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NOV-DECEMBER 2011
I N F O R M E D
PAGE 29 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AUSTRALIAN BODYSHOP NEWS
I N N O V A T I V E
Technical trucking at JIMS
THE NEW VW Tiguan nipped & tucked IN N OVAT I ON S
A N D
Inside Super strength steel
Support for vulnerable products in APDP Tyre dumping setback Nace 2011… Away From Las Vegas PAGE 1
Nov/December 2011
CONTENTS
WWW.AUTOFORUM.CO.ZA
RSA: R20.00 (incl. VAT) Other Countries: US $12.00
NOV-DECEMBER 2011
I N F O R M E D
04
Cover Stories Support for vulnerable products in APDP
PAGE 29
16
The new VW Tiguan nipped & tucked
18
Tyre dumping setback
22
Nace 2011… Away From Las Vegas
34
Super strength steel
48
Technical trucking at JIMS
52
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AUSTRALIAN BODYSHOP NEWS
A N D
Technical trucking at JIMS
THE NEW vW TIGUAN NIPPED & TUckED
Trade Talk 04
News Forum
TYRE DUmPING SETBAck NAcE 2011… AWAY fROm LAS vEGAS
Cover photo - Thank you to VWSA.
Editorial
Government LPG taxi conversion drive
12
Its the last issue of the year and while some are
SA motor sector outlook is “relatively positive”
14
slowing down in preparation for the end of the
Support for vulnerable products in APDP
16
Tiguan nipped and tucked and now in SA
18
Victor Reinz repair solution for Daimler ACTROS engines
19
Senior motor execs discontented with SA competitiveness
20
Tyre dumping setback
22
First National Battery launches new vibration resistant heavy duty battieries
24
2011, many in our industry are gearing up for their busiest time. With JIMS still fresh in our minds, this issue takes a look at some of the key information and discussions that were on show at the event, from a sector issue perspective, as well as technical highlights. We are also very fortunate to have an overview of the NACE show from our Australian partner Michel - an event that proved to again be a key platform for the refinishing and collision repair sector. We at AutoForum wish you a very peaceful and relaxing festive season - see you in 2012!
Auto Training 52
SUPPORT fOR vULNERABLE PRODUcTS IN APDP
PAGE 1
Highlights of global and local industry news
26
Inside SUPER STRENGTH STEEL
IN N OvAT ION S
12
I N N O V A T I V E
MBSA Training Centre celebrates 30 years
26
Uplifting the community through training
28
BodyShop News Repair Validation - Thatcham takes on Chevy and Citroen - Part #2
30
NACE 2011… Away from Las Vegas!
34
EDITOR CLARE RUTKIEWICZ
CONTRIBUTORS: AUSTRALIAN BODYSHOP NEWS DAVE SCOTT ROY COKAYNE Colin Windell Graham Bush ADVERTISING: GRANT WEST WARWICK ROBINSON C: 076 727 8161 C: 082 855 7750 T: 011 466 3733 F: 086 627 1135 PRODUCTION: KAZ NEL EMAIL: INFO@AUTOFORUM.CO.ZA PUBLISHER: SWIFT PUBLICATIONS & OLYMPIC PARK TRADING SUITE 446, POSTNET X033, RIVONIA 2128
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AutoForum has an ABC circulation of 13497 ABC (Jan - June 2011)
www.Autoforum.co.za I N F O R M E D
Oversized SA industry – But no stopping it for now
40
Turning satisfied customers into loyal customers
44
Latest vehicle trends from TransUnion
46
Aer-O-Cure Alert Engine Parts Alfa International AMR Autocosmos/Electrolog Autozone Behr Hella Bosch Federal-Mogul First National Battery Highveld Garage Equipment Hofmann Megaplan Integrated Marketing Ital Machinery Leaderquip Leatherworx MACS Midas Group MISA Parts Incorporated / Midas Group POS Service Holland Probe RAM SABAT Safeline Silver Falcon/Hurricane Silverton Radiators Snap-on/John Bean TAPA Tenneco/ Monroe Tuff Floors Turbo Exchange UD Trucks Victor Reinz World Spares
Innovations Super strength steel from 2012
48
New ultra high heat resistant plastic
50
Commercial Vehicles Technical trucking at JIMS
52
The best truck brands rely on configuration management
56
Show Time Maputo hosts its first PartInform
60
JIM Show impresses
62
Tyrexpo Africa 2012
64
New Releases 68
After-Marketplace Directory Directory listings
I N N O V A T I V E
Advertisers Guide
Business Forum
Latest offerings of local products
A N D
70
48
32-33, OBC 11 29 61 68 36-37, 53 55, 65 41, IBC 21, 69 7 58 13, 18 43 17, 47 39 42 17 5 22 23, 67 19 51 47 15 45 35 9 25 27 49 64 50 59 57 3, 68
While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the advice and information given to readers, neither the editor, nor the publishers, can accept any responsibility for any damages, injury or loss which arise there from. The opinions expressed by contributors to this magazine are not necessarily shared by the editor or the publishers.
Trade Talk
AutoForum AutoForum-- Nov/December Nov/December 2011 2011
www.AutoForum.co.za
Rear inflatable seat belts awarded Some time back we covered the story on how Ford had developed rear inflatable seat belts, which were described as combining the attributes of traditional seat belts and airbags to provide additional crash protection. The technology was first introduced on the 2011 Ford Explorer in the US and now it has been recognised by Popular Mechanics. Rear inflatable seat belts have been named a ‘Breakthrough Product Award’ winner by Popular Mechanics, part of the magazine’s seventh annual Breakthrough Awards. As Lead Developer, Srini Sundararajan, explains: “Ford’s goal is to develop innovative safety technologies that give our customers more peace of mind, so it is a great honour to receive the Breakthrough Technology Award.” The advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers, often children and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to such injuries. The technology has so far been a hit with US buyers - early data has shown that approximately 40% of Explorer buyers are parents, and are ordering the rear inflatable belts. The 2011 Breakthrough Awards candidates were chosen by the editors of Popular Mechanics, who canvassed a wide range of experts to come up with a list of worthy innovators. Past Breakthrough Award winners were then consulted on their views regarding the new technologies and thereafter the winners announced, based on all of this feedback.
MBSA adopts the Buffalo Metro Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) announced recently that it will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) this month that will see it ‘adopt’ the Buffalo City Metro. The automaker will share knowledge, facilities and certain infrastructure with the metro as part of the deal, as the city aims to improve efficiencies and service delivery, making it more sustainable in the longer term.
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The inflated belt helps distribute crash force energy across five times more of the occupant’s torso than a traditional belt. By doing so, it expands its range of protection by diffusing crash pressure over a larger area while supporting the head and neck.
Barry Canning, MBSA Divisional Manager for product and planning explains: “With the ‘Adopt a City’ initiative of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, we are keen to assist our own ‘hometown’ in its determination and dedication towards changing the BCM into a real benchmark for South African cities and metros. While the final agreement is yet to be signed, the only details I can share at this point are that the elements which MBSA will help implement at the metro will optimise service delivery and improve overall performance. These will certainly benefit all East Londoners – individuals, local government, industry, private and commercial enterprises alike.”
Trade Talk
AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
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VW delivers 6 million by Q3 The Volkswagen Group recently announced that it had produced and delivered six million vehicles globally in the first nine months of this year - up 13.9%. The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand delivered 3.81 million vehicles in the period to September, enjoying particularly
Printing gremlins affected the Alfa press release in our October issue. Autoforum would like to apologise to Alfa International (Pty) Ltd and our readers. The correct release follows.
New Alfa Catalogue Edition 21 of Alfa International’s Light Duty Brake Drum and Disc Catalogue was published last month. The catalogue brings together development work completed during the last year and includes 150 new references for the local market. Alfa claims the most comprehensive, up-to-date all-makes range for SA vehicles. This extensive range is available to customers through its regional warehouse network. Full details of the Alfa ranges of discs and drums for cars and trucks is available at alfabrakes.co.za
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strong growth in Central and Eastern Europe (up 46%), North America (up 22.2%) and Asia/Pacific (up 13.9%). The automaker’s Commercial Vehicles brand grew deliveries by 25.5% to 389.900 units from January to September and reported good unit sales in particular in Central and Eastern Europe (up 43.3%), Asia/Pacific (up 47.1%) and South America (up 30.1%).
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Trade Talk
AutoForum AutoForum-- Nov/December Nov/December 2011 2011
Veyance restructures for better customer experience When Veyance Technologies appointed CEO John Hamilton late last year it marked the beginning of a significant internal restructuring process to accommodate newer and leaner operations processes. The global restructuring has involved the company’s worldwide subsidiaries, including Veyance Technologies South Africa and Veyance Technologies Africa, and has allowed for the development of more streamlined and optimised procedures, which in turn are expected to boost profitability and user experience with its flagship brands, Goodyear Engineered Products and RAM. Other more locally significant changes to assist this process include the appointment of Christo Stroebel as National Sales Manager, while Colin Preddy remains General Manager for the Distribution Products Division.
Daylight savings = More accidents A row is brewing in the UK about how changing the country’s clocks back and forward as part of the daylight saving campaign may be increasing road accidents. The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is calling for the end of British summer time, as it believes accident rates increase when the clocks go back in October. The organisation points to research it says shows that changing the system could save up to 80 lives annually. An IAM poll of more than 2 000 motorists last winter found that 65% would support a double summer time system – moving the clocks forward by one hour throughout the entire year, while still putting the clocks forward in spring and back in autumn. IAM says that there are 17% more pedestrian road casualties in November than the monthly average, and a 41.8% increase in the number of motorcycle accidents in that month. As Chief Executive Simon Best explains: “Children especially are more likely to be out and about after school and an extra hour of daylight will make them more visible. The organisation is calling for a three-year trial of a new daylight system.
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Rolls-Royce heads to South America Rolls-Royce Motor Cars recently made public its intention to enter the South American market for the first time. CEO, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, said: “I am delighted to announce our plans for entry into the South American market. Brazil and Chile have seen impressive economic growth, with an increasing demand from discerning customers for pinnacle luxury products. Rolls-Royce is growing very successfully in a number of fast-growing emerging markets and it is therefore appropriate that we have a strong presence in Brazil and Chile.” The automaker is celebrating strong global sales, up 41% between January and September, and has announced that its manufacturing plant will expand to meet increasing global demand and increased customer interest in Bespoke Ghost and Phantom models. Total investment in the project is expected to be about £10 million (around R126 million).
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Trade Talk
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4x4 Challenge for top sales Last month, Napa/PIA Monroe customers who achieved the best results against set sales targets over a six month period were invited to attend a five-day 4x4 excursion to different parts of Southern Africa led, by the very experienced Alex Smit of Eco 4x4 Africa. This year’s event - the fourth to date - took place in Waterberg and for the first time one vehicle was fully kitted out with Tenneco’s off-road brand - Rancho - including the full remote wireless MyRide adjustment system. It was an ideal way to test the brand’s extensive range of off-road shock absorbers, and started at the Midas head office, then proceeded through to the Kungwini 4x4 Challenge course. Attendees were treated to intensive off-road training, with, of course, rest, refreshments - and rugby - breaks thrown in to offset all the hard work.
