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JAN/FEBRUARY 2012

I N F O R M E D

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I N N O V A T I V E

Technician Age Myth

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AUSTRALIAN BODYSHOP NEWS

Hybrid 2+2 Sport Coupe unveiled IN N OVAT I ON S

A N D

Inside Automotive Port Terminal Expansion

MyFi debuts at CES

Toyota and Transnet Freight Rail Agreement spot welding for modern cars PAGE 1

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

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Jan/February 2012

CONTENTS 10

Cover Stories 8

Hybrid 2+2 Sport Coupe unveiled

20

Toyota and Transnet Freight Rail agreement

14

Automotive port terminal expansion

22

Technician age myth

28

Spot welding for modern cars

34

MyFi debuts at CES

50

Trade Talk 05

Highlights of global and local industry news

Cover photo - Thank you to Lexus South Africa.

News Forum

28

Toyota and Transnet Freight Rail conclude agreement

14

Editorial

Retail Motor Industry – Key employer

16

Welcome to 2012! Only a few weeks into the new

Hyundai targets SA passenger market leadership

18

cDrive driver behaviour solution launches

20

delay of the Gauteng tolls and with the positive

Automotive port terminal expansion

22

sentiment by the RMI regarding predicted new car

Apollo Tyres R45m fine

24

Tyre industry recycling debate continues

26

year and already the motor sector is humming, among others with the welcome news on the

sales. And then there is a new freight rail deal with Transnet that may just set a trend on vehicle (and hopefully many more products) cross nation transport. Never a dull moment in the SA motor trade. Happy New Year to you.

Auto Training

46

Dispelling the myth about high average age of technicians

28

Dealer principal In the making?

30

BodyShop News Spot welding – modern cars

34

Collision Hub launches the hub

36

Cpa training for SAMBRA members

37

Taking training to the repairer

37

EDITOR CLARE RUTKIEWICZ CONTRIBUTORS: AUSTRALIAN BODYSHOP NEWS DAVE SCOTT ROY COKAYNE ROBERT KAISER

ADVERTISING: GRANT WEST

WARWICK ROBINSON C: 076 727 8161 C: 082 855 7750 T: 011 466 3733 F: 086 627 1135 PRODUCTION: KAZ NEL EMAIL: INFO@AUTOFORUM.CO.ZA PUBLISHER: SWIFT PUBLICATIONS & OLYMPIC PARK TRADING SUITE 446, POSTNET X033, RIVONIA 2128

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AutoForum has an ABC circulation of 13485 ABC (Jan - June 2011)

www.Autoforum.co.za I N F O R M E D

Is your signage your best advertisement?

40

2011 – A year in summary

44

MISA Woman of The Year Award announced at premier event

46

In Memoriam - Bruce Coquelle

47

US Auto sector to remain resilient in 2012

48

Aer-O-Cure Alfa International AMR Autocosmos/Electrolog Autozone Bosch Caelex First National Battery GMSA Highveld Garage Equipment Hofmann Megaplan Integrated Marketing Ital Machinery Leatherworx MACS MED MISA Motor Merchandise Newclear Parts Incorporated / Midas Group POS Service Holland Partquip RAM Snap-on/John Bean Tenneco/ Monroe Trysome Tuff Floors Turbo Exchange Wheelquip

Innovations 50

Commercial Vehicles Decibel trucking what?

52

Trucking wellness’ new centre

54

Environmental ‘exhaust-ion’

56

Trucking outlook for 2012

58

Show Time Automechanika all set for 2012 and 2013

60

The essential event for those in the Tyre Sector

60

ASRW 2012 getting ready for October

61

After-Marketplace Directory Directory listings

I N N O V A T I V E

Advertisers Guide

Business Forum

MyFi debuts at CES

A N D

38-39, OBC 13 55 16 5, 32-33 23, 63 21 11 9 41 30 19 19, 47 59 42-43 IFC-3 24 31 47 7, 29, 49 53 51 15 61 25 37 45 26-27 17

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While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the advice and information given to readers, neither the editor, nor the publishers, can accept any responsibility for any damages, injury or loss which arise there from. The opinions expressed by contributors to this magazine are not necessarily shared by the editor or the publishers.

Trade Talk

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Merc and Nissan in engine JV Daimler and Nissan recently announced that the two companies will produce Mercedes-Benz 4-cylinder petrol engines together at Nissan’s powertrain assembly plant in Decherd, Tennessee, in the US. Production will begin in 2014, with installed capacity of 250 000 units per year once full ramp-up is achieved, and the facility will produce engines for both Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti models.

As Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn explains: “This is the newest milestone in our pragmatic collaboration and our most significant project outside of Europe so far. Localised capacity reduces exposure to foreign exchange rates, while rapidly enabling a good business development in North America – a win-win for the Alliance and Daimler.”

It is the first time Mercedes-Benz engines will be produced in the North America Free Trade region, and the Tennessee plant’s strategic location and logistics links are expected to ensure a direct supply of engines for the Mercedes-Benz CClass, built at Daimler’s vehicle plant in Alabama, from 2014.

Global alliance for Sewells SA

FMCSA technicians celebrated In December, FMCSA’s Technical Training Department took time to recognise the achievements of its Gauteng-based technicians. The Master Technicians Award Ceremony saw 40 technicians in the region acknowledged, with certificates awarded on all three levels of the Ford Masters Programme. The event was also used to announce the FMCSA Technician of the Year - Zakhele Dlamini of Carson Auto Swaziland.

Dlamini not only obtained the highest examination marks of all the Ford technicians in Southern Africa, he also qualified for his Level 3 Master Technician certification, as well as a Regional (Gauteng) Winner’s certificate. And just in case that was not enough, Dlamini’s name will be displayed in the FMCSA’s Technicians Hall of Fame and he received a model 427 FE Shelby Cobra engine.

As President and CEO of FMCSA, Jeff Nemeth, explains: “We believe that in order to ensure continued success, it is imperative that we invest in our people. By recognising the achievements of our technicians, we are able to advance a culture of perseverance and continued achievement.”

He continued: “At FMCSA we are striving to compete on the global stage and in order to do so we require a strong pool of talent and skills to draw from.

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The South African arm of Sewells (formerly known as Ronald Sewells and Associates) recently became part of the global Sewells organisation. The latter provides motor dealer development services to more than 4 000 automotive retailers across Australia, India, New Zealand, Thailand, China, and other countries in the Asia Pacific region as well as throughout Southern Africa.

This means that while the company will no longer continue its relationship with WesBank at the ownership level, other strategic alliances will remain in place – including the company’s sponsorship of the Businessman of the Year award.

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Hybrid 2+2 Sport Coupe unveiled in California In early January, Lexus used the North American International Auto Show to showcase its new design concept for a hybrid 2+2 sport coupe, designed by the company’s Calty design studio in Newport Beach, California.

Some of the highlights of the car include a glass roof with a lightweight, cantilevered pillar and a glass-to-glass juncture.

This greenhouse design is described as enhancing driver visibility, while adding to the sleek lines of the car.

Other features include a remote touch-screen device that allows the driver to comfortably operate controls without

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shifting position or altering line-of-sight. Twin 12.3-inch LCD screens provide information and navigation display, with inputs from a touch-screen control board. Used to control the audio system, climate controls and navigation, the interface features a pop-up touch-screen keyboard for more complex entries. Similar touch-screen surfaces on each door operate the windows, mirrors, seat adjustments and personal entertainment settings.

A racing style, but lightweight design steering wheel, contains integrated controls and start button, while a front-engine, rear-wheel drive LF-LC features Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive, delivering both driving performance and fuel efficiency.

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Trade Talk

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SAVRALA welcomes delayed tolling Just after SAVRALA – the Southern Africa Vehicle Rental and Leasing Associations – released a statement to the media earlier this month that it was “encouraged” by the recent delay of the e-tolling plans for Gauteng, it seems Gauteng motorists were in for another shock.

In mid-January, a number of Gauteng drivers reported via social network twitter of being harassed by SANRAL “traffic officers” at roadblocks. According to the twitter feeds, drivers were told by that they had to register for the tolling system, or would face fines.

BMW announces three SA projects BMW SA Managing Director, Bodo Donauer, announced three major initiatives at the COP 17 meeting late last year, the first being its intention to be the first manufacturer to bring e-mobility to South African roads. “We will give our customers the opportunity to experience the MINI E at a series of countrywide road shows in the first half of 2012,” he said, continuing that these will allow the company to gain key insight into local customer’s e-mobility requirements, while highlighting infrastructural hurdles that need to be overcome.

The second was of a waste-to-energy project, which falls inline with its commitment to resource conservation. Donauer explained: “We believe we can do more and have conducted a Renewable Energy Project investigating the technical and economic feasibility of supplying Plant Rosslyn solely by means of renewable energy, or in combination with the existing power supply. I’m proud to say that we will take further steps in this regard by partnering with the City of Tshwane on a waste-to-energy project next year.”

The project involves methane gas – converted from unusable organic waste at a landfill site in Onderstepoort – piped approximately 8 km to BMW’s Rosslyn plant. The gas will then be used either to produce electricity via gas generators or supplement the usage of natural gas in the production process, a resource which contributes approximately 50% to the company’s energy consumption.

The third project is a major corporate social responsibility engagement in KwaZulu-Natal. This itself is two-pronged and involves implementing the BMW Maths, Science and Technology Excellence Project in two high schools and three primary schools in the Nyavini district south of Durban, as well as constructing a HIV and AIDS clinic in the district.

The clinic, modelled on a similar clinic built by the BMW Group in Soshanguve in 2005, will also provide basic health care to the community, which is situated some 50 km from the nearest hospital.

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Earlier this month, however, the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) Board delayed the start of the road tolling in Gauteng, stating that it would “apply its mind to the serious concerns raised by the great range of both local and national stakeholders who have opposed the current GFIP eTolling implementation plan which is now delayed”.

Despite this, it seems, some of its members (on official instruction or not) or indeed opportunistic elements, felt it would be a great idea to scare up some support for the system. It’s telling that road users took to twitter to voice concerns – clearly there is little trust in official law enforcement, as no reports of complaints at Metro Police stations have yet been reported.

In response to the roadblock accusations, Sanral released a statement to the media that it had launched an internal investigation into the complaints and confirmed that it had not authorised any roadblock activity. It continued that as it was not ‘mandated’ to conduct roadblocks, it believed that those responsible for the activities ‘were not employees of Sanral or ETC (the toll operator company)’. It encouraged drivers to report all such unlawful happenings to its fraud line 0800 204 558 or email to sanral@tip-offs.com.

The organisation announced on 10 January, just three months after the start of e-toll registration, that at that time 212 906 Gauteng e-toll account units had been registered.

The question is, what will happen to the details of those registered users and how can we be guaranteed that their accounts will not be unlawfully debited?

What is clear is that the system is heavily flawed, and Gauteng road users are to be vigilant in their reporting of any further illegal activities. It really does feel like the Wild West out there.

Trade Talk

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RMI says car sales will be up 11% in 2012 The RMI has predicted an improvement of 11% in new car sales for this year, based on the 15% improvement in 2011 on 2010 sales. In contrast, Naamsa has projected a more conservative growth of around 7.0%.

Says RMI CEO, Jeff Osborne: “There are many positive factors influencing our bullish prediction this year. Firstly, interest rates are currently low, and the possibility of further rate decreases is good. In addition, the banks have shown a tendency in recent times to be more willing to provide lending credit and we see this continuing in 2012. Apart from this, new vehicle prices have been well-contained for a significant period of time now.”

In addition to these factors, the organisation points to the trend of the extended period of loan agreements (see also AF October issue: Longer Term Financing – A Trend to Watch), which is expected to result in a higher replacement demand. And the biggest growth area is expected to be smaller cars – the RMI expects first-time buyers to contribute more meaningfully to the growth in demand, especially with buying trends indicating a move to smaller, more fuelefficient vehicles.

Naamsa sales figures indicated that 2011 was “a year of relatively solid growth”. The used vehicle market was estimated to have reached about 650 000 units, in turn providing support to the automotive retail sector and distributive trade.

The aftermarket parts and servicing sector continued to see healthy trading activity, thanks again in large part to car owners hanging on to their vehicle for longer. “Longer ownership periods mean vehicles are serviced and repaired outside their manufacturer-backed warranty periods. This trend is likely to continue in 2012, with the majority of franchised aftermarket parts suppliers reporting positive trading conditions last year,” concluded Osborne.

