AutoForum March / April 2015

WWW.AUTOFORUM.CO.ZA

RSA: R20.00 (incl. VAT) Other Countries: US $13.50

March / April 2015

I N F O R M E D

PAGE 36 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AUSTRALIAN BODYSHOP NEWS

A N D

I N N O V A T I V E

Auto tech innovations heading your way: AM JHB 6-9 May 2015

SCAN ME!

COM M E R CIAL

Autoforum Online

Rate Your Business Website? ud trucks launches new quester range

2015 Outlook For Trucks Can OEMs Meet APDP Threshold?

NEWS spotlight

AutoForum - March / April 2015

Great News for the Eastern Cape!!!

March / April 2015 WWW.AUTOFORUM.CO.ZA

RSA: R20.00 (incl. VAT) Other Countries: US $13.50

March / April 2015

I N F O R M E D

PAGE 36 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AUSTRALIAN BODYSHOP NEWS

A N D

I N N O V A T I V E

Auto tech innovations heading your way: AM JHB 6-9 May 2015

Leaderquip Auto Services has officially acquired premises in the Eastern Cape as from 1 March 2015.

SCAN ME!

For Sales and Technical support in this region contact the Eastern Cape Branch Manager Brendon Venter.

CONTENTS

10

Cover Stories Auto tech innovations heading your way: AM JHB 6-9 May 2015

14

Rate Your Business Website?

40

Can OEMs Meet APDP Threshold?

42

2015 Outlook For Trucks

44

UD Trucks launches new Quester Range

50

Autoforum Online

18

COM M E R CIAL

Rate Your Business Website? ud trucks launches new quester range

2015 Outlook For Trucks Can OEMs Meet APDP Threshold?

Outside display at Messe Frankfurt

Trade Talk Highlights of global and local industry news

10

Editorial

Talk to us for:

The major focus in the auto sector in SA at the moment, is most definitely on the upcoming 2015 installation of the Automechanika show in Johannesburg. This prestigious calendar entry for our sector comes after a busy few months of vehicle launches, power debacles and optimism that our Fitch rating may not be down graded next month. Indeed, earlier this month Naamsa predicted that SA vehicle manufacturers will invest another R7.5bn this year up on last year’s R6.9bn.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SYSTEMS WHEEL BALANCING MACHINES TYRE CHANGERS VEHICLE LIFTING EQUIPMENT AIR COMPRESSORS BRAKE LATHES SPECIALISED BATTERY CHARGERS

This all has shifted the focus somewhat off the dire state of our road safety and the Easter accident figures that will dominate our front pages in weeks to come. How much has changed since SA citizens called for better road management? Do we expect any “improvement” in the death toll this year, and how is government addressing those blue light brigade’s?

Give us your feedback by logging onto the website, or share your thoughts on our social media channels we look forward to hearing from you.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT PIT RACKS And Affiliated Equipment

We also do: COMPLETE TURN-KEY PROJECTS

News Forum Malas launches next generation workshop

18

Opinion: Has load shedding finally killed the electric car dream?

20

Q&A with Werner Wandrey, AA’s national technical training manager

22

BMW SA: Wind & solar power key to energy self sufficiency

24

Boost for tyre recycling in KZN

26

Women to lead auto sector tech?

28

Liqui Moly launches new products and social responsibility programmes in SA

30

SA’s VIP transport debate in the spotlight

32

Tyre check kicks off its 2015 campaign

33

BRAND RANGES

Brake Lathes

Trolley Jacks

Lifts

Snake Scope

Wheel Alignment

Tyre Changers Brake Lathes Battery Chargers

Tyre Changers Battery Chargers

Training Trolley Jacks Wheel Balancers

Training

Wheel Alignment

Trolley Jacks Wheel Balancers Lifts Wheel Alignment Training

Road Force

Battery Chargers

Wheel Balancers

Battery Chargers

51

BodyShop News Fresh ideas at Aussie Collision Repair Expo 2015

36

New hotline from Basf coatings services: 0800 265 687

38

Fax: 086 627 1135 PUBLISHER: SWIFT PUBLICATIONS & OLYMPIC PARK TRADING POSTNET SUITE 174 PRIVATE BAG X11 HALFWAY HOUSE 1684

54

Business Forum Your company website: a wonderful communication tool: if…

40

Automakers face production threshold challenge

42

FOR ADVERTISING ENQUiRIES: GRANT WEST

Mobile: +27 (0) 76 727 8161

Snake Scope

Head Office: Johannesburg

Leaderquip Western Cape

Leaderquip KZN

Leaderquip Eastern Cape

Leaderquip Free State

17 Rosettenville Road, Village Main Johannesburg

195 De Villiers Road, Goodwood Cape Town

26 Sycamore Road, Glenwood Durban

27 5th Ave, Newton Park Port Elizabeth

3 Langeberg Laan, Bainsvlei Bloemfonten

TEL: 011 334 1680 FAX: 011 334-1694 Jan Labuschagne / José Domingues E-mail: info@leaderquip.co.za

TEL: 021 592 5992 FAX: 086 609 3241 HERMANN PISTORIUS: 083 600 1603 Email: hermann@leaderquip.co.za

TEL: 031 205 8589 FAX: 031 205 5859 DEON VOLEK: 082 555 6773 Email: dsvolek@telkomsa.net

FAX: 031 205 5859

PAGE 2

CONTRIBUTORS: AUSTRALIAN BODYSHOP NEWS Colin Windell ROBERT KAISER Warwick robinson Roy Cokayne grant west

EMAIL: INFO@AUTOFORUM.CO.ZA

Trolley Jacks

Wheel Balancers

Lifts

Wheel Balancers

Brake Lathes

Dial the Leaderquip NATIONAL TOLL FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER: 086 000 2010 to be connected to your nearest Leaderquip Branch or visit our Website: www.leaderquip.co.za

Road Force

Battery Chargers

Lifts

Trolley Jacks

Battery Chargers

Battery Chargers

Training

Lifts

Training

Battery Chargers Wheel Balancers

Lifts

Battery Chargers Road Force Wheel Balancers Tyre Changers Trolley Jacks Trolley Jacks

EDITOR: CLARE RUTKIEWICZ

26

BRENDON VENTER: 083 291 1738 Email: brendon@leaderquip.co.za

WARWICK ROBINSON Mobile: +27 (0) 82 855 7750

PAGE 3 THEUNS PRETORIUS: 083 335 4860 Email: theuns@leaderquip.co.za

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

Commercial Vehicles 2015 Outlook for trucks

44

Bridgestone revamps commercial tyre division

46

‘An emergency in slow motion’– diabetes among SA truck drivers - Part 3

48

UD Trucks reveals the new Quester range

50

TATA launches next generation PRIMA range of commercial vehicles Volvo Group opens new SA RDC to better client uptime

Petro.t.ex Africa event this May

I N N O V A T I V E

Advertisers Guide Aerocure

OBC

Alfa Int

55

AUDI Parts

34 & 35

52

Auto Cosmos - Electrolog

61

Auto Magneto

17

54

Automechanika - SA

14 & 15

Autopromotec

59

BASF Coatings

37

Equipment Africa *

13

Garage Trade Supplies

57

56

GMSA

39

58

Highveld Garage Equipment

19, 33 & 45

Ital Machinery - 2 X 1/4

6 & 17

Leaderquip

IFC

Mahle

25

MIDAS

7, 23, 41 & 53

Partquip

11

PCL

21

Robert Bosch - WSC

IBC

Snapon

27

Tenneco / Monroe

29

TORRE Automotive - TEXTAR

4&5

UD Trucks *

43

Victor Reinz

47

VW Parts

8&9

Show Time New Automechanika show planned for Jeddah in 2016

A N D

Aftermarketplace Ingersoll Rand highlights upgraded R-series compressors

60

PCL’s launches YouTube channel

60

Equipment Africa’s new high def 3D wheel alignment system

61

Just two products cover all sealing needs

61

Don’t Know what this is?

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.

ARROW Fuel Pumps The new ARROW Electric Fuel Pump range is sourced from the LEADING, OEM approved, manufacturer of electric fuel pumps in China. The factory manufactures an extensive range that covers motorcycle, passenger car and commercial vehicle applications, and is accredited with TS16949, GB/T28001 and ISO14001 certification. ARROW fuel pumps provide complete peace-of-mind with a 12 month/30,000km guarantee (whichever comes first), against manufacturing defects. These pumps are competitively priced and available from Parts Incorporated Africa, Midas stores and other leading automotive outlets.

Part # EP10701A

Part # EP10804A

Part # EP10811A

Part # EP10905A

Application: VW Golf 3 Gti, Golf 2

Application: Audi A3, Beetle, Sharan,

Application: BMW E36/E46

Application: BMW E46, 316i-330i

2.0L & VR6

Jetta

Part # EP38021A

Part # EP43210A

Part # EP43151A

Part # EP38010A

Application: Toyota Camry/Corolla

Application: VW Golf 2 1.8 or

Application: Opel, Fiat

Application: Nissan, Toyota, Opel

Lexus 3.0L, Rav 4

Seat 2.0

Part # EP60010A

Part # EP43060A

Part # EP36270A

Part # EP43380A

Application: Mercedes Benz,

Application: BMW 3 Series - (E36)

Application: BMW E36, Landrover

Application: BMW 3Series, BMW M3,

Ford, Audi

Renault

PIA branches: Bloemfontein

Durban

George

Nelspruit

Cape Town

East London

Johannesburg

Port Elizabeth

Tel: (051) 506-0700 Fax: (051) 447-8336 Tel: (021) 590-7500 Fax: (021) 591-5033

Tel: (031) 533-5300 Fax: (031) 569-6576 Tel: (043) 703-8000 Fax: (043) 743-8418

Tel: (044) 874-4175 Fax: (044) 874-3706 Tel: (011) 879-6000 Fax: (011) 454-0200

Tel: (013) 752-4821 Fax: (013) 752-4869 Tel: (041) 390-3000 Fax: (041) 373-0090

Pretoria

Tel: (012) 377-7500 Fax: (012) 377-3896

Visit vw.co.za and find us on facebook.com/VWSA

Genuine Clutch Sets Part Number

Part Description

Model

Year

Price

03G-141-015-M

CLUTCH KIT

TRANSPORTER/4MOTION®

2003 - 2010

R 3 726.75

03G-141-016-A

CLUTCH KIT

R 4 243.80

03L-141-015-P

06F-141-015-C

Genuine Brakes

CLUTCH KIT

CLUTCH KIT

GOLF

2009 - 2011

JETTA

2006 - 2011

GOLF

2009 - 2011

JETTA

200 - 2010

TOURAN

2009 - 2011

EOS

2009 - 2011

GOLF

2004 - 2013

JETTA

2006 - 2011

PASSAT/4MOTION®

2008

SCIROCCO

2009 - 2014

R 4 180.58

R 3 451.41

070-141-015-T

CLUTCH KIT

TRANSPORTER

2003 - 2005

R 4 664.46

076-141-015-A

CLUTCH KIT

CRAFTER

2006 - 2011

R 4 013.21

076-141-015-C

CLUTCH KIT

CRAFTER

2006 - 2011

R 3 788.48

Genuine Wishbones

Part Number

Part Description

Model

Year

Price

Part Number

Part Description

Model

Year

Price

6Q0-698-151

BRAKE PAD

POLO

2005 - 2010

R 655.40

2E0-407-151-M

CONTR ARM

CRAFTER

2006 - Present

R 3 449.79

POLO CLASSIC

2003 - 2010

2E0-407-152-M

CONTR ARM

CRAFTER

2006 - Present

R 3 391.29

1HS-698-151

BRAKE PAD

CADDY-PICKUP

1996 - 2007

R 253.31

6Q0-407-151-L

CONTR ARM

POLO CLASSIC

2003 - 2010

R 660.52

CITI GOLF

1996 - 2009

8E0-407-505-A

UPPER LINK

PASSAT/4MOTION®

1998 - 2005

R 1 170.38

1J0-698-151-J

BRAKE PAD

GOLF/4MOTION®

1998 - 2001

R 732.68

8E0-407-506-A

UPPER LINK

PASSAT/4MOTION®

1997 - 2005

R 1 107.06

1J0-698-451-P

BRAKE PAD

GOLF/4MOTION®

2003 - 2006

R 576.62

8E0-407-509-A

UPPER LINK

PASSAT/4MOTION®

1997 - 2005

R 1 083.04

NEW BEETLE

2002 - 2010

NEW BEETLE CABRIOLET

2003 - 2010

1J0-615-301-M

1K0-615-301-AA

1K0-615-301-AK

1K0-615-601-AC

6R0-615-301-A

BRAKE DISC

BRAKE DISC

BRAKE DISC

BRAKE DISC

BRAKE DISC

GOLF/4MOTION®

1998 - 2006

NEW BEETLE

1998 - 2010

NEW BEETLE CABRIOLET

2003 - 2010

GOLF

2008 - Present

GOLF CABRIOLET

2012 - Present

JETTA

2006 - Present

PASSAT CC (COUPÉ)

2009 - 2012

PASSAT/4MOTION®

2011 - Present

SCIROCCO

2009 - 2014

TIGUAN

2012 - Present

TOURAN

2011 - Present

BEETLE

2012 - Present

CADDY

2004 - 2008

GOLF

2008 - 2013

JETTA

2006 - Present

GOLF

2008 - 2009

JETTA

2006 - 2011

SCIROCCO

2009 - 2014

TOURAN

2003 - 2005

POLO

2002 - Present

POLO CLASSIC

2005 - Present

R 372.20

R 864.00

Volkswagen Genuine Parts are created in collaboration with vehicle development to guarantee the highest quality standard for optimum performance and impeccable safety. To assure that every part is manufactured in accordance with Volkswagen’s stringent standards, each step of the process is performed directly or indirectly by Volkswagen; from research and development to manufacture and distribution.

R 615.77

Now Volkswagen offers you Genuine Parts at reduced prices.

R 632.64

R 817.67

*Prices are recommended retail exclusive of VAT and are subject to change without notification.

Part applicability to model is dependent on chassis/VIN number. For further information, please consult your nearest participating Dealership. Prices valid from 1 November 2014 to 30 April 2015. While stocks last.

O&M CAPE TOWN 77477/E

Quality. Value. Performance. Guaranteed.

Volkswagen Genuine Parts. Keep your Volkswagen a Volkswagen.

Trade Talk

AutoForum AutoForum- -March March/ April / April2015 2015

www.AutoForum.co.za

Hino Parow scoops top award in its network

Servo press tech comes online at G.U.D’s PE site

Late last month Hino announced its SA Dealer of the Year awards – with the top title bestowed on Hino Parow.

We recently featured the story on G.U.D. Holdings’ impending introduction of the new servo press to the local market, which on the 10th of March became a reality. The state of the art 630t Schuler Servo Press was launched at the company’s new site in Port Elizabeth, which is the home of the new technology and the base of operations for the servo metal pressing division. Members from the local and international OEM industry as well as aftermarket parts suppliers were in attendance to commemorate the R70 million investment’s inauguration.

