3 minute read
MAHLE Aftermarket opens virtual workshop
With a new virtual workshop, MAHLE Aftermarket says it now makes its products for conventional and alternative powertrains an informative and intuitive experience around the clock. The company is creating a virtual training centre for spare parts, battery diagnostics, calibration, air conditioning and transmission oil service.
In addition, the virtual workshop offers useful information on training courses as well as direct links to numerous other digital information offerings that MAHLE is constantly expanding. If desired, it can also direct the user to the nearest sales partner. The new offer from MAHLE Aftermarket is available at werkstatt.mahle.com “With the virtual workshop, we have created another building block in our extensive digital information offering to meet the increasing training and information needs of the workshops. Here we show our entire product range directly on the vehicle,” said Olaf Henning, member of the MAHLE Management Committee and director of the Aftermarket business unit. MAHLE says it is driving forward the expansion of its digital offerings for independent workshops and retailers at a rapid pace. Workshop equipment from MAHLE that is also networked in the workshop concept can be updated over the air, and can access the manufacturer’s servers when, for example, security gateways are involved. Therefore, a digitalised overall concept is the backbone of the MAHLE Aftermarket offering, which ranges from e-commerce solutions to information and support services on technical topics and virtual trade fair presentations. For more information, visit www.mahle.com
RPM APPOINTS GUY NICHOLLS
The former AAAA board member and long-time aftermarket identity says he is ‘gone, but not out’ with the new appointment
RPM Automotive Group has announced experienced automotive executive Guy Nicholls as an independent Non-Executive Director, effective immediately. Guy has more than 30 years of experience in senior executive roles in the automotive sector across strategy design and execution, manufacturing, and supply chain, as well as mergers and acquisitions. Guy was the Chief Executive Officer of Ryco Group, a business unit of ASX 200-listed company GUD Holdings, where he was employed for 11 years. He has also held several executive roles at NYSElisted Genuine Parts Company, known locally as Repco and NAPA Auto Parts, as Group General Manager of Brand and Product Optimisation and as General Manager of Store Operations for Repco Auto Parts. Most recently, Guy was the Interim General Manager Commercial for 4WD and Caravan industry leader, REDARC Electronics. Guy was also a member of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) Board, which played a pivotal role in the recent introduction of legislation known as the Motor Vehicle Information Scheme (MVIS), aimed at helping consumers have a choice when repairing vehicles. He also has a Graduate Diploma of Business and Administration from RMIT and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. “The Board and Executive team are delighted to have someone of Guy’s calibre and reputation joining our team,” RPM Chair, Grant Carman, said. “Guy’s extensive experience and strategic mindset will help accelerate our progress.” For more information, visit www.rpmgroup.net.au
VACC LAUNCHES SKILLS ACQUISITION CAMPAIGN
The new AutoCareers campaign taking on the labour crisis
The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) has launched a new marketing campaign designed to tackle the automotive industry’s critical labour crisis. “Australia’s automotive industry currently has 38,000 unfilled job vacancies. This situation cripples business owners who cannot meet market demand, which then impacts consumers. So we are doing something about it,” VACC Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Gwilym, said. Labour and retaining staff are the big issues in automotive right now, so VACC explains it has designed a marketing campaign to address the skills concern from a number of angles, including the launch of an AutoCareers television campaign and a new website designed to connect job seekers with business owners wanting labour. “The project encompasses a range of initiatives to thrust automotive careers in front of young people, prospective apprentices, and their influencers, parents and teachers, along with skilled workers looking for a career change,” Geoff said. AutoCareers campaign activities include the television advert – featuring Bob, Bec, Sharn, and Jake who represent various trades within the industry – extensive social media promotion, and editorial and interviews. Supporting this advertising is a new AutoCareers website – www.autocareers.com.au To list or search for an automotive opportunity for free, go to the AutoCareers website. For more information, visit www.autocareers.com.au or call 03 9829 1133 or email autoadvice@vacc.com.au