The RMI cautioned, however, that all its members should “remain pragmatic in their business operations”, in light of the continued tightening of operational margins in all sectors.

UK call for lower young driver insurance costs The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) in the UK is calling on the British government to work with insurers in order to offer discounts on premiums for young drivers who take further driver training. The institution also wants to see a review of the driving test, to ensure that it is fit for purpose.

With global insurance premiums on the rise and younger male drivers often the hardest hit, the call could mean relief for youthful car owners as well as encourage further driving education for less experienced drivers.

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Merc out of Naamsa figures – for now Earlier this month, Naamsa issued a notice to the press and users of its monthly sales figures that Mercedes-Benz SA would “discontinue participation in the South African Automotive Industry’s domestic new vehicle sales and export sales reporting for the time being.” This was explained as being “as a result of a global directive by [parent company] Daimler AG”, with effect from mid-December 2011.

The release continued that Naamsa understood that the global directive by Daimler AG is precautionary in nature and is related to the European Union Competition Commission investigation into alleged anti-competitive practices by various European Truck Manufacturers.

Naamsa said that it hoped the discontinuation was only a temporary situation and that it would work together with both the automaker and RGT Smart, “toward resolving the situation as soon as possible and the parties will embark on a process aimed at re-establishing, as soon as practically possible, the participation by Mercedes-Benz SA (Pty) Ltd in the Industry’s sales reporting system.”

Sales figures for the 2011 period were therefore released in mid-January, without Mercedes-Benz sales data.

The average car insurance premium for young males aged 17-22 is £2 977, more than three times the average premium of £907. For young females the average premium is almost twice as much as the average at £1 682. The figure for females was expected to rise further last December when new gender equality laws came into effect.

A survey commissioned for the committee found that 21% of young drivers had considered driving without insurance, and nearly a third have considered altering the information they provide to insurance firms in order to secure a lower quote.

A recent IAM survey of 2 000 novice young drivers, found that only half reported positively on feeling fully prepared for driving on their own. The organisation believes that there is a real need to ensure that young drivers are fully prepared for driving on their own, with reasonable insurance premiums to discourage them from breaking the law by driving uninsured.

Seventy-four percent of novice drivers in that country said that they would definitely take further training if it saved them money on their car insurance. They also believed that the driving test needs to be reviewed, and a system of post test training, linked to cheaper insurance, introduced.

The REMO revolution Corghi has proudly launched what it sees as the future of wheel alignment. The Italian company invented the modern tyre changer and is well known for launching a number of firsts - including the “touchless” and “leverless” Artiglio Master tyre changer, and the Bluelight “touch less” wheelbalancer - which are concepts in use by almost all equipment manufacturers today. The latest release however, is the world’s first automatic robotic wheel aligner – REMO (Robotic Equipment for Measuring by Optics). It works by virtue of 2 small units which run along the side of the vehicle and using a laser optical measurement, pick up the precise measurements needed. The main feature is that there are no longer any rim clamps, and operator error is virtually eliminated in the actual adjustment of the alignment.

The system allows for use on dirty, damaged and even chromed rims, commercial and offroad tyres, low profile and performance wheels up to 30”. It is apparently compatible with any existing lift or pit and Corghi assert that this system effectively negates operator error altogether. REMO uses wireless technology and an “artificial intelligence” to recreate a 3 dimensional image, which can be controlled via iPad. From testimonials, the unit speed and simplicity look to be a new benchmark in aligning equipment. “This brand is seen as the worldwide leader in a number of garage equipment categories, and once again they have launched a new concept that will become a standard in the industry in the years to come” says Nic Kruger of Wheelquip, Corghi’s Southern African distributor, and adds that, due to the huge demand out of Europe, the first units should be available in SA in early 2013. See the website www.remorevolution.com for more information and some demonstration videos.

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AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

The latest global news

Toyota and Transnet Freight Rail conclude agreement - Roy Cokayne

A

landmark agreement has been concluded between Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) and Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) and will result in TFR’s container and automotive business unit directly handling the transportation of certain locally manufactured and imported Toyota vehicles. The agreement is expected to dramatically reduce the number of vehicle carrier trucks on the country’s roads.

Siyabonga Gama, TFR CE, said the signing of the agreement was a major breakthrough and confirmed it was in discussions with other vehicle OEMs. Gama was confident TFR would be able to announce an agreement with another vehicle manufacturer in the first quarter of this year. He said it had invested R500 million in rail wagons for its automotive business unit but was unable to quantify the investment made in upgrading its Isipingo car terminal, Kaalfontein facility and Durban port, and providing a bonded warehouse facility.

He stressed this infrastructure would not only be used by Toyota, but was currently also being used to transport other imported

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vehicle brands, including Land Rover and Jaguar. Gama said the agreement with TSAM had created between 80 and 100 new jobs in Durban and Gauteng. He explained the agreement with TSAM would be implemented in three phases with the first - entailing the transportation of domestic units from Isipingo to Kaalfontein - having commenced in October. Gama said the second phase involved the transportation of imported units from the Durban car terminal to Kaalfontein and the third phase, the transportation of Toyota vehicles destined for export markets from Isipingo to Durban Point harbour. The second and third phases will be rolled out in the course of this year.

Johan van Zyl, TSAM President and CE, said at the official signing that a vehicle carrier truck could transport between eight and 11 vehicles, and that the number of vehicles transported by TFR from Durban to Kaalfontein in Johannesburg had increased from 100 to 500 vehicles a week, taking about 60 trucks off the N3 a week. “We believe the new arrangement will lighten our reliance and impact on the road transport network and allow for significant cost

Roy Cokayne is a senior financial reporter for Business Report.

savings in the longer term. As such, we also believe that we will set an example as the leading vehicle retailer and exporter in SA to other manufacturers in SA, to make use of the significant rail infrastructure that is available. As a green company, it is also a contribution to the reduction of TSAM’s carbon footprint.”

TFR is currently operating one 45-wagon train between Isipingo and Kaalfontein each day of the week, but aims to increase the number of wagons to 50. Each wagon can accommodate three vehicles. Van Zyl said TSAM’s Prospecton plant was the hub from which it moved its locally manufactured Corolla, Hilux and Fortuner vehicles and the rest of the more than 30 product ranges representing its Toyota, Lexus and Hino offerings to more than 220 dealers in the region. “To further emphasise the size and scope of our logistic operations to effectively distribute vehicles to our dealer network and customers, one should keep in mind that this year Toyota SA will manufacture close to 155 000 vehicles and retail in excess of 100 000 units in the local market. Each of these vehicles has to be distributed on time and without damage to each customer, either here or in our export markets.”

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• Specialised compounds for modern engine needs • Durable and smooth running • Precision-moulded teeth made from tough, shear-resistant rubber Van Zyl was unable to quantify the cost-saving that would result from the agreement and also stressed TSAM would still be using road transport to move some of its vehicles. “Our approach is a long-term one. If it delivers in terms of the objectives we have set, it is something for the long-term. You don’t change transport modes every week. This is quite a strategic directional shift where we are saying let’s move away from road to rail. You can’t get out of road 100%, it’s impossible, but we need to find a better balance between rail and road transport here.”

Van Zyl said of the vehicles TSAM exported, it would like to move 100% from its plant to the port by rail, which could be up to 80 000 to 100 000 vehicles a year. He added the percentage of Toyota vehicles transported by rail was dependent on the success of phase one of the agreement, the availability of rolling stock and the capacity created

by Transnet.

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AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

NEWS FORUM

Retail Motor Industry – Key employer - Robert Kaiser

T

he “ugly stepsister” syndrome that sometimes influenced perceptions of the retail motor industry should be killed off and buried for all time as it is not only undeserved, but untrue to boot. That’s according to Dana de Villiers, CEO of the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA).

Speaking at the MISA Woman of the Year Award function in Johannesburg in November, de Villiers mentioned a number of facts to underpin his views. He said that it was time that the South African motor industry should be seen holistically and not be clouded by the perception that the industry was all about assembling vehicles and manufacturing components.

In respect of job creation, he said that it was interesting to note that, even though production growth of 51.3% from 388 442 to a peak of 587 717 units in 2006 in vehicle manufacture had been achieved, employment in the sector had remained largely static during this period, aggregating at 30 100 persons. In the component manufacturing sector it was in the order of 61 000.

From an employment creation point of view, he believed the lack of job creation in the automotive manufacturing sector was concerning, especially if it is considered against the background of the huge subsidies paid to manufacturers, totalling billions of Rand, over the past years in terms of the Motor Industry Development Plan. Comparing employment in the automotive and component manufacturing sectors to the employment of 283 627 employees in the retail sector, where no taxpayerfunded government subsidy schemes to promote business were in operation, it meant that for every one employee in the automotive and component manufacturing sectors, the retail sector employed three.

In considering the situation within the retail sector, large corporates accounted for 74% of the revenue generation in the retail sector, but only employed 57% of the total number of employees, whilst the SMME sector generated 26% of the total revenue but employed 43% of the total number of employees. This was an indication that big business was probably not going to be instrumental in the creation of more jobs in the medium to long term and that focus should be brought to bear on the SMME sector to contribute to the creation of more employment opportunities. He felt that this should be underpinned by sensitivity on the part of government to create an environment conducive to investment and the encouragement and development of entrepreneurs.

The critical role of the retail sector is further demonstrated by a comparison of the contribution of the various sectors to the SA GDP of R2.4 Trillion in 2009. In that year, the automotive and component manufacturing sectors contributed 5.9% or R243 Billion to the GDP, compared to the R 365 Billion or 15.2% of the retail sector, of which R106 Billion constituted retail fuel sales. The retail sales of motor vehicles alone contributed R178 Billion or 7.4% of GDP. No doubt that the retail sector is certainly up there with the other sectors in terms of its importance as a creator of employment and contributor to the SA GDP and Dana de Villiers had certainly made the point. The retail sector should be given more credence for the role it plays as a crucial sector in the motor industry.

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AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

Hyundai targets SA passenger market leadership - Roy Cokayne

H

yundai Automotive South Africa (HASA) has poured cold water on the establishment of a SA manufacturing presence, but is pushing ahead with its target to be passenger car market leader within the next five years.

It had a target of selling 50 000 cars into the South African market last year (2011) but did not achieve this due to product supply constraints experienced

by Hyundai Motor Company in Korea.

However, the brand has in recent times consistently been in third position in the domestic car market.

Stanley Anderson, HASA’s Marketing Director, rejects assertions its market leadership goal is unrealistic, despite admitting its parent company has a global capacity problem. Even with the

PAGE 18

manufacturing capacity constraints, Anderson stressed there were not any plans at this stage for Hyundai to establish a manufacturing plant in SA.

This was because it had decided to rather put its investment into alternative energy sources, such as hybrids and electric vehicles.

According to Anderson, the 50 000 unit annual production threshold in the new APDP made it difficult for a new entrant to establish a manufacturing facility here. He continued that the only way for a SA Hyundai plant to be viable, was if it also involved exports into Africa.

However, Anderson said the total sales of Hyundai in Africa this year would total only about 150 000 units by 45 distributors.

In a reference to plans for the establishment of a shared manufacturing plant in East London, Anderson stressed Hyundai would be “very hesitant” to allow another company to manufacture its vehicles on their behalf. He said Hyundai Korea would produce and sell 4-million vehicles this year. “There is no build up of stock anywhere in the world at the moment. They have reached capacity in terms of their manufacturing facilities and we have experienced a problem especially with the supply of new vehicles,” he said.

Anderson admitted there was a need for a viable high volume Hyundai product for Africa, but that a pickup was not part of the brand’s medium term plans.

Anderson confirmed Hyundai was building a new 150 000 unit a year plant in Brazil and expanding the capacity of its plant in the Czech Republic, in order to take some of the pressure off its Korean plants - but this would be insufficient to meet current demand for its vehicles. He said Hyundai’s stated goal was not to be the number one brand in the world in terms of volumes, but to become “a modern premium brand, which is premium quality at accessible prices”.

The MD said that to ensure Hyundai did not lose control over quality, it had capped production together with Kia at about 6.5 million units a year. Despite this, Anderson was hopeful Hyundai would be able to sort out its capacity constraints. He believed HASA’s target of passenger market leadership in SA was realistic, because Hyundai launched three to four new models each year. In addition, Anderson said HASA had strong volumes and a healthy market share in each of the passenger car segments in which it competed, and the only segments in which it did not compete were the luxury sedan and large special utility vehicle (SUV) segments, which were low volume segments. This meant HASA was insulated from a sales slump in any one segment.

