WWW.AUTOFORUM.CO.ZA
MARCH 2011
I N F O R M E D
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NEWS AFRICA
NEWS AFRICA
A N D
I N N O V A T I V E
Automechanika rolls into JHB Expo Centre 9 - 12 MARCH 2011
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AUSTRALIAN BODYSHOP NEWS
SAMBRA Conference Details INNO V ATIONS
Inside EVS FOR ALL SEGMENTS
Continental choose the tough route Gauteng tolling system guide Practice makes perfect at ford
TRADE SHOWS - CRITICAL PART OF MARKETING STRATEGY
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Automechanika South Africa leads in the 2011 automotive forecasting debate Automechanika South Africa will be held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre from 9 to 12 March 2011. The value of this major international automotive conference and exhibition can be quantified in the statistic of 300 international companies participating from 27 countries around the world. "And all of this was achieved with no financial support from any institutions or any government support at either local, provincial or national level" says Craig Newman, Chairman of Dogan Exhibitions and Events. It is expected that 750 international participants including automotive delegates from Africa will join the 7500 South African trade visitors from around the country.
The Merseta has seized this opportunity to stage an extensive skills and careers workshop and national competition alongside Automechanika. Finalists from this event will go through to the finals of the international World Skills Competition held in London. South African innovations get international exposure at Automechanika through the Innovation Award and Innovation Showcase presented alongside Automechanika. This competition attracted 40 participants who will be competing for this coveted achievement award. The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) has also announced that Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe will address Motor Industry Executives on Friday 11 March at the MISA Executive Round Table breakfast.
automech
Automechanika features seven major industry conferences and the programme kicks off on 9 March 2011 with an investors' conference organised by the AIDC. The Retail Motor Industry Organisation and its eleven constituent associations lead the way with an extensive three day conference programme affecting topics of interest to the broader automotive industry.
Automechanika is an international brand owned by Messe Frankfurt and the staging of Automechanika South Africa has been licensed to Dogan Exhibition and Events (Pty) Ltd, a joint venture company between the Johannesburg Expo Centre and South African Show Services.
www.automechanikasa.co.za
AIDC takes a leading role Automotive Investor Conference Wednesday 09 March The AIDC together with the Gauteng Provincial government will be hosting an Automotive Investor Conference, the first of its kind at Automechanika in South Africa providing the delegates with first hand information from industry and government experts on the value proposition for automotive investment. It will also provide an opportunity for delegates (international and local) to interact and engage with the industry as well as government experts. You will also hear case studies of automotive investment success stories and establish contact with the approporiate investment facilitator for your need. The conference is free to all delegates but there are limited seats so book your place now to avoid disappointment. You can send your enquiry to Ms Chareen Van Wyk on cvanwyk@aidc.co.za or 012 564 5284 and our offices will be sure to contact you with more information on the conference. Matchmaking Opportunities Wednesday 09 March A team of facilitators will be on hand to guide you at the AIDC/SPDC/BIQ stand and provide you with the advice you are looking for as you engage with the different industry and government
representatives. One-on-one discussions with the various Gauteng provincial, national and local government agencies that will be on site to answer your questions can also be facilitated. You are welcome to contact cvanwyk@aidc.co.za and one of our team members will communicate with you. This will be a value-added service of the conference above and again will not incur any costs for the delegate. Special Site Visit to Automotive Supplier Park Friday 11 March The Supplier Park Development Company will be arranging a site visit to the Automotive Supplier Park in Rosslyn departing from NASREC on the morning of 11th March. This will offer delegates a first hand view of South Africa's premier automotive investment location in the heart of the Rosslyn industrial area. You can contact Evelyn Modise on emodise@spdc.co.za. This will form part of the total programme of the AIDC and SPDC at the Automechanika event and will be free to all delegates. Numbers are limited so book now to avoid disappointment. ESDA Graduation Friday11 March The AIDC will be hosting a graduation ceremony of 750
students including artisans, learnership students, interns and students part of the manufacturing talent pipeline. This will be a celebration of a key milestone in the partnership between industry and government. Skills development forms part of government's strategy for economic growth and an inclusive economy to involve all levels of society and community. This programme marks the achievement of another year of resounding success in meeting government's goal of re-skilling and up-skilling of the unemployed to provide better opportunities for future employment. Exhibition 09 – 12 March The Automotive Industry Development Centre together with the support of Gauteng Provincial Government, Blue IQ and the Supplier Park Development Company will be exhibiting at Automechanika. The exhibition area will take the form of a replica of the Automotive Supplier Park which will host some of the AIDC and SPDC partners and stakeholders. The various agencies of Gauteng government including suppliers based in the Supplier park will be at the stand. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the stand and interact with the agencies and their partners.
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RMI Gears up The RMI and its trade associations are enthusiastic about their involvement at Automechanika SA 2011. From all accounts received from the organisers and being aware of our members’ involvement, we are of the opinion that this show will be the catalyst of future bigger and even better Automechanika shows in South Africa in the future. The international interest alone will add much business activity and without a doubt have a positive influence on the South African economy. RMI associations such as SAMBRA, MIWA/ERA/SADFIA, MPEA and SAVABA are all hosting a number of sector-specific conferences directed at the needs of members within those sectors whereas the RMI Conference subject matter is directed towards important overall business issues such as the Consumer Protection Act Codes of Good Practice presented by Brandon Cohen of AMH who has been instrumental in developing these codes. The codes have been specifically designed for the motor industry, by the motor industry, and will become an addendum to the Act. Other important topics being covered in the RMI Conference are the implementation of the new Companies Act which comes into effect on 31 March 2011 – an issue that could have grave consequences for your business if you are not aware of the pro’s and con’s and
implementation of periodic vehicle testing due to come into operation later this year.
precautions being outlined by Dr Johan Erasmus of Deloitte. Clean fuels are a topic that affects the entire industry across all sectors and will be debated by Anton Molden of SAPIA. Other topics include franchising, training and road safety touching on the
The RMI is, through its partner RMI4sure, offering a new product liability insurance cover product designed specifically for members – please do visit the RMI4sure
Automechanika South Africa Academy Programme Time
Event
Details
Wednesday, 9 March Joint conference (Motor Industry Workshop Association, Engine Remanufacturers’ Association and SA Diesel Fuel Injection Association) ■ Welcome – Thys van Eck - National Chairman of ERA ■ The future of diesel fuel injection – Paul Benato (Parts Incorporated) 07:00–12:30 ■ Consumer Protection Act: The law and me in my workshop – RMI 4 LAW ■ Future of workshops in SA – Les McMaster ■ What impact future technology will have on diesel pump rooms – Dave Stalker (Robert Bosch) ■ Closure – Chris le Roux (National Chairman of SADFIA) SA Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA) Conference ■ New repair technologies – BASF ■ Electronic payments platform – Nedbank ■ State of the South African economy ■ New legislation affecting the motor body environment – Panel discussion ■ CPA / DOT / Towing / OHS / Waste Management 07:00–12:30 ■ Launch of new grading system ■ South African and international insurance environment motor repair claims – Santam ■ Manufacturing design technologies and the effects it has on repair capabilities ■ The international motor body repair environment – Thatcham UK ■ Insurers and repairers working together - the way forward – DTI ■ Grants and funding for SMME’s – DTI ■ Launch of new Assessor / Estimator accreditation programme Motor Parts & Equipment Association Conference ■ Opening and welcome address – Alistair Dyer (National Chairman of MPEA) ■ Overview and accessibility of SABS –Desmond Govender (SABS Manager: Certification) 08:00–12:00 ■ Regulating automotive industry – Duncan Mutengwe (NRCS Manager: Automotive) and Lancelot Riyano (NRCS) ■ Addressing delays at Customers – Gideon Dipitso (Manager)
Open/Closed: Open Venue: Black Eagle C Contact: Natasha Khan or Linda Curtis T +27 11 886 6300 @ natasha.khan@rmi.org.za or linda.curtis@rmi.org.za
Open/Closed: Open Venue: Black Eagle A Contact: Michele Prinsloo T +27 11 886 6300 @ michele.prinsloo@rmi.org.za
Open/Closed: Open Venue: Bateleur B Contact: Twala Boco T +27 11 886 6300 @ twala.boco@rmi.org.za VIP Room By invitation
08:30–10:00 Media Breakfast 09:00 Opening of Automechanika South Africa 2011 Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) Automotive Investor Conference 10:00–12:00 Bateleur A jointly hosted with the Gauteng Provincial Government SA Vehicle and Body Builders’ Association (SAVABA) Conference ■ National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) – Don Duntley ■ The launch of Vehicle Builders’ Training – Dr. Tholisa Naiker (Institute for Quality) ■ Current Legislation pertaining to Manufacturers, Importers and Body Builders 10:00–12:00 (MIB’s) – Mrs Alta Swanepoel ■ Labour Relations Amendment Bill – Mrs Aruna Ranchod (RMI) ■ Panel discussion ■ Closing address – Jeff Osborne (RMI)
Open – Free
Open/Closed: Open Venue: Milner’s Corniche Contact: Joy Oldale T +27 21 939 9440 F +27 86 547 9683 @ deru.scheepers@rmi.org.za
www.automechanikasa.co.za
for 2011 consultants, exhibiting on the RMI stand in Hall 6, to enquire about this member insurance cover. More details of the RMI and association conferences are available on the RMI website www.rmi.org.za Please visit the RMI stand in Hall 6, the skills development initiative and skills competition in Hall 7 and the product entries in the AutomobilInnovation Awards
Programme Continued Time Event 16:00–21:00 MerSETA Industry and Vocational (FET) Education Networking Session 18:00–21:00 Opening function and Innovation Awards presentation SAMBRA Gala Banquet, including the presentation by KA Smart of the CSI Body 18:00–21:00 Repairer Award 18:00–21:00 Midas Dinner
Details Milner's Corniche Closed Hall 10B By invitation Black Eagle B
Closed
Midas Centre
Closed
Thursday, 10 March
07:00–13:30
07:45–16:30 10:00–12:00 16:00–20:00
Retail Motor Industry organisation (RMI) “The Retail Motor Industry - a South African Business Perspective” ■ Welcome – Jeff Osborne (CEO of the RMI) ■ Key note address 2011–2020 The decade of action for road safety – Speaker from the Department of Transport ■ The inside track on the new Companies Act – Dr. Johan Erasmus (Regulatory analyst: Deloitte) ■ Addressing the critical shortage of technical expertise – Grant Driver (International speaker) ■ Consumer Protection Act: Risks and opportunities – Brandon Cohen (Compliance Manager: AMH) ■ Franchising: The gateway to business growth – Prof Kobus Malan (Consultant) ■ Clean fuels: The impact on the SA fuel and motor industry – Anton Molden (SAPIA) ■ Conclusion – John Fraser (Classic Business) ■ Appreciation and closure – Mrs Ferose Oaten (President of the RMI) Midas Group Franchise Conference The Road Freight Association (RFA) Meeting MerSETA Successful Entrepreneurs Networking Session
Open/Closed: Open Venue: Black Eagle A & B Contact: Claire Patterson T +27 11 886 6300 @ claire.patterson@rmi.org.za
Midas Centre Office 16 Milner's Corniche
Closed Closed Closed
Friday, 11 March Tyre Dealers & Fitment Association (TDAFA) breakfast and road show ■ Consumer Protection Act : TDAFA and the CPA 68/2008 – Trade-related implica07:00–12:00 tions – Prof. Nick Grobler ■ Risk analysis – Frans Cronje (Institute of Risk Analysis) ■ Update on the Waste Tyre Regulations 07:30–11:00 Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) Breakfast 10:00
Transport departs for a visit to the Automotive Supplier Park in Rosslyn
Automotive Industry Development Centre’s Employment Skills Development Agency (ESDA) Graduation Ceremony 17:00–19:30 MerSETA Three Motor Trades Skills Competition – Awards Ceremony
12:00–16:30
Saturday, 12 March 10:00–15:00 Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) team-building and networking 11:30–13:00 Prize giving 15:00 Automechanika South Africa 2011 closes
Open/Closed: Open Venue: Black Eagle A Contact: Wilna Oosthuisen T +27 12 348 9311 @ wilna.oosthuisen@rmi.org.za MTN Ground Floor By invitation Venue: Departure behind Hall 9 Contact: Evelyn Modise T +27 82 613 0755 Bateleur A & B
Closed
Hall 6 Restaurant
Closed
Roy’s Beer Garden Office 16
Open By invitation
March 2011
CONTENTS 10
20
Cover Stories Practice makes perfect at Ford
10
Gauteng tolling system guide
16
SAMBRA Conference details
32
EVs for all segments
46
Continental choose the tough route
56
Trade shows - critical part of marketing strategy
64
Trade Talk Highlights of global and local industry news
8 Automechanika SA 9-12 March 2011.
News Forum
28
Practice makes perfect at Ford
10
The bleak picture of SA’s secondary roads
12
World Car and Performance Car finalists announced
14
Gauteng’s new tolling system - facts & fury
16
Peugeot introduces fixed price servicing
18
China is the market to watch
18
Facebook starts making business sense
20
Start-stop technology for regular cars too
22
Traffic enforcement goes mobile in the Free State
24
TSAM invests R363 m in Gauteng
26
BodyShop News 44
The aftermarket vs OES debate continues
28
SAMBRA national conference 2011
32
DuPont’s automotive colour trend forecast
33
Business Forum What 2011 holds for the freight industry
40
Business lessons from the wild dog
42
Editorial
Its Automechanika SA this month and that is most assuredly one of the biggest topics a buzz in the industry at the moment. Having been postponed from last year due to the SWC (Soccer Wold Cup), it is expected to be an indispensable business tool for all in our industry. Whether its the conferences or the company stands that you are after, it really does promise to be jam-packed with information and opportunities. We will see you there!
