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BBBEE CODES A SERIOUS THREAT TO MANUFACTURING GOVERNMENT TYRE LEVY GAINS SATMC SUPPORT
NEWS
SAMBRA Awards Top Suppliers
BMW i8: Hybrid performance and the aftermarket
AutoForum - November / December 2016
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November / December 2016
CONTENTS
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Cover Stories Government tyre levy gains SATMC support
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BMW i8: Hybrid performance and what it could mean for the aftermarket
28
BBBEE codes a “serious threat” to SA motor manufacturing
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2016 SAMBRA Awards
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Trade Talk SAVRALA awards top carmakers Nissan buys 34% stake in Mitsubishi Editorial It is our last issue of 2016 and despite the fact the year is almost over, there is still the big push to the end of year shutdown. With much of the country soon taking to the roads, repairers are under the whip to take advantage of all the last minute servicing required. The last few months have certainly been challenging with the currency under fire and political dramas globally taking centre stage. What influence they have on our sector remains to be seen, but all the news you need to know are contained within these pages and everyday on autoforum.co.za. Have a safe and relaxing break and happy holidays from all of us at Autoforum! Clare
6813 Jan/June 2016
CONTRIBUTORS: AUSTRALIAN BODYSHOP NEWS ROBERT KAISER Warwick robinson Roy Cokayne grant west EMAIL: INFO@AUTOFORUM.CO.ZA
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VW initiates skills programme for unemployed in EC
10
New Bosch Aftermarket head for 2017
10
Volvo voted Tech Brand of the Year at the inaugural Car Tech Awards.
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First SA-made Everest off to Kenya
14
1Check app wins accolades again
14
24
Industry News Bosch celebrates 130 years and another innovation award
16
SA’s standing in the PwC Carbon Economy Index
18
Government tyre levy gains SATMC support
20
What goes into the camouflage prototype cars
24
Accurately reading tyre sidewall codes
EDITOR: CLARE RUTKIEWICZ
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26
BMW i8: Hybrid performance and what it could mean for the aftermarket
28
BBBEE codes a “serious threat” to SA motor manufacturing
29
Sharing driving tips from pro-driver
30
Latest index shows further increase in SA car prices not helpful for new car sales
32
Is the world really ready for a smartphone on wheels?
34
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Commercial Vehicles UD Trucks discusses the ongoing development of Africa’s trucking sector
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FOR ADVERTISING ENQUiRIES: GRANT WEST Mobile: +27 (0) 76 727 8161
A Fleet Story – Iveco’s 15 year partnership with Orange River Tankers
37 38
WARWICK ROBINSON Mobile: +27 (0) 82 855 7750
Hino sponsors recent Brake & Tyre Watch highlighting poor state of SA trucks SA’s newest Highway Heroes
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AutoForum - November / December 2016 I N F O R M E D
Showtime SEMA 2016
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Automechanika Johannesburg will be even bigger in 2017
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Debut CTMS set for January 2017
43
Aftermarketplace Hunter HTA-MBHD approved for Merc commercial vehicle workshops
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Tech Tips
46
Stud removal installer kits
46
Hofmann Megaplan introduces Megamount electric tyre changers as they celebrate their 10th anniversary
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Power Probe 3
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Corghi unveils their “Uniformity” wheel diagnosis tyre changer
www.AutoForum.co.za
48
BodyShop News 2016 SAMBRA Awards
50
Building an ideal stand for a show
52
3M Training Taken To Another Level
54
A consumer education is required
55
Snap-on to acquire Car-O-Liner
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Screw Compressors Vs Piston Compressor
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Snap-on’s “Save Our Rhino” Combo
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A N D
I N N O V A T I V E
Advertisers Guide AAAS - Motopart AAAS –Parts Inc - Arrow
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Robert Bosch – Robinair Robert Bosch – Diagnostics Robert Bosch – WSC Snap-on VW Parts Wheelquip
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Download a QR code reader for your Smart Phone or Tablet from the Apple or Android app stores, and you can use it to scan this code & go direct to our online edition at www.autoforum.co.za – it is free and updated DAILY! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook: AutoForumZA 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.
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Trade Talk
AutoForum - November / December AutoForum - November / December 20162016
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SAVRALA awards top carmakers The South African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (SAVRALA) in late October announced Volkswagen as the Manufacturer of The Year (MOTY) in the car rental sector for the seventh consecutive year.
and lower volume segment. The recipients of the SAVRALA awards are decided through a stringent process by rental companies such as Avis Budget, Bidvest, Hertz, Europcar / Tempest, Thrifty and First Car.
The awards recognise exceptional levels of service, new standards in technology and safety as well as continuous improvements in service delivery by vehicle manufacturers and this year marked the 21st edition of the honours.
These companies are required to rate 26 motor manufacturers that they interact with using a survey containing different and targeted questions ranging from aspects such as communication, contact with the manufacturer, technical assistance, parts availability and pricing structures.
Volkswagen was the biggest winner on the night as it also walked away with other key awards which included the Value Award, Best Account Executive for Loshini Pillay and Best Manufacturer’s Technical Representative for Robert Wright. Audi won the Tutuka award for the second year in a row. The award is presented to a premium brand that has demonstrated commitment to satisfying the needs of customers in the niche
Thomas Schaefer, Chairman and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group South Africa said: “Volkswagen is honoured and humbled to be recognised by the car rental companies for the seventh consecutive year. Members of SAVRALA are one of our key customers and we are very grateful for their recognition with the MOTY award as well as their continued support of our products.”
Nissan buys 34% stake in Mitsubishi Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has confirmed its acquisition of a 34% equity stake in Mitsubishi Motors (“MMC”) becoming the latter’s largest shareholder. The move also means that MMC will become part of the global alliance with Nissan and Renault, which now moves into the world’s top three automotive groups by global volumes, with sales of 10 million units in fiscal year 2016. Nissan chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn announced that Nissan and MMC would collaborate on joint purchasing, deeper localisation, joint plant utilisation, common vehicle platforms, technology-sharing and an expansion of the companies’ combined presence in both developed and emerging markets. “The combination of Nissan, Mitsubishi Motors and Renault will create a new force in global car-making,” said Ghosn. “It will be one of the world’s three largest automotive groups, with the economies of scale, breakthrough technologies and manufacturing capabilities to produce vehicles to serve
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customer demand in every market segment and in every geographic market around the world.” Nissan offered its assistance at the request of Osamu Masuko, president and chief executive officer of MMC, following the company’s fuel economy crisis. The two companies have cooperated on cars for the Japanese market over the past five years. “We are committed to assisting Mitsubishi Motors as it rebuilds customer trust,” said Ghosn. “This is a priority as we pursue the synergies and growth potential of our enlarged relationship.” Ghosn concluded: “At a time of unprecedented change in the global auto industry, this strategy will build on our existing strengths and management capabilities to ensure increased competitiveness, better products for our customers and attractive returns for shareholders.”
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Trade Talk
AutoForum - November / December AutoForum 2016 - November www.AutoForum.co.za / December 2016
VW initiates skills programme for unemployed in Eastern Cape Volkswagen Group South Africa, together with the Office of the Premier of the Eastern Cape, will be involved with a project that will train 100 unemployed people in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. The two entities signed a R20 million funding agreement a year ago to support VWSA’s training initiatives in areas such as PLC and robotics skills, vehicle electronics, applications and product development. The fund will also be utilised to upgrade training facilities and equipment. VWSA’s Learning Academy project leader, Simphelo Peter commented: “Trainees will undergo a 13 week training programme that will cover fundamental skills such as the correct use of hand tools and lean manufacturing. Thereafter, they will take part on the job production training.” The first 30 trainees are already attending fundamental skills classes, and the automaker confirms that programme is linked to four unit standards within the Automotive Manufacturing Qualification. The trainees are aged between 27 and 50. “I am very thankful for the experience and skills that I will attain from this training. It has empowered me in many ways and it has also given me confidence that I will be able to find a job in the future with all the skills that I am learning,” said trainee Davidene Agullas.
New Bosch Aftermarket head to succeed DR Uwe Thomas for 2017 Bosch Aftermarket has announced that as of February 1, 2017, Manfred Baden (54) will be assuming the leadership of Karlsruhe, Germany based operation. Baden is currently the president of Robert Bosch Car Multimedia GmbH in Hildesheim, Germany and will succeed Dr. Uwe Thomas (59), who is retiring. Thomas has been president of Bosch’s aftermarket business since July 2013. “Over the past few years, Dr. Uwe Thomas has played a major part in helping to make Bosch Automotive Aftermarket a supplier of mobility services. The same goes for making the division more international. We would like to thank Dr. Thomas, and wish Manfred Baden every success in pursuing this path further,” said Dr. Markus Heyn, member of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH.
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Trade Talk
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Volvo voted Tech Brand of the Year at the inaugural Car Tech Awards. The new awards recognise the best in automotive technology, as voted for by the experts at Carbuyer, the UK’s car review and advice service, and technology website Alphr.com. Volvo was recognised for its ground-breaking technology, such as the pioneering Sensus touchscreen control system in its new large premium models, the S90, V90 and XC90. Its all-new Drive-E powertrains, designed to offer efficient power using a mixture of advanced injection technology and electrification, impressed the judges, too.
brand in its own right. It’ll use autonomous technology to ensure no one is killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo by 2020 – a remarkable goal. It has used technology to downsize its engines with no impact on performance, and has delivered a market-leading infotainment system in Sensus. Yet it’s still finding time to partner with Uber and bringing itself to the heart of Silicon Valley as a result. It’s the blend of thinking about the technology of today as well as the tech of tomorrow that makes Volvo our Tech Brand of the Year.
The company was also praised for its forward-thinking approach to technology partnerships, such as the collaboration with Uber, which will result in Volvo’s sophisticated SPA platform underpinning Uber’s next generation of autonomous-drive vehicles.
The XC90 SUV won two further Car Tech Awards. It was awarded ‘Most user-friendly tech – over £25,000’, while its phenomenal Bowers & Wilkins sound system was voted ‘Best audio system – over £25,000’.
Stuart Milne, editor of Carbuyer, said: “For years, Volvo has been synonymous with safety, but it is now becoming a tech
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Jon Bray, Reviews Editor at Alphr.com, said: “We were hugely impressed by the XC90’s Bowers & Wilkins audio system that, while a significant investment for the buyer, betters systems costing far more. We also found Sensus to be a very effective tool to operate the car’s many and varied functions.”
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Trade Talk
AutoForum - November / December AutoForum - November / December 20162016
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First SA-made Everest off to Kenya Ford announced in mid November that the first batch of SAproduced Everest vehicles for export markets in Sub-Saharan Africa have been completed. The very first vehicle, a Moondust Silver Everest 2.2 XLT 4x4, was already on its way to its new owner in Kenya having left Durban on 12 November. “This is an exciting period for Ford Motor Company, as we’re now seeing the fruits of the more than R2.5-billion investment programme emerge with the first locally assembled Ford Everest models coming off the line and being shipped to their new owners across the region,” says Ockert Berry, Vice President of Operations Middle East and Africa.
Barry added: “The Silverton Assembly Plant is now operating as a fully-fledged two-vehicle production facility, assembling both the Everest and the Ranger for the domestic and export markets.” The remaining export models due for shipment in November are vehicles destined for Madagascar, Tanzania and Cameroon, with other key markets to follow. A total of eight derivatives are available with a choice of the 2.2 and 3.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engines, XLS, XLT and rangetopping Limited specification levels, manual and automatic transmissions, as well as the option of two or four-wheel drive.