“This was a clear cut win by the enthusiastic team in Parow,” commented the Vice President of Hino SA, Ernie Trautmann.

“The figures on the score sheets do not tell the whole story though, as this dealer’s passion and dedication to the truck business and its customers is evident in its wholehearted support for our latest Hino Total Support programme.”

Hino Parow scored 99% in both the parts and service categories for its performance throughout 2014, and was was also judged the winner of the President’s Award for providing the Best Customer Experience for the third successive year.

The runner-up for the Dealer of the Year title was Hino West Rand, which sold an impressive 240 units last year and had an overall Customer Experience score of 98%.

Hino Parow has been in the Hino truck dealer network for 21 years, having started out as Imperial Toyota Trucks. It has been located at the current premises, on the corner of Jan Van Riebeeck and Epping Avenues, Elsies River Industria, for the past 18 years. Last year the facility underwent an upgrading process that cost R2-million. It now complies with all the Hino SA corporate identity and operational criteria. The facility is on a site covering 8 000m2 with half the area under roof. It has 16 work bays and a technical team of 18 including seven technicians, five of whom are qualified Masters, while there are three Master Service Advisors too.

The unique servo press capabilities boast increased production efficiency and component quality, which G.U.D. Holdings believes positions it well within the developing OEM market. The launch allowed guests the opportunity to observe the servo press in action, and some of its impressive features including its ability to accommodate both transfer and progressive dies, with an impressive 15 minute die changing process. Various sizes of dies including 2.8m, 4.0m by 1.8m dies are effortlessly fitted into the press.

G.U.D. point out that another exciting aspect of the servo press is that it can control and vary stroke speed, a significant factor in metal pressing, as well as its energy efficiency, thanks to built in energy saving features.

In addition, the servo press can weld nuts and studs and perform other value-adding operations, within the cycle of the press.

The dealership serves a number of large fleets, but retains its sales focus on smaller businesses and individuals, including farmers.

The winning team from Hino Parow (from left) are: Hennie Marx, Franchise Executive; Ashley Karra, Service Manager; Wayne Coetzee, Parts Manager; Wouter Nel, Dealer Principal, and Steven du Plessis, Sales Manager.

PAGE 10

Picture - (Left to Right) Simon Ledgerwood, Divisional Director; Ian Law, Group Sales & Marketing Director; Tanya Browne, Shareholder; Red Shuttleworth, CEO; Michelle Raw, CFO; Barry Elliott, Shareholder; Chris Haworth, COO.

Trade Talk

AutoForum AutoForum- -March March/ April / April2015 2015

www.AutoForum.co.za

Following the special Chairman’s Award, Toyota celebrated the dealership with the best environmental initiatives. For innovative environmental projects - both in the dealership environment and in the surrounding community - and for keeping true to the global Toyota Earth Charter, Toyota recognised Charl Venter from Werda Toyota for his hard work.

Toyota’s DOTY Halfway Toyota Shelly Beach was recognised for their exceptional performance in 2014 and awarded the 2014 Toyota Dealer of the Year in late Feb - a first for this dealership and for the Halfway group.

Calvyn Hamman, Toyota South Africa Motors Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, commented: “Leading from the front, Halfway Toyota Shelly Beach continuously exceeds customer expectations and has achieved exceptional results in all the development programmes ensuring that it is a beacon of service excellence in the Toyota dealer family and also in their region of operation.”

Toyota recognised several dealers and dealer groups during its award ceremonies; including the coveted Chairman’s Achievement Award. Awarded at the discretion of Dr Johan van Zyl, the President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors and Managing Officer, for exceptional service to the Toyota brand, Marius de Bruin of The Barloworld Motor Retail Group took the honours.

VWSA expands DPAP Volkswagen Group South Africa has announced that it is taking steps forward on its “road to transformation in the dealer network” - this thanks to the expanded candidate intake of its Dealer Principal Apprentice Programme (DPAP).

The programme has been discussed by Autoforum in prior issues – having been conceptualised five years ago with the aim of developing a talent pool of black dealer principals for the VWSA network. The intention was and remains: “to foster a true spirit of transformation and black economic empowerment.”

Haley Botha, Manager of Dealer Development at Volkswagen Group South Africa comments: “The programme has grown from five candidates in its first intake, to 17 this year. The selection criteria is very specific, focussing on experience and development potential that will benefit the transformation of the VWSA Dealer network. The programme is structured to provide much broader training exposure, using a blended learning model. It is uniquely designed around key principles of leadership and management within the motor industry.”

The Toyota Vice President’s Awards recognise the best overall achievements in various functional categories, including vehicle sales, vehicle marketing, parts and servicing. Toyota recognised the following dealers for their outstanding achievements: Vice President’s Award: Vehicle Marketing Halfway Toyota Shelly Beach (Brian Jones) Vice President’s Award: Customer Service Carnival Toyota (Nic Muller) Vice President’s Award: Automark Barloworld Centurion (Johann Folscher) Vice President’s Award: Combined Customer Experience: Mega: Hillcrest Toyota (Warren Demmer) Large: Halfway Toyota Shelly Beach (Brian Jones) Medium: Humansdorp Toyota (Johan Brits) Small: Status Toyota Cradock (Martinus Rossouw) Toyota South Africa Motors also recognised the most proficient Divisional Group Managing Director and Group Managing Director of Dealer Groups in the Toyota network.

Jimmy Loubser of the Locross Toyota Group was recognised in the Divisional category, while Andrew Miller received the Group Managing Director of the Year award.

business, finance, leadership and general management. The programme was developed by Optima Training, who also are involved in the coaching and mentoring of the candidates.

VWSA says that the success of the DPAP has already proven its worth - four of the five previous candidates have been promoted to Dealer Principal positions, taking the number of black DP’s in the network to 17. VWSA has 155 dealerships (Volkswagen – 100, Audi – 41, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles – 13 and Dual: Volkswagen and Audi – 1).

TOP OF THE RANGE 3D ALIGNMENT EQUIPMENT

Int. Chair Auto Engineering agrees to two more years The VWSA-DAAD International Chair in Automotive Engineering at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University recently announced that it has extended its joint agreement for a further two years. Established in 2007 through a collaborative partnership between Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA), Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the International Chair in Automotive Engineering is described as having facilitated valuable skills development in the local motor manufacturing industry.

TYRE CHANGERS AND WHEEL BALANCERS

Over the period of nine years, all three partners have invested over R16 million in the advanced teaching, learning and research for application in the field of automotive engineering with a strong emphasis on promoting international research links. Since its inception, the School of Engineering at NMMU has improved its overall focus on automotive engineering, establishing a degree in mechatronics and becoming known as the centre of excellence for Automotive Engineering.

Professor Udo Bekker, Head of the VWSA-DAAD International Chair in Automotive Engineering at the NMMU commented: “The close and successful cooperation between VWSA, the DAAD and NMMU affords the students practical orientated studies, both at NMMU as well as our German partner universities.” Her adds that highly interesting industry related research topics, which are worked on by international teams, are an optimal preparation for the introduction of young graduates in the dynamic and internationally embossed working life of the automotive industry.

TRUCK EQUIPMENT

Merc picks up two Red Dot Awards

MOBILE UNIT

Mercedes-AMG GT has been awarded the “Red Dot: Best of the Best” for outstanding design quality and groundbreaking styling, while the smart fortwo (also under the Mercedes stable) has claimed the “Red Dot” for high design quality. Both models have already won the similarly internationally renowned “iF product design

LIFTS

www.equipmentafrica.net Telephone: 011 392 6109 / 082 413 2629

The programme for 2015 will see candidates begin a twoyear development journey that covers subjects such as retail

PAGE 12

Unit 19, 16 Vuurslag Avenue, Kemps Business Park, Sebenza, Kempton Park sean@equipmentafrica.net

Exhibition Focus Areas Automechanika Johannesburg represents the ideal opportunity to:

6 – 9. 5. 2015 South Africa’s Leading International Trade Fair for the Automotive Industry targeting Trade Visitors from the Sub-Saharan Region

Showcase to the automotive aftermarket in a face-to-face environment where visitors can experience your products or services first-hand.

Generate sales leads, advance the sales cycle and close sales Build relationships with prospects and meet new industry role players Cross-sell existing clients by informing them of products or services they may not be aware of Recruit new clients and distributors Build your brand and increase market awareness of your brand Launch new products/services or new applications and enhancements of your existing products/services.

www.automechanikasa.co.za Cement your position as an industry leader by entering the Innovation Awards staged alongside Automechanika Johannesburg.

Open to entries demonstrating the latest technological advances and innovations the Awards provide a foretaste of the automotive aftermarket of the future.

Enquiries: Wynter Murdoch – wynter@thefuture.co.za

Register for the Truck Competence listing and display the decal on your exhibit stand to demonstrate your capabilities in the commercial vehicle sector. Covering the entire value chain of the commercial vehicle aftermarket from parts and components to specialist workshop and collision repair equipment the Truck Competence programme recognises the important role of the commercial vehicle sector.

Enquiries: Philip Otto – amsa@sashows.com

Planning of the Automechanika Academy programme is underway in consultation with industry associations and organisations. The programme of conferences, workshops and demonstrations is designed to keep you updated on the latest trends and technologies in the industry.

Enquiries: Robert Kaiser – robert@automechanikasa.co.za

Entry into the Automechanika Green Directory celebrates the contribution your company is making to safeguard the environment.

Companies exhibiting technology, products and services which are environmentally friendly and sustainable appear in the special green directory listing enabling visitors to easily locate environmentally friendly products and solutions.

Automechanika Johannesburg is licensed to SA Shows Messe Frankfurt

Enquiries: Robert, Perusha or Tina Tel: +27 11 494 5003 | e-mail: amsa@sashows.com

www.automechanikasa.co.za

PAGE 15

Trade Talk

AutoForum AutoForum- -March March/ April / April2015 2015

www.AutoForum.co.za

Monroe reveals 2015 race teams

Johan van Zyl takes over Europe

The Extreme Festival at Zwartkops raceway saw Tenneco proudly unveil members of their 2015 Monroe Racing SA team in the Engen Volkswagen Cup and Thunderbike Championship series.

Toyota Motor Corporation announced earlier this month that, following structural changes within the global TMC Management team, Toyota South Africa’s President and CEO Dr Johan van Zyl’s portfolio has been expanded to now also include Toyota Europe.

Andrew Antonis Managing Director Tenneco Automotive SA and Philip Lutz, Product Manager Emerging Markets, hosted race fans, invited guests and members of the press to enjoy an entertaining day of racing from their pits and meet some of the members of their race team, whilst viewing their bright sponsors livery on the race vehicles.

The first driver we met was the talented youngster Kyle Ramsay, who led the VW Challenge Class B championship in 2014. Kyle showed his considerable talent and commitment in the day’s racing and convinced most of us that he will have a regular position at the top of the grid and on the podium during the course of the year.

Bjorn Estment who rides a Kawasaki ZX6R in the Thunderbike Championship is sure to fly the Monroe Racing SA flag high during this season, in what promises to be a toughly contested competition. Unfortunately, the other members of Monroe’s race team were unable to participate in the events, but having seen the levels of talent and commitment within this team one expects to see a very successful 2015 race season for the Monroe Racing SA team.

Added to his existing responsibility as Chief Executive Officer: Africa Region, Dr van Zyl will now also be Chief Executive Officer: Europe Region. He remains President and CEO of TSAM and also becomes President and CEO of Toyota Motors Europe.

“This is a fantastic career opportunity and I am very excited about this new challenge. However, I want to reiterate that my home will always be South Africa and I remain committed to the development of the industry in this country,” says Dr van Zyl. The new role will see Dr van Zyl leading the Toyota brands in both the African and European regions, with focus on continuous improvement of production, supply and sales.

“The European market is a very competitive one and can at best be described as a recovering market, showing increase in automobile sales for the first time in 6 years during 2014. Having said that, it is a dynamic market with a strong automotive industry.”

SA-patented Grip ‘n’ Go Off-Road Traction Mat An innovative solution to getting out of tricky off-road situations has recently been patented in South Africa. The Grip ‘n’ Go traction mat is designed to circumvent the tedious amounts of digging and pushing, making self-recovery from loose sand and mud an easy one man operation.

This traction mat comes complete with a recovery rope, which once attached to the vehicle, allows it to drive over the mat and continue onto safer ground. This, without the need to stop and return through the obstacle to recover the mat.

Space saving, weight and strength are integral to its design and manufacture. The Grip ‘n’ Go conveniently folds up to fit into its washable bag or an ammo box. A number of different combinations to cater for a wide variety of vehicles from passenger to heavy commercial vehicles are available.

These include Single or Double 3 track, as well as Single 4 track or Super 8 track.

Local distributors are required. For further enquiries, contact Clarence Terblanche: 084 519 5678

Dr van Zyl will resume his new responsibilities effective 1 April 2015 and he will be based in Brussels and Sandton.

Snap-on celebrates 95 years Snap-on recently celebrated the Snap-on Incorporated’s 95th anniversary at the company’s Annual Sales Conference held at its head office and Distribution Centre in Durban.

The event saw delegates from around the country representing the brand’s 3 sales divisions - Snap-on Tools, Snap-on Equipment & Snap-on Industrial - along with key support staff in attendance.

Proud Supplier of these Quality Brands

FIRST TO MARKET AND GLOBAL SUPPLIER TO THE AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET 100% BRAND NEW UNITS MANUFACTURED UNDER THE STRICTEST QUALITY CONTROL STANDARDS ISO 9001 -TS16949-ISO14001 ENGINEERED AND MANUFACTURED TO MEET AND EXCEED OEM SPECIFICATIONS ALL TRANSPO PRODUCTS ARE 100% ROHS COMPLIANT

50 Old Mill Street, Ndabeni, Cape Town, South Africa | +2721 531 8144 | info@automagneto.co.za | www.automagneto.co.za

Happy anniversary Snap-on - we wish you many more!

PAGE 16

ALSO PROUD SUPPLIERS OF THESE FINE PRODUCTS

PAGE 17

AutoForum - March / April 2015

The latest global news

Malas launches next generation workshop

M

alas, a South African-based wheel and tyre retailer and distributor, has announced that it has invested substantially in upgrading its wheel alignment facility at the iconic Malas Drivestyle Centre, situated in Pretoria. They add that their technicians have also undergone intensive training on the new equipment, which - together with 7 dedicated wheel alignment bays equipped with the latest John Bean technology - underlies its belief that it is leading the way in precision wheel alignment service in the retail segment of the tyre industry.

At the official launch of the wheel alignment centre, Neville Stevenson, of Snap-On Equipment presented Malas with a certificate of recognition naming it the largest and most advanced wheel alignment centre in the world.

Stevenson praised Malas as the industry’s early adopters: “For years Malas has always demanded the latest technology in the industry”.

In addition to the company receiving this impressive accolade, each technician was presented with their training certificates. Malas alignment technicians are the first in Africa to receive training on the V2300 and the V3400 wheel aligners, making them the front-runners in wheel alignment service excellence. A

PAGE 18

Malas representative remarked: “We are very proud of our wheel alignment technicians as they lead the way in technical expertise.”