EDITOR Clare Rutkiewicz
Assistant EDITOR Bridgette Scheelke
CONTRIBUTORS: australian bodyshop news Michel Malik Dave Scott Robert Kaiser ROY COKAYNE Warwick robinson Graham Bush Aleeshen Kisten Jayson Naidoo ADVERTISING: Grant West Warwick Robinson C: 076 727 8161 C: 082 855 7750 Greg Surgeon F: 086 627 1135 C: 083 449 6137 PRODUCTION: Kaz nel
DESIGNERS: Marianka els kevin bracegirdle
OPERATIONS MANAGER: SAM GRANEY Email: info@autoforum.co.za PUBLISHER: Swift Publications & Olympic Park Trading Suite 446, Postnet X033, Rivonia 2128
58
AutoForum has an ABC circulation of 14 318 ABC (January 2010 to June 2010)
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www.AutoForum.co.za I N F O R M E D
Audi works with universities on mobility solutions
44
EVs for all segments
46
Abro ACD/Midas Group
The Next Five in Five
48
Aerocure
SARTRE vehicle platooning hits the streets
50
Alfa International AMR Autocosmos/Electrolog Automechanika
Auto Safety
Autopromotec
Cars better in side impacts – not only thanks to side airbags
52
Global safety round-up
54
Autozone Bosch EBI
Federal Mogul
Commercial Vehicles Continental choose the tough route
56
Atego claims German Sustainability Award 2010
58
Protecting a truck’s spinal column
60
First National Battery Forteoil
GMSA Highveld Garage Hofmann Megaplan Integrated Marketing Ital Machinery Launch Technology Leaderquip Midas Group MISA
Showtime Petro.t.ex Africa 2011
62
Showtime: an indispensable marketing and customer interface
64
Probe Corporation Rex diff and Gearbox
New Releases
SABAT Silver Falcon/Hurricane SKF
66
Snapon / John Bean
After-Marketplace Directory Directory listings
I N N O V A T I V E
Advertisers Guide
Innovations
Latest offerings of local products
A N D
Turbo Exchange
UD Trucks Wheelquip
70
11 25 30-31, OBC 11 39 64 Cover, 2-5 29 CPS, 60 9, IBC 63 13, 67 47 42 19 17, 65 53 23,41 23,53 33 49 59,69 32 57 15 43 34-35 41 45 66 61
21
Insert Trysome
14
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 may arise there from. The opinions expressed by contributors to this magazine are not necessarily shared by the editor or the publishers.
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Trade Talk
AutoForum - March 2011
Renault launches own-branded tyre Renault has become the world’s first vehicle manufacturer to offer its customers an own-branded tyre. Now available in the UK from Renault dealers, the new Motrio tyre range has been specially developed to meet the needs of older Renault vehicles. Two tread patterns feature in the range: Motrio Impulsion maximises driving comfort for smaller models such as Twingo and Clio, while Motrio Impulsion+ offers a more dynamic focus to suit the rest of the range and the automaker’s sportier models. Prices start from £36 (R420 per tyre), fully fitted. Mark Crockett, Director of Service and Quality at Renault UK, said: “After servicing, tyre replacement is the second most
www.AutoForum.co.za
frequent reason for a motorist to visit a dealership or workshop and it is also one of the highest value items when maintaining a vehicle. Our new ownbrand tyre range, which of course carries Renault’s seal of approval, is very competitively priced and in many cases is significantly less expensive than the premium brands, helping motorists to reduce their costs without sacrificing on quality.”
Daimler announce carbon fibre JV Japanese company Toray Industries has announced a joint venture with German Daimler AG to manufacture and market Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) car parts. Toray has already begun work on the design and moulding processes, while Daimler will take responsibility for designing parts and developing technologies for the joining of the parts. The two firms believe that by bringing together their respective strengths they have succeeded in developing an innovative technology for mass-production of CFRP parts with a significantly shorter moulding cycle – called Short Cycle Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM). The partners plan to start supplying the mass-produced CFRP parts using RTM in Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles for launch in 2012.
Driving licence amendment to be relooked On 1 February, the day that a new provision relating to heavy motor vehicle driving licences was due to go into effect, the Department of Transport issued a statement saying that the recent amendment – which was published in the Government Gazette on 25 November 2010 – was no longer effective. According to the amendments published on 25 November 2010, any person who obtained a driving licence for a heavy motor vehicle would have no longer have been allowed to drive a light motor vehicle. Persons who obtained a code C, C1, EC or EC1 driving licence would have not been allowed to drive a motor vehicle that requires a code B or code EB licence (in old terms – a person with a code 10, 11, 13 or 14 licence cannot drive a vehicle for which you need a code 08 licence). This was to only apply to new licences issued from 1 February 2011. Since the publication of the amendment last year, however, the Department of Transport received feedback from numerous stakeholders and has decided to review the provision.
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AutoForum - March 2011
DS4 is ‘Most Beautiful Car of the Year’ More than 60 000 Internet voters in more than 60 countries have voted Citroën’s distinctive DS4 the ‘Most Beautiful Car of the Year’. The award was officially handed over during the 26th International Automobile Festival held at the end of January. The four-door coupé was also honoured during the Festival for having the ‘Most Beautiful Interior’ by a specially gathered jury of personalities from the spheres of sport, design, culture and the media. The DS4 was first unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 2010 where it made a splash with its combination of bold styling and healthy dose of French sophistication that promises a pleasurable driving experience. The vehicle features distinctive LED lights that are on both night and day, muscular wheel arches that bring attention to large wheels and a tautly-drawn roofline that culminates in an eye-pleasing rear spoiler. The interior of the DS4 screams refinement with body-hugging front seats in ‘Bracelet’ upholstery and top quality leather, a sculpted dashboard and panoramic windscreen that extends backwards into a dark roof lining.
Practice makes perfect at Ford
F
ord Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) recently opened its new Production Simulator Facility, which is attached to the automaker’s assembly plant in Silverton, Pretoria. The facility follows hot on the heels of the announcement of a massive R3.4 billion investment by FMCSA to produce the All-new Ford Ranger pick-up truck in South Africa. The Production Simulator Facility has been designed to enable current and future FMCSA employees to improve their assembly process capabilities in preparation for production of the All-new Ford Ranger. The facility’s real benefit is that it will allow new production processes to be mastered off the line before the new model goes into production without any interruptions to any current production activities. “While the facility will allow us to develop the assembly sequence and processes for our new product without disrupting the production of current models, it will allow us to improve the skills of our employees dramatically, enabling them to build world class vehicles, with best in class quality, and compete with the best in the world,” commented Jeff Nemeth, President and CEO of FMCSA, at the recent launch event at the Silverton plant. In addition, once the training of all FMCSA employees has been completed, the facility will be used to provide hands-on training for mechanical
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and industrial engineering students from tertiary institutions such the Tshwane University of Technology. “We’re excited about the opportunities this training facility will afford students in the engineering field. We see this facility as an enabler to grow and develop more engineering candidates not only for Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, but for the industry,” added Nemeth. As with Ford’s BBBEE Supplier Incubation Facility (AutoForum August 2010), the Production Simulator Facility is a group effort with input coming from the provincial government, Blue IQ and FMCSA itself. The MEC for Economic Development in Gauteng, Ms Qedani Dorothy Mahlangu, commented: “The provincial government has demonstrated its commitment to growth in the automotive industry by including this sector in its industrial policies and future strategies.” This commitment extended to an allocation of R32 million for training and development programmes at the assembly plant. Amanda Nair, CEO of Blue IQ, explained that this project further confirms the value of Blue IQ as a facilitator of strategic infrastructure that supports economic growth and job creation. Blue IQ subsidiary, the Supplier Park Development Company (SPDC), will be responsible for the building and its maintenance while the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) – also part of the Blue IQ fold - will provide recruitment and training of new and existing staff.
1/2 vert
Tel: 021 945 1419 Fax: 021 946 1789 Cell: 082 558 2652 E-mail: autobalance@mweb.co.za
NEWS FORUM
AutoForum - March 2011
Tesla EV Batteries will live on Electric carmaker Tesla has announced it will recycle its battery packs in Europe by refining its innards to cobalt, nickel and other metals. Tesla joins a long list of electric car manufacturers that are trying to work out how best to deal with batteries at the end of their lives — which are guaranteed to last seven to 10 years. While electric car demand is strong, batteries remain the most expensive and unwieldy component and raise environmental safety issues. GM and Nissan have both formed partnerships to research second-life uses for electric car batteries, exploring possible refitting to act as backup generators for hospitals or storing renewable energy. Should more recycling mechanisms be set up, customers could recover some of the cost of their used batteries, potentially allaying fears over up-front EV purchase costs. Tesla’s comprehensive Europe plan will see it recycle its battery packs at a factory in Belgium operated by Umicore. The materials technology company will use components from the battery to produce an alloy that can then be further refined into cobalt, nickel and other metals, some of which can be further transformed and sold to battery manufacturers, or made into slag for concrete. The company’s technology allows for 70% reduction in CO2 emissions in the recycling process.
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The bleak picture of SA's secondary roads
C
hris Barry, MD of Heavy Commercial Vehicle Underwriters (HCV) recently sent a release to the media regarding the state of secondary roads in SA, contending that their poor condition is not only an annoyance but translates directly into inflated costs for consumers. Barry quotes Vilana Mawethu, Deputy Director General at the Department of Transport explaining that research indicates that the secondary road network has a five-year lifespan before collapse. He asserts that with the introduction of the new freeway tolling systems, increased traffic will deviate to secondary roads. This, he says, means that networks already in a state of disrepair, will suffer damage exponentially. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research recently found that the maintenance cost for a truck using primary roads in good condition was 90c per kilometre while the average cost for secondary roads in poor condition was whopping R2.09 per kilometre. Says Barry: “This will have a profound impact on the country’s GDP. Add to this increased environmental damage from the additional emissions resulting from idling traffic on secondary roads.” A recent DTI proposed review of axle mass limits would involve decreasing the axle load limit on secondary roads from 9 000 kg to 8 000 kg – a proposal met with understandable outrage from the transport industry. Barry does however have some suggestions: “Inadequate maintenance over an extended period and gross overloading by unscrupulous fleet operators has produced the current conditions. I believe that improving the policing of these roads to ensure trucks are not overloaded will have a profoundly positive impact on reducing the deterioration. Also, increasing expenditure on road maintenance will lower truck maintenance costs, keep inflation down and create much-needed jobs. In the long term, these solutions will not only improve the road conditions, but also the SA economy.”
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AutoForum - March 2011
NEWS FORUM
World Car and Performance Car finalists announced
W
ith the coveted titles of World Car, World Performance Car and World Green Car in the balance, the fairly long-winded process of whittling down the entrants is finally getting interesting. The top contenders in each category have been announced and the lists will be narrowed to just three finalists at March’s Geneva International Motor Show. The winners will be announced in April during the New York International Motor Show. Jaguar XJ
A sixty-six strong jury of international motoring journalists chose the following top ten finalists in both categories by secret ballot, based on their experience with each candidate as part of their professional work. The 2011 World Car of the Year will be selected from the following top ten cars listed in alphabetical order:
• • • • • • • • • •
Audi A1 Audi A8 BMW 5 Series BMW X3 Jaguar XJ Jeep Grand Cherokee Mercedes-Benz SLS Nissan LEAF Porsche Cayenne Volvo S60/V60
The 2011 World Performance Car will be chosen from these top ten finalists:
• • • • • • • • PAGE 14
Aston Martin Rapide Audi RS 5 Coupe Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Ferrari 458 Italia Lamborghini Gallardo SUPERLEGGERA Mercedes-Benz S63/CL 63 AMG Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Porsche 911 GT2RS
• •
Porsche 911 Turbo Renault Megane III/Renault Sport
Previous World Car of the Year winners were the Volkswagen Polo in 2010, the Volkswagen Golf in 2009, the Mazda2/Mazda Demio in 2008, the Lexus LS460 in 2007, the BMW 3-Series in 2006, and the Audi A6 in 2005. Previous World Performance Car winners were the Audi R8 V10 in 2010, the Nissan GT-R in 2009, the Audi R8 in 2008, the Audi RS4 in 2007 and the Porsche Cayman S in 2006. In the eight years since the awards’ inception, they have grown to become one of the world’s most prestigious and credible programmes of their kind, largely due to their lack of affiliation with or influence by any publication, auto show, automaker, or other commercial enterprise. The World Green Car of the Year for 2011 will also be announced at the New York Auto Show. To be eligible for this eco award, a vehicle has to be all-new, or substantially revised, in production and introduced for sale or lease to the public in quantities of at least 10 in at least one major market during the period beginning January 1, 2010 and ending May 30th, 2011. Tailpipe emissions, fuel consumption, and use of a major advanced power plant technology (beyond engine componentry), aimed specifically at increasing the vehicle’s environmental responsibility, were all taken into consideration. The six 2011 World Green Car finalists are, in alphabetical order:
• • • • • •
BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition Chevrolet Volt Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell Nissan LEAF smart electric drive
Previous World Green Car winners were the Volkswagen BlueMotion (Golf, Passat, Polo) in 2010, the Honda FCX Clarity in 2009, the BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics in 2008, the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec in 2007 and the Honda Civic Hybrid in 2006.
