricants manufacturer – states the Expo was an ideal event at which to present its premium range of automotive lubricants while also launching its BluEV Technology range for hybrid vehicles.

“The automotive aftermarket is a key market for FUCHS, and as leaders in this industry, AAAExpo 2024 was a great opportunity to connect directly with our customers and showcase our locally produced range,” FUCHS Regional Vice President Australasia, India, South East Asia, Japan and South Korea, Wayne Hoiles, said. Cementing its position as a market leader, FUCHS’ stand at the event focused on three key automotive ranges, the FUCHS Small Pack range, the Magnificent 7 workshop range, and the newly

launched BluEV Technology range for hybrid vehicles, while also giving a broad overview of the world of FUCHS automotive lubricants.

The stand also featured a stunning nine metre x three metre video wall that communicated not only these three key automotive segments, but also the many other segments that FUCHS supplies lubricants to, including On Highway, Agriculture, Mining, Civil and Construction, as well as Specialty Industrial lubricants.

“FUCHS supplies lubricants to many different segments, many of which complement the automotive industry, so it was important for us to showcase our entire range,” Wayne said.

The jewel in the crown of the FUCHS stand was the FUCHS Top Fuel Dragster which is owned and raced by Top Fuel Champion, long-time brand ambassador and both automotive and agricultural FUCHS customer, Phil Lamattina.

– it’s an acknowledgement of the dedication and commitment of the broader Bendix team,” George said.

“Our new General CT Disc Brake Rotors has the potential to increase safety for drivers, while also boosting efficiency in automotive workshops.

“Our company also continues to invest in local manufacturing with smart technology and new processes that increase our competitiveness and bring benefits to Australian and New Zealand motorists; this includes increased accessibility to quality brake pads that are designed specifically for local conditions and applications.

“We’re buoyed by our two Australian Auto Aftermarket Awards and look forward to what the future holds.”

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

At over nine metres in length, the massive dragster was a crowd favourite, drawing many to the stand to learn more about how FUCHS helps drive the LTFR team to racing success and opened up many conversations about how FUCHS could drive that same success in independent workshops across the country and beyond.

For more information about FUCHS Lubricants, visit www.fuchs.com.au

JEFF SMIT GAINS TOP HONOURS

TaT’s Jeff Smit has been inducted into the AAAA Hall of Fame

The Automotive Technician (TaT)’s Jeff Smit was inducted into the AAAA Hall of Fame at the AAA Excellence Awards Banquet.

Jeff is described as the consummate automotive technician professional who believes passionately in the need for constant training to stay ahead in the automotive repair industry.

He owns and operates two auto electrical, general repair and air conditioning workshops in Sydney, and he was instrumental in establishing the TaT training and publishing network with two partners in 2007.

Jeff completed an apprenticeship with Supreme Auto Electrical before heading to Bromspec BMW. In 1984 he and a business partner opened Mosman Auto Electrical.

In 1994, he joined the Australian Auto Electrical Association, and it was here that he met many other technicians who shared his passion for the trade. He later also became Secretary of the Association in 1997.

In the mid-2000s Jeff realised that for the aftermarket to prosper, participants would need to

start helping each other out rather than seeing each other as competition.

This concept of sharing information, knowledge and experience led to the forming of The Automotive Technician in 2007 and with fellow Directors Deyan Barrie, Mark Padwick and Ken Newton, the first magazine was published in February of 2008.

The emergence of hybrid and electric vehicles has given him a new passion. He has converted a 1997 Toyota Starlet, which he uses as a training aid.

He is currently embarking on an Australia EV and hybrid training tour, towing a trailer full of electric engines and battery packs from town to town.

“I have enjoyed every year of my involvement in this industry. I did fall into it – if I didn’t have an apprenticeship Mum wouldn’t let me leave school, so I was hell bent on getting one. We had no interest in the automotive industry; we used to push start a VW Beetle every morning to get anywhere! I’ve loved every minute of it,” Jeff said in his acceptance speech.

“We have built a group within the TaT community of people who share our passion and have embraced

what we are trying to do. The TaT philosophy is about sharing information within this industry.

“I always said that you guys need a healthy aftermarket to sell to, so you can help us to help each other, in educating each other and sharing information that will benefit us all.

“If we can harness our combined experience, that will be our greatest asset which will allow us to stay profitable and viable as an aftermarket industry.

“I’m more excited about this industry now at 60plus years of age than I have ever been. I hope I can continue health-wise to continue what we have started.”

To learn more about The Automotive Technician, visit www.tat.net.au

SWAN SOARED HIGH AT THIS YEAR’S EXPO

The 2024 Expo was a resounding success for Swan Automotive Parts

Swan Automotive Parts says its stand at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo attracted a significant number of trade visitors and unveiled potential reseller opportunities.

“With the increased awareness of our Swan brand being made an OEM supplier, with every Expo, we have seen a continual trend in increased visitors attending our stand,” Swan Automotive Parts Marketing Manager, Steve Butrakoski, said.

“Many of our existing customers visited our stand to see our Swan ignition coil range on display. This was not only beneficial for us in terms of strengthening our existing relationships, it also served as an excellent opportunity for potential customers who are aware of us, but have not yet become customers, to physically see our presence and product range on display.

“Our Swan fuel pump modules were another focal point for visitors, particularly mechanics. This is largely due to the growing trend in the trade sector to replace the entire module instead of just the pump itself while retaining the original module.

“This method of repair has prompted us to focus on expanding our range to include complete modules.

“The interest in our Swan brand also extended to our wipers. Our wiper blades were another big success with visitors, as it was our first public reveal of the range and its new packaging.

“Feedback from the Trade and Reseller visitor was that even though there is already an established market for wipers, they were all interested and actively seeking another brand of wipers.

“The key discussion and takeaway point amongst our visitors regarding our Swan range of products, was they that were all impressed our brand is made by an OEM supplier.

“During the Expo we observed that every visitor was carrying some sort of showbag from other exhibitors which included the usual marketing merchandise.

“In contrast, we believe we offered a more popular promotional bag, which included our Pistol spray cans, whether it was a brake cleaner, throttle body cleaner, or degreaser.

“Some lucky visitors walked away with all three in their Swan carry bag. This was a major hit with the visitors as it was unexpected, and the cans are actually useful within their workplace.

“We also want to extend our thanks to David from New Zealand-based Auto Agencies, the manufacturer of Sealwel, for which we are the Australian distributor.

“Many visitors have used Sealwel but did not know that Swan was the distributor, so they were able to reconnect with the brand and product.

“To all who visited our stand, we thank you and hope you found the visit beneficial. Swan will continue to provide high-quality auto parts at competitive prices and build on our relationships with our customer base. We look forward to seeing you at the next Expo.”

For more information or to find your nearest distributor, please phone Swan Automotive Parts on 03 9336 2889.

MULTIPLE PEDDERS FRANCHISEE WINS KIM AUNGER AWARD

Young star Lex Gelmi shines bright to claim Young Achiever recognition

Multiple Pedders franchisee Lex Gelmi has been declared as the winner of the AAAA Kim Aunger Young Achiever Award.

Lex’s dedication, leadership, and innovation have significantly contributed to the automotive aftermarket industry, embodying the spirit of excellence and forward-thinking exemplified by the late Kim Aunger, the award’s namesake.

Lex has consistently pursued additional education to enhance his skills in leadership and innovation –crucial for success in the automotive aftermarket industry – including actively seeking out-of-hours training covering areas such as Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), People Management, and Effective Communication.

Lex’s career achievements further underscore his exceptional leadership and commitment to excellence.

At the age of 25, Lex became Pedders’ youngest State Manager, showcasing his exceptional leadership capabilities and industry acumen. Lex would also go on to attain the prestigious status of Pedders Master Technician, showcasing his technical expertise and dedication to his craft, and to be recognised as Pedders/Bosch Technician of the Year.

At 28 years of age, Lex’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase his first franchise in 2018, which has since become a multi-award-winning

establishment, a testament to his business acumen and leadership.

In 2022, Lex once again assumed the role of State Manager to support Pedders through a major internal system change, demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to the organisation’s success.

Lex then expanded his franchise empire by opening a second location in Rockingham in 2024, further solidifying his reputation as an industry leader and innovator.

As part of the Pedders ERP development group, Lex plays a pivotal role in the ongoing development of Pedders’ workshop IQ business software, showcasing his commitment to driving innovation and efficiency within the organisation.

Lex epitomises the qualities honoured by the Kim Aunger Young Achiever Award. Through his exemplary leadership, tireless dedication to selfimprovement, and unwavering commitment to innovation, Lex has made a lasting and positive impact on the automotive aftermarket industry.

Lex was thrilled to be declared as the winner of the Kim Aunger Young Achiever Award.

“It is a great honour to be recognised by the industry with this award,” Lex said.

“This recognition does come as a bit of a surprise as I don’t consider myself to be doing anything that

anyone else in my position couldn’t do with the right attitude and work ethic.

“I am very fortunate that throughout my career in the mechanical industry, and in particular with Pedders Suspension and Brakes to date, that I have been in the right place to take on some great opportunities and I have made sure that I always give 100 percent effort to maximise those opportunities.”

Pedders’ Chief Executive Officer, Scott Pedder, accepted the Award on Lex’s behalf at the AAA Excellence Awards Banquet.

To learn more about Pedders, visit www.pedders.com.au

TACKLING SKILL SHORTAGES

Exploring ways to attract and maintain technicians in independent workshops was discussed at AAAExpo

The number one problem facing the aftermarket sector is skill shortages and the industry must work together to come up with a solution – that was the conclusion of an expert panel which discussed the issue at the recent Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (AAAExpo).

Hosted by AAAA Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, Lesley Yates, the panel included Auto Care Association (USA) Chief Executive Officer, Bill Hanvey; Konnecting Group Managing Director, Fred Molloy; and mycar Managing Director, Adam Pay.

Lesley said that with all of the issues in the Aftermarket, including EVs, data sharing and Right to Repair, when surveyed, the biggest concern of independent workshops is skill shortages.

“It is the reason that all of our staff are stressed; why we are not taking a holiday, why we are not pumping

out as much production as we would like to,” Lesley said.

“We are feeling the skills shortage issues from the beginning of the supply chain all the way through to automotive service and repair. And we are not the only industry, which is why it is such a challenge for us.”

Bill said in the US his organisation is trying to tackle the problem by convincing youngsters that a job in the automotive service and repair industry is a better deal than going to university.

“Australia is so far ahead of the United States in terms of apprenticeship programs. It is embarrassing to me that the United States promotes the only career path for an 18-year-old young man or woman is to go to the university to incur $70,000 in student loan debt and take a job as a marketing person for $35,000 a year,” Bill said.

“When in fact you can go to a technical school for two years, graduate and you are going to make a hundred thousand dollars a year and there is no student loan debt.”

Adam believes a similar opportunity exists in Australia and that business leaders must be prepared to knock on school doors and ask if they can give presentations about why the automotive industry can be a great career.

“Gone are the days where you would advertise on Seek and somebody picks up the phone and goes, yeah, I would love that job, thanks,” Adam said.

“You have to start way further down the chain

now. And we’ve had some really good success by partnering with schools and it is so easy to do.”

He also said it is important to look at attracting talent from other industries rather than poaching from each other, and that retaining staff is almost more important than attracting them in the first place.

A general theme during the discussion was that females are a seriously untapped resource in the automotive industry.

Fred pointed out that skilled migration was also an important part of the puzzle.

“It is normally the very last desperate resort end, but it needs to be part of it early,” said Fred, who believes that serious consultation with government at all levels is required.

Lesley’s introduction to the session was invaluable as she discussed research with the audience that AAAA will share with its members.

For more information, or to request the research, please email info@aaaa.com.au

DYNO INNOVATIONS HERALDS AAAEXPO AS AN AMAZING EVENT

The company says the crowd was amazed by the new products it had to release at the show

Amongst the range of products on-show from Dyno Innovations was the new Eddie current electric engine dyno.

“The Eddie was the first reveal, and it was a hit with the workshops straight away, being able to do 1,000hp with 1,000 Ft/lbs torque and 8,000rpm in such a small unit – we sold two of them almost straight away and got a lot of interest,” Dyno Innovations Director, Glenn Foulsham, said.

“The second release was a 2WD Hub portable dyno that would hold 4,250 Hp and 11,500 Nm of axle torque with the largest single retarder hub dyno still allowing it to roll around and not be stuck in a fixed position.

“Then we had the big brother, bringing 8,500hp and 23,000 Nm of axle torque – specially designed for the race car and drag car industry, this is also the largest hub dyno in the world at the moment.”

Glenn explains that Dyno Innovations is leading the way in a number of areas.

“Our 2WD design is different to other Australian companies – we designed the dynos wider to allow wider track vehicles to be run on them, and increased the HP capabilities by using retarders that were 50 percent larger as the vehicles all make more power, so why run the dyno at its maximum rated power all the time.

“Our AWD/4WD dyno has an extremely new approach to the running of modern day AWD vehicles as they are getting smarter in their control on the road, so the dynos had to get smarter as well.

“Dyno Innovations’ electronics and software design team went to work creating new software and firm wear to handle all these vehicles, creating the smart link software which allows the dynamometers to run almost every vehicle.

“We also designed and built bidirectional gear boxes that can be added to each bed with a drive shaft for those that need all the wheels to turn –we are the only company that has done this in the Australian market.

“Further, our new CAN style electronics have allowed us to expand and upgrade easily to add in other CAN style protocols, so we are not just the same as other companies, but instead lead the technology.”

Glenn said the interest in the Dyno Innovations stand at Expo was fantastic.

“We thank the AAAA for putting on such a great event and for the automotive industry getting behind the event and traders too,” Glenn said. For more information, visit www.dynoinnovations.com.au

JLM LUBRICANTS STEPS UP ITS PRESENCE AT AAAEXPO

The range of fuel and oil additives and the DPF Cleaning Solutions proved popular with trade visitors

Recognising the growing demand for premium quality fuel and oil additives, JLM Lubricants stepped up its presence at this year’s Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (AAAExpo) held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The new display focused on JLM Lubricants’ core product ranges in the diesel, petrol, service, and DPF/EGR areas.

Visitors were able to try the products and watch

instructional videos explaining each product in detail.

JLM’s International Sales Manager, Jeroen Schutz flew in from The Netherlands for the show and was impressed with both the size of the event and the quality of the visitors.

“This was one of the best trade events JLM has ever exhibited at, “the choice of the venue was perfect, and I was impressed with the number and the quality of the trade displays,” Jeroen said.

“As a relatively new brand in the Australian market, exhibiting at the AAAExpo not only helps us reach new customers, it is also a great event to keep in touch with the existing ones.”

JLM says its range of fuel and oil additives and the DPF Cleaning Solutions proved popular with trade visitors keen to try a new, more cost-effective way of servicing their customers.

“The response to our display, and indeed the JLM brand, has been overwhelmingly positive,” JLM Australia Brand Manager, Adrian Brangwin, said. “We’ve already started planning for the next AAAExpo!”

Congratulations to Mark Williams from Morayfield Smash Repairs who was the lucky winner of the JLM BarrelQ BBQ drawn on the final day of the Expo.

Based in The Netherlands, JLM Lubricants is a manufacturer of premium quality additives and lubricants for the automotive trade.

For more information, contact JLM Australia on 02 9133 3855 or email sales@jlmlubricants.com.au

Dano Versluis (Diagnose Dan), Sean Tipping, Jurgen Verbeek and Martin Moller from The Garage Network with JLM’s Adrian Brangwin.

ACS EXHIBITS ITS COMPLETE CLUTCH SOLUTION AT AAAE

The clutch specialist heralded its show experience as a large success

Australian Clutch Services (ACS) is a key supplier and manufacturer of standard replacement and performance upgrade clutch kits, hydraulics and accessories with a heavy emphasis of providing ‘the complete clutch solution’ for the Australian aftermarket.