Anderson declined to comment on HASA’s car sales target for next year other than stating it would “sell whatever we can get” and admitted the volatility of the Rand and its impact on pricing was the biggest threat to HASA.

PAGE 19

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

NEWS FORUM

cDrive driver behaviour solution launches

L

ate last year, Ctrack launched a new product called cDrive, to the SA market. cDrive is explained as being “a driver behaviour solution that uses information sent from a vehicle to improve its energy efficiency”.

The product works by measuring seven variables – the speed of the vehicle, its location, how fast the vehicle is accelerating and decelerating, the speed at which it goes around corners, and how fast brakes are applied – every second. Measurements are relative to the exact position of the vehicle on a map, which also allows fleet managers the ability to monitor all their vehicles on a real-time basis.

As James Verster, Chief Technology Officer at parent company DigiCore, explains: “On the hardware side, we fit a telematics device with a built-in accelerometer that measures G-forces in three axes to a vehicle. This is paired with a software component that analyses the information for the most accurate results possible.

The software compares behaviour of drivers on similar routes. This enables managers, and the drivers themselves who can log in to the system at any time, to see how their performance compares to each other.”

A leaderboard then rates and ranks the drivers according to specific metrics such as

PAGE 20

speeding, harsh braking, and more, allowing companies to identify drivers that require specific training.

But its not just those back at the office who are made aware of whats going on behind the wheel. A driver behaviour indicator is included on the dashboard and which displays green, yellow, and red LED lights that change according to how well (or poorly) the person drives.

This means that the driver him or herself can improve their driving in real-time, without first having to log in to the system. An audible alert is triggered when a poor driving event takes place, to let the driver know that an infraction has been committed.

According to Verster, insurance companies are already using the system to calculate a risk index score of their clients and reward them for good driving behaviour. “We have already seen consumers saving up to 20% on their fuel bills by using the system and driving conservatively. You are ultimately driving ‘more green’ by maximising the energy in your vehicle.”

Verster continues that a key elements of the system is that it measures the total cost of ownership of a vehicle, from fuel efficiency and tyre wear, to the impact of toll gates and other maintenance costs.

PAGE 21

NEWS FORUM

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

Automotive port terminal expansion

T

he automotive port terminals in Durban and Port Elizabeth are operating at 85% of their total 650 000 unit annual capacity and will have to be expanded in the near future to cope with increasing demand.

Transnet Freight Rail, in terms of its business plan, also intends making investments worth about R900 million into additional wagons. This will enable it to have the capacity to increase its market share of vehicles transported by rail instead of road to 45% nationally by 2015, up from only about 30% now.

A total of 238 604 vehicles were exported from SA last year and 260 301 cars and light commercial vehicles imported. However, vehicle exports are expected to increase sharply over the next few years.

Malusi Gigaba, the Public Enterprises Minister, said recently the expansion of the capacity of the automotive port terminals was important to ensure port capacity kept up with demand. Gigaba also confirmed a joint working group established by Transnet and the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) was exploring the possibility of tariff reform and had also targeted improvements in port efficiencies to achieve global best practices. The efficiency levels and high port tariffs have been consistently

PAGE 22

- Roy Cokayne

criticised by SA motor industry leaders for years.

share improvement target for vehicles transported by rail.

David Powels, Naamsa President and Group MD of VWSA, told the CAR Conference at the Johannesburg International Motor Show in October the auto sector was hugely dependent on inbound and outbound logistics, but SA had some of the most expensive ports in the world.

Gigaba challenged the Naamsa working group to “think outside the box” to see how they could radically support the shift from road to rail. “Given the specialised nature of automotive rail wagons, I am keen to see how the industry can form a partnership with Transnet to fund and procure these specialised wagons. Another area where the industry and Transnet can partner is the development of an inland automotive hub.”

Powels said the tariffs were uncompetitive against the countries SA was competing with and had to be addressed.

If this and other key roadblocks in the industry were not addressed, South Africa’s automotive industry would be unable to meet the government’s target of more than doubling vehicle production to 1.2-million vehicles by 2020, Powels continued.

Gigaba said a range of policies had been developed that demonstrated the commitment of the South African government to overcome the port capacity and other challenges, including the new industrial policy action plan (IPAP2), the New Growth Path and the performance evaluation framework.

He also mentioned the project to create more capacity to transport cars by rail instead of road, listing the planned investment by Transnet Freight Rail in wagons to achieve this and its market

He continued that they all had an interest to see the highest levels of operational efficiency on the rail network and Transnet and the Department of Public Enterprises was open to proposals around how industry and Transnet rail could work together to continuously improve rail performance. Gigaba said the expansion of the country’s mining and resource processing industries - key exporters in the economy - were going to depend on the growth of rail capacity and improvement in productivity and efficiency in both rail and the ports. He believed the same should be said of other sectors of the economy, including in particular the automotive sector.

“I am certain the automotive sector is positioned to provide leadership in developing our manufacturing capability through building partnerships throughout the supply chain.”

NEWS FORUM

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

Apollo Tyres R45m fine

A

- Roy Cokayne

pollo Tyres, previously Dunlop Africa, has agreed to pay a R45 million fine for taking part in a cartel between the tyre manufacturers.

This follows Apollo Tyres reaching a settlement agreement with the Competition Commission, which was confirmed by the Competition Tribunal this past December.

Apollo admitted it was involved in price fixing conduct and the fine represents 4.75% of its 2008 total turnover. The agreement follows the Commission’s referral in September 2010 of the findings of its investigation against the SA Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC) and four local tyre manufacturers and suppliers - Apollo, Goodyear, Continental Tyre and Bridgestone - to the tribunal for adjudication. Bridgestone applied for corporate leniency and was granted conditional immunity by the Commission.

The case was initiated following a complaint by a fleet owner alleging local tyre manufacturers simultaneously adjusted their prices and within the same parameters. This led to a search and seizure operation in April 2008 on the premises of the manufacturers and suppliers.

The investigation revealed the cartel operated from 1999 to at least 2007 and saw the manufacturers agree on price increases, timing of price increases and their implementation, using the SATMC as a platform to conduct these discussions.

The cartel concerned the manufacture and supply of passenger tyres, light truck/commercial, truck and bus, off-road, agricultural and earthmover tyres in South Africa. The main customers of these products are tyre dealers, who purchase tyres for resale to consumers; vehicle manufacturers, who purchase tyres for new vehicles models; and the government, which procures tyres for state owned vehicles and fleets through a tender process managed by the State Tender Board.

The Commission welcomed the settlement by Apollo, noting the cooperation on the part of new owners of the company after it was acquired from Dunlop in 2006. Apollo further agreed to refrain from engaging in this conduct and to develop and implement a compliance programme THE INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE to ensure its employees were aware of the provisions of the Competition Act.

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PAGE 24

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In the News Monroe’s range OF of suspension

T

enneco, the manufacturer of Monroe and Rancho shock absorbers in South Africa, has a wide portfolio of suspensio n products and continuously offers new product lines. Apart from car rying over 90% of the car park, Mo nroe is able to supply new applica tions numbers with a really quick turnaround time for two reasons.

Firstly because Monroe is the Origin al Equipment suppliers for ma ny of the new vehicles being ma nufactured internationally includ ing GM, Ford, VW, Mercedes Benz, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Toyota Mo tor Company, Nissan Motor Com pany and BMW and Truck manuf acturer, Navistar. Secondly, Monro e has manufacturing plants all ove r the world.

Philip Lutz, Marketing Manage r Aftermarket Ride Control Sou thern Africa says, “Our wide range of suspension products has ear ned us the name suspension solu tion provider because of the compre hensive range of suspension pro ducts and shock absorbers. Our ran ge includes shock absorbers for passenger and commercial vehicle s and off-road as well as Protect ion kits, Mounting kits, Steering dam pers, MaxLift “...supports and new on the market, Monroe Springs.

Steering and Suspension, and emi ssion Warranties: The quality of Monroe shock absorbers means we can offer the follo wing warrantees: The Monroe Original, Origin al Gas, Original Gas Adjust, Gas-Ma gnum, Adventure and Rancho have a threeyear unlimited mileage warran ty.

The Monroe Reflex (Sensa-tra c) range has a five-year/100 000 km warranty. The Magnum truck range comes with a one year/30 000 km warranty.

Monroe Protection Kits and Mounting Kits will have a two -year unlimited mileage warranty. Max Lift has a one year warranty and Monroe Springs come with a three yea r warranty” Getting to know the produc t: Monroe also offers complimenta ry training after hours on site, bas ed on

products and shock absorbers

Rancho Jeep Wrangler

Monroe Range

control components can now also be brought in as special orders for customers willing to order bulk and carr y stock.”

The Monroe range includes: • Monroe Reflex Premium – for cars - advanced gas and pist on technology (5 year warranty) • Monroe Original: Suitable for older models this value for mon ey oil technology • Monroe Original Gas: For cars and bakkies - an advanced ove rseas gas technology • Monroe Original Gas-Adjus t: Unique four-way adjustable gas technology • Monroe Magnum: For truc ks and buses - ultra-heavy duty technology

the advanced training system from our International Training Man ager in Europe.

It covers: Our Product range, Warranty claims, Catalogue use, Sales and Installation Enquiries: Contact your Monroe District Manager or phone: 011 574 5603 Complimentary Suspensio n Testing: If you want to increase your turn over and sales you can do so in con junction with your Monroe Dis trict Manager (research has shown you can expect to increase sales by about 25%) by organising test ing days using the mobile Monroe Expert Drive-on tester. It checks the performance of the shock absorber only so that claims are reduced conside rably.

The free suspension testing is added

For more information abo ut Monroe shock, spring s and other components, visit www.monroe.co.za or contact Tenneco South Africa on 011 574 5603.

• Monroe Gas-Magnum: For 4x4’s, SUV’s and bakkies – an afforda ble advanced heavy –duty technolo gy • Monroe Adventure Premiu m: High pressure, mainly mono-tu be heavy-duty gas technology for 4x4s • Rancho Premium Elite: 4x4 connoisseurs – a tri-tube, heavy-d uty gas designs with 9-way adjustab ility on the move.

value for the workshop or fitm ent centre which is why it is only available for Monroe customers.

How does it work?

• The shocks are tested in thre e minutes • A print out of results clearly showing the condition of each sho ck absorber in relation to the diffe rences in symmetry on each The results are easy to read: Good, Damaged, Defective.

The Expert Suspension Tester is also available for purchase at around R140 000 excluding VAT and is a sound investment guaranteed to increase your shocks sales.

Monroe can be bought through PIA, most Midas stores, Validtrade or AutoZone– please remember to specify Monroe by name for the best results.

PAGE 25

NEWS FORUM

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

Tyre industry recycling debate continues

- Robert Kaiser and Clare Rutkiewicz

I

n January, a press release was circulated to the media which stated that the Integrated Industry Waste Tyre Management Plan (IIWTMP) - described as having the aim of creating a sustainable solution for the handling of tyre waste had officially received the stamp of approval from the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa. It continued that the plan is to be managed and implemented by the Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa (REDISA) – an independent, notfor-profit organisation.

the manufacturer. The income generated from a Rand-per-kilogramme levy charged to tyre manufacturers and importers, will be used to help stimulate start-up businesses around the collection, transportation, storage and recycling of the waste. The release continues that the income will also be used for research and development, training, monitoring and overall community upliftment. Additionally, bursaries, a youth board and a huge programme of empowerment interventions form part of the roll-out of this plan.

association, the Tyre Dealers and Fitment Association (TDAFA) has, however, distanced itself from the REDISA plan and has again confirmed that the RMI and TDAFA have their own plan in place. “The Tyre Dealers and Fitment Association (TDAFA), a constituent association under the umbrella body of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), wishes to distance itself from the Waste Tyre Management Plan as submitted by the Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa (REDISA).”

According to this media release the deadline for registration by members of the SA tyre sector is the end of January 2012. REDISA states in the circular that the plan will attempt to remove waste tyres from the South African environment by collecting and recycling them, paid for via a levy charged to

REDISA says that the levy will be apportioned according to a specific plan, approved by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), with more details available on the REDISA website.

