AutoForum June 2011

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June 2011

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NEWS AFRICA

NEWS AFRICA

A N D

I N N O V A T I V E

Automotive export manual

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AUSTRALIAN BODYSHOP NEWS

- An overview

New sedan joins Polo's updated line-up I N N O VAT I O N

Inside Volvo ‘Blind Spot’ project

Quake Rocks Sales Forecasts Leadership Personified Weak supplier base = no SA motor industry PAGE 1

June 2011

CONTENTS 12

Cover Stories 6

New sedan joins Polo's updated line-up

16

Weak supplier base = No SA motor industry

12

Automotive export manual - An overview

20

Leadership Personified

42

Volvo ‘Blind Spot’ project

48

Quake rocks SA truck forecasts

56

Trade Talk 4

Highlights of global and local industry news

Thank you to VW South Africa for our cover photo.

News Forum

24

Buy a car and stop road death

10

Weak supplier base = No SA motor industry

12

Tsunami opens door for SA suppliers

16

Eulogy: Bruce Farquhar - A man among men

17

SA's latest vehicle export and import stats

20

Turbocharging breakthrough at SAE congress

24

Vehicle imports still benefit SA

26

Dunlop Zone dealers celebrate at the Lost City

28

Wheelquip in Gauteng

30

Autopromotec Bologna

31

Humble tyre valve cap limits costs

32

In our May issue we incorrectly credited our cover picture, which was kindly submitted by UD Trucks South Africa. We apologise for any inconvenience that arose from this error.

Editorial

Its always tragic when a member of our sector passes away and last month the industry was saddened to learn of the passing of “the Diesel Doctor’ Bruce Farquhar. The respected diesel fuel injection expert will be missed for not only his knowledge, but also his passion for the sector and his commitment to progressing the industry as a whole. His will be big shoes to fill.

EDITOR CLARE RUTKIEWICZ

BodyShop News 50

Easy online colour identification

36

It’s not the acid that is the problem

37

SAMBRA spotlight

38

Eco-friendly car washing

39

CONTRIBUTORS: AUSTRALIAN BODYSHOP NEWS DAVE SCOTT ROBERT KAISER GRAHAM BUSH ROY COKAYNE ADVERTISING: GRANT WEST

C: 076 727 8161 T: 011 466 3733 F: 086 627 1135

WARWICK ROBINSON C: 082 855 7750

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

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Advertisers Guide

Business Forum People who make things happen - Leadership personified

42

First impressions: Guidelines for retailers

44

2011 Bosch Service Convention

46

ACD/Midas Group Aer-O-Cure

Alfa International Apollo Tyres SA Arrow/Midas Group Autocosmos/Electrolog Behr Hella Bosch

Innovations Volvo 'Blind Spot' project

48

New smaller wiper system

50

New intelligent vacuum sensor for braking actuation

52

Laser beams for cars

54

Coetz Federal-Mogul First National Battery

Global Parts GMSA

Commercial Vehicles

Highveld 56

Hofmann Megaplan

UD keeps on trucking

58

Maintenance is an executive priority

60

Integrated Marketing / Bright Ital Machinery

Quake rocks SA truck forecasts

Leaderquip Mahle

New Releases Latest offerings of local products

MISA Motor Merchandise NAPA/Midas Group Partquip PIA/Midas Group Prime Industrial Facility

62

After-Marketplace Directory Directory listings

I N N O V A T I V E

66

57 52 19 45, 55 7 29

38

Silver Falcon/Hurricane

33 13 17 25 37 21 59 40-41

Silverton Radiators Snap-on/John Bean Technica Turbo Exchange Trysome Wheelquip

65 63 15 30-31 55 27

Probe Safeline

36

53 34-35, OBC 45 23 61 63 49, 51 6, IBC 45 43 11 62 9

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 June arise there from. The opinions expressed by contributors to this magazine are not necessarily shared by the editor or the publishers.

Trade Talk

AutoForum - June 2011

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US proposes expanded rear visibility requirements A US safety organisation - the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) - has proposed changes to the current rear visibility requirements for vehicles in that country, which would mean specifying an area behind the vehicle that a driver must be able to see when the vehicle is in reverse gear.

The move is in response to a children’s transportation safety Act of 2007 that required an expanded field of view to detect areas behind the vehicle, all in an effort to reduce death and injury resulting from reversing incidents known there as ‘backover crashes’. Such a crash is an incident in which a non-occupant of a vehicle (most commonly, a pedestrian, but it could also be a cyclist) is struck by a vehicle moving in reverse.

Two years ago NHTSA asked for comments on previous findings of backover crash data, and outlined current technologies that may have the ability to improve rear visibility - such as improved direct vision (looking directly out the vehicle’s rear window), indirect vision via rear-mounted convex mirrors or rearview video systems, and rear object detection sensors - and presented research findings on the effectiveness of those technologies. Thirty-seven entities responded to the forty-three specific questions.

The organisation has tentatively concluded that providing the driver with additional visual information about what is directly behind the driver’s vehicle is the best alternative at this time to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries associated with backover crashes. In the near term, the only technology available with the ability to comply with this proposal would be a rear visibility system that includes a rear-mounted video camera and an in-vehicle visual display. What it is now proposing is that by 2015 passenger cars, MPVs, trucks, buses, motorcycles and low speed vehicles are required to include measures that increase rear vision, either with video camera systems or one of its recommended alternatives that still offer substantial benefits at reduced cost.

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International petrol rankings Last month, the IFQC (International Fuel Quality Centre) released its list of the top 100 countries, ranked according to their petrol sulphur limits. The countries were ranked based on the order of the following criteria: maximum allowable sulphur limits in national standards, sulphur limits in local/ regional standards (such as specifications for cities/states) and by year of implementation.

Updates to these rankings are conducted six monthly, and once again Germany and Japan topped the list, followed by Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary and Sweden - all of whom have a 100% market share of 10ppm (parts per million) petrol. South Africa placed 79th in the ranking down two points from the last report - while Australia placed 53rd and the UK, ninth.

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Trade Talk

AutoForum AutoForum--June June2011 2011

www.AutoForum.co.za

Keeping motor dealers CPA compliant According to TransUnion Auto Information Solutions, the company has released a significant enhancement to its Vehicle Verification Reports, that it believes will make it considerably more difficult for crime syndicates to reintroduce stolen, hijacked or other illegally obtained vehicles to the SA market.

New sedan joins Polo's updated line-up VW recently unveiled its latest update of the Polo Sedan following the launch of the updated Polo hatch early last year. The new model boasts a more spacious vehicle with improved safety and, as always, its renowned roomy boot – which this model flaunts 454 litres thereof.

The new engine line-up includes a multi-valve 1.4 63 kW and 1.6 77 kW petrol engines as well as the new 1.6-litre 77 kW common rail turbodiesel standard with a 5-speed manual transmission - the 1.9 TDI having fallen away.

A 6-speed Tiptronic transmission is optional in the 1.6 Comfortline.

The new model also offers ESP as standard in its 1.6 Comfortline range, while ABS and EBD are standard across the line-up, as are four airbags and whiplash-optimised front head restraints. Other new comfort features available in all models within the new range include a height-adjustable driver’s seat, three rear head restraints and a height and reach adjustable steering column. The 1.6 77 kW Comfortline Tiptronic retails for R209 000, while diesel enthusiasts will have to fork out R218 000 for their top of the range 1.6 77 kW TDI PoLo Sedan Comfortline.

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TransUnion’s enhancement is able to identify vehicles that may have been ‘cloned’ or given a new ‘clean’ identity; are in transit and therefore not legally available for sale in South Africa; or those involved in ‘round tripping’ fraud – all of which will help dealers to avoid falling foul of the Consumer Protection Act. The latter represents a significant liability for dealers who prejudice consumers by selling them faulty goods – including cloned, stolen or illegal vehicles, and is valid even if the dealer was unaware of the vehicle’s grey past.

With 13 900 car jackings and 71 776 reported vehicle thefts in the country in the past year according to SAPS figures, only an estimated 20% are chopped for spares.

The remainder are either brought back into the market or exported to other SADC countries, with new ‘clean’ identities – a practice known as ‘cloning’.

As Mike von Höne, TransUnion Auto CEO, explains, vehicle crime in SA is constantly changing. “Those of us who are involved in the fight against vehicle crime have to constantly update our methodologies to counter the growing sophistication of the crime syndicates. TransUnion believes the latest enhancement to its Vehicle Verification Reports is one of the most significant developments in this regard in recent years. By identifying illegal or illegitimate used or previously eNatis-registered vehicles, it will provide greater protection for the legitimate motor industry and potentially lead to a dramatic reduction in vehicle-related crime.”

The enhanced Vehicle Verification Reports now indicate that nothing untoward has been found with regard to: ‘Cloned’ or otherwise re-birthed status, ‘In Transit’ status, VAT fraud or ‘Round Tripping’ indicators. This information is provided alongside established verification particulars relating to deviance from original manufacturer specifications - such as VIN and engine number particulars - model description and year of manufacture discrepancies and more.

Trade Talk

AutoForum AutoForum--June June2011 2011

www.AutoForum.co.za

AA takes toll petition to ministries

Federal-Mogul wins at PACE awards

The new road tolling debacle has caused so much uproar over the past few months that the AA decided to take the complaints and use them to try and overturn the impending system. In April, it officially handed over a formal petition against the tolling of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Plan, signed by over 52 000 individuals.

The petitions outlined the organisation’s stance that there should be an immediate return to a dedicated road fund, which is ring-fenced and sourced from existing fuel taxes, and that tolling should only be initiated as the last resort for road funding.

Federal-Mogul Corporation walked away two prestigious 2011 Automotive News PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers’ Contribution to Excellence) awards recently, which recognises automotive suppliers for superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance.