1Check app wins accolades again TransUnion’s 1Check app has won the title ‘Best App Developed by an Agency’ category at the 2016 New Generation Awards in Johannesburg recently. The app has previously been named the 2012 MTN Android App of the Year and won in the South Africa Mobile App category at the 2015 MMA Standard Bank Smarties Awards. 1Check provides motor dealers with the ability to make instant, informed decisions through access to quality, validated data on a single platform in real time. At the heart of the app is TransUnion’s extensive database of over 19 million consumer records and the TransUnion Auto database - the largest database of vehicle manufacturers, financing and valuation records in South Africa.Kriben Reddy, Director Product Development at TransUnion Auto Information Solutions, commented: “We are honoured to have won the New Generation award as it demonstrates that we are focusing on the needs of our customers and that we are leading the charge of digital transformation in the automotive industry.” Reddy says the popularity of the 1Check app can be attributed to the convenience and efficiencies it provides to users through mobility. “By simply scanning a vehicle licence disk or driver’s licence on a smart device, the dealer has instant sight of all the information needed to help make the right decision about a vehicle, a seller, or a buyer.” 1Check was designed to create a single interface that delivers multiple products to its users. The app enables data-driven
PAGE 14
decision making by cross-validating data in real-time from multiple stakeholders including, but not limited to, the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa and the South African Police Service. “Using the app is like having access to a wealth of information, including vehicle pricing guides and potential customer profiles, at your fingertips. It truly puts the power of information in the palm of your hand, eliminating the need for cumbersome and time-consuming paperwork processes,” says Reddy. The ability of the app to provide valuable information in real-time is crucial for dealers to make informed decisions at any stage of the sales process. The app allows the dealer to evaluate the credit standing of the customer in order to determine the level of financing the customer would be able to obtain. Other features of the app include the ability to upload and manage stock on the platform and to assess a vehicle’s accident history. Reddy says that the app is also available for use in the insurance industry as the information required at point-of-claim and underwriting is the same as the data car dealerships require.
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Industry News
AutoForum - November / December 2016 Local and global automotive industry and aftermarket news
Bosch celebrates 130 years and another innovation award November marks the 130th anniversary of the founding of the Bosch brand. Starting out in 1886, the company took many years to establish itself but today employs near on 375,000 associates and generates annual sales of 70.6 billion euros. You would be hard pressed to find a modern car that does not have major components or systems that did not originate from the brand. The story of how Robert Bosch built his company is an inspiring one - and it is important to note that he suffered numerous set backs before rising to a global level in 1897. His attitude to quality is part of the legacy that remains core to the brand today, nicely paraphrased in this quote: “People may say I am not an inventor: indeed, I do not pretend to be one. What I am is a man who has managed, through staying power, by good example, and by treating my associates well, to build up a company that has a good name all over the world. I owe my success in no small part to my tenacious thoroughness which has prevented anything of poor quality leaving my workshop.” Bosch believes the company’s ability to adapt – to ensure the survival of the company by entering entirely new fields, but also withdrawing from loss-making businesses – is one of the key common denominators that runs right the way through its history. November also saw Bosch receive the Association Supply Chain Management, Procurement and Logistics (BME) Innovation Award, which acknowledges the outstanding achievements of the supplier of technology and services in the realignment of its indirect purchasing. The operating unit is responsible for purchasing all services, capital goods and materials that are not used directly in products. As part of a concept implemented globally, Bosch managed to set indirect purchasing up for future success, according to the jury’s statement. “Our evolution into an agile purchasing organisation, with a global orientation based on different material categories, is an important factor in our business success. It makes a significant contribution to Bosch’s competitive and innovative capabilities,” says Jörg Mimmel, executive vice president of the corporate
PAGE 16
sector for purchasing and logistics at Robert Bosch GmbH, who is responsible for indirect purchasing. Through the reorganisation, the company has managed to structure its global material category and supplier strategy in such a way that it has doubled its centralisation rate. Order and procurement processes have been pooled, standardised, and accelerated. Mimmel explains: “We have increased our catalogue ratio, which reflects the proportion of standardised orders, from less than 20 percent to almost 50 percent.” Mimmel believes that the crucial factor for the success of Purchasing 4.0 is consistent IT solutions. With the help of an intelligent purchase requisition system, for example, users will be able to access the ranges of all categories of goods much more rapidly. In order to establish a completely automated procurement process, Bosch has also involved corporate financial accounting. This allows the whole process – from the purchase requisition to invoice payment – to be electronically modeled. The BME Innovation Award is presented by the Association of Supply Chain Management, Procurement and Logistics (BME) annually since 1986. It acknowledges innovative and sustainable accomplishments and concepts that improve the efficiency of purchasing and logistics on a long-term basis, and in doing so enhance the company’s results.
INDUSTRY NEWS
AutoForum - November / December 2016
SA’s standing in the PWC Carbon Economy Index According to the findings of the eighth annual PwC Low Carbon Economy Index, recent progress to “decarbonise” is in line with national targets set by governments in the lead up to the Paris Summit. Of key value for South Africa is that the national change in carbon intensity for 2014-2015 was -4.5%, a figure that met the Paris target for annual change in carbon intensity 20152030. However, carbon intensity per GDP (tCO2 / $m 2015 was the worst performance of those countries reviewed (at 583) The index found that major economies were decarbonising at 2.8% – the highest rate since 2000, and more than double the business as usual average. The PwC Low Carbon Economy Index tracks the progress G20 countries have made to meet their carbon budgets and decarbonise their economies since 2000. For the first time, China has topped an index measuring the carbon intensity of the major economies, as a result of falling coal use and a shifting economic base with rapid growth in less carbon intensive services. China consumes half the global coal output, so changes that effect consumption in that country have global significance for the coal market and emissions. It means that in 2015, the rate of decarbonisation globally more than doubled. China, the UK, and the US led the way in the Index, with others including some major emerging economies, showing sharp reductions in carbon intensity last year. South Africa, Mexico, Canada and India all exceeded their Paris targets, demonstrating for the second year running signs that emissions growth are decoupling from economic growth. Argentina, Indonesia Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Italy have more work to do as their carbon intensity reductions last year did not even meet the rate needed to meet their own Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) targets.
PAGE 18
While this year marks a steep change in the decarbonisation of the global economy, the report warns 2015’s high point is less than half of what is actually required to limit global warming to the levels committed to in the Paris Agreement. For the last 15 years the global average decarbonisation rate has been only 1.3% a year, leading to predictions of the global carbon budget running out as early as 2036. However in the lead up to the Paris Agreement last year, carbon intensity fell by a record-breaking 2.8% (up from 2.7% in 2014). This is in line with the national targets set in the Paris Agreement. However, even at this faster decarbonisation rate, the global carbon budget will last only four years more to 2040. For the private sector, the above highlights the need to think far beyond ‘business as usual’, rethinking risk and opportunity related to global developments and their related national commitments. As the latest Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) results show, companies are already keenly aware of the regulatory and physical risks posed to them; and they rate these risks as highly likely and having high impact. Jayne Mammatt, Sustainability and Climate Change Director at PwC, comments: “The issue for business is simply one of how to deal with risk. How do they react to a disrupted supply chain; changes to policy or regulation like carbon pricing; changing consumer preferences; financing long term infrastructure projects; or unpredictable extremes of weather?” Is your business making any changes to meet the global goals? Or do you think you just don’t have the time to implement changes? Tell us on our Facebook page.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
AutoForum - November / December 2016
Government tyre levy gains SATMC support - Roy Cokayne
The government’s planned environmental tyre levy is surprisingly being supported by the SA Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC), the official industry body and trade association for the domestic tyre manufacturing industry. The industry’s support is believed to have been prompted by the fractious relationship between domestic tyre manufacturers and their opposition to the controversial Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of SA’s (Redisa) waste tyre plan. Once the environmental tyre levy is implemented through the Customs and Excise Act, the prescribed levy of R2.30 a kilogram excluding VAT will be paid to Sars instead of directly to Redisa. Riaz Haffejee, SATMC chairperson, said the industry had consistently advocated for the direct payment of the levy to Sars in support of government’s efforts to achieve improved transparency, accountability, monitoring and evaluation in the use of the funds raised by the levy to give effect to the industry’s legally obligated extended producer responsibility. “This is imperative given the value of funding involved. Since the inception of tyre levy payments, the total industry levy contribution is estimated at over R2 billion or between R500 and R600 million a year,” he said. However, Redisa, the only approved waste tyre plan in the country, believes government’s planned tax model for waste tyres through an environmental tyre levy will place the effectiveness of extended producer responsibility schemes at risk. Stacey Davidson, a Redisa director, said it was not aware of the role the tyre industry might have played in the changes planned for the levy. She noted the industry became advocates for direct payment to Sars only after the its plan was not approved by the environmental affairs department.
month, pre-processed and delivered to the end producers. She said the transport network was made up of more than 70 black-owned small transport businesses while storage and preprocessing was happening across 22 black-owned waste tyre depot businesses. “Should the waste tyre fee stop for any period of time the entire network currently in place will fall apart. There is insufficient value in the waste tyre industry to sustain any part of the end-to-end chain and the market is not yet fully established, meaning supply exceeds demand. The impact of slowing down pre-processing and processing capability implied by stopping revenue flows to Redisa will exacerbate the gap between supply and demand. Without continued subsidisation and setup, the depots would reach capacity within a matter of months and collection would need to grind to a halt.” “This would not only put an entire network of small blackowned transporters out of business but would also result in stockpiles of waste tyres building up across the country and ultimately being dumped,” she warned. National Treasury in September announced the postponement of the implementation of the levy to February 1 next year, following the budget announcement that an environmental levy on tyres would become effective from October 1 2016.
Davidson stressed Redisa was subject to government control through a range of instruments. She confirmed the waste tyre management fees collected since Redisa’s inception amounted to R2.02bn, including VAT. Davidson added that 80% of the total revenue had been applied to the establishment and development of the waste tyre recycling industry, including capital investments for new industry small, medium and micro enterprises; SMME subsidies and revenue; support services, such as training and marketing; and the development of upstream incentives through the establishment of a product testing institute that would give effect to an independent environmental rating system for tyres.
It said finance minister Pravin Gordhan had decided on the postponement to allow Sars to consult further with all affected parties on the practical arrangements for the implementation of the levy. National Treasury said the objectives of this initiative were to encourage waste reduction, reuse, treatment and recycling and reduce disposal into landfills, while also helping in government’s broader efforts to promote greater levels of transparency and accountability. It said revenues from the levy would be deposited into the National Revenue Fund and an onbudget allocation would be made available through the budget of the Department of Environmental Affairs. “This will ensure a more robust and transparent revenue collection and funding mechanism. The principle of extended producer responsibility will be encouraged and all producers and importers of tyres will be required to fully participate in the implementation process,” it said.
“Redisa has been successful at taking the waste tyre diversion rate from 4 percent to 63 percent in just two short years and aims to reach the target of 100 percent by the end of 2017. The management of 247 826 tons of waste tyres since inception has allowed for more than 200 SMME’s to be established and the SMME’s support of over 3 000 jobs.” According to Davidson, the waste tyre fee was required to establish and sustain the end-to-end waste tyre management industry and three years into the implementation of the Redisa plan, about 10 000 tons of tyres were being collected each
There were a number of ultimately unsuccessful court challenges prior to the implementation of the levy in 2013 to stop the implementation of the levy and prevent Redisa from being the only approved waste tyre plan. In 2014, then Continental Tyre South Africa managing director Dieter Horni, who at the time was also chairman of the SATMC, said the company was paying about R10 million a month to Redisa for the collection and recycling of waste tyres, but Redisa was unable to collect its tyres and it had to find a way to get rid of them in an environmentally friendly way.
