9 minute read
Electric Vehicle targets are seemingly plucked from nowhere
A new study commissioned by the AAAA shows a large gap between Government electric vehicle (EV) aspirations and what is likely to be the reality
On current projections, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) says ACA Research predicts that the percentage of EVs on Australian roads would likely be around six per cent by 2030. In recent weeks, the AAAA has learned that at least one state government is planning to decline the registration of all internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2035, a move that, on current projections, would see over 90 percent of car owners with no avenue to register their vehicles. AAAA Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, said that while the AAAA and its members were supportive of greater EV uptake, Governments needed to have a more holistic mindset before announcing unattainable EV targets to score political points. “Governments and Opposition parties are good at announcing very ambitious EV targets without giving much thought to the supporting services needed to make EVs viable – a lack of recharging infrastructure is the obvious hindrance, but little consideration has been given to what’s required to repair and maintain these cars,” Stuart said. “EV targets are seemingly plucked from nowhere with little rationale given, and as an industry we become despondent every time a new target is announced. “It’s easy to set aspirational sales target for EVs, but what we really need is an in-depth plan on what is required to achieve these targets and to support EV owners – this plan needs to be formulated in consultation with the broader Australian automotive industry. “There is specialist knowledge required to repair and maintain EVs, and by engaging and consulting with industry, we can commit to investing in the tools, training and skills to facilitate a more seamless transition to electric vehicles. “There are long lead times involved in doing this – Government can’t snap its fingers and expect that everything will be there ready to go in the background.” Part of a broader industry research project undertaken by ACA Research, the paper analysed industry trends in automotive service and repair workshops. “Our research indicates that while the automotive industry is generally in good health and will continue to grow, it is critically constrained by skills shortages,” Stuart said. “Our data indicates that there’s an increasing demand for qualified technicians. Based on the growth of the car parc – which increases by about 325,000 vehicles every year – and the current market share of independent workshops, our industry will likely require a further 5,300 technicians by 2025. This is on top of the current shortage of more than 20,000 technicians. “This data doesn’t consider the added training that existing technicians would need to successfully work on EVs either. “Before Governments mandate EV sales targets, they need to provide our industry with as much notice as possible and engage constructively with us. After all, our members are automotive experts and would provide invaluable insight throughout the process.” For more from the AAAA, visit www.aaaa.com.au
ADAS CALIBRATION MADE EASIER
Thanks to the Auto Innovation Centre
The Auto Innovation Centre (AIC) is proving its worth to automotive vehicle repairers and windscreen repairers, with a comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration solution. Utilising the latest ADAS calibration tools from Hella Gutmann and the Robert Bosch Group, the expert AIC team can quickly recalibrate a wide range of new generation vehicles fitted with ADAS systems, including cameras and radars. Supporting this capability on-site is headlight aiming and OBD diagnostic connectivity. “Industry feedback confirmed that windscreen repairers and collision repair workshops wanted an alternate ADAS solution, rather than the need to return to the original equipment manufacturer,” AIC Managing Director, Luke Truskinger, said. “The AIC invested in the latest ADAS calibration equipment to offer a high quality, fast and competitively priced alternative. “The AIC team are fully trained in ADAS calibration, and a large number of vehicles are compatible, with the service, usually only taking a few hours to complete. “With more and more new-generation vehicles fitted with ADAS systems as standard, ADAS calibration services at the AIC will form an increasingly crucial industry service moving forward.” ADAS calibration is just one of the many service offerings the cutting-edge AIC provides to aftermarket businesses across the country. From the industry’s leading database of 3D vehicle scans to dynamic vehicle testing, product level testing, 3D printing plus a vehicle fleet and fully equipped workshop for hire, the AIC is setup to support a wide variety of aftermarket business needs. The Auto Innovation Centre is a cutting-edge facility for the automotive aftermarket. The centre of excellence is increasing capability of automotive companies and aiding in new product development for local and export markets. Utilising the latest technology and equipment and providing crucial data and testing services, the AIC is transforming the automotive aftermarket industry. To learn more, check vehicle eligibility and book an ADAS Calibration at the AIC, please contact adas@autoic.com.au or 03 9545 3333.