Integrated Marketing mini conference Integrated Marketing hosted a small conference recently – with Bright garage equipment as the focus of a number of presentations. The day highlighted the range of tyre and balancing equipment first and foremost, as well as the features and benefits thereof. Visitors were also given presentations on current developments and their effects on garage equipment – from an import and distribution point of view. Mark Algar of TransAfrica Equipment also presented an interesting summary of how the sector will be effected by the CPA, and the pitfalls of cheap imports from hit-and-run distributors. This is a very familiar message that has been pushed very hard by the component industry – for instance by AAMA and its PartInform initiative and by other members of the garage equipment sector too. It is great to see that brands such as Integrated Marketing are also driving the value and quality message to market.
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AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
The latest global news
Government LPG taxi conversion drive
- Roy Cokayne
A
multimillion Rand Government-initiated project is assisting the taxi industry to covert mini-bus taxis in Gauteng, to enable them to operate on both petrol and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), thereby reducing carbon emissions.
70 taxis were converted in a first phase pilot project and the conversion of a further 150 will take place in phase 2 It has already resulted in the conversion of 70 taxis in a first phase pilot project and the conversion of a further 150 in the second phase commenced in October. The project is the brainchild of the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), a subsidiary of Blue IQ, an agency of the Gauteng Department of Economic Development. It also involves a strong alliance between the AIDC and the SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) and a close relationship with Sasol. Santaco assisted with the identification of the most suitable routes for the project and the taxis to be converted
PAGE 12
- out of warranty vehicles in good condition. The AIDC worked with Sasol to establish the refilling infrastructure. Dineshan Moodley, Manager of the supply chain development department at the AIDC and Project Manager, said the project was started, managed and completely funded by the AIDC. Moodley said the LPG conversions were only undertaken on one mini-bus taxi model, the petrol Toyota Ses’fikile 2.7 VVT-I 15-seater, because the conversion kits were model model specific, keeping the project less complex. He said there had not been any opposition from taxi owners to the conversions, because their vehicles received a conversion kit costing R20 000 at no cost to them, and access to the technology had proven they could save money in terms of vehicle running costs. “It’s a winwin situation because they save on petrol and we reduce emissions. There is an almost 11% reduction in CO2 emissions and 30% reduction in carbon monoxide emissions using gas.”
Roy Cokayne is a senior financial reporter for Business Report.
Moodley confirmed the first phase pilot project had cost R3.6 million, and included the development of a prototype vehicle, consumption and performance testing at Gerotek, and an accredited emissions test at the SABS. He said the total budget for the conversion of a further 150 mini-buses was R4.6 million, plus marketing of the project. According to Moodley, Sasol needed a minimum of 40 vehicles on a route that were converted to use LPG to achieve breakeven on the costs incurred in establishing the infrastructure. Two Sasol filling stations, one in Spartan, Kempton Park and the other in Kruisfontein, Pretoria, were equipped to handle LPG refilling in the first phase. A further four service stations in the Pretoria-Johannesburg area will be equipped for LPG refilling when the second phase of the project is rolled out. Moodley stressed the project was not about funding the conversions forever, but to prove the concept was suitable for the industry and the SA environment, to stimulate the uptake of the technology. He said the biggest hurdle in getting the project off the ground was to get the refilling infrastructure established, because of the costs attached to this and it was “a chicken and egg” situation because the filling station needed to be in place first. He said that as taxi owners saw the benefits of the concept, the costs of the conversions would slowly be transferred to them through subsidisation of the conversions, instead of paying for them in full. Moodley anticipated the project would, from 2012 / 2013, move to phased subsidisation of the conversion costs over two to three years. He believed it was too early to comment on the level of subsidisation because it was dependent on funding from the fiscus. The subsidisation model would be developed early in 2012, in line with the funding available for the project “if any”. “If nothing [funding] gets approved, then it stops.” Moodley said the procurement process to select the conversion kit installer had been finalised, with Mazambane Trading in Midrand appointed. “It’s not a new technology, but SA was way behind in terms of this. It’s a good concept and tried and tested in many countries. It’s a glaring gap in the government’s drive to towards a green economy and a gap that can be filled with minimum effort.” The AIDC will continue marketing the project and concept plus identifying with Santaco other routes and vehicles for conversion. Santaco is also involved in marketing the concept apart from allaying the fears of drivers. Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele referred to the project in an address at Santaco’s recent 10th anniversary celebrations, stating he was glad Santaco in partnership with Government had already taken steps to address the high and growing carbon emissions by the transport sector in the country.
AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
NEWS FORUM
SA motor sector outlook is “relatively positive”
T
he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently confirmed that it is actively looking at ways to increase domestic production and employment. Minister Rob Davies said at the opening of the Johannesburg International Motor Show last month, that the designation of products is part of a Government plan to leverage sales of locally-manufactured goods by state agencies, which comes into effect in December. He said that in terms of these new preferential procurement regulations in the motor industry, the first step would be to designate buses, with other vehicles possibly being included at a later stage. Davies attributed the current strong industry position to Governmental support, predominantly under the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP), which would be replaced by the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) in 2013. He continued that investments this year under the MIDP totalled R4 billion – with cumulative investment since 2000 at R32 billion. Davies said that the objectives of the new APDP included stimulating expansion of the automotive manufacturing industry to produce 1.2 million vehicles per annum by 2020, with the associated deepening of the component industry and to make a positive contribution to the balance of trade. He saw South Africa as “largely immune” to the worldwide economic crisis. David Powels, President of the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), said, however, that it would be “naïve”’ to believe that South Africa is distanced from the global economic woes. “On a retail level, the challenge is to ensure ongoing dealer viability while satisfying ever increasing
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customer service expectations. From a manufacturing perspective, the challenge is to continue to provide a range of products that meets the expectations of a rapidly changing world where operating efficiency, driven by a massive increase in the price of energy and concern for the environment, are impacting to accelerate the adoption of new automotive technologies.” He continued: “The South African motor industry is also emerging out of an extremely tough business environment in which it has been forced to re-examine the prevalent business model to ensure global competitiveness in the years ahead. Together with our partners in the component industry, major focus has been placed upon localisation of component manufacture. Significant investment on the part of the of the supplier industry has resulted in a much leaner, technologically capable and skilled component industry enabling the local automotive manufacturers to target key strategic global markets, resulting in a dramatic increase in exports of South African manufactured vehicles, to the extent that export volumes for 2011 are forecast to reach a record of about 300 000 vehicles.” Powels confirmed that the organisation is working with Government to ensure that the APDP moves the motor sector forward, saying that the local industry is still among the most competitive across the globe. He believed that the recent motor show would be successful not only in showcasing the industry, but at the same time launching “new products, technologies and services to a demanding, but highly involved consumer”. He forecast that the local industry outlook “remained relatively positive with steady growth being forecast in the medium term”.
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NEWS FORUM
AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
Support for vulnerable products in APDP - Roy Cokayne
C
ertain “vulnerable products” are to be given additional support through last minute changes made by Government to the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP). DTI Minister Rob Davies said these products included catalytic converters, leather interiors, steel jacks, heat exchangers, aluminium components, alloy wheels and some steering wheels.
Automotive component exports increased by 10.6% last year to R30.8bn, with catalytic converters accounting for almost 48% of the total value, followed by stitched leather seat parts (9.4%) and silencers/exhausts (5.5%). Naacam Executive Director Roger Pitot admitted its submission to the DTI in March was “one of the starting points” for a discussion about additional support for “vulnerable products”.
Davies said these products were vulnerable to the transition from the MIDP to the APDP, because the support available for them under the MIDP was greater than the APDP. He was speaking at the official opening of the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) in October.
Pitot said these “vulnerable products” would receive about half the support under the APDP that they received under the MIDP, and there had been intensive discussions in the past few months about how to overcome this problem. He said Naacam was happy Government intended to assist component exporters, but indicated there were other issues in its submission that had not yet been addressed. Pitot declined to provide any details about these issues, but believed only some of them would be addressed before the APDP was finalised.
According to Davies, the need for Government to deal with the way they were going to treat “vulnerable products” had delayed the completion of the rest of the work on the APDP in the time frame previously indicated. However, Davies said work on the APDP, which is effective from 2013, will be completed “within weeks rather than months”. “We will present the overall rules for the scheme through communications coming from the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) and SA Revenue Service (SARS) and it will include certain revised programmes to support the vulnerable sectors. So, within a relatively short space of time, we believe we will be able to add to the policy certainty we will be able to offer the industry.”
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Naacam has to date declined to provide details about its submission, although Pitot said at the time it did not believe the APDP, which was aimed at assisting OEMs to increase volumes and increase the scope and depth of localisation, sufficiently encouraged localisation. Davies said the APDP would provide the industry with policy certainty, but there was a need to embrace a number of additional tasks and programmes. This included the need to support and sustain an aggressive competitiveness improvement drive to improve
manufacturing practices by component manufacturers, improve energy efficiency across the value chain, appropriate investment in skills development, address the value chain competitiveness and ultimately promote overall productivity improvement. He said there was also a need for an ambitious but pragmatic localisation effort to support the growing vehicle assembly industry, by increasing the local content it draws from component manufacturers. If this happened, it would mitigate some of the negative consequences of currency volatility affecting the industry, he said. According to Davies, Government was also embarking on a procurement effort in support of local production and in the automotive industry it had already indicated it was looking to designate bus production from local manufacturers. “In terms of the new preferential procurement regulations, we will therefore be imposing a designation that would require Governmental entities and parastatals to purchase locally manufactured buses as defined in terms with the standards that go along with that particular designation. As time unfolds, we may also designate other vehicle products. Work is advancing on yellow metals.” However, Naamsa President, David Powels told the CAR conference at JIMS that support provided to the industry by the APDP is insufficient to enable it to meet Government’s target of more than doubling vehicle production to 1.2 million vehicles by 2020. “If we don’t build something on the APDP and don’t address other key roadblocks
in this industry, we will not get much beyond 600 000 units and certainly not get to the 1.2 million [target].” Powels continued “only 8% annualised growth” was needed to achieve 1.2 million sales, rather than vehicle production in SA by 2020. He said the auto sector had a chance of growing to a sustainable 1 million plus market if the economy grew and the right things were done. He continued that six players, through their actions or inactions, would determine whether the SA vehicle market stayed at 600 000 units a year, or increased to 1.2 million units – these are Naamsa, Naacam, the DTI, the IDC, Numsa, and Transnet and Portnet. “The tragic reality is that any one of those players can destroy this industry, but only all six of them working together in a fast, focused and energetic way can [help the industry] survive and grow.” Powels said the IDC had to become a more active player in supporting the industry, particularly with the massive localisation drive that was still required. He believed it had to support the capital investment for the localisation of the industry, because despite everything that had been done in the past 40 years or more, the industry had an average local content of about 40%. Powels said the motor industry would never become globally competitive with such a low local content, and high volume producers would have to achieve local content of 70-80% and premier market producers 40-50% local content. He believed this would attract new global suppliers to the country, improving the competitiveness of local suppliers and creating the platform to achieve higher local content.
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NEWS FORUM
AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
Tiguan nipped and tucked and now in SA
V
W has released its latest face-lifted Tiguan model to the SA market, and its most obvious changes from the outside are repositioned front and rear lights and a new letterbox grille. The carmaker explains that these changes mean the new model has taken on what it calls the Volkswagen “design DNA” - a move towards clear horizontal lines. Other improvements include lowered CO2 emissions and added new comfort and safety features. The model is once again available in two body versions, each with its own angle of approach - the base version, with an angle of 18 degrees, was designed more for urban driving, while the 28 degree angle of approach is better suited to off-road terrain. There are two new engines in the line-up of five variants - 118kW and 155kW – both of which are an increase of 8kW on the previous model. The new range also boasts a fast and efficient 7-speed DSG transmission, which includes two wet clutches with hydraulically regulated pressure. Engine power is transmitted to the dual clutch via the crankshaft and a dual-mass flywheel. The first clutch handles the odd-numbered gears and second clutch manages the even gears plus reverse gear. Prices start at R272 600 for the 1.4 TSI 90kW 4x2 Trend & Fun with BlueMotion Technology.