Malas says it is poised to continue leading the innovation journey and is planning further upgrades at their workshop facility.

A company representative mentioned that they have introduced system automation, streamlined processes and are pursuing a higher level of refinement in the performance of workshop services.

“We listen to our customers and submit to their expectation of fast and efficient service.

We invite the public to come and experience extraordinary service at our world-class, state of the art facility.”

EE-38L Lifting Capacity Motor Power Optional

3800KG 2.2KW 380 V 4X4 Extensions

EE-6254 Lifting Capacity 4000KG Motor 2.2KW Power 220/380V Optional 4X4 Extensions

For all your workshop needs: • Tools • Workshop equipment • Lifting equipment • Diagnostic equipment • Wheel service equipment • Brake service equipment • Aircon equipment • Lubrication equipment • Cleaning equipment • Pneumatic equipment

6 - 9 May 2015 Hall : 7 Stand : 7D 020 Hall : 0D Stand : 0D 05

Contact us on (012) 330 0540, info@hge.co.za or visit www.hge.co.za 42 Taaifontein st, Cnr Khai Apple st, Montana, Pretoria Quality brands at affordable prices PAGE 19

NEWS FORUM

AutoForum - March / April 2015

Opinion: Has load shedding finally killed the electric car dream?

Two years ago, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies announced a whopping 35% reimbursement on production costs over three years as an incentive for local electric car manufacturers. Thus far, only Ethiopia and South Africa have attempted to launch electric cars on the African continent which some have hailed as an environmental victory for both countries. Eskom has already taken delivery of electric cars and installed charging stations at its Head Office and research facility to test the infrastructure demands these cars would place upon the grid. However, against the backdrop of recent power outages, we have to ask the question: does the electric car still have a future in South Africa?

overnight with off-peak rates, when demand is low. However, most of us want our cars to be ready at any moment. “These cars aren’t typically widely dispersed – you will find clusters of car owners in affluent neighborhoods. If all of them decide to power up before work or on a Friday in preparation for the weekend, you could run into real problems.”

But the challenges are more far-reaching than our erratic power supply, Osborne explains, including the fact that owning an electric car can be impractical for the average South African. “The average electric car is quite expensive to purchase and to run (with purchase prices of between R200-R250 000 per vehicle), and time-consuming to charge.

If you are using a normal household plug, it can take 8-12 hours to fully charge a flat battery, and the range of a charged battery is limited to about 150-200km at best. If you are commuting from Pretoria to Johannesburg for an appointment, and returning home in Pretoria in the evening, you will have used the bulk of your battery’s capacity and need to recharge. Hopefully there will a quick recharge station nearby – and even if there is, a quick recharge takes up to half an hour. You will have to plan every trip very carefully.”

Batteries also need to be replaced every 4-5 years, which can “Sadly, the future is not bright for electric cars in South be extremely costly. “In Europe, few people tend to hang onto Africa,” says Jeff Osborne, Head of Gumtree Automotive. their cars for more than a few years, but South Africa has a “At least not for the time being.” healthy second hand car market, and it’s not uncommon to

keep your vehicle for ten years. This means that owning an A battery-reliant electric car can use more power than all your electric car can be extremely pricey,” says Osborne. “Not to televisions, computers, air conditioning and swimming pool mention the fact that these vehicles are not mass produced pumps in the home combined. “You may save on petrol, but in South Africa, but imported on order. Reselling such a niche considering the increase in electricity prices, there really is no product may prove impossible.” cost-benefit as of yet.”

Financial and environmental impact The additional demand placed on the electricity grid is In other countries where the uptake of electric cars were more another concern – energy companies in the United States, favorable, governments incentivized buyers by covering the that sees an average of 50,000 electric cars sold per annum, bulk of the cost of custom home charge point installation and have already expressed their concern about the additional granting tax write-offs. “South Africa has made no mention pressure these vehicles are placing on the system. “Plugging of doing this locally, although there has been a push by the an electric vehicle into your home is the equivalent of adding Department of Environmental Affairs for public charging three houses to the grid. When owners install dedicated stations that will be powered by solar panels. Of course, electric charging stations to charge more quickly, it can be a quick charging draws huge currents, which photo-voltaic significant burden. A modest home draws about 3000 watts panels may not be able to provide,” says Osborne. “It will of energy at most. Some of these vehicles can draw 16,800 take a huge capex investment from filling stations to introduce watts off a fast charger.” charging stations and the profit motive is low at the moment.”

Incentives for consumers We should also not assume that electric cars are the most Other countries have incentivized users to charge their cars

PAGE 20

effective means of “greening” our roads. “The car itself does not generate any carbon emissions, but the primary source of electricity in South Africa is coal, which is a significant pollutant. You have to look at the environmental costs for the cars’ entire life cycle, including where the power is going to come from. If the grid is cleaner, the car would be cleaner.”

However, Osborne says it is still worth pursuing research into electric cars. “Energy diversity is a good thing. Lower carbon emissions are a great thing. Not relying solely on petrol is a great thing. Nissan Leaf in Japan has actually introduced a device that can power your home for two days when the electricity goes down, which could be very useful,” he states.

“We still need to pursue research into this avenue, and Eskom has to consider the impact of a fleet of electric cars entering the market.”

have increased exponentially over the last few years (albeit from a low base) and analysts believe that electric cars will account for 15% of worldwide passenger vehicle sales by 2025,” he states. “The 2010 boom in sales has led to second hand hybrid cars entering the market. We’ve already seen various models listed on Gumtree for the first time. It could be a viable – and certainly more practical – alternative to an electric car.”

Practically, if you hope to lower your carbon footprint, consider buying a hybrid vehicle.

“Hybrid vehicles entered the South African market about five years ago, and we are seeing quality secondhand cars entering this market.”

Osborne says that the automotive industry has placed great emphasis on encouraging and developing the production of hybrid vehicles.

“The threat of a carbon emission tax in 2016 plus greater consumer awareness has created a market for greener vehicles. In South Africa hybrid models

Driven by air.

Essential Workshop Equipment MK3 Tyre Inflators

Couplings

Adaptors

Air Treatment

Automatic Tyre Inflation

Impact Wrenches

1“ Impact Wrenches

Distributed exclusively by Automotive Equipment International (PTY) Ltd

134 Shaft Street, Stromill, Maraisburg Tel: 011 474 7480 - Fax: 011 474 3104 email: info@aei.co.za - www.aei.co.za

PAGE 21

NEWS FORUM

AutoForum - March / April 2015

Q&A with Werner Wandrey, AA’s national technical training manager

R

ecognising the shortage of skilled artisans in the automotive industry, the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) in a statement to the automotive media, says that it has expanded its AA Technical College premises in order to accommodate more students.

The organisation explains that the AA Technical College, which enrols up to 1,500 students a year, has experienced steady growth and is able to attract many new learners due to its training excellence in up-skilling and qualifying students in the automotive sector. As a result, the college has expanded its training premises in Johannesburg to include two new classrooms. These classrooms will be used for theoretical training of apprentices.

Werner Wandrey, National Technical Training Manager, Principal for the AA Technical College shared some of his views around the College’s offering and the shortage of artisans.

Q: What’s the scope of your courses?

A: Our core business is apprenticeship and learnership training, which typically takes anything from a year, up to four years. We do offer specialised courses customised to industry or client needs, and these may vary from a couple of days to a full apprenticeship programme.

Q What teaching methods do you employ?

A: The theoretical learning is mostly self-study based; however difficult concepts and operations do get discussed in class with the aid of presentations and video clips. Then it’s off to the workshops where guided simulation training is implemented to transfer this knowledge into practical skills. Reinforcement of these skills is then conducted in the workplace, where the apprentice is subjected to real-life exposure to the field of work he/she is studying.

Q: Does the college offer online learning?

A: At present online learning is not offered, mainly because access to a PC is still a challenge for many students and even more so, access to cheap bandwidth.

Q: How many students are there in a class?

A: We strive to cap the classroom size at about 15 students.

The AA Technical College strives to keep class sizes small and targeted to maintain a high standard of training.

Q: Do you have male and female students, and what is the ratio?

A: While all employers make efforts to increase the female intake to our industry, these are still few and far between. To our knowledge less than 5% of employees in these fields are female. So there certainly is an opportunity for more women to get involved in the industry.

PAGE 22

Q: Are qualified students limited to work in the motor industry or are there other industries they’d be able to apply their training to?

A: While the motor industry is the most obvious, there are many other areas that utilise similar or even the same skills set, such as: Mining, Agricultural, Construction, Transport and even Government in the form of councils and the army.

Q: What role can skilled artisans play in the economy?

A: The contribution skilled artisans can make to the economy is many fold. They can be employed by corporates to actively generate money in the case of repair services; or they can maintain vehicles to optimum level within corporate vehicle fleets reducing down times or maintenance costs. A more beneficial contribution may be the SMME sector, where these candidates could either support an employer with their skill or even start small businesses, which in turn would employ others. According to the South African government strategy toward unemployment, supporting SMME’s was identified as the best target to rapidly reduce unemployment. A skilled artisan should always have the ability to generate an income as long as his skill is of sufficient quality for the market to perceive value in it.

™

Now Available - Our New Technic Turbos Our Technic Turbos are the representation of reliability, quality and affordability.

Technic Turbos are put through several qualification tests to ensure that the turbo performs at it’s best, so that you can rest assured in the knowledge that you have fitted a quality part to your vehicle.

Below are some of our most popular models: Part Number

Application

Year

T46020

ISUZU KB280DT (74KW)

1998-2002

T80030

TOYOTA HILUX 2.5 D4D (2KD)

T62010

MITSUBISHI COLT 2.8D

1999-2009

T40010

MAZDA B2500 / FORD RANGER 2.5TD

1997-2007

T40010

FORD RANGER 2500TD

1997-2007

T80020

NISSAN HARDBODY 3000 3.0TD

2002-2005

T80010

TOYOTA QUANTAM 2.5 D4D (2KD)

T83020

AUDI A4 / VW PASSAT 1.8T

1996-2005

T83030

AUDI A3 / GOLF 4 1.9TDI

1999-2004

T83040

AUDI A3 / GOLF 5 2.0TDI

2004-2008

T24010

BMW E46 320D

2000-2005

2004 and onwards

2004 and onwards

For more information on our extended range of Technic Turbos, call your nearest PIA branch today.

Q: What makes the AA Technical College stand out from other SolidWorks Stud training facilities? en For Academic U t Edition.

A: We invest in people and so have a distinct customer-focus. se Only.

We see our success in the success of our students and spare PIA branches: no effort to give them the best possible start in the motor Bloemfontein Durban industry.

SolidW o For Ac rks Student ademi c Use O Edition. nly.

Tel: (051) 506-0700 Fax: (051) 447-8336

Tel: (031) 533-5300 Fax: (031) 569-6576

Cape Town

East London

Tel: (021) 590-7500 Fax: (021) 591-5033

Tel: (043) 703-8000 Fax: (043) 743-8418

George

Nelspruit

Johannesburg

Port Elizabeth

Tel: (044) 874-4175 Fax: (044) 874-3706

Tel: (011) 879-6000 Fax: (011) 454-0200

Tel: (013) 752-4821 Fax: (013) 752-4869

Tel: (041) 390-3000 Fax: (041) 373-0090

Pretoria

Tel: (012) 377-7500 Fax: (012) 377-3896

PAGE 23

NEWS FORUM

AutoForum - March / April 2015

BMW SA: Wind & solar power key to energy self sufficiency - Roy Cokayne

I

n our last issue we reported on how BMW South Africa was working on various power options to make its production plant in Rosslyn in Pretoria energy self sufficient.

BMW SA last year signed a 10-year off-take power purchasing agreement with Bio2Watt to bring renewable energy to its plant in what was believed to be the first private deal of its kind. This deal means BMW SA’s Rosslyn production plant will be able to provide between 25 to 30% of its energy needs itself by the middle of this year, with the BMW/Bio2Watt initiative also marking the first commercially viable biogas-electricity project in the country.

The power will be supplied to BMW SA from the 4.4 megawatt (MW) installed capacity Bronkhorstspruit Biogas Plant, which is located on the premises of Beefcor, one of the country’s largest feedlots.

Tim Abbott, the newly appointed Managing Director of BMW SA, has now commented on the off-take power purchasing agreement, which has commenced and will be fully operational by the middle of this year.

Abbott stressed that wind and solar power had to be an option to increase the plant’s energy self sufficiency. Speaking ahead of a function to celebrate the production of the onemillionth BMW 3 Series sedan at its Rosslyn plant, Abbott said the production of the BMW i3 electric car in the group’s Leipzig in Germany was run purely by four wind turbines.

“That technology is there and we have to do more of that ourselves in the short term.”

Abbott added the gas would drive gas generators to allow the plant to produce its own electricity. “We think we can probably replace about 50% of the gas usage in the plant through this process as well.” He said load shedding had not yet affected production at the plant, but he attributed this to its flexibility and its 24-hour a day, three-shift pattern.

In the right place at the right time.

Or how do you define availability?

He said the biggest concern was with their first tier suppliers, where Just-In-Time supply meant that if they did not get the electricity supply they required, it would have a knock-on effect on BMW’s plant.

Abbott said the three major challenges facing BMW SA were the power shortage, the skills shortage and labour instability.

He added that the motor industry next year would have negotiations at the National Bargaining Forum about a new agreement with the trade unions and BMW quite clearly did not want to get to June 30 “and get a surprise”.

“In 2013, we lost 13 000 units of production, which is painful. When you have got a three-shift pattern, we can’t make that up. We can’t afford as an organisation or as an industry for that to happen again. The key problem is the demands. Wages need to be in line with inflation. We have to start talking today about these issues and if we have disagreements, let’s begin work through those. That isn’t just us, its other industries as well.”

Repair shops not only need products in original equipment quality—but the associated data, too.

The independent repair shop is exactly what its name suggests: it is independent— and wants to stay that way.

FUTURE-ORIENTED INITIATIVE FOR REPAIR SHOPS AND TRADE

SMART PART(ner) www.mahle-aftermarket.com

MAHLE Aftermarket—your partner for engines and peripherals, thermal management, and filtration.

To be well-positioned for the future, a repair shop requires a partner who knows what it will need tomorrow and the day after—because the partner’s range already includes it today.

The quality of a supplier is also measured by the quality of the information that he makes available to his partners.

PAGE 24

Roy Cokayne is a senior financial reporter for Business Report.

PAGE 25

NEWS FORUM

AutoForum - March / April 2015

Boost for tyre recycling in KZN multi-million Rand investment in a rubber crumb manufacturing plant in Hammarsdale is earmarked to “take rubber tyre recycling to a whole new level in KwaZuluNatal.â€? This was a comment by Dr Mehran Zarrebini, head of British investment group PFE International which owns Van Dyck Carpets, and who added that the new facility would be the new home of the Mathe Group, one of only two KwaZuluNatal companies registered with tyre recycling regulatory body Redisa.Â

WHEEL SERVICE EQUIPMENT

due to be commissioned this month, comprises a 2Â 500 sq/m factory and a 1Â 000 sq/m warehouse. It will be fitted out with R20 million worth of state-of-the-art equipment which is due to arrive in South Africa within the next three months.Â

New Generation High Speed Wheel Aligner with...