“TDAFA and the RMI maintain their full support of the original TDAFA/TIA Waste Tyre Management Plan previously submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA). While similarities exist between the two plans, TDAFA has chosen not to endorse the revised REDISA plan.”

The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) and its constituent trade

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PAGE 26

Joh Por

In our August 2011 issue, we detailed the South African Tyre Recycling Process Company (SATRP) Plan, when we reported on an interview with Dr Etienne Human, CEO of the SATRP Company.

Human developed the SATRP Plan based on intensive research undertaken by the SATRP Company and funded by the South African Tyre Manufacturers

Conference (SATMC), which represents the South African tyre manufacturers.

It is notable that the SATRP Plan is not only subscribed to by the SA Tyre manufacturers, but also major tyre importers, the local vehicle manufacturing industry, major vehicle importers as well as leading SA tyre retailers and franchise groups. It was also the first plan to be submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs (also see www. rubbersa.com).

With the REDISA media release and the RMI’s statement quoted above, in which it distances itself from the REDISA Plan, it looks as if there are now no less than three waste tyre plans vying for implementation. With the RMI and SATRP plans being sponsored and supported by the major players in the industry, it begs the question of where the REDISA Plan hails from and who actually supports it.

There is no doubt that the successful implementation of a waste tyre

management system in South Africa will require sophisticated management of the considerable logistical challenges and costs associated with such a system, as well as extraordinary transparency of the manner in which so called “green levies” are administered. It is also a foregone conclusion that a waste tyre management plan that does not enjoy the support of the major industry players and organisations faces a considerable handicap in various ways.

There is much more to the waste tyre management challenge and the implementation of a successful plan to address the issue than what is mentioned in superficial media releases. It will be interesting to see how further developments will unfold. All we can hope for is that the achievement of the objective to deal with the growing environmental concerns surrounding the waste tyre problem will remain the focus, and that meaningful progress will not be marred by political infighting and motives not reconcilable with the objective.

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Exchange PAGE 27

Auto Training

AUTO TRAINING

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

PAGE 28

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

Automotive training news

DISPELLING THE MYTH ABOUT HIGH AVERAGE AGE OF TECHNICIANS

- Robert Kaiser

“Average age of technicians in industry not 50+”– MISA CEO

T

he statements often made about the average age of technicians in the SA motor industry being 50+ years is an urban legend, says Dana de Villiers, CEO of the Motor Industry Staff Association.

Speaking at the MISA Woman of the Year Award function in November, de Villiers said that, while it is common knowledge that there is a shortage of trained technicians in the motor industry and an apparent reluctance among especially small employers to train artisans, the generalist and sweeping statements that have been made in the media on a number of occasions that the average age of artisans in the motor industry is well over 50 years, is simply not true.

To prove his point he revealed the average age of MISA members (who incidentally represent the majority of trained technicians in the retail sector) in the following trades, which in terms of numbers, could be considered the mainstream trades among the 13 designated trades in the retail motor industry:

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Motor Mechanic: 36 years Diesel Mechanic: 36 years Motorcycle Mechanic: 39 years Auto Electrician: 37 years Automotive Body Repairer: 42 years Diesel Fuel Injection Technician: 39 years Spraypainter: 40 Years Vehicle Body Builder: 46 years Tool, Jig and Die maker: 49 years Tractor & Agricultural Machinery Mechanic: 42 Years Automotive Machinist: 41 years Automotive Trimmer: 49 years Automotive Engine Fitter: 37 years

He added that 3 931 apprenticeships were currently registered with the MerSETA and that this figure was clearly not nearly enough to supply the future needs of the industry.

There was a real need for more employers to become active in training and not to leave it to the corporate groups who were practically bearing the brunt in this respect.

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PAGE 29

AUTO TRAINING

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

CEO Paddy O’Brien

Dealer Principal in the Making?

L

ast December, global dealer management company, the Sewells Group, launched enrolment for its Advanced Dealer Management (ADM) programme, which kicks off in March this year.

According to company CEO Paddy O’Brien, the course aims to balance practical and theoretical learnings to deliver optimal training. He explains that in doing so the training covers high level education with street-wise operational experience; vehicle sales with fixed operations; profitability with asset management; customer demands with OEM demands; and balancing investment in capital and human resources.

The 150 hour course is divided into seven clusters over a 10 month period and features expert facilitators as well as high calibre guest speakers. It involves business visits, as well as case studies and workplace assignments, and will allow students insight into international best practices.

The CEO describes the programme as “a holistic development approach including a personal development component to the programme”. At the same time, “executive coaching sessions are offered to integrate the learning components and enhance goal-achievement”.

Should you wish to find out more details on the course, please contact Tania Barlow (tbarlow@sewellsgroup.com) or Odette Taljaard (otaljaard@sewellsgroup.com).

PAGE 30

Body repair insight

In association with BodyShop News Asia and Australian BodyShop News

Contents 34

SPOT WELDING – MODERN CARS

36

Collision Hub Launches The Hub

37

CPA Training for SAMBRA members

37

Taking Training To The Repairer

PAGE 31

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

BODYSHOP NEWS

SPOT WELDING – MODERN CARS

PART #1 the first of a two part series based on a recent sambra presentation

to its members. Information and images kindly supplied by sambra.

T

he designers of new cars always choose the materials that best suit the job, which is often a combination of several different types of steel and aluminium, different plastics, carbon fibre and more. In any new car, we see many changes to the structure of the vehicle and last year saw over 160 different models in the local market.

Higher-strength sheet metal Increasing use is being made of higherstrength sheet metals in vehicles. The stronger the sheet metal becomes, the more difficult it is to repair, especially when attempting to weld pieces together.

What is higher-strength sheet metal?

Car designers take the view that the onus is on the repairer to always have the correct equipment in place to repair these cars, if he so chooses to repair them. If the repair fails in a subsequent accident, the responsibility for the failure is put squarely on the shoulders of the repairer. This makes it even more essential for repairers to keep up to date with constantly changing materials and techniques.

BODYSHOP

It is up to the equipment manufacturer to produce the correct equipment at the right time, to be aware of the trends and improvements in the materials and to make the market aware of any changes. And right now there are some huge changes.

PAGE 34

It used to be so simple just a few years ago the criteria in 2000 was simple: High welding power of 8 000 amps; a short weld time of 0.5 seconds; a high clamping force of 300 daN; very flat profile electrode tips (not domed or pointed) and 1 000 Hz (sometimes coupled up to 2 000 Hz).

This meant only one setting for the welder, a press of the button and good results every time. Just 12 years ago vehicles incorporated a few different types of steel, which were all fairly easy to weld. Some were HSS and some Boron.

In the last three years, however, there have been major changes in construction of the vehicle body and chassis. These include a colourful mixture of different steels with various qualities.

Normally you will find the extremely hard steel (Boron) at the side impact protection area. Beyond that each carmaker tries to optimise the chassis in terms of: Weight; Vibration control; Noise control; Crash-absorption etc.

The former is sheet metal of a normal appearance, but with a higher yield point than standard sheet metal, made possible through the use of various alloys. In other words, given equal impact, the dent in higher strength sheet metal will not be as deep as that in standard body sheet metal.

What must be observed when performing panel beating with this material?

Standard tools can be used for panel beating work on higher strength material. The greater buckling strength increases resilience and more force may therefore have to be applied.

Caution must be applied as the material may rupture on reforming buckled sections.

What must be observed when straightening using a straightening jig or hydraulic press?

The increased resilience of higher-strength sheet metal means that it must be stretched more than the standard sheet metal, before it remains in the desired position. Standard sheet metals welded to higher-strength sheet metal are, however, also exposed to more strain on account of the greater force applied. Additional anchoring is required to stop the standard sheet metal yielding or rupturing.

Coated sheet metal The various sheet metal coatings also have a deep influence on the weld process, as the additional layers alter the electrical conductivity and resistance, as well as interfering with the heat transfer inside the material itself.

There are numerous coatings used on the car sheet steels. It is not always possible to determine the coatings when the new replacement part is always covered with black factory primer. Therefore in repairs, before spot

welding, always grind the sheet metal back to a clean metal surface free of the primer. Bear in mind that if it is not clean metal you will have to adjust the weld parameters.

elements daN and Amps are linked.

Remember, gun force is controlled by air pressure, and too much air pressure is as bad as too little air pressure.

Sparks during the welding process

Equipment For the equipment manufacturer, these changes in material have meant a complete change in direction. The size of the nugget has to be bigger, that’s because of the new materials and the use of glue. And to produce a bigger nugget, a wider electrode is required.

As the steels have become lighter they have also become harder, which means greater clamping force is now required.

500 daN is often needed, as opposed to 350 daN before. Greater clamping force, quite simply, requires more amps. At the same time, increasing the size of the electrodes means more amps are required. The melting point of the different steels has meant a greater control over the power is needed. To give full impedance measuring the use of machines running at 10,000 Hz is needed.

AEU directive came into force in May 2008, which limited the magnetic field when the equipment is in operation.

This is for the health and safety of your staff and will have to be adhered to.

Clamping Force By exerting more force onto the steel, the resistance decreases. To overcome this, more current is required.

Conversely, if more current is required, more clamping force is needed to hold the molten nugget in place. The two

Sparks are definitely the enemy of the spot weld. During the weld process, the molten steel becomes very elastic and there is a huge energy build-up. It is the job of the electrode tips and the clamping force of the gun, to hold this molten metal in place.

Car designers take the view that the onus is on the repairer to always have the correct equipment in place to repair these cars

If the metal escapes - it does so in a shower of sparks. While it may look spectacular, the the reality is that it is absolutely fatal for the spot weld in terms of quality and strength. This is due to the fact that energy explodes into the air, which means no lens and no proper fusing of the metal.

Different welding tips

• • •

For example on 1.5 mm steel: 4 x 1.22 = 4.9 mm 2.0 mm steel: 4 x 1.41 = 5.6 mm 1.0 mm steel: 4 x 1.00 = 4.0 mm

The tips on the electrodes could be 10mm diameter.

• • • •

Red Nugget 5 mm Green Nugget 4 mm 8 000 amps 300 daN

• • • •

Red Nugget 6 mm Green Nugget 5 mm 10 000 amps 400 daN (Glue) End of Part 1 - Look out for our March issue to read Part 2.

PAGE 35

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

BODYSHOP NEWS

Collision Hub Launches The Hub

L

ate last year the US-based repairer website, Collision Hub, announced the launch of a monthly social media consulting tool it has developed, entitled The Hub. Delivered monthly to the site’s online customers, The Hub is a graphic and video rich eMagazine, featuring industry-relevant material that encourages both localised and internally managed social media strategies.

BODYSHOP

The eMagazine will include columns and video blogs from Kristen Felder, Founder and CEO of Collision Hub as well as Liz Blackman, the site’s Social Media Expert and Operations Director, and in effect gives you a social media expert and video production team right in your own company. The new magazine promises to provide repairer businesses with step-bystep action plans to implement, suggested social media postings based on a calendar of events, creative marketing ideas to employ and pre-packaged video content for shops

PAGE 36

to download and share in their social media outlets. While the content is American focused, the ideas and suggestions are universally relevant, and can be adapted and incorporated to suit SA companies’ unique needs.

According to The Hub Editor and Collision Hub Social Media Expert, Liz Blackman: “During our three years of travelling and speaking on social media we were asked over and over to become the marketing consultant of Collision Repairers across the country. However, at Collision Hub we believe the best person for any social media campaign is the business staff themselves. By tackling the ‘hows’ of social media and by helping shops to keep their social media in-house, it is our belief that The Hub will rocket launch Collision Repairers to the fore front of their communities.”

To learn more and subscribe visit: www.collisionhub.com/thehub.

CPA Training for SAMBRA members We all know how essential it is for SA businesses to fully understand how the Consumer Protection Act affects them, but many organisations are still not clear on what they need to do to be compliant. In order to help repairers with this, SAMBRA recently announced that it has launched a free online CPA training tool for its members.

The organisation has set up some very specific instructions on how to register for the training, which is available at www.legaljunction.co.za. In order to logon the first time, members will need their ID number; their RMI membership number; and a secret password. For full details on how to register and access the training, please visit the SAMBRA website, www.sambra.co.za.