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Roy Cokayne is a senior financial reporter for Business Report
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INDUSTRY NEWS
AutoForum - November / December 2016
What goes into the optical illusions to camouflage prototype cars If you’ve ever seen new model spy pics, or a car covered in bizarre swirls, mind bending patterns, or crazy squiggles on your overseas travels, then the chances are you’ve seen a secret new prototype with a special coating of camouflage stickers. The stickers are designed to deceive industry spies hoping to catch a glimpse of new cars being tested on public roads, these designs work by creating an optical illusion, making it extremely hard for eyes to focus on the outlines. And manufacturers actually employ specialists to execute these sticker designs. Ford explains that its latest 3D “Brick” camouflage, inspired in part by popular online illusions, uses thousands of seemingly randomly placed black, grey and white cylinders in a chaotic criss-cross pattern. This makes it especially difficult to discern new exterior features in sunlight, whether seen in person or on the millions of photographs and selfies that are posted to the internet. “Almost everyone has a smartphone now and can share photos instantly – making it easy for anyone, including our rivals, to see vehicles in testing,” said Lars Muehlbauer, manager, Camouflage, Ford of Europe. “The designers create beautiful cars with cool design features. Our job is to keep those features hidden.” New vehicles are tested on public roads as part of a rigorous development process. Each new camouflage takes around two months to develop and is then printed on superlight vinyl stickers, which are thinner than a human hair, and that are uniquely applied to each vehicle. Designs are first tested on a closed Ford test track to ensure the camouflage does the job.
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“I tried to create a design which is chaotic and that confuses the eyes,” said Marco Porceddu, vehicle prototype engineer, Product Development, Ford of Europe, who developed the new camouflage. “I researched optical illusions on the internet and came up with a shape that could be copied and overlapped thousands of times. This creates both an optical illusion and a 3D effect.” Designed to withstand extreme temperatures, Ford’s camouflage blends in with winter environments in Europe while sand colours are used in Australia and South America. “This camouflage will stand out in almost any environment, but it’s designed to destroy the integrity of the vehicle’s shape, surfaces and colour, delaying your brain’s ability to recognise it, or its key features by sight,” said Martin Stevens, Associate Professor, University of Exeter; who has studied Animal Colouration and Camouflage for almost 15 years. “The optical illusion doesn’t prevent the car being seen, but plays with your ability to measure depth of field and shadows, making it difficult to see shapes and car features. It is a trick used in nature to get away from something or to hide that is equally useful to a car test driver.”
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INDUSTRY NEWS
AutoForum - November / December 2016
Accurately reading tyre sidewall codes Continental recently submitted a media release on the increasingly difficult coding on tyre sidewalls, and the fact that for consumers it is mostly unintelligible. But we wondered if aftermarket and repairer staff are as clued up on the tyre sidewall information as they should be. These sequences of numbers, letters and in some cases symbols help motorists and the sector to identify the right tyre for a particular vehicle - an important consideration in order to achieve the best balance of tyre performance for acceleration, braking and cornering, as well as ride comfort, noise and rolling resistance. Here’s an example of a sequence you may find on the sidewall of a Continental tyre, and how to decode it. In the case of “225/45 R 18 95 H SSR MOE”, the number “225” represents the width of the tyre in millimeters - so in this case the tyre is 225 mm wide. The “45” that follows is the aspect ratio - the height of the tyre sidewall as a percentage of its width, which equates to 101 mm for this tyre. Next up is an “R”, which is short for “radial”. Today, radial tyres have almost completely replaced the cross-ply tyres that were the standard design until the 1980s. The figure “18” indicates the wheel rim diameter in inches, while “95” is the load index, indicating the maximum weight the tyre can bear. In this example, the tyre is rated for 650 kg. Then comes the letter “H” which is the speed index, where “H” signals a maximum speed of 210 km/h. “SSR” indicates that this is a Continental “SelfSupportingRunflat” tyre, otherwise identified by “RF” or “Runflat”. The abbreviation “MOE” tells us this is a Mercedes-Benz original equipment tyre with run-flat properties (E = extended mobility). The number of these manufacturer-specific codes is set to increase even further in years to come, as more
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and more automakers submit their own specifications to leading tyre manufacturers. High-performance tyres often include “XL” after the size marking, or the word “Reinforced” on the sidewall. This refers to tyres with additional sidewall reinforcements, which are designed to cope with the additional forces created by high-speed driving, cornering and braking. “FR” is used on tyres with a flange rib, which incorporates additional rim protection features. In the case of 4x4 tyres, “M+S” is short for “mud and snow”, referring to tyres that are suited to operating in adverse conditions. Specialised winter tyres for passenger cars, which feature a snowflake icon, are not sold in South Africa due to construction and compounds which are not appropriate for our climate. Along with this data, the tyre sidewall carries lots of other information, too. One important item for drivers is the production date, indicated by what’s called the DOT code. It’s made up of the letters DOT and two pairs of figures, separated by a forward slash. The first two numbers show the week the tyre was built; the last two indicate the year. So “36/16” means the tyre was built in the 36th calendar week (i.e. between September 5 and 11) in 2016. This is important in order to determine the age of the tyre, as the rubber degrades over time. Tyres older than five years should be avoided in the interests of safety and reliable performance, and this can be further influenced by the manner and environment in which tyres are stored. Now - why not test your staff and see if their knowledge is up to scratch.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
AutoForum - November / December 2016
BMW i8: Hybrid performance and what it could mean for the aftermarket After waiting in great anticipation, BMW’s i8 was recently brought around to AutoForum for a week’s test. To be fair, I had not really given it a real chance at success when the concept models were displayed at the various shows. It seemed too wildly styled to ever make it through to a production model, and I really thought that the end product would be tamed down to the extreme. Conceptually I get the sales pitch: an executive who runs a big company espousing green this and sustainability that can hardly be seen pulling into the office in his V8 sportscar – he would be see to be “walking the walk” if he arrived in a hybrid right? And I assumed it would be a watered down option at best. That preconception was shattered the first time I saw one on the roads. The car has a literally fantastic presence, and like most I just stared. The shape evokes the original M1, but the curves and lines on the i8 look unique and take the design to a completely new level, especially in the multi-coloured body panels and cobalt blue detailed sections. Inside is no different – but you have to get there first. Any first attempt solicits a giggle from the gathered crowd (that seems to accompany an i8 wherever it is parked). The gull-wing doors make sense from a practicality point of view, but certainly feel difficult to use at first as you duck under the door while aiming to get your rear over the side sill and into the seat. (Any ladies would be advised to try this only in trousers). It is a lot roomier inside that one would expect, but I imagine that anyone over six foot one would argue that point. The dash curves around you like the starship enterprise’s console, and everything you need is in comfortable reach. The rear seats are really only suitable for small children, but then in the category that this car competes, that is more than can be said for most rivals. Starting it up also seems strange - I couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong, until I realised that the car was actually already on, it was simply just silent.
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Driving it is quite an experience. As with any electric drive system the torque and power are available instantly, but when the mid mounted petrol engine fires up, you really can’t believe that there is a little 3 cylinder 1.5l engine in there. The electric engine drives the front wheels while the rear is powered by the petrol engine, and the performance is truly impressive. Getting from 0-80kmh can be achieved just crossing William Nicol Drive. It happens very quickly, while the little engine in the back roars more like a V8, albeit an emulated sound piped into the cabin electronically. As you push the accelerator you really don’t care though and as you would expect the road holding and driver experience are amazing. We shot out to buy milk and accidentally ended up in Clarens. The car is a pleasure to drive and, as long as you could get used to the people gathered around each time you enter or exit , it would be a great all round sportscar. Even at the roughly R2 Million price tag, I think it makes far more sense than owning an SLS or for that matter even a McLaren or Ferrari. The interesting thing about the car is really what it means to the consumer, in terms of the offering, and more importantly what it means to the aftermarket. As far as I can ascertain, the only people who can open up the front part of the car to work on the electric system - are select BMW agents. While this seems pretty plausible due to the type of car that the i8 is, being a carbon fibre supercar, what will happen to the average 3 or 1 series when it works on a similar system in the future? Who will be able to repair these types of cars? And who will set the pricing of those repairs? The automotive market in general is ripe for serious disruption, and I believe that we are witnessing the beginnings of big changes to come. I’m just not sure they will all be as pretty.
BBBEE codes a “serious threat” to SA motor manufacturing - Roy Cokayne
The government’s revised broad based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) codes pose a serious threat to the continued existence of South Africa’s motor manufacturing industry. That is according to Thomas Schaefer, the chairman and MD of VWSA, who warned that SA could say goodbye to its automotive industry if the government insisted on enforcing the revised BBBEE codes on locally based multinational vehicle manufacturers. This follows the concern expressed about the revised BBBEE codes last year by Jeff Nemeth, the CE of FMCSA and president of Ford sub-Saharan Africa. Nemeth said multinationals did not like to dilute their brands and found the ownership pillar in the new codes “very onerous’. Nemeth added that Ford did not have a business in any country in the world where it owned 100% of the business and had “to sell 50% of it”. Naamsa confirmed last year that the motor industry was considering establishing an automotive industry sector charter because of the difficulty multinational original equipment manufacturers had in complying with the ownership pillar of the new codes. Schaefer said it was impossible for multinational vehicle manufacturers in the country to comply with the revised codes and rules and achieve a Level 4 rating because they lost too many points with the ownership element. Although the ownership target remained unchanged at 25% plus 1 share, the revised codes that came into effect from May 1 last year meant companies would be unable to achieve a BBBEE compliance rating of Level 4 or above, without doing some sort of ownership transaction. Schaefer explained that all the multinational vehicle manufacturers in SA with the exception of General Motors could barely achieve Level 8, while GM was a Level 7 because the rating was linked to a company’s profit. He said the BBBEE programme was “a great programme” but it was impossible for the automotive industry to achieve the specified thresholds and targets. Volkswagen SA had requested a list or the database of all black-owned businesses in the country from the trade and industry department, after the department had accused manufacturers of dragging their feet and not doing enough to trade with black-owned businesses.
However, Schaefer said no such database existed, resulting in VWSA deciding to create the database itself. He said Volkswagen SA had approached every single BEE verification agency and the chambers of business to try and locate any black-owned business that could do anything related to automotive. A total of 41 companies were identified, but according to the BBBEE rules, Volkswagen alone needed a total of 500 black-owned companies to trade with. Schaefer continued that VWSA had now invested in a trust with an incubator and were “pushing this on all fronts”. “But will it bring you to Level 4? Absolutely not. This is going to be quite a road in front of us and if the government wants to enforce Level 4, good luck.” Schaefer did not believe there was an imminent threat the government would try to enforce the new BBBEE codes on automotive companies. There also not a deadline by which the industry had to comply, he said. But Schaefer stressed that the motor manufacturers were too highly invested in SA to ignore the codes. Nemeth said last year he had talked to Ford’s US parent company about the issue and confirmed that Ford was interested in some sort of employee ownership programme. Nemeth was sceptical about the company entering into a partnership or joint venture with a single partner to buy a part of the company, because of the administrative burden it placed on Ford’s parent company. He said the value of the business was one of the toughest things for the motor industry because all the motor manufacturers worked with incredibly high gearing and incredibly small margins. “We are looking at equity equivalents because I’ve got $1 billion (R13.5bn) invested here and I’m not going to find someone to come and give me $250 million for the revenue stream that we generate in this plant.”