The company’s EcoTough-coated piston and LKZ oil control ring were recognised in the Product category. The category highlights innovations in new products, components or systems that have significant market impact and act as ‘game-changers’ in the automotive industry. IROX polymer bearing overlay and K16 bonded Unipiston were selected as PACE finalists.

The AA also wants both the Departments of Transport and Finance to fully inform the public on the process of the GFIP, including the criteria on which the toll collection agency was appointed, and finally, how the tax revenue from the sale of fuel is being spent.

The company has already won seven Automotive News PACE awards – including for its DuraBowl piston reinforcement process, for its High Precision Electro-Erosion Machining (HPEEM) manufacturing process, and for its Bayonet Connection System for profile wiper blades.

In late May, Transport Minister S’bu Ndebele, Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, and the MEC for Transport and Roads, Ismael Vadi, were expected to receive a report investigating the financial model of the tolling system and ways of bettering it, conducted by an independent finance company.

According to the MEC’s department, once the report was received, it would be made public.

The Automotive News PACE Award is in its 17th year in 2011 and is accepted around the world as the industry symbol of innovation.

Hella, Autoliv in tech partnership Swedish safety systems maker, Autoliv, recently confirmed that it is in the process of finalising details for it to acquire technology for automotive forward-looking vision systems from Hella Aglaia Mobile Vision - a subsidiary of Hella KGaA Hueck & Co. The deal means that Autoliv gains exclusive license to use Hella’s monovision-based algorithms for Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Lane Detection and Light Source Recognition.

TSR works by monitoring traffic signals, helping drivers keep the correct speed and follow other traffic rules. Lane Detection warns drivers against unintended lane changes, while Light Source Recognition automatically identifies rear and headlights when vehicles meet or pass each other, in order to avoid distracting other drivers.

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Both parties will also work together to further develop the technologies for future applications, with joint products expected to be available from early next year. These joint venture projects will include expanded functionalities of Hella’s existing car and truck technology, including new products such as Forward Collision Warning and Pedestrian Detection systems.

Steve Rodé, President of Active and Passive Safety Electronics for Autoliv, said: “The cooperation will allow faster time-to-market for our active safety technologies and ensures the allocation of adequate engineering resources.”

AutoForum - June 2011

The latest global news

Buy a car and stop road death

T

he Commission for Global Road Safety has made a call to the international automobile industry to actively promote the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety, with a so-called ‘opt out’ consumers’ contribution added to the sale price of each new car, in order to fund road injury prevention programmes. The call was made in an influential report from the Commission, which was released in April at an event attended by, amongst others, Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele, who confirmed that SA will align itself with the Decade of Action.

The organisation has called for a voluntary levy of $2, or the equivalent, that consumers could choose to contribute to the ‘Driving Safety Initiative’, which it believes would be a small contribution most people would be willing to pay.

The UN Decade of Action came into being to help in the fight against the ever increasing global public health crisis of road fatalities and injuries. An estimated 1.3 million people are killed each year and 50 million more are injured on the roads across the globe, with children amongst the most vulnerable. Figures for youth road deaths stand at around 1 000 per day.

Included in this figure is the local case of Zenani Mandela, who was killed in a car crash on the eve of the SA Football World Cup and

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whose mother, Zoleka Mandela, has joined in the call for action.

The ‘Time for Action’ report has set out a series of recommendations to meet the UN goal to ‘stabilise and reduce’ global road fatalities by 2020. These include: a new emphasis on children’s rights to protection from road injury; ensuring road safety features are integrated into road projects; and a strengthening of international road safety leadership.

The opt-out levy proposed, modelled on similar voluntary arrangements to raise money for other public health epidemics, is estimated to raise up to $140 million annually. The money collected will be used to catalyse country level implementation of road safety programmes.

Some of the recommendations for the UN Decade of Action include that safe mobility of children must be recognised as a basic human right; that donor governments, development banks and major public health philanthropies must make road safety a priority; and that a new UN Road Transport Agency with a strong road safety focus is created.

In May, a series of high profile UN Decade of Action launch events took place in major cities across the globe, starting in New Zealand and ending in Mexico. The focal point of the new campaign is the new official symbol for the UN Decade of Action, the yellow road safety tag.

NEWS FORUM

AutoForum - June 2011

Weak supplier base = No SA motor industry - Roy Cokayne

T

he South African automotive industry has to ensure it has a strong component supplier industry if it wants to survive – that’s according to Hansgeorg Niefer, the former President and Chief Executive of Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA).

“Without a strong supplier base we can’t exist,” said Niefer, who recently returned to Germany after nine years in South Africa, to head up an engine plant in Berlin. He stressed that local motor manufacturers also had to ensure suppliers not only decided to invest in China and India, but some also invested in South Africa.

MBSA said in December, when it announced it had secured a contract to

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produce the successor to the current C-Class, that more than a dozen new production process technologies would come to SA. It also expected more investors and new suppliers to arrive here, which would strengthen the entire automotive value chain, thanks to it having increased its local content above 40% for the next generation model.

Niefer confirmed MBSA had made progress in its attempts to attract new automotive component suppliers to SA, but could not yet disclose any further information about these suppliers. This follows the company hosting a series of talks in Germany between leading SA component suppliers, the government and top Daimler officials, in a bid to encourage further local growth

in the component supply industry and debate challenges to achieving greater localisation.

Niefer believed the local motor industry was in “very good shape” and could offer state-of-the-art products because of the ongoing investments that had taken place in state-of-the-art production facilities. However, he warned that high wage increases posed a major threat to the continued viability and sustainability of South Africa’s motor industry.

The new three-year agreement for the motor manufacturing industry reached between employers and unions last year included a 10% across-the-board wage increase last year and 9% wage increases for both this and next year.

Roy Cokayne is a senior financial reporter for Business Report.

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AutoForum - June 2011

NEWS FORUM

But he believed wages were only part of the picture, referring also to the steep increase in local electricity tariffs. He said a similar price trend was also likely to occur with water tariffs while logistics costs, including freight and harbour costs, were going to constitute a large part of the costs for the motor industry.

According to Niefer, wage increases were a threat to the industry, particularly if they remained far higher than the inflation rate, which was not the case in major competitor countries.

Wage increases make SA’s position very vulnerable if it continues He continued that the industry tried extremely hard during the negotiations to convince the unions with facts about what was happening in other countries, and how high wage increases made SA’s position very vulnerable if it continued. Niefer said r fe ie N rg Hansgeo the government had set the trend for very high wage increases, a reference to the 7.5% wage hike agreed with public service unions last year.

SA’s costs were thus high and productivity was low compared to its competitors, which not only had a significant impact on the motor industry, but all industries using the railways and ports, he explained. “While we look at what BMW and MAN is doing and vice versa, SA has to benchmark itself with competing countries when it comes to harbour, wharfage, rail and other transportation costs plus additional costs like electricity and water. We then have to ask ourselves if we can still afford this.”

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Tsunami opens door for SA suppliers - Roy Cokayne

T

he earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan may potentially provide opportunities for South African automotive component suppliers. Gilles Normand, the Corporate Vice President for Africa, Middle East and India at Nissan, said there was a long-term trend within Nissan Motor Company to produce vehicles using more local content, and to rely less on Japan as a source of components because of the strength of the Japanese Yen. Normand added that a good way to reduce the impact of rising oil prices increasingly raising the costs of shipping, was to localise components. “The earthquake has accelerated this process. Some of the component suppliers are locating outside Japan and Nissan is investing more in overseas plants.” Nissan SA’s assembly plant in Rosslyn was affected by a shortage of parts following the disaster in Japan, but was expected to be back to full production by the end of May. Mike Whitfield, MD of Nissan SA, said its NP200 pickup and Renault Sandero production line was back at normal production levels, but the NP300 one tonne pickup line was at about 50% capacity during May. Whitfield also confirmed it was building some vehicles

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without one or two smaller non-critical parts, such as headlights, and retrofitting these parts when they arrived. Normand continued that Nissan lost 65 000 units of production in March after the earthquake, but the lost production figures for April were not yet available.

He said although its Japanese plants were back in production during May, there was still the “ripple effect” of shipping parts to SA and other markets. There was a lag in parts supply of about three to four weeks, which would be felt at plant level in South Africa, he said. Normand continued that 40 of Nissan’s 600 suppliers in Japan were heavily damaged, which meant they were unable to produce after the earthquake, but the number still not producing was now down to “single digits”.

Toyota SA and other domestic motor manufacturers have also felt the impact of the Japanese disaster and most had extended plant shutdowns over Easter because of the high number of public holidays. This also allowed manufacturers affected by parts supply disruptions to refill their supply pipeline. Toyota SA Motors (TSAM) initially confirmed its plant at Prospecton would continue at its normal production rate during May but its production

plans thereafter were unclear. However, it subsequently confirmed its vehicle production at that plant would also continue at 100% of planned levels in June, July and August with possible increases planned after that to satisfy increasing demand. This followed similar announcements about production levels from Toyota in Europe, the US and Australia.

Johan van Zyl, TSAM’s President and CE, said they were delighted it was in a position to have maintained its production levels throughout this difficult time. “The fact that we have maintained our production levels is the result of many thankless hours by our colleagues across the world and for that we are extremely thankful.” Van Zyl added that the increased production was supported by sufficient levels of parts and components and normalised delivery of imported components from Japan. The normal production rate at the Prospecton plant is 616 Corolla, Hilux and Fortuner models daily, in both left-and-right

hand configurations for the Southern African and export markets. TSAM has been monitoring the availability and supply of fully imported vehicles from TMC in Japan, which reopened all of its manufacturing plants in Japan from May 11 at about 50% of normal production. Van Zyl said earlier TSAM was in constant contact with TMC to assess the availability of fully imported vehicles to bolster the remaining stock of these vehicles in SA. “We do expect a delay in the delivery of fully imported vehicles, but we will do anything in our power to minimise the inconvenience to our customer base.”