As long time exhibitors and supporters of the AAAExpo, ACS returned for 2024, showcasing a wide range of its latest products.

“It is always a pleasure to display our Australian Clutch Services brands at this event with thousands of like-minded individuals who share the same passion as we do for this industry,” ACS Marketing Manager, Hayden Jarrett, said.

“The opportunity to experience world class displays, products and services presented by hundreds of exhibitors and exposure to networking opportunities with industry professionals is an invaluable experience.

“Our stand featured ACS’s nationally recognised brands; ClutchPro, ClutchPro Commercial, Xtreme Performance Clutch and Xtreme Outback Clutch as well as a selection of our hydraulic components and accessories, dual clutch transmission components

and recently developed performance concentric slave cylinders.

“Standout ACS products on display this year were the recently developed GR Yaris and Corolla performance upgrades and of course the fan favourite Extra Heavy Duty VDJ upgrade clutch kit.

“This balanced showcase gave us the opportunity to illustrate our broad product offering for customers around Australia.”

Australian Clutch Services also had the opportunity to enter its new HiAce clutch kit into the new products showcase.

The kit features a single mass flywheel conversion component which replaces the factory dual mass flywheel, providing a durable replacement solution for these vehicles.

ACS is also offering a heavy duty upgrade under its Xtreme Outback brand.

“AAAExpo truly brings the Australian Automotive Aftermarket together, it not only provides the opportunity to showcase product, but also encourages the observation of other’s products and services, promoting networking with industry

professionals and education on all areas of automotive aftermarket under the same roof,” ACS General Manager, Simon Acton, said.

ACS is owner of leading brands ClutchPro, ClutchPro Commercial, Xtreme Clutch, Xtreme Outback and AG Clutch, which cover an extensive variety of clutch applications including passenger vehicles, 4x4, performance street and motorsport vehicles, truck, bus and agricultural applications. ACS also has a strong Australian distributor network supported by warehouses in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Darwin and Townsville. For more information, please visit www.australianclutch.com.au or call 1800 CLUTCH.

SCHAEFFLER SHOWCASES SOLUTIONS FOR TODAY, TOMORROW AND THE FUTURE

‘Your business is our focus’ was the tagline of Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket at

Motion technology company Schaeffler showcased its complete portfolio of market and futureoriented repair solutions for combustion engines, hybrid, and electric vehicles at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (AAAExpo).

The “Your business is our focus” tagline was reflected in new products from Schaeffler’s three product brands, LuK, INA and FAG, at the stand, which focused on taking a close look at the daily repair routines and future technologies garages can expect to see coming through their doors in the near future.

With its repair solution for e-axles, the ‘Schaeffler E-Axle RepSystem-G,’ exhibited at the Expo for the first time, Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket gave visitors a chance to get up close to this

technology and experience the ease of use of its repair solutions.

“Schaeffler’s focus is on providing garages with access to the technologies and expertise they need to tackle the influx of EV and hybrid vehicles coming through their doors,” Schaeffler Head of Automotive Aftermarket Australia, Warren Barnett, said.

“The technologies presented at this year’s AAAE, including our digital REPXPERT portal, equip garages to deal with the changing automotive landscape while also ensuring customers that we will continue to provide support for the repair of traditional combustion engines.”

Schaeffler’s stand was structured around two main ideas: ‘Future Readiness’ and ‘Repair Assistance.’

Future Readiness focuses on the needs of customers and includes repair solutions such as the LuK C0 disconnect clutch repair kit for hybrids, the second-generation INA Thermal Management Module for vehicles with automatic start/ stop or hybrid drive, and the latest wheel bearing generations of the proven FAG WheelSet.

Visitors also had the chance to get up close to the 800-volt 3in1 E-axle and the latest TriFinity wheel bearings with face spline technology. Repair assistance support was also focused at the

BURSON GOES UP A GEAR AT AAAEXPO

The Burson Auto Parts stand was very popular at the three-day Expo

At the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (AAAExpo), Burson Auto Parts showcased the company’s renowned House of Brands with the highly successful Burson EzyParts online parts sourcing and ordering system, and Precision Equipment, with a live demonstration of the latest wheel alignment, wheel balancing and tyre changing machines demonstrating strength in the trade space.

The Burson Auto Parts stand was a hit with many trade customers, featuring the latest braking range, tools, oils, filters, and equipment.

A 360-degree history experience dating back to the brand’s beginning in 1971 showcased how the business has progressed throughout the years and provided attendees with a deep understanding that the heart of Burson Auto Parts is and always will be to service the automotive aftermarket trade.

Visitors to the stand also had an opportunity to Shift and Win prizes through its very own claw machine, with many customers taking this opportunity to

test their gaming skills to win Burson-branded merchandise.

With mechanics, performance shops, panel beaters, auto-electricians, braking and tyre shops walking through the Burson stand, customers were able to touch and feel parts that make their lives easier.

Backed by an industry leading team that provided knowledge, tips tricks and advice, Burson says it cemented that it is there for its customers and committed to fostering long lasting relationships that help the wants and needs of the trade.

The team at Burson say they were proud to be a part of an industry leading expo which provides great collaboration, innovation, training, and growth for not only the Australian automotive trade, but its team as well.

BAPCOR Trade Group Marketing and Communications Manager, Fiona Gotas, was extremely proud to see the months of effort, planning, preparation, and execution to make the Burson Auto Parts stand what it was.

stand this year through Schaeffler’s REPXPERT service brand.

While REPXPERT bundles digital service solutions such as workshop manuals, visitors also had the opportunity to interact with a number of special tools on display offered through the REPXPERT brand. These special tools were created to assist with anything from changing a 2CT double clutch and mounting a crankshaft pulley to changing the timing drive.

Visitors could also try out Schaeffler OneCode – a special QR code found on the LuK, INA and FAG packaging, which is easy to use and expands the company’s digital service offering.

Schaeffler is investing in the local market by warehousing stock in Australia, a first for Schaeffler in the Australian market, with customers now having access to a large range of products that can be delivered without the need for extended wait times.

For more information, visit www.aftermarket.schaeffler.com.au

“This has been our most successful industry expo show yet! The opportunity for the Burson team to engage with so many of our trade customers in the one place is highly valued by all of us,” Fiona said. “Burson will continue to work tirelessly to be Australia’s number-one choice for automotive aftermarket parts, workshop accessories and workshop equipment and looks forward to being involved with future industry events.”

For more from Burson Auto Parts, visit www.burson.com.au

SHINING BRIGHT

Philips debuts Ultinon Pro LED at Expo

Amidst the flurry and excitement of the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo this year, Philips was preparing to bring some excitement of its own, debuting its new Ultinon Pro LED lighting range alongside distributor HPP Lunds.

With more than a decade of exhibiting its innovative lighting products at Australia’s largest automotive aftermarket event, this year was no different with Sales Business Development Manager ANZ, Reece Walker, and the HPP team talking to attendees about the most comprehensive range of LED products the manufacturer has released in Australia to date.

“The Expo is both a great opportunity to get in front of a wide range of customers and talk shop but also get together with other manufacturers and exhibitors to learn about innovations in different sectors of the industry,” Reece said. Launched earlier this year and displayed publicly for the first time in front of a home grown audience, the Ultinon Pro LED headlight and signalling range features products suited for all applications including everything from signalling and interior LEDs to the direct-fit Access 2500 and the projector enhanced Ultinon Pro9100.

Lumileds Asia Pacific Automotive Manager, Henry Khoo, was visiting for the Expo and says the show is uniquely Australian and rivals many he’s attended in Asia Pacific.

“While our globes are meticulously manufactured to global standards and distributed all over the world, it is great to see them in different markets and have conversations with local customers about what matters to them,” Henry said.

Philips Ultinon Pro LED lights are now widely available in Australia through automotive aftermarket resellers.

For any enquiries regarding Philips Automotive Lighting products, email marketing.aus@lumileds.com

RESERVE WITH GOOGLE LAUNCHED WITH A BANG AT AAAEXPO

More than 450 mechanics signed up and a fast growing waitlist was established

Reserve with Google debuted at the 2024 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo, and AutoGuru reports the level of interest and signups surpassed all expectations.

Reserve with Google has integrated with AutoGuru to provide an easy and convenient way for motorists to book local mechanics directly from Google Search and Maps online.

This is the first product to launch in a planned suite of solutions AutoGuru is developing to help mechanics better support consumers who want to book online 24/7 without having to pick up the phone.

“Over 450 workshops are now live with Reserve with Google, and we have a sizable waiting list of new to AutoGuru workshops who will be onboarding for Reserve with Google in the coming weeks,” AutoGuru Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Eden Shirley, said.

“We are so pleased we chose AAAExpo to launch Reserve with Google.

“The event was bigger than we imagined, with 400-plus incredible exhibitors and 13,000 trade visitors through the door.

“You could feel the buzz in the room with workshop owners and staff keen to hear about new products and services like Reserve with Google.

“It gave us the opportunity to speak to hundreds of workshops face to face and talk to them about their wants, needs and challenges.

“This kind of market research is so valuable during the early stages of product development and will shape the features of the solutions we develop.

“Booking technology is of keen interest to most independent repairers we spoke with, as they know consumers want it, and every booking means one less phone call.

“We had a tonne of workshop owners comment on how they love seeing the bookings come in overnight and on weekends.”

AutoGuru reports that it took the following learnings from workshops it spoke to at Expo:

1. Independent and group workshops see value in online booking systems,

2. Booking tech needs to be flexible to cater to the different needs of workshops,

3. There are use cases for both priced and unpriced booking experiences,

4. They want booking tech to integrate with Garage Management Software,

5. Flexible payment options are a must; workshops are keen to take more deposits,

6. Workshops are aware of the need for better calendars and availability, and

7. Google reviews are keenly sought after, and workshops want more control.

“The vast majority of workshops knew that online booking systems could be configured to increase Google review collection and understood that Google Reviews boost local search rankings, which was refreshing to hear,” Eden said.

Reserve with Google provides a direct booking solution for workshops from Google Search and Maps, powered by AutoGuru’s direct to workshop booking tech, BookingGuru.

Workshops don’t have to be on AutoGuru’s marketplace to activate Reserve with Google. There is a fixed monthly access fee for unlimited bookings with no commissions, and merchant service fees apply if the customer prepays online with a credit card, PayPal, or BNPL.

Reserve with Google is available to all aftermarket workshops and is not exclusive to pre-existing AutoGuru members. Workshops don’t require participation in the AutoGuru consumer marketplace or directories to activate Reserve with Google.

Workshops will require a Google Business Profile and set up an AutoGuru account to configure pricing, activate Reserve with Google, log in and confirm their bookings on a daily basis.

AutoGuru plans to extend its Workshop Direct Booking Technology to include booking buttons, which workshops can add to their website to enable customers to book online and on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, which are key marketing channels for most workshops.

This initiative is part of AutoGuru’s broader vision to support the automotive service industry’s adaptation to the digital age, ensuring convenience and efficiency for small and large automotive service and repair providers.

To learn more about Reserve with Google, visit www.autoguru.com.au/google

L-R Henry Khoo of Lumileds Automotive and Reece Walker of Philips Automotive ANZ

SUCCESS FOR COOLDRIVE AT AAAEXPO

CoolDrive Auto Parts was centre stage at the Expo

At the 2024 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo, a significant showcase reinforced CoolDrive Auto Parts’ ongoing commitment to the industry.

The impressive CoolDrive stand featured the full breadth of the company’s offerings, including a focus on its exclusive brands.

The display featured Jaylec electrical and rotating products, Jayair air-conditioning products, Jayrad engine cooling components, Hulk 4x4 electrical and offroad accessories, AFI engine management components, Aunger automotive accessories, Bremtec Brakes, Ignite lighting, Excess Injectors, and CalOffroad 4x4 suspension systems.

Elsewhere at the Expo, CoolDrive were winners in the Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards, with the GYS Powerduction 37LG winning the Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product in the Tools and Equipment category.

A highlight of the event were visits by Blanchard

Racing Team drivers Aaron Love, James Courtney and Jack Perkins, while the CoolDrive backed BRT Ford Mustang Supercar greeted guests on the concourse area of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Importantly, the drivers visited the stands of numerous team partners to show their support for the various ongoing collaborations.

“CoolDrive is proud to have supported a recordbreaking Auto Aftermarket Expo and showcase our dedication to the future of the auto aftermarket industry,” CoolDrive Auto Parts Executive Chairman, John Blanchard, said.

“Being able to present our latest tools, technology, parts and services to all of the industry players is incredibly important to us.

“The CoolDrive team relished the opportunity to network and connect with trade customers and industry partners alike, we feel it was truly beneficial for all.

“This exhibition reaffirmed CoolDrive’s commitment to supporting the automotive service and repair industry now and in the future.

“Thanks and credit to the AAAA for organising and delivering an amazing Expo, and we look forward to participating in future events.”

CoolDrive’s participation at the event emphasised its dedication to providing ongoing training opportunities, which supports the industry’s future development.

The 2024 technical training schedule will feature sessions from CoolDrive and its extensive industry partners, designed to equip workshops with the most up-to-date service and repair information.

Countless in-person demonstrations of new tools and equipment offered by CoolDrive highlighted the many efficiencies available for automotive workshops via the latest technology.

Products featured included GYS, a world leader in battery charging systems and induction heat tools, AutoTest Roadworthy products, Bosch’s latest diagnostic software and hardware, battery tester, and ADAS equipment, air conditioning service units, as well as a suite of productivity-enhancing tools for workshops.

CoolDrive was also proud to support and power AAAE’s Electrified Zone initiative, sharing a comprehensive equipment range to service and repair both electric and hybrid vehicles.

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

ZF SHOWCASES DEDICATION TO OCEANIA AT AAAEXPO

ZF in Oceania showcased its dedication and commitment to the local automotive industry at Expo

Highlighted on the global technology company’s stand were product displays from ZF and its family of brands, including LEMFÖRDER steering and suspension components, SACHS shock absorbers and clutch, TRW braking and steering parts, plus suspension and brake products from WABCO.

A particular focus for ZF at AAAExpo was its expanded product offerings for hybrid and electric vehicles, which included the ZF electric vehicle rear axle drive and repair kits, and the TRW electric park brake.

ZF’s LifeguardFluid range now also offers eFluids for hybrid and electric vehicles to match transmissions made by ZF.

ZF also promoted its ZF [pro]Tech service concept at AAAExpo, as part of its ongoing commitment to workshops across Oceania.

A workshop’s trusted online tool created by ZF, an OE manufacturer, the ZF [pro]Tech online portal allows mechanics to receive access to technical

information, including installation instructions, OE service information, as well as online training.

The information available via ZF [pro]Tech covers ZF and its brands, as well as updated OE manufacturer service campaigns covering the whole vehicle (not just ZF products).

The ZF team was also proud to host international guests from ZF Asia Pacific at AAAExpo including Teoh Chee How, VP, Head of ZF Aftermarket APAC; Simon Quirin, Head of Business Line Passenger Car APAC; and Janet Song, Head of Marketing and Communications APAC.

ZF Product and Technical Expert, motor racing legend Craig Lowndes, also made special appearances at AAAExpo to meet with ZF customers and guests, and hosted a Technical Talk on the stand.

In 2024, ZF in Oceania also partnered with AAAA for a new industry excellence award, the ‘Automotive Education Excellence Award/.’

This new award recognises teaching organisations, trainers or educators who are achieving excellence in automotive education, with the inaugural winner announced as Clinton Brett of Diesel Help Australia.

With its products and services, ZF contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate, as well as enhancing safe mobility.

For further information on ZF in Oceania, visit www.zf.com/au

THE BEST OF THE BEST

A look at the products that claimed the 2024 Australian Auto Aftermarket Innovation Awards

The 2024 Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards selected the most innovative products across a range of categories from those entered by the industry.

Industry experts judge these awards, which are considered to be the most prestigious honour that a new product can be bestowed in the Australian aftermarket.