RDG scoops AAQA awards It’s another scoop for Rex Diff & Gearbox. The Boksburg based transmission repair specialist was recently recognised as both the top specialist repairer and national winner in the Automobile Association Quality Assured annual awards. To consumers and customers without in-depth knowledge, car services can be an expensive and frustrating experience if performed by unethical operators. AA Quality Assured offers consumers assurance of excellent customer service, technical expertise and the highest standard of ethical business practices, according to Midge van der Walt of AAQA. AA Quality Assured is the only recognised consumer-focused motor accreditation programme in South Africa. Accreditation is only given to businesses that operate with integrity and meet the highest standards of quality and business ethics required.
Dennis McLachlan, responsible for Consumer Affairs at RDG, with Yusuf Patel, Service Development Manager for General Motors SA, Salomé Potgieter, RDG’s National Service Manager, Boeta Kotze, RDG’s National Technical Manager and Fernando Da Silva, Senior Manager for Aftersales Marketing for Nissan SA Website: www.rdg.co.za RDG BOKSBURG HEAD OFFICE 54 Rietfontein Road, Boksburg West Tel: 011 823 4393 / 4383 / 3650 - Fax: 011 826 7342/ 011 823 1644 E-mail: dennis@rdg.co.za With branches in Jet Park (Heavy Commercial & Differentials), Durban, Port Elizabeth & now Cape Town
NEWS FORUM
AutoForum - March 2011
Gauteng’s new tolling system - Facts & Fury
I
f you live in Gauteng you would have no doubt suffered through the stress and snarl-ups of construction during the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP). The time has almost come for users of the 185 km Gauteng Freeway network (or e-toll network) to start paying financially too. SANRAL recently announced the toll fee structure, which is due to go live in June, as well as a plethora of discount fees. According to SANRAL CEO, Nazir Alli: “The fee structure will include discounts for off-peak travel, e-tag users, frequent users and qualifying public transport operators.” And while the discounts do take the edge off the much bandied about figure of 66 cents per kilometre, the tolls fees will still make daily travel along the province’s highways uncomfortably expensive for the majority of motorists and businesses. What has not been considered is the knock on effect this will have on virtually all costs for businesses and ultimately for all consumers, whether they are road users or not. Toll fees on the e-toll network will be collected via an open road toll system which uses a series of overhead toll points called gantries. “These gantries are fitted with toll collection equipment that will recognise the electronic transponder (e-tag) in a vehicle and/or the vehicle number plate. Tolls will be deducted from a user’s registered e-toll account associated with the vehicle and the user will be able to travel without any disruptions,” said Alli. The cost per gantry is worked out by multiplying the kilometre distance that the toll point represents with the cents per kilometre rate. All road users who intend on using the e-toll network will have to set up an account with SANRAL for the payment of toll fees. You may choose not to register for an e-tag and instead have your vehicle identified by means of
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the Vehicle License Number (VLN). However, if you do not install an e-tag you will not be able to take advantage of all the discounts. e-Tag registration is due to start in the second quarter of 2011 and road users will be able to register an e-toll account in the following ways: - at the e-toll customer service website, www.sanral.co.za - at e-toll customer service kiosks located at shopping malls - at e-toll customer service centres situated along the freeway network - by contacting the e-toll call centres - by purchasing an e-tag at a retail outlet (similar to cellphone starter packs) There are four different types of discounts available and a vehicle may qualify for any one or a combination of the discounts, in which case, the discounts are added together.
- can qualify for the applicable Period Discounts, as well as the e-tag discount
Frequent User Discount - only applicable for light vehicles, including motorcycles (Class A1 and A2) - only available to registered e-toll tag account holders - not applicable to Public Transport Operators Weekdays (Monday to Friday except statutory public holidays)
e-Toll Tag Discounts - 25% discount is available for vehicles of all classes that register for an e-tag - drivers without an e-tag can choose to be invoiced based on their vehicle license number (VLN) and will pay the full fee
A
Period Discounts
B
- also called time of day discounts - applicable to all vehicle classes - also available to VLN account holders (no e-tag) - range between 0% to 25% discount depending on what time you travel
Public Transport Operator Discount - a 50% discount will be applied to all vehicle classes for trips undertaken by a public transport vehicle - only for registered e-toll tag account holders - must have a valid public transport operating license - cannot qualify for Frequent User Discounts
05:00 to 05:59 (inclusive) = 10% 06:00 to 09:59 (inclusive) = 0% 10:00 to 13:59 (inclusive) = 5% 14:00 to 17:59 (inclusive) = 0% 18:00 to 22:59 (inclusive) = 10% 23:00 to 04:59 (inclusive) = 25% Weekends (Saturday and Sunday except statutory public holidays) 18:00 to 05:59 (inclusive) = 25% 06:00 to 17:59 (inclusive) = 15%
C
Statutory Public Holidays All day – 25%
A single monthly account could include different percentages of Frequent User Discounts, which kick in once the threshold of the next Frequent User Discount band is reached. All the transactions taking place in that specified discount band will receive the applicable discount according to the table above. (Note: the Period, Public Transport Operator and Freq. User Disc. are in addition to the e-Tag Disc.)
GAUTENG ORT VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
Cumulative tolls (after all discounts) for the calendar month prior to current gantry pass
Discount for each gantry pass in the category*
0 – R100
0%
>R100 – R200
2.5%
>R200 – R380
7.5%
>R380 – R550
15.0%
>R550 – R700
25.0%
>R700 – R830
37.5%
>R830 – R940
45.0%
>R940
50.0%
Class A1
Description
Dimensions (volumetric measure)
Motorcycles
Total vehicle length < 3.0m, width < 1.3m and height < 2.5 m
Light Vehicles (excluding motorcycles)
Vehicle length (excluding trailer) < 6.0m and Vehicle height (excluding trailer) < 2.5m Note: Trailers with a tow bar are allowed and are excluded from the dimensions for light vehicles indicated above
Small Heavy Vehicles (as per the specified volume and not a class A2 vehicle)
Total vehicle length, inclusive of any trailer >= 6 m and < 12.5 m or Total vehicle length, inclusive of any trailer < 6 m and height >= 2.5 m
Large Heavy Vehicles (as per the specified volume and not a class A2 vehicle)
Total vehicle length, inclusive of any trailer >= 12.5 m
A2
B
New vehicle classifications A new volumentric vehicle classification will be implemented for the Gauteng Open Road Tolling (ORT) Project and will be applicable to all future ORT systems on the national road network. To calculate what your toll tariffs would be, you can visit tollcalc.ensightnetworks.com for an online toll calculator.
C
At the time of going to press, the Transport Minister announced a suspension of the tarriff sytem until further notice. This however, does not mean that they will not go live in June, but allows for a “3 month period to debate the fees”.
After the Freedom Front Plus rallied the public into protest ( www.tollgatepetition.org.za) even Cosatu and the ANC have started murmers of discontent, citing “effects on the poor”. Watch this space.
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NEWS FORUM
AutoForum - March 2011
Peugeot introduces fixed price servicing
F
rench cars may have flair, but in this country they also come with the perception that they are expensive to maintain and that the parts take weeks to arrive. Peugeot is challenging this idea headon with the introduction of fixed price servicing on its ever-popular 206 range. Owners will now be able to service their petrol and diesel 206 models at dealerships around the country for R890, including VAT. The price includes new oil and oil filter, air filter, spark plugs (on petrol engines) and the sump gasket. It also includes the inspection of
all fluid levels, a bumper to bumper safety check, and car wash. On the parts availability front progress has also been made, with up to four deliveries in a 24 hour period (depending on area), including one at night for Gauteng outlets. Dealers could now conceivably receive a part within 90 minutes of placing an order. Peugeot has furthermore committed itself to providing owners with a loan
vehicle if Peugeot’s local parts infrastructure is unable to provide certain items (excluding service and maintenance parts, and also accessories), requiring them to be ordered directly from France.
China is the market to watch
A
ccording to the 14th annual PWC Global CEO Survey, Automotive CEOs are confident that growth is on the rise in 2011. This represents a full 90% of automotive CEOs indicating that they are somewhat confident or very confident in achieving revenue growth in the next 12 months. The result is significant as it is the first time optimism levels in the industry have been this high since the global financial downturn in 2008. The survey’s automotive industry summary also highlights the fact that CEOs specified that Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) are important for future growth, with particular interest in China – 64% see it as a top future market. PwC Autofacts – the company’s automotive forecasting service - anticipates that about 80% of global growth from 2010 to 2017 will come from emerging markets, and 34% of that forecast will come from China alone – a prediction shared by the surveyed automotive CEOs. China is now the largest automotive market with sales surpassing the US in 2009, and it will continue to play a vital role in the automotive industry
PAGE 18
manufacturing strategies. There are already more automotive assembly plants in China than anywhere else in the world. “Automotive companies that have made strategic decisions to invest in China and forge joint ventures with Chinese partners are seeing strong revenue growth because of the actions taken over the last decade,” said Rick Hanna, Global Automotive Leader, PwC. “Automotive companies recognise the importance of the domestic China market
share. However, long-term sustainable profits will still be dependent on producing vehicles that consumers want to buy at the right price. This is as true in China as it is everywhere else in the world.” The survey results indicate that innovation across the supply chain is critical to meeting consumer demands, with 76% of automotive CEOs planning to change their corporate strategies to foster product innovation across the supply chain. The survey consisted of 1 201 interviews, conducted in 69 countries.
Figure 1: Automotive CEO’s confidence is on the rise
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NEWS FORUM
AutoForum - March 2011
Infinity's US customers get to have their say Luxury auto brand Infinity has decided that the power of recommendation and the well-established role of online research in the decision to purchase a new vehicle are worth their salt, becoming the first automotive company to provide consumer-generated reviews and ratings for its products on the brand’s website. Visitors to www.InfinitiUSA.com can read reviews from Infiniti owners, which will be continuously added as the brand solicits them through ongoing communication with its owners. In addition, the company is active in social media channels, such as allowing its Facebook members an exclusive opportunity to participate in new vehicle launch driving programmes. All this in an effort to encourage customers to spend more time with the brand, request a brochure, visit a dealer, and ultimately become loyal owners.
Facebook starts making business sense
I
t’s difficult to find a major brand these days that doesn’t have a presence on Facebook. Marketers are convinced that their brands need to be interacting with the market but other than the opportunity to chat with their audience in a relaxed space, there hasn’t been much else happening on the Facebook front. The arrival of Facebook Deals has finally made it possible to add a commercial element to the social networking sphere, and Mazda in the UK is one of the first companies taking advantage of this exciting new element. Through Facebook Deals, Mazda UK is offering its customers a 20% discount on all Mazda MX-5s, as well as the chance to win a Mazda MX-5 Miyako special edition for five months. To be eligible for the discount the customer ‘checks-in’ on Facebook at one of five participating Mazda dealerships via the most recent version of the Facebook app or on their smartphones. The customer then ‘claims the deal’ and presents their deal voucher, via their mobile phone, to the salesperson. The same check-in process applies for the competition, but then the customer must enter their details into the data pod in the dealership. “Social media has always been about communicating to as wide a range of people as you want, but until now has not given any commercial benefits to consumers,” commented Claire Andrews, Marketing Director, Mazda UK. “Facebook Deals recognises the consumer’s appetite for a deal and brings a real financial benefit to social media use. Just by being one of Facebook’s 26 million UK users you are suddenly entitled to some fantastic offers and 20% off Mazda’s iconic sports car, a deal you cannot get anywhere else.” Andrews concluded: “This demonstrates the power and future for retailing and social media, bringing greater benefit and functionality to Facebook and a great deal for those with a Facebook account.” Facebook’s Joanna Shields, VP EMEA, said: “With the announcement of Deals, we’re moving the conversation from the web to the store by linking online conversations to offline foot traffic. And because people see what their friends do on Facebook, Deals helps businesses become even more social as people will see deals through the people who matter most - their friends.”
PAGE 20
NEWS FORUM
AutoForum - March 2011
Naamsa calls for Euro V fuel “South Africa cannot afford to remain out of step with global trends and standards.” This is the view of Naamsa President David Powels regarding the importance of aligning South Africa’s fuel standards with international specifications. Powels was speaking at the recent launch of the Johannesburg International Motor Show. He used the opportunity to highlight the approximately three million deaths caused worldwide each year due to poor air quality and called for steps to be taken to reduce harmful emissions through the adoption of lower sulphur green fuels, as well as new vehicle technology and emission control devices. He explained that Naamsa has already informed government of the need to legislate for the introduction of Euro V fuel in South Africa and a reduction of petrol and diesel sulphur levels, as soon as practically possible. Powels also points out that this move is not just essential for the environment, but needs to happen to enable South African vehicle manufacturers to produce and import the latest new generation low fuel consumption and ultra-low emissions vehicles which have become standard throughout most of the world.