BMW SA did not produce any vehicles for the Japanese market in its Roslyn plant for three weeks following the disaster. The Japanese BMW 3-Series market is equivalent in volumes to the SA market and accounts for about 15% (about 8 000 units) of BMW SA’s total annual production volume of 50 000 cars. Guy Kilfoil, a BMW SA spokesman, said 404 3-Series cars built for

Japanese customers were not shipped following the disaster, but shipping and production for the Japanese market resumed about three weeks afterwards. He stressed this situation did not result in any production volume loss to BMW SA because this capacity was shifted to other markets. He said it received some electronic sub components from suppliers in Japan but the disaster had not had any effect on its production plan and none was foreseen.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) spokesperson Annelise van der Laan, said it did not export any of its C-Class models to Japan, but did source some electronic components from there, but these had not suffered any disruption. Joeline Dabrowski, a spokeswoman for Honda SA, said their hybrid models, Civic four-door and Honda Accord models were sourced from Japan but they also sourced vehicles from the UK and Thailand. Dabrowski said Honda SA believed it had sufficient stock to see the company through this period.

Eulogy: Bruce Farquhar - A man among men - Robert Kaiser

S

hock and disbelief was the response to the news of the untimely passing of Bruce Farquhar on 10 May 2011.

Affectionately known as ‘The Diesel Doctor’, Bruce was a much admired and respected industry leader who spent his entire career in the motor sector, and was undoubtedly one of the most acclaimed experts in the diesel fuel injection industry. His depth of knowledge and expertise, as well as unique and sometimes unorthodox leadership approach, combined with his incredible dedication to the highest standards, earned him both national and international recognition and respect.

Bruce’s passion for the industry and professionalism also led to a keen interest and involvement in training of technicians and more specifically diesel

fuel injection technicians, a matter always close to his heart. It was Bruce who spearheaded new training syllabi and methods, which are still widely applied.

He achieved significant successes in the development and advancement of the diesel fuel injection industry and for more than 20 years served as National Chairman of the South African Diesel Fuel Injection Association, a constituent trade association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation, as well as several terms of office as National Chairman of the Motor Industry Training Board - forerunner of the MerSETA.

A dedicated family man, Bruce was married to Lettie for 41 years and is survived by her and their three children.

A man among men who will be sorely missed.

Robert Kaiser has been intimately involved in the motor industry for the past 25 years. He established Retail Motor Consultants in 2002, a consultancy providing relationship management, marketing and staff recruitment services as well as apprenticeship management programmes and through an associated company, unique Black Economic Empowerment transformation programmes for both large and SME businesses.

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AutoForum - June 2011

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NEWS FORUM

AutoForum - June 2011

Automotive export manual - An overview

T

he 2011 Automotive Industry Export Council (AIEC) authored Automotive Export Manual was released recently and represents a detailed insight into the SA automotive sector and its import and export behaviour over the last year.

The latest publication represents a follow-up and update of the 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 publications produced and compiled by the AIEC – the key source of automotive trade data to the industry in South Africa.The country’s vehicle parc (or number of registered vehicles) reached 9.8 million at the end of December 2010 of which 5.6 million or 56.9% comprised passenger cars.

Interesting features in the 2011 publication include the focus on the BRICS countries following South Africa’s joining of this significant economic coalition in 2011. India, China and Russia represented three of the 33 countries to which the South African automotive industry’s exports more than doubled in 2010 compared to 2009. Although the automotive trade balance remains in favour of the other BRICS countries, trade and investment opportunities for the domestic automotive industry are expected to be enhanced in the foreseeable future via its exposure as part of the coalition.

The report explains that the SA automotive industry incorporates the manufacture, distribution, servicing and maintenance of motor vehicles and components. In terms of the trade which supports this industry, there are approximately 4 564 garages and fuel stations (with the majority having service workshops as well) plus a further 1 898 specialist repairers; 1 374 new car dealerships holding specific franchises; an estimated 1 410 used vehicle outlets; about 304 vehicle component manufacturers, together with about 150 others supplying the industry on a non-exclusive basis; 1 588 specialist tyre dealers and retreaders; 483 engine reconditioners; 192 vehicle body builders; 2 907 parts dealers and around 220 farm vehicle and equipment suppliers. South Africa was ranked 24th in respect of

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global vehicle production with a market share of 0.61% in 2010.

According to figures compiled from SARS, the SA Reserve Bank and Statistics SA, the SA GDP in 2010 was R2 662.8 billion – of which 6.17% was contributed by the automotive industry.

Total exports for the period were valued at R584 billion – 11.9% (R69.5 billion) of which was from automotive industry.

Total Imports value topped R585 billion – 17.1% (R100.2 billion) of which were automotive products.

The report gives an overview of vehicle production over the last four years with projected values for 2011.

Trade Deficit Concerns It also highlights the SA automotive industry’s widening trade deficit, which

worryingly increased in 2010 to R30.7 billion, compared to the prior year’s R18.9 billion.

According to the study’s writers, the overall picture in respect of the domestic automotive industry’s trade balance under the MIDP reflects that while exports have increased very rapidly, imports have done so too. Since the introduction of the MIDP, until 2007, automotive component exports remained the key driver behind the industry’s trade balance. In 2008, owing to the record vehicle exports of 284 211 units, the vehicle export value exceeded the automotive component export value for the first time and this trend continued into 2010.

Despite the significant increase in exports of CBUs and automotive

components in recent years, however, the SA auto industry has remained a net user of foreign exchange. This was identified to be a result of the importation of products not manufactured in the relatively small domestic market. Capital-intensive components such as engines, gearboxes and interior electronic components are mainly imported and the remainder sourced in the domestic market. The industry’s reliance on global designs, technologically sophisticated plant and machinery and high-value automotive components contributes to the large outflow of foreign exchange.

In addition, the importation of replacement parts has increased substantially in recent years to support the increased vehicle imports.

Export Regions In terms of export relationships, Europe is South Africa’s most important economic trading partner, accounting for R327 billion or 28% of the country’s total imports and exports of R1 169 billion in 2010. Our country’s trade relations with the EU are governed by the

Trade, Development and Co-operation Agreement (TDCA), the main objective of which is to create a free-trade area between SA and the European Union (EU) over a 12-year period. It will do this by removing 90% of all trade barriers, and will see the EU and SA open their markets to each other at a different pace. The EU-SA Free Trade Agreement became effective on 1 January 2000.

In 2010, automotive exports (vehicles and components) to the EU amounted to 47.6% or R33.1 billion of South Africa’s total automotive exports of R69.5 billion. Exports to the 12 new member countries forming part of the expanded EU comprised R2.63 billion or 7.9% of the total R33.1 billion export value to the EU, compared to the 8.2% or R2.04 billion in 2009. Total automotive exports to the EU increased by 25.1% or R8.18 billion from 2007 to 2008 but declined substantially by R15.77 billion or 38.8% from 2008 to 2009. This was attributed primarily to the decline in catalytic converter exports to the region, coupled with the impact of the global financial

crisis and the economic recession experienced in the Euro zone countries in 2009.

The North American Free Trade Area (NAFTA) consists of the USA, Canada and Mexico, the first of which had become South Africa’s largest automotive export destination in 2008 and 2009, but which was surpassed by Germany in 2010. Exports to NAFTA increased by 2.7% to R16,50 billion in 2010, from the R16.07 billion in 2009. Following the significant 107.5% increase in exports from 2007 to 2008, mainly due to the 272% increase in exports of the new generation BMW 3-Series as well as the new generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class, exports declined from 2008 to 2009 by 12.2% due to the impact of the global financial crisis and subsequent economic recession in the USA. While trade relations with the rest of Africa are considered politically important and part of the goal of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad) is an economically reinvigorated Africa,

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NEWS FORUM

AutoForum - June 2011

in the period 2009 to 2010, exports declined by R1.36 billion or 13.5%. Export values thus dropped from the R10.08 billion in 2009 to R8.72 billion in 2010, due primarily to a decline in vehicle exports to Algeria and Nigeria.

Increasing Export Destinations Other key export markets include the SADC (15 sub-Saharan countries) and Mercosur (eight South American countries) regions, and the number of export destinations of products from South Africa is increasing. The number of export destinations for values in excess of R1 million has increased from 62 in 1995 to 131 in 2010. Twelve countries recorded an export value in excess of R1 billion in 2010, while 54 countries recorded an export value in excess of R100 million. The main destinations for SA automotive products remain firstworld markets, however, diversification into new emerging markets is a continuing trend and underlines the automotive industry’s competitiveness drive and a widening of the country’s traditional trading base. New trade and business links in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, South America and, importantly, the new emerging automotive giants, China and India, are being forged.

Vehicle Import Trends Light vehicles (passenger cars and light commercial vehicles) were imported from 28 countries in 2010. The main countries of origin for the passenger cars and light commercial vehicles were Japan with 52 036 units followed

by Germany with 49 446 units, South Korea with 21 975 units, the UK with 13 830 units and India with 13 168 units.

The nature of the South African vehicle parc, also defined as the number of registered vehicles, is changing under the MIDP. According to Response Group Trendline/Naamsa, 19 brands from eight local OEMs were available in South Africa in 1995 and buyers in the passenger car segment could make 356 choices in the domestic market, compared to the 52 brands and 1 914 passenger car model derivatives available in 2010, the biggest ratio compared to its market size in the world. Inroads into the domestic market by imports, initially

PAGE 22

by the Koreans, have latterly been followed by the Indians.