Taking Training To The Repairer Thatcham Automotive Academy in the UK is taking a new approach to skills development in that country’s collision repair sector. Responding to customer demand for more flexible training delivery, 2012 will see a new Mobile Training Unit and innovative e-learning package available to British insurance assessors and repairers. These two new initiatives, combined with state-of-the-art facilities in Berkshire, will give the auto body repair sector unprecedented access to Thatcham’s high quality training and accreditation programmes.

Combining the latest training aids and technology rich course content, on-site training will provide the complete solution to cost effective and focused skills without added downtime, travel and accommodation costs. The Academy’s new flexible training approach will enable insurers and body shops to choose the delivery format that suits their technicians’ learning styles and best meets their business needs.

We look forward to similar training in SA in the near future.

PAGE 37

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

PAGE 38

PAGE 39

Business Forum

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

Business insight

Is your signage your best advertisement?

- Graham Bush

T

he effective use of signage identifies the nature of the business, builds a corporate identity, communicates an image, ties the company to its advertising through the use of a logo, and attracts attention to the business.

As usual, the key word here is effective, as there are many great signs that, in fact, do no justice to the business concerned.

Many retailers use the exterior wall space to promote their store/business. Painting the name and logo of a business on the exterior is often less expensive than having a custom-made sign. Examples of this vary from a simple elegant script indicating not only the name, but also pictures and graphics. If artwork is used on the exterior of the building, it must conform to the principles of design, appeal to the customer base, and be integrated with the rest of the architecture. In other words,

PAGE 40

instead of just plonking on a sign board – turn the building into a sign! I personally prefer more graphics, because I truly believe that the average consumer does not read signs, but rather will see a sign. But what image are you trying to project? Just about every ‘Corner Café’, or ‘Tea Room’, have their signs supplied and erected by the world’s leading cola manufacturer – so what’s different about their business? Well quite simply, nothing! They all offer the same cans of soft drinks, sweets, bread and milk with no shopping experience in mind.

Then of course, Signage and Branding go hand in hand, and in most cases become one and the same. If we look at the big ‘4’ Supermarkets in South Africa, the consumer knows and understands what the offering is just by looking at their ‘Sign’, which is their logo.

It is what they do ‘in-store’ that will firstly entice me to buy, and secondly,

encourage me to return. If I have a bad ‘Shopping Experience’ in the store, then no matter how much they spend on Signage and Branding – I will not return to have another bad experience.

Some of you reading this may remember the beauty of neon signs of bygone days. As America took to the highways in the 1950s and 1960s, advertisers took advantage of that with their neon signage advertising, spangling the night-time streets with colourful whimsies advertising everything from bowling alleys and ice-cream stands to driveins. Gosh, remember drive-ins?

It is rather unfortunate that good oldfashioned neon lighting has been outmoded today by fibre optic technology.

The good news is that preservationists are working very hard to save neon signs for future generations either onsite or in some museums. Neon or LED

Graham Bush is one of Southern Africa’s leading retail gurus, and over the past 30 years has inspired thousands of businesspeople. He has a relaxed style, and along with his humour delivers powerful and motivational talks and presentations. www.thebushkitchen.co.za

lighting are amazing ways of inviting people into your business. A neon open sign or LED open sign flashing at your storefront is an affordable and very effective way to drive the traffic into your business. You want customers to see that you’re there and ready to take their money and these types of signs are just the right way to produce the results.

Then there is truck signage. This happens to be a bit of a hobby of mine, as I travel the length and breadth of this wonderful country, I am always on the look-out for new innovative vehicle signage to attract my attention – while still keeping my eyes on the road! When I think of truck signage, I always think back to that terrific TV commercial of the ‘low-cost’ furniture removal van ‘spewing’ its contents down the side of a mountain, while a very impressive shiny truck with a smartly dressed driver overtakes with a friendly smile. The campaign built on trust and reliability, proving that cheap ends up expensive!

Not so long ago, I was on my way to a conference in the Drakensburg when I was suddenly shocked by flying debris across my windscreen. It was the packaging and remains of some fried chicken, (from a well known Colonel) that had been ejected from the driver’s window of a huge truck. Fortunately, I kept my cool and proceeded to accelerate to ascertain the company guilty for this new recycling procedure their drivers had adopted. Later that day, I called and managed to speak to the transport Director, who explained that the drivers were under pressure to deliver on time, and were not allowed to stop for lunch. He did, however, assure me that in future he would issue refuse bags for his fleet. Now, my concern is when I see these trucks, and they have lots of them, do I expect to see large black bags being discarded from the cabs?

The point is, the trucks are branded, and no matter how great the signage is, or how many trucks they have on the road, business is lost due to poor driver training and attitude to fellow

road users. So no matter how great the signage is, as always the staff attitude and behaviour needs to be kept in line as well.

And bear in mind that signage, like your merchandise, needs to be ‘freshenedup’ on a regular basis. You constantly need to be checking if it has faded, or if there are letters missing after forceful weather. If you have flags, do they look new, or, like most I see, look as if they have just been carried through a couple of Middle Eastern war zones? It’s these small details that add up to how your customers perceive your brand.

In conclusion then, you need to adopt a signage strategy for your business.

A strategy that is focused on your consumer and the market you service.

My advice is to talk to leading signage companies, rather than settle for the ‘freebies’ some manufacturers offer, or the ‘back-street’ sign writer who can offer you ‘cheap’ signage. Cheap belongs to the budgie in the pet shop.

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Contact us today (012) 330 0540 PAGE 41

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

GR

MACS-imized

The alternative option just became the dependable choice!

MACS Automotive is a company with a proud trading history. Established in 1986, the company has developed into the single largest independently owned aftermarket supplier of mobile air-conditioning components and tools.

It has established itself as a company with sound values and attention to detail. Its success is due largely to its uncompromising attitude to quality, service and backup; at a competitive price. The product range has been developed extensively on the back of customer demands, which we listen to and place great importance on. This has resulted in the company being able to stay on the forefront of new market trends and has allowed it to supply the right product, at the right time, and at the right price.

We have seven branches effectively servicing and supplying the Southern African region with representatives traveling the length and breadth of the country. Our branches are situated in Johannesburg (Selby), Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban Nelspruit, Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth. The key to our success is that we are able to assist customers quickly because of our vast product range and extensive stock holding as well as the fact that we understand the needs of the industry and therefore the urgency of orders.

We supply workshops with the tools and equipment required to complete any air conditioning job, and the spares required to do the servicing and repair on virtually all makes of vehicles. We are also able to train your staff on all aspects of air-conditioning, at our training centre or at your own premises.

We import all our own components from Gas to condensers and compressors, to all the fittings required to do any air-conditioning repair job. This way we are sure of the quality of manufacture and can offer excellent pricing.

If it involves mobile air-conditioning we will “MACS-imize� the solution and products, from Recovery, Recharging, Recycling, to Flushing, Leak detection, tools and components.

Selby: 011 498 0700 PAGE 42

Pretoria: 012 327 2080

Cape Town: 021 510 7599

Nelspruit: 013 752 4941

ROWTH

www.macsauto.co.za Kwazulu Natal: 031 577 0110

Bloemfontein: 051 433 4349

Port Elizabeth: 041 451 1939 PAGE 43

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

2011 – A year in summary

M

agazine deadlines mean sometimes working a little in advance of where you really would like to be, so in terms of overall vehicle sales for the year, this column goes to bed before the December figures are finalised – although that is not always a bad thing, since many December sales are held to January for registration purposes.

What makes the year-to-date picture interesting is the announcement that Business Confidence had dropped from September, the pushing through of the Info Bill, continued Toll uncertainty and the whole Euro mess. Even with all that, sales for November showed a marginal increase compared to the same period last year.

In the ‘hoo-ha’ going with it however, nobody has actually mentioned the auto dealer. Electric cars are a lot less costly to maintain, require far fewer services, almost no parts and in a country with some of the most expensive dealerships in the world, unlikely to generate the kind of revenues needed to sustain these.

Sales of industry new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and minibuses at 14 125 units during November 2011, reflected an increase of 1 534 units or a gain of 12.2% compared to the 12 591 units sold in the corresponding month last year. For the first 11 months of 2011, new light commercial vehicle sales were ahead by 11.5% compared to the corresponding period last year.

Total year to date domestic aggregate new vehicle sales remained 16,0% ahead of the corresponding 11 months in 2010, whilst year to date export sales reflected an improvement of 17% in volume terms.

November and early December were busy months in the political, sporting and business arenas – on the latter the most notable event being COP17 in Durban, where two weeks were spent achieving nothing, at great expense.

Of significance at that event was the Nissan-Renault Alliance involvement that had a number of Leaf electric cars doing delegate shuttle duty, as well as providing ride-and-drive opportunities for delegate and government officials.

To say the future is electric is an understatement and, according to Nissan’s Veralda Schmidt, the uptake on the driving opportunities from local government was impressive. Equally, a number of major fleet buyers – not the least of which being Avis – came to experience the Leaf, the Renault Fluence and the delightfully quirky Renault Twizy.

Without getting into the whole global warming argument, it is clear that electric cars will become a major factor in automotive life going forward. I’m all for a cleaner atmosphere, sustainable energy and all the good things these zero emission vehicles can offer.

PAGE 44

- Colin Windell

It may be a way off, but it is something that will have to be taken into consideration as we move forward.

However, moving slightly backward – November 2011 aggregate industry domestic sales improved by 5 181 units or 11.7% to reach 49 499 vehicles from 44 318 vehicles sold during November last year. Total year-to-date domestic aggregate new vehicle sales remained 16.0% ahead of the corresponding 11 months in 2010, whilst year to date export sales reflected an improvement of 17% in volume terms.

Total new car sales during November 2011 at 33 074 units reflected an improvement of 3 555 new cars or an increase of 12.0% compared to the 29 519 new cars sold during November 2010. The latest sales figures reflected a decline in the growth momentum in the new car sales cycle. A major contributing factor to the decline in sales was the lower contribution by the car rental industry which, at 6.8% of total new car sales during November, was substantially lower, due to seasonal factors, than the above-average contribution over the past four months during which car rental sales accounted for between 16.6% and 20.0% of sales.

Medium and heavy trucks at 844 units and 1 456 units, respectively, recorded an increase of 55 units or 7.0% in the case of medium commercial vehicles, and a gain of 37 units or 2.6%, in the case of heavy trucks and buses, compared to the corresponding month last year.

Exports of South African produced motor vehicles during November 2011 at 20 480 units reflected a decline of 8 084 vehicles or 28.3% compared to the 28 564 units exported during November last year. The latest export sales figures suggested a moderation in demand in various international markets.

“Although sales of new passenger cars in November declined quite sharply, when viewed from the perspective of the selling rate of new cars per day, it performed slightly better than the average selling rate of new passenger cars per day achieved in the January to July period of 2011.

“As 2011 draws to a close, the new passenger car market continues to be supported by declining real new car prices (falling by a significant 4.6% in October), low interest rates and low debt servicing costs, a highly competitive trading environment and ongoing new model introductions,” says VWSA Sales and Marketing Director, Mike Glendinning.

“The slight slowdown in growth can be attributed to slightly lower sales to vehicle rental companies. Rental sales, which is traditionally very strong in preparation for a busy Christmas Colin Windell is the Editor of Fleet Magazine.

Corsa

Uti

Che lity by

NEW PASSENGER VEHICLES

vrolet

“The vehicle retail market remains highly competitive, with very competitive retail offers and a wide range of products driving customer demand,” says van Zyl. “This is especially true in the leisureend of the market where customers traditionally buy recreational vehicles and double cab pick-ups before the Christmas holiday. season, slowed by 35% compared to the corresponding month last year, but it remains strong if one considers the previous two months’ very high sales to this market segment,” says Dr Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors.

November 2010 Total market

44 318

“We remain confident that total vehicle sales will reach around 570 000 units in 2011, but it will be interesting to keep an eye on December sales, as some manufacturers and new vehicle buyers delay registration to record a 2012 model year.”

November % change % change 2011 (2011 vs. 2010) (year to date) 49 499

+11.7%

+16%

Passenger market

29 519

33 074

+12%

+17.5%

Exports

28 564

20 480

-28.3%

+17%

Nov 2011

Model

Volume

1.

VW Polo Vivo

1 757

2.

Toyota Corolla

1 623

3.

VW Polo

1 577

4.

Toyota Fortuner

1 222

5.

Chev Aveo

992

6.

Ford Figo

965

7.