Pedders Suspension and Brakes says it is extremely proud to have been an Australian family-owned and operated business for over 70 years. “While we’ve come a long way since starting out as a single location shock absorber repair business, we remain extremely proud of our family roots and the fact that we remain a 100 percent Australian and family-owned business,” Pedders Senior Executive for Brand and Marketing, Adam Gillick, said. Pedders was founded in Melbourne in 1950 by Roy Pedder and from the outset it was always a family-orientated business with son Ron joining to help his father from the age of 16 years old. Ron learnt the ropes from his father, and in the early 1970s Ron took over just as Pedders took a major step in its growth by committing to manufacturing its own brand of shock absorbers after spending years modifying overseas designs. The Pedders shock absorbers were tailored to Australian vehicles and conditions. This proved to be a master stroke as the Australian muscle car landscape began to boom. The business made significant progress as the go-to place for aftermarket suspension for Monaros, Toranas, Falcons and Valiants. Pedders soon introduced coil springs into its range with heavy duty and performance lowering springs available for a range of popular vehicles. In the 1980s Pedders began to welcome more Australian families into its business by opening its first franchise stores. Fast forward to the early 1990s and Roy Pedder’s grandsons – Ron’s boys Mark and Scott Pedder – joined the family business. Mark began work on the tools as a mechanic, while Scott had a strong interest in marketing. Both brothers represented the family business in the Australian Rally Championship which proved to be highly successful. Today brothers Mark and Scott run the business together, while their father Ron continues to play an enthusiastic role in Pedders. Scott’s wife Caroline Pedder also holds an integral position at Pedders as head of the Marketing and People and Development departments. Pedders recently joined the Family Business Australia Association which aims to support family businesses to harness their unique position in the Australian business landscape. Family businesses are a massive part of the Australian economy and the Association works to connect family businesses of all shapes and sizes for the benefit of all members. Family is one of the four pillars that Pedders stands by and these pillars drive all business planning and decision making. “Given our rich family history, it was only logical for Pedders to join the Family Business Australia Association,” Adam said. “Pedders Managing Director Scott Pedder will be active within the association and we look forward to working with the wider family business community in the future.” For more from Pedders, visit www.pedders.com.au
ARIARNE TITMUS TEAMS UP WITH BRIDGESTONE TO INSPIRE
Bridgestone’s ‘Chase Your Dream’ Olympics activity saw the Olympian inspire her former school cohort
Dual Olympic Gold Medallist Ariarne Titmus made a surprise visit to her former school to encourage and inspire students as part of Bridgestone’s ‘Chase Your Dream’ Olympics activity recently. Ariarne, who is a Team Bridgestone Australia ambassador for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, was keen to return to Launceston, where her Olympic dreams were formed, and share her story at an assembly for St Patrick’s College Year 7-10 students, before spending time with the school’s swimming team. “Giving back to the community is something I am so passionate about, and being able to return to St Patrick’s and celebrate my Olympic Games success with them is important to help others realise that dreams are possible,” Ariarne said. “I wouldn’t be an Olympic Gold medallist without the inspiration from some of my heroes and the motivation of those around me, and I’m proud to be able to help inspire the next generation through activities like this.” This is the second community focussed activity that Ariarne has carried out in collaboration with Bridgestone, in line with the ethos of its ‘Chase Your Dream’ campaign. Prior to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, Ariarne conducted a motivational session with her other former school, St Peters Lutheran College in Brisbane, to inspire the rising swimming stars ahead of local competitions and conduct a workshop with two students – both of whom went on to win their events. “It’s incredibly rewarding and humbling knowing that sharing my own story can make such a difference to others, and shape how they approach going about fulfilling their dreams in the same way I did. That’s why I enjoy being part of Bridgestone’s Chase Your Dream initiative,” Ariarne added. “It’s great to have the support from and be able to collaborate with a company like Bridgestone that shares my passion for giving something back and wants to encourage others to chase their dreams.” Throughout Bridgestone Australia’s Tokyo 2020 activity, the tyre company has shown its commitment to making contributions to society though a number of activities, including the refurbishment of a basketball court in Sydney’s west with Tokyo 2020 Medallist Joe Ingles and introducing a group of children in Perth to surfing through a surfing school with professional surfer Connor O’Leary. It has also contributed to a state-of-the-art Athletics facility in Adelaide and hosted an intimate training session with Sydney 2000 Olympic Gold Medallist Cathy Freeman, conducted a wheelchair tennis workshop in Melbourne with Rio 2016 Paralympic Gold Medallist Heath Davidson, and conducted the two inspirational school appearances with Ariarne. For more information, visit www.bridgestone.com.au