AFTERMARKET IMPLICATIONS The increasing number of South African registered vehicles calls for more replacement parts for passenger cars and trucks. The following table reveals there is an increasing trend in the import of aftermarket replacement parts to complement the products not manufactured in the domestic market and more particularly to service the rapidly increasing imported vehicle parc for which most parts are imported. The growth of cheaper products, mainly from China, has exacerbated this trend.

The growth of imported replacement parts is even more startling in real terms. After adjusting for the stronger Rand currency, imports in 2010 increased by 27% from 2009, and were also 11 % higher than 2008.

SA’s main automotive trading partners (exports plus imports) for 2010 reflected the country’s global linkages with the OEM parent companies in Germany, Japan and the US. Germany comprised R49.65 billion or 29.3% of SA’s total automotive trade in 2010, followed by Japan with R21.33 billion or 12.6% and the US with R20.97 billion or 12.4% of total automotive trade.

ChallengES Facing the Sector Challenges for the domestic automotive industry to sustain, develop and grow were identified as the following:

• Average annual volumes per platform produced to increase to globally competitive levels (minimum 80 000 units) • Local content levels to increase to 70% plus • South African supplier competitiveness to improve to/align with average European costs • Focused industrialisation strategy to broaden South African supplier chain and increase manufacturing depth • Productivity to improve from 15 cars to 30 cars per employee per annum • Massive investment in training and skills development at all levels • Substantial improvement in logistics competitiveness and infrastructure The authors believe that the achievement of Government’s objectives will largely depend on the ongoing successes of priority sectors, such as the domestic automotive sector. Only when these prerogatives receive their rightful place in government policy will there be a chance for South Africa to prosper.

With thanks to Norman Lamprecht, Executive Manager of Naamsa, and member of the AIEC board, who authored the report.The raw data from SARS is processed and produced

by Lamprecht on behalf of the AIEC for the products under the MIDP.

PAGE 23

AutoForum - June 2011

NEWS FORUM

Turbocharging breakthrough at SAE congress

T

he recent Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress saw engine development company, the Scuderi Group, unveil its technical discovery that it claims enables maximum levels of power and torque in its re-engineered four-stroke engine, while reducing the rate of fuel consumption and engine size.

The company points to studies that concluded that the new engine design, when boosted with a turbocharger to 3.2 bar, decreases the BSFC (brake specific fuel consumption) up to 14%, as a simultaneous increase occurs in the engine’s power BMEP (brake mean effective pressure) by 140%. At the same time, the engine is roughly 29% smaller.

Just like conventional four-stroke engine designs, the combustion cycle of the Scuderi Engine has two high-pressure strokes compression and power - and two low-pressure strokes - intake and exhaust. The power stroke is positive work, the energy that is produced by the expanding gases to create mechanical work. The intake, compression and exhaust strokes are all negative work, the energy that the engine consumes to create mechanical work. By separating the compression cylinder from the power cylinder and by using a standard turbocharger to convert recovered exhaust-gas energy into compressed air energy, the compression cylinder can be downsized to achieve substantial reductions in negative compression work.

PAGE 24

As President of Scuderi Group, Sal Scuderi, explains: “The net result is a smaller, higherperforming engine that yields significant gains in volumetric efficiency and power as well as reducing BSFC. Studies are underway at the lab that will show impressive results of the Scuderi Split-Cycle engine modelled in a 2011 Nissan Sentra.”

The engine divides the four strokes of a combustion cycle between two paired cylinders: the left cylinder functions as an air compressor, handling intake and compression; while the right cylinder handles combustion and exhaust. The key element of this split-cycle design is that it compresses the air before it fires. By optimising the split-cycle concept, the engine is expected to reduce NOx emissions by up to 80% and improve fuel efficiency by 50%, compared to a conventional petrol engine. The engine requires one crankshaft revolution to complete a single combustion cycle and is projected to have higher torque, thermodynamic efficiency, and lower emissions than possible in current engines.

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AutoForum - June 2011

NEWS FORUM

Vehicle imports still benefit SA - Roy Cokayne

A

ccusations that vehicle importers did not make any contribution to the economy were “nonsense”, says Associated Motor Holdings (AMH) Chief Executive Manny de Canha. De Canha said AMH spent almost R400 million a year with different suppliers for items such as bull bars, air conditioners, radios and canopies.

In addition, AMH employed 4 500 people directly but estimated it had created another about 30 000 indirect jobs in the aftermarket and among its suppliers, he said. De Canha continued that automotive component manufacturers wanted to export to motor manufacturers, but the major problem was that most parts were highly technical and South Africa did not have the skills base to produce them. In addition, SA’s cost of manufacturing was probably about 20% higher than its competitors, he said.

AMH has contributed to the massive growth in sales of imported vehicles in the market, which now account for about 70% of total car sales.

De Canha said AMH’s perceived vulnerability to any weakness in the Rand was negligible, because all manufacturers and importers were now exposed to the same risk. He believed vehicle imports had helped to cap vehicle price inflation, which at one stage was running at about 10% to 12% a year, by increasing competition in the market and offering value to customers and “not being greedy about making a fortune of profit”.

The group’s two dominant car brands are Hyundai, which has a market share of about 8%, and Kia with around 3% market share.

But de Canha believes the group’s two Chinese brands, Chery and Foton, will also be dominant brands in the domestic market in the next about 10 years.

PAGE 26

He said the group would like to grow its market share by a maximum of about 1% a year and anticipates its turnover growing to about R16bn this year – up from R14bn last year - with sales increasing to about 65 000 units – up from about 57 000 units. However, de Canha believes this growth in turnover would be more related to the price of cars and inflationary issues.

De Canha explained that the entry segment was a major focus and growth area for the group, but financing was a big issue at the lower end of the market as banks remain risk averse. He said AMH was looking for alternative financing to the traditional banks and would probably be making a major announcement about this within the next 60 days. “It will encompass the emerging market and make it easier for people to buy cars.”

De Canha also believed apprentices should be exempt from the country’s labour laws up until the age of about 23 to assist with job creation. “The labour laws protect apprentices and discourage business from employing more apprentices. If government eased up on the labour laws, business will take a chance on three people instead of one.”

The Chief Executive continued that AMH planned to engage government through the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) and National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) on this issue.

He said there was a shortage of apprentices and a need to promote the creation of jobs and provide unemployed people with skills, which could only be achieved by easing the labour laws to get inexperienced people into the work force.

AutoForum - June 2011

NEWS FORUM

Dunlop Zone dealers celebrate at the Lost City

D

unlop manufacturers Apollo Tyres Limited recently hosted a banquet for more than 200 Dunlop Zone dealers from SA and neighbouring countries at the Palace of the Lost City, to celebrate the success of the Dunlop Zone precision fitment concept. It was also an opportunity to recognise the achievements of individual dealerships.

Undoubtedly the moment everybody was waiting for was the presentation of the inaugural Apollo Tyres Chairman’s Awards to the top performing Dunlop Zone dealership in each region, by Apollo Chairman Onkar S Kanwar. The overall winner was honoured with the prestigious Chairman’s Award Trophy and a 5-star, all expenses paid trip to India.

In his address, Kanwar paid tribute to the enormous contribution Dunlop dealers have made to the success of Apollo Tyres since the company entered South Africa in 2006. During this period, the company has grown from a $500 million business to a $2 billion concern. The Chairman also highlighted the vital role independent Dunlop Zone dealers will play in the company’s vision of becoming a $6 billion company by 2015. “Our global experience has taught us that tyre dealers are the backbone of our business. It is their strength, loyalty and commitment to excellence that drives our business accomplishments. In turn, Apollo is committed to organic growth, where our business success is passed onto the dealers who support us in the form of added opportunities for growth and business development. It’s all about partnerships and a shared vision.”

Kanwar identified some key challenges to be faced by the tyre industry over the coming year, which include the lingering effects of national and sector specific industrial action, the surging commodity prices of steel, natural rubber and oil used in the manufacture of tyres, global inflationary trends, the continuing strength of the Rand and the ongoing influx of cheap Chinese product.

PAGE 28

However, he believes that despite all of these barriers, the future is bright for the Apollo Tyres Group with the stateof-the-art new tyre plant in Chennai, India coming on stream, massive boosts to the Dunlop tyre manufacturing capacity in the Durban and Ladysmith plants, enhanced production in recently acquired European concern Vredestein Bande and a potential move into the Eastern European market. He expects this will bode well for dealers within his group, as: “Apollo Tyres Limited has proven time and time again in our dealings on four continents that glob2 al strength translates into local opportunity.

Our dealers can expect great things in the future.”

Walking away with the top prizes were: Fit-Rite, Mthatha for the best Dunlop Zone dealership in southern Africa; Auto Tyre & Exhaust of Menlyn, Pretoria for Gauteng and the North West Province; Mdlokovana Motor Spares & Tyres of Mafeteng for KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, Northern Cape and the Free State; and Malamulele Tyre & Exhaust of Malamulele for Northern Province, Swaziland and Mpumalanga.

1

3

After the formalities were over, award winners, dig4 nitaries and guests were able to enjoy the rest of their glittering event dancing the night away with the Jonny Cooper Orchestra, and Idols finalist Lizé Heerman providing the perfect perfect party atmosphere and sounds.

1 - From left: Dr Luis Cenévis (CEO Apollo Tyres SA), Onkar S Kanwar (Chairman Apollo Tyres Ltd), with regional winner Cloete Mdlokovana (Mdlokovana Motor Spares and Tyres), Neeraj Kanwar (Vice Chairman and Managing Director Apollo Tyres Ltd) and Georg Schramm (Head of Sales Apollo Tyres SA).

2 - From left: Dr Luis Cenévis, Onkar S Kanwar with award winner Kleintjie Jooste (Malamulele Tyre & Exhaust), Neeraj Kanwar and Georg Schramm.