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Victor Reinz repair solution for Daimler ACTROS engines
T
he Dana Sealing Products Group offers a repair solution for all Daimler ACTROS engines without replacement of the cylinder head. The Problem If a head gasket fails due to uneven distribution of bolt forces around the combustion chamber, and in combination with increased component dynamics, the gasket works its way into the cylinder head surface. This makes it necessary to replace the damaged cylinder head with a new, inductively hardened head. The Solution The Victor Reinz cylinder head gasket integrates the function of an inductively hardened cylinder head in the gasket. By raising the fire ring between the cylinder head bolts and introducing an additional metal layer, sealing pressure is distributed more evenly. This multiple combustion chamber seal – with
additional protection of the elastomers from destruction through hot gases – ensures utmost sealing integrity and prevents the gasket working into the cylinder head surface.
engine repair or overhaul. The required gasket set is selected by means of the engine number.
In most cases, a damaged cylinder head can be reused after being overhauled professionally. This avoids high costs. The brand’s topographic head gaskets can also be used for inductively hardened cylinder heads without problems. Dana Sealing Products offers two Victor Reinz gasket sets that are suitable for all ACTROS engines and consist of a practice-oriented selection including all necessary parts for an optimum
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NEWS FORUM
AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
Senior motor execs discontented with SA competitiveness - Roy Cokayne
T
he need for South Africa to be globally competitive in terms of the total cost of doing business in the country has been highlighted by senior executives of global motor manufacturing giants General Motors (GM) and the Ford Motor Company. Joe Hinrichs, President of Ford Asia Pacific and Africa, said SA needed to be concerned about its relatively higher costs, including labour costs, compared to its global competitors and needed to do something to compensate for this disadvantage. Tim Lee, President of international operations at General Motors (GM) echoed this view in an address to the CAR Conference at the Johannesburg International Motor Show, stressing frequent strikes over the past two years had hurt productivity and “sent a negative message to the rest of the world about doing business in South Africa”. Lee said labour costs in SA were also higher than in many other emerging markets a major concern for all manufacturers in the country and an issue GM would like the government to address.
SA is among the countries with the greatest number of lost days of work due to labour disruptions He said there was a huge variation in labour costs and productivity around the world and “unfortunately SA is not very prominent in the right place on either list”. “We all appreciate the right of workers to demand what they believe they deserve. However, SA is among the countries with the greatest number of lost days of work due to labour
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disruptions around the world in the last several years. This is an unacceptable position and when I think about making an investment decision, this is high on my list,” he said when suggesting several ways SA could become a competitive global automotive industry player for the long term. David Powels, Naamsa President, said wage increases every cycle substantially above inflation were not sustainable and the auto industry in SA had a relatively high rate of wages. “An entry level worker in a car manufacturing factory, you will be shocked to hear, earns roughly the same as a teacher.” Hinrichs confirmed that labour costs in SA were higher today than other emerging countries, including the BRIC countries. If South Africa continued to desire to be an export base, which drove a lot of investment and job creation, it had to be globally competitive, he stressed. Hinrichs said labour unions typically tended to look at labour contracts in isolation over one, two or three years, while the auto industry looked at what was going to happen over the next five, 10 and 15 years, including the expectation that some very large global competitors, such as China and India, would start exporting more. Jeff Nemeth, President and CE of FMCSA, said ultimately Ford did not expect any cost inputs, including electricity, utility costs and labour costs, to outpace the consumer price index (CPI) and Ford planned its business around this expectation. Hinrichs continued that from an industry perspective, the automotive industry
had to be able to compete over the long term globally with everyone else, stressing he was talking about holistic competitiveness, including logistics costs, Government support and labour costs, rather than one cost sub component. This meant increased productivity, improved quality and more Government engagement in the business. “This is something that has to be looked at, and we have to be very business minded about it. We are making a $0.5 billion [R3.4bn] investment in SA with that full knowledge, so it’s not something that stops you. But long term, economies and local businesses have to be competitive with their global competitors.” Lee stressed there was still work to be done here to build a globally competitive supplier base that was in line with countries like Korea, India and China. This was because suppliers in SA needed to close the quality and cost gap, which generally ranged from 20 to 30% higher per piece. He said GM would also like to see the development of a stable and cost competitive infrastructure in the country. According to Lee, GM ultimately made decisions about future investment in SA or any other market based on several factors, including market and volume opportunities, the current level of competitiveness of sourcing and future prospects - all based on current trends. Lee said there was “absolutely no reason” why SA could not become a strong global automotive industry player in the 21st century.
AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
NEWS FORUM
Tyre dumping setback
A
complaint about the alleged dumping of Chinese manufactured tyres on the local market has had a sequel in the Supreme Court of Appeal. It resulted in the Supreme Court of Appeal setting aside a North Gauteng High Court order that found the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) had failed to conduct a proper investigation into the alleged dumping of Chinese manufactured tyres on the local market. The High Court case was brought against ITAC in 2007 by the SA Tyre Manufactures Conference (SATMC), Bridgestone SA, Continental Tyre SA, Dunlop Tyres International and Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Holdings. It related to the findings in an investigation conducted by ITAC following an application by the SATMC to ITAC for anti dumping duties to be imposed on motor vehicle tyres imported from China. The SATMC alleged Chinese exporters were dumping tyres in South Africa, causing local tyre manufacturers material injury. ITAC conducted a detailed investigation and finally recommended to the DTI Minister that the investigation be terminated without the imposition of anti dumping duties, because major Chinese exporters who cooperated with the investigation were not dumping, which detracted from the casual link between dumping and the material injury. In its unanimous judgement, the Supreme Court of Appeal rejected the High Court’s conclusion that ITAC had failed to conduct a proper investigation. It specifically reversed the finding that ITAC had failed or refused to properly consider on what basis to determine the normal value of the tyres of the Chinese exporters who had cooperated with its investigation. The SATMC had argued that this determination should have been based on the THE INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE prices in a third country and not, as ITAC had done, on domestic Chinese prices.
- Roy Cokayne
The Supreme Court of Appeal, in its conclusion, referred to the “shotgun approach” of the SATMC and that it appeared the SATMC’s case may have been that ITAC was materially influenced by an error of law, or that the determination was not rationally connected to the information before ITAC. The court said the problems with the manufacturers’ case were manifold, including that they approached the matter as if it were a rehearing and not a review, misread a section of the applicable Act and asked the court the wrong question - whether the People’s Republic of China (PRC) had a market economy - which inevitably led to the wrong answer. The Supreme Court of Appeal said much was made of the fact that ITAC had held in their interim report that the PRC did not have a market economy and nevertheless came to the opposite conclusion in their final report. It stressed the interim report did not make such a finding and, even if it had, it would have been irrelevant. ITAC spokesman Thembinkosi Gamlashe said prior to and during this marathon court case, it had sought to engage with the SATMC outside of the legal system and advised it not to take the legal route, because it firmly believed it had conducted a proper investigation, which was confirmed by the Supreme Court of Appeal judgment. Gamlashe said the court case unfortunately distracted from a constructive and rational engagement between the SATMC and the DTI on finding a strategy for the tyre industry. However, Gamlashe said it was not too late to look at a policy response package to the challenges faced by the industry. Etienne Human, SATMC’s Executive Director, declined to comment on the judgment.
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PAGE 22
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AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
NEWS FORUM
FNB launches vibration resistant batteries for heavies
F
irst National Battery held a function on the 4th of November to celebrate their recovery from April’s devastating fire at their formation facility. As Andrew Webb pointed out in his presentation, this event was not just to celebrate a recovery of their facilities, but to showcase FNB’s new capabilities in their state of the art facility. Their shareholders’ investment commitment in rebuilding the facility has enabled a centralisation of their production facilities in East London.
The event was also used as the launch for FNB’s new range of vibration resistant heavy duty batteries, specifically designed to cope with bad road conditions and terrain. In his presentation he went to some length explaining the design & manufacturing features of the new range, from the fully framed grids which provided strength and better conductivity, to the plates which are anchored on the base of the container to prevent movement, and locked to the end cells to eliminate damage to the connectors. Probably the easiest means of explaining the new battery’s features
is by the test criteria – they need to withstand vibration twice that of a passenger vehicle, for four times longer. Together with the anti vibration capabilities the batteries are maintenance free, leak proof, and centrally vented with flash arrestors for extra safety. The range is perfectly suited to start stop type driving as well as long haul, and has been developed to cater for what was referred to as “parasitic” use – where appliances in the cabin are powered off the battery.
Andrew Webb (FNB), John Ro Laubscher (FNB bbie and Louis )
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Auto Training
AUTO TRAINING
AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
Automotive training news
MBSA Training Centre Celebrates 30 Years
M
BSA Technical Training Centre in East London recently celebrated its 30th year and the contribution it has made to the ‘upskilling’ of the Eastern Cape. The centre has so far trained 9 429 artisans, and while it was initiated to fulfil MBSA’s own requirements for technical staff, it has also meant a boost to previously disadvantaged South Africans, for whom study opportunities were non-existent in the formal institutions of the day. The centre has since become a facilitator for wider employment in the Border Kei region. The Technical Training Centre offers four-year apprenticeships for electricians, millwrights and automotive electricians and is also accredited for various other skills programmes and learnerships. It has been accredited as a decentralised trade test centre and is being expanded to cater for trade testing, and specialised product training. In 2011, the centre will see 52 (a new record) of its trainees join the job market, and it is hoped that most of them will be employed at the MBSA East London plant, thanks to the go-ahead for the facility to build the next-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class model. As Stephen Goold, HRD Manager at MBSA explains: “Thanks to a recent commitment
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AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
from Daimler AG, the Training Centre’s staff compliment has been expanded to facilitate the qualification of 30 artisans annually. The diverse management team is motivated to continue building its reputation as a quality learning institution.” The centre’s management believe that its policy of being a totally multiracial facility was a bold move at its initiation, but it is this inclusive philosophy that has enabled the company to meet with workers and resolve strikes and protest actions. As CEO Dr Martin Zimmermann concludes: “All in all, we take our role as a responsible corporate contributor and an agent for social change very seriously. But, as always in life: past success sets the bar for the future. My team and I will to continue to make MBSA even more successful. We want to strive for even higher levels of quality and customer service, to be a leading corporate citizen, and to be a role model when it comes to business ethics and integrity. While we actively pursue our business interests, we will continue to follow a holistic business approach. We believe that business can only truly flourish when it operates in a stable, sustainable social context.”
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AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
AUTO TRAINING
AUTO TRAINING
Uplifting The Community Through Training
U
D Trucks Southern Africa recently announced that its latest training and community development programme had seen a total of 30 graduates successfully complete their training. The course is MERSETA-accredited and the class consisted of 15 disabled learners, and 15 UD Trucks staff members. The former completed twelve months of training consisting of modules ranging from numeracy and literacy, to production concepts, employer/employee relationships and hand and measuring tools. The company staff, primarily shop floor workers, were enabled to better understand business concepts in the workplace, receiving their Business Practice
training, which included business ethics, customer service, computer literacy and financial planning modules. As CE Johan Richards explains: “We passionately believe in the vital importance of training and investing in the future of our employees and surrounding community. The objective of the programme is to provide ongoing developmental opportunities that not only allow us as a company to achieve our business objectives, but also to empower and contribute to the overall development of the participating learners. Trucking forms an integral part of the South African economy and it is of great importance to ensure that the wheels of industry continue to turn effectively and productively.”