BMW 3-Series & Mercedes C-Class

825

8.

Toyota Yaris

789

9.

Nissan Micra

658

10.

Nissan Juke

526

TOP PERFORMING NEW LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES Nov 2011

Model

Volume

1.

Toyota Hilux

4 335

2.

Chev Corsa Utility

1 528

3.

Toyota Quantam

1 210

4.

Isuzu KB

1 099

5.

Nissan NP200

1 096

6.

Nissan NP300 Hardbody

814

7.

Ford Bantam

760

8.

VW Amarok

555

9.

Ford Ranger

372

10.

Mazda BT-50

352

PAGE 45

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

MISA Woman of The Year Award announced at premier event - Robert Kaiser

T

he presence of the who’s who in the retail motor industry were in evidence at a premium dinner event held at the Indaba Hotel and Conference Centre in Fourways, Johannesburg, in November, in honour of the four finalists for the 2011 MISA Woman of the Year Award.

The Motor Industry Staff Association’s Women’s Forum drives the annual MISA Woman of the Year Award, and has in the relatively short space since its inception in 2009, already left a meaningful footprint in promoting the interests of women in the industry. It has made massive contributions to communities countrywide through various community outreach programmes aimed at improving the plight of the less privileged and helping to create opportunities for social upliftment and development. This has seen the Forum gain wide recognition within and outside the motor industry for its achievements.

The finalists chosen had, in the opinion of the panel of adjudicators, all proven that they had been able to master the balance between their work, personal lives and community involvement. They were Liz Potgieter of the Kelston Motor Group in Port Elizabeth; Iris Francis of McCarthy Group, Durban; Stella Bottari of NSB Motors, Nigel; and Helen van Heerden of Audi Centre N1, Cape Town.

Top Honours went to Iris Francis of McCarthy Group Durban, for her outstanding achievements and judging by the response of the dinner guests, a most popular choice indeed. Iris has been involved in community work for a long time and has during the past 10 years raised no less than R50 million for charity projects. What an achiever!

Delivering the keynote address at this auspicious occasion, Dana de Villiers, CEO of the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA), placed more perspective on the initiative by referring to the

fact that the SA retail motor industry is largely a male dominated environment with a male/female ratio of 71:29.

He pointed out that the activities of the MISA Women’s Forum are in direct support of not only the promotion of gender equality and increasing the ratio of female participants in the industry, but that the Forum’s activities directly support the Decent Work agenda, which has as its primary goal the reduction of poverty and inequality. He enumerated the four strategic objectives of the International Labour Organisation’s Decent Work Programme, with gender equality as a cross cutting objective, namely job creation, guaranteeing rights at work, extending social protection and promoting social dialogue. He also made some most interesting observations concerning a number of industry matters which are reported on elsewhere in this issue.

Dana de Villiers delivers the keynote address at MISA Women’s Forum annual event

Iris Francis, 2011 MISA Woman of the Year, Martle Keyter, MISA, and Ansie van Rhyn, outgoing (2010) MISA Woman of the Year. Martle is the Legal Manager of MISA and National Coordinator of the MISA Women’s Forum.

PAGE 46

In Memoriam - Bruce Coquelle

B

ruce Coquelle, CEO of Johannesburg-based Autoquip Group, passed away on the 7th of January 2012.

Born in Benoni on 25 March 1947, Coquelle spent his early years living with his nursing sister mother at the Robinson Hospital in Randfontein, before starting school as a boarder at Kimberly Boy’s Prep and later Kimberly Boy’s High School. He excelled at school in sports and leadership positions, and then went on the Navy and later joined Safmarine.

When Coquelle joined HMS Distributors as Sales Representative for the company’s STP Oil Additives, it allowed to him to get closer to his other passion – cars and motorsport. He remained at the company for several years before spending three years as Marketing Manager with Trico windscreen wiper

manufacturer EMC / PVM. Thereafter, he joined his friend George Santana in his venture Autoquip in 1982. The company flourished and a year later the partners bought out their majority shareholder, Parts Centre. In 1984, Partquip was launched to take advantage of the replacement parts market and two years later Autoquip gained the distribution rights to Bridgestone’s High performance tyres.

Autoquip Group and Tamzyn has been appointed as the Group’s Commercial Director.

When George Santana decided to emigrate in 1988, Coquelle took over the Autoquip Group as Managing Director and later took on a new shareholder partner, Victor Liu. The company has continued to grow and is an entrenched supplier to parts giant Midas.

Coquelle leaves behind his loving wife, Dawn, his daughter Tamzyn and son, Cassian. Cassian will take over Bruce’s role as Managing Director of the

Bruce Coquelle

Head Seat and Guide Machine

Complete with 60 pilots, Mira & Serdi type tooling,vacuum tester, floating pilot, diamond tool sharpener and many other extra’s

IF YOU WANT QUALITY Contact Lawrence at Newclear Pressure Testers on (021) 592 4747/28 or info@newclear.co.za PAGE 47

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

US Auto sector to remain resilient in 2012

A

ccording to the latest Fitch Ratings released in early January, the financial profiles of US automakers and parts suppliers are expected to remain resilient. That’s despite the downside scenario characterised by sluggish global economic growth and weakerthan-expected North American light vehicle demand.

Unlike 2008-2009, when US OEMs and their primary suppliers were forced to undertake dramatic restructuring in the face of plummeting demand, the ratings agency believes the Detroit Three (Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler) along with the largest US parts makers are well positioned - from both a cost and liquidity standpoint - to withstand significant demand pressure this year.

While it continues to see light vehicle sales in that country growing modestly to approximately 13.2 million units in 2012, credit profiles are likely to remain relatively stable, if a slowdown in unit sales and softer pricing undercuts margins this year.

Relative to the last downturn, operating profiles are described as ‘more resilient’ as a result of capacity reduction, lower fixed costs, and a more manageable

PAGE 48

labour cost structure linked to the recently ratified United Auto Workers (UAW) contracts. Fitch estimates that the break-even industry sales level for the Detroit Three and major parts suppliers is now about 10.5 million light vehicles, corresponding to 2009 recessionary sales volumes.

Results in 2012 are expected to depend more directly on volume growth and pricing traction Fitch continued that OEMs and suppliers have also taken steps to bolster their balance sheets since 2009, with generally solid liquidity positions and ample credit facility availability across the industry. Importantly, management teams have also repeatedly emphasised their commitment to achieving investment-grade status over the medium to long term, with a focus on free cash flow generation, strong liquidity, and consistent debt reduction.

Although US light vehicle sales are likely to grow this year, the agency’s forecast size of the market, at 13.2 million units,

means it will remain well below the industry annual sales level of approximately 17 million units seen from 1999 through to 2006. It foresees the industry struggling to exceed annual sales of approximately 15 million light vehicles at the peak of the current demand cycle.

The report continues that with auto sales in Western Europe likely to fall this year and sales growth rates declining in key emerging markets such as China, India, and Brazil, US automakers’ operating results in 2012 are expected to depend more directly on volume growth and pricing traction in the US market.

In conclusion, the ratings agency says that although a global downturn would clearly impede the progress of North American automakers in their efforts to strengthen their balance sheets, most Fitch-rated issuers have sufficient cushioning in their credit metrics to withstand a significant demand shock without driving negative changes in outlooks or ratings. This fundamental improvement in the US auto industry’s resilience forms the primary foundation of its positive outlook for the industry in 2012.

PAGE 49

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

INNOVATIONS

AutoForum - August 2011

The latest automotive technology

The latest MyFi feature - a cloud-based portal that uses Windows Azure to bring OEMs and consumers a unique global connectivity solution

MyFi debuts at CES

E

MyFi Connected Infotainment Systems Blind Spot

MyFi Connected infotainment Systems Navigation

PAGE 50

arlier this month Delphi took advantage of the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in the US, to highlight its MyFi Connecting with Safety vision.

drift, stopped traffic ahead and driver drowsiness – audible and visual warnings redirect the driver’s attention and, if necessary, automatic braking is engaged.

The MyFi systems allow drivers to enjoy the information and entertainment systems in their car, while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Using voice recognition, text-to-speech, large touch-screens, reconfigurable displays and workload management technology, the connected systems tailor information available to drivers, depending upon the driving environment.

For example, when the vehicle is in park, more information is available to users than while the car is in motion. Additionally, when data from safety sensors is linked – and certain unsafe conditions are detected such as lane

At CES, however, the company unveiled its newest MyFi feature - a cloud-based portal that uses Windows Azure to bring OEMs and consumers a unique global connectivity solution. “Windows Azure allows us to rapidly respond to customer needs and to deploy back-end services efficiently,” noted Doug Welk, Chief Engineer of Delphi Advanced Infotainment and Driver Interface. “Its global reach is helping us to support customers worldwide and to provide contemporary, new value – the ability of the vehicle to exchange data with the web.”

The new feature allows drivers to personalise the display of the vehicle’s instrument cluster from home, selecting from multiple designs or even creating their own, arrange features and controls to make them function effectively in a way that wasn’t possible before. It also means the ability to check diagnostics such as tyre pressure, engine health and brake life from a portable tablet or smart phone, and one can even create and store personalised accounts for different drivers.

PAGE 51

AutoForum - October 2011

ar

robbela

Andre G

This rear engine cover on a new VW truck in Brazil is designed to reduce drive-by noise. The challenge is engine heat control and dissipation as airflow is interrupted.

decibel trucking what?

Growing MACS in 2012 Automotive air-conditioning tools, components and refrigeration specialist MACS, has now opened a Port Elizabeth depot in Sidwell. This new branch adds to the head office in Selby, Johannesburg, as well as Cape Town, Natal, Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Nelspruit branches, and falls under the auspices of the Cape Town branch.

The company has also confirmed its new focus on exporting to the rest of the African continent, which will see it assigning specific resources to cope with the increased cross border sales. As Managing Director Ian Griesel explains: “MACS has shown growth despite the recession and following on the opening of branches in Bloemfontein and Nelspruit two years ago, we are excited about the opening of our depot in Port Elizabeth as well as the Export department.”

At the same time, MACS announced that joining them in Johannesburg in the role of Regional Manager – Inland, is Andre Grobbelaar, who will be taking care of the Selby, Pretoria, Nelspruit and Bloemfontein branches.

It’s all just regulated cacophony!

- Dave Scott

T

here’s no doubt that a Hyundai Atoz can blow away a Porsche 911, but only through an installed sound system. I’ve seen this in a parking garage at KZN’s Gateway Mall. A little Atoz virtually hopped along to each base note delivered via giant hi-fi sub-woofers – if you drive a small car you can make a large statement. And it is spreading fast among mini-bus taxis. It’s not taxi-tyre white-walls that attract anymore but rather the fact that guaranteed deafness is a value-added part of the ride. Just sit next to a super-woofer, double-base throbbing Hi-ace at a traffic light and feel the car’s door panels reverberate to appreciate the sound levels punishing the taxi driver and passengers.

All of this was ‘amplified’ during a recent visit to MAN Latin America’s truck plant at Resende in Brazil. Moulded covers fitted to the rear of Volkswagen truck engines are a legal requirement to subdue drive-by noise on new trucks coming off the line. Not that this has made much difference to general trucking traffic-noise, as the average age of the trucks on Brazilian roads is 18 years and older trucks are thus not equipped. But still, driveby noise is recognised as an issue.

What does our Road Traffic Act (RTA) have to say on Regulations governing vehicle noise?

Regulation 209 on ‘Exhaust silencers and exhaust pipes’ states that a vehicle may not be operated on a public road under paragraph (e) ‘which, when tested, exceeds the limits prescribed in code of practice SABS 0181 (now SANS 10181) “The Measurement of Noise Emitted by Road Vehicles when Stationary”. Apparently SANS 10181 details procedure but does not prescribe limits – which is useless! And further, it is for stationary measurement only – which is totally impractical!

RTA Regulation 310 - ‘Vehicle causing excessive noise’, provides the following: ‘No person shall operate or permit to be operated on a public road a vehicle in such a manner as to cause any excessive noise which can be avoided by the exercise of reasonable care on his or her part’. If it cannot

PAGE 52

Dave Scott is a member of the S.A. Guild of Motoring Journalists, and is a monthly contributor to the press on transport and trucking related subjects. In 2002 and 2003 Dave Scott was the S.A. Guild of Motoring Journalists winner of the category ‘Business Motoring’. As a member of the S.A. Institute of Tribology he takes a keen interest in the application of lubricants to road transport maintenance and the cost of ownership.