At capacity, the Mathe Group’s New Germany facility will process six tons of radial truck tyres per day. Each truck tyre weighs approximately 68 kg. Between 15 and 20 percent of the tyre is steel, which is separated from the rubber and provides an additional revenue stream for the company.

The steel is on sold to other recyclers and a large portion is exported to India.Â

•

•

•

•

•

•

Â

According to Zarrebini, the Mathe Group processed approximately 28 000 truck tyres during 2014. Over the next five years, this number is expected to dramatically increase to approximately 150 000 tyres. These 150 000 tyres will produce approximately 8,670 tons of rubber crumb. “We are constrained by current capacity in New Germany and new capacity will come online in May/June 2015,â€? he said. At present, the existing factory can only receive a single truck of waste tyres at a time. They are transported from Redisa depots in Cape Town and Bloemfontein. The new factory and warehouse in Hammarsdale will accommodate multiple deliveries and stockpile tyres for recycling. Â

The Redisa Integrated Industry Waste Tyre Management Plan was gazetted in November 2012 as a means of dealing with the mounting number of waste tyres dumped in landfills and open areas. Each year, South Africa adds 11 million waste tyres to this unfortunate stockpile. As tyres are designed to be robust and durable, they are notoriously difficult to recycle and take extremely long periods to biodegrade. The mounting number of waste tyres has become a health and environmental hazard. Tyres are often burnt for warmth or to remove scrap metal in disadvantaged communities, releasing noxious gases such as dioxins and carbon monoxide. The Mathe Group currently recycles waste truck tyres in an 850 sq/m facility in New Germany. Its new factory, which is

PAGE 26

The Mathe Group was set up in 2010 by Vusumuzi Mathe, an entrepreneur who has worked extensively in the construction industry since 1985 serving both the public and private sector with key focus on the construction of roads, bridges and housing in Gauteng. The company began manufacturing rubber crumb or granulate in late 2011 in limited quantities. In 2013, the Mathe Group obtained a licence from the Ethekwini Municipality to manufacture rubber crumb without restriction on quantities.

Pro42 Classic 3D

He explains that new equipment will allow the Mathe Group to recycle both car and truck tyres. The recycling procedure comprises sorting, a three phase crushing process and then the packaging of the resulting rubber crumb. Magnets remove the metal components and separators produce different sized particles for different applications. These include the manufacture of asphalt for roads and pavements, brake pads and insulation products. Currently, between 70 and 80 percent of the Mathe Group’s rubber crumb output goes to the Van Dyck factory in Prospecton where it is used to manufacture acoustic underlays for laminated flooring. The Mathe Group has also provided rubber crumb for use as a foundation for sports fields utilising artificial grass. Rubber crumb from the New Germany factory was used for four FIFA one star rated soccer fields in Cape Town last year and is currently being used to complete a major project in Southern Africa.

���� �­�€€

Zarrebini explained that the Mathe Group had begun supplying Van Dyck Carpets with rubber crumb in 2012 when that company was expanding and had begun manufacturing acoustic underlays. “There was synergy from the start since Van Dyck was trying to source rubber crumb locally instead of either importing it or buying it from the Western Cape and Gauteng.  From PFE International’s point of view, it made sense to secure the company’s supply chain, so we formed a joint venture with the Mathe Group in 2014.�

Significant investment in equipment at Van Dyck will increase output of acoustic underlays and hence consumption of rubber crumb. Van Dyck will also begin making acoustic cradles and sound barriers using rubber crumb later this year. Zarrebini said that Van Dyck was working with a UK partner to investigate other applications. Currently, acoustic underlays are being exported to the United States, Australia, Qatar and South Korea. Â

LEVEL

4

 �� �� ­ ��

www.johnbean.co.za

PAGE 27

A

NEWS FORUM

AutoForum - March / April 2015

Women to lead auto sector tech?

G

eneral Motors CEO Mary Barra says the automotive industry will experience more dramatic change in the next decade than it has in the past 50 years. In a maledominated industry, women engineers are leading the way in some of the technological advances that could make Barra’s prediction true.

Electrified vehicles, infotainment and software development, and vehicle-to-vehicle communication are critical to changing the way we drive. Here are three women driving those advances: 1. Trista Schieffer, Lead Development Engineer for Battery Electric Vehicles While Petrol-powered cars remain the top sellers, electric vehicles are becoming mainstream. At GM, the Chevrolet Volt, Spark EV, Cadillac ELR and the forthcoming batterypower car based on the Chevy Bolt concept are part of GM’s commitment to manufacture 500,000 vehicles a year globally with some form of electrification in 2017. In addition to extended-range electric and pure EV, technologies include start-stop, eAssist and hybrid.

Trista Schieffer is responsible for making sure everything works together to meet the customer expectations of an electric vehicle.

“I love problem solving,” said Schieffer. “I collaborate with people to deliver efficient solutions to solve ride, handling, noise, vibration, comfort, storage, heating, cooling, safety, energy efficiency – all aspects of a vehicle. Together we make sure the parts and systems are integrated so the vehicle performs in the manner our customers anticipate. As vehicles rely less and less on traditional fuel systems – or, in certain cases, not at all – we face new challenges.”

2. Rebecca Roth, Infotainment Product Owner A key part of the connected car is infotainment that allows occupants to do practically anything on wheels they can do on solid ground. Rebecca Roth helps develop software to safely integrate drivers’ lives into the ride.

PAGE 28

Part of this work includes helping develop software for the Smart Grid, an intelligent system that allows two-way communication between the electric company and the homeowner or their electric vehicles – picking charging times from right now to off hours when electricity use is lower and costs less.

INDEPENDENT BUT NOT ALONE !

“We’re developing software to make everything simpler and greener,” said Roth. “As a coder, I love it when software can make a person’s life easier and make the world a better place.”

3. Jessica Moreno, Programme Manager, V2V Security Credential Management In the not-too-distant future, our cars will be able to talk to each other, helping to avoid crashes and traffic jams. The 2017 Cadillac CTS is expected to be the first vehicle in the U.S. to implement vehicle-to-vehicle, or V2V, technology.

Jessica Moreno and her team are working so that when that day arrives, only the necessary information is shared.

“The software that we’re developing helps certify that a vehicle is a trusted and reliable source of information thereby allowing it to communicate with other vehicles on the road,” Moreno explains. “I have two small children and vehicle safety is extremely important to me.”

ALL ABOUT VIDEOS

TENNECO TV

ALL ABOUT WEBSITE

ALL ABOUT NEW ITEMS MONROECATALOGUE.EU

MONROE.COM

ALL ABOUT CATALOGUE

MONROECATALOGUE.EU

ALL ABOUT TRAINING TADIS - 4T

ALL ABOUT FIELD VISITS I LOVE MONROE®

ALL ABOUT TRAINING ON TOUR ROAD SHOW

PAGE 29

NEWS FORUM

AutoForum - March / April 2015

Liqui Moly launches new products and social responsibility programmes in SA

- Grant West

Worldwide and Salvatore Coniglio, the Deputy Export Manager at Liqui Moly Germany as well as a Director of Liqui Moly SA - to an event at the JAM International premises in Honeydew for the launch of their new range of products aimed at the mountain bike and cycling market. In addition, a number of announcements were made with regards to 2015 sponsorships and the social responsibility alignments of Liqui Moly South Africa.

Salvatore Coniglio, Melicia Labuschagne, Ernst Prost, and David Brown

M

elicia Labuschagne, GM of Liqui Moly SA hosted distributors, social responsibility partners, recipients of sponsorships and the media, as well as two VIP guests Ernst Prost, Managing Partner and owner of Liqui Moly

social responsibility programme benefiting the Carte Blanche “Making a Difference Trust” and JAM International.

Labuschagne then overviewed the new bicycle range of lubricants, cleaners, waxes and tyre fix products, which will compliment the extensive range of motor oils, lubricants, additives and car care products that are manufactured exclusively in Germany. She quoted market research showing the growth of cycling in South Africa and said Liqui Moly had produced a range of quality products to cater specifically for this expanding market. In support of this new range, Labuschagne announced a range of cycling gear and sponsorships of various cyclists, with a special limited offer of the Liqui Moly cycling shirt to the first 100 purchaser’s of the

of the local “Legends series,” as well as Clare Vale in the Drifting series, the Pablo Clarke racing team, being named as preferred product for Sabaru South Africa amongst others.

For more information visit www.liqui-moly.co.za

Having been introduced by Labuschagne, Liqui Moly owner Ernst Prost described a trip he had taken through a local community with David Brown, Managing Director of JAM, an aid organisation that currently helps feed a million recipients a year throughout Africa, which resulted in his announcing the establishment of a foundation to provide aid to the disadvantaged and personally funded to the tune of R5million.

This foundation will operate in a similar manner to his other foundation, providing aid in his home country, Germany.

Following up on this magnanimous announcement Prost and Labuschagne revealed an additional Liqui Moly SA promotion, which will result in R10 per specially stickered items from specific products being donated to the company’s

full Mountain Bike range of products.

2015 looks to be an exciting year for Liqui Moly, after being named the official exclusive oil supplier for the World Moto 2 and Moto 3 championships on the international front and continuing partnerships and sponsorships agreements across a wide range of motorsports locally.

These include title sponsorship

PAGE 30

PAGE 31

NEWS FORUM

AutoForum - March / April 2015

SA’s VIP transport debate in the spotlight - Warwick Robinson

With the tragic death of a serving government minister and his bodyguards in the news, VIP transport is an issue worth raising.

While the specifics of this one accident are not the issue, the general behavior of so called “blue light brigades” is not simply careless and criminal, but borders on obscene. On the very same night that Collins Chabane was killed, I personally witnessed the criminally negligent behavior of another VIP motorcade. Seven vehicles - including 2 Jeep’s, 2 Golfs, a BMW and another two unmarked blue light cars – made their way down the N1 toward the N4 junction north of Pretoria.

I noticed them approaching from about 500m away and pulled over into the middle lane. Not only were they traveling at speeds way over the speed limit, but the entire motorcade proceeded to weave through the traffic, driving 2 cars abreast - forcing law abiding drivers off the road as they careened from left to right, and then cut across 4 lanes to exit onto

the N4. The scene was so chaotic I did not even have time to attempt taking a photo or video of the incident, while I concentrated on avoiding collisions with other drivers, also trying their best to stay out of danger.

The Department of Transport regularly brief the media regarding safety and how we need to all make an effort to drive down the death toll on our roads. As media and as citizens of the country, we want answers on why these vehicles are above the law. Why does any VIP need to be transported in this way? Surely if a medical emergency was the case the ambulance driver would not further endanger the patient, and himself in this way? If the VIP was late for an appointment, did he/she not wish to arrive alive?

I call on the Transport Ministry to explain why this is permitted – and insist on accountability from these VIP units. Or make sure she has a suitable new outfit for all the funerals.

Tyre check kicks off its 2015 campaign Bridgestone’s Tyre Check initiative kicked off its ninth year recently, with more than 94% of the tyres checked during the first event of 2015 being found to be correctly inflated.

Tyre Check is an ongoing project which was launched in 2007 to monitor tyre condition and inflation pressure on a wide scale - in 2014, almost 7000 tyres across the country were checked for condition and inflation pressure. The first event of 2015 was held in the car park of Pick and Pay’s Eden Meadows store in Edenvale, Gauteng.

“A total of 792 tyres were checked at the Eden Meadows event,” said Bridgestone PR Manager, Desirée van Niekerk.

“The results were very encouraging, with 94.29 percent of tyres at the correct inflation pressure.”

Tyres are recorded as ‘fine’ if they are within an inflation pressure band of 180kPa to 290 kPa. Tyres with higher inflation pressure are recorded as ‘over-inflated’ except where they are in accordance with the vehicle’s manufacturer specification.

2.66 percent of tyres in the Eden Meadows survey fell into this category. Tyres which are below 180kPa are classified as underinflated, and divided into three categories depending on how low their pressures are. At the Eden Meadows survey, 2.03 percent of tyres were found to be ‘low’, 0.63 percent ‘very low’ and 0.38 percent ‘dangerously low’.

“Under-inflation is one of the major causes of tyre blowouts, so we are pleased to see that only a small minority of tyres in the Eden Meadows survey fell into the under-inflated categories,” van Niekerk commented.”

The Bridgestone Tyre Check team also checks each tyre for tyres which are worn beyond legal limits or which have damage that makes them unsafe. Three percent of tyres in the Eden Meadows survey were found to be unsafe or needing replacement, which is lower than the typical average for past Tyre Check surveys. Edenvale’s motorists also put in a good performance when it came to tyres which were mis-matched on the vehicle: only three percent of vehicles were found to be fitted with mis-matched tyres. When tyres of different makes or tread patterns are fitted to the same vehicle, they can cause roadholding to be degraded, especially if different tyres are mixed on the same axle.

“In general we’re pleased with the standard of tyre care revealed by the Eden Meadows survey,” van Niekerk said. “Tyres which are correctly maintained and inflated are safer, more durable and give lower fuel consumption,” she concluded

Automechanika

South Africa 6 - 9 May 2015 Hall: 7 Stand 7D 020 Hall: 0D Stand 0D 05

HANGTT-99 Professional 5 Drawer tool trolley complete with:

Special offer R 9 775.00 Excluding VAT

Professional tools at affordable prices Valid until end of May 2015 while stocks last

1. Socket set 1/2" Drive 20 Piece, Sockets 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 22, 24, 27, 30, 32mm. Extensions 125, 250mm Ratchet, T Handle, Universal 2. Combination spanner set 19 Piece 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24mm 3. Combination spanner set 4 Piece 27, 29, 30, 32mm 4. Flat spanner set 12 Piece 6 x 7, 8 x 9, 10 x 11, 12 x 13, 14 x 15,16 x 17, 18 x 19, 20 x 22, 21 x 23, 24 x 27, 25 x 28, 30 x 32mm 5. Plier set 4 Piece Combination plier 180mm. Diagonal plier 150mm.

Long nose plier 150mm. Waterpump plier 250mm 6. Plier, shifting and allen key set 11 Piece Shifting spanner 250mm.

Locking plier (Vice grip) 250mm, Allen key set 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10mm 7. Circlip plier set 180m. 4 Piece. Inside straight and bent.

Outside straight and bent 8. Screwdriver set 8 Piece Flat screwdrivers 4 x 80, 5.5 x 125, 6.5 x 150, 6.5 x 38mm Philips screwdrivers No 1 x 80, No 2 x 100, No 3 x 150, No 2 x 38mm 9. Holey star screwdriver set 7 Piece T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40 10. Hammer chisel & punch set 9 Piece. Engineers hammer 500g (1 lbs) Soft face hammer 480g (1 lbs). Pin punches 3, 4, 5, 6mm. Cold chisel 18mm Cape chisel 5mm. Centre punch 2mm

Contact us on (012) 330 0540, info@hge.co.za or visit www.hge.co.za 42 Taaifontein st, Cnr Khai Apple st, Montana, Pretoria Quality brands at affordable prices

PAGE 32

PAGE 33

Audi Genuine Parts CLUTCH KIT Part no.:

100% Real Substance.