Auto Maintenance & Repair Expo 2012
The 57th AMR-Auto Maintenance & Repair Expo 2012 is just a couple of months away and already its organisers have confirmed that exhibition size has reached 85 000 m2 – up 13% on last year. The four-day event will apparently feature over 1 100 automotive related businesses, and is expected to host 55 000 professional visitors – a new benchmark for the show. AMR 2012 will feature top international brands (for a full list please visit the website), and preregistered visitors will be provided with assistance to make their attendance as simple and effective as possible, including help with accommodation, shuttle transportation, B2B Match-Making and VIP lounges. Some of the highlights of the upcoming show include ‘AMR export’ labels on top of export exhibitor’s stands, to make finding exporting companies even easier. Exporters can also be tracked down prior to the event via the show website, visitor guide, catalogue, floor plan, exhibitors list, onsite guiding board and blanket labels. In addition, a B2B Match-Making Meeting will be held on the opening day of AMR. For a list of exhibitors, more information on the event, or to pre-register, please visit the website: www.auto-maintenance.com.cn.
PAGE 28
Body repair insight
In association with BodyShop News Asia and Australian BodyShop News
Contents Repair Validation Thatcham Takes on 30 Chevy and Citroen PART #2
34
NACE 2011‌ Away From Las Vegas!
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AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
BODYSHOP NEWS
Repair Validation
Thatcham Takes on Chevy and Citroën - PART #2
BODYSHOP
I
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n our last issue, we featured Part 1 of the latest Thatcham - the UK-based Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre – report on its testing of repairs to the Citroën DS3 and Chevrolet Spark. It details examples of how the traditional repair methods were adapted at different stages of the studies as a result of Thatcham’s recommendations.
comparing the results of the work and impacts at Thatcham. Both the assessments and comparison between the two vehicles are a great benefit to both insurers and repairers, as they increase the repairability of vehicles with a proven and safe method.
The material below is part two of an extract from the latest research report and is reprinted here courtesy of Thatcham.
Following the repairs (described in AutoForum October issue), and before the repaired vehicle was impacted following the same set up and impact speed as performed to the Euro NCAP protocol at 50 km/h, the assembled car was painted in a matt blue paint to improve photo and video quality. The vehicle was then weighed and balanced, which was followed by the set up of the seating position of the dummy and the alignment of the deformable barrier on the trolley. All these set up requirements were put in place to be as close as possible to the requirements of the Euro NCAP protocol and the test vehicle set up that was performed for the Euro NCAP test.
The aim of the project was to compare an unrepaired car with a car that has received substantial structural repair. The stages of repair are fully assessed and developed to produce optimised, cost effective repair methods, which are then published by Thatcham for bodyshops. The performance of the vehicle structure and occupant injury is measured by impacting the repaired vehicle to Euro NCAP specification and assessing whether it is able to withstand the same severe crash requirements and achieve similar results attained by the unrepaired vehicle, when put through the same Euro NCAP tests. As a member of Euro NCAP, Thatcham has access to the original photographs, data and measurements of the unrepaired vehicles, which can be used for analysing and
Citroën DS
Following the side impact, the two impacts can be compared, starting with the overall vehicle performance, barrier deformation, dummy reactions and airbag imprints. The acceleration measured on the ‘B’ post during both tests is again relatively close. The Euro NCAP vehicle measured 3.74 g compared to 4.14 g on the
DS Citroën: The paint imprints from the dummy left on the airbags shows the same pattern, showing that the reaction to the side impact of both dummy and airbag were similar in the two tests. The driver’s EUROSID II dummy was set up for a side impact and aligned and painted, ready for the side impact test (left) and the deformable barrier fitted to the trolley (right) and aligned with the vehicle just before roll back for the side impact test.
repaired validation vehicle. The slight difference in the results can be caused by minor differences in the test and the vehicle, but it does not show that the repair is affecting the results.
before it was weighed and balanced. This was again followed by the set up of the seating position of the dummy and the alignment of the deformable barrier on the trolley.
The measurements on the dummy give a range of data that can be compared and can be used for calculations. One of these calculations is the Head Injury Criteria (HIC value). The HIC value has to be under the value of 1 000 and the repaired vehicle calculated 76.8 compared to 17.7 for the Euro NCAP tested, unrepaired vehicle. Although this seems a big difference, this value is very easily influenced and sensitive to small alterations and both values are acceptable.
Following the side impact, the two impacts were compared, starting with the overall vehicle performance, barrier deformation, dummy reactions, and airbag imprints. The acceleration measured on the ‘B’ post during both tests was similar - the Euro NCAP vehicle measured 3.42 g compared to 2.79 g on the repaired validation vehicle.
Chevrolet Spark As with the Citroën DS3, the repaired vehicle was impacted following exactly the same set up and impact speed as the original unrepaired vehicle used for the Euro NCAP test in 2009. The side impact test was performed to the Euro NCAP protocol at 50 km/h, and the repaired car was painted in a matt blue paint to improve photo and video quality
Again, the slight difference in the results can be caused by minor differences in the test and the vehicle, but it does not show that the repair affected the results. The HIC value on the repaired vehicle calculated 222.3 compared to 68.4 for the Euro NCAP vehicle - both of which are acceptable values. Conclusion The repaired Citroën DS3 performed in the same way as the original vehicle. Both vehicles have shown a severe
amount of deformation around the sill and floor area where impacted, but the injury criteria have not been exceeded. Although intrusion in both vehicles was high, the result from dummy impact on airbags and the related data are showing similar and acceptable results. The Chevrolet Spark withstood the side impact very well. The intrusion in the vehicle was minimal on both repaired and unrepaired vehicles and this shows that the existing knowledge and generic approach to body design, which is carried over from other GM products, can be successful. It can therefore be concluded that the repaired vehicles perform equivalently to an unrepaired vehicle, when correct repair methods are followed. In 2011, Thatcham will be applying the same validation process to five other vehicles to expand its knowledge and expertise on specific repair methods for the benefit of the repairers and insurers, and which will also give vehicle manufacturers feedback on the gained knowledge to assist them in developing their future products.
Chevrolet Spark: The paint imprints from the dummy left on the airbags show the same pattern, showing that the reaction to the side impact of both dummy and airbag have been very similar in the two tests.
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AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
BODYSHOP NEWS
NACE 2011… Away From Las Vegas! - Michel Malik
F
or the first time in seven years, the International Autobody Conference Exposition (NACE) was not held in Las Vegas – in the desert state of Nevada – but rather on the East Coast of the USA, in Orlando, Florida.
BODYSHOP
Automotive Services and Repair Week (ASRW), as the umbrella show hosting NACE and CARS is now known, was held at the Orange County Convention Center from 5 to 8 October 2011. The feel was different and the atmosphere had a distinct positive buzz. You could sense people who were there meant business - they didn’t come to look at glamorous models nor did they come to hunt autographs from celebrities. They were focused on buying, learning, meeting, and networking - it was all there for them and they lapped it up. The event featured numerous seminars and forums. Wednesday was the first business day and essentially an educational one that was filled with a variety of seminars, including the first Multi-Shop Operator (MSO) Symposium. The MSO was sold-out to a crowd of 150. The day-long event featured educational sessions specific to MSOs, a lunch presentation and an evening networking reception. “The MSO Symposium was one of the most highly anticipated events at ASRW 2011 and it far surpassed all expectations we had for our first effort,” said Ron Pyle, Automotive Service
Association (ASA) President. “We received a tremendous response to this event, both from attendees and sponsors. We have a lot of people to thank for the success of the event, and we look forward to making the symposium bigger and better for 2012.” Also at ASRW were more than 200 hours of relevant and compelling educational sessions. The ASRW Conference Programme presented topics that collision industry professionals deal with on a regular basis, and included collision, management, technical and women’s professional development sessions. Formats for 2011 included 90-minute and three-hour sessions over four days. Approximately 70% of the sessions were accredited by the Automotive Management Institute (AMI) with management sessions the most sought-after education for collision professionals. Thursday morning started with CARS Chairman Mitch Schneider and NACE Chairman Ron Nagy welcoming attendees and hinting at next year’s show in New Orleans. The Keynote Address was delivered by journalist and social media expert Chris Brogan. His presentation focused on simple ways to implement what the body shop owner stands for and how he or she can relate to customers. Brogan called it ‘CRAP’, an acronym for Community, Referrals, Awareness and Presence. Continued on page 38
NACE Convention Centre
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AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
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BODYSHOP NEWS
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AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
Ron Olsen, Presiden t of showing the new i5 Pro-Spot, welder
“This social media stuff does take time,” Brogan said, “but prospecting for referrals takes time. Your community is going to help you grow your business, advance further and create a loyal following. Always be the connector, putting people together. Work on your connections and network every single day.” Brogan further pointed out that giving and receiving referrals is one of the most important keys to connecting and success. He continued that showcasing charitable works is a great way to highlight your positive side, and suggested using Facebook to show these to your clients and encourage others in your community to do so too. He also discussed how businesses can engage its social media community by utilising videos, such as short audiovisual pieces on what you do in your shop together with customer testimonials. Automotive Service Association (ASA) President Ron Pyle said the association would continue to honour where it’s come from in the last 60 years, but recognise that change is inevitable. “Twenty-nine years of success (as NACE and CARS) says we’re doing the right thing and we’ll continue to do the
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Car Bench
Chris
Broga
n
right thing and change as necessary,” Pyle said. The show opened to the public after the General Session and the crowds descended on the exhibitors for three days of negotiations and bargain buying. The welcome reception on Thursday evening was held at Cuba Libre, located near the Convention Center. After a full day of education and expo, attendees enjoyed complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages, making for a truly social atmosphere perfect for networking with colleagues, industry peers and friends. On Friday, the National Auto Body Council (NABC) changed the lives of four central Florida families by donating four Recycled Rides vehicles to them. Recycled Rides is NABC’s nationwide effort to refurbish donated vehicles and donate them to families in need, as well as to organisations dedicated to assisting others. Sterling Autobody Centers, Sunbeam Autobody and Autobody Resurrection CARSTAR rebuilt the vehicles into like-new condition for the families, Esurance and Allstate donated the vehicles. Numerous vendors donated paint, materials and other parts and services.
Nascar Simulator
The recipients are pre-qualified by local charitable organisations. Recycled Rides donated three vehicles in 2006, will donate 160 this year and has a long-term goal of donating 500 vehicles per year. Among the highlights of ASRW were the complimentary meeting rooms in the new NACE Network. These were located immediately outside the ASRW Expo show floor, and consisted of 11 small-to-large private rooms, each equipped with comfortable furnishings and wireless internet. On Saturday morning, at a final press conference, we were advised that the show was a resounding success and soundly beat last year’s event in terms of attendance. It had an increase of 15% in total attendance, with 40% of those being new attendees. There were 239 exhibitors on 75 000 square feet of floor space and more than 20 000 tickets sold. “The 2012 show will be held in New Orleans,” said Ron Pyle, “and NACE will return to Las Vegas on a rotational basis.”