On the following pages we take a look at the 2024 winning products – all of which were on display at the 2024 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo.

Over the next few editions of Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine, we’ll publish a series of articles that will profile in detail all of the winners and finalists in each product category.

Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product – 4WD

Winner: Zeder Corporation

Product: Upgraded Front Steering Knuckle Kit

Unlike traditional solutions that offer mere palliatives to symptoms, this Steering Knuckle upgrade confronts the root cause of bump steer and tyre wear head-on. Engineered with precision, using hot forged 4140 AISI steel, it not only meets but exceeds OE design standards. By drastically reducing bump steer and improving tyre longevity, it enhances vehicle performance and also driver safety and comfort, while delivering benefits such as reduced driver fatigue and improved vehicle dynamics. Zeder says it was the first to market with a legal and permanent solution, and unlike quick fixes from competitors, this product is engineered to completely resolve the bump steer issue without adverse effects, prioritising vehicle integrity and performance. Further, the SuperPro solution is designed for simplicity and compliance, does not require any welding, engineering modifications, or mod plating, and maintains the vehicle’s warranty and legal standing. The SuperPro Steering Knuckle is VSB 14 approved and ADR compliant.

For more information, visit www.zedercorp.com

Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product – Accessories

Winner: Brown and Watson International

Product: IDC25X DC to DC Charger

The IDC25X, short for Intelli-Charge 25 Amp Dual Battery Charger, represents Projecta’s innovative solution for dual battery management. Tailored for 4WD, camper trailer, caravan and marine applications, it stands out with its advanced charging capabilities, simultaneously using solar and traditional or smart alternator inputs. The charger’s sophisticated design allows it to deliver a consistent 25A charge in extreme climates, making it an ideal choice for under-bonnet installation. Designed, engineered, and extensively tested in Australia, the IDC25X boasts a rugged and efficient design, with the ability to operate in temperatures as high as 90°C. The IDC25X also allows parallel charging, enabling users to wire multiple units for larger systems. The IDC25X is also extremely user friendly and easy to install. With the rigid testing and a variety of manufacturing techniques developed by Brown and Watson ANZ, it says this is the toughest and most connected DC to DC charger. For more information, visit www.brownwatson.com.au

Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product – Electrical

Winner: REDARC Electronics

Product: TVMS Rogue

With its Total Vehicle Management System (TVMS) Rogue, the REDARC Group says it has redefined the standard for 12-volt power management in 4WD and overlanding. Launched in April 2023, this system represents a significant leap forward in vehicle power management, offering a level of control, customisation, and ease of use that directly responds to the complex demands of the aftermarket. The TVMS Rogue is a compact and sophisticated power distribution and control module featuring 10 x 10A outputs capable of giving the user control of a diverse array of devices from REDARC’s RedVision display and RedVision Bluetooth app. Its compact design specifically caters to the unique needs of overlanding vehicles, where space conservation is crucial, and reliability is paramount. The system interfaces with up to eight switch inputs, allowing automation from switches or signals around the vehicle, making it conducive to a high degree of customisation for any aftermarket application. For more information, visit www.redarcelectronics.com

Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product – Parts

Winner: FMP Group / Bendix

Product: General CT Rotors

Bendix’s revolutionary GeneralCT Disc Brake Rotors range features the industry-first SwiftCheck technology. Bendix explains this innovation has strong safety benefits for all road users. The GeneralCT Disc Brake Rotors with SwiftCheck aimed to revolutionise rotor wear assessment, minimising the likelihood that rotors that had worn below minimum thickness would be missed during servicing, leading to unroadworthy and potentially unsafe vehicles on the road. A marketfirst innovation for Australia and New Zealand, SwiftCheck provides a fast and convenient visual indicator of rotor wear, letting motor trade professionals estimate remaining rotor life without the need to measure rotor thickness, allowing them to efficiently decide on part replacement. The feature also provides added convenience and peace of mind for vehicle owners, who can inspect the rotors themselves and take appropriate action if needed, such as when preparing for an extended driving holiday or similar.

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

Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product – Performance

Winner: Garrett Advancing Motion

Product: Garrett G-Smart Module

Garrett says its G-Smart Module is a great example of modern innovation, offering drivers unparalleled insights into their vehicle’s power dynamics. At its core, the G-Smart Module represents a convergence of cutting-edge technology and user-centric design, revolutionising the way drivers interact with their turbochargers and unlocking new dimensions of performance optimisation. Not only is this module looking to empower users with data and insights, it aims to improve serviceability and profitability for Garrett and its distributors, by streamlining diagnostics and improving warranty response. One of the key innovations of the G-Smart Module is its real-time performance monitoring capabilities. By leveraging Bluetooth technology and the G-Smart application, users can access live turbo speed and boost pressure readings directly on their mobile devices. This real-time feedback allows drivers to make informed decisions about their driving behaviour and turbocharger operation, optimising performance and efficiency on the go.

For more information, visit www.garrettmotion.com

Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product – Tools and Equipment

Winner: CoolDrive Auto Parts

Product: Powerduction 37LG

Utilising advanced induction heating technology, the Powerduction 37LG heat induction tool by GYS swiftly heats the core of metal components, making it ideal for various mechanical tasks on vehicles, including car bodywork and general maintenance. Manufactured entirely in France, these tools are engineered to address technical challenges encountered by professional mechanics, enabling them to complete complex repairs efficiently. CoolDrive says the 37LG model stands out as the optimal choice for mechanics, selected after rigorous analysis and testing by CoolDrive. Weighing just 15 kg and powered by a single-phase, 230 V supply, the 37LG strikes a perfect balance between power and portability. Equipped with 3,700 W of power and featuring a rapid heat cycle, the 37LG is suitable for a wide range of automotive repair tasks, from general repairs to heavy-duty applications. Its liquid-cooled system efficiently dissipates heat during operation, ensuring consistent performance. For more information, visit www.cooldrive.com.au

TURBO CHARGE YOUR EOFY WITH CAPRICORN FINANCE

Capricorn Finance is a leading partner within the automotive industry with financial solutions exclusive to Capricorn Members

Are you looking to replace dated equipment, purchase new equipment and business vehicles, or to support your people by upgrading their tools of the trade?

With End of Financial Year specials being announced in the coming months, Capricorn says you can have peace of mind and confidence that Capricorn Finance is dedicated to supporting Members to access the finance they need with as little hassle as possible.

Capricorn Chief Executive Officer of Automotive, Bradley Gannon, said he is excited to see how Capricorn Finance supports Members this EOFY.

“Capricorn is here to support Members to continue to grow and build a stronger business,” Bradley said.

“Capricorn Finance understands that part of this is upgrading or purchasing equipment and vehicles to increase a workshop’s capacity and capabilities.”

Capricorn Member, Simon from Sims Auto Electrics, says he found dealing with Capricorn Finance easy.

“When you are self-employed it can be very difficult to get finance but with Capricorn Finance it was smooth and easy. Capricorn Finance knows you are busy, and organising finance can often be a hassle,” Simon said.

Capricorn says its finance specialists know the industry, stating that with Capricorn, Members enjoy industry competitive rates, zero set-up fees and the opportunity to earn Capricorn Rewards Points.

Capricorn Finance offers business equipment finance through Capricorn Society Financial Services Pty Ltd (ACN 129 134 667).

THE HOT QUESTION FOR MEGABUS AT AAAEXPO

The overwhelming question asked at the award-winning Megabus stand was “why does my business need a Workshop Management System?”

Megabus explains the Workshop Management System (WMS) is increasingly recognised as an essential piece of garage equipment, alongside your plant and equipment, for efficiently running a tyre and mechanical workshop.

Integrating a WMS into your operations can significantly enhance productivity, improve customer satisfaction, and streamline workflow management.

Megabus lists the following as the key reasons why installing or upgrading to a leading WMS should be considered indispensable for any modern workshop.

• Efficiency and time management: a modern and Australian industry-integrated WMS automates routine research tasks, repair order creation, inventory procurement, quote approvals and invoicing. This level of automation reduces the time technicians and sales staff spend on repair order workflow, allowing more time for service work, customer interaction and vehicle turnaround time.

• Growing your business: a modern WMS should connect your business to the world, allowing for online bookings, confirmations, checkins, and a digital workshop for customer

engagement. Digitally reach your customers to remind them of appointments, provide content around repair quotations, and seek approvals. Manual or non-integrated systems leave behind the opportunity to grow your business. Modern systems also connect your business to the digital economy and emerging automotive e-commerce channels.

• Comprehensive reporting: one of the most significant advantages of a WMS is its ability to generate detailed reports on various business aspects. These reports provide valuable insights into performance metrics such as service times, revenue per job, and worker productivity. With access to realtime data, workshop managers can make informed decisions to improve efficiency and profitability.

• Regulatory compliance: keeping up with industry standards and regulations is simpler with a WMS partner that is engaged in the aftermarket. It can help ensure that all operations are compliant with local and international automotive service standards, an emerging example is EV certification and its impacts on staff rostering.

• Covering your back office: upgrading your

Fees and charges, terms and conditions and lending criteria apply. All pre-approved loans are subject to Capricorn’s final approval processes which are completed once an application has been submitted. Applications for finance over the pre-approved amount are subject to usual credit approval processes.

To find out more about Capricorn Finance, speak to your local Area Manager or Capricorn’s dedicated finance team by calling 1800 327 437 or visiting www.cap.coop/finance

To learn more about Capricorn, visit www.capricorn.coop

WMS will level up your back office efficiency. Through greater transparency via payroll and general ledger activities, you will be able to make better performance management decisions regarding your investment in the business.

• The team behind the WMS: finally, assessing the underlying partner for your WMS needs is essential. Your investment in a WMS is a long-term decision. The tenure, financial backing, and stability of the WMS provider are key assessments in your selection decision. The automotive technology space is a hotbed for Merger and Acquisition activity, so understanding the business structure and longevity of your WMS partner is essential. Megabus provides software technologies and professional services consultation to the Australian Automotive Aftermarket across retail, wholesale,and online delivery channels, powered by an extensive partner network.

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

TREVIPAY LEADING THE WAY

Enabling workshops and parts suppliers to better manage pricing agreements and streamline invoicing processes

In the Commercial Vehicles Industry, building trust and fostering collaboration are key to success, especially for independent mechanical workshops and parts suppliers.

Australia’s unique market demands tailored solutions that give companies the freedom to make informed choices.

TreviPay says it addresses the logistical challenges of Australia’s vast landmass with efficient pricing and service agreements, ensuring easy access to parts and services nationwide.

TreviPay states that it enables workshops and parts suppliers to better manage pricing agreements and

streamline invoicing processes, leading to fewer errors and enhanced customer loyalty.

With the rise of electric commercial vehicles causing shifts in the industry, TreviPay facilitates payment solutions and collaboration to help navigate this transition seamlessly.

TreviPay says it is “a beacon of efficiency and partnership,” which bridges gaps between workshops, parts suppliers and fleet operators to streamline payments across the industry.

By leveraging TreviPay’s capabilities, TreviPay says workshops and parts suppliers enhance efficiency, scale effectively and elevate customer experiences.

Further, it states TreviPay’s tailored solutions even address the unique demands of the Australian market and drive innovation across the global automotive industry.

In addition to operational streamlining payments, TreviPay provides actionable insights derived from data analysis, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning.

TreviPay says its commitment to innovation

ensures it remains at the forefront of technological advancements, delivering value to its customers.

With a customer-centric approach, TreviPay says it prioritises understanding the needs of each client, tailoring solutions accordingly. Its impact goes beyond efficiency, encompassing strategic insights, innovation and collaborative partnerships.

As the Commercial Vehicle Industry evolves, TreviPay says it remains a trusted ally, empowering businesses to thrive in a dynamic and competitive landscape.

With its comprehensive suite of solutions and commitment to customer success, TreviPay says it is leading the way towards a brighter future for the automotive industry.

For more information, visit www.trevipay.com

TECDOC ONE LAUNCHED

TecAlliance says it is setting a new standard in the automotive aftermarket

TecAlliance, a leading expert for data management and processes in the automotive aftermarket, has announced the launch of TecDoc One, a groundbreaking product information management (PIM) system that it says sets a new industry standard.

TecDoc One is a cloud-based PIM system designed to empower parts manufacturers to manage their catalogue data in near real time, ensuring seamless data handling on a global scale.

It is a comprehensive central platform to reliably source, manage, and utilise accurate product information.

TecAlliance says TecDoc One supports manufacturers in efficiently handling the complexity of different automotive standards.

“We recognise the importance of seamless integration and alignment with multiple industry standards, particularly TecDoc and Autocare in North America,” TecAlliance Product Owner, Teodor Pop, said.

“By aligning with these standards, TecDoc One ensures that our customers can navigate the complex landscape of data management with ease. They can maximise the value of their product information and maintain their global data.”

Comprehensive tools for effective data management

TecAlliance says TecDoc One offers its users a comprehensive suite of tools for effective data management.

With Instant Data Processing (IDP) embedded into TecDoc One, it states users benefit from fast and easy data delivery and real-time updates, enabling them to respond promptly to market changes.

Robust template management allows users to create and customise templates for different article groups, ensuring standardised and optimised content across product categories.

Additionally, the integration of VIO and OE product data as additional modules enhances the depth and accuracy of product data.

Along with these features, Data Quality Management (DQM) ensures the integrity and accuracy of data throughout its lifecycle, providing essential tools to identify and correct inconsistencies or errors.

Ready for global success

In the coming years, TecAlliance says it anticipates even greater reliance on technology in product data management.

As the industry becomes even more global, the demand for streamlined, user-friendly tools will increase.

“We expect data management solutions like TecDoc One to become even more central to businesses’ daily operations,” Teodor said.

“Users will find it hard to do without a unified platform for data cataloguing.

“Our commitment extends beyond meeting expectations; we are setting the standard for product data management.

“We envision TecDoc One as a holistic and forwardlooking PIM solution.

“More than just a tool, we are transforming it into a strategic ally to revolutionise how businesses navigate the ever-changing automotive aftermarket.” For more information, visit www.tecalliance.net

PARTS DB LAUNCHES NEW AWARD, PROGRAMS

The team enjoyed the opportunity to talk about these new concepts at the AAAExpo

In the lead-up to this year’s Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (AAAExpo), the PARts DB team presented its inaugural Seller Data Quality Award in recognition of outstanding brand catalogue and product data as voted by aftermarket sellers.

“We’ve been working towards creating some sort of formal industry recognition since we started PARts DB,” PARts Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Jim Gurieff, said.

The top five recipient brands for the PARts 2024 Seller Data Quality award were Bosch, Monroe, Nolathane, Ryco and Whiteline.

PARts says each provided exemplary content while leading the way in integrity, accuracy, timeliness, completeness, best practices while delivering proprietary specific data to the seller. It states this was only possible by recognising strong two-way data share partnerships, and explains this is where the new PARts Herd service can help.

PARts explains that “this unique product data service acknowledges the efficiency of standards and then uses specialised data templates to

help sellers communicate their data quality expectations.”

“We built Herd to connect the market. Sellers set expectations for product and category information, and suppliers get a clear understanding of the quality of their data when compared to others in the market, or ‘the Herd’,” PARts Head of Operations, Tom Parish, said.

Tom elaborated that Herd begins with sellers publishing their expectations through PARts Console. These expectations outline fitment, specification, and descriptions, applied to categories ranging from performance brakes to spark plugs and even consumables.

Suppliers select the seller’s template and evaluate their own data’s quality through this lens. Any field that a seller has marked as either Mandatory, Suggested or Optional is highlighted through PARts Console accordingly to make data quality improvement fast and simple.

Some sellers are using PARts Herd to communicate their minimum expectation, while further tailoring allows for efficient communication of seller specific additional IP.

Comprehensive reporting is included with data exports supported for subscriber customers, however, any PARts participating brand can see where the Herd is located.