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INDUSTRY NEWS
AutoForum - November / December 2016
Sharing driving tips from pro-drivers Learner drivers across the globe are taught a host of defensive driving rules and techniques when they are first learn to drive and in preparation for their driver’s license test. Sadly the hard truth is that most of this is forgotten once the test is passed and daily driving becomes a combination of accelerating, braking, steering, and generally trying not to hit anything. But there is more to being a great driver. According to Ford, amongst the best drivers in the world are professionals drivers found in the world of motorsport. Tackling the toughest racetracks in vehicles like the 500hp, Le Manswinning Ford GT race car requires a specific set of driving skills that is not only efficient and fast, but safe as well. We call this defensive driving. Let us point out at this point that we are by no means encouraging speed on the roads, but rather pointing out that those that drive at speed for a living tend to be pretty clued up on the skills required, and drive obsessively well maintained vehicles to enable application of those skills. “Defensive driving is to drive so as to prevent a collision in any road or weather conditions,” says Derek Kirkby, Training Director for advanced driving at MasterDrive and Ford’s own Driving Skills for Life - a comprehensive driving programme that teaches SA drivers these techniques. Kirkby offers a list of driving tips straight from the race track that will make any motorist a better driver on the road. We all know that most road users could do with a bit of instruction so talk to your clients about it, (goggle choice is entirely up to them we say):
Hold the steering wheel like a racing driver Conventional driving instruction teaches us to imagine the steering wheel as a clock-face and to keep our hands at 10 and 2 o’clock. Don’t do this, advises Kirkby. This convention is outdated. An airbag can inflate in 0.03 seconds, how quickly can you move your hands and arms out of the way? Here is a very simple habit you can get into right away, use 9 and 3 o’clock. It is safer if an airbag inflates and should you lose control even for a second, you will know how to get the car pointed straight ahead instantly – just return your arms to their resting position. This position is also more responsive for quicker turns. Do only one thing at time This applies to more than not trying to update your facebook profile while moving. Racing drivers have to make split-second decisions, and you can too if you concentrate on doing one thing at a time – either accelerate, brake, or steer. Remember that anything you do that changes the direction or speed of your vehicle can break traction, and loss of traction can mean loss of control. Smoother is safer and faster – brake before you turn into a corner, not while you are in it. Braking during a turn can either lead to spinning the car or not turning enough and skidding straight ahead.
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Don’t follow Have you noticed that Formula 1 race cars don’t have brake lights? Yet the drivers manage to not crash into each other at every corner. This is because they do not follow the car in front, and neither should you.
Steer with the corresponding hand When steering, the direction you chose to go should correlate with the corresponding hand. So, turning left? Use your left hand to guide the steering wheel. Going right? Use your right hand.
We instinctively do what the car in front of us does, but you should never allow your decisions to be made by the guy in your path, it is downright dangerous. Why put all your trust in a stranger? Kirkby advises to rather look ahead, through their car and their windshield if possible and in between the spaces of the car ahead.
It should feel like you’re pulling your steering wheel down, rather than pushing it up. Kirkby explains that you are now using your fast twitch muscle fibres, which mean you have more dexterity and you can make quicker steering adjustments, ultimately giving you more control.
Use your tongue to balance Here is a fun one. According to Ross Bentley, former racing driver and author of the popular Speed Secrets series, pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth activates the same area of your brain that is responsible for balance and your balance while driving is directly related to how you sense the movement of the car. Essentially, by doing this you are increasing your concentration, as well as your response time to any movement that your car makes.
The car will go where you are looking Ever notice how your car will wonder in the direction you are looking when you get distracted or take your eyes off the road for just a moment? That’s hand-eye coordination, and it also works for where you want to go. Instead of focusing on the road right in front of you, focus on where you want to go. Kirkby advises you to look up ahead through the top half of your windshield. Your hands and feet will take you there without you having to even think about it.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
AutoForum - November / December 2016
Latest index shows further increase in SA car prices - not helpful for new car sales The South African motoring industry faced yet another challenging quarter, according to the latest TransUnion SA Vehicle Pricing Index (VPI) for used and new vehicle sales. The Q3 2016 VPI found that the rate of used and new vehicle pricing increased further to 9.9% and 2.8% in Q3 2016 from 8.4% and 2.7% in Q2 2016 respectively, which suggests used car sales volumes will continue to rise. The VPI measures the relationship between the year-on-year increase in vehicle pricing for used and new vehicles from a basket of passenger vehicles which incorporates the top 15 volume manufacturers. Vehicle sales data collated from across the industry was used to create the Index. According to the VPI report, the further increase of new vehicles can be attributed to a delayed reaction to the Rand weakness and ongoing poor economic conditions. “The ongoing recession in the domestic new vehicle market, combined with an extremely difficult economic environment points to an unfavourable short to medium term outlook,” said Derick de Vries, CEO: Auto Information Solutions at TransUnion. “Household cash flow measures show that it is the weakest it’s been since 2010 and is reflecting no room for consumers to take on additional debt.” The report contends that low levels of both consumer and business confidence combined with new vehicle pricing remaining above CPI (Consumer Price Index) will continue to add severe pressure to the new vehicle market. This has however seen the demand for used vehicles continue to increase considering the affordability challenges in the new vehicle market. “Consumers tend to look for cheaper cars or hold on to their existing vehicles for longer than normal. This yearly trend continues with a new to used vehicle ratio of 2.93 in Q3 2016 as compared to 1.71 in Q3 2015. This means that for every one new vehicle financed, there were 2.93 used vehicles financed.” TransUnion data also show that there have been fewer deals financed in Q3 this year as compared to last year. TransUnion’s
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financial registrations data indicates a drop of around 48% and 12% on new and used financed deals respectively in Q3 2016 compared to Q3 2015. Overall, more new and used vehicles are being financed below the average of R200 000 when comparing the 38% in Q3 2015 to the 50% in Q3 2016. Luxury vehicles have been substituted for more affordable vehicles that still provide most of the accessories that top of the range vehicles would. Aggregated new vehicle sales figures from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers South Africa (NAAMSA) has shown a year to date decline of 12.4% in the passenger market, an 8.9% decline in light commercial vehicles and an overall decline of 11.3% in the auto industry. “Manufacturers will either have to slow down production or cut margins even further to create more demand. Targeted marketing strategies and incentives will have to be implemented by dealerships to match supply to demand,” explained de Vries. De Vries adds that VW has been doing well in both areas and currently sits on top for both new and used vehicles. “Toyota seems to have captured more than 15% of the new car market with Hyundai trailing behind them with 10.5%. Toyota definitely seems to be the market leader in light commercial vehicles, however Ford and Nissan have closed-in in both the new and used market.” “Overall, the current economic conditions have slightly improved the used car market as year to date volumes have increased, although the new car market has suffered. We predict that the market will show some growth within the next 12-18 months. Vehicle-related industries need to be aware of the market factors and the demand in the used car market,” de Vries concluded. As the gap between the new car inflation and the used car inflation is ever widening, the market seems ripe for disruption. New ideas are going to be needed from the OE and aftermarket players.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
AutoForum - November / December 2016
Is the world really ready for a smartphone on wheels? - Jeff Osborne
Alain Visser has been selling cars for thirty years, as Senior VP at Volvo Cars, at Ford, at General Motors, and Opel. And, as he puts it, he is tired of the way it’s been done. Lynk & Co, his pet project, is pegged to become the “AirBNB of auto sales”. Lynk & Co represents the next era of car selling and indeed, car ownership – one that believes the market needs to be remolded into something entirely new. Made in China and owned by Geely (that also owns Volvo), the Lynk will go on sale in Europe and the US in 2018 after a launch on their home shores. Although the Lynk seems like any mid-market compact SUV, Visser chooses to describe it as “the very first smartphone on wheels”. Marketed at millennials in urban areas, the car is permanently connected to the Internet and comes equipped with a share button which enables the owner to rent the car to other motorists via an app. Geely aims to sell at least half a million Lynks by 2021.
As excited as I am about the innovation, I can’t help but foster some doubt about the premise. Cars are expensive assets to own and maintain, and while you will be earning money when your car is not being used, you will also be adding more mileage to it than you would with a single user.
It’s easy to dismiss the Lynk as a fly-by-night. Historically, new car brands have died quiet deaths almost at their inception, with no goodwill to build on and few consumers willing to take a gamble on an unknown (and expensive) product. However, the car has an impressive pedigree. With design guru Peter Horbury at the helm (formerly of Jaguar, Aston Martin, Ford and other brands) and an impressive 1.5-litre three-cylinder hybrid-powered engine, combined with a lithium-ion battery, the car is giving European automakers a run for their money, while capitalizing on the affordability advantage that Chinese manufacturers inevitably hold. Moreover, the company is the first to aggressive future-proof by capitalizing on current and concerning tech trends, such as the on-demand economy and the diminishing need for ownership.
Remember, it’s not just a matter of buying a car and owning a car. What will your insurance policies look like? What will legalization say? (For example, how would you handle a traffic fine dispute? An accident? If your tires are worn and one of the drivers borrowing your car is involved in an accident as a result, are you liable?) These are questions that are not subject to Lynk’s control alone. These cars, even though they are competitively priced, are going to be expensive (as all new cars are). Will millennials be willing to put a significant chunk of their income into an untested, unknown Chinese brand with no history, no physical presence, no face-to-face sales staff?
For one thing, the car will not be sold through dealerships. Instead, it will be ordered online and delivered to your door. Services will be similarly scheduled – and the car conveniently collected wherever you are based. The car will also have its own app store with open APIs so that developers can build their own apps and add-ons. Car owners will be able to manage the car remotely, distributing digital “keys” to whoever needs it. Instead of ownership, they are building a model of usership.
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More mileage translates to wear, which translates to maintenance. Anyone who has ever had to hand their keys to their teenager for the first time will know how daunting of a prospect it is to have someone else drive your car; with this model, you will be handing your car to strangers every single day.
As much as I admire Visser’s vision, I have to wonder if this model can work in isolation. Certainly, I do think most car brands will evolve into something very similar in the future. I’m just not convinced that it will be within the near future. And while I’m not ageist, it is ironic that an entire marketing team hoping to speak to an audience of millennials have been in the industry longer than their target market has been alive. Maybe the Lynk is the future that the next generation is clamoring for. Maybe it’s just the industry’s guess at what the next generation will want. In any event, I’m curious to find out.
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AutoForum - November / December 2016
UD Trucks discusses the ongoing development of Africa’s trucking sector According to a statement by UD Trucks, despite the conclusion of October’s official Transport Month focus, the company remains committed to providing the best possible transport solutions for local businesses.
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Gert Swanepoel, acting vice president of UD Trucks Southern Africa commented: “Trucking forms an integral part of the African economy and the development of the continent’s infrastructure, business and ultimately, its people.
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UD Trucks has been part of the South African transport landscape since 1962 and will continue to play its part to ensure that the wheels of industry and business continue to rotate effectively and productively.” The continent has a uniquely developing economy, which drives the demand for competitively priced and efficient transport services. Trucking in itself is a diversified business activity playing an important role in many economic sectors from agriculture, mining, quarrying, manufacturing, construction, distribution and forestry, to household removals, container cartage, bulk fuel transport and rural bread delivery. And in Africa in particular, trucks are required to travel long distances, often on poorly maintained roads, to get the job done. “Although the trucking industry remains one of the most dynamic and rewarding industries, it poses many challenges at the same time.” He adds that it is for this reason that the brand focusses much attention and resources on training and improving the skills levels within the industry. The UD Trucks Competency Development Centre was specifically established to provide staff, dealers and fleet owners with world-class development opportunities through various technical and non-technical training courses. One of the key focus areas is driver training. “Safety and effective maintenance of trucks has of late become a highly contentious issue, and has in a way tarnished the industry’s image,”
said Swanepoel. “Through the UD Competence Development Centre, fleet owners have the opportunity to empower their employees to make knowledgeable decisions about the way they operate their trucks on our roads.” Since the inception of the programme in 2002, UD Trucks have trained around 120 drivers per year, meaning that the company has added around 1 700 skilled and qualified drivers to the industry. This training is available to all UD fleet owners, or at one of the brand’s 65 dealers situated across southern and Eastern Africa, through various train the trainer programmes. UD Trucks are also assembled at its plant in Rosslyn, Gauteng, and employees are constantly trained to ensure the highest levels of safety and quality. “One of the sure ways to ensure the vitality of the industry is to empower people through learning and skills training opportunities. As a company, it is a privilege to be able to provide these opportunities to our staff and our community,” said Swanepoel. National Transport Month serves as a perfect platform for stakeholders within the industry to come together to discuss the challenges problems facing the transport industry, and to find implementable solutions that is to the benefit of all involved. “We are proud to participate in several industry forums and discussions, including Naamsa and the Road Freight Association, to ensure the recognition and advancement of road transport within the region.”