Start-stop technology for regular cars too
T
he Ford motor company has decided to expand the use of its Auto Start-Stop technology to non hybrid cars in the near future. The popular fuel-saving technology that automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop, will soon be added to conventional cars, crossovers and SUVs in North America, and is already being rolled out in Europe. The automaker’s patented new version of Auto Start-Stop system for petrol engines is expected to improve fuel economy for most drivers by at least 4%, and could be as high as 10%, depending on vehicle size and usage. It is also claimed to reduce exhaust emissions to zero while the vehicle is stationary or waiting at a stoplight.
Naamsa President David Powels
PAGE 22
Auto Start-Stop technology boasts 244 Ford patents and debuted last month on a concept vehicle at the North American International Auto Show. The smooth, quiet and seamless fuel saver requires no changes to the driver’s behaviour - in city driving when the vehicle is stopped the engine switches off, however it restarts the instant the driver’s foot leaves the brake pedal. While the engine is off, all of the vehicle’s accessories function normally. The system, designed to
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work on both petrol and diesel engines, is standard on the ECOnetic models of the Ford Ka and Mondeo, and is currently launching on Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX models. Already available in Europe, the fuel-saving system debuts in North America in 2012 and eventually will be offered in all of Ford’s global markets. According to Barb Samardzich, Ford Vice President of Powertrain Engineering, the automaker has made a whole hearted move to direct-injection EcoBoost engines, one of the technologies that enable the Auto Start-Stop system to work seamlessly. The direct-injection system sprays the exact amount of fuel directly into the precise location in the combustion chamber, enabling extremely fast engine starts. The system debuts on four-cylinder engines and will gradually be expanded to vehicles with V6 and V8 engines. But what customers really want to know is how it will effect them. According to Ford, Auto Start-Stop does not require any additional vehicle maintenance. The system uses an enhanced 12-volt car battery and upgraded starter motor, and as Birgit Sorgenfrei, Programme Manager for Auto Start-Stop, says: “Our hybrid owners tell us that start-stop is one of their favorite features.” She continues: “When the engine is off, they know they are saving fuel and reducing emissions.” The system includes a light on the dashboard that alerts the driver when the engine is off and a special tachometer that moves the needle to a green zone when the engine is not running.
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NEWS FORUM
AutoForum - March 2011
Traffic enforcement goes mobile in the Free State
N
ot the province usually considered to be the most cutting-edge, the Free State has been selected to play host to a new mobile traffic law enforcement pilot programme being initiated by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).
the new mobile police stations will be key in achieving this target. The vehicles used for the project are three converted Hino trucks, acquired by the provincial government specifically for this project. The trucks were used initially at 2010 Football World Cup matches in Bloemfontein where they proved to be both effective and convenient for traffic and pedestrian control.
The RTMC recently embarked on the project as part of its commitment to the international United Nations’ Make Two of these are 500 Series 1324 Roads Safe campaign, as well as its models and the third is a 300 Series 915 ongoing law enforcement programme model; all have had special box bodies to ensure compliance with road traffic manufactured by Capilano Industries regulations while educating South Afin Pinetown, rica’s motorists. The KwaZulu-Natal. rolling programme Three mobile police One of the large that is currently stations will be key in trucks is being underway aims to screening 65 000 used as a Road stop and screen one cars monthly Traffic Command million vehicles a Unit, which will be month throughout used mainly as a communicationsSouth Africa based incident management facility. through a minimum of a thousand roadside checkpoints. The second Hino 500 serves as a Road Traffic Offence Unit, complete with The Free State’s target is to stop and two holding cells. Once legislation is in screen 65 000 vehicles a month, and
PAGE 24
place, the Road Traffic Offence Unit can also be used as a mobile court. This unit can also serve as a mobile office for the immediate payment of fines and as an additional communications hub, while also being linked to the national eNatis system and to number plate monitoring to locate traffic offenders. The smaller Hino 300 is set up as a Road Traffic Crash Investigation Unit, which is fitted with sophisticated equipment to recreate serious accident scenes (usually those involving five or more deaths, such as a major bus accident, or the death of a VIP). While nobody enjoys the inconvenience of being stopped in a road block, the reality is that the they have become necessary evils in a country whose drivers generally display a blatant disregard for the rule of law. Programmes such as the pilot being conducted in the Free State will play a vital role in improving the efficiency at road blocks - getting lawful drivers back on the road quicker and offenders taking responsibility for their actions.
NEWS FORUM
AutoForum - March 2011
TSAM invests R363 m in Gauteng
T
oyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is investing R363 million in a new parts distribution warehouse in the Ekurhuleni municipality, its largest ever investment in Gauteng.
the development of a further 38 000 square metres of warehouse space in a second phase. TSAM’s current parts distribution centre is 22 000 square metres in size.
Johan van Zyl, TSAM’s President and COE and Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), said the investment in the centre emphasised TSAM’s commitment to SA as a manufacturing hub in the global Toyota supply chain. The investment follows and will support TSAM’s R8 billion investment over the past five years in its manufacturing plant in Prospecton in Durban. Van Zyl stressed Toyota South Africa would remain an integral member of TMC and continue to produce vehicles in SA.
Van Zyl said the timing for the second phase was dependant on the growth in the new vehicle market, but believed TSAM would have to make a decision about it by about 2015. He said more than 800 people will work at the centre, of which more than 650 people would be involved in the management, picking and distribution of parts.
“The government, through the actions of the DTI and the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP), has created a stable and predictable environment in which we as manufacturers can make investments such as this,” he said. The parts distribution warehouse is being developed on a site close to the freight terminal at OR Tambo Airport and close to major road arteries. It is being constructed in two phases, eventually providing a total of 80 000 square metres of warehousing space to serve TSAM’s local and export markets. The first phase, which will provide almost 40 000 square metres of warehouse space plus 3 000 square metres of office space, is scheduled to be operational by May 2012. The site allows for
process more than 375 000 lines of parts and components a month and, apart from local deliveries, will also ship to 56 destinations in Africa and Europe, with an expected turnover of more than R3 billion a year.
According to van Zyl, the drive by Toyota to manufacture the best quality vehicles had led to the decision to develop the new parts distribution system, adding a vehicle was only as good as the parts and service support that the manufacturer offered. TSAM has projected that current staff will be able to manage the workload when the first stage opens and no new jobs would be created. However, new jobs will definitely be created when the centre is expanded in the second phase. More than 440 people will be employed to assist with the construction of the first phase of the new facility.
Industry analyst Tony Twine, said parts warehouse activities by vehicle manufacturers had less to do with current levels of new vehicles sales and a lot more to do with the volume of vehicles in the vehicle parc. He continued that as market leader in SA for 30 years, Toyota’s vehicle parc was bigger than any of the other vehicle brands and the expansion of its aftermarket division was a natural consequence of this. Several other locally-based motor manufacturers have established similar warehouse facilities in South Africa. GMSA officially opened its new R250 million parts distribution centre in the Coega Industrial Development Zone in November, which provides 38 000 square metres of warehousing under roof. VWSA also completed its new R200 million parts distribution warehouse in the logistics warehousing hub in Centurion last year. The 26 000 square metre facility is about seven storeys high, giving it ample volume space for stacked storage.
The warehouse will house more than 2.2 million parts, grouped in more than 100 000 part lines, and be valued at more than R350 m. It will
Dr Johan van Zyl – President & CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors & Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation
PAGE 26
- By Roy Cokayne
Calvyn Hamman – Senior Vice President: Sales and Marketing, Toyota South Africa Motors
Roy Cokayne is a senior financial reporter for Business Report.
NEWS AFRICA
Vehicle repair insight NEWS AFRICA
In association with BodyShop News Asia and Australian BodyShop News
Contents 28
The aftermarket vs OES debate continues
32
SAMBRA national conference 2011
33
DuPontâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s automotive colour trend forecast
NEWS AFRICA AutoForum - March 2011
NEWS AFRICA IBIS Australia 2011 With the second International Bodyshop Industry Symposium (IBIS) Australia just a few months away, Glasurit has announced it will be backing this major auto body repair industry event. IBIS has been an annual institution in Europe since its launch in 2001, and has grown to be one of the major policy shapers in the world’s auto body repair industry. It has rapidly developed to become the auto repair industry’s think tank, attracting major players from the insurance, automotive manufacturing and aftermarket equipment and parts industries. IBIS Australia will reflect some of the content of the 2010 IBIS gathering, which took place in London last June, as well as some specific matters pertaining to the Australian market. The theme in 2011 is ‘Setting The Standard’ with a focus on Standards, Networks and Paint Development, and will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on 10 and 11 May, as a precursor to the Collision Repair Expo 2011. Registration for IBIS Australia will be open from mid-March at www.ibisaustralia.net. For further information contact Michel Malik by email: michel@bodyshopnews.net
IBIS Australia Convener Michel Malik
PAGE 28
The aftermarket vs OES debate continues
I
n our last issue we ran a story on how Ford in the US had found that in crash tests their originally specified replacements parts fared better than did replica parts. Of course, there will always be somebody to refute a claim such as that. A crash test performed last December by MGA Research Corporation, also in the US, revealed that an aftermarket bumper reinforcement bar outperformed its original equipment supplied (OES) equivalent. The trial involved sled-testing a pair of 2007 Ford Mustangs into a front-end barrier at 5 mph (around 8 km/h and the same test presented by Ford at a meeting of the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) last November), measuring the effectiveness of the reinforcement bars and estimating the costs of repair to the aftermarket and OES-equipped vehicles. As Eileen Sottile, Co-Chair of the Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA), an industry trade group that represents manufacturers, suppliers and distributors of aftermarket crash parts, explains: “Tests have consistently demonstrated that aftermarket parts perform just as well as original equipment components and consumers should feel good about having these parts on their vehicles.” The tests revealed superior performance by an aftermarket bumper reinforcement bar which was pitted against a replacement part supplied by FMC. While both parts effectively absorbed the impact and protected the vehicle occupants, a piece of the bumper fell off of the Mustang outfitted with an OES reinforcement bar. The low-speed test did not result in the deployment of the airbag systems on either vehicle. Two repair shops were asked to calculate the costs of repair to the test vehicles without knowledge of the parts used in the crash test. One gave an identical estimate for repairs, while the other (a Ford dealer bodyshop) estimated that it would cost approximately $200 less to repair the aftermarket-equipped vehicle than the OES equipped vehicle, which sustained more damage. “This low-speed test has vindicated the aftermarket in terms of quality, safety and damageability, the focus should return to preventing more cars from becoming total losses which means everyone wins—the repairer, the insurer and most importantly the vehicle owner.” The ABPA has pledged to undertake and make public the results of additional testing.
AutoForum - March 2011
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AutoForum - March 2011
BODYSHOP NEWS
SAMBRA national conference 2011
T
RMI SAMBRA are pulling out all the stops, with a full conference day that will be held on the opening day of this major SA industry trade show - the 9th of March.
In addition, there will be a market overview for 2011 of predicted conditions for the automotive trade in general, along with an expected insurer talk on market conditions. These topics will be swelled by talks on international repair trends in the automotive collision repair trade and issues that affect profitability world wide, which will be presented by an international speaker from Thatcham United Kingdom.
A number of high profile speakers are due to give the attending SAMBRA delegates a jam-packed day of interactive technical overviews of forthcoming vehicle technology as well as the new national electronic payment platform which is proposed for the new year from some of our insurance process partners.
We are happy to announce that BASF, Mutual and Federal and SANTAM have confirmed their sponsorship of the conference and will also be playing a participatory role in the event. We are delighted that we have such renowned sponsors and also that we have insurers on board that are willing to work with us to build the future of the repair industry.
he SAMBRA National Conference 2011 will take place at Automechanika South Africa this month, and it promises to be an enlightening experience.
- By Aleeshen Kisten
The gala dinner and awards will follow the conference on that same evening, and this year will see the presentation of the award for the best short term insurer of the year. The winners will be rated by the MBR via a Greenfields Business Institute survey, which is currently still underway. The RMI half day conference will follow on the 10th March with key speakers on the Consumer Protection Act. (see Jan/ Feb issue of AF) To start the intensive trade weekend events, SAMBRA have also planned a Golf Day which will take place at the Rand Park Golf Club, where up to 24 four balls are planned to swing their way through the day. The evening prizegiving ceremony will round off what promises to be a fantastic day.