Another key talking point at the AAAExpo for PARts was its exclusive PARts Plus program, which PARts explains recognises the importance of high-quality data to effectively compete with OE.

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

FIVE COMMON DELIVERY TRANSPORT CHALLENGES

OnTime Delivery Solutions advises on how to solve these common challenges facing auto parts companies

Walter Scremin, the Chief Executive Officer of national delivery transport provider, Ontime Delivery Solutions, names the following as five delivery transport challenges which often arise for auto parts.

Staffing issues

“The best-performing fleets have enough flexibility to adjust quickly. They can access resources at short notice to cover absenteeism or unexpected peaks in demand,” said Walter, stating the best auto parts fleets achieve this by outsourcing at least some of their transport requirements to specialist providers.

Cost blowouts

There will always be unforeseen disruptions to your fleet, often when least expected.

“You can only think about monitoring and controlling costs once you’ve had an honest assessment and understand all the costs intimately. When your costs are known you can measure your efficiency. You can develop a system which can adapt, protect you from the worst, and provide a yardstick for performance,” Walter said.

Reliability during peak demand

“The best fleets prepare for the inevitable peaks, and they all have things in common,” Walter said. “Firstly, they structure the fleet for success, they make it adaptable. Secondly, they optimise the fleet with the right technology and systems. Finally, they measure their performance and keep on top of efficiency, as this is the key to reliable performance during high stress periods.”

Technology

Even small fleets can now access tracking and proof-of-delivery, but key is how you use it every day.

“There is potential to improve your efficiency, your customer service, and lower fuel costs. But these will only be realised with a real commitment to using the technology daily,” said Walter who noted any technology must be resilient to the risk of cyber-attacks.

Consistent professionalism

The key to being consistently professional is having the right resourcing in place, including

transport suppliers which can respond to your needs and make you look good.

“There is a huge difference in professionalism among different transport suppliers, and you must ensure any supplier is appropriately licenced under your state’s labour hire laws. Many companies don’t realise it is up to them to ensure outsourced providers are licensed for labour hire. It’s basic professionalism for your suppliers to have this, and if they don’t alarm bells should be ringing,” Walter said.

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

BUY GENUINE DEALER INFORMATION TO INCREASE YOUR PROFIT

The Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme sees Aftermarket workshops on level pegging with dealership service departments for the first time

Thanks to this Scheme, whatever service, repair, diagnostic hardware, or software a dealer accesses, so can you. This covers every vehicle and light commercial from the 1st of January 2002 to today.

So, how does this legislation potentially change how you should use information? Let’s first consider the costs. Some examples for information (full repair manuals, TSBs, all wiring diagrams etc) are below.

The currencies used are AUD, USD, and Euro so the below is converted into AUD for this comparison.

For one hour’s access: Audi $6.62, BMW $14.89, Isuzu $3, Skoda, VW $11.58. For one day’s access: Ford $33+, GM $28+, Honda $20+, Hyundai $18.50+, Kia $25+, Mazda $19.95+, Mitsubishi $35+, Nissan $49.95+, Subaru $25+, Suzuki $25.15+, Toyota $21+.

To use genuine diagnostic software (J2534) to

scan the full vehicle and get all the information, for one hour’s software access you are looking at Audi $16.54, BMW $14.89, Isuzu $8, Skoda $14.89, VW $16.54. And for one day’s access it is Ford $40+, GM $78+, Mitsubishi $35+ and Toyota $50+. Toyota also offers its Techstream dealer software for $80+ per month, which is below $4 a day.

“If using genuine information or software saves you 30 minutes, it has paid for itself,” Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA) Executive Officer, Rodger Nardi, said.

“You bill the subscription fee to the job and then use the 30-minute gain on another job. Let’s say you save 30 minutes on one job per day – that is more than 120 hours saved per year (based on 252 working days in 2024).

“It is clear – using genuine information will result in higher year end profits.”

To view all the car companies pricing by day,

month, year, visit www.aasra.com.au and select ‘Automotive Websites’ from the left hand menu. You may also find the PDFs on the home page titled ‘Joining Help’ and ‘Navigation’ helpful. Any EV or hybrid access requires an EV training certificate, and to access security (key, immobiliser, ECU, PATS etc) requires Security approval.

To learn more, visit www.aasra.com.au

ESSENTIAL GARAGE EQUIPMENT

Burg Design says these cleaning wipes are so good, it offers a money back guarantee

RIDOF wipes have been designed to very effectively remove all types of nasty gunk from hands, tools and equipment as well as both hard and soft surfaces, making them perfect for Service Departments, Car Detailing and numerous other applications.

Burg Design says the international award winning RIDOF natural waterless cleaning wipes are considered by many to be the best performing and most versatile workshop cleaning wipes ever developed, as they are gentle on your skin and safe for all types of hard and soft surfaces . Unlike most other hand cleaners, Burg Design explains that RIDOF natural wipes do not contain any harmful and often toxic petrochemicals.

It says they very quickly leave your hands smelling clean and fresh without the down time and the mess of splattered hand cleaner and paper towels all over the washroom floor.

RIDOF cloth wipes are available in a convenient range of sizes to suit every type of workshop such as Vehicle Dealerships, Mobile Service Vehicles, Machine Shops, Panel Shops, Tyre Stores, Motor Racing, Manufacturing and more.

Burg Design says that RIDOF wipes have become “the number one choice of numerous industries,” stating they are used daily in Australia by more than 25 different industries such as Automotive, Marine, Aviation, Military, Agriculture, Painting, Locksmiths, Printing, Commercial Cleaning Services and more.

In fact, Burg Design is so confident in its RIDOF wipes that it states they will be “the best cleaning wipes you will ever use, or your money back!”

The wipes are available from Burg Design and also CoolDrive Auto Parts.

For more information, contact Burg Design 03 95559277 or sales@burgdesign.com.au or visit www.burgdesign.com.au

MAHA’S AUTO TEST LANE

The test lane is saving JAX Tyres and Auto time, while adding accuracy

JAX Tyres and Auto Narellan in New South Wales secured and installed a MAHA Automotive Test Lane almost 12 months ago to better service its customers.

“When MAHA developed the light vehicle unit, which I have, we saw a need for it in our business,”

JAX Narellan Franchisee, Daniel Spiteri, said.

Since the business is in New South Wales where there are yearly safety checks, also known as pink slips, the MAHA equipment has been busy since it was installed.

MAHA’s brake tester meets all legislative requirements including the highest European Quality Assurance System which exceeds the requirements of Australian, New Zealand and International Testing Standards. Checks include suspension and brake testing, among other checks.

“You’re going to visually inspect the suspension to make sure that you’ve got no leaks in your shocks and they’re functioning as they should; you’re going make sure that your braking system passes a brake meter test; and you’re going to get the car up and do a visual inspection on it to make sure there’s no leaks, damage, underbody body concerns and the like,” Daniel said.

“Now to do that prior to putting the MAHA unit in, I would have an inspector get a mobile brake test unit, hop in it, set it up, and do a lap around a policeapproved test area to complete a brake test.”

These tests took time and there was also a small amount of risk driving a customer vehicle on the road, and then weather could also play a part.

With the MAHA tester the weather equation is totally removed because the test is done inside the workshop.

“It saves me a lot of time, a lot of money and a lot of risk too. You don’t have any risks of accidents and damage or anything else that might come with driving a car out there on the road,” Daniel said.

Daniel also stated that with the MAHA test lane, his technicians have the ability to not only test the shock absorbers and brakes accurately, but to also provide customers with a diagnostic report which he says is a great way to quantify the inspection.

“So, it is a much safer inspection. If you look at shock absorbers, if you were to physically look at them and they look like they are okay and they don’t feel like they’ve got a lot of free play in them, then you would assume that they’re fine,” Daniel said.

“But with the MAHA Automotive Test Lane you also test to find things like differences between front and back braking proportions, you can diagnose brake shudder and vibrations, measure side-to-side and front-to-back differences in shock absorbers.

“But then you get added benefits in it as well in that it also weighs the vehicle, and it also does a prealignment check.

“To run a car over the MAHA system takes about three minutes on average from the time you input the data into the system…so it is really quick and effective. And we then get an A4 colour report that we can provide the customer.

“What would have historically taken us about 20-25 minutes to do, we refined to the threeto-four-minute mark in total, so it is definitely a beneficial thing for us.”

Daniel says other benefits over the previous labourintensive way of testing brakes and suspension is that there is a record of the state of the vehicle at every check, so last year can be compared with this year’s results, and there are also big benefits with training his apprentices.

Key features and benefits:

• MINC – Side Slip Tester for wheel alignment test/suspension geometry test

• MSD3000 – Oscillating shock absorber tester for suspension testing – offers a linear frequency-controlled speed shock test throughout the shock’s resonance frequency range. An optional noise detection module is also available to detect knocks and rattles via oscillation speed

• MBT2250 – Roller brake tester five km/h

- Includes drag detection, for example, wheel bearing or sticky caliper piston

- Includes warped rotor or oval drum test

- Individual wheel, axle, and gross vehicle weights

- Front and rear brake force and park brake test including brake test force four wheels plus park brake, the MAHA Patented 4WD mode.

• Electronic, temperature-compensated strain gauge system for highly precise measurement results under all environmental conditions.

For more information, contact MAHA Australia on 1800 006 242 or visit www.maha.com.au

GARAGE EQUIPMENT

THE ROLE OF DIAGNOSTIC GARAGE

TOOLS IN MODERN VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

In today’s rapidly evolving automotive industry, the repair and maintenance of vehicles have become increasingly complex

This transformation is largely due to the integration of advanced computer systems and technology into modern vehicles.

As a result, mechanics and automotive professionals must stay updated and equipped with the latest diagnostic tools to effectively diagnose, repair, and maintain these sophisticated vehicles.

AutoTest outlines the following as key considerations for the automotive industry.

• Connectivity: most of the diagnostic equipment now relies on seamless connectivity, either to a computer, the internet, or both. This connectivity is essential for diagnosing engine issues, assessing emissions, and identifying electronic faults. The efficiency and accuracy of these tools heavily depend on the uninterrupted exchange of data.

• Government-sanctioned roadworthy inspections: many jurisdictions mandate government-sanctioned roadworthy inspections, where testing equipment results are directly transmitted to a government website. This practice enhances transparency and accountability, ensuring that vehicles on the road meet specified safety and emission standards.

• Equipment maintenance and calibration: to achieve roadworthy-inspection approval, it is crucial to maintain and calibrate diagnostic tools regularly. Proper maintenance ensures that these tools perform efficiently and accurately, contributing to reliable inspection results. AutoTest says its commitment to NATA-accredited calibrations exemplifies this dedication to maintaining high standards.

• Thorough inspections: utilising inadequate equipment can impede an approved examiner’s ability to conduct comprehensive inspections. Adherence to relevant codes of practice and vehicle-inspection guidelines is essential to ensure accurate and reliable results.

AutoTest describes the following as “mandatory” when it comes to inspection tools:

• Brake system testing equipment such as decelerometers (brake meters)

• Headlamp aim checking equipment; general tools and equipment such as light transmission meters, measuring equipment for brake components, wheel chocks, kingpin gauges, and turntable locking testers.

• Underbody inspection equipment: a hoist, pit ramp, vehicle jacks, or stands.

• Additional equipment for trailers: for LT and/or HT vehicle types, testing equipment for lighting systems, electric brakes, tow coupling compression, vacuum braking systems, and compressed-air sources for air brakes are mandatory.

• Other essential tools: sound-level meters, brake-fluid testers, suspension testers, and emissions analysers.

AutoTest states that as an ISO 9001 Quality accredited manufacturer, it is a leading quality-accredited roadworthy equipment producer in Australia.

It says its commitment to excellence extends beyond production to NATAaccredited calibrations, ensuring that its products meet the highest industry standards and international benchmarks through ILAC.

For more information, please contact AutoTest Products at 03 8840 3000 or visit www.autotest.net.au

KEEPING VEHICLE BATTERIES READY TO DRIVE

CTEK has been proud to launch its CS ONE

CTEK, a leading global brand in vehicle charging solutions, has launched the CS ONE, which it describes as a revolutionary and powerful new battery charger and maintainer with cutting-edge APTO (Adaptive Charging) technology that ”does all the thinking for you.”

One company already using the CS ONE is Benzina Stables, a highly secure car storage facility in Preston, Melbourne.

The team at Benzina Stables have been using the CS ONE on their beloved vehicles amongst all the routine maintenance checks and processes they undertake at the facility.

Holding a large variety of vehicles in its care – with everything from an old Rolls-Royce Phantom VI to an eclectic mix of other performance and 4x4 automotive royalty – the Benzina Stables team needs to know they have the right tools to meet the needs of every customer.

Amongst all the maintenance processes the team undertakes, one critical factor is keeping every car on a battery charger and maintainer, like the CS ONE.

Benzina Stables says one of the definitive reasons why CTEK was chosen for their everyday battery maintenance needs is because CTEK chargers are spark proof, reverse polarity protected and electronically safe.

With millions of dollars of 4x4s, classic collectables, exotics and motorbikes, the risk of fire is a big consideration.

”Recently, we got our hands on a CTEK CS ONE charger – from the get go, it was a game-changer for us,” Benzina Stables Co-Founder, Kristian Palumbo, said.

”With our CTEK chargers, we can simply connect and forget. They are widely-recognised as reliable and safe, dramatically reducing the chances of a fire and a costly insurance bill. They are left switched on at night, and we sleep very comfortably

knowing expensive cars are in here and they are being taken good care of.

”We deal with a broad cross section of vehicles here, from exotics to classic cars and batteries are often placed in weird and hard-to-reach places, tucked into the back of a Ferrari, for instance.

”Previously, we had to get a torchlight shone in via a phone, and struggle to locate the positive and negative terminals to connect, but the CS ONE’s polarity free clamps make this issue a thing of the past.

”We just put one clamp on each charging point and the CS ONE will automatically work out which is the positive and which is the negative terminal. It also automatically adapts to lead-acid or lithium batteries, whereas with many other chargers we’d have to manually choose a lithium mode, for example.

”When dealing with many different types of cars and batteries, this is a great feature! With the CS ONE’s mobile app connectivity feature as well, we can monitor the vehicle’s charging cycle progress from anywhere. We fight over which car gets it!”

With a wide mix of cars, all utilised on an irregular basis, Kristian and his team know that it is essential to not just ensure the batteries are charged, but that they are carefully maintained to care for their long-term performance.

”We often get cars that have sat in sheds or storage units for a long time. Batteries come to us that have been in very poor health. It is great to know that CTEK chargers such as the MXS 5.0 and the CS ONE gives us the ability to efficiently restore them to good condition for our customers. Its a great offering for the customer and a value-add for us,” Kristian said.

Key features and benefits:

• Super smart and super simple: no buttons to press or modes to select – simply connect CS ONE to any 12V lead-acid or lithium (LiFePO4) battery and just leave it to do its work.

• Adaptive Charging Technology (APTO): automatically works out what type and size of battery you’ve got and what it needs, then delivers a customised charging program with the most appropriate charge for your battery.

• Polarity free clamps: just put one clamp on each charging point and the CS ONE will automatically work out which is the positive and which is the negative terminal.

• Bad cell detection: The CS ONE can tell if your battery can’t be charged – and will notify you.

• Easy to understand display: countdown indicator shows when you can restart your battery and how long to go till fully charged.

• Additional functions: unlock additional programs / functions by connecting the CS ONE to the free to download CTEK App:

- Recond mode restores battery life and reconditions flat or deeply discharged batteries.

- Wake Up lithium batteries with under voltage protection (UVP) or to bring deeply discharged lead-acid batteries (as low as 0V) back to life.

- Supply mode turns CS ONE into a 12V power supply to keep vehicle settings safe if you need to remove the battery.

- Advanced settings to monitor volts and amps being delivered by the charger.