A Fleet Story – Iveco’s 15 year partnership with Orange River Tankers Iveco Trucks recently shared the story of one of its customers - Orange River Tankers in the Western Cape – who, with the help of its trucks, has grown into a dynamic transport entity with a fleet of 65 trucks and trailers over 35 years. Financial Manager and joint Managing Director of this family business that has become a first-world operation in the heart of Africa, Arno Koch took over the reins in 2001. He continued the company tradition of using ‘no nonsense’ basic trucks with the introduction the Iveco 440 Trakker with hub reduction. The overall performance of the Trakkers was the reason the pendulum swung towards Iveco to the extent that in 2005, soon after the takeover of the company by Orange River Cellars, the Trakkers were replaced by a fleet of Iveco Stralis Truck Tractors. “The Iveco Stralis had just won International Truck of the Year and I saw this as an opportunity to break away from tradition and purchase the new model, which could save the company upwards of 40% in fuel costs alone. This meant that our saving on fuel consumption would enable the Stralis to pay for itself in five years”, said Koch. Based on his financial background, Koch believes that cost management is the essence of running a transport company and has structured the company to run on extremely high standards of professionalism and accountability. “The decision to standardise on a fleet of Iveco Stralis truck tractors which today sits at 65 units, has proved to be invaluable to the success of the company as we have developed an invaluable, strategic business partnership with Iveco which has grown from strength to strength over the years. This has enabled us to invest heavily in our in-house, Iveco-approved workshop and also our own network of technological advances such as satellite tracking and onboard cameras to ensure proficiency, reliability and safety. The technology enables us to stay in touch with the status of deliveries at all times,” he adds. Orange River Tankers continuously upgrades its business levels by introducing enhancements to their fleet that ensure cost savings not only to themselves, but their customers as well. The introduction of Iveco Euro V models into the fleet has prompted the installation of an aD Blue dispensing facility on site in Upington, which will be extended to their depots in the major centres, and a Nitrogen plant has been built to ensure fleet tyre pressures are kept constant, thereby contributing to reducing fuel consumption. The company is gearing itself to a different level of operation by diversifying into cross border transport with the addition of ten new Iveco 440 Trakkers with single reduction axles. These vehicles have been specified to meet the challenges of cross border operation especially with fuel saving and driver comfort
in mind. An additional independent air-conditioning system is fitted to the vehicles to provide climate control in the cab whilst the engine is switched off. This ensures that Orange River Tankers can provide a comfortable working and living environment for their drivers, who often spend very long periods of time waiting to cross borders, whilst simultaneously eliminating the costly fuel consumption that would result from the excessive idling that would otherwise ensue. The infrastructure of Orange River Tankers places it in a category of being a world class transport company that has a grasp on the financial potential of activities that prevent their staff from slipping back into bad habits even after official driving programmes have been completed. The driver is the key for achieving the highest efficiency in a transport fleet so the annual “Driver of the Year” competition, held recently in Upington offered the company’s drivers the opportunity to be made aware of road safety and also created a platform to compete with each other, thereby honing their skills at a high level. “The competition, now with the involvement of our suppliers as sponsors, has become an important event in the annual calendar of the company. It helps us towards team building and to focus on some core values such as communication, involvement and safety which are key elements in the “Arrive Alive” campaign. Also it gives me an opportunity to communicate, on a one on one level with my drivers who spend so much time on the road away from our base in Upington,” says Koch. He explains that Orange River Tankers is dedicated to driver training and introduced a learnership programme 5 years ago to employ persons who have a minimum of a code 8 licence, and can be trained as long distance drivers. The successful learners obtain an International Certificate in Professional Driving at the end of twelve months and are integrated into the driver’s pool within the company. Kock concluded saying “We firmly believe that in order to remain competitive we need to up-skill our employees to the highest level in their respective area of expertise. Well trained drivers bring benefits in the form of reduced insurance premiums, improvements in fuel economy, reduction in wear and tear costs and higher residual values all because vehicles have been better looked after.”
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AutoForum - November / December 2016
Hino sponsors recent Brake & Tyre Watch highlighting poor state of SA trucks Hino South Africa recently sponsored the first joint Brake & Tyre Watch event to be attended by truck operators, Hino dealers and a large number of Hino SA staff. The truck maker says that the event proved an eye-opener for all who those who attended the safety check at the Donkerhoek traffic control centre, east of Pretoria. This was the 34th occasion that road safety champion Patrick O’Leary and his FleetWatch team had staged a Brake & Tyre Watch roadside safety check, however it was a first in that it concentrated on one truck brand and its people. Representatives of long-time supporters of this hands-on roadworthy check on trucks, which started more than 10 years ago, presented information that varied from trailers to braking systems, tyres and axles, to the SA Road Federation (SARF) and the Road Transport Management System (RTMS). What impressed attendees most was the fact that all the presenters were extremely passionate and knowledgeable about their subjects. O’Leary kicked off proceedings with a scene-setter regarding the road transport situation in South Africa. Shocking statistics such as the fact that a major transport company which screened potential drivers, could find only seven out of 100 that they believed could be trained to meet their high standards! No wonder an average of 43 people die on SA roads daily. The accident rate in SA is 20 times worse than that of Australia, a country with far more vehicles on its roads. There are 18.4-million registered vehicles on Australian roads compared to 10.2-million in SA, while trucks account for 600 000 units in Australia and 360 000 units in SA. The high accident and death rate in SA is to be expected when one hears that the statistics obtained in FleetWatch’s Brake & Tyre Brake & Tyre Watch examinations over the past 10 years have revealed a failure
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rate of 68%, with 485 trucks being declared unroadworthy out of 679 trucks tested. Trailer expert Wolfgang Lehmann gave some shocking statistics about the dangers of using cheaper, non-genuine brake and suspension replacement parts on trailers, as well as danger signs one can see on worn or cracked fifth wheels and their kingpins. Lehman said that some non-genuine trailer brake drums on sale in SA were made with not only significantly less material, but also made of the incorrect metal. He also warned about the importance of using the correct number and type of lashing straps when securing loads. Wabco’s Johan van der Merwe explained the intricacies of the latest braking systems on trailers and again stressed the importance of proper checks and maintenance to ensure the correct operation of the systems. He also warned about the use of non-genuine replacement parts, particularly brake boosters, where cheaper versions often have shorter push rods which can affect brake balance. Paul Nordengen, of the CSIR and SA Road Federation, was a fountain of knowledge on roads and the manner in which overloaded trucks damage them. He said that a recent survey in Mozambique had shown that 80-90% of the trucks there were operating in an overload condition, with the maximum overload reported being a massive 53 tons! Nordengen added that operating a truck on bad roads could more than double maintenance and repair costs. The roads and transport expert warned that matters were going to get far worse as the amount of freight moved globally, using all modes of transport, was expected to increase 4.3 times between 2010 and 2050.
Pictured above: The brake tyre watch at the Donkerhoek traffic control centre. Opposite Page clockwise from bottom left: Steve Norris of Bridgestone explains to a group of Hino sa team members where to look and what to look for when inspecting a truck tyre; l-r Edmund Veeriah, Pieter Klerck, Norah Dlamini and Khaya Mdletshe all Hino SA team members; Ernie Trautmann VP of Hino sa gets up close to examine this truck passing through the Donkerhoek traffic control centre; This is what a retreaded tyre looks like when the retread tears away from the carcass!
Nordengen is a strong protagonist for the use of the Road Transport Management System (RTMS) to self-govern transport operations and he said he was pleased to see that 200 fleets operating 10 000 trucks were now RTMS accredited. He thanked Hino SA for its involvement with the promotion of RTMS nationally since 2009 as the provider of venues for briefing sessions. He said case studies of RTMS fleets showed amazing improvements in terms of running and maintenance costs as well as a far lower accident rate resulting from using the correct RTMS procedures. Nordengen bemoaned the fact that low levels of law enforcement in South Africa meant that probably only about 5% of trucks on the road were involved in interactions with law enforcers during a year, while he estimated that up to 40% of trucks on SA roads were non-compliant. George Hartman, of BPW Axles, said that the high cost of road accidents in SA, estimated at R400-billion annually, were due to two major factors: the driver and poor vehicle maintenance, while he also laid part of the blame at the door of ineffective law enforcement. He said that a new law coming into force next year would cause havoc in the road transport industry. This was the requirement that the identical make and size of tyre be fitted to each side of an axle. Hartman added that he had already seen as many as five different tyres fitted to a truck.
automotive engineering, adding that testing lights was a good example. He said it was time to Iift the standards. Meyer added that one of the operators which had upped its testing procedures of its own volition was the InterCape Bus Company, which now has its buses Certificate of Fitness testing carried out every three months instead of the prescribed six-month interval. The information session was followed by practical inspections of trucks travelling the N4 towards Pretoria and two of the four checked were found to be unroadworthy. One had lost all the tread from a re-treaded tyre, while a couple had problems with their braking systems. One had a very worn main steering link. It was certainly an eye-opener for all those involved and highlights the fact that so many trucks on SA roads are unroadworthy and could well result in accidents. Ernie Trautmann, the VP of Hino SA, concluded the days’ proceedings by committing his company to continuing with road safety initiatives such as the Brake & Tyre Watch. He added that he was on a campaign to get his staff as well as Hino dealer staff to get their truck driver’s licences so they could see for themselves the challenges faced when driving a truck on today’s congested roads. Trautmann added that making safer trucks remained part of the Hino dream in Japan.
Steve Norris, a field engineer with Bridgestone, gave an interesting talk on the importance of fitting the correct tyres to transport rigs and ensuring that the correct tyre pressures were maintained. Kathy Bell, of the Vehicle and Asset Finance Division of Standard Bank, and a person who is vastly experienced and passionate about all aspects of the road transport industry said her company was particularly supportive of businesses that were RTMS compliant, as it meant their vehicles were a lower risk and would be in better condition when they were resold or traded in. Arrie Meyer, a man with 25 years’ experience in law enforcement and currently the person responsible for operating the brake roller tester at the Donkerhoek test centre, said it was time to relook all aspects of the SA Road Traffic Regulations as some of them dated back to 1957. Mayer said another problem was that the prescribed test procedures and equipment used were not up to testing the latest technological advances in
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COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
AutoForum - November / December 2016
SA’s newest Highway Heroes The second annual Highway Heroes campaign has just been completed and the Regent Insurance sponsored awards ceremony was held in mid-November in Gauteng. Lawrence Matavire of the Hellman Worldwide Logistics fleet is this year’s top truck driver, and walked away with R75 000 in cash and prizes. Jansen Msithini from Autobulk (PTY) LTD, and Jefson Chuma from Kopano Fuel (PTY) LTD,were named the runners up and received cash and prizes worth R40 000 and R20 000 respectively. The fleet owner of the winner also took home R25 000 in prizes. The Highway Heroes campaign was launched to highlight the important role that truck drivers play in the economy – transporting invaluable essential goods to every corner of the country 7 days a week, every day of the year. “The idea behind the Highway Heroes campaign was to create awareness around the challenges truck drivers encounter on our roads and also to encourage good driving behaviour in order to make our roads safer. This year we continue to honour and celebrate the individuals who make daily sacrifices to ensure that the country runs efficiently. I am very proud of the success of this campaign”, says Paul Dangerfield, Highway Heroes campaign manager at Regent Commercial Vehicles (RCV). The competition saw the top 27 finalists measured over a 45 day telematics assessment obtained from a Ctrack telematics device installed into their trucks. The device measured elements such as maneuvering, speed and distances travelled to determine the best and most responsible drivers.
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“I am so happy to have won this prize. Never in my life did I expect to win a prize like this and to me, it is a miracle. I want to encourage all truck drivers to drive safely on the roads. Don’t speed, follow the rules of the road and be mindful of others who share the road with you. Most importantly always listen to your superiors. They know a great deal about the transport industry and if you listen to them and the valuable advice they give you, you can work better as a team and achieve great things,” says Lawrence Matavire, South Africa’s Highway Hero for 2016.