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PAGE 32
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DuPont’s automotive colour trend forecast
T
he DuPont automotive colour team compiles an annual trend forecast to showcase colours it feels will be hot favourites for vehicle designers in the next three to five years. This year’s forecast showcases four distinctive themes that are being shared worldwide with the company’s automotive industry customers. The first theme - Protective Spirit - is a group of colours best suited to luxury brands and SUVs. Dark and rich, these colours evoke high-class appeal. DuPont colours in this grouping include Treasure Chest, copper brown with intense sparkle; Soul Mate, deep blue pearl; and Beauty Care, burgundy with a strong bluish hue. The Protective Couture theme includes trendy colours inspired by fashion, animation and specialised products. These colours are particularly suited to a crossgenerational audience. Intense chroma and pale muted hues abound, including Parachute, pale solid pink; Cloud Cover, pearl grey tricoat; and Modern Macintosh, brownish purple.
are ideal for sports cars, brand image vehicles, new model introductions and commercial fleet vehicles. Although South Africans seem to stick to white and silver, as we saw in DuPont’s Global Automotive Colour Popularity Report in last month’s AutoForum, it would be interesting to see a little Antitoxin on our roads in the near future.
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Protective Ambition is a collection of colours that are influenced by nature and the growing trend toward more ecologically friendly vehicles. It includes nature-like colours for large trucks; colours that appeal to the adventurous spirit, such as Turtle Shell, olive green pearl; as well as more serious colours that are technically savvy, including Cocoon Beige, soft beige, and Patroness, soft medium grey. The Protective Vision collection features high chroma colours that are perfect for consumers who want their vehicles to stand out on the road. Antitoxin is a solid bright lime green; Stinger Yellow is a bright shade of yellow with a gold sparkle; and Guardian Angel is a bright white tricoat. These colours
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AutoForum - March 2011
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BODYSHOP NEWS
AER-O-NEWS I
work in the g demand for quality repair n response to the increasin sformed tran ly wn-based Autohail recent refinishing industry, Pineto tnership par key Road repair shop, in a turn and upgraded their Suffert in the p sho ed latter’s installation of a spe with Aer-O-Cure. With the ability cap air rep of il are now at the forefront adjacent building, Autoha and capacity. re AC75 p now boasts an Aer-O-Cu The modernised paint sho te with a touch ay booth and oven, comple Waterborne combination spr our graphics. col orates both animation and screen interface that incorp ing room. mix nt ted with an Aer-O-Mix pai This combination is integra talled and paration area has been ins In addition, a complete pre , aligned to underfloor extraction system consists of an Aer-O-Prep rhead infra-red ove system, and Aer-O-Wave an Aer-O-Vac dry flattening curing system. bench and a Car-O-Liner Mark 6 repair The commissioning of a new allowed for more in Autohail’s panel shop, has Car-O-Liner Speed Bench ject is pro e capacity. The complete efficiency and lifted effectiv pressors with tanks supported by a set of com and dryers.
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of Autohail in the Mr Ricky, ownerpa ration area withave Aer-O-Prep prettenin g & Aer-O-W Aer-O-Vac dry dflainfra-red system ea erh ov Aer-O-Prep preparation area
Autohail’s manufacturer approved repair shop in Pinetown
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Business Forum
Business insight
AutoForum - March 2011
Tracetec loses its appeal Mid-February saw Tracetec losing its appeal in the Competition Appeal Court, which ruled in favour of the appellants, Netstar, Matrix and Tracker. Commenting on the outcome, Riëtte Botha, Managing Director of MiX Telematics (Matrix), said that she was delighted the appeal had been upheld with costs awarded against Tracetec. The South African Insurance Association (SAIA) was the driving force behind the call for standards, in an attempt to provide protection for both the public and the insurance industry from “fly by night” operators. The positive outcome of the appeal proved that the standards were not anti-competitive and that Tracetec was not in a position to deliver a functioning and operational tracking and recovery product or service as they had initially claimed. In addition, the presiding judge declared “it was demonstrated beyond doubt that the claims Tracetec had persistently made in regard to its product and its ability to enter the market at the relevant time were simply, and on some occasion, deliberately untruthful”.
What 2011 holds for the freight industry - by Jayson Naidoo
W
ith increases in the price of fuel and a slow worldwide economy, the international freight industry faces new challenges. Fuel represents more than 40% of typical transport operating costs, excluding overhead expenses on toll fees, for large payload, long-distance vehicles. The credit crunch has also had an impact on Chinese exports to the US - a market that was previously considered buoyant. Although this decline was offset some what by an increase in US exports caused by the weakening Dollar, shipping companies are now strategising on how best to weather stormy market conditions ahead. Coface expects to see a migration of some air freight traffic to the cheaper option of freight forwarding by sea, which is likely to be accompanied by less growth in the ‘express’ sector of the international freight market. We are also likely to see more mergers and partnerships between freight companies as freight forwarding companies look to increase profitability through economies of scale. Inevitably, some weaker freight forwarding companies are likely to liquidate as the tough trading conditions define the winners and losers in the international freight market. However, stronger freight forwarding companies are expected to become stronger still as they continue to innovate to address these market challenges. Increased competition between freight forwarding companies is likely to lead to new product development as freight forwarders add more value-added services to differentiate themselves from shipping companies. There is also likely to be an increasing focus on improving customer service.
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Jayson Naidoo is an industry analyst at Coface, a company whose mission it is to facilitate global business-to-business trade through fully or partly outsource trade relationship management and financing and receivables protection.
ECO - COMBI ECO POWER
Due to the industry’s exposure to a variety of sectors, the South African freight industry’s performance remains closely linked to the performance of the South African economy. With 2011 expected to be a cautious recovery year, the industry is not out of the woods yet. Some areas of immediate concern include the impact from the recent floods on the agriculture, building and construction industries. These industries utilise freight forwarders for the movement of goods, and as the rains may have destroyed some crop shipments as well as delayed building contracts, the shift or cancellation of contracts for transporting goods is expected to affect freight forwarders. In addition, logistical delays and rerouting of trucks to avoid flooded or flood damaged areas could also affect margins.
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In the medium term, concerns have been raised about the cost of transport, particularly with regards to fuel prices and especially in areas such as Gauteng. The soon-to-beintroduced toll system poses threats to an already highly price competitive industry. Some positive elements include the effect the Rand value has had on the lower cost to import goods which saw a slight improvement towards the end of 2010. Overall, however, the recovery of the freight industry in 2011 is directly linked to the recovery of the South African economy which is expected to be cautious in 2011.
a) b) c) d)
Control console Detergent/gasoline mixing tank Detergent/Diesel fuel mixing tank Front wheel with brake
D J e) f) g) h) i) j) k) l) m) n)
Gasoline pre-filter Diesel fuel pre-filter Gasoline filter Diesel fuel filter Power supply cable Fuse (16A) Threaded connector: Diesel return Threaded connector: Diesel pressure (inlet) Threaded connector: Gasoline return Threaded connector: Gasoline pressure (inlet)
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AutoForum - March 2011
Business lessons from the wild dog My most popular talk which I have conducted up and down the country to thousands of delegates, is my Teamwork presentation, which is based on the lessons we learn from Africa’s most successful team – The African wild dog.
Wild dog packs care and nurture their young – which are comparable to new members of staff. I truly believe that it is everybody’s responsibility to assist and coach new employees – not just the responsibility of HR or the training department.
The reason that they are so successful is due to the way they work as an effective unit. The pack all has the same purpose for going to ‘work’ in the morning. In the same way, effective business teams go to work and have the same purpose for being there – to make the business profitable.
Communication must be one of the wild dog’s best assets. Before they leave for a hunt they will nuzzle each other, run around and motivate each other with yelps and barks. Once they have found say a herd of Impala, they instinctively single out an individual as the prey for the final chase – silently communicating amongst the pack as to which animal they are selecting. In business, employees tend to wait for communication to happen. However, effective communication is omni-directional - from the boss down, then from the bottom upwards, and side to side – co-worker to co-worker.
Just as individuals in a wild dog team have various jobs to conduct, we have to be multi-skilled ourselves. Think about training cashiers to become salespeople or merchandisers. The more multi-skilled your team members are, the more of a valued asset they become to the business. What is critical is that whatever task they are doing, each and every team member must take responsibility for that task.
When out in the bush, the wild dogs have fierce competition such as hyena, lion and leopard. These competitors are
- by Graham Bush
much larger and stronger than the individual wild dogs, however as the wild dog team sticks together, it manages to chase off such predators. If everyone in your organisation sticks together to deliver world class service and offers your customer a great experience, you can, and will, increase your business. Finally, when the dogs get back to the den from yet another successful hunt they share food with those team members who had stayed behind, as well as with the pups. This is their way of celebrating and sharing in the rewards. Every month we receive our salary – our reward for doing our job. If however, you have a stronger team, your business may produce more profits and this could lead to more rewards being shared. So perhaps it may be an idea to take a couple of lessons from nature, and install them into business. If the wild dog is one of Africa’s most successful predators – then surely we are learning from the best.
Made in South Africa, exported to the world – number one in market share in the UK. See our full product range at www.forteoil.co.za Forte is currently seeking highly motivated individuals to market our products in selected areas around South Africa, as a distributor or agent. If you are mechanically
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Graham Bush is one of Southern Africa’s leading retail gurus, and over the past 30 years has inspired thousands of business people. He has a relaxed style, and along with his humour delivers powerful and motivational talks and presentations. www.thebushkitchen.co.za
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AutoForum - March 2011
INNOVATIONS
The latest automotive technology
Audi works with universities on mobility solutions
A
University of California at San Diego and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI). “Technologies that help motorists become more aware and efficient are a crucial step toward solving some of the biggest transportation challenges on the horizon across the world,” said Dr Burkhard Huhnke, Executive ‘Audi Urban Audi's new Urban Director of the Intelligent Assist’ Intelligent Assist project Audi Electronics is a three year hopes to make future city Research Laboraresearch project driving safer tory in Palo Alto, that will focus on California. “Audi taking connected is confident that this initiative will procar, driver assistance and infrastructure vide an important insight on the future electronics to the next level of providing of urban transportation and produce detailed information – all so motorists have a better sense of the driving condi- innovative concepts that promote efficient, pleasant, and safer mobility.” tions surrounding them.
udi - together with its Electronics Research Laboratory (ELR) in Silicon Valley, and four US universities - is embarking on a new research initiative aimed at developing technologies to ease the congestion, dangers and inconveniences that often confront drivers in the world’s biggest cities.
The aim of the initiative is to cover the complete process of navigating in a mega city, with the vision of developing Audi models that will recognise individual motorists behind the wheel, know preferred destinations, routes the motorists have most commonly travelled and the time needed to reach appointments. The car will be able to help the drivers detect and avoid dangerous situations better, too. The universities involved in the Audi Urban Intelligent Assist initiative are the University of Southern California, University of California at Berkeley,
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The envisioned vehicles would work with a city’s connected infrastructure to make life easier and more efficient for drivers - for example, by reserving a parking spot near the driver’s desired destination - and optimise the trip according to what is happening throughout the city. The future connected Audi will basically take care of all the little things that make driving in the city tedious and dangerous, so that motorists can enjoy the drive and get to where they want to go efficiently, safely, and comfortably. As Professor Petros Ioannou, University of Southern California Centre for Advanced Transportation
Technologies, explains: “Driving in an urban environment is becoming more challenging due to increasing traffic congestion that affects mobility, safety and driver comfort. New technologies and ideas can be exploited and developed that would allow the vehicle to interact with the urban environment in a much more efficient way by providing improved mobility, driving comfort and safety.” The Audi Urban Intelligent Assist project is the latest in a series of university collaborations that the automaker has formed to explore the frontiers of automotive technologies and electronics. It also forms part of what the company Chairman’s strategy expressed in his keynote speech last month. “Our plan is to integrate the best technologies from the best partners available and adapt these for the automotive world,” Stadler said. “And we intend to pick up the pace of innovation even further.” Other Audi initiatives with ERL have explored advances in autonomous driving, emissions controls and monitoring, and dynamic navigation systems that connect to a motorist’s driving patterns and social circle. University partners in the previous research efforts have included Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of California at Riverside.
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INNOVATIONS
AutoForum - March 2011
EVs for all segments
T UNTIL NOW, OWNING AN EV MEANT DOWNSCALING TO A SMALL CAR - BUT THAT IS ABOUT TO CHANGE
ity Car
Lotus C
he majority of development in the field of electric vehicles has, until now, focused on creating technologies for the urban city car segment. Now automotive technology provider Ricardo has announced that it is developing a new EV technology platform capable of delivering acceptable performance across all vehicle market segments. This is good news for green-minded motorists who are not prepared to swap the utility and convenience of their larger vehicles for a dinky EV.