Model

Year

Price

03G-141-016-A

Audi A3, S3, Sportback, quattro®

2004 – 2013

R 4 243.80

06F-141-015-C

Audi TT, TTS Coupé, Sportback, Roadster

2007 – 2014

R 3 451.41

Distinct as the brand they represent, Audi Genuine Parts carr y the promise of progressive engineering to its core. Each individual part is created to work together

BRAKE LINING

seamlessly, delivering sheer performance and ensuring the quality and reliability

Part no.:

that you would expect from Audi. And with new discounts on Audi Genuine Parts, available exclusively from your Audi Dealership, you can give your Customers the maximum Audi driving experience, at a fraction of the cost.

8E0-698-151-G

Maintain the unique Audi driving experience. Ask for 100% Audi Genuine Parts.

8E0-698-151-K

Audi Genuine Brakes, Clutch Sets and Wishbones. Now at reduced prices.

8E0-698-451-L

Visit your nearest Audi Dealership to take advantage of these special offers.

UPPER LINK Part no.:

8E0-407-505-A

8E0-407-505-P

8E0-407-506-A

8E0-407-506-P

8E0-407-509-A

8E0-407-509-P

8E0-407-510-A

8E0-407-510-P

Model

Year

Audi A4, S4, Cabriolet, quattro®

2003 – 2006

Audi A4, S4, Avant, quattro®

2001 – 2005

Audi A6 quattro®, Allroad

2000 – 2005

Audi A6, Avant, quattro®

1998 – 2005

Audi A4, S4, Cabriolet, quattro®

2003 – 2009

Audi A4, S4, Avant, quattro®

2005 – 2009

Audi A4, S4, Cabriolet, quattro®

2003 – 2006

Audi A4, S4, Avant, quattro®

2001 – 2005

Audi A6, quattro®, Allroad

2001 – 2005

Audi A6, Avant

1998 – 2005

Audi A4, S4, Cabriolet, quattro®

2003 – 2009

Audi A4, S4, Avant, quattro®

2005 – 2008

Price

R 1 170.38

Year

Price

Audi A4, S4 Cabriolet, quattro®

2007 – 2009

R 1 590.49

Audi A4, S4, Avant, quattro®

2005 – 2008

R 1 590.49

Audi A6 quattro®, Allroad

2007 – 2011

R 1 590.49

Audi A6, Avant, quattro®

2005 – 2011

R 1 590.49

Audi A4, S4 Cabriolet, quattro®

2003 – 2009

R 1 093.93

Audi A4, S4, Avant, quattro®

2005 – 2008

R 1 093.93

Audi A6, A4 Avant, quattro®

2009 – 2011

R 1 093.93

Audi A4, S4 Cabriolet, quattro®

2003 – 2009

R 630.67

Audi A4, S4, Avant, quattro®

2001 – 2008

R 630.67

Audi A6, quattro®, Allroad

2001 – 2005

R 630.67

Audi A6, Avant, quattro®

2002 – 2005

R 630.67

1J0-698-451-P

Audi A3, S3, quattro®

1997 – 2003

R 576.62

1J0-698-151-J

Audi A3, S3, quattro®

1997 – 2003

R 732.68

BRAKE DISC Part no.:

Model

Year

Price

Audi A3 Cabriolet

2008 – 2013

Audi A3, Sportback, quattro®

2004 – 2007

Audi A3, S3, Sportback, quattro®

2009 – 2013

Audi Q3

2012

Audi TT, TTS Coupé, Roadster

2007 – 2014

1K0-615-301-AK

Audi A3, Sportback, quattro®

2009 – 2013

R 615.77

1K0-615-601-AC

Audi A3, Sportback, quattro®

2004 – 2007

R 632.64

6R0-615-301-A

Audi A1

2011 – 2014

R 817.67

R 1 220.12 1K0-615-301-AA R 1 107.06

R 1 114.01

Model

R 864.00

Audi A4, S4, Cabriolet, quattro®

2003 – 2006

Audi A4, S4 Cabriolet, quattro®

2007 – 2009

Audi A4, S4, Avant, quattro®

2001 – 2005

Audi A4, S4, Avant, quattro®

1998 – 2008

Audi A6, S6 quattro®, Allroad

2000 – 2005

Audi A6, quattro®, Allroad

2000 – 2005

Audi A6, Avant, quattro®

1998 – 2005

Audi A6, Avant, quattro®

1998 – 2005

Audi A4, S4, Sportback, quattro®

2003 – 2009

Audi A4, S4 Cabriolet, quattro®

2003 – 2009

Audi A4, S4, Avant, quattro®

2005 – 2008

Audi A4, S4, Avant, quattro®

2001 – 2008

Audi A4, S4 Cabriolet, quattro®

2003 – 2006

Audi A6, Avant, quattro®

1998 – 2005

Audi A4, S4, Sportback, quattro®

2001 – 2005

Audi A4, S4 Cabriolet, quattro®

2003 – 2009

R 475.98

Audi A6, quattro®, Allroad

2001 – 2005

Audi A4, Avant, S4, quattro®

2001 – 2008

R 475.95

Audi A6, S6 Avant, quattro®

1998 – 2005

Audi A4, Avant, S4, quattro®

2001 – 2008

Audi A4, S4 Cabriolet, quattro®

2003 – 2009

Audi A4, S4 Cabriolet, quattro®

2003 – 2009

Audi A4, S4, Avant, quattro®

2005 – 2008

Audi A4, S4, Avant, quattro®

2005 – 2008

R 1 083.04

R 1 005.82

R 1 089.74

R 1 012.45

Prices are recommended retail exclusive of VAT and are subject to change without notification. Part applicability dependent on chassis number. Image shown may differ from actual part.

Valid from 1 November 2014 – 30 April 2015.

8E0-615-301-AD

8E0-615-301-R

8E0-615-601-P

8E0-615-601-Q

Genuine Parts

R 1 143.33

R 1 105.80

R 425.08

AutoForum - March / April 2015

GOOD, WHEN CAR MANUFACTURERS TRUST YOU. OUTSTANDING WHEN ALMOST ALL DO. Glasurit, approved by leading car manufacturers A trendsetting enterprise: with its paint products and systems, Glasurit is a leading supplier when it comes to approval by car manufacturers – and this is a crucial competitive advantage for bodyshops. OEM approval not only assures a higher standard of refinish work, it also ensures that the car manufacturers will accept responsibility for warranties. You too can reap the benefits of first-class Glasurit products and systems – to help you make a brilliant impression on your customers.

ProFit with Glasurit.

Contents 36

fresh ideas as aussie collision repair expo 2015

38

New hotline from Basf coatings services: 0800 265 687

Body repair insight

In association with BodyShop News Asia and Australian BodyShop News

Fresh ideas at Aussie Collision Repair Expo 2015

A comprehensive seminar programme is about to kick off in Australia to inform repair professional there about the latest technologies and business techniques in the sector, as part of the 2015 Australian Collision Repair Expo to be held from 16 to 18 April in Melbourne.

“We strive to keep Expo visitors up to date with all aspects of their operations, including changes to environmental requirements.”

The Expo Seminar Programme was developed by the organising committee, which is made up of senior collision repair industry executives in that region. Hosted by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), the Expo Seminar Programme promises to provide workshop

PAGE 36

owners and managers, distributors and resellers with a once in every two year opportunity to focus on fresh ideas.

AAAA Executive Director Stuart Charity said challenging cutting edge technology issues will be addressed by the seminar presenters. “We strive to keep Expo visitors up to date with all aspects of their operations, including changes to environmental requirements.”

Contributing to the Expo Seminar Programme will be leading global paints and coatings company AkzoNobel Vehicle Refinishes (VR). AkzoNobel is continuing a three year partnership with the AAAA as the Major Sponsor of the Collision Repair Expo 2015. AkzoNobel VR will not disappoint at next year’s Expo with an impressive display of its latest state-of-the-art and innovative products, and leading color technology.

Keep an eye out on highlights of the show in our next issue!

BASF Coatings Services (Pty) Ltd., 39 Venturi Crescent, Hennops Park, Extension 56, Centurion, Gauteng, 0157 Phone: 012-681 9200, Fax: 012-681 9231, www.glasurit.com/za

PAGE 37

BODYSHOP NEWS

AutoForum - March / April 2015

Parts & Accessories Approved by General Motors South Africa

Genuine GM Parts are: • Designed Engineered, specifically

New hotline from Basf coatings services: 0800 265 687

BODYSHOP

Basf coatings services recently opened its national technical services hotline to cater for its customers in South Africa and sub-sahara Africa for the paint brand glasurit.

The national toll-free number gives the customers direct access to the national technical information centre which has, among other things, a direct link to the colour lab in Muenster, Germany - the global headquarters for Basf coatings.

Customers can obtain technical information such as paint processes and colour information for Glasurit.

“We understand that time is an important factor to our customers, therefore with the introduction of this hotline, we aim to respond to our customers’ requests instantaneously,” notes Reno Nell, National Technical Services Consultant.

“Each of our 6 branches across South Africa have a number of technical consultants on call to assist our customers with various concerns, however, we realized that some

for your Chevrolet, Opel & Isuzu Vehicles • Manufactured to the highest

queries such as requiring colour information on OEM vehicles can be quicker addressed telephonically, hence one of the reasons for setting up this number,” explained Nell.

The link between the national technical information center and the colour lab enables the local facility to channel any system complaints which may require practical testing directly to Germany and also allow for a direct channel to follow up on the results.

quality standards • Fit & Performance Guaranteed • Conforms to all required Safety Standards • Backed by GM Genuine Parts

Alw ays In

The colour lab in Muenster is the centre for all global colour activities, particularly for the fast changes in OEM car colours. Thus, any new colour information is filtered through the National Technical Centre through to the hotline so as to give customers information that is relevant to this region.

The hotline; 0800 265 687, is currently accessible between 08h00 to 17h00 from Mondays through to Fridays with extended hours to be added in the near future.

Warranty • Competitively Priced for old or

sist on

new Chevrolet, Opel & Isuzu Vehicles

Genu

ine GM Pa rts

Get geared with Genuine GM® kits for selected Chevrolet, Opel and Isuzu models.

Visit your nearest Chevrolet, Opel and Isuzu dealership to find the GM Genuine parts for your vehicle

PAGE 38

PAGE 39

Business Forum

AutoForum - March / April 2015

Water Pumps

Business insight

Your company website: a wonderful communication tool: if…

Precision Built For Superior Performance

- Robert Kaiser

The greatest communication and promotional tool A website is your Company’s window to the world, a window that can be accessed by a few mouse clicks by anyone who has Internet access in any part of the world. It is the greatest and most economical communication tool to promote your business, a permanent presence in the increasingly important cyberspace!

Websites have become more than mere electronic brochures; technology has enabled website development to incorporate amazingly complicated functionality; think of the thousands of businesses who source significant revenue via e-commerce functionalities: it has become an everyday occurrence!

Are there risks?

You bet there are: you can ruin the asset value of your website if it is not properly maintained. A poorly maintained website will project a poor image of your business, chasing potential customers away instead of attracting them. Who wants to do business with a company that purports to be a dynamic supplier of services, products or goods if they have a shoddily designed and maintained website?

Some basics to keep in mind: Grammar and typographical accuracy. Grammatical mistakes and typographical errors (believe me, they abound!) are not only extremely irritating to a reader, they project a slovenly attitude, begging the question “IF these guys don’t know the basics of good grammar and they don’t even check their typing, how are they going to do business properly and professionally?”

Contact us: the “contact us” tab is probably one of the most neglected components I have found on websites. Some sites only offer you the opportunity to log a message on a limited-character functionality activated by clicking on the “send” button and that is usually the last anyone hears of your enquiry, it goes to somewhere in cyberspace never to be heard from again…

Has your Company changed address or telephone number?

Do remember to update the website accordingly!

A “Contact Us” page should contain as much contact information as possible, such as your Company’s physical address, postal address, telephone number, fax number, and an email address to which enquiries can be sent by email.

It is also a relatively simple operation to incorporate a “where to find us” map using Google Maps.

Anybody’s job is nobody’s job The maintenance and updating of your Company website is a crucial function and needs to be the responsibility of a senior person in the organisation whose task it is to check on a daily basis whether the site is up and running and who is responsible to update the information on the site immediately it becomes necessary to do so and to respond to any enquiries received via the website. Modern website technology allows content administrators to update information immediately, without having to refer to outsourced IT service providers.

Your Company website is one of your most important communication, image projection and promotional tools and one of the best investments you could make to promote your business; a valuable asset that, like any other valuable asset, needs to be looked after and maintained. Please don’t neglect it!

News tabs. Some companies have a “news” or “media releases” tab on their websites, a useful promotional feature

PAGE 40

GMB OE replacement water pumps are precision-built and balanced water pumps that meet or exceed original equipment specifications. These GMB water pumps are built with heavy-duty steel bearings and are sealed and lubricated for life.

PIA is proud to offer a wide range of GMB water pumps for a diverse range of applications. Call us today to find out about GMB water pumps.

Robert Kaiser has been intimately involved in the motor industry for more than 30 years; he established Retail Motor Consultants in 2002, a consultancy providing management, marketing, communications and business relationship management services and ,through an associated company, BBBEE services for both corporate and SME businesses.

Contact your nearest PIA branch: CH4038

Everyone knows that no business worth its salt, small, medium or large, can afford not to have a website. The way in which the Internet has transformed business and the way we do things makes an excellent website an indispensable part of business presence in the modern economy.

IF it is regularly maintained and updated. I have come across (more than what one would think) news and media release tabs where the latest newsletters or media releases are dated somewhere in 2011: wow, and that is four years ago!

Bloemfontein

Durban

George

Nelspruit

Cape Town

East London

Johannesburg

Port Elizabeth

Tel: (051) 506-0700 Fax: (051) 447-8336 Tel: (021) 590-7500 Fax: (021) 591-5033

Tel: (031) 533-5300 Fax: (031) 569-6576 Tel: (043) 703-8000 Fax: (043) 743-8418

Tel: (044) 874-4175 Fax: (044) 874-3706 Tel: (011) 879-6000 Fax: (011) 454-0200

Tel: (013) 752-4821 Fax: (013) 752-4869 Tel: (041) 390-3000 Fax: (041) 373-0090

Pretoria

Tel: (012) 377-7500 Fax: (012) 377-3896

PAGE 41

AutoForum - March / April 2015

Automakers face production threshold challenge - Roy Cokayne

Nissan South Africa and General Motors South Africa (GMSA) are facing a challenge this year to meet the minimum 50 000 unit annual production threshold that qualifies local vehicle manufacturers for incentives in terms of the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP).

to more than 100 000 units a year and for the production of a new one-ton pick-up for the domestic and export markets.