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AutoForum - November / December 2016
Showtime SEMA
- Michel Malik
Every November, tens of thousands of car business people and enthusiasts from around the world converge on Las Vegas in the USA for what is know as Automotive Week and for the biggest show of them all SEMA. BodyShop News International Group Publisher, Michel Malik was amongst them. He gave us this short background before his full report for the show. SEMA stands for Specialty Equipment Market Association, an industry body that covers the United States’ US$40 billion industry for car customisation. From small beginnings back in the mid 1960s, it has grown to become a powerful global organisation. It counts more than six and half thousand companies as members and has clout in political lobbying, as well as educational, technical, and business activities on behalf of its members.
Showtime
The SEMA Show sits on more than 100,000 squre metres of exhibition space in and around the Las Vegas convention centre with more than
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140,000 registered visitors over the four days. While the vast majority of the 2400 exhibitors are small to medium sized businesses creating aftermarket parts, in recent years the SEMA Show has become an important showcase for major car brands to demonstrate the scope for customisation on their vehicles - and just show off the creative side of the company’s designers. SEMA started as a small affair in the car park under Dodgers stadium in Los Angeles back in 1967, with 98 booths and around 3000 attendees. Now it occupies four halls at the massive Las Vegas convention centre, as well as spilling out onto the forecourts and car parks outside, where the roar of high-powered V8 engines, and the shredding of rubber is intermingled with pounding rock and roll and endless numbers of people. I was, as usual, run off my feet trying to cover everything, but invariably between meeting clients, colleagues and old friends the SEMA Show is an event not to miss.
Automechanika Johannesburg will be even bigger in 2017 Automechanika Johannesburg 2017 is expanding even more with the announcement that it will now be co-located with 3 brands – Reifen, Scalex, and Futuroad. Automechechanika, the global automotive aftermarket event, covers all areas of this sector including: Parts & Components; Electronics & Systems; Accessories & Customizing; Repair & Maintenance; Oils and lubricants, Industry institutions and specialist publishers ; as well as Management & Digital Solutions; Car Wash, Care & Reconditioning and Safari and Off Road Vehicles and Trailers. It also offers a fringe programme with Innovation Awards, Automechanika Academy, Truck Competence and the Green Directory .
Futuroad Johannesburg is sub-Saharan Africa’s leading professional event for the truck and bus industry bringing regional industry, buyers and suppliers together to share ideas and further business relationships.
This next event in 2017 will offer visitors and exhibitors even more, with the addition of the three additional shows at the same time.
For more information visit the website southafrica. messefrankfurt.com
The multiple shows co-located presents participants with the opportunity to launch new products and showcase innovative products, services and technology at one all-inclusive industry event.
Under licence from Messe Essen, the Reifen Tyre and related products and services exhibition is touted by Automechanika to enhance the value proposition for both exhibitors and trade visitors beyond anything sub-Saharan Africa has ever experienced. Scalex Johannesburg is sub-Saharan Africa’s leading professional event for the logistics and materials handling sector bringing regional industry, buyers and suppliers together to share ideas and further business relationships.
Debut CTMS set for January 2017 The city of Cape Town has officially announced that it will be staging the first Cape Town International Motor Show (CTMS) early next year. The inaugural CTMS will be staged 27-29 January 2017 at the Sun GrandWest. Exhibitions will include: multiple world- and South African introductions; a complete range of domestic and imported passenger cars, bikes and trucks; sport utility vehicles; and experimental or concept cars. Attendees are also promised the opportunity to see numerous accessories and auto-related exhibits, competition vehicles, antique and collector cars, engine modifications (pimped-up
rides), Sound-Off Beats competitions, virtual simulations, car wrapping, drifting, and more. The organisers have set a target audience of more than 35 000 over the three days with an area that will span the length and breadth of the Sun GrandWest Entertainment World.
Cape Town’s Executive Mayor; Patricia de Lille commented at the launch: “I believe that Cape Town is ready to embrace a motor show of our own that can rival international equivalents. The CTMS will also stimulate the local economy by creating jobs through sales, set builds and the involvement of all the national car manufacturers and event professionals from the first show onwards. It is commendable that CTMS will also be giving back to the community by supporting the Mannenberg Upliftment project and the Cities Rescue Services, and as well as inviting school children from key areas to attend the ow free of charge on the first day of the Show.” For more information, visit the website www. capetownmotorshow.co.za
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Aftermarketplace
AutoForum - November AutoForum - November / December 2016/ December
Hunter HTA-MBHD approved for Merc commercial vehicle workshops Leaderquip, the official South African distributor of Hunter products, has announced that the Hunter HTA-MBHD Heavy Duty wheel aligner is now officially approved for use in Mercedes-Benz workshops throughout the world for the Mercedes Benz Commercial Dealer Network. The Hunter HTA-MBHD is now also listed in the MercedesBenz Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) and in the Workshop Information System (WIS). Mercedes-Benz dealer workshops use EPC and/or WIS to search for approved/required workshop equipment. The Mercedes-Benz branded HTA-MBHD wheel aligner, featuring customised WinAlign HD software and DSP760T or DSP740T sensors system is the only heavy duty wheel aligner that currently meets or exceeds the latest Mercedes-Benz workshop equipment requirements. It offers many of the features that are included in the Hunter branded WinAlign HD wheel aligner.
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Some of the key features include: • QuickComp rolling compensation for up to 3 axles (no need to jack up axles). • Pusher device that allows easy movement of vehicles during rolling compensation. • Measurements relative to frame centerline, (Out of Square), or to axle reference, (Thrust Angle). • Supports numerous axle configurations for commercial vehicles, (i.e. Actros), light commercial vehicles, (i.e. Sprinter), busses, and trailers. • Measurement of caster, SAI, toe-out-on-turns, and maximum steer angles on twin steer axles. • Automatic caster angle correction. No need to put spacer plates under rear wheels. • Other non-Mercedes-Benz brands can also be measured and aligned. • Specification data for MB and non-MB vehicles (Truck, Bus, Heavy transporter, light commercial, and passenger car data). • High precision wireless sensors. • Mobile, low friction, turn plates (light and easy to move from bay to bay).
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Aftermarketplace
AutoForum - November AutoForum - November / December 2016/ December
Tech Tips For the next few issues we will be running a series of technical tips articles sponsored by Colin Sapsford of DC Diagnostics. Here is part 2: Vehicle: 2005 Jeep Cherokee Diesel Symptom: The vehicle was driven, and suddenly it sounded like a war going on in the engine bay, just before all went dead. Trouble code: None After having the vehicle towed to a shop and some inspection undertaken, it was found that all the rockers on the cylinder head were broken off between the rocker shaft and valves stems. Yes you read that correctly: ALL of them were broken off. Now the obvious conclusion any technician will make is that the cam belt must have slipped, the valves got a little too intimate with the pistons and now they were all bent out of shape causing all kinds of nice ,expensive damage. A few days later with a repaired head, new cam belt and tensioners, the vehicle was reassembled and everything double checked (they even turned the engine over by hand to check that it rotated freely). Good to go was the assumption and the key was turned – it started immediately and ran smoothly fo a few minutes and then all hell broke loose – loud noises and it died yet again. After the technician had a litre or two of sugar water to calm down, the engine was checked and again all the rockers were broken off in the same place, so the same job and expenses had to be repeated.
The vehicle was towed back, some phone calls, internet searches and well educated guesses were made and it seemed to be something that nobody else had yet experienced. So we did some reverse engineerin to figure this one out. To break the rocker between the rocker-shaft and the valve stem the valve had to be pushing against a solid object – i.e. the piston. But, if the valve timing was fine, how could this happen? We studied the mechanism involved in this valve-train and found that if the valve timing is correct the only variable we could see was the hydraulic valve lifters - but surely if they failed the valves wouldn’t open? Yes - but what would happen if the oil pressure in the lifters was too high? Wouldn’t that then increase the lift on the rockers much more and cause the valve to hit the piston? After inspecting the lifters they were found to be in good health, so we reverted to looking at the oil pressure. Lo and behold we found a pressure relief valve in the oil pump system that was stuck closed. This obviously caused the oil pressure to creep up and eventually, over-extend the lifters, which caused the breakage.
Being only human, the technician was sure he had the valve timing set correctly but to be safe this time after assembling everything, he had the vehicle taken to the agents to be double checked before start-up and they agreed. With their nod of approval they started her up.
The relief valve was replaced, the cylinder-head and all broken parts were repaired yet again and the vehicle is still driving. The irony is that the valve cost less than the price of a decent take away meal but caused 3 complete cylinder head overhauls!
All was fine for a few minutes before war broke out again. By now the technician didn’t even need to open the engine up he just knew exactly what had happened.
For more information, please contact Colin Sapsford of DC Diagnostics by e-mail: colin@dcdiagnostics.co.za or call him on 086 1911333 .
Stud removal installer kits Snap-on is this month highlighting its stud removal installer kits, which boast a unique design that allows for the removal and installation of studs, without damaging the threads. Other features of these kits include an installation tool that incorporates an internal ball bearing and hex screw to allow tension to be released after stud is installed; and that the removal tool has split tapered collet providing maximum locking grip. In addition, both SAE and Metric kits are available. For a full list of the set components or to place your order, contact your Snap-on dealer or BUY-ONLINE at www.snapon.co.za
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Hofmann Megaplan introduces Megamount electric tyre changers as they celebrate their 10th anniversary Hoffman Megaplan, who recently celebrated their 10th anniversary at a party hosted for clients and suppliers in Johannesburg, are now offering new concept “Leverless” machines. The machines are designed with the tyre fitter himself in mind, in their Hammer, Twister and Vangurad models. In our show report on Automechanika in frankfurt we mentioned the fantastic quality of some of the products on display from smaller niche manufacturers - specifically in tyre changers. As it turns out, Hoffmann Megaplan have partnered with one of these respected Italian engineers whose aim was to produce “the best quality tyre changer ever made”, from the design concept up and using only the finest quality components available. Megamount Hammer – Automatic Tyre Changer (No touch) This unconventional tyre changer is a post-mounted machine, complete with wheel lifter and solid leverless super automatic design. For the first time ever, all the the tyre fitter needs to do is position the bead breaker roller onto the side wall, and press the “position memory” button. The machine will automatically be set to do the rest – with no potential damage to tyres. Boasting a 12-30’’ range, multispeed inverter, electric memory for tools positioning, ergonomic side operation and spider assist help-press arms for stiff runflat tyres – this type of machine is a must for the serious professional tyre outlet that really wants “the best”.
EBB1 Electric Bead Breaker – (Independent from Tyre Changer) This stand alone version of the electric bead breaker enables a customer to choose where hi sbead breaker sits if not attached the tyre changer. Many customers complain of water getting into the bead breaker drum and causing corrossion, damaged seals losing their pressure and a lack of power to break the beads of stiff tyres because of this lack of air pressure. EBB1 will give you double the power, delviered consistently with better reliability and control in 220 Volt, and 2 speeds. Megamount Twister – Evo (Leverless) After consulting their clients and the wider fitment market they designed a unit where strength, reliability and ease of use were rated on top of our list. But the breaking of beads seemed to be the biggest factor for anybody fitting & removing tyres. The engineering team used a popular design which twists to the side, rather than tilting back, and added new technology features. The pick of the these has to be the revolutionary electric bead breaker. It is twice as powerful as a traditional air-operated versions and evidently far more reliable, Hofmann customers are apparenlty extremely happy. Megamount Vanguard The Vanguard is built on the same platform as the twister but without the twisting design feature. Instead, the column is fixed and the demount head can automatically swing away to the side by means of a pneumatic pedal control categorising this unit a “fully automatic” design. This model is a simplified design but built to cater for high volume, 220 Volt operation with these key features below:
QTC® - Quick Tool Change For fast, tool-free interchange between demount heads
UniClamp®
Wee-Rollers®
10” to 26” clamping range, with
Enhances rolling
guides on self lubricated rollers
movement without slipping backwards
Floor Rollers Solid built for easy wheel rolloing
EBB® - Electric Bead Breaker Smooth and noiseless operation, with Millimetre precision
PAGE 47
Aftermarketplace
AutoForum - November AutoForum - November / December 2016/ December
Power Probe 3 The Power Probe 3 is a must have in any workshop. Its ease of use is matched by its accuracy – with just the press of a switch, users have an instant power or ground lead to power up components right in their hand. The tool also instantly checks components for continuity and can identify positive, negative or open circuits and measures voltage and voltage drop. Other features include audio tone, voltmeter 12 – 24 Volt range, bad ground indicator and relay and component tester. For more information or to get yours, contact DC Diagnostics, www.dcdiagnostics.co.za or call 0861 911 333.