3 - From left: Dr Luis Cenévis and Onkar S Kanwar, with award winner Andre Roux (Auto Tyre and Exhaust), Neeraj Kanwar and Georg Schramm.

4 - From left: Dr Luis Cenévis, Onkar S Kanwar, with award winners Graham and Quentin Lessing ((Fit-Rite Mthatha), Neeraj Kanwar and Georg Schramm.

YESTERDAY

TODAY

MAHLE ORIGINAL: THE NEW BRAND FOR COFAP RINGS

From engine components to filters system MAHLE Original is a well recognize brand for quality products to thousands of customers. Now its product range will be again enlarge with Cofap piston rings, and from December 2010 on Cofap rings will be commercialized under MAHLE Original brand. www.mahle.com.br

PAGE 29

NEWS FORUM

AutoForum - June 2011

Wheelquip in Gauteng

W

e recently had Charl Lensley pop into our offices to chat about the new Wheelquip venture he has opened up in Gauteng. He has in fact been involved with Wheelquip for some time and has decided to take up the challenge of running the Highveld operations for the well known and established Cape-based business.

“The fact is that Gauteng represents the largest portion of the garage equipment market segment, for the time being, and Wheelquip’s strategy is to exceed customer expectations and grow marketshare simultaneously. We feel this is the right thing to do and the time for change is now”. He went on to explain that this was a carefully considered move, and a focussed step in the bigger plans that Wheelquip have for the operations in Gauteng and beyond. “We are looking at what the customers actually need and have come up with ways to supply the right product for any particular

business’ needs. We believe in a unique approach and put a lot of emphasis on differentiation”.

The move aims to make it clear to customers that Wheelquip is here to stay “Our relationship with Patchtech will remain”, he says of the local agents who have for the last few years successfully been responsible for sale, service and repairs in Gauteng, “we want to take the Corghi brand to new hights and build on the service they have delivered to the industry”.

Wheelquip’s range extends from entry level to top of the range Corghi wheel service equipment as well as the widest range of consumables for the tyre trade.

They are aiming to service a wider range of customers with the new premises and showroom. “Our approach is fresh and our commitment to this area will yield results – for both Wheelquip and our customers.” This includes training,

Charl L

ensley

from product and preventative maintenance, right through to best practice advice to ensure clients’ businesses run profitably. Wheelquip JHB will be operating out of Jet Park, and are having a dealer evening on the 14th of June to interact with their local customers.

For more information contact Charl on 082 876 9919.

OS, B R U T E H ALL T AL, N I G I R O ALL ME I T E H T ALL

PASSENGER VEHICLES

SA’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE TURBOCHARGER COMPANY IS ALSO: • The Cummins Turbo Technologies Distributor of the Year (Middle East & Africa) 2005/6/7/8, • BorgWarner Turbo Systems Outstanding Performance Award winner & • Recipient of Holset Gold Distributor Status.

PAGE 30

HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES

Autopromotec Bologna

T

he 2011 Autopromotec trade fair took place in the Italian city of Bologna from the 25 to 29 May. The successful biannual event was indicative of the improvements in the Italian auto industry over the last year - in 2010 export sales of automotive equipment manufacturers in that country topped 2,489 million Euro, 69% of turnover. As the European market is considered a mature one, this year’s show focused on product innovation in vehicle comfort, safety and pollution reduction, as well as training, with the launch of the Autopromotec EDU ongoing training project.

The event was this year in its twenty fourth staging and again attracted a large number of foreign visitors – including South Africans. Speaking to local garage equipment distributors it seems that it was a worthwhile show and is still regarded as the right event to attend from an automotive equipment point of view. Many thanks to Gavin Baudinet of AEI for supplying us with some pics from the show.

Luciano M

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AutoForum - June 2011

NEWS FORUM

Humble tyre valve cap limits costs - Dave Scott

S

e Tyre valv

ap

without c

uccess in road transport is all about attention to detail and discipline. So when walking through a parked fleet and casually observing a number of missing tyre valve caps, it’s a sure-fire indicator that there are many more fleet disciplines that have been overlooked.

This is where fuel consumption also ranks low, as fleet supervisors fail to see the connection between missing tyre valve caps and energy wastage.

The average motorist gives a shoulder shrug when asked about the imporAccessible tyre ex tance of tyre valve caps. tension valve The problem is that all one sees is the valve core shaft peeping out of the valve entrance – so what’s the little valve inside? It’s actually quite complex to keep air-pressure from escaping and to allow for inflation when needed. What can go wrong?

Valve Core Shaft Head Rubber Gasket Body Stopper Valve Container Rubber Gasket Spring Spring Stopper

When one examines tyre valve components, namely springs, gaskets, stopper, shafts and containers, it’s clear that any dirt ingress may get stuck in the valve and cause a leak. And that is exactly what happens when a cap goes missing. Road detritus – mud, grit and debris – gets caught in the open valve head shaft entrance and this gets forced into the valve as soon as tyre pressure checks are made resulting in slow, or even fast, air leaks. Where winter roads are ‘salted’ to de-ice the surface, rock salt and other chemical winter de-icers used are very damaging to the valve brass components.

Lesson - if a valve cap is missing, it’s advisable not to check air

PAGE 32

pressure which could result in a run-flat tyre on the road.

And here comes the vital role of the ‘humble’ tyre valve cap. It’s there to protect the valve from corrosion and dirt with the ultimate aim of keeping tyre pressure at a consistent, recommended level. The outcome extends into ensuring road safety, longer tyre life, lower fuel consumption and less downtime. There’s a cascade of consequences when valve caps go missing.

But there are valve caps and then there are ‘valve caps’. The vast majority of tyre valves are equipped with plain black plastic caps that only serve to keep contaminants out of the valve stem. A black plastic cap usually cannot stand the heat generated on the road and is easily subject to over-torque when screwed on. Metal valve caps usually have a small rubber insert to permit a good seal against the valve body while this type of cap also helps to prevent air escaping from a slightly leaking valve. Not all metal caps are the same. Some metal caps have a short shank, are very difficult to screw on and are abandoned through frustrated neglect.

Is the valve accessible? So many inner tyres on a drive axle or trailer dual set do not have extensions to access the valve. More often, the inner tyre has been fitted in such a way that the valve stem is totally hidden – and it just cannot be checked. An obscured valve inevitably means there will be no valve cap as well.

And tyre vales do not last forever. Bridgestone recommends that best practice is to replace the valve every time a tyre is replaced – this of course applies to tubeless tyres where a valve is a separate part attached to the rim and not an inner tube.

When conducting safety by wandering around (CSWA), take a look at the valve caps on your own car – never mind the fleet – and think of what cascade of events a missing tyre valve cap will lead you into.

References & acknowledgement Bridgestone South Africa (Pty) Ltd Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Schrader_valve

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.

NEWS AFRICA

Body repair insight NEWS AFRICA

In association with BodyShop News Asia and Australian BodyShop News

Contents 36

Easy Online Colour Identification

37

It’s not the acid that is the problem

38

SAMBRA SPOTLIGHT

39

Eco-friendly car washing

NEWS AFRICA AutoForum - June 2011

NEWS AFRICA

Body repair insight

Easy Online Colour Identification

R

-M’s Color Explorer Online was the first online colour search resource for the automotive refinishing industry, and now the virtual facility has been upgraded. The new look site includes a new filtering process under settings that enables the user to limit the results to the paint lines or products relevant to the bodyshop, rather than providing results for all products and paint lines.

BODYSHOP

This is especially advantageous for bodyshops that are either limited in the vehicles they work with, such as those that only repair cars and therefore do not need commercial colours (such as GRAPHITE HD), or those that are subject to strict environmental regulation and cannot use paints containing lead.

PAGE 36

Bodyshops can now also customise the search parameters to the colour tool they use, as well as certain tinting bases, clears and primers, so that they are able to customise the results precisely to their needs and help eliminate potential errors. The colour selection itself is now colour coded throughout, so the user can accurately identify a particular colour quickly and easily by looking at the colour

swatch thumbnails on screen, while custom finishes, such as pearlescents - which feature different flip and face tones - now display a series of colour swatch rectangles showing the colour viewed from various angles.

Once the colour is identified, the formula is presented with a visual representation of the colours of each base included in the mix. Users will also notice a whole new look to Color Explorer that the company believes reflects its dynamic new corporate image, and its philosophy of perfection made simple.

Under the R-M brand, BASF markets a comprehensive range of automotive refinishing paint systems, with a focus on eco-efficient waterborne basecoats and high-solids paints.

Bodyshops using these systems are assured that all legal solvent-reduction requirements can be complied with anywhere in the world.

The company affirms that all of these products meet the same quality standards as solventborne paints with regards to appearance and resistance and are approved by most of the leading car manufacturers for aftermarket repair.

It's not the acid that is the problem There has for many years been a perception that the paintwork-damaging mess left by birds on a car is caused by the acidity of the birds’ droppings. New research has revealed, however, that the damage is not thanks to acidity at all, but rather from cooling paint lacquer contracting and moulding around the deposits.

Car care company Autoglym, who conducted the study, suggests that the familiar sight of car bodywork ‘etched’ by bird droppings is not the result of any corrosive property in the deposit, but rather from the paint lacquer contracting as it cools and then moulding to the uneven texture of the hardened deposit.

As paint lacquer warms – such as in the direct heat of the sun – it softens and expands. At the same time, that heat dries and hardens any bird droppings on the surface. Researchers discovered that as the paint lacquer cools, overnight for example, it contracts, hardens and moulds around the texture of the bird dropping. This moulding appears as dulled or etched paintwork, which is due to the light’s reflection being interrupted by the imperfect surface, compared to the paintwork surrounding it, which gives a clearer reflection.

Tests made use of strongly acidic, neutral and strongly alkali bird dropping substitutes, which found only negligible differences in the damage caused. Significant differences in paint damage were noted, however, when the substitute bird deposits had varying degrees of grain-to-liquid content.