Whitfield said meeting this target would depend on vehicle demand in the local market, Africa and Middle East and how Nissan performed in these markets.

Nissan SA Managing Director Mike Whitfield, who is also responsible for the sub-Saharan African region, confirmed it had produced “just over 50 000” vehicles last year. However, he admitted the real issue and his concern was meeting the 50 000 unit production volume threshold this year and going forward. “We have models getting towards the end of their lifecycle and we will only ramp up with the new model in the future.

I’m not able to say when.

The Rosslyn plant currently only produces the NP200 half ton bakkie and NP300 Hardbody one-ton pick-up, following the discontinuation of production of the Renault Sandero.

“We are looking at opportunities to ensure we meet it [the volume requirements] but it’s going to be a very tight call and a challenge and related to our product lifecycle.”

Denise van Huyssteen, the Communications Manager at GM Africa, confirmed it produced “more than 45 000 vehicles last year”. But Van Huyssteen said GMSA had complied with the quarterly APDP volume requirements because the programme provided for quarterly measurement and considered factors such as production losses caused by the run-out or ramp-up of new product programmes, as well as losses attributable to labour disruptions.

“We remain committed to the ongoing success of our business in SA and are currently implementing strategies which will strengthen and grow our business operations in the medium to long term.” She said these plans were in the process of being finalised and were focused around growing GMSA’s assembled volumes as envisaged by the objectives of the APDP. She added that GMSA had, over the past few years, undertaken extensive investments into its production facilities to ensure it had the capacity to produce “well over 80 000 vehicles” a year.

Compounding the difficulties Nissan SA is facing in meeting the volume threshold target in the APDP, is that the company has also not yet concluded negotiations with parent company Nissan Motor Company of Japan for the planned production of a new one-ton pick-up in SA. Nissan in August 2012 announced the investment of more than R1 billion into SA to double the production capacity at its Rosslyn assembly plant

PAGE 42

Whitfield said their one-ton pick-up was in the latter phase of its lifecycle and the launch of the new model had been delayed globally. He added their focus now was on securing production of the new one-ton pick-up, which had just been launched in Thailand.

The initial timing was for production to be set up in the course of this year at the Rosslyn plant and the model launched next year. But he said that because of the global delay of the launch, Nissan SA was still involved in serious discussions with its parent company regarding production of the new model.

Whitfield said it was not yet at contract signing stage but hoped to conclude these negotiations soon, which were aimed at optimising the utilisation of the plant’s capacity.

Last year the automaker confirmed it was conducting a feasibility study into the possible SA production of its new vehicle for the taxi industry. Whitfield said this study was part of an overall study into how it could utilise the production capacity at its plant.

“The crux is that this year and into 2016 it’s going to be marginal in getting to the 50 000 unit production requirement.

At this stage we are optimistic but it comes down to how we can operate in Africa and the Middle East.”

Whitfield stressed that if it did not achieve the production volume requirement, it would still earn the production incentive in the APDP but lose the vehicle assembly allowance (VAA).

The VAA support is in the form of duty free import credits issued to vehicle assemblers. It is based on all compliant local production so that exported vehicles, which pay no duty on imported parts, still get the full allowance.

Roy Cokayne is a senior financial reporter for Business Report.

PAGE 43

AutoForum - March / April 2015 which is already so poor. For there is a fate far worse than that. It is called currency crisis, at which point the collateral damage may be far worse that what may transpire if we take controlled, proactive action approved by global capital providers.

2015 Outlook for trucks - Dave Scott

Let’s take leaf out of a market leader’s book.

Isuzu trucks have been the top seller in 2013 and 2014 in forward control cab design trucks - excluding vans & heavy buses. They would never have reached their target volumes of over 4000 units annually if they had been pessimistic – optimism drives the system but is both delicate and dangerous.

COMMERCIAL

Craig Uren, Isuzu Truck South Africa Chief Operating Officer forecasts a truck and bus market of 32,000 unit for 2015 in a volatile environment where the price of oil will play an undetermined but important role:

PAGE 44

Total Market

2014

Forecast 2015

% Change

BUS

1253

1450

15.70%

MCV

11017

10500

-4.70%

HCV

5467

5750

5.20%

ExHCV

13814

14300

3.50%

TOTAL

31551

32000

1.40%

“The latest economic stats are not good reading,” says Uren, adding, “For the first time we are now discussing the threat of deflation with ESKOM unable to maintain the demand for electricity confirming that rolling blackouts will become a norm for time to come. On top of this SA transport legislation does not get to grips with the problems at hand – the latest gazette on speed control does not improve vehicle maintenance and safety. Yet there are good business sentiments in many areas despite a lack of political leadership in our economy.”

Rory Schulz, Managing Director of UD Trucks Southern Africa has the following view of 2015:

Two top SA truck brands are forecasting a 32,000 unit truck and bus market for 2015.

Segment volumes may vary inside this as UD truck exits the medium 3,5t to 8,5t GVM segment for the time being in 2015.

Lower fuel prices are certainly helping in 2015, although the budget speech has added a fuel levy +30.5c/litre and RAF levy +50c/litre. There is much more to the fuel price than a market glut. It’s very dangerous to drop one’s guard and behave as if the USD $110/barrel days will never return. Fuel saving disciplines of the past must remain entrenched to deal with the future.

So what might turn ‘cautious optimism’ into callous pessimism during 2015? We may get a bank rate increase in 2015….what! Why! Consulting Economist Cees Bruggemans offers a very succinct summary: The world is about to witness a one-in-ten year event, America starting to raise its interest rates. Only this time may prove different, more like a 1-in-100 year event, as they start at zero, with global financial portfolios mostly still anchored on zero, and likely to seriously reposition when America starts to change interest rates. All of a sudden, a country with very fragile dynamics (large foreign funding need, slow growth, generally pursuing contradictory policies not growth friendly), such as SA, that in the earlier, easier era found capital uncritically favouring her, might suddenly find a much more severe global attitude coming to the fore, questioning her fragility, demanding greater risk compensation.

That is why we (SA) remain in a rising rate cycle, and why SARB may still raise interest rates this year or next, damaging our growth

Total Market

2013

Forecast 2014

Actual 2014

Change

Forecast 2015

Change

BUS

1046

1050

1253

19.79%

1403

12%

MCV

11584

12200

11017

-4.86%

10911

-1%

HCV

5474

5800

5467

0.04%

5531

1%

EHCV

12820

13500

13814

7.68%

14356

4%

TOTAL

30924

32550

31551

2.04%

32201

2.05%

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

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

And then there are rolling blackouts that we are told to expect as a permanent feature of our lives for the next five years. So what’s that got to do with trucks – trucks don’t run on electricity? Trucks rely on loading systems and goods receiving bays that run on electricity and this is disruptive to ton/kilometre work outputs – trucking productivity takes a knock.

The real maverick, lurking factor is disruptive labour action where trucks get knocked on two fronts. Strikes in truck assembly plants and cargo body builders choke the system and slow retail output. Driver strikes ensure that trucks get parked and businesses close. Said UD Trucks Schulz – “We are also hoping that labour relations will be better after the prolonged industrial action in various segments throughout 2014.”

policy, regulatory offering or political contradiction being aired and uncertainty being intensified. Far worse is the poor sense of local business confidence, fed by an overzealous state sending confusing and/or intimidating regulatory & policy signals, an overworked poorly maintained infrastructure giving the ghost, an over-excited labour relations environment running riot, and more in such fractious frame.”

Conclusion The last word goes to Isuzu Truck’s Uren – “Isuzu Truck South Africa will ‘stick to the knitting’ and never mind the negatives we have no option but to adapt and be nimble, dodging whatever is thrown at us.”

You just gotta admire the truckers! In this tough environment there are 360,000 trucks above 3,5t GVM registered with NaTIS delivering 88% of South Africa’s freight. So let’s have those 32,000 new units – it’s good for our whole economy, never mind the pathetic leadership we witness at Government level.

Reference: Cees Bruggemans Consulting Economist www.bruggemans.co.za Email economics@bruggemans.co.za

Bruggemans comments: “You don’t get very far with half your business pistons not functioning properly, misfiring with every labour strike, every electricity blackout and every misguided

Automechanika

South Africa 6 - 9 May 2015 Hall: 7 Stand 7D 020 Hall: 0D Stand 0D 05

Petrol Injector Tester and Cleaner

Automotive Diagnostic Training Course R 8 900.00

R 12 700.00 Including VAT

Check injector leakage Check Spray pattern Check uniform volume Test 8 injectors simultaneously Top-feed and side-feed adaptors included Ultrasonic bath included

Scantool: Including VAT All literature 2 Days training in Pretoria Refreshments and lunch Theory and Practical test Certificate Accomodation can be arranged at own cost

Phone now to book your seat

Contact us on (012) 330 0540, info@hge.co.za or visit www.hge.co.za 42 Taaifontein st, Cnr Khai Apple st, Montana, Pretoria Quality brands at affordable prices

PAGE 45

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

AutoForum - March / April 2015

From cars to agriculture: The new Victor Reinz® product line for the aftermarket

Bridgestone revamps commercial tyre division Bridgestone South Africa recently announced changes to its commercial tyre operations that take effect on the 2 March 2015. The adjustments will see sales and distribution of all new and retreaded truck, bus and earth mover tyres spearheaded by a newly-formed company within the Bridgestone Group, Bridgestone South Africa Commercial (Pty) Ltd. “Bridgestone Commercial will ensure our customers have the peace of mind of knowing they are dealing directly with Bridgestone,” said Bridgestone SA CEO, Mike Halforty. “It will also allow us to consolidate our branding position and provide closer customer support, as well as positioning us for growth in the commercial market.”

Halforty also announced that Bridgestone Commercial will be led by Dries Lottering, in his capacity as Managing Director.

“Dries has been with Bridgestone for many years and has

PAGE 46

extensive experience of the challenges faced by our commercial tyre customers.”

The company adds that together with the launch of Bridgestone Commercial, selected Supa Quick outlets will also offer commercial tyres and services. Halforty commented that this move would result in closer ties with commercial customers, and explained that the accredited outlets would also be able to supply commercial retreads manufactured according to the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) specifications.

Agent in South Africa Intrade T. 011-432-2667 F. 011-432-3005 E-mail: intrade@iafrica.com

Simple, fast and APP-TO-DATE – Find our comprehensive product catalog with more than 16.000 service parts at www.victorreinz.com/online-catalog. Experience the Victor Reinz product world as mobile App.

automechanika JOHANNESBURG

Visit us and collect the new catalogs 6-9 May 2015 Booth 6F008

Bridgestone’s commercial tyres recently won ‘Best Tyre Brand’ at the inaugural 2014 TruckX Awards. “The time was right to ramp up our commercial operation to a new level,” Halforty said. “I’m certain that Bridgestone Commercial is going to set ever-higher standards in this segment.”

www.victorreinz.com

PAGE 47

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

AutoForum - March / April 2015

‘An emergency in slow motion’– diabetes among SA truck drivers - Part 3 - Dave Scott

The point is low or high sugar levels are not the key issue. It’s the loss of precious reaction time on the road that impaired physical condition causes. Defensive driving is all about creating maximum reaction time in any situation on the road – many crashes could have been avoided had the threat been perceived a couple of seconds earlier. Fact: at 80kph every second lost means 22m lost on the road. At 100kph this increases to 28m and at 120kph it’s 33m into a collision situation. How many seconds can an uncontrolled diabetic afford to lose, at night, in rainy conditions and on the road?

Storing insulin on the road Material safety data sheets (MSDS) state that long term storage requiring insulin for syringe use to be kept refrigerated 20 to 80C (36 to 460F) but not in the freezer.

MSDS are very specific for insulin – ‘do not freeze’. Insulin must be kept in tight original packing and stored according to product instruction and to prevent degradation. This means that insulin may not be kept in contact with a freezer brick in an insulated box.

A hot truck cab in long-haul or loading-queue environments baking in the sun are not places for diabetics to store insulin for use on the road. While insulin in use may be stored at ambient temperatures up to 25°C, this limits shelf life and is consequently unsuitable for spare insulin. A vehicle passenger compartment or truck cab will far exceed 25°C on a hot summer day which points to additional risk and complication for insulindependent diabetic drivers.

full medical assessment and an annual re-assessment by a specialist physician endocrinologist or family physician trained in diabetes management including review of medical records and glucometer recordings of the previous 24 months.

The personal cost of diabetes Diabetic drivers are not going to be treated to increased paypackages because of their condition. This is another factor promoting self-denial. Anyway, would extra income to cover diabetes expenses actually be spent on medicine, HbA1C tests, sugar level monitoring and diet control? Most likely not!

The following standards should apply: There has not been any severe hypoglycaemic event {requiring assistance from another person} in the previous six months.

Then there’s the problem of treatment through the public health system where so much time has to be taken off (2 days?) to join hospital queues for treatment – more reason for self-denial.

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Here’s a current typical monthly cost for a well-controlled Type-2 condition for a truck driver not on a medical aid, remembering that this is after-tax money: Glucophage tablets R106 Electronic test strips – twice daily R200 HbA1c twice annual testing R100/pm Eye tests – twice annual R100/pm Total / month R506 A driver using injectable insulin will see an increase in the monthly figure due to the cost of insulin – which can be in the region of R1250 per month. This means if a driver is not on a medical aid with chronic-medicine cover, the cost of managing the condition could be around R1650 per month.

Insulin from a state clinic needs a full day off, to queue.

Defining and prioritizing diabetic driving risks The diabetes threat among SA truck drivers is just too big to ignore. The consequences of denial at a corporate and personal level are early health failure and in the absence of validated statistics can be classed as a growing contributory factor to road accidents.

• •

The driver has full hypoglycaemic awareness.

The driver must show adequate control of the condition by regular blood glucose monitoring, at least twice daily and at times relevant to driving.

The driver must demonstrate an understanding of the risks of hypoglycaemia.

There are no other potentially dangerous complications or co-morbidities associated with diabetes such as: Sight-threatening retinopathy or cataracts. (A complete eye examination by ophthalmologist or optometrist is mandatory.)

Obstructive sleep apnea.

Unstable coronary artery disease or arrhythmias.

Transient ischemic attacks.

Significant neurological deficits (e.g. cerebrovascular disease, peripheral or autonomic neuropathy),

who will pay for ‘an annual re-assessment by a specialist physician endocrinologist or family physician trained in diabetes management including review of medical records and glucometer recordings of the previous 24 months’?

It all starts with identifying drivers that are diabetic. This means proper testing from qualified nurses – for example,

by Diabetes SA staff – a test indicating current blood sugar levels. And even if drivers record acceptable blood sugar levels, the process of diabetes education is a never-ending journey. Even if diagnosed as diabetic, a good truck drive is a precious resource. So let’s help them manage the condition. Urban life is classed as a health threat and the reason for the alarming increase in Type-2 diabetes. By contrast truck drivers are subject to a compounding negative effect far beyond the bad aspects of urban lifestyle.

It’s time to steer the problem and not let the problem steer us.