- Adjust charger LED brightness

• Accessories: new-look u-terminal connector for easier access to the battery, protective rubber bumper, wall-mount and adaptor for compatibility with all existing CTEK accessories. For more information, visit www.ctek.com

DECK OUT YOUR WORKSHOP

Aeroflow Performance has a range of equipment available

Aeroflow Performance says it has a wide variety of Tool and Shop Equipment to deck out your workshop or garage.

Low Profile Car Ramps

Aeroflow Performance Low Profile Car Ramps are designed to not slide forward when driven onto, they have a lip on the edge so you don’t drive off the ramp, and are very lightweight. These ramps will bring the car up 65mm off the ground so you can get a jack under the vehicle without causing damage. The ramps also come with a mesh bag to easily transport around in the boot of the vehicle.

Fender/Guard Cover

Aeroflow Performance fender covers are perfect for mechanics and restorers alike, protecting fenders from scratches, dings, grease and other grunge.

Made from strong PVC foam and reinforced with nylon mesh, the black non-slip material will not harm paint, adheres to slick surfaces, and keeps tools from sliding off. The fender cover measures 558mm x 863mm (34” x 22”) and is completely washable.

Qwik Lift Vehicle Jacks

Aeroflow Performance says its Qwik Lift Vehicle Jacks make it easier to move a car around that isn’t moving under its own power in a small space. These jacks are sold separately and must be lubricated inside the rollers periodically to maintain the use of them to ensure they can continue to operate.

When using the vehicle jacks, Aeroflow Performance recommends you do not leave a car jacked up on hydraulic pressure – stating you should simply move the vehicle and then get the vehicle off the jacks. Each vehicle jack will support 680kgs (1500lbs).

Aeroflow Performance’s Ford Nine Inch Axle Cut Guide – simplifying rear end narrowing

Aeroflow Performance was proud recently to unveil its latest innovation, the Aeroflow Performance Ford Nine Inch Axle Cut Guide.

It says this groundbreaking tool simplifies the process of determining cut length for Ford nineinch rear axles during rear end narrowing, ensuring precision and ease.

Featuring engraved driver/passenger markings,

a pinion center mark, and axle cut lines, this intuitive tool eliminates guesswork, making axle trimming effortless.

Further, Aeroflow says its durable construction ensures long-lasting performance, making it an essential addition to any workshop or garage.

Workshop Creeper

Forget rolling around on the cold, hard, uncomfortable concrete floor with an Aeroflow Performance workshop creeper.

The six swivel castor wheels make it easy to move around underneath a raised and supported vehicle with little effort.

The heavy-duty steel frame holds up to a maximum of 130kg and Aeroflow Performance says the great design of this creeper is the fact that it easily turns into a seat for the ultimate in comfort when working around the workshop.

For more information, visit www.aeroflowperformance.com

JOHN BEAN GARAGE EQUIPMENT

The pioneering alignment technology brand is available from GPC Tools and Equipment

GPC Asia-Pacific states that John Bean is one of the world’s leading brands of garage equipment for workshops, tyre shops, and body repair service. The company’s roots date back to the inventor, John Bean, founding the John Bean Spray Pump Company in 1904.

When the company merged with a nearby food machinery company, it became the Food Machinery and Chemical Company (FMC).

In 1996 the successful automotive equipment division from FMC was renamed John Bean, honouring the original founder and visionary inventor.

John Bean engineers continued to innovate automotive service equipment and in 1934 introduced the first dynamic wheel balancer.

In 1947, John Bean launched the Visualiner which was the first optical wheel aligner in the world and quickly became the standard of the industry.

In 1987, the John Bean Signature Series model 9909 became the first alignment machine with built-in training systems for the operator.

The FMC Visualiner II of series 9000 in 1984

marked the first successful application of optical measuring heads with a CRT computerised aligner. FMC engineers were also the first to develop calibration for both wheel aligners and wheel balancers that could be performed by operators.

Since 1996 John Bean has kept to its mission of developing innovative technologies, including the development and introduction of 3D wheel aligners with accuracy, speed and user-friendliness which reportedly set new standards.

In 2008 John Bean was the first and only to launch mobile wheel aligners utilising lightweight camera pods and targets, and more recently it has introduced the “on car” true 3D range.

Today, John Bean offers the V2280 Imaging diagnostic wheel alignment system combining advanced wheel alignment technology with GPC stating this offers “the easiest to use software interface providing premium technology without the premium price.”

The V2280 allows workshops to perform revenueboosting alignment services without the need for extensive technician training or bulky equipment while ensuring customer satisfaction.

GPC says you can keep productivity high with the fast compensation feature that allows technicians to move through the alignment steps quickly and accurately, while automatic camera tracking removes the need for adjusting the beam height, saving valuable time.

Meanwhile, the advanced notification system will compensate for almost any error made during the alignment in real-time, reducing the potential for errors by providing the necessary steps for corrective action if needed.

For more information about John Bean products, speak to your local GPC Tools and Equipment team by calling 1800 224 581.

GARAGE EQUIPMENT

THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE RIGHT JOB

NAPA Auto Parts discusses what you need to know before servicing, maintaining, or repairing an electric vehicle

In a lot of ways an electric vehicle is just like any other vehicle on the road: its primary purpose is to move passengers from one place to another. It is the same basic principle that has carried us past the days of the horse and buggy.

In fact, many of the early horseless carriages were actually electric powered. But modern electric vehicles deal in much higher voltages and amperages than anything on the road in the past few decades.

Anyone who already works on internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicles probably has a decent set of tools, but when it comes to servicing hybrid and electric vehicles (EV) there are a few more things to consider.

In this article, the experts at NAPA Auto Parts take a look at the right tools and equipment that are required to safely service, maintain and repair an electric vehicle.

Hand tools

Starting with hand tools the functions are pretty much the same. An insulated screwdriver still has a handle and a tip, wrenches still have jaws, sockets still have six or twelve points. The big difference comes down to stopping the flow of electricity either through the tool or to the user.

You have probably seen insulated tools before, likely a screwdriver in a set. These are pretty common for household electrical work. But did you know there are insulated tools and then there are non-conductive (composite) tools?

An insulated tool is typically made of metal (like a normal tool) which is then covered with a nonconductive substance like epoxy or rubber. This interrupts the flow of electricity from the tool to the user’s hand. But insulated tools need to be checked regularly to verify if the insulating coating is still intact.

Some tools use different coloured insulation layers to signal if a tool is ready for replacement. If the warning layer is visible, the tool is no longer safe to use. The last point is one that normally isn’t a part of hand tool ownership.

Hand tools either work or they are broken. Insulated electric tools may still technically work as say a wrench, but they will not be safe to use around electrical components once the insulation has been compromised. Composite tools are actually made differently compared to normal tools.

For example, a composite ratchet will have a handle made completely of a strong non-conductive material with no metal inside. This prevents electricity from traveling from the head of the ratchet to the user’s hand.

Composite sockets will still have a metal hex insert, but that metal is attached to a strong nonconductive composite, and then to the square drive. The nonconductive material breaks the circuit and blocks the flow of electricity.

Diagnostics

Working on any modern vehicle requires the right diagnostic equipment regardless of whether it’s an electric vehicle or not.

While a technician working on an electric vehicle won’t be diagnosing ignition or emissions problems, they will be chasing down other normal issues like bad sensors or damaged modules.

One key consideration with electric vehicles is the power handling capability of the diagnostic tool. For example, any multi-meter intended to be used on an electric vehicle must be rated CAT III to handle the high voltages often found inside these vehicles. Likewise, the test leads need to be also rated for higher voltage use. While internal combustion engines are starting to use 48-volt systems in areas, some electric vehicles operate in the hundreds of volts so special EV diagnostic tools are a must.

Workshop Equipment

Your workshop may already be well equipped to work on common internal combustion vehicles, but there are some special electric vehicle repair tools you may need to consider. For example, your twopost lift likely needs different footpads to correctly lift electric vehicles.

You also need to make sure your lift can be configured to handle different vehicle weight biases (front to rear) for balanced lifting. Speaking of lifting, many electric vehicle and hybrid batteries weigh a considerable amount and are mounted to the bottom of the vehicle.

Safely removing one of these batteries should be left up to a specialised lifting table designed for the task. Most people are not aware that air conditioning compressors used in hybrid and electric vehicles have a special type of oil that is designed to be non-conductive. That means you will need an air conditioning service machine that can prevent cross-

contamination between systems. Considering that the air conditioning compressor on a hybrid or electric vehicle is powered by a high-power electric motor rather than an engine pulley, the different oil requirement makes sense.

Workshop Safety and Personal Protective Equipment

It is a good idea to wear gloves when working on any vehicle, but when working on an electric or hybrid vehicle it is mandatory.

Specifically insulated safety gloves designed to handle high voltage. Gloves must also be tested before each use for any tears, cuts, leaks or wear that might allow a path for electricity to travel. A good pair of safety boots with EH (electrical hazard) rating is also recommended.

It is also important to let others know when a technician is working on a hybrid or electric vehicle. Placing orange cones around the bay and a line of caution tape signals to others that the vehicle is not to be approached.

The safety gear worn by the technician is only designed to protect one person, all others must keep their distance during servicing of electric vehicle components.

Any shop that is considering working on electric or hybrid vehicles needs an insulated rescue hook. In the unfortunate event of a technician suffering an accident while working on an electrical component the insulated rescue hook allows the victim to be pulled away from the electrical source without endangering the rescuer.

This also means that a technician should never work on a hybrid or electric vehicle alone, there should always be another person present. Lastly anyone attempting to service an electric or hybrid vehicle should be properly trained.

Old fashioned “on the job” training may be fine for most maintenance procedures on a normal car, the same cannot be said for electric or hybrid vehicles. The potential power output of an EV battery is just too high to risk working on a vehicle without at least basic training.

For more information about Tools and Equipment, visit NAPA Auto Parts at www.napaparts.com.au

GARAGE EQUIPMENT

EFFICIENCY, RELIABILITY AND PROFITABILITY FOR AUTO REPAIRERS

These are the focus areas for AAQ Australia

Resulting from direct conversations with its broad national customer base, AAQ Australia proudly unveiled its newest product catalogue featuring robust vehicle hoists and workshop equipment at the recent Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo.

The launch marked a pivotal moment for AAQ Australia, as it introduces its first quick reference guide for vehicle repairers since the company commenced operating in 1995.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, AAQ Australia’s range of vehicle hoists is tailored to suit the unique demands of the Australian automotive landscape.

It explains these hoists are not only Australiandesigned but are also registered under stringent Worksafe Design standards, ensuring superior safety, durability and reliability.

The newly unveiled catalogue offers a snapshot of AAQ Australia’s extensive lineup of equipment, grouped in customer-centric themes of maximising space, lift to repair, tyre maintenance and workshop equipment.

Moreover, with a nationwide network of qualified installers, AAQ Australia says it ensures seamless installation and servicing solutions across the country.

At the AAAExpo, AAQ Australia says the response to its catalogue was overwhelmingly positive, with more than 13,000 visitors attending the show and many expressing keen interest in the innovative Aussie-designed hoists and the customer-centric approach championed by AAQ Australia.

Co-exhibiting alongside Swisstrax modular flooring, renowned for its robust, durable and OHS-focussed solutions to workplace garage flooring, AAQ Australia says it made a resounding impact.

“AAQ Australia’s new catalogue is a game-changer,” said Jess of Flexico Australia.

“It not only simplifies the process of sourcing high-quality equipment but also reflects the company’s commitment to getting customers the best in Australian designed hoists and workshop equipment.”

Echoing these sentiments, Mat Seal, the National Sales Manager for AAQ Australia, highlighted the significance of the positive feedback from auto repair professionals, both large and small.

“We are thrilled at the reception our catalogue has received,” Mat said.

“It reaffirms our belief that by staying attuned to the evolving needs of the industry and prioritising the

INNOVATIVE SCAN TOOL TECHNOLOGY

The world of diagnostic technology is ever evolving with new and innovative scan tools.

Logicar explains that it recently brought one of the world’s leading scan tool brands to the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Expo: Thinkcar.

It says the Thinkcar scan tools stand out among other brands, providing users with seamless speeds to diagnose problems faster, with greater accuracy.

“It is important to choose the right scan tool for any workshop, especially if it is used daily to streamline the repair process, leading to quicker turnaround times on vehicle diagnosis and return on investment in your scan tool,” Logicar Chief Executive Officer, Colette Kirby, said.

“Options now available, with the advancement of built-in video remote services, include DoIP, D-PDU, and CAN FD support, comprehensive OBDII diagnostics and services to advanced coding and programming, and even an option for a scan tool with built in TPMS module.

“You can add ADAS, HD and EV all in one scan tool – ask us about the Thinktool Master X2, the no nonsense scan tool.”

There are multiple factors to consider when choosing a scan tool for your business including functions, compatibility, software, user experience, maintenance, OBD-II system and price range for entry level and high-end workshops.

“Logicar recommends researching for the right scan tool that is suitable for your business,” Colette said.

needs of the Aussie Auto Industry, we can continue to set new benchmarks that help our customers maximise their space, efficiency and profitability in the fiercely competitive automotive aftermarket sector.”

With its quick-reference catalogue and unwavering commitment to quality and service, AAQ Australia says it “is poised to redefine the standards of efficiency and profitability in the Australian automotive aftermarket industry, one workshop at a time.”

For more information, visit www.aaq.net.au

“As vehicle advancements take on digitised components, these scan tools provide greater profit opportunities for businesses.

“Logicar has been an expert in diagnostics for many years, offering a large range of scan tools from entry level to advanced.

“We will take the time to understand your requirements and help you make the decision that best suits the complexity of your needs.

“And we understand small/medium business needs as we are one too, so call today and feel free to book an after-hours discussion if you have time constraints during your workday!”

For further information, contact Logicar via www.logicar.com.au or call 1300 322 782.

CHRISTOPHER CIARDI BECOMES AUSTRALIA’S ONLY ALI CERTIFIED LIFT INSPECTOR

The Precision Automotive Equipment Vehicle Hoists Category Manager is one of only two in the world (outside of North America) to hold the certification

Australia’s Precision Automotive Equipment says it has always placed a major emphasis on ensuring that its team members are trained to the highest international levels of automotive workshop equipment technology and servicing expertise.

Fitting in perfectly with the BAPCOR-owned company’s commitment to providing its automotive workshop customers with the most highly qualified equipment experts, is the latest certification gained by the company’s Vehicle Hoists Category Manager, Christopher Ciardi.

Christopher has become one of two people in the world who have currently achieved this highest level of automotive lift inspection certification outside of North America.

Achieving this incredibly exclusive level of vehicle lift inspection certification was comprehensive and intense. Christopher first sat a 150 question preexam to determine eligibility in Melbourne, which required a pass rate of 80 percent or better to progress to the next stage.

Upon successfully passing this pre-exam, Christopher then travelled to the United States to undergo a three day training course located at Rotary Lift’s world leading training facility located in Madison, Indiana.

Next came a gruelling 300 question exam that required a 100 percent pass score along with 12 practical lift inspections, each taking four to

five hours duration. The whole ALI training and examination process took six days to complete outside of study time.

“While it did involve intense study and the accompanying levels of pressure, I have to say that I enjoyed this training process greatly,” Christopher said.

“The ALI team were very supportive throughout it and this certification is testament to their commitment to safety by providing training certifications that are unparalleled anywhere in the world in their comprehensive detail.

“One of the major benefits is the higher level of training that I am now able to conduct with our dedicated team of 39 Precision Automotive Equipment technicians working across the country.

“Our customers will continue to benefit from the best possible service and advice as always, but now at even greater levels.”

Precision Automotive Equipment General Manager, Peter Hewitt, says Christopher brings a level of vehicle lift expertise that does not exist anywhere else in the world outside of North America and the UAE.