A grainier texture caused greater light distortion (dullness) when the paint moulded around it.

The study also established that wax and polish treatments, such as those that protect against chemical attack from acid raid and UV sun damage, provide limited protection from the paint moulding due to bird droppings, although they will make them easier to remove.The longer the deposit remains on the bodywork - and the higher the environmental temperatures - the harder the dried deposit will be, and the greater the propensity for the paint lacquer to mould to it as it cools.

The key, researchers found, is to act quickly, by removing the deposit with a moist cloth, allowing it to soften first if necessary. And because bird droppings can harbour hazardous diseases, it is good practice to dispose of the waste appropriately and follow with thorough hand washing. It also used the research results to create a new product - Autoglym Bird Dropping Wipes – which is currently available in the UK.

AutoForum - June 2011

BODYSHOP NEWS

SAMBRA SPOTLIGHT National Director of SAMBRA, Aleeshen Kisten, gives us an overview of this South African organisation and how it assists members of the motor body repair sector.

S

AMBRA has been in existence for 25 years as a body representing the majority of the formalised industry of motor body repairers in the country. As such, it has played a major role in the self-regulation of its members, which has been achieved by ensuring

that members adhere to a strict code of conduct and ethics. At the same time, the body has given consumers recourse through a well managed consumer resolution procedure. Current membership sits at slightly more than a 1 050 accredited members nationally.

Benchmark Repairer Grading System In an industry where quality is vital, SAMBRA has ensured that standards are maintained by its members through the enforcement of its annual grading project. The project tests and audits the

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PAGE 38

(011) 678 6328, (041) 364 0102, (031) 201 2710, (051) 447 5339, (021) 551 2822

skills, equipment and legal compliance of member motor body repairers on an annual basis, which ensures ongoing compliance. The body’s grading system has been used as a benchmark since its inception and plans are in place to reinvent it to cater for the new technologically advanced vehicles on our roads today. It is still used widely to categorise and determine the capabilities of a body shop.

Relationship with Insurers The relationship with insurers has and will continue to be a challenging one, due to the fact that insurers are looking to curb the cost of repair, while repairers are striving for a fair commercial dispensation. As a body, SAMBRA has managed to build relationships with individual insurers who are prepared to better understand the MBR industry and realise that these repairers are valued partners in the supply chain.

While the majority of insurer approved autobody repairers are members of SAMBRA, it is not compulsory. Insurers have in the past signed protocols with the body, which seemed to regulate the industry in a more structured way. The protocols had much value regarding quality and standards and disciplinary processes, however, due to differences in the commercials this had fallen away.

Perhaps with the introduction of the CPA (Consumer Protection Act) we will see SAMBRA and insurers discussing a new protocol for the benefit of the consumer.

With parts and storage fees amongst the major cost drivers in the short-term insurance industry, SAMBRA is working with SAIA and some of the bigger individual insurers in exploring ways and means of lowering the cost of repairs whilst increasing profitability of motor body repairers (MBRs). Whilst this remains a major challenge, the fact that

both parties are now focused on finding a solution, good progress is expected.

Vehicle Damage Quantification (VDQ) Until now, there has been no formal qualification required for the people that quote and assess damages to vehicles.

This has been a huge conflict area for MBRs and insurers, and it was evident that both parties have a common need for the correct quantifying of repair costs. It is clear that this can only be conducted through training and a qualification being implemented to professionalise this aspect of the industry. It is something that SAMBRA believes will add much value to both insurer and MBR. At this point the qualification is still being registered and the VDQ will be the custodian of this standard. It will be a body represented by SAMBRA, the insurance industry and independent assessors, and which holds much promise.

Eco-friendly car washing In the world of automotive detailing and repairs, washing a car can be both time consuming, inconvenient and a waste of water. A new product may just be the solution - eco-friendly Adam’s Waterless Car Wash.

No water? No problem

The waterless product allows for rapid, easy and safe cleaning of painted surfaces, chrome, plastic, glass and wheels with no need for hoses, rinsing or drying. At the same time it is a safe and effective solution to the concerns of water shortages, environmental issues and location restrictions. Waterless car washing is an innovative and efficient way to wash a car without using any water at all, which makes it ideal for the shop environment to clean up an entire car or just a panel at a

time. Bear in mind however that the product is formulated to be used to clean up cars that are a dirty but not gritty.

Just Spray and Wipe

The product’s superior high lubricity formula encapsulates dirt and grime so that it is safely and easily wiped away without the worry of scratching. Simply spray the product liberally onto the surface, wipe with a specially designed microfiber waffle towel and repeat the process over the entire car. Quick and effortless gloss enhancement is just as easy with the company’s detail spray.

For interactive information about Adam’s Waterless Car Wash and other Adam’s products be sure to check out the Adam’s Polishes Forum at www.AdamsForums.com.

This series of technical articles is supplied by Mike Pollock (Motor Merchandise) and Lynn Matthews (Adam’s Polishes).

PAGE 39

Business Forum

AutoForum - June 2011

Business insight

People who make things happen JEANNE ESTERHUIZEN: LEADERSHIP PERSONIFIED - Robert Kaiser

A

philosophy of live and let live, combined with a passion for making a difference in the lives of others, to focus on what is really important and can add value to broader society and to at all times conduct oneself with the highest levels of integrity are probably the best foundations upon which to build a successful personal life and business career.

Having more than aptly demonstrated that she has adopted and lived these principles from the outset is Jeanne Esterhuizen, successful entrepreneur and respected leader in the SA motor industry.

Born in the Northern Cape, Jeanne completed her education in the Free State where she entered the career world as an accounting software and systems specialist. It was during this time that she developed a passion for the training and development of people, realising that motivated, well trained and professional human capital was one of the most important building blocks in any successful business.

Jeanne and her husband Achilles are partners in Bloemfontein-based motor body repair business Technicolour, established in 1996 and one of the leading motor body repair establishments in the Free State. It enjoys OEM accreditation

by Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler/Jeep, Toyota, Nissan, General Motors, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, SSangyong and Smart, and has over the years become a regular recipient of various CSI and Excellence awards. They also share wide business interests in the motor and property sectors.

Jeanne’s boundless energy, undiluted business focus and passion for training and balanced human resource development soon captured the attention of her peers in industry and in the early 2000s

PAGE 42

she was elected to the Free State Executive Committee as well as the National Governing Body of the SA Motor Body Repairers’ Association, eventually being elected as regional chairperson of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) and later a member of the Board of Directors, positions which she currently still holds. Truly a remarkable achievement in a traditionally male-dominated sector. Her passion for all matters associated with training, especially the training of technical staff in the motor industry and more particularly the motor body repair industry, led her to become involved in various initiatives in the merSETA. She has, in fact, just completed a two-year term as the Chairperson of the merSETA Governing Board and remains a Governing Board member. “I realised pretty quickly that if you want something to happen, one can’t sit and wait for someone else to do the work, but be prepared to roll up your sleeves and invest the time and resources to help make it happen, otherwise chances are it won’t,” she says.

Jeanne has applied this same principle consistently in her business activities and became part of a team to set up a training centre for advanced training in motor body repair and painting techniques in Bloemfontein. This after having undergone training on waterborne paint technology in Italy and realising the necessity for the provision of in-service advanced training for technical staff, to provide opportunities for upskilling and to stay abreast of technological developments.

Jeanne’s role as an employer representative in the RMI led to her appointment as a member of the national negotiation team at the Motor Industry Bargaining Council, various positions within the Bargaining Council structures and her election as President of the Council in 2010. Furthermore, she represents

Jeanne Ester

huizen

Business Unity SA (BUSA) on the National Skills Authority, an advisory body to the Minister of Higher Education and Training.

“My passion for training of manpower, especially in the technical fields in the motor industry, has over the years taken me on research trips to Canada, the UK and Europe, including attending a conference of the International Labour Organisation in Geneva. This has really assisted and equipped me to gauge the shortcomings and opportunities that exist in the field of technical training and labour relations in South Africa.

In an effort to facilitate progress in addressing the skills need in our industry, we opened the doors of Technicolour for research projects undertaken by the CSIR and awareness campaigns for post-graduate students of the University of the Free State. This involvement broadened a mutual understanding of the challenges institutions, business and labour face.”

Jeanne believes skills development and training results in motivated and productive staff members that are stimulated by the enrichment they experience in their career development. “It is truly gratifying to witness how our staff members have taken ownership of their responsibilities and work towards selfimprovement and professional service delivery.”

But how can one lead a balanced life without unwinding and relaxation? “My husband and I both love motorcycling; each of us owns a dual purpose as well as a superbike and believe me, they are used whenever the opportunity presents itself. We have just completed a sevenday trip to the Cape South Coast, real food for the soul!”

Robert Kaiser has been intimately involved in the motor industry for the past 25 years. He established Retail Motor Consultants in 2002, a consultancy providing relationship management, marketing and staff recruitment services as well as apprenticeship management programmes and through an associated company, unique Black Economic Empowerment transformation programmes for both large and SME businesses.

AutoForum - June 2011

First impressions: Guidelines for retailers - Graham Bush

T

here are many influences at work in the shopping experience, but the look of a retailer holds the most sway in enticing us through the doors. A retail space these days must perform by exciting and encouraging the customer to buy, while performing profitably from the retailer’s point of view too.

Visual merchandising is comprised of six components: image, layout, presentation, signage, display and events. This article will focus on the component that lays the groundwork for all the other components - image. Everything you do within the retail environment - how you develop your layout, your presentation, your signage, your displays and your events - must fit into the image you choose to create.

Why Start With Image?