Prof Ayesha A Motala – Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology: University of KwaZuluNatal http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/print/2013/08/sugar/ cohen-text http://www. livestrong.com/article/283136-how-many- teaspoons-of-sugar-are-there-in-a-can-of-coke/ http://www.novonordisk.com/images/about_us/ changing-diabetes/PDF/Leadership%20 forum%20pdfs/ Briefing%20Books/Sub-Saharan%20Africa%20BB.pdf http://www.semdsa. org.za/ http://www.novonordiskmedicalinformation.com//file_upload/ MSDN/Novolin%20 70-30%20MSDS.pdf http://diabetes.about.com/od/glossaryofterms/g/whatisA1c. htm http://www.faqs.org/faqs/diabetes/faq/part1/section-9.html http://www.multivu.com/

The above is a ‘wish’ list that is far removed from what is happening on the ground. Limited research into the road transport industry indicates a lack of awareness of this ‘emergency in slow motion’. Diabetes does not rank! If there’s no written health policy diabetes will not get a mention. And

mnr/7140059-novo-nordisk-cities-changing-diabetes www.justice.gov.za/labourcourt/jdgmlbc/2013lbc/C887-11. pdf The 2012 SEMDSA Guideline for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes - JEMDSA 2012 Volume 17 No 1 page 61-62 IDF Diabetes Atlas. International Diabetes Federation 2013. 6th edition.

The 2012 SEMDSA Guideline for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: E. Diabetes Care in Specific Populations – 29.Diabetes mellitus and driving DIABETES FOCUS – Autumn 2014 – Issue 77

It’s all about changing education and attitude. This starts with a driver health policy document where diabetes is recognised as an issue to be tracked on the same level as eyesight.

There is after all a direct link between visual acuity and diabetes.

A written driver health policy becomes the basis for procedure and organisational discipline. This in turn guides the culture of the business and how things happen regardless of changes in personnel and structures. Where policy and discipline exist, the need for ad hoc training falls away. Sadly, in most transport operations the only policy document for driver health is the annual PrDP licence requirement for a doctor’s health certificate, which in too many cases is a paper chase that glosses over serious health issues.

Here is what medical professional experts offer in a published guideline: ‘Candidates with diabetes who apply for commercial licences should have an initial

PAGE 48

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

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

PAGE 49

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

AutoForum - March / April 2015

UD trucks reveals the new Quester Range - Warwick Robinson

Its been a busy first quarter for the Volvo group and UD Trucks, who launched its much anticipated Quester model in the Waterberg in March, followed by the opening of the new group Parts Distribution centre in Jet Park.

ideal for distribution and construction work. Turbo-charged with an air-to-air intercooler, it delivers 243kW at 2 200 rpm, as well as 1 200Nm of torque at between 1 400 and 1600 rpm.

On arrival at the majestic Waterberg venue, guests were introduced to the new range by UD Trucks MD Rory Schulz.

He explained the origins of the project, which utilized 8 sites on 3 continents testing (Warwick what does this mean??) and included 400 test rigs, which together endured 65000 hours of testing. This effort was aimed at developing a global product specifically focussed on emerging markets - and their set of particular requirements. Market segments, regional specifications and local fleet owners’ business needs all formed part of the mix according to Schulz. The range is really focussed on a simple promise and that comes down to “uptime”.

In comparison, the 11-litre GH11E engine offers good torque of 1 734Nm at low revolutions, which results in a quick response to acceleration. It delivers 278kW of power at 1 900 rpm. An electronically-controlled cooling fan reduces losses and it has an engine-driven power take-off with a high torque output of maximum 650Nm. The GH11E is also offered with an extra engine brake.

The 13 model derivatives destined for SA are well suited to on- and off-road applications and UD went to lengths to explain how every component has been considered with efficiency and durability in mind. Both the 8 and 11 litre engines have been designed with wide torque bands to adjust to operating conditions from traffic to cruising, tar to gravel. The 8-litre GH8E engine has already built a good reputation for its economy and performance, which makes it

PAGE 50

Quester utilizes the proven UD SYNCRO transmissions, with high input-torque capability of up to 2 000NM. Both engines are available in 9 speed transmissions, with a 12 speed option only available on the 11 litre variant. For rough and hilly operations, Quester offers hub reduction for the 6x4R, 8x4R and 6x4T configurations, and the rear axle housing is made from fabricated steel to better handle heavy loads. The 6x2R configurations can also be provided with a bogie lifting axle, which is used to lift the axle in an unladen condition.

A substantial motivation for customers to consider the Quester is the service contract, included in the purchase price of all vehicles, which covers 3 years or 150 000km.

But UD have taken the offering a leap further by including a telematic system as a standard feature.

“We understand that optimizing fuel costs and having up to the minute information is enormously important for fleet owners, so optimising their fuel costs and providing them with tools to manage their operations more efficiently - was a priority right from conception” explained Schulz.

According to UD, the system not only gives operators a real time information resource in terms of speed and positioning but also offers detailed information to allow for preventive and planned maintenance, schedule services and - most importantly - can enable fuel savings of up to 30%. A driver training to take advantage of these features is also going to be an area of opportunity in the coming years.

“Our 70 franchised dealers present along all major routes in southern and east Africa means that operators can get UD support no matter where they operate” says Schulz, “With Quester, UD is once more truly going the extra mile – on performance & productivity, on efficiency & durability, on maintenance and on providing the best possible service to our customers”.

Within weeks the UD and press teams re-assembled – this time together with customers and such dignitaries as the Swedish Ambassador Mr Hagelberg, and executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni Mondli Gungubele – for the opening of the brand new Volvo Trucks, Regional Distribution Centre in Jet Park . After the Mayors’ presentation we will be careful not to call it Eastern Johannesburg! (He amused the audience by wondering out loud why anybody would think “Johannesburg” had an international airport). It is encouraging to hear how local government is pushing forward plans to cope with a projected tripling of traffic through the “aerotropolis” over the next 30 years. The mayor and his team see business investment in the area as the major opportunity to address issues around development and upliftment.

Once more the theme of ensuring “uptime” was a focal point. Construction on the new facility started in 2013, on an operational site, and has taken 15 months to complete.

A tour of the new section really put the growth into physical perspective – a 4 500sqm building now encompasses 13 000sqm, and houses R280 Million worth of stock comprised of over 53 000 part numbers. According to Colin Govinder who showed us the new warehouse, the capacity created by the new PDC should service all Volvo Group’s trucking part needs until 2020, servicing customers right up to the equator. See the full story on p54.

PAGE 51

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

Keep your fleets cool with the engine cooling specialists

AutoForum - March / April 2015

TATA launches next generation PRIMA range of commercial vehicles - Grant West

Gerotek Test Facility near Pretoria recently hosted Tata Automobile Corporation SA’s launch of 6 of their next generation PRIMA range of commercial vehicles in South Africa. Invited guests and members of the press were introduced to this range and their capabilities on selected components of the test facility, which included the high speed oval, one of the dynamic handling tracks and the large skid pan, amongst others.

Maitra, Head - Sales (International Business), Commercial Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors.

Tata Motors refer to this range as their “World Truck” due to its design and drivetrain components being sourced globally. Powered by Cummins engines coupled with Eaton/ ZF gearboxes and Italian cab design, mounted on a chassis - which combines Mexican chassis technology with Swedish precision on the robotic weld line – the Tata Prima has been uncompromisingly designed for long-distance/ hours of transportation.

PRIMA boasts best in class fuel economy and a higher aggregate life aligned with modern engine technology features, like Load Based Speed Control (LBSC), Gear Down Protection (GDP) and Vehicle Acceleration Management (VAM) ensuring substantial fuel economy improvements for the operator. Features such as Idle Shutdown and Cruise Control further enhance the fuel economy and convenience.

“The launch of the Tata PRIMA brand in South Africa is an important milestone in the automaker’s continued expansion in the market and the African region, giving the customer a new next-generation commercial vehicle, with the trusted credentials of the Tata Motors brand. The Tata PRIMA is shaped by the latest global technologies, know-how and expertise, with global standards of performance, comfort and safety - a result of customer feedback combined with years of experience in the trucking business. The range being launched is world-class in every sense” says Rudrarup

This range is backed with a service network of 48 commercial vehicles dealers (sales and service touch points) across the length and breadth of the country, 24 hours roadside assistance and roaming warranty in 14 countries of Southern Africa. To ensure peace of mind to its customers, The PRIMA tractor range has a drivetrain warranty of 4 years or 450,000 kms (whichever earlier) and the PRIMA tipper range has a drivetrain warranty of 4 years or 5000 hours.

The Engine Cooling Specialists Silverton Radiators has been in the engine cooling business providing quality replacement products for more than sixty years and if there is anybody who understands engine cooling then it is us.

For fast, friendly and efficient service let the professionals help you. There are more than 120 Silverton Radiators dealers spread across Southern Africa so wherever you are, there is a Silverton Radiators dealer near you.

CH4004

PAGE 52

The SA lineup of the range is based on market requirements and customer feedback, with several test cycles having been conducted locally. It is available in varying trims with the range extending up to 49 tonnes and engine options up to 380bhp.

Services offered by Silverton Radiators: - Specialist engine cooling systems advice - Professional flushing of cooling systems - Radiator and inter-cooler re-coring or refurbishment - Custom-made parts as per customer requirements - Sales of quality replacement parts - Specialised systems and component testing - Expert cooling system troubleshooting, service and repair

For more information, please visit www.silvertonrads.co.za

PAGE 53

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

AutoForum - March / April 2015

Volvo Group opens new SA RDC to better client uptime In March, the Volvo Group SA launched its new R60 Million Regional Distribution Centre (RDC). Located in Boksburg, the upgraded facility incorporates the parts warehousing and logistical services for the various Volvo Group brands operating in southern Africa.

The more than 52 000 parts housed include stock items for Volvo Bus, Volvo Construction Equipment, Volvo Trucks, Volvo Penta, Renault Trucks and UD Trucks. The main warehouse size was increased to 11 500m² and now also has an additional 1 500m² storage capacity for cabs, as well as for hazardous materials such as coolants. The investment is aimed at allowing for faster parts deliveries, more streamlined and efficient operations, as well as increased warehousing capacity for all its brands.

According to Torbjörn Christensson, President of the Volvo Group SA: “As the Volvo Group SA we believe that the merger of our warehouse facilities under one roof will enable us to better support the company’s future growth within southern and East Africa. It is therefore a strategic investment in our future and will enable us to support our customers more efficiently and timely, especially in light of the significant volume growth our brands have experienced over the last number of years.”

“Increased uptime for our customers is one of our core objectives within the Group,” explained Christensson.

“Customers are rightly demanding exceptional parts availability – something we believe we will be able to achieve

PAGE 54

with the new facility, its innovative systems and skilled workforce.”

“The aim of Volvo Group Logistics Services - (who design, manage and optimise logistics services within the company) is to deliver services with world-class operational excellence, in an efficient and sustainable way, thereby reducing costs, disruption and environmental impact,” said Christer Svärd, Senior Vice President of Volvo Group Logistics Services.

“We also aim to constantly ensure the global availability of aftermarket parts to dealers and end-customers at the right time, the right place and at the right cost.”

Parts are supplied to the Johannesburg RDC from the various brands’ Central Parts Distribution Centers (CDC) in France (Renault Trucks), Japan and Singapore (UD), Sweden and Belgium (Volvo Construction Equipment, Volvo Bus, Volvo Penta and Volvo Trucks).

Colin Govender, General Manager, Logistics Services, for the southern and East African region adds: “We have agreements in place with the various CDCs for the prompt processing of emergency parts, as well as for day and stock orders.

Agreements are also in place with transport providers for the forwarding and clearing of daily air and weekly sea shipments – ensuring a continuous flow of regular maintenance, as well as critical parts to dealers and ultimately to customers.”

The Volvo Group RDC boasts a same-day delivery policy to dealers within 50km of the facility, and a 24/7 set-up in place for emergency parts. Overnight and next day deliveries are in place for the remainder of the dealers across South Africa, as well as up to twice weekly dedicated deliveries to export dealers outside the country.

The facility has staff compliment of 16 office workers and 52 industrial workers – all of whom have been trained in the new warehousing processes and systems to ensure accuracy, productivity and efficiency.

“The integrated warehouse boasts one system that effectively covers all the brands supported from South Africa,” says Govender. “Ultimately, this means one defined process, one way of developing the competencies of our staff, and creating more opportunity to have multi-skilled people that can support the operation in different areas as needed.”

PAGE 55

SHOW TIME

AutoForum - March / April 2015

Show Time

SHOW TIME

New Automechanika show planned for Jeddah in 2016

PAGE 56

Messe Frankfurt has announced that it is growing the international network of the Automechanika brand with the addition of an event in Saudi Arabia.

Automechanika Jeddah will be held from 26 to 28 January 2016 in the Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events, taking the total number of international trade fairs under the brand to fourteen B2B events in thirteen countries. Automechanika Jeddah will be organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East GmbH, Dubai, a subsidiary of the Messe Frankfurt Group, together with Saudi Arabian organiser AlHarithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE).

Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt GmbH commented: “From a geostrategic perspective, the Gulf states are one of the Messe Frankfurt Group’s key markets. Saudi Arabia’s high purchasing power and the projected growth in the automotive and supplier sectors offer substantial potential for an international trade fair like Automechanika. We are delighted to have the opportunity to join forces with ACE Exhibitions, which is the leading organiser in Saudi Arabia with over 500 successful events in the kingdom to its credit.”

According to government information, the Saudi Arabian automotive industry is a fast-growing sector of the economy. The Saudi Arabian Central Department Of Statistics & Information reported that more than one million passenger cars,

Messe Frankfurt Middle East GmbH, Dubai: “With 7.1 million passenger cars on the roads of Saudi Arabia, the country is well on the way to becoming the production centre for the automotive industry in the Middle East.”

WHY A FITMENT CENTRE NEEDS DIAGNOSTICS • • • • • • •

Steering angle sensors (SAS) which may require recalibration after alignment.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring systems (TPMS) which may require coding.

Batteries which require service resets and system updates Electronic Parking Brakes which require releasing for brake replacement ABS for the bleeding of electronic braking systems Ride Height pre-set required on some Air suspension vehicles Engine Management light reset required after some exhaust replacements

Fast Clamping No Contact on rim

Automechanika Jeddah will focus on the five product areas Parts & Systems, Accessories & Tuning, Repair & Maintenance, Tyres & Batteries and Service Station & Car Wash. The event will benefit from the international reputation of the Automechanika trade fair brand and from ACE’s extensive knowledge of the Saudi Arabian market.

commercial vehicles and trucks had been imported in 2013, valued at around US$21 billion in all.

Demand for parts is also rising and is expected to grow by 7.7 percent to up to US$5.5 billion over the next five years. Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of

Over 125 exhibitors from some 20 countries are expected to take part in the debut event.

The Messe Frankfurt Group is currently present in the United Arab Emirates with nine trade fairs, which are organised by its Dubai-based subsidiary Messe Frankfurt Middle East GmbH. As well as Automechanika Dubai – the largest trade fair for the automotive aftermarket in the Middle East and Africa region.