“The effort that Christopher has made to achieve such an exclusive level of training in vehicle lift technology, safety and servicing is truly remarkable. He brings a level of expertise that can only be found with us in the Southern Hemisphere,” Peter said.

NEW PHILIPS AUTOMOTIVE GLOBE CABINETS

Built for workshops

Globe cabinets are a handy addition to any busy workshop, giving ease of access to the most popular automotive bulbs replaced during vehicle maintenance and repairs.

With this in mind, Philips has launched its popular Automotive Globe Cabinets in Australia.

To celebrate the launch, Philips has joined forces with suppliers to offer workshops two great deals, including a fully stocked cabinet with high moving products and a cabinet only option where workshops can choose their own Philips globes to add.

Philips Sales and Business Development Manager ANZ, Reece Walker, said the cabinets are designed and built in Europe and are an increasingly popular addition to European workshops.

“We’ve seen a need for a heavy-duty product in Australia and have worked with the international

team to offer them here in Australia with the added option to offer them fully stocked by local Philips suppliers,” Reece said.

The cabinets themselves feature a robust powdercoated steel construction, making them sturdy and suited to tough workshop conditions.

“They are also wall mountable, so can be placed out of the way and easily accessible,” Reece said.

An added bonus to the Philips globe cabinet is the inclusion of a handy bulb tester which can be fitted to the side of the unit, allowing staff to easily test if there is an issue with the globe.

Featuring a versatile shelving system where shelves can be moved to suit all products including larger Xenon HID and LED products, the cabinet is fitted with a lockable magnetic door to ensure high-value items are safe at all times.

“Workshops who choose to purchase the fully

“It is another example of our people and our company’s commitment to providing the highest levels of quality in our equipment accompanied by world leading levels of training that Christopher’s ALI Certified Lift Inspector qualification brings. “It is another highly impressive step and commitment to his long-term career with Precision Automotive Equipment.”

Along with visiting manufacturing facilities for factory approved training courses, Precision Automotive Equipment often welcomes global equipment manufacturer experts to Australia to conduct staff training that is specific to Australian automotive aftermarket customer requirements, using the company’s own national training and demonstration facility located in Brisbane.

For more from Precision Automotive Equipment, visit www.precisionautomotive.com.au

stocked option, get 150 pieces of high moving Philips halogen and incandescent globes plus the cabinet to store them in,” Reece said.

Available through Philips resellers nationwide, Philips invites you to order your new workshop globe cabinet today.

For more information, please visit www.philips.com.au

Philips’ new Automotive Globe Cabinet (Part number MERCH-04).

TRUE ENTHUSIAST LEADS THE WAY

Three decades of service and a desire to develop new products sees Clayton Parks keeping Rislone ahead of the game

The key to survival in today’s fast changing automotive scene is to learn lessons from the past and constantly develop new products, according to Rislone Vice President, Strategic Development, Clayton Parks.

He says it used to upset him when other companies copied or “knocked off” Rislone products, but now he believes it is better to just let them be and focus on developing even better products.

“A lot of the times (by the time the opposition has copied Rislone products) we are already onto our next generation… we’ve moved on,” he explains.

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine caught up with Clayton at the recent AAAExpo where he was visiting from Rislone’s headquarters in Michigan, USA.

Smits Group, originally from New Zealand, represents Rislone in Australia via Smits Group Pty. It was launched in Australia in 2011, shipping from its warehouse in Brisbane.

Clayton believes there is enormous potential for the growth of the brand – which has historically been at the forefront of oil additives – in Australia and New Zealand, but more about that later.

He has spent the past 30 years working for Rislone, starting as a sales person but eventually moving to product development and strategic growth.

Clayton began his working life at the counter of an auto parts store, but he soon got sick of working weekends, so he took up an opportunity to move to a Ford dealership as a parts manager.

He had got to know the owners of Rislone while working at the auto parts store as he had become involved with their drag racing activities.

So, when a position became available with the Rislone company, he jumped at it and has been there ever since.

Clayton is a true motoring enthusiast with a passion for motorsport and building project cars.

“I had rebuilt my first engine before I could drive, because of my dad, he was always involved with cars,” Clayton explains.

“I like working on off-road vehicles. And up in Michigan, we have big sand dunes, right on Lake Michigan, so I usually always have an off-road project vehicle in the process of being built.”

His last ‘project car’ was a ’57 Ford Ranchero (what Australians would call a ute), which Clayton put on a ’78 Ford F250 4WD chassis and fitted a 428CJ engine.

Having recently sold the Ranchero, he is currently building a 1960 Ford F250 truck, which he is fitting to a 2011 Ford F350 Superduty 4WD chassis with a 521 big block Ford stroker engine.

“I painted it. I put it on a different chassis. It has got bigger tyres on it. I built the engine myself. But I have been traveling quite a bit the last month so I haven’t been able to get it running yet, but I should have it driving this year,” he enthuses.

It was this enthusiasm that saw him train as a paint and body specialist and an electrical engineer at high school.

He believes his enthusiasm for motorsport and his hands-on approach has helped him in his career and in understanding what products the market needed.

Clayton reiterated that Rislone has always been good at developing the right product at the right time.

“Originally motor oil was basically pumped out of the ground, lightly filtered, and put into the crankcase. So the engines didn’t last very long, especially the piston rings, and they would need to be rebuilt,” he says.

“So what Rislone did is it came up with some additives for the engine oil that had detergent packages and some other additives and that greatly extended how long the engines lasted.

“Through the years, Rislone has always kept ahead as engine oil technology advanced. There’s a lot of times the engine oil companies themselves can’t do the latest technology (at the same speed as Rislone), because they’ve got to go through just so many processes due to industry regulations and standards.

“One thing that makes us a little bit different too is we are also an OEM supplier.”

It is this innovative nature that is the reason Clayton believes Rislone will remain strong into the future,

even if EVs become the dominant vehicle on the roads of the world.

He points out that Rislone is already producing specific product for many hybrid vehicles, noting that a different type of oil additive is needed in hybrids as the ICE-engine can often be idle for periods of time throughout a journey meaning that the thermal cycle happens much more regularly as the engine often heats up and cools down on multiple occasions during the one trip.

And Rislone is already developing product for EVs also, mostly in the form of special coolant additives.

“They have to cool all these other components,” Clayton says.

“You have the battery packs; there are a few different ways they can cool those. You have multiple pumps; maybe you have multiple motors, one in the front, one in the back, some of them have even more than two motors.

“You have inverters that need to be cooled; then you have inside the cabin some type of heating and cooling. So, there are all kinds of lines and connections in those vehicles, more than there is even in a regular internal combustion engine vehicle, that are going to be opportunities.

“There is always opportunities. It is no different than through history when say disc brakes came out, and people thought, ‘oh man, they always did drums, we’re never going to be able to work on these cars’ or when distributor-less ignition or fuel injection was introduced – anything that changes just brings more opportunities.”

While Rislone is a well-known, 100-year-old brand in the USA, Clayton is keen to make it a household brand and ‘go to’ product in Australia and New Zealand.

He said they chose Australia and New Zealand as a growth market a little over a decade ago because it was similar to the US market; however, Rislone

had previously pushed into other markets outside of the USA – including Canada, Latin America and South America.

Clayton says the lessons learned from those markets showed how important it was to look at the specific needs of each region.

“We developed a specific product line; we didn’t just take our US products and push them over,” Clayton said.

“We looked at what needed to be. For example, we have Spanish on the US product labels and we didn’t need that. Of course, everything imperial needed to be converted to metric.

“We also looked at the size of the vehicles here and we actually reduced some of the size of the products to fit this market. We launched 10 to 12 products, and then have grown it since then,” he says.

Clayton says improving distribution is the key to success in any market.

“Initially we have grabbed some of the lower hanging fruit with some of the major retailers, but even then, we still only have a short mix,” he says.

“We have to continue to prove that those products are good, and then show that we’re going to put in these new products and can grow their market share.

“We are truly trying to grow that share, because that is the way that we prove to the retailers that they need more and more of our products in their stores.”

He also sees a massive opportunity for growth in non-traditional automotive retail spaces such as the big hardware chains.

“If you look in the United States, our distribution is second only to probably WD-40. You’ll find our products everywhere. If they have any automotive products there, we have something in there. It doesn’t matter if it’s a hardware store, a convenience store, a gas station, or a grocery store, we’re there,” he said.

When asked for a reason why Rislone has been such a successful company, Clayton says it comes down to four things: leadership, developing a strong team, product quality and customer service.

“It is a family-owned and run organisation, third generation, and they treat their employees like family too. I think that shows in the quality of products,” he says.

“We want to make sure every order we ship out is 100 percent correct. With our customer service you can actually talk to a live person at our company.

“We even work to educate our sales team about the products. They’re not just going out there trying to BS people like some salespeople do. Even myself, I couldn’t be a used car salesman; I would be too honest, and I’d probably never sell anything!”

To learn more about Rislone in Australia, visit www.smitsgroup.com.au

REPCO UNVEILS NEW CONCEPT AT CAROLINE SPRINGS

The new concept store in Victoria was unveiled recently

Developed in collaboration with McCartney Design, the new-look Repco Caroline Springs is inspired by a dream garage, and seamlessly blends Repco’s 100-year history with its exciting future.

With interactive product displays, including a fully optioned 4x4, and all new tech, Repco says it has created an immersive and distinct shopping experience that will appeal to anyone who loves cars with this new concept store.

This store is the first in a planned rollout across Australia and New Zealand.

Repco celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022

after opening its first store in Collingwood, Victoria in 1922.

The company states it is “Australia and New Zealand’s leading automotive aftermarket parts and accessories provider,” with more than 400 stores across Australia and NZ.

“We are so excited to welcome you to this store, which celebrates our shared love of cars, and pays tribute to both the past and the future of Repco,” GPC Asia Pacific Executive General Manager Automotive Australia, Amy Frangos, said at the opening.

“This moment is a year in the making, and the Repco crew has worked tirelessly to create a store that you would love.

“We have completely reimagined the Repco shopping experience, with interactive displays and product samples, better navigation, and a significantly improved product range, with 4,000 more products.

“Our hope is that we have created a space for you to share and celebrate your passion for cars, and as you enter the store, we want you to feel inspired.”

For more from Repco, visit www.repco.com.au

PARLIAMENTARY COMMENDATION AWARDED TO JAX GOSFORD

The JAX franchisee was recognised for its charity drive

JAX Tyres and Auto says it is proud to congratulate its Gosford Franchisee, Peter Bonvino, on his commendation during a New South Wales Parliament session, in which Liesl Tesch MP, Member for Gosford, spoke warmly of his fundraising efforts for the Cancer Council in the 2023 Shitbox Rally, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Nathan Metcalfe.

Sponsored by JAX Tyres and Auto, along with a multitude of others, many of whom chose to have the names of loved ones lost to cancer inscribed on the car, Peter and Nathan completed the daunting 2,500km journey from Port Douglas to Adelaide across some of Australia’s most unforgiving terrain in their 2001 Toyota Camry.

Abiding by the rules of the Shitbox Rally, the car was taken off the hands of a Brazilian backpacker on his way to the airport for $1,400, back in February 2023, and passed under the chequered flag in Adelaide in-tact on Friday the 20th of October.

“Well done to Peter Bonvino and his brother-inlaw, Nathan Metcalfe, in playing their part to raise a mighty $2 million in support of Cancer Council’s fight against cancer,” Liesl Tesch MP said in her Community Recognition Statement in NSW Parliament.

“Cancer touches so many of us and our loved ones, so it’s fundraisers like this that allow the Cancer Council to continue their work in cancer research.”

A letter and certificate issued shortly afterwards commemorating the honour rounded off a memorable time for Peter.

“Nathan and I always knew it was going to be a lot of fun tackling this challenge together, but we didn’t realise it would attract the support and attention of so many others,” Peter said.

“To carry the names of so many loved ones lost to cancer with us on the journey was incredibly special, not to mention the money we were able to raise for others affected by cancer. To receive this commendation is the icing on the cake, and we’d like to thank Ms Tesch for her kind words.”

“On behalf of the entire JAX Tyres and Auto family, I’d like to say we couldn’t be prouder of Peter and Nathan’s efforts,” JAX Tyres and Auto Chief Executive Officer, Steve Grossrieder, said.

“They’re truly deserving of all the support and recognition they’ve received, and we can’t wait to see them back on the road together.”

Inspired by their 2023 experience, Peter’s brotherin-law, Nathan Metcalfe, says it might not yet be time to put their beloved Camry out to pasture.

“We’re gunning for (the 2024) Shitbox Rally for sure. With just one tyre blow out along the way this year, she’s got plenty more life in her yet, so stay tuned for Sons of AnaCamry Season Two!” Nathan said.

For more from JAX Tyres and Auto, visit www.jaxtyres.com.au

THE NEW ‘RIGHT TO DISCONNECT’ LAW

In a significant legislative change, the Australian Parliament passed the ‘right to disconnect’ law on 12 February 2024, which is set to take effect on 26 August 2024 (or 26 August 2025 for small businesses)

This amendment to the Fair Work Act introduces measures designed to enhance work-life balance by regulating out-of-hours contact with employees.

Understanding the ‘Right to Disconnect’

The ‘right to disconnect’ allows an employee to refuse to monitor, read, or respond to contact or attempted contact from their employer (or a third party where the contact or attempted contact relates to their work) outside the employee’s working hours, unless such refusal is deemed unreasonable.

This right is recognised as a workplace right under Part 3-1 of the Fair Work Act, safeguarding employees from adverse actions for exercising or intending to exercise this right.

However, the law is not as straightforward as it may seem. The reasonableness of an employee’s refusal to engage in out-of-hours contact will be evaluated based on several factors, including:

• the reason for the contact or attempted contact;

• how the contact or attempted contact is made and the level of disruption the contact or attempted contact causes the employee;

• the extent to which the employee is compensated:

- to remain available to perform work during the period in which the contact or attempted contact is made; or

- for working additional hours outside of the employee’s ordinary hours of work;

• the nature of the employee’s role and level of responsibility; and

• the employee’s personal circumstances (including family or caring responsibilities).

If the contact is required under a Federal, State or Territory law, then the refusal to monitor, read or respond to the contact or attempted contact from the employer will be unreasonable.

Navigating the grey areas

While the law seeks to protect employees’ personal time, it recognises that not all out-of-hours contact can be deemed unreasonable.

This nuanced approach acknowledges the complexity of modern work arrangements and the need for flexibility in certain situations.

For instance, an employee’s refusal to monitor, read, or respond to contact may be unreasonable if the employee is notified of the requirement to be available for such contact and compensated (depending on other relevant factors).

This middle ground between reasonable and unreasonable contact is expected to be the subject of disputes.

Questions are expected to arise about how this law will apply in various scenarios, such as the expectations of clients for out-of-hours contact or the impact of an employee’s family responsibilities on their right to disconnect.

Addressing disputes and ensuring compliance

Disputes regarding the ‘right to disconnect’ are to be initially attempted to be resolved at the workplace level. If unresolved, they may be brought before the Fair Work Commission (FWC), which is tasked with addressing such disputes promptly.

The FWC has the authority to issue orders to prevent unreasonable out-of-hours contact by employers or to address employees’ unreasonable refusals to engage in such contact.

These measures aim to ensure that both employers and employees navigate the new provisions fairly and reasonably.

Preparing for the change

With the commencement of the ‘right to disconnect’ provisions on the horizon, employers need to proactively review and, if necessary, adjust their policies and practices regarding outof-hours communication.

This includes reevaluating the necessity of latenight emails or weekend texts and considering the impact on employees’ personal lives.

Employers are encouraged to engage in open dialogues with their employees to establish mutual understanding and expectations regarding out-ofhours contact.

Guidelines about the operation of the new law will also be provided by the FWC in due course.

This article is intended for information purposes only and should not be regarded as legal advice. Please contact Employer Assist for advice.

Liability limited by a scheme approved under professional standards legislation.