Image can be described as the overall look of a shop and the series of mental pictures and feelings it evokes within the beholder. Developing a powerful image provides the opportunity to embody a single message, stand out from the competition and be remembered. As a rule, image is the foundation of all retailing efforts. Studies indicate that a retailer has only around seven seconds to capture the attention of a passing customer.

Identifiable Names An effective name sets the tone and provides identification by conjuring up an image in the customer’s mind.

It should be consistent with both the product mix and the shop atmosphere, be easy to say and remember, indicative of the images and feelings you want the customer to retain, and unlikely to date with time.

Powerful Visual Trademark An identifiable trademark adds a visual image to the memory recall of a shop name, by combining words and pictures, colour, shape, typeface, texture and/or style to make it stand out.

Identifiable even in the absence of the

PAGE 44

name, a successful trademark should be unique, indicative of your products and services, and consistent with the overall impression you want to leave customers.

Unmistakable Shopfronts Just as your name and trademark must provide instant recognition and recall, your exterior shopfront should project a welcoming, clear and concise image of what’s in-store. Traffic-stopping shopfronts use a thoughtful combination of exterior design, signage and window displays to ensure a powerful first impression.

Signage In realising the value of a strong shopfront sign, many retailers now employing new design techniques to add depth to their signage. If your signage is losing the battle for visual dominance, consider re-painting it or adding more colour, making it bigger and bolder, incorporating your trademark, using new materials, and/or adding motion or lighting.

Display Windows Exterior windows provide an additional opportunity to reach out and grab the passing customer, and are integral in creating a positive impression - they offer an opportunity to begin telling your business’s unique merchandise story immediately. This prime real estate should be approached as a showcase for the newest seasonal merchandise dramatised with props and themes, in keeping with your image.

The Customer’s Vantage Point In planning your shopfront, utmost consideration must be given to the customer’s vantage point. Place yourself in the customer’s shoes in considering their reverie - the speed at which they are travelling, their preoccupation-levels and the chances of getting them to stop. Displays directed at the dominant direction of traffic will get more serious attention.

The Store Entrance The entrance to the store is the division between the outside and inside environments. In all types of entrances, customers need to get the impression that they will be comfortable and welcome. Creating a consistent positive impression is important - particularly if you have more than one store. Customers should be able to recognise and identify with your brand, whether it is in Cape Town or Durban, even if your multiple locations differ in size, shape, design and even merchandise mix. It is possible to create continuity of image by having common elements throughout the chain.

Audio Appeal One they are in the door, keeping buyers there and getting them to purchase is the next key deliverable. When effectively delivered, music can have an audible effect on creating the desired mood and image. In fact, extensive studies on the affects of environmental music in the retail industry reveal that when retailers play music, customers perceive that time in queues is shorter, customer service is perceived to be friendlier and customers spend more time shopping in the store.

A positive and persuasive first impression is formed in a few brief seconds.

The combined efforts of store name, exterior signage, architecture, window displays and the entrance to the store set the tone and create an image of mental pictures in the customer’s subconscious. Whether the customer is on a mission to buy, or just looking, the store image is the welcome mat – make sure yours is out there and bringing them in.

Acknowledgements: Paco Underhill.

Donna Geary.

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

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AutoForum - June 2011

2011 Bosch Service Convention

S

andton Convention Centre was the venue for the 2011 Bosch Service Convention. Dave Stalker opened proceedings with a welcome to a lot of new members and guests from outside of SA. The theme of this year’s conference was “Where we Stand? – Where we are going?” and centred on looking at the challenges for workshops in general as well as those specifically experienced by the Bosch Service network. Ewald Faulstich presented a review of the challenges putting pressure on workshops in general including a more demanding and sophisticated customer base, regulation of CPA, BBBEE and technical fronts, and of course an ever increasing competitor pool – especially from OEM’s.

This is not a new message but one that Bosch sees as a focus of their franchise value proposition to workshop owners. “OEM dealerships have more than doubled the percentage of their total business profitability that is derived from their workshops”, putting it in context with his view that the era of peaceful co-existence has evolved into one of “predatory competition”.

At breakfast before entering the conference, I spoke to a number of the members and a common topic came up - the CPA. This seems to be a real concern for many in the

PAGE 46

industry as customers generally see vehicle maintenance and repair as a grudge purchase. Asking them to fill out more paperwork, even if it protects them and the service provider, just seems like another thing for them to get upset about.

Ewald Faulstich, as a further discussion on the CPA, then invited Jeff Osborne to elaborate on where these businesses stand in terms of the new act. “You need to take the CPA seriously, but understand that it provides opportunities – not only pitfalls”. The RMI has been involved with the act from a draft stage, interacting directly with the Department of Trade and Industry. He continued that the automotive sector was one of the only sectors to have actively participated in the drafting of the new legislation and had made sure to protect both the customer and service providers’ rights.

Carlo du Plessis from the Bosch Service Marketing Forum very passionately extended a plea to the audience to utilise the forum. His message focused on the tools, namely the AutoEstimate and Bosch Service Maintenance Policy that have been specifically developed for the Bosch network, and which, if used correctly can only boost profitability. AutoEstimate is available to workshops outside of the network

too, and is designed to optimise quoting and customer service. The Bosch Service Maintenance Policy keeps customers happy which in turn keeps them within the Bosch brand, the long term result of which is a boost in the bottom line for all concerned.

The afternoon session presented by several Bosch personnel concentrated on the elements making up Bosch Service genetic code, from strength and effectiveness of a brand such as Bosch Service, which has been built globally, to technical developments and the support portfolio offered. The presentation went into the details of the strategy for the local brand’s extension, and explained the various elements of their overall marketing and awareness campaigns.

Gary Kaiser then presented an indepth look at the vehicle parc and the logistics of servicing it effectively from a sourcing, purchasing and distribution point of view. Part of the presentation focussed on the range of products produced by Bosch and showed where members could explore new opportunities, mainly through additional revenue streams related to these products.

This extends to their range of diagnostic and test equipment as well as training tools, an element which

the group sees as essential in keeping their own standards high and delivering on the brand promise.

2009

After the day’s conference, a gala evening was held at which the awards for both 2009 and 2010 were announced. The winners were as follows:

Bosch Car Service

Diesel-Electric Windhoek

Bosch Car Service / Diesel Centre

Mac’s Electro Diesel

Bosch Diesel Service

Kempston Truck Hire

Top Performer

VOMS

2010 Bosch Car Service

ACS Autoworx

Bosch Car Service / Diesel Centre

Amtec

Bosch Diesel Service

Randburg Diesel and Turbo

Top Performer

Lichtblau Fuel Injection Services

PAGE 47

AutoForum - June 2011

INNOVATIONS

The latest automotive technology

Volvo 'Blind Spot' project

W

ith traffic and automotive safety technology constantly improving, good vision and visibility remains a key safety requirement. Volvo Trucks has initiated a new education programme and technology to address the issue of other road-users in ‘blind spots’.

It is easy for pedestrians and cyclists to spot a truck, but not quite so easy for truck drivers to spot pedestrians and cyclists. A truck has more blind spots than a car does, and it is particularly difficult - despite the fitting of no less than four rear-view mirrors - to get a good rear view along the vehicle’s side opposite to where the driver is seated.

In fact, 20% of all accidents between road users and trucks in Europe occur when the truck turns right at a junction (with the driver seated on the left of the vehicle).

In-city driving is particularly hazardous, with multiple vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists constantly moving around the truck. “If you stop at a red light, the environment around you changes while

your vehicle is stationary. Meanwhile, the driver is focusing on something else, such as the traffic lights or looking for a suitable gap in the traffic ahead. Above all, it is changes behind the truck that the driver does not see. Cyclists, in particular, can close the gap quickly,” explains Malte Ahrholdt, Project Manager at Volvo Technology.

Ahrholdt works with Intersafe-2, an EU-financed project that involved 11 organisations across six countries, that focuses on making crossroads less dangerous and which finished at the end of May. Volvo Trucks’ contribution to the project is a system that aims at solving the problem of the truck driver’s blind spot on the passenger side. In a test truck, laser scanners and ultrasonic sensors monitor the area on the right of the vehicle. When a cyclist or pedestrian gets too close, the truck driver is alerted by flashing lamps and audible warning

signals. “The warning lights and sounds become increasingly urgent the more critical the situation is,” he says.

But technical innovations are not the only solution to the problem. Public education is also key. One project that the automaker is involved in, entitled ‘Road Safety at Eye Level’ involves visits to schools throughout Denmark, with more than 60 000 children already having participated in the training programme.

The number of accidents involving cyclists and trucks during right turns has decreased since the campaign began in 2003, dropping from approximately ten fatalities per year to just one in 2009.

The instrument panel inside the cab has a monitor that shows what is happening around the vehicle from a bird’s-eye perspective.

PAGE 48

The Volvo Interstate-2 in-truck solution will not lead directly to a solution for series production, but will instead work on identifying and separating vulnerable road-users from other traffic in the urban environment. The system works by virtue of laser scanners and ultrasound sensors that are positioned at the front

and on the right of the truck to cover the areas that the driver cannot see.

A TV monitor provides a birds-eye view of what the truck looks like from above, while a camera fitted just inside the windscreen monitors what the road junction looks like (the number of lanes,

positioning of stop lines etc.). It also involves a radio receiver fitted on the truck roof that communicates directly with the traffic lights. For instance, it registers if someone has pressed the button at the pedestrian crossing and notes which traffic lights are showing red and green respectively.

The loudspeakers produce an audible signal warning the driver if an unprotected road user is close to the truck. Using a system that can pinpoint virtual noise sources, the driver also gets a feeling of where the pedestrian or cyclist is located. For instance, if the vulnerable road user is offset and to the rear on the right of the truck, the sound comes from the loudspeakers in that direction.

All this data is processed and a status assessment is performed. Based on the status assessment, the truck driver is either alerted to the presence of a vulnerable road-user or warned of an imminent collision, by flashing lights or sound.