Screw compressors, piston compressors complete with silencers and air dryers.

David Barendse 082 450 6109 Fax: 011 864 1588

Tel: 011 908 5199 011 908 4169 gts@telkomsa.net

Proud suppliers of the following top brands:

PAGE 57

SHOW TIME

AutoForum - March / April 2015

Petro.t.ex Africa event this May According to the organisers of the upcoming Petro.t.ex Conference and Exhibition, Africa’s petroleum and petrochemical industry and the many challenges faced by the sector - including climate change issues, fuel security and the falling oil price - will be addressed at this year’s event.

The show forms part of the multi-sector South African Industry & Technology Fair taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand from 20-22 May 2015. “The key focus of the conference are the updates for the liquid fuel and downstream industry,” says organiser Bette McNaughton. “It will also cover numerous current topics such as the overall status of the liquid fuel industry in South Africa, climate change, alternative fuels, and the revised Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Codes for the retail fuel market.”

Bakang Moeketsi, CEO of the South African Petroleum Retailers’ Association (SAPRA). “The promotion of broadbased black economic empowerment is a primary objective, as is the need to achieve a globally competitive mining industry that benefits all South Africans,” says Moeketsi.

“The revised Codes combine management control and employment equity into one element, as does preferential procurement and enterprise development, thus reducing Scorecard elements from seven to five.”

Dr Rod Crompton from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) will discuss fuel security and the hijacking of tankers. Truck hijackings have increased by 10% to over 1 200 incidents last year, costing the road freight industry about R1.2 billion.

About 95% of South Africa’s crude oil demand is met by imports from the Middle East and Africa.

However, with estimated reserves of over nine billion barrels of oil beneath South Africa’s coastlines, many drilling and business opportunities exist, which could also give the country some small measure of independence from imports.

Avhapfani Tshifularo, Executive Director of the South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA), will deliver the opening keynote address on The Overall Status of the Liquid Fuel Industry in South Africa.

“Oil is a strategic asset and key to South Africa’s growth; the rapid fall of the oil price – from over $100 to just over $50 per barrel – does affect the industry, but we need to be flexible to continue to function.

The Petro.t.ex conference will play a major role in informing the industry about these changes and provide a vital platform for discussion.”

Another key topic under discussion will be the implications of the Revised BBBEE Codes for the retail market, presented by

Other highlights include: • The effects of the falling oil price on the economy, discussed by Carmen Nel, an economist at Rand Merchant Bank.

• Alternative fuels, presented by Jason Gifford from the steering committee of the Southern African Biogas Industry Association. Alternative fuels include biodiesel, electric vehicles, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and hydrogen.

• Clean fuels and maximising sustainable development opportunities, presented by Professor Jim Petrie, Director of Energy and Green Economy from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism of the Western Cape Government • Climate Change presented by Deborah Ramalope, Chief Director: Climate Change Mitigation, • The role of independent storage suppliers presented by Muziwandile Mseleku, CEO of Burgan For more information, visit http://www.exhibitionsafrica.com.

PAGE 58

PAGE 59

Aftermarketplace AutoForum - March / April 2015

AutoForum - March / April 2015

Ingersoll Rand highlights upgraded R-series compressors It has been a few months since Ingersoll Rand ushered in two new additions to its range of R-Series compressors. The company says that the fixed and variable speed drives R-Series 5-11 kW Rotary Screw Compressor and R-Series 30-37 KW Contact-Cooled Rotary Screw Air Compressor bring “modernisation and improvements to the company’s compressed air solutions, providing enhanced value.”

The R-Series vertically stacked compact design translates to a 20% footprint reduction. This, and reduced sound levels – as little as 69 decibels (dB) - make it ideal for use in the commercial sector where space is restricted or ambient sound levels important. Both series are available with a Total Air System (TAS) option, which comprises complete compressor, cooler and dryer systems with integrated controls, water separators, drain ports, filter and receiver tanks.

PCL’s launches YouTube channel PCL has been busy making movies to populate its YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/PCLairtech Featuring its famous “Made in Sheffield” products, the videos were all filmed on location at the company’s state-of-the-art UK manufacturing facility.

The first video explains why PCL is recognised as the global market leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of tyre inflation and compressed air products.

Product videos provide a close inspection of a selection of products, including the MK3 Tyre Inflator, which has become industry standard in UK garages, petrol forecourts, tyre shops and depots. A demonstration allows operators and tyre fitters to see the sturdy yet slimline MK3 perform with reliability and accuracy.

PCL says that the channel is extremely useful to show the capabilities of products, particularly Dropout, a unique water removal system which guarantees 99.99% liquid water removal in compressed air systems and the NEXUS N2 generation and inflation solution. The latter enables customers to benefit from superfast nitrogen inflation from their existing air supply without needing to buy, store and handle expensive nitrogen bottles.

The PCL channel’s playlists https://www.youtube.com/user/ PCLairtech/playlists provide links to other videos, featuring

PAGE 60

products from its partner brand HORN TECALEMIT - including the MasterDrainer 80 oil collection and suction extraction device with air pressure drainage.

PCL appears at most top trade exhibitions, both at home and abroad. However if you can’t make it to see their products in action there, their YouTube channel provides an excellent virtual alternative to trying before you buy: www.youtube.com/user/PCLairtech For more information on PCL’s full product range please visit www.pclairtechnology.com

Equipment Africa’s new high def 3D wheel alignment system

Just two products cover all sealing needs

Equipment Africa has launched a range of new high definition 3D wheel alignment machines, which boast a massive improvement on the old 3D alignment technology.

The use of liquid sealants for repairs is nothing new.

However, in the past the search for the right product took time and effort, since the technical properties of the various sealants differed widely.

The new design targets are much smaller, lighter and less working space is required, and users no longer require extra wide 4 post lifts. Another highlight are 5 megapixel high definition 3D cameras.

Equipment Africa has three units on offer - a compact unit, a regular unit and an auto tracking unit.

The auto tracking unit is specially designed for four post lifts.

Due to this design the machine offers a more productive service to the customer. It is also safer – thanks to the camera boom moving up and down with the lift.

The cameras come with a two year warranty and they have a range of 6.6 meters.

Fewer products, easier choices Through constant innovation in sealing materials, specialists such as Victor Reinz have been able to greatly reduce the number of sealants needed for repairs. The company believes that just two products, ‘REINZOSIL’ and ‘REINZOPLAST’cover all repair needs. Both sealants are approved for all European and Japanese automobile makes. REINZOSIL is a silicone-based sealant that is solvent-free, fast-curing, and permanently elastic. It is used on flat surfaces with sealing gaps, such as those occurring on engines, transmissions, axles, cylinder liners, and synthetic parts. It is also suitable for rough sealing surfaces and cracks in parts. With its high Shore hardness it can even seal components that are subject to substantial relative movement and vibration. In continuous usage, REINZOSIL can stand temperatures from –50°C to +300°C. REINZOSIL-t is a transparent silicone sealant suitable for use on bodywork (windshields, lamp housings, glass parts etc.) It is also suitable for encapsulating and sealing electrical connections.

By contrast, REINZOPLAST is a non-hardening, permanently plastic polyurethane-based sealant. Reinz recommends it for fine or finely worked sealing surfaces without sealing gaps in engines, transmissions and axles, including those which may be subject to high static movement and vibration. Another application is sealing threads. REINZOPLAST likewise covers the –50°C to +300°C temperature range.

Unlike with hardening sealants, parts assembled using REINZOPLAST can be simply removed again after extended periods.

Selection criteria In addition to technical product properties (temperature range, media resistance, curing time etc.), other important criteria when selecting a sealant are the application (intake manifold, oil pan, etc.) and the sealing gap. For the first two criteria, Victor Reinz provides users with tables and lists. To determine the sealing gap, a feeler gauge can be inserted into the sealing gap. Sealing gaps under 0.1 mm are sealed with permanently elastic sealants, those over 0.1 mm with permanently plastic sealants.

To round out the range, Victor Reinz also offers a sealant remover called ‘RE-MOVE,’ that makes it easy to remove all sealants, as well as adhesive, resin, and paint residues.

PAGE 61

DIRECTORY LISTING

AutoForum - March / April 2015 Aftermarketplace Directory

To advertise your listing in AutoForum Aftermarketplace Directory contact us on 011 466 3733 or email: info@AutoForum.co.za

AUTO ELECTRICAL Auto Cosmos - Electrolog

Electronic Parts (Electrical) Catalogue

012 327 6210

Bosch

Parts, Accessories & Batteries

011 651 9600

Parts Incorporated Africa

Automotive Components & Accessories

011 879 6000

Trysome Auto Electrical

Parts, Accessories & Batteries

011 823 5650

Connoisseur Automotive

Air Conditioning Specialists

021 419 7188

Highveld Garage Equipment

Air Conditioning Specialists

012 330 0540

Snap-on Equipment

Diagnostics Equipment

0861 762 766

Spray Booths, Chassis Straighteners & Welding Equipment

011 444 6454

Aer-O-Cure

Pressure Washers & Vacuum Cleaners

011 444 6454

Highveld Garage Equipment

Pressure Washers & Vacuum Cleaners

012 330 0540

NAPA/Midas Group

Tools & Garage Equipment

011 879 6000

Aer-O-Cure

Electronic Chassis Straighteners

011 444 6454

Beissbarth

Wheel Alignment Equipment

011 651 9600

Bosch

Diagnostic Equipment

011 651 9600

Equipment Africa

Diagnostic Tools & Garage Equipment

012 653 0364

Highveld Garage Equipment

Engine Analyser & Diagnostic Scanners

012 330 0540

Integrated Marketing

Sales, Service & Repairs to all Equipment

012 664 3556

Leaderquip

Wheel Alignment Equipment

011 334 1680

Launch

Air Conditioning Diagnostic Equipment

011 397 3073

Midas

Diagnostic Tools & Garage Equipment

011 879 6000

Snap-on Diagnostics

Diagnostics Equipment

086 176 2766

Wheelquip

Wheel Alignment Equipment

021 949 0010

Aer-O-Cure

Tools & Garage Equipment

011 444 6454

Beissbarth

Wheel Alignment Equipment

011 651 9600

Bosch

Diagnostic Equipment

011 651 9600

Equipment Africa

Tools & Garage Equipment

012 653 0364

Highveld Garage Equipment

Tyre & Lifting Equipment & Tools

012 330 0540

Integrated Marketing

Sales, Service & Repairs to all Equipment

012 664 3556

Ital Machinery

Brake & Clutch Machinery

011 483 3737

John Bean - Snap-on Equipment

Wheel Service Equipment

086 176 2766

Leaderquip

Tyre & Lifting Equipment & Tools

011 334 1680

Launch

Tyre & Lifting Equipment & Tools

011 397 3073

NAPA/Midas Group

Tools & Garage Equipment

011 879 6000

Snap-on Tools

Tools & Garage Equipment

086 176 2766

Wheelquip

Wheel Service Equipment

021 949 0010

Alfa Brake Drums & Discs

Brake Drums & Discs

011 608 0801/3

AUDI Parts

Genuine OE Parts

086 043 4838

Bosch

Parts, Accessories & Batteries

011 651 9600

Federal Mogul Ferodo

Aftermarket Parts & Accessories

011 630 3000

Midas

Aftermarket Parts & Accessories

011 879 6000

Nissan SA

Aftermarket Parts & Accessories

080 064 7726

NAPA/Midas Group

Aftermarket Parts & Accessories

011 879 6000

Parts Incorporated Africa

Automotive Components & Accessories

011 879 6000

Trysome Auto Electrical

Electrical Parts, Accessories & Batteries

011 823 5650

Turbo Exchange

Aftermarket Parts & Genuine OE Parts

011 402 7085

Victor Reinz

Aftermarket Parts

011 432 2667

VW Parts

Genuine OE Parts

086 043 4737

Auto Cosmos - Electrolog

Electronic Parts (Electrical) Catalogue

012 327 6210

Bosch

Automotive Training Courses

011 651 9600

AIR CONDITIONING

Secure the future of your workshop!

Bosch - your optimal workshop concept partner

BODY REPAIR EQUIPMENT Aer-O-Cure CLEANING EQUIPMENT

DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT

GARAGE EQUIPMENT & TOOLS

PARTS MANUFACTURERS & DISTRIBUTORS

SERVICES

PAGE 62

Drive your business forward with Bosch through the automotive evolution and stay ahead of the pack. Bosch offers various workshop concept solutions meeting your individual needs. As a Bosch workshop concept partner you can offer your customer first class quality and you can profit from distinct advantages when partnering with Bosch: Internationally recognised brand Distinctive corporate identity Effective marketing and advertising programme Customer retention programme Comprehensive technical support portfolio, including ESI[tronic], Bosch diagnostics, technical training, hotline and field support Quality automotive parts at competitive prices National Deal Partner support programme Fleet Program Share the success of a strong brand in the workshop market, for more information, visit www.boschservice.co.za, or call Customer Careline 0861 267 247 *Terms and conditions apply

PAGE 63

re at r-o-cu e A t i s Vi

AutoForum - March / April 2015

5 ay 2C0e1ntre M h t 9 po 6urg Ex nesb Johan

Aer-o-cure provides an air-tight solution for refinishing professionals.

Aer-o-cure’s Combination Downdraught Spraybooths are designed for automotive refinishers that demand a reliable, high quality paint process with minimum running costs.

The powerful downdraft ventilation system guarantees a healthy working environment and optimal conditions for painting, removing all vehicle overspray immediately and ensuring a mirror-perfect finish after baking.

Minimising energy usage during both the painting and baking cycles is a high priority and is achieved through precisely controlling the motor’s speed via the Microprocessor control. Energy-saving neon lighting is utilised to provide uniform conditions allowing for correct colour tones to be achieved with absolute precision.

For a complete Aer-o-cure Spraybooth and Mixing Room solution, visit our website or call now for more information.

10 Reasons why you should choose an Aer-o-cure Combination Downdraught Spraybooth: • Microprocessor controlled, energy efficient • Manufactured in South Africa • OEM Approved • SABS Certified • Lower maintenance costs • Lower operational costs • Easily movable • Established in SA since 1980 • Proven after-sales service and support • Over 2000 spray booths produced since inception

STANDARD MIXING ROOMS MODELS: AM – 30 / 40 STANDARD SPRAYBOOTHS MODELS: AC60- 2800, AC75 – 2800 / 3400, AC90 – 2800 / 3400 OPTIONAL EXTRAS: Extraction • Waterborne Blowing System • Lights • Windows • Gas Burners

For the full range visit: www.aerocure.co.za

Automotive Bodyshop Equipment Aer-o-cure PTY (Ltd) • SADC Registered Manufacturer and Exporter 8 Lees Street, Wynberg, 2090, Johannesburg, South Africa. PO Box 137 Strathavon, 2031

PAGE 64

GraphicWerx • AOC_Ad5_AutoForum_3042

Tel: +27 11 444 6454 Fax: +27 11 444 5677 e-Mail: info@aerocure.co.za * Product / Colour may vary from image provided, subject to stock availability. (E&OE)