PAGE 39
Business Forum
AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
Business insight
Oversized SA industry – but no stopping it for now - Colin Windell
I
t was a pleasant afternoon and the opportunity to sit and relax after two hectic days of motor media launches at the Johannesburg International Motor Show that brought a Hallelujah Chorus of relief from my feet, as I plumped down on a chair at the Suzuki stand, our last stop for the day. A few seconds later Francois Loubser joined me, equally relieved to have a chance to sit. As one intimately involved in the organisation and well-being of the show, we initially chatted about the stands and the product on display, before turning to the industry in general. Francois has an extremely in-depth knowledge of the industry and its inner workings and my own 37-year history reporting on it means that we have seen massive changes taking place during that time - and both of us agreed the South African situation is unique; an industry way oversized for the volumes it sells. And, it’s not stopping! If consumers thought the industry was throwing out new cars like confetti this year, those that went to the Show would have been stunned by the raft of new product and the new entries to the market, with the likes of FAW launching a range of passenger cars and Chana returning to the fray - so it is now easier to enumerate the nameplates not active in the country, than to list those that are.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the sector’s exports constitute almost 12% of total exports,” says Department of Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies. “This strong industry position has been made possible by support from government, mainly under the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP), which will be replaced at the beginning of 2013 by the new Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP).” Investment under the MIDP in 2011 totalled R4-billion and the cumulative investment under this scheme since 2000 was R32-billion. The President of the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), David Powels, who is also president and CEO of the Volkswagen Group in SA, says the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show took place during an immensely challenging time in the global economy and it would be naïve to believe South Africa is distanced from the global economic woes. “On a retail level the challenge is to ensure on-going dealer viability while satisfying ever increasing customer service expectations,” says Powels.
This is all well and good, but it does mean it is an extremely fragile industry. Unlike a spider’s web that carries its strength to furthest reaches of those thin strands, our industry is stretching its tensile strength to the absolute limits and if one support strand breaks, it could allow the whole thing to unravel.
“From a manufacturing perspective, the challenge is to continue to provide a range of products that meets the expectations of a rapidly changing world where operating efficiency, driven by a massive increase in the price of energy and concern for the environment, are impacting to accelerate the adoption of new automotive technologies.”
“The South African automotive industry - manufacturing and retail - contributes at least 6% to the country’s
He added the South African motor industry would illustrate to the world the way in which it has restructured and
PAGE 40
aligned itself to the complex challenges facing the global motor industry around the world. “The South African motor Industry is also emerging out of an extremely tough business environment in which it has been forced to re-examine the prevalent business model to ensure global competitiveness in the years ahead. Together with our partners in the component industry, major focus has been placed upon localisation of component manufacture”.
Export volumes for 2011 are forecast to reach a record of about 300 000 vehicles “Significant investment on the part of the supplier industry has resulted in a much leaner, technologically capable and skilled component industry, enabling the local automotive manufacturers to target key strategic global markets, resulting in a dramatic increase in exports of South African manufactured vehicles, to the extent that export volumes for 2011 are forecast to reach a record of about 300 000 vehicles”. “We are working closely with the Government to ensure that the new Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) which starts in
Colin Windell is the Editor of Fleet Magazine.
PAGE 41
AutoForum - Nov/December 2011 2013, takes the industry to new levels in the years ahead,” says Powels. “The South African motor industry remains one of the most competitive in the world. It is intensely competitive and demanding with more than 1 300 models and 61 marques competing for what is, in global terms, a relatively small market. The South African consumer justifiably demands an outstanding product and, equally, the highest levels of after sales service.” Looking at the numbers for September - prior to the Show - the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) commented that sales in all segments registered surprisingly strong gains on the corresponding month last year. September 2011 aggregate industry domestic sales had improved by 12 539 units or 30%, to reach 54 364 vehicles - from 41 825 vehicles sold during September last year. Sales during the corresponding month
last year had been severely depressed by stock shortages as a result of industrial action throughout the industry at the time. Total year to date domestic sales in 2011 were 16.2% ahead of the corresponding nine months in 2010. September 2011 export sales at 25 933 vehicles had registered an improvement of 13 399 units or 106.9%, compared to the strike-affected total of 12 534 export units in September last year. Overall, the industry reported sales of 54 364 vehicles, 77.8% or 42 279 units represented dealer/fleet sales, 15.9% represented sales to the car rental industry, 3,5% sales to government and 2.8% represented industry corporate fleet sales. “September is traditionally a strong month as it is the end of a quarter and we enter the strong pre-holiday sales cycle of major fleet buyers such as vehicle rental companies”. “Despite these drivers the market exceeded our expectations, although
one should be wary of comparing it strictly with the comparative month last year, when the market was negatively influenced by industry wide industrial action,” says Dr Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors. More evidence to this fact is seen in vehicle sales to rental companies and single unit sales that grew by more than 44% in September, compared to the same month last year. Even when adjusted for the influences of industrial action, the market still witnessed the highest sales to rental companies for the month of September on record. “We expect the market to maintain its momentum in the last quarter of 2011, but we will continue to keep an eye on macro-economic factors that influence private buyers. This includes the most recent increases in fuel cost and the general rise in cost of living costs, especially in major metropolitan areas,” says van Zyl.
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AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
Turning satisfied customers into loyal customers - Graham Bush
I
recently read a great book entitled: “Loyal for Life” by John Tschohl, which is, in my opinion, the “Service Recovery” manual. Its key lessons include teaching readers how to take unhappy customers from hell to heaven in 60 seconds or less. Every company, no matter how excellent their products or employees, occasionally makes a mistake. How those companies and their employees respond to those mistakes, is what separates successful customer service driven organisations from the rest of the pack. (John Tschohl has been called the “Guru of Customer Service” by USA Today, Time, and Entrepreneur magazines, and is a best selling author and President of the Service Quality Institute.) While building a customer base, businesses sometimes move too quickly and focus on quantity rather than quality. Just as businesses experience staff turnover, turnover occurs in the customer base as well. The extent to which both occur has a significant influence on your bottom line. There is a lot of emphasis these days on creating satisfied customers. But is having satisfied customers enough? Recent research conducted in the US discovered that between 60 and 85% of customers who chose a new supplier indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with their former supplier. What is clear from these results then, is that having satisfied customers is not always enough, but it is a starting point. Certainly the first step in a suppliercustomer relationship is working hard to keep customers satisfied. If your customers are not satisfied with the level of service you deliver, you can rest
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assured that there will be a high level of turnover within your customer base. An important transformation needs to take place in the way businesses view their relationships with customers. The transformation involves moving customers from being satisfied to being loyal. It’s important to keep in mind the fact that a satisfied customer isn’t necessarily a loyal customer. Moving a customer from satisfied to loyal requires hard work, constant attention to the customer and diligence in delivering outstanding service consistently. My wife constantly asks me: ‘So why do you keep going back there?” “Because I’m loyal” is my constant reply. In most cases I’m loyal to the brand – not necessarily the people who represent it. My latest catch phase is ‘I’m an unhappy Loyal Customer’ - I cannot claim fame to creating this – I just use it a lot. Any given customer can be satisfied with multiple suppliers of the same product or service. Does the level of satisfaction factor in? Possibly, but not likely. The more likely scenario that gets played out is that as long as a basic level of satisfaction is achieved, the customer will tend to buy from supplier(s) offering the best price. Clearly, price will always be a factor to some extent in terms of which supplier gets the business. But what happens when a supplier is able to differentiate itself in terms of building some degree of customer loyalty? Chances are good that price becomes less of an issue as loyalty increases. I believe that Pick n Pay’s loyalty has increased since the introduction of their ‘Smart Shopper’ card. Why go elsewhere when you can earn points by always shopping at the same retailer?
Satisfaction allows you to be in the game, so to speak. Loyalty translates into repeat business. When a company is able to achieve some degree of customer loyalty among its customer base, the rate of customer leakage drops and the share of a given customer’s business increases. Bear in mind that not every customer will feel the same sense of loyalty, even with the same level of effort applied. So how do you build customer loyalty? First, we need to briefly address loyalty as it relates to the product or service itself. Let’s look at what I refer to as a ‘commodity product’. A commodity product is one that looks and functions identically or nearly identically to the competitions’ product. A box of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes is the same product at Spar, Checkers or Pick n Pay. In this case, there is little to differentiate on, other than perhaps price or the level of service. In the case of differentiated products, the various suppliers can point to subtle or not so subtle differences in the product in making their case for buying one over another. What about different brands of tyres? If a differentiated product clearly has a functional or benefit advantage over those of its competitors, short-term loyalty can be achieved based on that advantage alone. Do you buy tyres based on price, functionality, or service? In most cases, the competition simply upgrades their own product or service to deliver the same functionality or benefit as the superior product, so over a period of time the level of productspecific loyalty diminishes.
Graham Bush is one of Southern Africa’s leading retail gurus, and over the past 30 years has inspired thousands of businesspeople. He has a relaxed style, and along with his humour delivers powerful and motivational talks and presentations. www.thebushkitchen.co.za
Here are some ideas to keep in mind when attempting to build customer loyalty: • Let customers know that you are interested in them as a long-term customer. This implies that your people are very much geared to being problem solvers for the customers. They must understand that their jobs exist to solve customers’ problems and to assist the customer on demand. • Think in terms of developing relationships with the customer. This means attempting to cultivate as many personal relationships as possible within the customer’s organisation. While this is often disputed, I believe that people buy from people they like and trust. Perhaps the key differentiating variable in the business world today is people. The quality of people you put in front of your customers will clearly help separate you from your competition. I always say that you must employ people based on their personality and attitude – teach skills later!