His key writing focus is on fleet management including the technology of trucks and road transport.

• Reference and acknowledgement – www.widex.co.za • Ken Ramsden – ‘Fleet Management Digest’

be measured, it cannot be managed, so lawyers would have a field-day with subjectivity in the word ‘excessive’.

RTA Regulation 310A – ‘Use of hooter’, does not get applied to the taxis hooting like mad on routes and in city-centre area for fares. As someone said: ‘We live in a taxi-ocracy and they can do as they please.’ This regulation states that ‘No person shall on a public road use the sounding device or hooter of a vehicle except where such use is necessary in order to comply with the provision of these regulations or on the grounds of safety.’

What does the Environment Conservation Act have to say?

Noise Control Regulations under Section 25 empowers local authorities to control noise at the following levels for all motor vehicles with four or more wheels.

The limit for two and three-wheeled vehicles is 95 dB(A), regardless of age.

The microphone of a measuring instrument must be placed between 1.2 and 1.4 m from the ground and at least 3.5 m away from walls, buildings or other sound reflecting surfaces. The authorities may attach any vehicle exceeding the above limits by more than 5 dB(A). Eishhh - can this be practical?

What does the Occupational Health and Safety Act have to say?

Noise-induced Hearing Loss Regulations 3, 9 and 10 limit in-cab noise or interior noise to a sound level of 85 dB(A). Overgrown hi-fi systems do not comply with this, but traffic law enforcement officers are not there for the OHS Act so they miss the point.

Pre-1992

Current

Petrol-engined

99 dB(A)

96 dB(A)

Diesel-engined

109 dB(A)

105 dB(A)

Diesel-engined & exhaust brake

109 dB(A)

109 dB(A)

World hearing authority, WIDEX, offers the following dB(A) table for a perspective on noise pollution: Aircraft PAIN BARRIER Rock concert Power drill Busy street SAFE LEVEL Conversation Birdsong/Clock ticking

140 125 120 100 80 75 60 20

Prescribed legal limits are over a recognised ‘safe level’ of 75 dB(A) and vehicle interior sound systems are destroying hearing. It’s no wonder the driver and passengers of these sub-woofer vehicles emerge with glassy eyes peeping out of two sockets. Taxi-drivers who expose themselves regularly to this are ‘amplifying’ their chance of an accident because of hearing disability and inability to hear an express train when they need it.

In addition, noise-induced fatigue is a trucking problem. Noise pollution is a growing problem and we have legal architecture that is not going to be enforced – it is indeed regulated cacophony.

PAGE 53

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

Trucking Wellness’ New Centre

A

t the end of November 2011, the 22nd Trucking Wellness Centre serving SA’s trucking industry, was officially opened in Roodekop, Johannesburg.

Trucking Wellness Centres aim to raise awareness and advocate testing, prevention and treatment of HIV/Aids and the organisation is a partnership between MBSA, The South African Business Coalition on HIV and Aids (SABCOHA), the Embassy of Sweden, and Trucking Wellness under the umbrella of the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry (NBCRFLI).

The latest centre’s opening, as with the previous 21 across the country, has been determined by the volumes of trucking activity in the area, with the Roodekop Wellness Centre an ideal hub to reach long-distance truck drivers, women at risk, as well communities in the area.

CEO of the South African Business Coalition on HIV & Aids (SABCOHA) Brad Mears, explains: “The partnership between SABCOHA, MBSA, Embassy of Sweden, and the Bargaining Council - the implementation partner for the programme - and most importantly Trucking Wellness, cements the longstanding relationship and commitment to come together and provide meaningful access to services and facilities that help mitigate the effects of HIV/Aids in the trucking sector.”

Mears adds: “With the successes achieved with this PPP, SABCOHA approached the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) to look at ways in which this success and tangible impact could be replicated. To this end, we are currently in high-level discussions with SANTACO to see how the Trucking Wellness initiative can be extended into the taxi industry, something which will not only impact taxi owners and drivers, but also the commuters who use the taxis and visit

taxi ranks. This is an extremely exciting and positive development and shows our commitment as a society to actively taking responsibility.”

MBSA Divisional Manager, Group Corporate Affairs, Nobuzwe Mangcu, enthused: “We are proud to be linked to such a successful initiative, which has seen over 430 000 individuals receiving HIV/Aids counseling and 155 000 people receiving treatment at present.

The road freight industry is the lifeblood of our commercial vehicle business. We are committed to contributing in a manner that benefits this important cog in the wheel of our country’s economy, but more importantly we are able to help make a difference in the lives of hundreds of individuals and their families.

For me the significance of this milestone that we are celebrating today, is that it demonstrates how a well-run private public partnership can successfully deliver essential support and benefit for our country’s truck drivers.”

Successful HIV/Aids trucking partnership expands its national footprint

PAGE 54

PAGE 55

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

Environmental ‘exhaust-ion’

T

he trouble with current levels of environmental news is pure info-overload. And as with road safety, it’s now boring and so what? Some big auto executive is reputed to have said that: ‘safety does not sell’ – the death of over a 1 000 on SA roads during the Christmas holidays is just another stat that does not worry anyone. John Citizen is rapidly reaching maximum environmental saturation and becoming careless, which means only law enforcement will improve the way we behave and manage assets that pollute.

What does the National Environmental Management Act (107/1998) have to say?

It gets better – here’s an advertised extract from Parts Incorporated Africa – agents for Hartridge smoke testers: ‘8. Emissions from Compressed Ignition Powered Vehicles.

Prohibition of emission of dark smoke

(1) No person may drive a vehicle on a public road if it emits dark smoke.

(2) A person commits an offence if he or she contravenes subsection (1) Definitions: ‘dark smoke’ means smoke: Has a density of 60 Hartridge smoke units or more, or in relation to emissions from a turbo-charged compression ignition

- Dave Scott

powered engine, means a density of 66 Hartridge smoke units or more.

Why will exhaust smoke continue to be ignored?

The punishment for creating excessive smoke does not warrant all the admin that goes with a fine – a net R125 with zero demerits. The cost of monitoring equipment – a Hartridge tester – is around R70 000 and our test stations cannot even maintain their brake roller testing equipment, never mind investing R70K to test smoke emissions. To ask traffic law enforcers to also respect the National Environmental Management Act is another step too far.

Nothing could be truer of exhaust pollution. I never see or hear of any serious fines or vehicles pulled off the road for What can be done with this ‘baffling, excessive diesel engine smoke. The exhausting’ issue? proposed fine under AARTO (AdThe Air Quality Act 39 of 2004 must ministrative Adjudication of Road Exhaust gases from a diesel engine be changed to include mobile point Traffic Offences) for excessive engine should be colourless. Any smoke colour source emissions and not only fixed smoke is R250 with zero demerit is a clue that it’s not running properly. point pollution – that should be just points – if the fined is settled within a stroke of the pen. We then would 32 days a 50% discount applies, What do exhaust smoke signals have three Acts to enforce. And reducing this to R125. So why even really mean?

AARTO should raise the stakes for bother? exhaust smoke fines and demerits.

Black smoke is a sign of engine overThere are laws in both the Road fueling, a restricted air supply, or a malAn environmental task team (ETT) Traffic Act (RTA) Regulations and the functioning injector. For some reason, ‘Green Mambas’ should be formed National Environmental Manageexcess unburned fuel is being blown out and equipped with testers (smoke ment Act regarding vehicle exhaust of the exhaust. density meters) and work alongside emissions. And then there’s the road traffic enforcement to assist National Environment Management: Blue smoke forms when the engine’s with fine citations. The ‘ETT Green Air Quality Act 39 of 2004 that deals own lubricating oil is being burned. This Mambas’ should also be tasked with with ambient air quality standards can indicate worn piston rings, valve of Dangerous Goods Regulation enunder SCHEDULE 2 (Section 63). But guides, or seals. The oil can also come forcement – after all, this is more of the Air Quality Act is toothless for from an air filter overfilled with oil or an an environmental matter than simply vehicles in service as the Act refers excess of oil in the crankcase. road traffic infringements. At least, to fixed point, not mobile, air quality under Dangerous Goods, if a placard standards.

White smoke is a sign of water vapour is damaged or not clearly visible, or fuel that has been atomised but not the fine is R1 250 plus four demerit What do the RTA Regulations burned. The water vapour may be prespoints. prescribe? ent in the fuel or water may be leaking It’s all under Reg. 209 (c): ‘No person into the cylinder from the cooling sysAnd all those billions to be spent on shall operate on a public road a tem. Air in the fuel can also reducing diesel sulphur from 500ppm motor vehicle – if the exhaust gas or cause white smoke. down to 10ppm will actually mean smoke from the engine is so dense something as well. Come on – let’s as to cause a nuisance to, or obDon’t confuse white smoke with the clean up our Acts and really care for struct the vision of other road users.’ normal steam of a warm engine exhaust our environment! cooling into water-vapour on a cold day.

This does not provide any exact way Steam is thin and wispy, and re-evapof measuring smoke and can be very orates quickly. White smoke is slightly • Reference and acknowledgement – subjective – in court a lawyer would Exhaust smoke - Answers.com denser and oilier, and takes longer tear apart a subjective perception • Parts Incorporated Africa – to disperse.

Hartridge adverts for an offence that appears to be so trivial.

PAGE 56

UD’s UPBEAT ENTRY INTO 2012

R

ory Schultz opened the recent press briefing, held late January in Johannesburg, in an upbeat tone - noting that their 2011 forecast had been out by less than 100 units. UD had a good year in 2011, even bearing stock issues in mind. The group effort within AB Group is paying off, and this includes their continued strategy of keeping the brands separated in Africa. The reality is that UD, while optimistic about 2012, have to contend with the fact that Europe’s state of play has direct influences on the market, so continuous analysis and strategising are absolutely necessary.

“Our engine reliability and performance is really an important part of the continued success, but UD’s additional edge comes from our support” CEO Johan RIchards explained. The total market showed growth in most areas, with busses and exports slowing slightly.

UD are not partaking in the bus market, but their exports remained steady in comparison to the average.”Exports is really one of our most important goals – but we need to achieve the right product for the market”, Richards continued. African requirements still include higher technology specifications, but other components may vary in an effort to meet what UD refer to as their 3 dimensional range – Premium,Value and Budget products.

- Warwick Robinson

Maintaining the durability and overall quality is the challenge in a market where demand for “budget” products has traditionally been met by the Indian and Chinese manufacturers. “This market has expressed a desire for a more sophisticated product, mainly related to reliability an durability, and UD believes we can meet the demand with the right product”. However he stressed that no product will be launched without a formal distribution and support network, so UD are exploring partners in this larger African market. UD are aggressively planning new products in the group which cater to both this export and domestic markets, and the ambition is to reach 4000 units in 2012. Included in 2012’s planning is the launch of the new Quon in March.

“Another important aspect of our continued success is our commitment to training” say Richards, with UD currently part of the top 100 companies within the Merseta training programme, proving that UD “puts money where our mouth is”. Richards briefly discussed the fact that while many companies and organisations were getting distracted by the problems around training and funding, the reality is that business has

CEO Johan Richards

to take responsibility. “It comes down to having the will to do it, that way you can find the support and get the programmes going”. It is encouraging to hear these attitudes coming out of businesses such as UD, and perhaps the mindset of business is changing to accept the pitfalls in the training and funding systems, to rather find ways of working around them to the benefit of the people who make up the companies, the communities around them and ultimately their long term success.

PAGE 57

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

Trucking outlook for 2012

H

ow did 2011 conclude for new truck retail figures? Surprisingly, Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) has had to fall in line with a global Daimler policy of withholding stats, and this happened in the last month of the year. The figures below include a total December ‘guestimate’ of 305 for MBSA, spread across various Naamsa segments.

then there were seismic shocks to world economics – revolution and civil war in the Middle East, Japanese Tsunami supply chain shortages and European debt crises to name just a few. But we still sold trucks and grew the extraheavy segment in South Africa by 37%!

So what’s the trucking route-map for 2012?