Corghi unveils their “Uniformity” wheel diagnostic tyre changer Wheelquip will be distributing what they hail as the world’s first diagnostic tyre changer that allows matchmounting to be carried out directly on the tyre changer thus transforming it into a real wheel-diagnost ic centre. The product won the innovation award at this year’s Frankfurt Automechanika. The latest unit is an automatic diagnostic tyre changer with what Corghi call their leverless “leva la leva” technology and can be used for car, SUV and commercial vehicle wheels right up to 32”. Apart from the usual tyre demounting and mounting operations, it also carries out a complete diagnosis of the individual wheel and/or the entire wheel set of the vehicle, analysing the geometry with and without a load, and simultaneously simulating on-road behaviour which would effect driving. The machine then suggests the best tyre-rim coupling, their Match-Mounting feature, which aims to improve the driver’s comfort and safety at the point of contact with the road. It has a Presser roller with variable load that is used for measuring radial and lateral force variation, once more executing real road simulation right on the machine. The Uniformity uses a High-resolution, contact-free laser triangulator for measuring the geometric deformation of the rim and tyre. Using iPos, a special programme calculates the optimum positioning of the four wheels on the particular vehicle. A check on the tread wear, the side slip angle and the rolling radius further ensures comfortable, safe driving for customers.
PAGE 48
Body repair insight in association with BodyShop News International November / December 2016
SAMBRA Awards 2016 Contents Building an ideal stand for a show 3M Training Taken To Another Level Screw Compressors Vs Piston Compressors
AutoForum - November / December 2016
BODYSHOP NEWS
2016 SAMBRA Awards We were delighted to join SAMBRA for their annual awards ceremony where not only did Snap-on walk away with a clean sweep of awards as a supplier to the sector, Mutual & Federal was awarded two wins - Best Insurer and Most Efficient Insurer. Ford received the top honours for all-round best OEM. “The SAMBRA Survey which precedes these awards has
“Addressing mutual key performance areas will grow
been conducted annually since 2011 in an effort to gauge
businesses at both ends of the scale, improve efficiencies
the business relationship between the insurance and
and ultimately benefit the consumer.”The 2016 SAMBRA
motor body repair industry,” said Eddie Martin, SAMBRA’s
Survey, which will culminate in the 2017 SAMBRA Awards,
national director.
will kick off early in 2017. Full list of winners:
“Last year we extended the survey to also include OEMs and suppliers, as they make a vital contribution to the
Insurance Category:
motor body repair industry.”
1st Place – Best Insurer: Mutual & Federal 2nd Place – Best Insurer: Santam
The survey is independently managed and audited, and
3rd Place – Best Insurer: Zurich
targets SAMBRA members nation-wide to rate insurers,
Best Payer: Outsurance
OEMs and suppliers on a number of factors including
Most Efficient: Mutual & Federal
fair business practices, relationship satisfaction, quality
Green Practices: Santam
of vehicle damage assessment and repairers’ interaction
Service Excellence: Telesure
with claims staff, payment speed, customer service, green practices, training programmes, product support and
OEM Category:
more.
1st Place – Best OEM: Ford 2nd Place – Best OEM: Audi
This survey – and its outcome - has become an important
3rd Place – Best OEM: Volkswagen
yard-stick against which all partners evaluate themselves
Best Training Programme: Audi
and their services to panel shops – and ultimately, the
Communication Excellence: Audi
consumer. Paint Supplier Category: “In understanding how insurers, OEMs and suppliers
Best Training: PPG
relate to and collaborate with the motor body repair
Best Product Support: PPG
industry, we are able to assist all parties to re-evaluate
Overall Service Excellence: BASF
and streamline their processes and procedures, improve skill levels and regulatory compliance whilst ultimately
Equipment Supplier Category:
developing best practice models,” added Martin.
Best Training: Snap-On Best Product Support: Snap-On Overall Service Excellence: Snap-On
PAGE 50
AutoForum - November / December 2016
BODYSHOP NEWS
Building an ideal stand for a show Trade show space isn’t exactly a trivial investment, so it’s important to get it right to maximise the benefit to your business. Considering that next year is a big show year in SA, here are some tips to consider when embarking on the project . Plan for a Successful Stand
the focus on visitors’ attention and helps to create an approachable atmosphere.
Trade shows bring buyers and sellers together to build relationships and transact business. The overall design of
Tip: As a general rule, you want at least 60 per cent of the
your display should attract visitors, reflect the personality
frontage open and at least 60 per cent of the floor space
of your business and leave a lasting impression. The style
in the stand unoccupied.
and substance of your stand can serve to differentiate you from other companies.
Lure Attendees
Because your display speaks volumes about your
First, you want to spark a visitor’s interest; selling comes
company, it can be the foundation upon which to build
after. Visitors are flooded by stimuli when they enter
your exhibition marketing success.
a show – lights, colours, noise, and crowds. It takes a visitor seconds to walk past and sum up whether or not
Exhibition design is the most powerful and the least
to stop at your stand. You want to capture their attention,
understood element of trade show exhibiting. While the
intrigue them, and make them stop in the midst of a
need to set clear, measurable goals for the trade show
hectic atmosphere – long enough for a member of your
arena is well-established, it is less well understood how
team to begin an interaction.
goals impact your exhibition design choices. So how do you know if a design is right for you? What are some of
Use something or someone to attract passersby and
the key considerations for a successful environment? Are
encourage them to stop. The attraction you choose may
there design tips that will help improve your overall trade
involve one or more of the five senses: sight, sound,
show results?
smell, taste, and touch: •
Sight: Visitors recognise your brand or are intrigued
The right display design will support your goals and make
enough by what they see in your display to stop.
it easier to attain them. This report addresses the issues
Large screen video presentations can be used to get
that will enable you to acquire the island display design
attention, support theatre style presentations or run
that will best serve your marketing and sales efforts.
your ‘story’ on a continuous loop. •
Open Up
Sound: Visitors are attracted to sounds emanating from your stand whether it’s music, a presenter’s voice, or the audio supporting a large screen monitor
Remember, people do business with people, so you need a display that buyers feel comfortable approaching and
programme. •
Smell: It’s the strongest sense for triggering
entering. Visitors are more likely to enter a warm, inviting
associations and memories. Good smells such as
environment. Think of your target visitors as specialised
aromatic fragrances or food scents such as pastries
and discerning shoppers that you must entice into your
or chocolate can reach out to visitors and lure them in
space.
from the aisles. •
Taste: Offer beverages or light refreshments to entice
An open design is easily accessible from multiple entry
your visitors’ palate. It may help lengthen the duration
points, welcoming to potential clients and offering easy
of the visit. If your company is associated with food
visitor flow within your space. In a study by Trade Show
products, sampling is a great way to build traffic and
Week, exhibitors cited stand layout as one of the top three factors that improved their show results. Specifically, they noted more entry points, more open space and less clutter. An uncluttered space enables you to control
PAGE 52
demonstrate your business. •
Touch: Entice visitors with a tactile experience, the opportunity for true hands-on interaction.
If the quantity or size of your products requires too much
There are three basic levels in this hierarchy:
space, you should consider presenting them graphically
•
First tier – Identification
or using computer driven presentations. Exhibit staff may
Think of it as the title of your story. Your highest
conduct guided tours with a few visitors simultaneously or
and largest signs should be bold, visible and easy-
simply let visitors have self-service access.
to-read from outside the stand. Most often, these carry your company name and/or logo. To be viewed
Kiosks are an elegant way to promote the location of
from a distance of six metres, text should be located
computer stations within your space. Taller than counters,
between 2.5 and five metres above the ground.
kiosks offer areas for graphic messaging, task lighting,
•
keyboard surfaces and lockable storage for equipment.
Second tier – Directional These are the sub-headings of your messaging. Readable from an appropriate eye-level distance,
Graphic Influence
these graphics are designed to direct visitors to specific areas or product groupings within your
Graphics are the workhorse of your display. Graphics
space. Studies indicate that using graphic signage
attract attention, convey your message and build
as ‘product indexing’ can positively impact exhibition
recognition of your brand. They also offer you the added
traffic and create product interest. Text should be
benefit of being easily exchanged to target different
located no higher than 1.8 metres to 2.1 metres from
market segments or updated to reflect changes in
the ground to remain within the average viewer’s
your business. Together your graphics work as a team, complementing each other and presenting a unified and
sightline. •
cohesive message.
Third tier – Informational This is the body copy level. Bite-sized messages designed for individual consumption, they
To be one of your most effective communication tools
communicate specific details about your products
on the show floor, your graphics should be easy to
and services.
read. In general, it is easier to read dark text on a light
•
Execute Your Vision
background. However, the reverse would apply to backlit
Your trade show exhibit should focus on
graphics. It is also important that your graphics are visible
understanding what you want your design to do for
and legible from the distance at which they will be seen
you. Begin with a strong grasp of what you plan to
by visitors.
achieve at the exhibition – your goals and objectives – then determine how your exhibition design can be
Tip: Avoid placing text on surfaces below 1.2 metres high
used to achieve those goals.
as they are more susceptible to being blocked from view by people and booth furnishings such as counters.
From there, you can progress to working with your exhibit
Each graphic in your display has a role in your messaging
designer to achieve exactly what you are looking for. This
hierarchy.
is the most efficient way to approach exhibition design: time is money, and you do not want to waste your limited resources. Realise the maximum value on your investment by having a strategic plan for your trade show, and use a supportive design to execute it.
PAGE 53
BODYSHOP NEWS
AutoForum - November / December 2016
3M training taken to another level Nicholas Pikis, Training Manager Australia & New Zealand for 3M recently returned from a trip to the company’s headquarters in St Paul, Minnesota. BodyShop News publisher Michel Malik caught up with him during one the functions in Sydney and had a chat. BNA: Why did you have to go to the USA?
Business Cycle. Our ‘Vision’, which is how to lead our customers into a more profitable future. And the
NP: George Di Scala, one of our Technical Service
‘Mission’, which was to accomplish this by measuring
Engineers and myself were asked to attend the 2016 AAD
the performance of our systems and solutions to make
Global Technical Service Workshop in St Paul, Minnesota.
sure they perform as cost effectively as possible. We
We joined more than 60 technicians from around the world
will, at the same time, bring new innovative solutions to
in learning the latest techniques and use the most up-to-
help increase sales, reduce costs and improve overall
date technology with our newest products. We spent two
profitability.
weeks and I was amazed at how much I got out of it. BNA: Wow, this is some serious stuff. What will you do BNA: You’ve been around this industry for a while, what
with this knowledge?
was it that you learned? NP: Since returning we have replicated this type NP: Having being in the trade for so long; on the floor as
of training and will continue to do so on site at our
a painter, then having worked for paint company giant
new Blacktown training facility and via on-road tours
BASF and for the past six years with 3M, I was extremely
across Australia and New Zealand. Training, from a 3M
amazed at the amount of knowledge and training the
perspective, will continue to be a big part in an industry
technical services workshop provided.
that is continually changing at such a rapid pace.