The EV city car concept has taken the lion’s share of research in the past due to the fact that their power requirements and recharging needs have been comparatively simpler to address. The cost, range and real-world duty cycle issues of larger electric vehicles have been far less straightforward to tackle, despite their enormous potential in terms of practicality and huge pay-off in reducing emissions due to the higher fuel consumption of their conventionally-powered counterparts. Ricardo will be working with a variety of partners in a collaboration dubbed the Low Carbon Vehicle Technology Project (LCVTP). Working with the LCVTP, Ricardo will take the lead in the development of a technology demonstration platform based on a Freelander 2 SUV that has been loaned to the project by Jaguar Land Rover, which is also involved. The demonstration platform will be developed in three key stages. The first will see the vehicle converted from its conventional powertrain into a simple battery electric vehicle (BEV). This vehicle will incorporate efficiency
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optimised control strategies within a simple architectural framework based on conventional 3 kW recharging rate. The planned deadline for this stage is mid-2011. Stage two will incorporate location awareness and adaptive route control – an area in which Ricardo has worked extensively in the past – along with vehicle level improvements and optimisation of weight and aerodynamics. The final stage will see the vehicle developed into a rangeextended electric vehicle (RE-EV) that will include an advanced auxiliary power unit (a petrol engine integrated with a generator) developed within the project, for on-board battery recharging. This part of the project will wrap up in late 2011 and provide the basis for ongoing development of enhanced control strategies for HVAC and other systems to further optimise comfort and energy efficiency. The end of the LCVTP project will not be the end for Ricardo in this line of development – with the company planning to continue evolving the resulting demonstration platform. Commenting on the announcement of Ricardo’s involvement within the LCVTP, company Chief Technology and Innovation Officer Neville Jackson said: “The creation of this electric vehicle technology demonstration platform as part of the Ricardo participation in the Low Carbon Vehicle Technology Project is an excellent illustration of how this far-reaching research initiative is acting to help pull forward next-generation automotive innovations. This work will help move the development of electric vehicle architectures beyond the city car, quantifying the benefits of a range of new approaches to energy storage, energy management, “smart” control processes and energy efficient ancillaries whilst addressing range anxiety issues. The challenges in deploying electric drive architectures to larger vehicles create the demand for ever higher levels of innovation, a core competence at Ricardo.”
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INNOVATIONS
AutoForum - March 2011
The Next Five in Five
I
t might not be too many years away until computers are able to tell us the future, but for 2011 computer company IBM has unveiled the fifth annual ‘Next Five in Five’. This is a list of innovations that the firm believes have the potential to change the way people work, live and play over the next five years. The Next Five in Five is based on market and societal trends expected to transform our lives, as well as emerging technologies from IBM’s labs around the world that can make these innovations possible.
You’ll beam up your friends in 3-D In the next five years, 3-D interfaces will let you interact with 3-D holograms of your friends in real time. Movies and TVs are already moving to 3-D, and as 3-D and holographic cameras get more sophisticated and miniaturised to fit into cellphones, you will be able to interact with photos, browse the Web and chat with your friends in entirely new ways. Scientists are working to improve video chat to become holography chat, or ‘3-D telepresence’. The technique uses light beams scattered from objects and reconstructs a picture of that object, a similar technique to the one human eyes use to visualise our surroundings.
Batteries will breathe air to power our devices In the next five years, scientific advances in transistors and battery technology
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will allow your devices to last about 10 times longer than they do today. And, in some cases, batteries may disappear altogether in smaller devices. Instead of the heavy lithium-ion batteries, scientists are working on batteries that use air to react with energy-dense metal, eliminating a key inhibitor to longer lasting batteries. If successful, the result will be a lightweight, powerful and rechargeable battery capable of powering virtually everything.
You won’t need to be a scientist to save the planet In five years, sensors in your phone, car, wallet and even your tweets will collect data that will give scientists a real-time picture of your environment. You’ll be able to contribute this data to fight global warming, save endangered species or track invasive plants or animals that threaten ecosystems around the world. Simple observations such as when the first thaw occurs, when the mosquitoes first appear, if there’s no water running where a stream should be - all this is valuable data that scientists don’t have in large sets today. Even your laptop can be used as a sensor to detect seismic activity. If properly employed and connected to a network of other computers, your laptop can help map out the aftermath of an earthquake quickly, speeding up the work of emergency responders and potentially saving lives.
Your commute will be personalised By 2016 advanced analytics technologies will provide personalised recommendations that get commuters where they need to go in the fastest time. Adaptive traffic systems will intuitively learn traveller patterns and behaviour to provide more dynamic travel safety and route information to travellers than is available today. IBM researchers are developing new models that will predict the outcomes of varying transportation routes to provide information that goes well beyond traditional traffic reports. Using new mathematical models and predictive analytics technologies, researchers will analyse and combine multiple possible scenarios that can affect commuters to deliver the best routes for daily travel.
Computers will help energise your city Innovations in computers and data centres are enabling the harnessing of excessive heat and energy that they give off to do things like heat buildings in the winter and power air conditioning in the summer - significant if you consider up to 50% of the energy consumed by a modern data centre goes toward air cooling. New technologies, such as novel on-chip water-cooling systems, allow the thermal energy from a cluster of computer processors to be efficiently recycled to provide hot water for an office or houses.
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INNOVATIONS
AutoForum - March 2011
SARTRE vehicle platooning hits the streets
V
ehicle platooning looks set to gain increasing popularity over the next five years and the EU-financed SARTRE project recently completed the first successful demonstration of its technology at the Volvo Proving Ground close to Gothenburg, Sweden.
Vehicle platooning, as envisaged by the SARTRE project, is a convoy of vehicles where a professional driver in a lead vehicle drives a line of other vehicles. Each car measures the distance, speed and direction and adjusts to the car in front. All vehicles are totally detached and can leave the procession at any time. Once in the platoon, drivers can relax and do other things while the platoon proceeds towards its long haul destination. This latest development is the first time the EU-financed development teams in SARTRE have tested their systems together outside the simulators. “We are very pleased to see that the various systems work so well together already the first time,” says Erik Coelingh, Engineering Specialist at Volvo Cars. “After all, the systems come from seven SARTRE-member companies in four countries. The winter weather provided some extra testing of cameras and communication equipment.” As Tom Robinson, SARTRE Project Coordinator, of Ricardo UK Ltd explains: “This is a major milestone for this important European research programme. Platooning offers the prospect of improved road safety, better
PAGE 50
road space utilisation, improved driver comfort on long journeys and reduced fuel consumption and hence CO2 emissions. With the combined skills of its participating companies, SARTRE is making tangible progress towards the realisation of safe and effective road train technology.” The tests carried out included a lead vehicle and single following vehicle. The steering wheel of the following car moves by itself as the vehicle smoothly follows the lead truck around the country road test track. The driver is able to drink coffee or read a paper, using neither hand nor foot to operate his vehicle. The platooning concept is designed to improve a number of key road issues. The first of these is road safety, as platooning minimises the human factor that is the cause of at least 80% of road accidents. Secondly, the system reduces fuel consumption and thus CO2 emissions by up to 20%. It is also convenient for the driver because it frees up time for matters other than driving. And since the vehicles will travel at highway speed with only a few meters gap, platooning may also relieve traffic congestion. According to its advocates, the technology development is well underway and is likely go into production in a few years time. What may take substantially longer to convert, however, are both public acceptance and the necessary legislation – in order for the system to work across Europe, 25 EU governments must pass similar laws. “It is great to see that all systems work so well together. We develop the communication between the vehicles, using a vehicle-to-vehicle specified radio frequency. Our next step will be to develop a parallel system, probably using 3G, so there is a built-in back-up if the primary communication fails,” says Erik Hedin at SP.
AutoForum - March 2011
Tech Tips Tracking down faults - it’s not a
S
hock absorbers are often overlooked because they are not readily visible, and are therefore difficult to check for signs of damage or wear. Phi lip Lutz, Monroe Shock Absorb er’s Marketing Manager, Afterma rket Ride Control Southern Africa , explains: “Because shock abs orbers wear out gradually, mo torists adjust unconsciously to the change in their vehicle’s han dling, unaware that the efficiency of vital components is compromis ed. It is therefore essential that you check your customer’s shocks for them and remind them of how dan gerous worn shocks can be.” Independent research to dem onstrate the extent to which wor n shock absorbers could impact on a vehicles’ safety, shows that they compromise the driver’s ability to stop, steer and maintain veh icle stability: • It takes 2.6 metres longer to stop from a speed of 80 km/h on a straight road with only one driv er in the car. • It takes 11.3 metres longer to stop when fully loaded (with a driv er and three passengers) travellin g on a straight road with an une ven surface from a speed of 70 km/ h. Lutz cautions that although wor n shock absorbers do indeed seri ously compromise a car’s handling and safety – not all problems rela ted to suspension are necessarily cau sed by worn
lways the shocks -part 1
shocks. He offers some technical tips for fitment centres in part one of this two part series:
Damaged piston rod
Steering wheel vibrations? This problem may not necessarily be caused by worn or poorly fitted shock absorbers. Other causes include: Poor wheel alignment, poor wheel balancing, worn mountings, worn suspension bushings, worn steering dampers, unevenly worn brakes and eve n problem tyres.
or moving on the piston rod, to extend the shock’s lifespan.
Shock rubber/bushing not last ing? This could be caused by loos e nuts, paint not cleaned off threads before tightening, incorrect sequence or position of rubbers during inst allation, incorrect position or om ission of washers, over-tighten ing of mountings (not using correct manufacturer’s torque specific ations for example) or just that the rub bers have worn out due to extr eme terrain. In these cases one sho uld seriously consider fitting goo d quality polyurethane bushings. In som e cases this may also lead to the damage of the actual shock or veh icle suspension mountings. Oil Leakage? Although there is always the possibility that the shock may have wor n/ faulty seals, leakage is often caused by piston rod damage during installation (not using the correct tools); damaged or missing dirt shields (particularly if the vehicle is driven in a dusty environment) accident or stone damage, rod corrosion and faulty, damaged or missing protection kits. Always replace the rubber boot and bump rubber protection if it is showing any sign of wear such as splitting
Preventing the seal from fail ing Don’t forget to lower a vehicle back onto its suspension before fina lly tightening up. If a telescopic shock is left hanging while the vehicle is in the air on a lift and it is then tightene d up at this point (particularly if it is over-tightened) it can cause the piston rod to operate at the inco rrect angle putting a side force on the seal that can cause it to fail. Irregular and increased tyre wear This may not necessarily be from worn shocks but can also be caused by incorrect tyre pressure, inco rrect wheel alignment, faulty brakes or personal driving style. If the tyre wear is in the centre of the tyre the pressure is too high; if is on both outer sides the pressure is too low ; if it is only on one side or feathered, the alignment or balance may be out. If the wear is uneven and patchy then the shocks may be worn. Steering not centring? If the steering will not centre by itself this could be caused by worn or damaged shock mountings whi ch can also be caused by overtig htening or using an airgun - or not tigh tening to the manufacturer’s torque specs. This may also be accompanied by poor handling and faulty suspen sion tester readings often mistake n for worn shocks.
Look out for part 2 in our April
issue.
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AutoForum - March 2011
Auto Safety
2010’s safest cars Euro NCAP has announced its five best performing cars of 2010 in terms of safety. Vehicles found to be the safest in their categories need to achieve a high overall score, in addition to earning a coveted five star rating. During last year the much respected safety organisation crash tested twenty-nine vehicles, of which 65% earned five star ratings. This figure is down 25% from 2009, when 90% of vehicles tested achieved five stars, showing just how tough Euro NCAP is becoming. Scraping in at the bottom of the safety rankings for cars tested in 2010 are the Citroën Nemo with three stars and the Landwind CV9, which received only two stars. The top achievers by category are: • Executive category: BMW 5 Series • Small Family category: Alfa Romeo Giulietta • Supermini category: Honda CR-Z • Small off-road 4×4 category: Kia Sportage • Small MPV category: Toyota Verso In addition to the top five achievers, the Suzuki Swift, Kia Venga, BMW X1, VW Sharan/ Seat Alhambra and Citroën C4 all scored above 80% overall, earning them places on the list of best performing cars of 2010.
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Cars better in side impacts – not only thanks to side airbags
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ew findings from the US safety testing organisation IIHS, has found that drivers of vehicles that perform well in side-impact crash tests are much less likely to die in a real-world left-side crash than drivers of vehicles that do poorly. Perhaps even more importantly the study finds that airbags, while crucial, are far from the whole story in side crash protection, by using only passenger vehicles with side airbags in these latest crash tests. After controlling for driver age and gender and vehicle type and weight, a driver of a vehicle rated ‘good’ for driver protection in a side impact is 70% less likely to die in a driver-side crash compared with a driver of a vehicle rated poor. A driver of a vehicle rated ‘acceptable’ is 64% less likely to die, and a driver of a vehicle rated ‘marginal’ is 49% less likely to die. These probabilities were calculated using ratings that reflect driver protection only and differ from the Institute’s published ratings, which reflect protection for both the driver and a passenger in the rear. The study focused predominantly on driver death risk because US federal crash statistics don’t contain the information needed to calculate passenger risk the same way. The researchers computed driver-only ratings for vehicles in the study using the same method the Institute normally uses to rate models that don’t have
back seats. “This was our first look at how our ratings correlate with actual crash data since we started side tests in 2003, and the numbers confirm that these are meaningful ratings,” says Institute Chief Research Officer David Zuby. “Vehicles with ‘good’ side ratings provide occupants with far more protection than vehicles that do poorly in our test.”