Employer Assist provides advice on all aspects of employment law. Please contact Employer Assist on 1300 735 306 or aaaa@employerassist.com.au if you have any questions relating to this article or to discuss any employment issues that arise in your business.

MANN-FILTER ONTRACK WITH COMPREHENSIVE MOTORSPORT SCHEDULE

Along with the top-class DTM, the premium filtration brand is also set to take part in the international GTWC and the FIA European Truck Racing Championship

MANN-FILTER was recently very excited to unveil its motorsport plans for this season, stating that like in the filter segment, the team surrounding the yellow-green “Mamba” is in the premier league of racing and focuses on experienced drivers and proven partners.

“For more than two decades, MANN-FILTER has been actively involved in global GT endurance races and our yellow and green MANN-FILTER brand is synonymous with motorsport racing,” Mann+Hummel Australia Marketing Manager, Jason Pang, said.

“There is no doubt the prestige brand of AMG and its renowned racing heritage in the GT endurance race works very well with our MANN-FILTER brand.

“A lot of our customers and their end customers recognise our yellow and green MANN-FILTER AMG Mercedes car, and they equate our MANNFILTER quality with that of the AMG brand.”

Jason explains that MANN-FILTER’s extensive motorsport schedule provides a number of benefits for the business and its partners.

“We leverage on our motorsport sponsorships to actively engage with motorsport enthusiasts. For example, in Europe, we operate a MANN-FILTER motorsport fan site where we sell all our MANNFILTER motorsport merchandises,” Jason said.

“Our motorsport participation also allows our Mann+Hummel customers to leverage on our MANN-FILTER brand to do special promotions during the motorsport events.

“For example, one of our channel partners launched a 12 hour promotion with our MANN-FILTER product on their e-commerce website during the Bathurst 12 Hour event and it was a huge success.”

At the heart of the motorsport operation in 2024 is MANN-FILTER’s commitment to the DTM, where

‘Mercedes-AMG Team MANN-FILTER’ will join forces with proven partner, Winward Racing. Both teams have already worked together at the GT Masters and ADAC GT4 Germany in 2020.

Driver Lucas “Luggi” Auer will be at the wheel of the popular Mamba. The 29-year-old Tyrolean is not an unknown quantity – with more than 100 race starts and the 2022 DTM runner-up title, the MercedesAMG Factory Driver is one of the most experienced drivers in the field.

“With this line-up, MANN-FILTER makes its position clear and, while enjoying action on the race track, will set its sights on fighting for the coveted title,” Jason said.

The GT World Challenge Europe (GTWC) will also provide another ideal platform for demonstrating the top performance of the filter brand and its proven partnership with professional racing team Winward Racing.

The flagship of the Mercedes-AMG Team MANNFILTER here is the driving trio of Lucas Auer, Maro Engel (38, Germany) and Daniel Morad (33, Canada).

Maro has been an integral part of the MANN-FILTER team over recent years and has already achieved some successes, while newcomer Daniel recently sensationally won the 24-hour race in Daytona (USA) in the GTD class with Winward Racing.

“I am very much looking forward to working with MANN-FILTER,” Winward Racing Team Principal, Christian Hohenadel, said.

“The yellow-green Mamba design has quickly

established itself on the motorsport scene and has become a real audience favourite.

“MANN-FILTER is not just any old sponsor sticking its logos on a racing car. Those in charge in Ludwigsburg are real racers who live and love motorsport and use it as an ideal platform for their brand. And that makes them a perfect fit for Winward Racing.”

And that’s not all – in 2024, MANN-FILTER is also extending its partnership with the tankpool24 Racing Team, which will once again take part in the FIA European Truck Racing Championship this year.

The high-performance racing series is an ideal platform for MANN-FILTER to continue to showcase its extensive product portfolio in the commercial vehicle segment.

Steffen Faas (39, Germany) is both a driver and team owner and a very popular figure in the truck racing series. The annual Truck Grand Prix at Nürburgring is the absolute highlight of the season and with an on-site audience of over 250,000 spectators every year, it offers great reach for MANN-FILTER.

“I am delighted about the package that we have been able to put together for our MANN-FILTER world,” MANN-FILTER Sponsorship Manager, Filippina Manou, said.

“It will definitely be yellow-green on the race tracks, TV channels, social media channels, and in the press, and I am convinced that we have a promising season ahead of us with our line-ups.

“But we must remain level-headed and objective as we look around us and we can’t ignore the tough competition in terms of drivers, manufacturers, and teams.

“Winning is not a given. The strategy of steadily collecting points and completing weekends with zero mistakes will be the clear goal.

“Our customers and fans can look forward to full-on MANN-FILTER Mambamania, whether onsite or on screen. Whether on the road or at home, we will keep on doing everything we can to make motorsport accessible to our target groups this year. It will be exciting, I promise.”

To learn more about MANN-FILTER Motorsport, visit www.mann-filter-motorsport.com

ACL KEEPING IT LOCAL

The bearing specialist is supporting its local community

ACL Bearing Company (Australia) Pty Ltd continues to support the Tasmanian Motorsport community with its latest partnerships.

The company is well known throughout Australia for its rich pedigree in Motorsport and support of racing categories from the grassroots level all the way through to Supercars.

ACL General Manager Chris Brooks has now advised that the company has extended its support of Hyundai Excel Racing Tasmania and also of Harrison Sellars in the National Formula Ford Series.

“It is always our aim to support local Motorsport and local community activities – local Motorsport is the proving ground for the stars of the future,” Chris said.

“We are proudly Tasmanian and acknowledge Tasmania’s rich Motorsport heritage.

“Over the years Tasmania has been well represented on the national and international stage.

“In 2024 – which marks the 75th anniversary of the company in Launceston, Tasmania – we are very pleased to continue the support and development of Tasmanians in Motorsport.

“We believe that there are many prominent prospects within the state, and that they are well placed to take the next step.”

ACL has been the naming rights sponsor of Hyundai Excel Racing Tasmania since its maiden season in 2022.

“The Hyundai Excels are an exciting development category with fantastic competitive and close racing at every event and we are pleased to extend our partnership for Season 2024,” Chris said.

“The support and comradery between competitors of all ages is great to see, as has the enthralling title race with several competitors in the hunt after round three of the six round series.

“It is expected that the title race will go down to the final race of the season.

“The series in Tasmania is also proving to be a launching pad for local talent, with several drivers progressing to the national ranks in Toyota 86 and Transam national categories.

“Several Tasmanian drivers have also competed with distinction at the national CERA Dunlop Destiny Series at Bathurst over Easter.

“We are certainly very pleased with the professionalism shown by Hyundai Excel Racing Tasmania and the support of the continual development and improvement of the category and the drivers.

“It is very instrumental in the pathway development for its drivers and we are very excited for the future prospects of the 2024 grid.”

2024 will also be ACL Bearing Company’s second year of partnering with local Launceston talent, Harrison Sellars, who competes in the National Formula Ford Series.

“Harrison started his racing career in karting, the

BRIDGESTONE TO SUPPLY ABB FIA FORMULA E WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

The FIA has confirmed Bridgestone as the sole future tyre supplier for the championship

Bridgestone Corporation was named by the FIA at the World Motor Sport Council in Baku as the sole future tyre supplier for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship starting in the 2026-2027 season. Bridgestone’s selection by the FIA as the sole tyre supplier for Formula E, covering seasons 2026-2027 through 2029-2030, will be a cornerstone of the company’s sustainable global motorsports strategy.

Through such supply arrangements with the FIA, Bridgestone says it will continue to develop and refine sustainable technology and accelerate innovation to deliver value where it “produces” and “uses” tyres, and then “renews” them to raw materials.

The company’s commitment extends beyond the racetrack, aiming to contribute significantly to the realisation of a sustainable society.

“Motorsports is Bridgestone’s passion. Always has been, and always will be. I am delighted to be able to

announce our return to a FIA World Championship as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of our motorsports activities,” Bridgestone Corporation Global Chief Executive Officer and Representative Executive Officer, Shu Ishibashi, said.

“Carrying on our 60-year legacy in motorsports, we are very excited about being the FIA’s sole tyre supplier for Formula E from the 2026 -2027 season.

“Sharing the passion to race and passion to win, Bridgestone has empowered the best performance of cars, drivers, and teams in racing conditions by repeatedly taking on the ultimate challenges while ensuring safety and peace of mind based on our fundamental principle ‘tyres carry life.’

“This ‘ultimate challenge,’ as we call ‘challenge for excellence,’ is our origin as a tyre manufacturer and shaped the foundation of our premium tyre business.

precursor category for all budding racers, with great success at national and state level before transitioning into Formula Ford in 2023,” Chris said.

“In his rookie season he competed in both the Victorian and National formula Ford Championships, recording strong performances across both championships.

“Harrison has had a very promising start to the 2024 season at Round One at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, winning the opening race and sitting fourth in the Championship.

“We are very excited with Harrison’s development and as a proud, longstanding Tasmanian company, we are pleased to be playing a small role in Harrison’s assault on the 2024 Australian Formula Ford Championship.

“The 2024 Championship is expected to be very tight and consists of six rounds across Australia and we cannot wait to cheer on Harrison at our local track when the Formula Fords feature on the Supercars program in August at Symmons Plains.”

For more information on ACL RACE Series performance engine bearings, visit www.aclperformance.com.au

“As we face our next stage, Bridgestone aims to evolve sustainable global premium motorsports products with our enduring passion to embrace the ultimate challenge and to pursue excellence in every moment.

“The core of our supply arrangement with the FIA will be the expansion and enhancement of ‘Enliten’ tyre product technology, enabling ‘ultimate customisation’ that we define our ‘new premium in the EV era.’

“I am looking forward to starting our activities in the Formula E from the 2026 – 2027 season.”

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

ROCKYNATS 04 REVS UP

The show hosted huge crowds and record-breaking results

Queensland’s largest car and bike festival, Rare Spares Rockynats, recently wrapped up for its fourth year after smashing records and welcoming motorsport enthusiasts from all over Australia.

The event, which took place across the 29th to the 31st of March 2024, recorded more than 57,000 visits over the three days

Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said a total of 20,800 tickets were sold for Rockynats 04.

“The event was a huge success – we sold 2,200 tickets in the space of four hours, which proves the loyalty and passion of the community,” Mayor Williams said.

Records were also smashed in entrants with 1,640 cars and bikes participating in the festival across the weekend.

“This year has set the benchmark for future events, cementing Rockynats and the region as the place to be for the motorsports-loving community,” Mayor Williams said.

“By hosting the event right on our doorstep, we have an opportunity to appeal to local motorsport enthusiasts and welcome visitors from across the country to visit our beautiful region.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Summernats in hosting the largest car and bike festival in Queensland,” he said.

Summernats Co-Owner Andy Lopez said rev-heads had the chance to partake in various competitions from the Burnout Pro Series to drag racing, which each saw records broken.

“We had 105 cars enter the burnout competition, collectively completing 315 burnouts, resulting in 630 tyres destroyed!” Andy said.

The public also saw more than 400 cars participate in over 1,200 drag passes in this year’s street drag, making the competition the biggest drag racing event of its kind in the country.

“The quality of events and entrants in this year’s festival far exceeded expectations. From the professionals at Matt Hall Racing bringing highoctane to Rocky’s skies with his gravity-defying displays at speeds of up to 400kph, to Hot Wheels’ Matt Mingay performing jaw-dropping motorbike and car stunts throughout the weekend – it’s been phenomenal,” Andy said.

Incredible cars and competitions were not the event’s only highlight, which boosted the local economy with an injection of millions of dollars.

BRT PARTNERS WITH BP AND CASTROL FOR 2024 SUPERCARS SEASON

The team has announced new sponsorships for the 2024 season

Blanchard Racing Team (BRT) was excited recently to announce a new sponsorship with bp and Castrol for the 2024 Supercars championship season.

With bp’s lower carbon E75 Racing Fuel* already fuelling the entire Supercars grid, BRT says it is proud to partner with bp for both the #3 and #7 entries in 2024.

“We are thrilled to welcome bp and Castrol to BRT for the 2024 season,” BRT Co-Principal, Tim Blanchard, said.

“Having these well-known and respected brands associated with BRT is very exciting for us during our expansion phase.

“bp’s advanced fuel solutions and Castrol’s cutting-edge lubricants will help us extract maximum performance from our two BRT Ford Mustangs in 2024.

“We are looking forward to working closely with bp and Castrol, and actively showcasing their partnership with BRT and Supercars.”

James Courtney, driver of the #7 Snowy River Racing Supercar, expressed his excitement for this partnership.

“It’s great to have bp and Castrol on board with BRT this year,” James said.

“I have a special connection with Castrol, as their support of me originated from my karting days.

“Rekindling that relationship with Castrol means a lot to me personally.”

For bp and Castrol, partnering with BRT serves as another platform to showcase how its advanced products and extensive technical knowledge can elevate the performance of motorsport vehicles in intense pressure moments being pushed to the limit on track.

“bp is thrilled to be extending its support of motorsport with our new sponsorship with BRT,” bp VP – Marketing, AsPac, Amanda Woollard, said.

The event also hosted Aussie rock sensation Choirboys as part of a full line-up of live music and family-friendly competitions like the RockabillyNats Pinup Competition and Mulletfest.

Advance Rockhampton Tourism and Events Manager, Zac Garven, said he looked forward to seeing the event return next year.

“It’s fantastic to see the community and local businesses step up to support the event for its fourth instalment,” Zac said.

“Rockynats is just one of the many milestones in our major events calendar, but as the hero event, we are very excited to continue the momentum and deliver a fantastic outcome for Australians across the nation.”

Rare Spares Rockynats 05 will take place from the 4th to the 6th of April, 2025.

For more information, visit www.rockynats.com.au/faqs

“We’re excited to be able to connect with more fans across Australia and New Zealand through our shared passion for motorsport.”

bp explains that its Ultimate fuels are specially formulated to clean engines as it drives, helping to keep vehicles performing at their best.

Castrol, a renowned global lubricant brand and part of the bp group, serves a wide range of customers across various sectors, including automotive, marine, industrial, and energy. The brand is recognised for its commitment to innovation and high-performance products and services that keep things moving efficiently.

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

*New bp E75 Racing Fuel has a lower Well-to-Wheel carbon intensity compared to the fuel produced and supplied by bp for last season’s Repco Supercars Championship.

PERFORMANCE & RACING

2025 ADELAIDE MOTORSPORT FESTIVAL DATES CONFIRMED

After another successful festival, event organisers have confirmed dates for 2025

Organisers of the Adelaide Motorsport Festival have announced that the 2025 Festival will be held across March 8 and 9, 2025.

These new dates are a week later than originally planned, with the March 8 and 9 dates ensuring the Festival continues to be held the week prior to the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne.

“This is a week later than expected but still places our event in our traditional time window,”

Adelaide Motorsport Festival Event Director, Tim Possingham, said.

Also confirmed is the return of the Mazda 767B sportscar, which proved to be a hit at the event in 2024.

Organisers confirmed they have secured the return of the iconic sportscar, which is based in Japan. The quad rotor car will take part in on-track demonstrations over the duration of the event.

“We would also take this opportunity to confirm we have signed an agreement that will see the Mazda 767B return to the Adelaide Motorsport Festival on March 8 and 9 in 2025,” Tim said.

“This car proved to be very popular this year and we can’t ignore the fact that people want to see it return.

“This time though it’s likely to be a lot louder as it will have a new straight out exhaust system next time it visits. We are also working on a sister car to this one to attend along with several other Le Mans cars.”

With the new dates confirmed, fans can expect tickets to go on sale to the event soon.

The 2024 Repco Adelaide Motorsport Festival was a museum in motion, displaying historic, rare and

LANOTEC’S JAY ROBOTHAM TAKES ON GT WORLD CHALLENGE ASIA

A number of events have been added to Jay’s already busy schedule

Lanotec Ambassador Jay Robotham’s busy motorsport schedule for 2024 will expand into the world of GT3 racing, with confirmation of a partial campaign in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia aboard a Mercedes-AMG for Climax Racing.