For example, I followed a full-size repair from the quoting
BNA: Good luck, we look forward to visiting your training
stages right through to the final detail, where a quarter
facility at a future date.
panel was removed from a box section using 3M’s latest technology like Cubitron ll abrasives and then bonding with 3M panel bond we continued to utilise the latest innovations like the Accuspray gun and HGP Spray Gun Kit to quickly deliver coatings onto rigid textured panels on the vehicle. The precision delivery of these coatings allows product to be sprayed at any angle to match OEM textured finishes. Because the spray gun is so accurate, less masking is required and overspray is reduced, practically eliminating solvent use needed for clean-up. BNA: What other products did you use? NP: Other products utilised within the process included Platinum Plus filler, a new 3M colour matching film, some 3M soft edge masking tape as well as the 3M dry guide coat to name a few. BNA: Was that it? On the floor learning? NP: There were many other topics such as the 3M performance analysis tool. A portfolio of Business Improvement Solutions tailored for the Collision Repair
PAGE 54
Image Captions: Nicholas and Jungyong (JY) Park from the International Technical Service. Group Photo - AAD GTSW St. Paul June 2016 AAD Global Technical Service Workshop, St. Paul, June 2016
A consumer education is required
- Steve Kessel
The Consumer Protection Act was created with the basic
Where volume deals are in place, no consideration to
premise of the right of choice and being afforded supply
inconvenience as a result of extended cycle times.
of accredited and qualified services.
The repairer then is under pressure to deliver, which biases the quality of the repair with the potential that it
Very little is actually understood by the man in the street
is not necessarily of the same standard applied by the
about their rights. People tend to be led by force, which
manufacturer when the vehicle was first assembled. The
may not necessarily be the recipe for acceptance and
law states that the authorised repair be communicated to
convenience. The autobody repair industry is at present
the vehicle owner in that an unbiased understanding of
being subject to procurement rollouts which provide
what type of part is to be used and which body panels will
commercial returns based on volumes to a selected few
be repaired.
repairers, but without the reality of assurance to the vehicle owner of quality and standards.
No mention is made when applying for insurance that your premium is based on X,Y or Z being allowed and
It is a known fact that of the approximately 10,000,000
the assumption is that the replacement parts fitted are
vehicles which are registered to operate on our roads
supplied by the manufacturer. This is not the case in
only approximately 25% or one in four vehicles carry
many situations and due to non-regulation, our market
comprehensive insurance with a further 10% with cover
is flooded by grey market parts of sub-standard quality
for third party, fire and theft. The consequence is high
which are being fitted as part of the repair. Even simple
risk of ensuring that in the event of an unfortunate road
items such as a bumper stiffener of sub-standard quality
accident that the consumer is protected by the assurance
can result in airbag deployment at a fraction too early or
that rectification will be provided with the focus on safety
late resulting in high risk injury. It has also been proved
based on quality and standards applied.
beyond doubt that the damage caused in some instances by a second accident where grey market parts are
The regulation from the Consumer Protection Act allows
installed, creates substantially more damage than with the
the consumer the right of choice of service provision. This
same manufacturer part being installed.
does not necessarily apply as Insurers often pay cash to the claimant, which may not include compensation for
In most instances a motor vehicle is the second most
the full quantum of the damage. As cash is king this is
expensive investment a consumer procures and those
then often used for other purposes and the repair is many
forced to make use of the taxi industry to commute
times carried out by an unregistered operator at cheap
on a daily basis should be afforded protection beyond
cost. The result is unsafe vehicles being returned to the
reasonable doubt. Unless we create a culture of consumer
national road network at a risk to occupants and other
literacy as to regulation afforded and the assurance this
road users. Our road accident statistics and death toll
is applied, we subject ourselves to unfair process and
speak volumes as a recourse to this behaviour.
practice in our daily commute.
Snap-on to acquire Car-O-Liner Snap-on’s head office announced recently that it has
the new material requirements and the higher emphasis
entered into an agreement to acquire Car-O-Liner Holding
on efficiency, we believe this acquisition will further
AB for around US$155 million. Based in Sweden, Car-O-
Snap-on’s progress along its strategic and coherent
Liner had trailing 12 month sales of about US$95 million.
growth runway of expanding with repair shop owners and
Subject to certain closing conditions, the transaction
managers. We look forward to welcoming Car-O-Liner
is expected within 30 days. Nick Pinchuk, Snap-on
associates to the Snap-on family.” Snap-on reported
CEO said: “Car-O-Liner’s product offering and special
US$3.4 billion in sales last year. Snap-On’s other collision
expertise are important additions to our Repair Systems
repair equipment brands include Blackhawk and Kansas
and Information Group, bringing greater capabilities in
Jack. At this stage the local arms of both companies are
collision repair and strengthening Snap-on’s position in
unable to comment on how this will impact – if at all - on
the heavy duty segment. Given trends such as accuracy,
the SA market.
PAGE 55
BODYSHOP NEWS
AutoForum - November / December 2016
Screw compressors Vs piston compressors - Lori Lorenz If I were to ask the question: “What is the difference
For screw compressors to be as efficient as claimed, they
between screw compressors and piston compressors?”,
have to pump air all the time. However, my observation
the answer would be: “Piston compressors are old school
has shown that most of these units spend far more time
and screw compressors are more efficient,” or something
idling than pumping and consuming a lot of power for
similar, wouldn’t you agree? Is this what the sales rep told
doing pretty much nothing.
you? Some top of the range units address this inherent problem Unfortunately, this is only half the story and in this article
with a variable speed motor. You hear them speeding up
I will explain why many panel shops should rethink what
like a washing machine when it spin-dries. The power
the best air supply system is for their needs and how this
savings are considerable, but they are still consuming
could save them a lot of money.
around 4000-5000 Watts depending on the size of the compressor.
Compressors are a necessary evil in our industry; they are hidden somewhere behind the shed, we turn them on
To put this in perspective, a conventional light bulb uses
in the morning, off in the evening and God forbid if they
about 60 watts and most of us have replaced them with
break down. Let’s face it, what would you do without air?
energy saving alternatives, saving around 50 watts per
Just about every power tool runs on air. Without air we
light. Whilst this is a great result, our screw compressor
may as well send the boys home. So it makes a lot of
in the meantime, when idling, is still using about the
sense to buy a quality compressor and many employers
same amount of power as 400 of these lights and that’s
opt for a service contract to guarantee a constant air
only if you have a variable speed option, otherwise it will
supply.
consume even more.
Today’s choice is the screw compressor. Why? Because it can run 24/7, it is very reliable and all this is true. These machines can pump air all day whereas piston compressors have a duty cycle in the vicinity of 60 to 70 per cent; in other words, they cannot run all day. They are noisier and have shorter service intervals. Clearly, from this perspective the screw compressor is the winner and this argument has convinced many shop owners to invest in this technology. However, this is only half the story. Should you be the proud owner of a screw compressor, I urge you to stand near it for a while and listen. You will find that it hums, but then, once in a while, the hum changes to a deeper sound and then, after a short while, it goes back to the first humming sound. This is perfectly normal. When you look at the read out panel, you will see
As you can see the effectiveness of a screw compressor
that it says “Unload” and when the hum changes to the
depends on its application. If it pumps full bore all the
deeper sound it will read “Load”. “Load” means pumping
time, it is the best. However, if it is not used to its full
air, whereas “Unload” is when the compressor is idling.
capacity it is not an energy efficient solution. A big
It still runs, but it is not pumping. Only after a long idling
problem in our industry is that our air consumption varies
time, it will turn itself off. This is because the very big
a lot depending on the work we are doing. As a result we
electric motor in a screw compressor consumes a lot of
have learned to buy a compressor that can handle our
power during start up. Needless to say that it also needs
peak demand and this has worked well while we used
considerable power in the “Unload” mode.
piston compressors.
PAGE 56
The bigger the unit we installed the less it would run, but
will drop below 120 psi, so it should be set to cut in at
it still could handle our peak demand and the pressure
118 psi and the third compressor would cut in below that.
would not drop on the spray gun, no matter how much air the other staff where using. When there was no air
I have chosen these figures to illustrate the principle
demand, the compressor would simply shut down and
and they have to be established for each system – a
turned on again when air was needed. In a stop and start
job that should be done by an experienced compressor
situation, the humble piston compressor is still king.
technician. With this set up you take advantage of the screw compressor that is most efficient when running
So what would be the best compressor for your shop?
non-stop and the piston compressor that is more efficient
This depends on the size, how many staff and the kind of
on start-stop demand.
work they are doing. If you are concerned about energy efficiency and reliability, you may consider more than one
Another advantage of this system is that it is very reliable.
compressor working together. First you need to know
Should one compressor break down, the other two can
how much air you are using at any one time and then how
take over. Even for routine maintenance one compressor
much air you need during peak period. Get a small screw
can be isolated and there is no downtime ever.
compressor to run non-stop, a second piston compressor to help if needed and perhaps a third one to cut in for
With electricity costs expected to rise, it makes sense to
peak demand.
rethink your air demand and how this can be achieved in the most efficient way. Key is to plan ahead and not to
The last unit can be an older compressor as it is not
wait until the compressor is broken.
running often. The first compressor cuts in and out, let’s say between 120 and 130 psi. When the screw
You can utilise an aging compressor as the third unit, but
compressor is unable to handle the demand the pressure
when your compressor is broken and you have no more air in the shop, the fact is you take anything as long the boys can work again. Unfortunately in this case, you may lock yourself in for another few years of high electricity bills.
Snap-on’s “Save Our Rhino” Combo Snap-on is proud to announce the availability of this
at R13,590 ex vat. (with a R500
Special Edition Combo. Amongst its many features is
contribution to the Rhino fund).
the fact that the company will be contributing R1500 for
All 3 variations are only available
each Combo purchased, to the “Save Our Rhino” project,
at these prices until 31 December
by donating proceeds collected to the Bateleurs. The
2016.
latter is a dedicated group of pilots who volunteer their private time and aircrafts to scout for poachers. Find out
Contact your nearest Snap-on
more about them at www.bateleurs.co.za . The unit is on
Dealer or visit the website www.
promotion at R34, 530 ex vat.
snapon.co.za for more information and / or to purchase your Special
The 12 Drawer Roll Cabinet part of the Combo is available to purchase on its own at the promotional price of R20 940.00 ex vat, (The company will donate R1000 to the Bateleurs), while the 4 Drawer Top Chest - is available
Edition unit ON-LINE!
DIRECTORY LISTING
AutoForum - November / December Aftermarketplace Directory
To advertise your listing in AutoForum Aftermarketplace Directory contact us on 20160861 222 878 or email: info@AutoForum.co.za
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021 531 8144
Bosch
Parts, Accessories & Batteries
011 651 9600
AAAS - Midas
Aftermarket Parts & Accessories
011 879 6000
Mahle
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041 408 3598
AAAS - NAPA
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011 879 6000
AAAS - Parts Incorporated Africa
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011 879 6000
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011 574 5602
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086 043 4737
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011 457 0000
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AIR CONDITIONING
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PAGE 58
New Tyre Changer & Wheel Balancing Range From Bosch TCE 260 PN 0 986 AT0 790
Automatic tyre changer Economical product for passenger cars / light commercial vehicles Bigger clamping size up 26” Rim width up to 4 - 13" (100 - 330mm) Round shape central plate Optional helper arm for UHP, RFT tyres 220V
WBE 260 PN 0 986 AT0 789
Economical product for passenger cars / light commercial vehicles Ergonomic design Wheel diametre up to 41” (1050mm) Internal lighting for weight attachment Safety cover Large pedal design for foot brake 220V
www.bosch.co.za
For more information contact: Nhlanhla Maseko nhlanhla.maseko@za.bosch.com
AutoForum - November / December 2016
PAGE 60