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Studies of frontal crashes have shown similar results: Drivers of vehicles with ‘good’ ratings in the Institute’s frontal offset crash test are much less likely to die in frontal crashes. Side-impact crashes can be particularly deadly because the sides of vehicles have relatively little space to absorb energy and shield occupants. In this research, the Institute looked at US federal data on side crashes from 2000 to 2009, and only crashes involving Institute-rated vehicles with standard side airbags to protect both the head and torso. By limiting the study to vehicles with side airbags, the researchers were able to bring other factors such as structure into sharper focus. Previous research has shown the importance of side airbags, and no vehicle without head-protecting side airbags has ever earned a ‘good’ rating from the Institute. “We knew that our ratings would encourage manufacturers to add head-protecting side airbags, which would save lives,” Zuby says. “It’s great to see that other aspects of our evaluation, such as encouraging strong side structures, resulted in so much additional protection.”
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AUTO SAFETY
AutoForum - March 2011
Global safety round-up
I
n Europe, Daytime Running Lights (DRL) have now become compulsory for all new cars and light vans produced in the region’s automotive factories. For new trucks and buses, DRL will be required from August 2012 in an attempt to improve road safety. It is not yet a requirement for motorcycles, although the majority of manufacturers voluntarily elect to install Automatic Headlight On (AHO) systems. In the future, however, legislation changes may require manufacturers to fit DRL to motorcycles.
quickly than those equipped with dipped beam headlights. Across the pond, inthinc - a US-based telematics and driving safety technology company - has been awarded a patent covering driving safety technology related to cellphone and SMS detection. The system detects cellphone use while a vehicle is in motion and coaches the driver to stop phone use while driving and provides vehicle owners and fleet managers with web-based reports of cellphone and SMS use.
One of the European legislative changes company’s The European mean that now all cars existing telematCommission produced in the region must ics products has contends include DRL already seen an road users, average drop in including speeding violations of 90% across the pedestrians and cyclists, detected company’s customer base, proving that vehicles using DRL more clearly and
PAGE 54
such technologies can work in the real world. Another real world issue is being address by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – deaths during rollover crashes. Rollovers are currently one of the leading causes of US vehicle deaths, causing 35% of all accident fatalities in 2009. In light of this, the NHTSA has released new rules compelling automakers to install larger and stronger side-curtain airbags to prevent drivers and passengers from being ejected during a rollover. The new rules apply to vehicles weighing 4 356 kg or less and require manufacturers ‘to prevent the equivalent of an unbelted adult from moving more than 10 cm past the side window opening in the event of a crash’ even if the window is down or damaged during a rollover crash.
New KTS truck control unit diagnostic tester from Bosch for vans, trucks and buses
T
he KTS Truck control unit diagnostic tester and the associated Esitronic Truck software package have been developed specifically to address the needs of commercial vehicle workshops and complete Bosch’s comprehensive range of test equipment and spare parts for vans, heavy-duty trucks, buses and trailers. Bosch offers two different versions of the new KTS control unit diagnostic tester for commercial vehicles: a KTS module (KTS Truck) for use with an existing PC or laptop in the workshop, and the KTS 800 Truck complete solution with the new Diagnostic Control Unit (DCU) – a robust tablet PC also recently developed by Bosch. The KTS module can be connected to any standard PC via a class 1 Bluetooth wireless connection. The wireless module offers trouble-free data transmission in the workshop over a range of up to 100 meters. This makes it ideal for the large distances prevalent in commercial vehicle workshops due to the length of the vehicles. The KTS Truck is supplied in a practical case along with a Bluetooth stick for PCs that are not equipped with this function. An OBD diagnostic cable and an universal adapter set are also provided. Special diagnostic cables for other commercial vehicle types are available as special accessories. The KTS 800 Truck provides the commercial vehicle workshop with a complete mobile solution. The new Diagnostic Control Unit, which was also designed to control other Bosch test systems, is equipped with a 13 inch touchscreen and is encased in a highly robust housing with a practical handle. The control
unit diagnostic module is also connected to the DCU via Bluetooth. Esitronic Truck offers high compatibility with European commercial vehicles The new KTS Truck and KTS 800 Truck testers are operated with the Esitronic Truck software, also specially developed for commercial vehicle workshops. The software package offers a high degree of compatibility with the standard vans, trucks, trailers and buses on the European market. In addition to the control unit diagnosis, the Esitronic Truck software features technical information such as wiring diagrams, service and repair instructions as well as system information. Spare parts catalogs are also provided and include data from Bosch’s cooperation partner ZF Services – again with service information and instructions for removing and installing ZF products. The intuitive operation of the new Esitronic Truck software is based on the successful operating philosophy behind the Bosch KTS 340 diagnostics tester. Spare parts, testers, training courses and hotline support As with passenger car workshops, Bosch also offers a broad range of spare parts in original equipment quality for commercial vehicle workshops and an extensive range of test equipment with vehicle system analysis, exhaust gas, chassis and brake system analysis, systems for diesel repairs and the tire service. The service training program in
South Africa is also being expanded to include special training courses for commercial vehicle technology. The commercial vehicle workshops can also contact the Bosch technical hotline for assistance with difficult technical problems. The hotline is manned by specialists with extensive practical experience, thus allowing workshops to benefit from the technical expertise of Bosch as a system supplier for development and original equipment. In addition, the Esitronic Truck software provides access to the new online diagnostics service. With this premium service, the Bosch experts can connect directly to the diagnostic system in the workshop via an Internet connection and guide the mechanic through the test sequence step by step. From 2011, Bosch will also be offering an extensive service package specifically for independent commercial vehicle workshops, comprising parts, tools, workshop equipment, training and technical information. We will be showing this at Automechanika South Africa. Launch date March 2011
AutoForum - March 2011
Heavy duty update
Continental choose the tough route
W
hen a product holds a small mental and physical share of the fiercely competitive South African truck market, it’s too easy to choose the weaker and non-sustainable route to success by buying market share – price massaging and manipulation. Continental Tyre SA (Pty) Ltd is not going to enter into price-wars as they step into being serious about truck tyres for South African operators. Here’s the ‘low-down’ from the Continental truck tyre launch in Johannesburg held recently.
tyre operating and ownership. This means that Continental wants to prove its products in terms of fuel economy, mileage achieved, retread-ability and on-the-road support services. Increased safety is a given. And it appears that Continental has concentrated on trucking technology to support the claim for being a performance-based truck tyre. What has been done to a Continental truck tyre to back their claims?
Who is Continental? It’s a global automotive components supplier with annual sales in 2010 reaching 25,5 billion Euro’s – that over R250 billion! Continental employs 149,000 people in 46 countries. In addition to tyres, Continental is a world-wide supplier of braking systems, systems and components for power-trains and chassis, instrumentation, vehicle electronics and technical elastomers. Continental has recently invested R200 million in their Port Elizabeth factory.
It’s good news that a global outfit like Continental has declared a determined intent to service local transport operations. Better still, Continental does not want to get into price battles and believes it can occupy space on our roads through lowest overall cost of
PAGE 56
• AIrkeep® is a new patented technology that slows down the natural diffusion of air from a correctly pressured tyre with properly maintained seals. The brand new inner liner consists of a special rubber compound – air molecules require 50% longer to
- By Dave Scott
escape through the labyrinth-like structure of the AIrkeep® inner layer. This improves pressure retention. Continental points out that a 10% loss in recommended tyre pressure results in a 3% fuel consumption penalty – the AIrkeep® inner layer in the picture below will be part of fuel economy.
• Truck tyre rubber compound is selected and made to suit SA conditions and specifications • Redesigned steel-cord bead reinforcement improves seating on the wheel rim. A truck tyre bead is a safety critical component and improving stability on the rim not only enhances safety but prevents additional air diffusion.
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.
• A stiffer casing has been designed in a new optimised contour, allowing the creation of a considerably larger air volume – while this reduces undesirable tyre movement it increases load-bearing capacity and tyre mileage.
competitor and 28 m further than the next best competitor.
Stopping Distance in Meters
Selling truck tyres requires segmenting market needs – it’s not a case of one-size-fits-all. Continental is going to focus on construction, passenger (bus) and road transport with a range of tread patterns and rubber to suit steering, • A 4-ply triangular belt design is part drive and trailer axles. Natural rubber of reduced rolling resistance while it absorbs forces from lateral and radial makes up 58% of the material cost of a truck tyre while in a car tyre it’s only moments and reduces the intrinsic 35%, but it’s a difficult time for rubmovement of a truck tyre at the root. ber – natural rubber prices are at their The improved rolling resistance was highest-ever. There are increasing contested at Gerotek using a ‘Coast cerns that supply may not keep pace Down’ test from 80 to 40 km/h – the with demand with heavy rain hampering result was that a Continental truck production. Natural rubber prices have tyre rolled 146 m than the worst soared from “ Coast Down” 80 km/h to 40 km/h $2/1 kg in 2007 to over $5.66/1 2 350 kg in 2011. Such price increases 2 300 of a truck tyre’s 2 250 major constituent will have to 2 200 be passed on to users who 2 150 will be resistant 2 100 and not really understand why 2 050 Continental Competitor A Competitor B Competitor C they are paying 2 294 2 266 2 181 2 148 such premiums.
From the cradle to the grave – it’s a concept that Continental is also now embracing with the additional announcement that it intends supplying cold process recap rubber and is entering the recap market. Just watch this space. And then it’s truck tyre people that will make the difference – not just products. A Continental truck tyre team has been established under the leadership of Brian Clarke – General Manager: Commercial Vehicle Tyres – and who is well known in truck tyre circles. I can hear the market snigger – why only at this late stage does Continental want to get serious about truck tyres when it would appear to be oversupplied? Continental has a vision for Africa, not just SA and the longer one waits, the tougher it gets. The point is that Continental AG – often called Conti for short - is the world’s fourth largest tyre manufacturer after Bridgestone, Michelin and Goodyear. After acquiring Siemens VDO it has become one of the top five automotive suppliers in the world. Conti has the muscle – add determination and truck tyre people and they will succeed!
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COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
AutoForum - March 2011
Atego claims German Sustainability Award 2010
D
aimler was recently presented with the German Sustainability Award 2010, an honour conceptually sponsored by the German Sustainability Award Foundation in Düsseldorf, which is presented to companies that combine business success with social responsibility and nature conservation, and that act sustainably to promote further growth. The focus is on consistent sustainability management and sustainability-related issues in brand management.
subsequently available for handling special load situations. The MercedesBenz Atego BlueTec Hybrid is therefore an environmentally friendly vehicle with which Daimler is setting benchmarks worldwide.”
The Mercedes-Benz Atego’s hybrid drive marks the first time that Daimler has offered this very low emission technology in Europe ex works, thus making it immediately available to customers as a highly The engine’s automatic sustainable start-stop function reduces fuel form of freight According consumption, emissions, and transport. to the jury noise to zero when the vehicle is The vehicle is responsible waiting at traffic lights based on the for deciding Euro 5-comthe most pliant Atego 1222 L, which already recent winner: “Daimler’s Mercedesmeets the environmentally friendly EEV Benz Atego BlueTec Hybrid addresses standard for especially low particulate various challenges to sustainability. The emissions and can therefore be driven adjustment of hybrid components to on German highways toll-free. Its comthe vehicle operating strategy reduces pact and lightweight four-cylinder diesel fuel consumption and CO2 emissions engine with 4.8 litres of displacement by between 10 and 15% - and the generates 160 kW (218 hp). The engine savings can even be higher, depending is complemented by a water-cooled on topography and operating condielectric motor with a maximum output tions. When the vehicle is braking or of 44 kW. The motor is supplied with coasting, the electric motor serves electricity by powerful, high-energy as a generator that feeds energy into lithium-ion batteries. the lithium-ion batteries, which are
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The electric motor is mounted behind the combustion engine and clutch, but in front of the transmission. With this configuration, both drive units can power the truck individually or in combination. Thanks to this parallel hybrid drive architecture, it is possible to start solely on electric power, recover braking energy, obtain a boost from the electric motor, and optimise the diesel engine’s characteristic curve. The drive power of the diesel engine is engaged via the clutch between the diesel engine and the electric motor. Until this point, the combustion engine serves solely to power the ancillary components. This setup not only substantially reduces fuel consumption and emissions by up to 15%, it also produces less noise. The engine’s automatic start-stop function reduces fuel consumption, emissions, and noise to zero when the vehicle is waiting at traffic lights. The first batch of 50 Atego BlueTec Hybrids will be delivered to German customers within the distribution sector early this year and the German Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development is helping to fund the vehicles as part of its Electric Mobility Support Programme.
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COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
AutoForum - March 2011
Protecting a truck’s spinal column
T
wo items have a major impact on truck’s market value – the condition of the cab and integrity of the chassis. It’s relatively easy to repair and reinstall driveline components that fit under a cab and attach to a chassis. But when a cab, the command post, or the chassis, the spinal column, need serious repair or replacement then a truck’s value takes a massive hit. Every component that makes up a truck is attached to a ladder-frame chassis where two channel-frame side members are held together with cross-members that are welded, riveted or bolted to the chassis.