• Make every attempt to differentiate your product or service from the competition. Try to stay out in front in making your product or service more functional or beneficial to the customer. The essential ingredient here is value. Does the customer perceive that your product or service is worth more to them than your competitors’ products or services? • Serve the customer at extremely high levels. This means that your processes must be efficient, your people who have any interaction with customers must be highly trained in customer service skills and you must establish a culture with high expectations for serving the customers at very high levels. Nothing short of outstanding customer service can be expected with no exceptions granted. • Think long-term. Your business needs to establish a stable customer base. Companies that have a short-term mentality rarely, if ever, build much customer loyalty. Don’t go for the quick sale just to generate
revenue. Build a strong relationship with the customer and sales will follow. • Allow customers to provide you feedback easily and whenever they feel they need to do it. Encourage your customers to contact you with ideas, problems, concerns or with a pat on the back that can be passed on to employees for a job well done. • Create an environment of high accountability, high performance, high morale and high productivity. Happy and productive employees will do a lot to build customer loyalty. In summary, customer loyalty can be accomplished. But it does take hard work and constant management attention. Your staff are an integral part of building customer loyalty. They need to fully understand their roles in building strong, long-term relationships with the customer. *Additional resource : www.onlinebusadv.com
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AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
Latest vehicle trends from TransUnion
A
ccording to the latest TransUnion Vehicle Pricing Index (VPI) released in October, new car price inflation dropped to 1.8% in Q3. This is the lowest level in the past five years, but is not expected to last for much longer, should the Rand continue to weaken. TransUnion Information Solutions Auto CEO, Mike von Höne, cautioned that the declining trend in new car price inflation could reverse in the last quarter of this year or early in 2012. He continued that the weaker currency could be more bad news for already slowing new passenger vehicle sales. “Current industry expectations are that the increase in the number of new passenger vehicles sold is unlikely to top 10% for the remainder of 2011 – down from highs of over 25% earlier this year.” And the used car market was not exempt from challenges in the third quarter either, mostly due to the continued pressure on new car prices, coupled with significant new vehicle discounts and favourable financing schemes. The latter included extended repayment periods (see also AF November issue ‘Longer Term Financing – A Trend to Watch’) and prime or below-prime interest rates for these units. In addition, a number of very affordable new models launched in the latest quarter - all of which means that it is increasingly difficult for used vehicles to compete with new. This is evident in the TransUnion vehicle financing register’s new to used ratio, which stayed very close to the previous figure at 1.64 used cars for every new vehicle financed in the July – September period. The VPI used car inflation
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for Q3 was 3.8% - its highest level in 2011, but still lower than 2010’s annual figure of 4.4%. Von Höne commented: “Lower trade data reported to TransUnion reflected the reluctance of consumers to pay current ticket prices on used vehicles as well as the ongoing shortage of clean, good, used stock of one-to-three year old models. The majority of used vehicles purchased by consumers are priced between R80 000 to R160 000. Unless new car inflation turns, pressure on the used market is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.” The TransUnion VPI is published quarterly and measures the year-on-year price inflation of a market-weighted basket of new and used vehicles. The current baskets are set to change in the next quarter to reflect the significant number of derivatives that are undergoing facelifts or complete make-overs. Just two weeks after the company released the VPI index findings, it held its biannual Auto Trends Forum, which highlighted that dealer margins on used vehicles are once again coming under increasing pressure. TransUnion predicts that the 2008/9 squeeze on used vehicle margins is likely to gain momentum again in 2012. Von Hone said, however, that dealers would be better able to deal with the pressure this time around, mostly due to increased throughput and continuing cost control, which had resulted in the improved financial performance of major dealer groups and independents alike.
He continued that the latest dealer returns data shows that an increasing proportion of total vehicles being bought in by dealers are coming in below the Auto Dealers’ Guide’s trade values – which he believes is a clear indication of a softening in the used market. Von Höne predicted that the average percentage at which dealers were buying stock lower than the Guide’s Trade price would gain momentum into 2012 as used vehicle prices began to soften more rapidly and competition in the market remained stiff. Dealers are also selling vehicles lower than the Guide Retail price, more proof of a softening market for used vehicles. “For consumers, this means that some used vehicle bargains are likely to become available. For dealers, it means having to be more innovative and keeping a close eye on overheads.” According to the company’s statistics, while consumers continue to have a wide spectrum of new vehicles to choose from – 61 brands and 2 133 derivatives – there is a distinct lack of choice in the under R100 000 market segment. This segment accounts for just 3% of available models, with the majority of new models priced between R100 000 and R400 000. Slightly less than 50% of sales (based on vehicle financial registrations) fell into the R101 000 to R200 000 price band. At the same time there was a significant drop in the relative proportion of total financial registrations for new vehicles under R100 000 this year. Entry level cars now account for only 15% of the market, down from 37% last year – which is most likely due to both lack
of stock in this category and lower financing available to buyers in this bracket. In contrast, vehicle registrations in the R301 000 to R500 000 bracket rose from around 7% last year, to close on 15% in 2011. The majority of used vehicles financed in 2011 were valued below R200 000 – 40% of which were in the under R100 000 price band, and just over 40% were priced R101 000 to R200 000. Volkswagen and Toyota vehicles made up 35% percent of all new car financial agreements – representing a decrease in their relative market share over the last three years. Used Volkswagen and Toyota vehicles accounted for 40% of total used car financial agreements, while Hyundai, Chevrolet and Kia all increased their market share. Von HÜne explained that the average settlement period of vehicle finance contracts has doubled over the past five years, with the average settlement term having increased from approximately 25 months before the introduction of the National Credit Act, to approximately 43 months thereafter. He said that there is some indication that this trend is beginning to improve again as consumers begin to regain better control of their financial situation and strive to pay down their debts in the current low interest rate environment.
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AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
INNOVATIONS
AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
INNOVATIONS
The latest automotive technology
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Super strength steel from 2012
M
azda recently announced that it will - in collaboration with Sumitomo Metal Industries and Aisin Takaoka – include 1 800 MPa ultra-high tensile steel car components in its new 2012 CX-5 crossover SUV. It’s a move that, it says, makes it the first carmaker to successfully do so. The 1 800 MPa ultra-high tensile steel has been used to create bumper beams that are 20% stronger and 4.8 kilogrammes lighter than previous versions. High tensile steel enables vehicle parts to be thinner, while retaining the same degree of strength, resulting in significant weight savings. And reducing the weight of bumper beams is particularly important, as they are incorporated into the body structure at the farthest point from the vehicle’s centre of gravity. This position means that their weight has a considerable effect on dynamic performance and responsiveness. Their strength is key in maintaining sufficient collision protection, and it’s because of these factors that a method of mass producing the parts using stronger steel, has been highly sought after for some time. The new technology beams fit inside the front and rear bumpers, mitigating damage in the event of a collision, and were developed as part of Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY programme. The system
incorporates a new energy absorbing structure as well as expanded use of high tensile steel to reduce weight. But because stronger materials are less pliant and therefore absorb less energy in a collision, the automaker studied beam deformation in a crash, and created a new design that absorbs energy more efficiently. And, in order to ensure the bumpers provide maximum strength in the CX-5, Mazda collaborated with Futaba Kogyo to optimise the welding techniques and establish a reliable manufacturing process. A mere day after the announcement was made, Nissan too announced that it will use high tensile steel from 2013, and what’s more, it will only use 1 200 megapascal (approximately 174 000 psi) ultra-high tensile steel versus Mazda’s 1 800. Nissan intends using its new technology in cold pressing structural body parts, saving weight and avoiding the more expensive option of aluminium. Components will include centre pillar reinforcements, front and side roof rails, and other structural components. Nissan’s ‘super steel’ was developed in collaboration with Nippon Steel Corporation and Kobe Steel.
In the News Monroe – a complete suspension
T
enneco, manufacturers of Monroe and Rancho shock absorbers in South Africa has 14 Research and Developm ent facilities globally and is one of the world’s largest designers , manufacturers and marketers of ride control products. Tenneco continuously offers new technologically advanc ed products and product lines –the latest of which is Monroe Spr ings launched in November 201 1. The range includes shock absorb ers for passenger, commercial vehicles and off-road vehicle s as well as Protection kits, Mo unting kits, Steering dampers, Ma xLift supports and new on the ma rket, Monroe Steering and Suspen sion components. Philip Lutz, Marketing Manage r, Southern Africa says the range of suspension products offered by Monroe means that fitment cen tres can offer customers more than just a set of shock absorbers… rath er a complete suspension solution . Then there is the added benefit that if you replace the worn Mountin g Kits and Protection Kits with the sho ck absorbers there will be fewer returns and comebacks. And increas ed sales….
solution
interested in stocking/selling/dis trib uting must contact their Monroe District Manager or the Monroe central helpline. They would need to have a direct account and carr y stoc k. With over 3,000 items coverin g 97% of all cars currently circulating on European roads, Monroe Spr ings includes high-tech coil spring types such as the banana, taper-wi re no comma and mini-block springs . Banana springs apply radial force due to their special shape and ensure optimal control of the veh icle at all speeds. Unlike convention al coil spring types, in taper wire spr ings, the wire diameter varies in size to achieve progressive spring rate . As a result, the spring rate increas es in propor tion to the spring compre ssi on rate.
the original equipment of pop ular car models such as the Audi A3 and A6, BMW 3-series, Opel Zafira, VW Golf IV and Passat. MaxLift - This simple but brill iant range may not form par t of the suspension range but is very popular and a great way to increase sale s. The MaxLift saves you energy as well as saves your fingertips! Monroe MaxLift is a gas spring used to lift and secure: bonnets, boots, rea r hatch and station wagon doo rs, canopy doors, tailgates, toolbox es, trailer lids and machinery. Max Lift is of a high quality, has a 12month warranty and is pre-gassed to the correct pressure for the vehicle . It is also extremely price competi tive and custom applications are also possible.
We all know shock absorbers need to be replaced every 100 00k m but it is highly likely that the Mountin g Kits and Protection Kits will be wor n if the shock absorbers are. The Mon roe Mounting Kit helps to increas e the road holding, steering and han dling of the vehicle as well as the life span of the strut by reducing noise Steering and suspension and Monroe taper wire springs vibrations. The Monroe Protect are Mon roe also has an extensive, ion fitted with protective sleeves use Kit helps to prevent premature d competitively priced range that shock to avo id is wea r due to coils touchabsorber wear by avoiding dam available on special order incl ing eac udh othe r whe n the ages of both the piston rod and spring is ing Tie Rods, Ball Joints, Sta the compressed. biliser valving par ts after high road imp Links and Steering Racks. Mon acts. roe It also provides the car with opti Steering Dampers are extreme mal Mini-block springs are an adv ly well driving stability on higher sus anc ed priced and provide quality stee pension development of the ring taper-wire type. movements. It is therefore criti control. cal to The y hav e a rugby ball shape, offer a replace them together. longer life, make less noise and have Remember by recommending compact dimensions. In addition these The new range of Monroe Spr , pro ducts to your customers you ings min i-blo ck spr ing coil s compress launched in November includ will not only be making sure thei es: perfectly without touching. r Monroe Springs: Monroe now vehicles are safe on the road, but makes an extensive range of increasing your bottom line. We high These increasingly popular spr call it quality well-priced springs. The ings a win-win situation… se are are fitted only on rea r axle standard height, OE spec rep s, therelacefore they also improve boot spa ment springs. Lutz says, “Custom ce. ers Mini-block springs are include d in For more information abo ut Monroe shock, spring s and other components, visit www.monroe.co.za Tenneco South Africa on or contact 011 574 5603.
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AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
INNOVATIONS
New ultra high heat resistant plastic
L
ast month, at the Fakuma 2011 international trade fair for plastics processing in Friedrichshafen, Germany, BASF introduced a new member to its Ultramid Endure line of plastics - Ultramid Endure D3G10. The new material boasts a 50% glass fibre content, with considerably improved stiffness at elevated temperatures. The first member of the heat aging-resistant polyamide family, Ultramid Endure D3G7, launched to the world last year, and featured a glass fibre content of 35%. It is expected to be found in serial application at several
processors soon. The new product, however, is targeted for use in intercooler end caps and boasts a tensile modulus of more than 17 000 MPa after aging (measured in accordance with ISO 527-2/1993). Ultramid Endure D3G10 is resistant to heat aging up to 220 째C and therefore ideal for parts in the charge air system, meaning even less metal components in the engine compartment than before, and thus lighter weight. Even better is the fact that the new material is far cheaper than most specialty polyamides.
www.turboexchange.co.za PIES NO CO FEITS UNTER O C NO D PROVE P A RY FACTO NLY NAL O ORIGI ANGE R E T E COMPL
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Ultramid Endure D3G10 graphs
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AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
This MAN Euro 5 engine defines how the demand for clean air is driving diesel engine technology. Two turbochargers – a smaller upstream turbocharger is enhanced by a larger unit downstream. Water-cooled intercooling and integrated plumbing with advanced electronics makes this engine complex yet still easy to diagnose. The only problem is that clean exhausts come at a ‘cost’ – it’s an investment in the future.
technical TRUCKING at JIMS
I
This Scania racing truck carries no payload but has massive torque and a throaty growl to make any drag racer apprehensive – what an impact it would make for arriving at a matric dance!
t’s said in advertising circles that 50% of advertising is wasted, but unfortunately it is not clear which 50% gets thrown away. It’s probably that ‘we-are-not-sure-fear’ that forces major truck original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to appear at the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS). Significant by their absence were Iveco and Volvo, who obviously believe they can do better with their money. We have to admire the statement that truck OEMs make at this event and for a truck journalist it is an info-fountain that not which endures for a number of months.