Med CV

Heavy CV

Extra HCV

>8.5T BUS

TOTAL

2011

9 230

4 694

11 633

996

26 553

2010

7 557

4 413

8 495

1 556

22 021

2009

7 227

3 839

6 437

1 435

18 938

2008

12 130

6 957

14 056

1 516

34 659

2007

15 168

7 530

13 095

1 276

37 069

2006

14 246

6 694

10 890

1 250

33 080

It’s a fair estimate that 26,500 new trucks were retailed during 2011. This is a 20.5% increase over 2010 and is surprising considering the atmosphere of lack of confidence in fixed investment prevailing at the beginning of 2011. And

PAGE 58

- Dave Scott

Road transport assets are heavily leveraged – interest rates have a big impact where a high prime rate is a killer. Cees Bruggemans FNB comments that: “The main risk to the economy continues to come from global developments.

Given these conditions, SARB decided to keep rates unchanged, feeling that monetary tightening at this stage would not be appropriate and favouring a stable interest rate environment under present circumstances. Thus South Africans will continue for the time being to enjoy interest rates that are at a long term low, with prime at 9%, benefiting borrowers in all the various credit categories. As things stand, these low interest rates may continue to prevail throughout 2012 and even into 2013, depending mainly on how global developments affect our inflation and growth.”

While interest rates remain in positive territory, a weakening Rand and high oil price are threats. This affects both the price of a new truck and the cost of operating it – an extra-heavy hauler can easily carry R10 000 of diesel fuel for a trip, so the profit is all in the tank and the way it is driven. Some big SUVs already take on R1 000 at a fill-up which encourages the pump-jockey to ask whether this will be ‘straight or budget!’

We are getting to the end of ‘godfather’ deals in extra-heavy units as the used

stock factor is starting to bite. Drive along Gauteng’s major arteries and witness the number of 6 X 4 trucks waiting for a buyer – and the grass is growing!

The heavy bus market has gone back to its usual 1 000 unit level after the 2010 football boost. There’s no growth to be expected there.

The heavy segment – 8 500 kg to 16 500 kg gross vehicle mass (GVM) – grew 6.4% during 2011, hardly exciting.

We cannot expect this one to carry the day.

Consumerism appears to be holding up, including the demand for service industries. This bodes well for the medium segment – 3 500 kg to 8 500 kg gross vehicle mass (GVM) – which includes fiercely competitive vans. Medium trucks and vans grew 22% during 2011 and could even repeat this in 2012.

According to Bruggemans: “SA Reserve Bank (SARB) increased its CPI

inflation forecast to a peak of 6.6% in 2Q2012, due mainly to a weaker Rand and staying above 6% for all of 2012, only re-entering the 3%-6% target in 1Q2013 and ending 2013 near 5.5%. At the same time, SARB lowered its growth forecast to 2.8% in 2012 and 3.8% in 2013, with a widening of the output gap.” The economy will grow.

An estimated 26,500 new trucks were retailed during 2011, a 20.5% increase over 2010

Here’s a stab at what the truck market could look like for 2012

FORECAST 2012

Med CV 11 000

Heavy CV Extra HCV 4 900

11 700

>8.5T BUS 950

TOTAL 28 550

It could conservatively grow around 7.5% - and 10% growth would make the 2012 figures reach for 29 500 – that’s what the accountants would like to see. But gentlemen, we must reduce the used truck inventory and just watch the Rand exchange rates and fuel prices. 2012 will not be an easy passage.

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Feel / Finish /Finesse PAGE 59

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

AutoForum - Jan/February 2012

Show Time Automechanika all set for 2012 and 2013 Having recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, the Automechanika aftermarket trade fair brand is well-established as a leader for the automotive industry across the globe. When it opened its doors for the first time on 18 September 1971 in Frankfurt, few would have imagined that it would become the world’s leading businesses platform for the automotive supplier industry, the service and repair sector and the trade in general. That first event saw 500 exhibitor companies and 75 000 visitors from 63 countries, numbers that would only grow over time. The last Frankfurt event attracted 4 471 exhibitors from 76 countries and 155 000 visitors.

Automechanika SA, which will next take place in Johannesburg in 2013, is now one of the 12 venues for the event held worldwide. The next South African event will take place at the Expo Centre, at Nasrec, from 8 to 11 May next year, and will be themed “Metropolis of Mobility’.

Says Exhibition Manager, Philip Otto of Dogan Exhibitions and Events: “We are very happy that the agreement is now being extended into the future, as the first two shows are usually a growth phase for all concerned, especially when the event is such a well-established international brand as Automechanika. We, [Dogan] are also particularly proud that Automechanika SA 2011 was judged the Best Trade Show in South Africa with a floor space of over 12 000m² at the recent awards function of the Exhibition and Events Association of South Africa.”

The essential event for those in the Tyre Sector Tyrexpo Africa will take place next month and the event’s organisers promise “a world-class line-up of leading automotive equipment manufacturers and suppliers”.

The show covers all aspects of the tyre industry, from fast-fit through to specialist services for the mining industry, with big names such as Wheelquip, Rema Tip Top, Automotive Equipment International (AEI), Hofmann Megaplan, Leaderquip, Robert Bosch, and many more already committed to impressing attendees at this year’s event.

If you or your business are involved in this key sector, the show is not to be missed and should be on your list of essential conferences for the year. Tyrexpo Africa 2012 takes place from 6 to 8 March at the Sandton Convention Centre.

For a full list of exhibitors and more details on how to attend, please visit the website ECI International www.eci-international.com

PAGE 60

The show’s second staging in March last year, saw growth in both exhibitors and attendees compared to its first staging. Exhibitor numbers grew from 412 in 2009 (of which, 170 were local and 242 foreign) to 551 in 2011 (169 local and 382 foreign from 25 countries). Trade visitors numbers also increased: 8 200 attendees were recorded in 2009, while 9 026 visited in 2011 – up 10%.

The 2013 staging will again spotlight innovations and solutions in the fields of parts, systems, tuning, workshop equipment, bodywork & paintwork, car wash, IT & management and the latest automobile services.

For those who simply can’t wait until the local event in 2013, Automechanika Frankfurt, will take place from 11 to 16 September 2012.

For more information visit the website www.automechanika.de

AF201202.FH9 Fri Jan 27 12:38:03 2012

Ron Pyle, President of ASA, speaking at the ASRW

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ASRW 2012 getting ready for October

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utomotive Service & Repair Week (ASRW) 2011 was held recently in Orlando, Florida in the US, and conclusive results deem last year’s event the most successful in recent years, largely attributed to an 18% increase in overall attendance and strong initial sales for the 2012 event.

ASRW 2012 is scheduled for 11 – 13 October at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana (Educational sessions will begin 10 October 2012.) Ron Pyle, Automotive Service Association President, commented on the event’s outcome saying: “Since we’ve returned from the show, we’ve been inundated with an outpouring of positive feedback, success stories and personal testimonies of the impact of this year’s event. It’s evident a tremendous amount of business was transacted in Orlando last week, and we could not be happier with the upswing of ASRW 2011.�


ASRW includes the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) and the Congress of Automotive Repair & Service (CARS), which makes it the industry’s leading event for dedicated professionals to conduct business, network and engage in industry issues.

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61

Total attendance for the 2011 event was 19 221, of which a third were new attendees.
“Congratulations to NACE. Great turnout.

Manufacturers are jumping at the bit about New Orleans. Been a fabulous surprise,� commented Bruce Mather, Director of Marketing HMS Warehouse (ChemSpec).
Additionally, advance exhibit space sales for ASRW 2012 began on-site and to date 20% of the show floor is already sold. For a complete listing of 2012 ASRW exhibitors, visit www.NACEexpo.com or www.

CARSevent.com.


AUTOFORUM

DIRECTORY LISTING

After-Marketplace Directory

To advertise your listing in AutoForum After-Marketplace Directory Contact us on 011 466 3733 or Email: info@AutoForum.co.za

AUTO ELECTRICAL AutoZone

Aftermarket Parts & Accessories

0861 122 111

Bosch

Parts, Accessories & Batteries

011 651 9600

Caelex

AutoElectrical Components & Accessories

012 327 5404/5/6

First National Battery

Industrial & Automotive Batteries

011 741 3600

MED Motor Electro Diesel

AutoElectrical Components & Accessories

021 505 4000

Parts Incorporated Africa

Automotive Components & Accessories

011 879 6000

POS Service Holland (SA) Pty Ltd

Starters & Alternators

011 704 5196

Trysome Auto Electrical

Parts, Accessories & Batteries

011 823 5650

Highveld Garage Equipment

Air Conditioning Specialists

012 330 0540

Macs Automotive

Air Conditioning Equipment

011 498 0700

Snap-on Equipment

Diagnostics Equipment

0861 762 766

Aer-O-Cure

Spray Booths, Chassis Straighteners & Welding Equipment

011 444 6454

Motor Merchandise

Consumables

086 010 1317

Highveld Garage Equipment

Pressure Washers & Vacuum Cleaners

012 330 0540

Motor Merchandise

Consumables

086 010 1317

Aer-O-Cure

Electronic Chassis Straighteners

011 444 6454

Beissbarth

Wheel Alignment Equipment

011 651 9600

Bosch

Diagnostic Equipment

011 651 9600

Highveld Garage Equipment

Engine Analyser & Diagnostic Scanners

012 330 0540

Newclear Pressure Testers

Head Seat & Guide machines

021 592 4747/28

POS Service Holland (SA) Pty Ltd

Starters & Alternators Test Bench

011 704 5196

Snap-on Diagnostics

Diagnostics Equipment

0861 762 766

Industrial Interlocking Floors

011 873 1292

Aer-O-Cure

Tools & Garage Equipment

011 444 6454

AutoZone

Aftermarket Parts & Accessories

0861 122 111

Beissbarth

Wheel Alignment Equipment

011 651 9600

Bosch

Diagnostic Equipment

011 651 9600

Highveld Garage Equipment

Tyre & Lifting Equipment & Tools

012 330 0540

Hofmann Megaplan

Complete Range of Garage Equipment

011 472 7279/5954

Integrated Marketing

Sales, Service & Repairs to all Equipment

011 974 2202/3

Ital Machinery

Brake & Clutch Machinery

011 483 3737

John Bean - Snap-on Equipment

Wheel Service Equipment

0861 762 766

Macs Automotive

Air Conditioning Equipment

011 498 0700

Motor Merchandise

Consumables

086 010 1317

Newclear Pressure Testers

Head Seat & Guide machines

021 592 4747/28

Snap-on Tools

Tools & Garage Equipment

0861 762 766

Wheelquip

Wheel Service Equipment

021 949 0010

Alert Engine Parts

Distributors of Quality Parts

021 590 8250

Alfa Brake Drums & Discs

Brake Drums & Discs

011 608 0801/3

AutoZone

Aftermarket Parts & Accessories

0861 122 111

Bosch

Parts, Accessories & Batteries

011 651 9600

Caelex

AutoElectrical Components & Accessories

012 327 5404/5/6

First National Battery

Industrial & Automotive Batteries

011 741 3600

GM South Africa

Aftermarket Parts & Accessories

Macs Automotive

Air Conditioning components

011 498 0700

MED Motor Electro Diesel

AutoElectrical Components & Accessories

021 505 4000

Midas

Aftermarket Parts & Accessories

011 879 6000

Monroe - Tenneco

Aftermarket Parts & Accessories

011 574 5603

NAPA/Midas Group

Aftermarket Parts & Accessories

011 879 6000

Partquip

Steering, Suspension & Driveline components

011 634 7600

Parts Incorporated Africa

Automotive Components & Accessories

011 879 6000

POS Service Holland (SA) Pty Ltd

Starters & Alternators

011 704 5196

RAM

Belts & Hoses

011 248 9400

Trysome Auto Electrical

Electrical Parts, Accessories & Batteries

011 823 5650

Turbo Exchange

Turbo chargers

011 402 7085

Auto Cosmos - Electrolog

Electronic Parts (Electrical) Catalogue

012 327 6210

Bosch

Automotive Training Courses

011 651 9600

Leatherworx

Upholstery Specialists

011 660 6834

MED Motor Electro Diesel

AutoElectrical Training Courses

021 505 4000

Misa

Staffing Association

011 678 6328

Technica

Automotive Training Courses

011 879 6065

AIR CONDITIONING

BODY REPAIR EQUIPMENT

CLEANING EQUIPMENT

DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT

FLOORING Tuff Floors GARAGE EQUIPMENT & TOOLS

PARTS MANUFACTURERS & DISTRIBUTORS

SERVICES

PAGE 62

PAGE 63