Why does a truck chassis fail? Overloading is the most obvious reason. Another cause for rapid failure is welding on a chassis where subframes or other accessories, such as a toolbox, are tack-welded onto the chassis. And then drilling holes on the top or bottom flanges are sure to lead to cracks and failure – any hole may only be drilled into the side-web of a chassis and then within the prescribed dimensional parameters. Chassis cross-members play the vital role of keeping the ladder-frame joined together and are not designed for bodycomponents to be mounted on top of a cross-member. The rearmost crossmember is often removed for chassis shortening, which in turn results in the
chassis rails splaying outwards under load. The rear cross-member must always be repositioned when shortening a chassis. Any truck that operates with hydraulic equipment – tippers, demountable bodies, skip loaders and compactors – needs the rear crossmember to be able to take movement over the chassis rear end and a rear cross-member must be sturdy and tough enough to last the life of a truck without failure.
How a truck is assembled with a cargo body at the outset of its life on the road will determine many cost impacts, for example, downtime, tyre wear, chassis repairs and residual/resale values. Thus it’s vital that a chassis is protected against damage from low-quality body mountings and welding. Steel-to-steel sub-frames are recommended for mounting bodies and equipment while wooden inserts are not recommended. The sub-frame must also always be a single-piece continuous section with a low profile. Massive channel-iron sub-frames not only increase loading height and raise the centre of gravity, over-designed sub-frames also increase tare mass and penalise payload. Chassis with rivets protruding on the top flange require a
- By Dave Scott
steel flat-bar to be laid on top of the chassis as a bridge between the chassis and the sub-frame. Never ever mount a crane and a truck body on two distinctly separate sub-frames – the chassis will eventually crack where the two sub-frames meet. The front of the steel sub-frame must taper or use a cut-out insert to minimise stress on the truck chassis top flange – 1 the sub-frame and 2 the chassis in the diagrams below.
How a sub-frame is attached to a chassis is also important. Over-sized, over-torqued U-bolt mountings are becoming a thing of the past. Cleat mountings with springs towards the front of the chassis are the design of the future to allow for chassis flexing. I have recently seen new trucks with low-quality sub-frames that are badly mounted. Everything that goes into the cost of ownership – lifetime costing – is negated in this cost-cutting cheap approach. Worse still is that the truck body could fall off in service and that’s a road safety issue. Be critical when taking delivery of a new truck – it’s the start of a lifetime marriage between cargo body and a chassis that will affect the bottom line.
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AutoForum - March 2011
Show Time AfriMold set for September The AfriMold tool, die and mould-making exhibition which made its debut in Sandton last year is expected to triple in size between 27 and 29 September 2011. Exhibition Director Ron MacLarty explains that during a visit in December to sister exhibition EuroMold in Frankfurt, Germany, the AfriMold team received high numbers of international enquiries. AfriMold 2011 will be placing emphasis on the local motor and packaging industries, in which tooling and design play a critical role. The venue will again be the Sandton Convention Centre and MacLarty believes the addition of a second floor to triple the size of AfriMold 2011 will be strongly considered. “Many of the EuroMold visitors expressed an interest in exhibiting and/or visiting AfriMold, some to seek local agent representatives in SA, others to seek alternate suppliers of mould components and accessories. Delegates to these shows are also seeing the value in new business contacts and the platforms provided to exchange experiences in terms of technologies and state-of-the-art computer-driven design and production. AfriMold’s objective is to achieve this and more.” For more information contact Ron MacLarty at AfriMold Tel: 011 72 353 6699 e-mail: ron@afrimold.com or visit www.afrimold.com
Pierre Terblanche, originally from Uitenhage Eastern Cape and the Chief Designer on the Ducati 999, was the keynote speaker at the last AfriMold Technical Conference
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Petro.t.ex Africa 2011
T
he Petro.t.ex Africa 2011 Exhibition runs from 7 to 9 June at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, and is targeted at suppliers to oil refineries, petrochemical plants, oil and gas installations and pipelines, and focuses on the technological developments and service aspects of the industry. For the first time, Ubifrance, the French agency for International Business Development, will host a trade pavilion and business seminars at this year’s event, a significant coup for the exhibition as France is a leading stakeholder in Africa’s oil sector. With oil consumption on the rise and expected to reach 87 million barrels per day in 2011, it is vital for African countries to explore all areas of development with foreign counterparts,” says Mark Burridge of Fair Consultants, organisers of Petro.t.ex Africa. Topics under the spotlight include: Technology, plant and equipment for gas-to-liquids (GTL); Liquefied natural gas (LNG); Liquid petroleum gas (LPG); Petroleum and petrochemical; and Transport For more information on the exhibition and conference enquiries, contact Mark Burridge at Fair Consultants. Tel: 011 713 3360. Email: mark@fairconsultants.com. Website: www.fairconsultants.com.
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AutoForum - March 2011
SHOW TIME
Showtime: an indispensable marketing and customer interface - By Robert Kaiser
T
he motor industry aftermarket will be on show again from 9-12 March when Automechanika SA 2011 kicks off at Johannesburg’s Expo Centre, in Nasrec. If the de novo involvement by industry heavyweights in this largest and most influential exhibition in the SA motor industry aftermarket is anything to go by, 2011 is set to surpass the first show held so successfully two years ago. Judging from the impressive lineup of conferences and events which will be hosted at the show, there will be huge business visitor interest. Conferences, conventions and other events are to be hosted inter alia by : • The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) • The Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) • Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA)
Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), Engine Remanufacturers’ Association (ERA), Motor Parts and Equipment Association (MPEA), SA Diesel Fuel Injection Association (SADFIA), SA Vehicle and Body Builders’ Association (SAVABA) and Tyre Dealers’ and Fitment Association (TDAFA) Show opportunities such as Automechanika SA are a crucial component in any company’s overall marketing and branding strategy - sometimes sadly overlooked or disregarded to the detriment of profitability and growth.
• MIDAS Group • Road Freight Association (RFA) • RMI Constituents SA Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA),
The business world relies to an increasing extent on rapid electronic communication, web-based business applications, impersonal contact centres and automated telephone exchanges.
Although there are indisputable benefits to electronic communication systems and automated business applications, these modern marvels carry the risk that over-reliance could alienate a business from its customer base. A customer who is not looked after and who is not given an opportunity to interface with his supplier on a personal basis is not going to be a loyal customer. In this environment, trade shows such as Automechanika SA have become a crucial component of an overall marketing strategy in order to establish and maintain personal contact with existing customers, meeting potential new ones,
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Robert Kaiser has been intimately involved in the motor industry for the past 25 years. He established Retail Motor Consultants in 2002, a consultancy providing relationship management, marketing and staff recruitment services as well as apprenticeship management programmes and through an associated company, unique Black Economic Empowerment transformation programmes for both large and SME businesses.
exploring new business opportunities and underpinning brand presence in the market. Even companies who only work through appointed agents or who maintain a travelling sales force (increasingly scarce in these days of high operational costs) can never claim to be really in touch with their customers in the same way that an active presence as an exhibitor at a trade show can achieve. Note that the qualification here is an ‘active’ presence as opposed to a passive stand manning exercise.
How to make the most of your involvement at a trade show Exhibitors with an active presence at a show are those who see their exhibition activities as a real opportunity to market their products and services to existing and new customers. They will make sure that: • Existing customers are notified of their participation and receive a personal invitation to visit the show
and the exhibitor’s stand. The value of such pre-show preparation cannot be over-emphasised. • Reliable and senior staff members who are completely au fait with the company’s products and services are deployed to man the stand and are able to serve existing and potential customers in a knowledgeable and professional manner, having been properly briefed beforehand on the company’s show objectives. • A great opportunity to conduct market research in a face to face environment is maximised. • Senior staff members utilise the show to research and explore new opportunities that may present themselves. A trade show such as Automechanika SA 2011, which will include international exhibitors from 25 countries, presents significant business opportunities and wide awake entrepreneurs will most certainly benefit.
• Gathering of information and market intelligence through attendance of business conferences and conventions can influence future business decisions. • First hand experience of what the competition is doing is obtained - remember, they are after your customers! • New products or services are introduced at the show to fully utilise the media presence and interest. • Well-planned post-show follow up action to maintain the momentum gained at the show maximises business opportunities and build lasting relationships If you would like to register as a visitor to Automechanika SA 2011, go to www.automechanikasa.co.za and utilise the online registration facility to open the doors for a personal experience. We hope to see you there!
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Contact us today (012) 330 0540 PAGE 65
New Releases
AutoForum - March 2011
www.AutoForum.co.za
New mobile lift unit – SA distributors wanted
U
K-based Trailer-Lift has announced that it is marketing a new mobile lift unit. The unit boasts a specially adapted scissor lift so that the servicing and repairing of vehicles can be carried out with almost unlimited flexibility – and all outside of a workshop. Benefits include time and cost saving, as repairers are able to add an extra “mobile” bay to a workshop, allowing for quick changing of tyres, exhausts, tow-bars and electrics. The mobile lift can transport vehicles and lift them in the air for inspection, repairs or display - getting vehicles to a height of 2.5 metres in less than
TURBOS, ALL THE INAL, ALL ORIG ME TI ALL THE
35 seconds via remote control. It can be stopped at any point. Trailer-Lift are looking for local distributors to represent the company in SA. “This is becoming a very popular trend with car dealerships and general car maintenance companies around the globe.
The product was initially invented to maintain rally cars at events as there are no garage facilities or electricity supply. However, we are experiencing amazing interest from countries all over the world for a multitude of uses,” says Trailer-Lift Managing Director, Tim McCullagh. For more details please email mike.clegg@trailer-lift.com
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Turbo
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New Releases
AutoForum AutoForum - March- 2011 March 2011
SAE Launches Green Tech Guide SAE International - a global association of more than 128 000 engineers and related technical experts in the aerospace, automotive and commercial-vehicle industries - has launched a new and unique publication, which focuses on green technologies and their impact on the mobility industry. The new guide is a compilation of twenty recently published technical papers, ‘Green Technologies and The Mobility Industry’ and is part of the SAE well-known series, Progress in Technology. Edited by 2010 SAE International President, Dr Andrew Brown, Jr., P.E., FESD, NAE, who is also the Executive Director and Chief Technologist for Delphi Corporation, it covers the latest developments in vehicle electrification, fuels and emissions, sustainable mobility and emerging technologies. It has been created by authors from both industry and academia, bringing fresh and creative ideas to the discussion forum, ranging from sustainable mobility to innovative hybrid drive systems, including articles on in-vehicle network technology and green aviation. The book is available in print and digital formats, both of which bring a bonus publication by Delphi Corporation on worldwide emissions standards. There is also an exclusive multi-media package available at http://books.sae.org/ book-pt-146 that includes a video interview with Dr Brown about the challenging times being faced by the mobility industry; as well as a video recording on new trends in green mobility and a free downloadable presentation expanding on this subject. To request a review copy of ‘Green Technologies and The Mobility Industry’, e-mail pr@sae.org or visit http://books. sae.org.
Room to manoeuvre from Snap-on Many fasteners have casting profiles where a ratcheting wrench will not fit due to head diameter. Many cast components also include tight fastener cavities. In these instances Snap-on recommends the use of a ratchet and low profile sockets instead of a ratcheting wrench. According to the company, when compared with well-known competitors’ products, the Snap-on 111RT ratchet and low profile socket was up to 43% shorter, offering more clearance in tight working areas. Applications of the 111RT Ratchet/Socket Set include: - Under-dash cramped quarters - Torque converter bolts - Under cowls on late model pick-up trucks - For motorcycles, watercraft or boats with inboard motors - Transmission bolts on transverse mounted engines - Mobile repair kits When combined with a 0° degree mini ratcheting wrench, the low profile sockets perform admirably in even the tightest of spots. The 72 gear teeth require minimal movement in tight
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www.AutoForum.co.za
Ecotechnics Flushing Kit Integrated Marketing has introduced a new Ecotechnics Flushing Kit for professional air conditioning workshops that removes the solid residues remaining in a system caused by a broken compressor using refrigerant instead of a solvent or liquid. Using refrigerant for this kind of service avoids introducing humidity or moisture into the A/C system, and allows the complete and safe removal of debris, metal shavings and the compressor’s lubricant. The Ecotechnics Flushing Kit is economic, ecological and extremely easy to use, thanks to the fully guided LCD display that takes the user through the process step-by-step. The Ecotechnics Flushing Kit can be used with a general recovery and recycling machine (in the manual mode), or with Ecotechnics machines equipped with an automatic function to control the process; in this case the whole procedure is completely automatic and the operator, having followed the simple instruction at the beginning, can carry out another job while the machine is running. The kit includes: - two exchangeable 25 micron filters (suitable for 5 cleanings) - one 5 litre tank - two universal adapters - sight glass - check valves - hose For more information or to purchase contact Integrated Marketing on 011 974 2202/3, email info@integratedmarketing.co.za or visit www.integratedmarketing.co.za.
areas while the low profile easy-action reverse lever won’t get in your way. The ratchet features a thin handle cross-section for greater accessibility in tight quarters. The 111RT Ratchet/Socket Set is manufactured from a special alloy steel and precision forged and heat-treated for optimum strength and durability. The sockets can also be used with 1/4” extensions or any 1/4” ratchet. These Ratchet/Socket Sets are available from Snap-on Africa or Snap-on Authorised Dealers, call 0861 SNAPON (762766).
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