- Dave Scott
The interesting stuff on display is made up of technologies both current and futuristic. But of course, the overwhelming trend is to be green and it is product launch season, and this was clear at the 2011 show. So among all the new trucks there were many messages that spin doctors had read and proof-read to distraction – it’s all about a differentiating positioning strategy. And when JIMS ‘show-euphoria’ clears, OEMs and their dealers return to the grind of parts and service. As Craig Uren, Chief Operating
A complete mobile coffee shop sealed into a VW Crafter van. The advantage is mobility – take advantage of peak hour pedestrian traffic and flow with the market in terms of position. This brilliant concept can be extended into many entrepreneurial applications.
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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.
This fine example of steel-suspension articulation was on display on a 6 X 2 FUSO model FM25-270. The trailing axle is not a lift axle for an empty return journey but clearly demonstrates the superiority of the steel-suspension over an air-suspension trailing axle. It’s very unlikely that the drive-axle will ever get caught hanging without drive-axle traction on a steel-suspension unit.
This box-van mounted on a VW chassis shows the outstanding mass/volume ratio that can be achieved on a solo 6 X 2 chassis. A 6 X 2 truck is inherently much lighter than 6 X 4. Combine the low tare mass with a long wheelbase and maximum rear body overhang – measured from the centre of the trailing axle – and maxi-payload/maxi-volume truck goes into service. 6 X 2 units are becoming a popular niche sector of the truck market.
Here’s the new Hino 300 to be introduced in the first half of 2012. The double cab trend is there – people on the back of bakkies and trucks is a serious road safety hazard and most often a contravention of Regulation 247 where the driver is strapped in with a safety belt and the people on top of the load take their chances.
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AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
COMMERCIAL VEHICLES Officer at Isuzu Truck South Africa, says: “We are really a parts and service business that also sells trucks.” The devil is in the detail and those who focus on configuration management will be the ultimate winners. That’s why at a show like JIMS, the smaller stuff is more interesting. Technical detail to solving operational problems leads to lowest cost of operation – it’s the combined solution that a truck offers to the user, not just the price and payload-ability.
JIMS is really a car and bakkie show where you can touch wheels to die for. Truck OEMs who spent megabucks on creating a position in the market must be admired. On the other hand, it takes guts to stay away from this event when you are not sure which 50% is being wasted and a brand is conspicuously absent. There’s much more to the show than simply being there, however – the true test is how trucking people used this event to get closer to their customers
and then how this was followed up on. The question that begs to be answered is this: what about KZN and Western Cape customers? They form important markets and due to time/cost constraints many businesses based in those areas could not make it to JIMS. There are many opportunities out there to spend a budget with impact - doing nothing and sitting on the cash is not an answer.
The austere Freightliner Argosy front cowl and grill is replaced with this new chrome piece in the new Argosy for 2012. Eishhhh! It really has ‘bling’ and looks like a new set of dentures. But wow, it’s beautiful! Someone will love it, dentures and all.
With the gear lever in the dashboard on this VW Crafter, unobstructed passage is left for the driver to cross over to the offside in restricted areas.
All truck OEMs are now in the oil business. If you use their branded lubricants they will extend drain intervals and honour warranties. If you don’t use the OEM lube? Well...
In local delivery operations cargo accessibility is everything for route flexibility and matching customer demands. Sliding doors and rear doors do this and the cost of the vehicle goes up with door equipment.
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The new Hino 300 Series will offer models equipped with a 6-speed, fully automatic, torque convertor transmission – this differs from an automated manual transmission introduced in competitive trucks. With aircon as standard and a full-auto box, the Hino 300 will be hardly different to driving a car. Note the gear lever is centrally mounted – it should have been possible to set this in the dash and clear access across to the off-side for the driver.
This engine oil filler cap on an MAN TGS is not only colour-coded red but it also has a special lip underneath the cap. What’s the purpose? It stops any filling drips from splashing on the fins of the cooling systems beneath that will result in dust accumulating and interfering with the engine cooling. Clever..!
The coolant cap is colourcoded turquoise-green and the windscreen washer cap is coded blue on this MAN truck. It all makes sense in Africa to use colour coding where communication and language barriers can easily result in the wrong fluid being applied.
Behr Hella Service Partners Gauteng A to Z Car Radio Airlecon Auto Cool Auto-Airguard C-NET Car Air & Audio Connoisseur Auto Electrical Cool Sound Electric Air Systems Formula 1 Independent Car radio Mechspec Auto Motor-Air O E Aircon Spares Pure & Cool Rivonia Car Sound Rivonia Car Sound Springs Car Radio Station Garage Mpumlanga Andre’s Car Installations Pencox Silverton TPS Auto Electrical Talrad Radiators Limpopo Marble Auto Electrical Super Clinic Free State Auto Electronics Diesel Electric Electro Engineering
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COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
The best truck brands rely on configuration management
- Dave Scott
C
onfiguration management – what is that? This writer has been running around trucks and fleet owners since 1966 and only came across the term offered during a recent meeting with Frans Cloete, who is well-known among truck original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s) and now heads up Hino retail operations, within the Unitrans Motors Group. It’s Cloete’s OEM and retail experience that allows him to use the term ‘configuration management’ with insight. And as Cloete points out: “It’s nothing new – just ‘Google’ the term.” In fact, configuration management was first developed by the United States Air Force for the Department of Defence in the 1950s, as a technical management discipline of hardware. The Wikipedia definition for configuration management (CM) is ‘a field of management that focuses on establishing and maintaining consistency of a system or product’s performance and its functional and physical attributes with its requirements, design, and operational information throughout its life’.
Are there any standards for CM? ISO 10007:2003 gives guidance on the use of configuration management within an organisation. It is applicable to the support of products from concept to disposal. It first outlines the responsibilities and authorities before describing the configuration management process that includes configuration management planning, configuration identification, change control, configuration status accounting and configuration audit. There’s even an Institute of Configuration Management that
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started out in the 1970s in the US and now has international training representation, including in South Africa.
So where did that truck part come from? The bottom-line for CM is and always shall be ‘Traceability’ – that is a key principle for any vehicle parts operation.
Document and library control are an important part of the overall configuration management process. The CM Institute points out that ‘document and library control serve to protect proprietary information and other knowledge assets and prevent unauthorised changes. The primary responsibility of document and library control is to manage released
REINZOSIL Description
Solvent-free, permanently elastic, quick-hardening silicone sealing compound for sealing large-surface connections with a sealing gap (even without disassembling the component).
REINZOSIL Properties
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REINZOSIL Range of Application
Particularly suited to sealing all sealing surfaces in engines, transmissions, axles, cylinder sleeves and plastic housings. Highly suited to rough sealing surfaces. Approved for all European and Japanese automotive manufacturers including MB, VAG and Nissan. Please observe additional notices in our Technical Data Sheet No. 833 (www.reinz.com/datasheet). .
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AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
COMMERCIAL VEHICLES documents and software artifacts. Additional responsibilities may include management of technical books and magazines. The first responsibility of document and library control is to protect the master copies. Wikipedia states that ‘CM is used to maintain an understanding of the status of complex assets with a view to maintaining the highest level of serviceability for the lowest cost. Specifically, it aims to ensure that operations are not disrupted due to the asset (or parts of the asset) overrunning limits of planned lifespan or below quality levels’. A modern truck fits the description of a complex asset requiring the highest level of serviceability for the lowest cost – a reliable supply of up-to-date parts, incorporating all the latest modifications, is essential for lowest lifetime costs.
Here’s a simple example. A driveline support bracket does not last the truck’s expected economic life. This failure is well-reported, documented and fed back to the OEM for international
collation, summarising and investigation. All research and analysis points to the need for component redesign and material strengthening, which is executed with the current part supplier or a new supplier is found. A date is chosen for the introduction of the upgraded part and a breakpoint created at which all truck chassis from that date will be equipped with the new support bracket. All of this has cost implications, partsstocking and shipping parameters, training needs, service bulletins, revised warranty claim issues, fleet replacement campaigns, and, of course, if this is a safety-critical part, then there’s no time to be lost as lives are at stake. It’s even more complex than that and modern software allows this to be managed efficiently. But tracking what has happened is the key – traceability! A truck lasts well over ten years and many parts will be super-ceded with improvements during its life – this is what ensures product integrity and brand
value. However, if CM is missing then this truck will not reach its intended life and the brand’s reputation will be in tatters. Repairing brand image is a lengthy, difficult task.
Parts - spares remain king What motivates a company to invest in a particular truck brand? The decision is driven firstly by parts availability, with vehicle price being placed well down the list, after fuel consumption. ISO 10007 talks about ‘support for products from concept to disposal.’ And so the awful truth emerges – if any newcomer to this truck market wants to be successful in the SA market, then they will have to be better than the entrenched brands at configuration management. That is some challenge and an aspect that any truck buyer must ask when investing in a new truck today. Reference and acknowledgement – Wikipedia & Institute of Configuration Management
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AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
Show Time Maputo hosts its first PartInform
T
he Polana Serena Hotel in Maputo hosted the first PartInform Tradeshow in Mozambique on the 13th of October. Proving to be a fine setting for this inaugural event, which attracted in excess of 100 guests, this well known landmark struggled only with parking facilities, resulting in guests parking on the middle isle of the road. The evening’s guest turnout was an excellent achievement, considering the number of formal vs informal automotive businesses operating in Mozambique. The general reaction from those attending was a high level of appreciation of the PartInform members for their efforts in promoting their products and brands face to face, with the evening’s entertainment and prizes an added bonus. Several of the guests expressed an interest in opening discussions with the members in terms of distribution rights within Mozambique. All in all, a successful event showing lots of promise for the future.
IP Expo debuts in SA This month, technology infrastructure event IP EXPO will make its SA debut and will feature a wealth of technology solutions reflecting the benefits that Internet Protocol (IP), ‘virtualisation’ and cloud computing can deliver to business of all sizes in all sectors. The organisers promise visitors will be exposed to end-to-end solutions created by rival vendors, consulting partners and distributors. At the same time, experts will be on hand to answer questions, and three stages will feature over 40 seminars addressing a range of topics, including security issues. The event takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre on November 15 and 16. To register, visit the website www.ipexpo.co.za/Register.
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SHOW TIME
AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
JIM Show impresses
T
he 2011 staging of the Johannesburg International Motor Show, which took place for 11 days in October – the first 2 being for media and VIP guests only - was big. And for those who participated, it was by accounts tremendously successful. Once again staged at the Expo Centre at Nasrec, the show was highly anticipated, having missed out on a staging last year due to the FIFA World Cup. Some of the highlights for trade visitors included the many seminars held over the period, especially the CAR Conference which featured a variety of high profile speakers. (For more insights from these sessions see also our ‘News’ section.) Final figures showed that a total of 225 161 visitors interacted with the more than 220 exhibitors, which covered commercial vehicles, passenger cars, motorcycles and leisure craft, as well as components and accessories.