At this stage, the events at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand, Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, and the Fuji International Speedway are confirmed, with Robotham set to line up alongside Chinese driver Min Heng.

The Chinese-based Climax Racing are highly credentialled across the region, with success in GT competition with a range of marques, as well as in the ever-competitive Carrera Cup Asia.

The news comes in addition to Jay’s already

announced Supercars endurance race co-drive with Brad Jones Racing and Bryce Fullwood, plus a full season in the Thailand Super Series for Corliss Race Engineering, where he will campaign in both the GTM Championship aboard a MARC Mustang and in the Super Pickup class in a newmodel Ford Ranger.

The drive’s confirmation comes after a successful test with the outfit at Sepang, a facility that will feature twice on the Thailand Super Series schedule in August and September.

“It is awesome to be able to lock in these races with Climax Racing in GT World Challenge Asia, they are a very professional team in a super competitive championship,” Jay said.

“GT racing in Asia is a big deal - the fields are typically large with some different machinery to what we normally see in Australia.

“Also, the series attracts a lot of international interest with some big-name drivers from around the world involved, while guys like Triple Eight are typically front runners.

“You always want to be able to test yourself against the best, and I think in this field, the level of competition is right up there.

significant racing vehicles on the Victoria Park section of the Adelaide Street Circuit.

Categories featuring Formula 1, V8 Supercars, Group C and A touring cars, sportscars and more all featured over the course of the Repco Adelaide Motorsport Festival, in addition to ontrack demonstrations, off-track displays, villas and more.

The 2024 event also featured many driving legends including the likes of Valtteri Bottas, Guenther Steiner, Liam Lawson, Damon Hill, David Croft and Craig Lowndes, with 18 different categories running non-stop on track.

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

“It’s always great to get as much seat time as possible, especially with the longer GT formats in play.

“Hopefully, the different programs this year will put me in good stead by the time the Supercars enduros roll around, and I can be on the pace at Bathurst.”

Elsewhere, Jay currently leads the Lanotec Victorian Hyundai Excel Championship after claiming overall honours at the two opening rounds from Sandown and Winton, while he also recently claimed pole position in Class D at the Bathurst 6 Hour aboard a Toyota 86.

For more from Lanotec, visit www.lanotec.com.au

BIG RED GEAR LAUNCHES NEW LIGHTS

Now available are versatile new rechargeable LED Camp Lights

It is said that good things come in small packages, and Big Read Gear says this holds true for its new rechargeable LED Camp Light models, which are designed to offer greater convenience at the camp site or in the home, or for the car toolbox in case of emergency.

Available in the range is an LED Mini Camp Light, as well as an LED Head Torch, and both feature a high-powered COB LED that produces a crisp, bright white light.

The Mini Camp Light offers four different modes depending on user needs: flood light full power; flood light normal; flood light eco; and spotlight; making it extremely adaptable for recreational applications.

Big Read Gear says that despite its compact size, the Mini Camp Light still delivers 700 Lumens in full power mode and is capable of this output for 2.5 hours, with run time increasing to 4.5 hours in normal mode and up to 10 hours in eco mode. When used in spotlight mode, charge will last for four hours. Recharging time for this model is 4.5 hours via the included USB charging cable.

The versatile Mini Camp Light also features a swivel bracket with 180 degrees of adjustability, as well as a magnet that allows it to be placed on the side of a vehicle or camper to light up the camp site. Another convenient inclusion is an LED charge level indicator for easy battery life monitoring.

For convenient hands-free illumination that’s ideal for campfire cooking, during night hikes or for changing a tyre in the dark, the Big Red Gear LED Head Torch is a perfect choice with its three modes – normal output, full power output and a super convenient hands-free sensor mode. Full power mode provides 300 Lumens of output for two hours, eco mode reduces output to 100 lumens but extends operating time to a generous six hours, while sensor mode (where the torch is motion activated such as when hands are dirty) provides two hours of light. Charging time for the Head Torch via the supplied USB cable is only 2.5 hours.

Both LED lights are designed to provide reliable operation in temperatures ranging from minus 10° C to 40° C, and they’re fully sealed and rated to IP65 and IK07 for dust and water ingress

protection, making them suitable for demanding Australian conditions.

The new Big Red Gear Rechargeable LED Mini Camp Light and Rechargeable LED Head Torch are available for purchase directly from the www.bigredgear.com.au website for $59.00 and $49.00 respectively with shipping included. Both lights are also backed by a three-year warranty. These latest additions to the Big Red Gear line-up mark a steady range expansion for the popular brand; with the product roll-out to continue this year with several new releases coming soon. For more information, visit www.bigreadgear.com.au

BENDIX EXPANDS ULTIMATE 4WD RANGE FOR FORD RANGER

Bendix’s popular Ultimate 4WD range has expanded

Owners of Australia’s best-selling car for 2023, the Ford Ranger, can now access more Bendix braking solutions for their vehicles.

The Bendix product offering now includes high performing Ultimate 4WD Sports and Performance Disc Brake Rotors, with front and rear options released to suit XLT, Wildtrack, Sport, Platinum and Raptor models (PY 2022 onwards).

These Disc Brake Rotors are also now available for the Volkswagen Amarok from 2022 onwards. Ultimate 4WD Sports and Performance Disc Brake Rotors feature four-wheel-drive specific metallurgy which increases rotor strength at elevated temperatures while also providing high wear resistance – this increases overall rotor durability and reduces the chance of warping when very hot.

Other benefits include high efficiency cooling pillars, which have been designed to channel cool air into the rotor, expelling hot air faster and increasing the resistance to thermal cracks.

Even more braking performance in these rotors is achieved through Bendix’s Diamond Tip Slot technology.

This feature uses specially designed slots and V-shaped dimples on the rotor surface to expel gasses, dirt and water more efficiently.

In other news, Bendix has grown its Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kits for the same Ford Ranger models listed, providing even greater braking performance for these popular vehicles.

Bendix’s Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kits provide all the components to significantly upgrade braking performance in the convenience and efficiency of a kit.

The front and rear kits are available to suit vehicles with both standard ride height, and for cars with a two-inch suspension lift.

The front kits include two Ultimate 4WD Sports and Performance Disc Brake Rotors, a set of Ultimate 4WD Brake Pads, a vehicle set of Ultimate Brake Hoses, a litre of heavy-duty brake fluid, a can of Bendix Cleanup, a tube of Ceramasil Lubricant, Bendix rotor wipes, with all contents packaged in a tough 60 litre Bendix Icebox.

Rear kit content is similar to the front kit and includes two Ultimate 4WD Sports and Performance Disc Brake Rotors, a set of Ultimate 4WD Brake Pads and Bendix Cleanup.

More disc brake pads for Isuzu N Series

Bendix has also expanded its range of Protrans HD Disc Pads to suit Isuzu NPR and NPS covering 7.5 to eight tonne variants with 310mm front discs.

ProTrans HD disc brake pads are designed for high demand applications and start and stop driving such as what’s experienced by delivery trucks in metro and urban traffic.

This range features a heavy-duty formulation designed to cope with the elevated temperatures found during constant braking conditions and under full GVM.

A further benefit of ProTrans HD disc brake pads are their low wear performance, leading to extended servicing intervals.

For convenience and ease of installation, all required hardware is included in each kit, making them ‘ready-to-fit’ for technicians.

To learn more, contact your local Bendix stockist – visit www.bendix.com.au/stockists

THE “ULTIMATE” ALL-ROUND SHOCK ABSORBER

ARB says this new offering is bigger, bolder, smoother

ARB’s Old Man Emu brand, which ARB states is known globally as a leader in off road suspension systems, has released a new shock absorber line designed specifically for the rigors of off road travel.

The MT64 slots in between the brand’s iconic Nitrocharger and ultra-high-performance adjustable BP-51.

MT64 is designed to be a great shock for dailydriver duties as well as touring adventures.

An all-round specialist

Touring often means long distances and heavier loads, so Old Man Emu says it took features from 45 years of Nitrocharger production and 10 years of high performance BP-51 manufacturing and combined them into the MT64.

While the Nitrocharger is a reliable set-and-forget upgrade from OE shocks, and the BP-51 offers adjustability with remote reservoirs and the ability to run all day in the desert, ARB says the MT64 fits in between taking attributes from both and combining them in one monotube shock.

The MT64 dampers are engineered to handle heavy loads, long distances, rough roads, and heat — making them ideal for off road adventures.

NEW TERRAIN TAMER AIR FILTER INSERT

For the Toyota Landcruiser 300 Series

Terrain Tamer has recently added an Air Filter Insert for the Toyota Landcruiser 300 Series to its range, which was developed and originally released in 2021 for several Landcruiser models, to combat the issue of dusting.

ARB states the MT64 resets the bar on everyday comfort, whilst providing excellent responsiveness whether towing on the pavement or tackling technical terrain off road.

Durable construction, all-around comfort

ARB explains that the MT64 showcases the same stout 6061 aluminium construction as the premium BP-51 models, complete with a hard anodised finish to protect the shock’s surface.

These monotube shocks have large 72mm bodies and large bores. This big bore lets the shocks have more oil, and more oil equates to increased heat dissipation and responsiveness, especially when combined with the aluminium body.

With unmatched comfort and reliability, the MT64 will keep performing as the road gets rough and the track gets tough, says ARB.

MT64 has height adjustability from 0 to 76mm (depending on application) using snap-ring groves in the body providing different spring seat positions, yet only uses one spring.

For maximum durability, the spring seat is made from ultra-strong forged aluminium. Additionally, buyers can choose between light,

Vehicle specific and design protected, these Stainless-Steel filter inserts, or shims, have been researched and designed so that when fitted, they create a surface area that perfectly matches the filter, aligning in the correct position to properly seal and effectively work to reduce the issue of dusting.

Dusting occurs when the original design of the airbox, or upper filter housing, features a seal surface which is too narrow to match the seal of the filter itself, with the 300 Series, like many other vehicles, particularly prone to this issue.

As a result, the filter is not able to be fully effective, as it does not properly seal, allowing dust to pass through the airbox and enter the engine intake, causing havoc with engine components.

Terrain Tamer says its Air Filter Insert is designed to correctly hold the airbox structure and properly seal out dirt, dust, and other contaminants. It says this ensures only clean, filtered air enters the engine, effectively resulting in improved performance and sound quality, increased power, engine life and fuel efficiency and reduced wear and maintenance requirements.

The inserts are available now in kits, which also include the corresponding vehicle specific air filter, as well as sealant required for fitting. For application information or to find out more, visit www.terraintamer.com

medium, and heavy-duty spring options ensuring they get the optimal setup for their vehicles. Plus, when the time comes, the MT64 is rebuildable. Whether towing a heavy trailer long distance, or doing a mix of tarmac and off-road trails, ARB says the MT64 is the ideal shock absorber for any adventure. Additionally, it states the MT64 makes a great shock for everyday work vehicles that navigate bad roads, and for 4x4 owners in rural areas who commonly drive on dirt roads.

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

ATLAS SERIES BULL BAR

The New VW Amarok’s shield of excellence from Hamer 4x4

For explorers who push their limits and expect the same from their equipment, Hamer 4x4 says it is proud to introduce its Atlas Series Bull Bar for the New Volkswagen Amarok.

“Setting a new standard in off-road safety and aesthetics, the Atlas Series Bull Bar is ADR approved, rigorously crash-tested, and fully airbag compliant,” Hamer 4x4 Marketing Manager, Mark Gelo, said.

“This integration of protection and elegance reimagines what’s possible in vehicle accessories for the avid off-road driver.”

“Uncompromised safety and robust design”

Hamer 4x4, which says it is known for unyielding protection, states it has meticulously engineered the Atlas Series Bull Bar.

“Constructed from high-grade 3mm thick steel, it is a robust shield against the unpredictable wild,” Mark said.

“The bull bar’s design goes beyond resilience; its ability to distribute force preserves both the vehicle’s integrity and passenger safety.

“The fully integrated lighting system, which includes DRLs, Sequential indicators, and fog lights connected via a plug-and-play loom, offers enhanced visibility when the journey extends into the twilight hours, marrying functionality with a bold visual statement.”

Modern vehicle technology

Sculpted with precision, Hamer 4x4 says the Atlas Series Bull Bar integrates with the Volkswagen Amarok’s modern lines and repositions essential vehicle features like parking sensors and lane assist, cruise control, and camera systems for uncompromised functionality.

Further, this full bumper replacement does not require modifications to the vehicle, showcasing Hamer’s commitment to design and engineering expertise.

With customisable options for winches and additional lighting, Hamer 4x4 says the bull bar’s versatility shines, allowing adventurers to tailor their setup to specific off-road challenges.

Durability coupled with forward-thinking design

Crafted with premium steel and finished with a black powder-coated touch, the Atlas Series Bull Bar is a lightweight unit weighing only 55kg.

“This ensures longevity and resilience against the elements while not adding unnecessary extra weight to the vehicle,” Mark said.

“This choice enhances the bull bar’s structural integrity and maintains its refined appearance.”

Versatile and winch compatible, the design includes provisions for extra accessories such as spotlights, a lightbar or aerials.

It comes standard with 3.5t rated recovery points, which Hamer 4x4 says reflects its commitment to cutting-edge solutions that elevate both performance and appearance of off-road vehicles.

“At Hamer 4x4, our drive to exceed expectations propels us to continually innovate, pushing the boundaries of design and functionality in the offroad accessory market,” Mark said.

“The Atlas Series Bull Bar exemplifies this spirit of continuous improvement, blending advanced materials and design with unmatched customisation options.

“For those who venture into uncharted territory, the Atlas Series Bull Bar stands as a testament to the philosophy that compromise is not an option.”

For more information, visit www.hamer4x4.com.au

CALOFFROAD INTRODUCES NITRO PRO SUSPENSION

Delivering “unparalleled handling, performance and control,” CoolDrive Auto Parts says the Nitro Pro range has been designed, tested, and manufactured in Australia by the experts at CalOffroad.

The new range from CalOffroad is ideally suited for four-wheel-drivers seeking a suspension upgrade, a higher load carrying capacity, more comfort for touring, better 4x4 capacity, or wanting a lift of up to two inches.

Nitro Pro suspension products boast twin tube construction which allows higher oil capacity and a lower gas rate to reduce shock temperatures, and a 18mm induction hardened chromed piston rod for increased strength and to maximise durability.

The larger internal bore and diameter piston deliver increased rebound damping and damping force capabilities, with the units gas-pressurised to 60psi to reduce foaming, performance fade, and noise.

This means the shock’s 54mm body can hold more oil at a lower gas pressure to ultimately dissipate

heat faster and deliver long-lasting performance.

The full displaced valving controls rebound, but also adds to compression damping capability, which means high control forces can be achieved without high pressure inside the damper.

Damping forces are precisely controlled thanks to the slip-ring rod guide with Teflon-impregnated bronze bearing, and a T-shaped slip-ring that flows to the seal, while the two-part Epoxy coating ensures superior stone chip and corrosion resistance.

The double-bonded strut bushings with an OEstyle natural rubber provides extended durability, even with high accessory loads.

The Nitro Pro shocks are also protected from dust and debris thanks to a tough polypropylene dirt shield which also reduces noise levels on stone and rocky road surfaces.

Nitro Pro offers application-specific fitments to suit vehicles exposed to varying conditions, load, and weight factors, including GVM requirements.

CalOffroad’s connection to Australia’s remote and outback destinations and its local offroad testing

facility in Australia enables constant testing, continuous refinement, and development of cutting-edge products for local conditions.

With decades of experience, CalOffroad says it stands at the forefront of 4x4 suspension systems, offering the ultimate in quality and performance.

The new Nitro Pro range from CalOffroad is now available from all CoolDrive branches in Australia and New Zealand, and online.

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