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AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
SHOW TIME
Tyrexpo Africa 2012
T
he next Tyrexpo Africa 2012 is only a few months away, and already its organisers have confirmed that the event is 75% full. The show will feature exhibitors from Africa and around the world, and has so far seen an unprecedented demand for space. The show organisers attribute this to the bountiful business opportunities in the southern African market. As Paul Farrant of ECI International explains: “The response to next year’s exhibition has been exceptional, with many companies choosing to return to the event after a successful show in 2010 and many more attending for the first time, as they look to make contacts and establish a presence in the market.” A highlight of the event is the fact that it features all the relevant members of the tyre industry in one place, including tyre
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manufacturers, wholesalers, retreading and repair companies, wheel suppliers, workshop equipment specialists and suppliers of tools and consumables. Some of the SA companies taking part are Tubestone, Tyrecor, Rema Tip Top, Hofmann Megaplan, Richards Bay Tyres, the Bandag licensee, Beltyre, the Belshina distributor for Africa, Chemvulc, Launch Technologies, Leader Tread, Wheelquip and Nitralife amongst many others. There will also be a strong attendance from international organisations who will be using the event to launch new brands and product to the local market, from Australia, Europe, China, Singapore, Thailand and more. The show takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, from 6 to 8 March 2012.
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Behr Hella Service Partners, the Automotive Air Conditioning specialists, offer solutions to the Service and Repair Industry. Already 55 and expanding. • • • • • •
Fault Diagnosis Leak Tests Flushing of Systems Re-gas Performance Tests Full Services
Quality replacement components, including compressors, condensers, receiver dryers, expansion valves, orifice tubes, evaporators, pressure and other switches, HVAC blowers, pollen filters, oils, A/c gas, fittings and hoses. Behr Hella Service keeps you “Cool, Calm and Collected” at all times. Behr Hella Service Components and their functions are optimally matched to the comfort demands of car drivers.
Behr Hella Service – for a good climate in your car
Contact details: Hans Soonalal 011 538 7500 • Cell: 082 888 3648 • Dial: 0861 CAR AIRCON PAGE 65 www.behrhella.co.za
AutoForum - Nov/December 2011
Building the basics - One-on-one with Sujit Nayak
Sujit Nayak
W
e met up with Sujit Nayak, to get to know the new Marketing Manager for Robert Bosch SA. What instantly stands out on meeting him is his passion and excitement for the industry, and how he is planning on spreading that enthusiasm. His background is within the Indian automotive sector from MRF tyres where he filled the role of Product Manager, responsible for OE and aftermarket business, before joining Bosch India in 2005. “I had visited South Africa before, and when the post became available, I decided to apply” he says, explaining his recent move to Bosch SA in August of this year. “The two countries have many similarities, but the markets also vary enormously” he says. “In India we dealt with over 250 wholesalers, where in South Africa the industry is structured differently with a handful of large wholesalers.” This obviously requires a different strategy to his successes in India, and Sujit is building his understanding of our local markets before deciding how to apply his experience. “My focus is on building demand” for the company’s products right from the consumer through the channels, and ultimately to the
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benefit of the wholesalers, by assisting in reaching their targets. “The Bosch brand itself sells the products, but it comes down to creating awareness, turning that into demand, and then making sure that the logistics can support the demand”. Sujit is focussed on both customers and workshops, and aims to increase the width and breadth of distribution by creating opportunities for multiple product promotion, where fitment of one type of product can be complemented by another type of product fitted at the same service point. He makes the point that experience has taught him to hold his campaigns until the logistics are confirmed, and of course only once his understanding of the market is complete. These are foundations for the plans he will roll out in the next fiscal. “The old adage of the right product, at the right place and time, and at the right price always applies - but launching into campaigns without making sure that the basics are in place is almost certainly a recipe for failure”. He is currently mapping vehicles against products and sales cycles, to establish an ability to seal existing gaps, to provide workshops with all the tools, promotional materials and products that they need. “We
are building onto the systems Bosch already has in place to service the demand across the parts, diagnostics and logistics areas of our business, and simultaneously tie in our workshop concepts”. He took us through his database of vehicle servicing patterns which will assist Bosch in better forecasting workshop needs, and addressing stock availability. Understanding local market conditions also concerns addressing the CPA, and Sujit explained how seriously Bosch takes the implications of the act. “I am also confident that the message that Bosch pushes to market about value for money being provided by quality, versus by lower prices, is effectively backed up by the legislation”. The company’s current campaigns use the line: “No vehicle is complete without Bosch” which is where Sujit sees the basic communication going. “We are driving customers toward the brand from many angles, it is really just simple marketing to create a relationship with customers and make the Bosch brand in general a “Habit” in terms of all product lines” Sujit’s parting words to us? “ See Bosch, Feel Bosch and Buy Bosch.” It is what he lives and breathes, and he wants you to as well.
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New Releases
AutoForum AutoForum - Nov/December - Nov / Dec 2011 2011
New part numbers for November World Spares continues to update its part numbers and this month is no exception. The authorised distributor for Metelli in South Africa will have the following parts available from November. Water pumps: Citroën Berlingo; Peugeot 306/307; Mercedes C-Class 270CDi; VW Polo 1.4TDi; VW Toureg 4.2i. Brake discs: Citroën C6: Front; VW Sharon: Front; VW Sharon: Rear; Mercedes Vito 112: Front; Mercedes Vito: Rear; Iveco 3.0HPi: Front; Iveco 3.0HPi: Rear. Brake pads: Hyundai H1: Front; Hyundai H1: Rear; New Opel Corsa: Front; New Opel Corsa: Rear; VW Crafter (30-35 Series): Front & Rear; VW Crafter (50 Series): Front & Rear. For these and many others, contact Paul or Martin on (011) 622-5405, fax them on 086 689 3148 or email sales@worldspares.co.za.
RAM launches Spare-Wheel-Ready When was the last time your vehicle’s spare wheel pressure was checked? Due to the generally awkward position of the spare wheel, it’s not surprising that for most, checking its pressure is not top of mind. Luckily, RAM has launched its handy new Spare-Wheel-Ready attachment to make checking the pressure of a spare wheel easier than ever. The universal-fit rubber extension connects to the valve on the spare wheel, and promises ease of installation, no matter where the spare wheel is located. As Paul van Zyl, Marketing Manager of parent company Veyance Technologies Africa explains: “Because of its universal fit, SpareWheel-Ready suits all makes of passenger vehicles, bakkies, light delivery vehicles, as well as SUVs, and ensures that the spare wheel is always ready when it is needed.” For more information on this and other products, visit the website at www.ramauto.co.za
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www.AutoForum.co.za
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AUTOFORUM
DIRECTORY LISTING
After-Marketplace Directory
To advertise your listing in AutoForum After-Marketplace Directory Contact us on 011 466 3733 or Email: info@AutoForum.co.za
AUTO ELECTRICAL Bosch
Parts, Accessories & Batteries
011 651 9600
First National Battery
Industrial & Automotive Batteries
011 741 3600
Parts Incorporated Africa
Automotive Components & Accessories
011 879 6000
POS Service Holland (SA) Pty Ltd
Starters & Alternators
011 704 5196
Probe Corporation
Auto Electrical Parts & Accessories
086 111 3507
Trysome
Auto Electrical Parts & Accessories
011 823 5650
Behr Hella
Air Conditioning Specialists
011 538 7500
Connoisseur Automotive
Approved A/c Equipment & UView Dye
021 419 7188
Highveld Garage Equipment
Air Conditioning Specialists
012 330 0540
Harrack Automotive Airconditioning
Air Conditioning Specialists
011 493 1400
Macs Automotive
Air Conditioning Equipment
011 498 0700
Snap-on Equipment
Diagnostics Equipment
0861 762 766
Aer-O-Cure
Spray Booths, Chassis Straighteners & Welding Equipment
011 444 6454
Hurricane/Silver Falcon
Spray Booths & Chassis Straighteners
083 628 2288
Motor Merchandise
Consumables
086 010 1317
Highveld Garage Equipment
Pressure Washers & Vacuum Cleaners
012 330 0540
Motor Merchandise
Consumables
086 010 1317
Beissbarth
Wheel Alignment Equipment
011 651 9600
Bosch
Diagnostic Equipment
011 651 9600
Highveld Garage Equipment
Engine Analyser & Diagnostic Scanners
012 330 0540
POS Service Holland (SA) Pty Ltd
Starters & Alternators Test Bench
011 704 5196
Snap-on Diagnostics
Diagnostics Equipment
0861 762 766
Industrial Interlocking Floors
011 873 1292
AutoZone
Aftermarket Parts & Accessories
0861 122 111
Beissbarth
Wheel Alignment Equipment
011 651 9600
Coetz
Balancing Machines
021 945 1419
Highveld Garage Equipment
Tyre & Lifting Equipment & Tools
012 330 0540
Hofmann Megaplan
Complete Range of Garage Equipment
011 472 7279/5954
Integrated Garage Equipment
Sales, Service & Repairs to all Equipment
012 549 5845
Ital Machinery
Brake & Clutch Machinery
011 483 3737
John Bean - Snap-on Equipment
Wheel Service Equipment
0861 762 766
Leaderquip
Wheel Service Equipment
011 334 1680
Motor Merchandise
Consumables
086 010 1317
Newclear Pressure Testers
Head Seat & Guide Machine
021 592 4747
Snap-on Tools
Tools & Garage Equipment
0861 762 766
Wheelquip
Wheel Service Equipment
021 949 0010
Alert Engine Parts
Distributors of Quality Parts
021 590 8250
Alfa Brake Drums & Discs
Brake Drums & Discs
011 608 0801/3
AutoZone
Aftermarket Parts & Accessories
0861 122 111
Bosch
Parts, Accessories & Batteries
011 651 9600
Federal-Mogul
Aftermarket Parts Manufacturer
011 630 3033
Mahle
Engine components & Piston Rings
011 432 2667
Midas
Aftermarket Parts & Accessories
011 879 6000
Monroe - Tenneco
Aftermarket Parts & Accessories
011 574 5603
NAPA/Midas Group
Aftermarket Parts & Accessories
011 879 6000
Parts Incorporated Africa
Automotive Components & Accessories
011 879 6000
Safeline
Brake Parts
011 549 7333
Silverton Radiators
Engine Cooling Specialists
011 538 7500
SKF
Bearings
011 821 3500
Turbo Exchange
Turbo chargers
011 402 7085
Victor Reinz
Gaskets & Sealing Products
011 432 2667
World Spares
Brake Pads, Discs & C.V. Joints
011 622 5405/6/7
Auto Cosmos - Electrolog
Electronic Parts (Electrical) Catalogue
012 327 6210
Bosch
Automotive Training Courses
011 651 9600
Misa
Staffing Association
011 678 6328
AIR CONDITIONING
BODY REPAIR EQUIPMENT
CLEANING EQUIPMENT
DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT
FLOORING Tuff Floors GARAGE EQUIPMENT & TOOLS
PARTS MANUFACTURERS & DISTRIBUTORS
SERVICES
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• Providing quality service to all brands since 1921 • Then and now – your service partner in cutting-edge auto technology • 90 Years Bosch Service!
Bosch Car Service ... fair price and best advice for all vehicles www.boschservice.co.za Customer Care Line: 0861 Bosch Service (0861 267 247) Bosch Service Maintenance Policy is a product of Emperitus (PTY) Ltd. Underwritten by Guard Risk Insurance Company (PTY) Ltd.
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