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INNOVATIONS

AutoForum - June 2011

New smaller wiper system

B

osch recently unveiled its new direct drive system for windshield wipers which is currently entering series production. What makes it unique is that the two drives of the dual motor wiper system do not need additional mechanical linkage and are therefore smaller – in fact the new system needs up to 75% less space and is over a kilogramme lighter than standard drive and linkage systems.

the two drive units, with sensors in the wiper drive monitoring the position of the two wiper arms.

The new system can be used for parallel and opposed-pattern wiper layout, and thanks to electronic position sensing and control, the wipers always sweep very close to the A-pillar.

Following the system’s mounting onto a vehicle, the distances between the wiper and the A-pillar on that specific vehicle can be easily programmed on the production line, eliminating assembly and bodywork tolerances.

This means that the wipers are able to sweep a maximum possible area without running the risk of hitting the pillars.

The system can be installed under the bonnet, reducing the potential risk of injury to pedestrians in the event of an accident, and an energy and thermal management device protects the drives from overload, without restricting wiper function. A software-based blockage recognition system detects obstructions on the windshield such as accumulations of snow and reduces the area swept, but only to the extent necessary. This is in contrast to current wiper systems, which react by stopping completely, leaving the driver unable to see the road ahead.

Each wiper has its own compact drive and is mounted directly on the drive shaft, which makes it that much easier to integrate into vehicles. Depending on the arrangement of the wiper arms, conventional wiper drives can be nearly as wide as the car body – taking up considerable space under the bonnet.

Because the new drives require no linkage, installation space is available, making more room for other components - such as the air conditioning unit, head-up displays and other new comfort features, as well as for larger brake power boosters and pedestrian airbags to make vehicles safer. In place of the mechanical linkage is an electronic control unit, which synchronises

PAGE 50

Each drive unit consists of a mechatronic drive that can run backward and forward, and because the wiper drives no longer require vehicle-specific linkage, they can be of identical design for both sides. The systems can also be designed completely identically for right- and left-hand drive - the alignment is simply specified in the software. In the same way, identical drive units can be tailored to the windshield shape, which varies depending on whether the vehicle is a sedan, coupe, convertible, etc. This considerably simplifies logistics and storage.

The new system will debut on this years Ford Focus produced for the European market.

INNOVATIONS

AutoForum - June 2011

New intelligent vacuum sensor for braking actuation

T

RW Automotive Holdings has announced that in the next two years it will be launching a new vacuum sensor, which will allow measurement on the level of vacuum available in the brake booster, feeding that information back to the brake controller.

The company already supplies brake actuation systems that are made up of a master cylinder together with a brake booster - most commonly used with traditional internal combustion engines that generate significant volumes of vacuum from the intake manifold. This can then be used to help amplify the brake force, increasing the pressure of the brake fluid and actuating the brakes.

In direct injection, diesel, hybrid electric or full electric powertrains, however, there is typically a much lower level of vacuum created. This means that the brake system is required to supply on/off command signals to an electric vacuum pump, in order to maintain vacuum amplification or provide extra levels of power to stop the vehicle if vacuum is depleted. The amount of engine vacuum available is therefore a critical piece of information, which needs to be transferred to the brake controller in time, so that the correct amount of brake boost can be delivered.

As Marc Bolitho, Director of Global Sensor Engineering, explains: “TRW’s vacuum sensor has been developed using the knowledge we gained in creating satellite pressure sensors for crash sensing applications. While vacuum sensors for brake applications are not new, TRW has constructed what we believe to be a highly reliable and flexible configuration with solid performance, packaging and price competitiveness, and this allows us to offer our customers a combined actuation and sensor offering.�

There are plans to launch the vacuum sensor in South Africa but not until 2013, and at this stage the company is unable to name the vehicle manufacturer involved.

PAGE 52

INNOVATIONS

AutoForum - June 2011

Laser beams for cars

F

or the last 150 years or so, spark plugs have been a crucial element in powering internal combustion engines, but it seems that laser igniters may soon be able to change all that.

Lasers promise less pollution and greater fuel efficiency

The problem with lasers in recent history has been that in order to have a laser strong enough to ignite an engine’s air-fuel mixtures, the laser needed to be large – too big in fact to ever fit under a car bonnet. Japanese researchers, however, believe that they have found the answer to addressing that problem, with the first multibeam laser system, small enough to screw into an engine’s cylinder head.

Not only is the new technology small, it’s also inexpensive as it is made from ceramics and could easily be produced in large volumes, explains Takunori Taira of Japan’s National Institutes of Natural Sciences.

According to Taira, conventional spark plugs pose a barrier to improving fuel economy and reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), a key component of smog. Spark plugs work by sending small, high-voltage electrical sparks across a gap between two metal electrodes. This spark ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinder—producing a controlled explosion that forces the piston down to the bottom

of the cylinder, generating the horsepower needed to move the vehicle.

NOx is a byproduct of this combustion, and if engines were able to run leaner – that is, burning more air and less fuel – they would produce significantly smaller NOx emissions.

According to the research team, spark plugs can ignite leaner fuel mixtures, but only by increasing spark energy, and these high voltages erode spark plug electrodes so fast that the solution is not economical. By contrast, lasers - which ignite the air-fuel mixture with concentrated optical energy - have no electrodes and are therefore not affected.

Lasers also improve efficiency. Conventional spark plugs sit on top of the cylinder and only ignite the air-fuel mixture close to them. The relatively cold metal of nearby electrodes and cylinder walls absorbs heat from the explosion, quenching the flame front just as it starts to expand.

Lasers, Taira explains, can focus their beams directly into the centre of the mixture, and without quenching, the flame front expands more symmetrically and up to three times faster than those produced by spark plugs. And, he says, what is equally important,

The Nd: YAG/Cr4+: YAG monolithic laser with three-beam output

Spark plug Air breakdown

PAGE 54

lasers inject their energy within nanoseconds, compared with the milliseconds spark plugs require. “Timing – quick combustion – is very important.

The more precise the timing, the more efficient the combustion and the better the fuel economy,” says Taira.

Lasers promise less pollution and greater fuel efficiency, but making small, powerful lasers has, until now, has been extremely difficult. To ignite combustion, a laser must focus light to approximately 100 gigawatts per square centimetre with short pulses of more than 10 millijoules each.

Apart from being big, previous generations of lasers were inefficient and unstable, and could not be located away from the engine, because their powerful beams would destroy any optical fibres that delivered light to the cylinders.

Taira’s research team overcame this problem by making composite lasers from ceramic powders.

The team built two laser beams that can ignite fuel in two separate locations at the same time - producing a flame wall that grows faster and more uniformly than one lit by a single laser. While it is not strong enough to light the leanest fuel mixtures with a single pulse, by using several 800-picosecond-long pulses, they can inject enough energy to ignite the mixture completely.

A commercial automotive engine will require 60 Hz (or pulse trains per second), Taira says, and he has already tested the new dual-beam laser at 100 Hz. The team is also at work on a three-beam laser that will enable even faster and more uniform combustion.

The laser-ignition system, although highly promising, is not being installed into cars as yet. The team is, however, working with a large spark-plug company and with DENSO Corporation, a member of the Toyota Group.

PAGE 55

AutoForum - June 2011

Quake rocks SA truck forecasts - Dave Scott

W

Carbon offsetting for SA fleets Vehicle tracking and fleet management solutions company, MiX Telematics, recently launched a service that helps local fleet operators take responsibility for their carbon footprint. The MiX Carbon Offset Initiative (COI) is described by its creators as a secure and cost-effective carbon offset programme.

The company asserts that with the high emissions attributed to road transport (18% of global emissions according to a 2009 Frost & Sullivan report), it is important for SA fleet companies to be accountable and take action in reducing the polluting effects. They see their product as ideal for businesses that wish to offset emissions or become carbon neutral, but that are unable to assign an internal resource to do so.

In parallel with the MiX Carbon Offset Initiative, the company offers fleet management solutions to assist customers in the fleet sector to both reduce fuel consumption and minimise their fleet maintenance and operating costs. This in turn helps them to lower their carbon emissions, and at the same time, allows them to benefit from significant improvements in overall productivity and driver safety.

The company therefore encourages fleets to reduce their carbon emissions and that which they cannot or do not reduce, can then be offset through COI programmes.

As Brendan Horan, General Manager Sales and Marketing MiX Telematics, explains: “Although carbon offsetting is not compulsory, it is in our collective best interest to help secure a healthy future for our business and our customers’ operations, the surrounding environment and community.”

PAGE 56

e only realise how vulnerable, fragile and inter-dependent are our civilised structures when the earth moves. The first shock was the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull that shut down European airspace.

Apart from the inconvenience to air-cargo and passengers there was no loss of life and permanent destruction of valuable infrastructures. Then comes a tsunami triggered by a 9.0 Richter Scale earthquake and JustIn-Time (JIT) becomes just-in-trouble for Japanese industry. The natural disaster in Japan will impact on the forecast for 2011 total retail truck sales. While the main plants in Japan were out of a direct tsunami hit, major component suppliers were taken out and Just-In-time is only good for an assured supply - what will happen now to this year’s market?

The Japanese truck manufacturers dominate both medium and heavy truck segments in the SA truck market. Hino, Isuzu, UD Trucks and Fuso will be experiencing vehicle stock shortages which in turn mean an artificial shortage of new trucks in the market – the European truck manufacturers cannot leap into the gap as it takes 4-5 months to crank up supply.

When dominant players lose volume the whole market will feel it. Here’s the 2011 forecast for all trucks and heavy buses that appeared in AutoForum at the beginning of 2011.

YEAR

VOLUME

2006

33 080

2007

37 069

2008

34 659

2009

18 934

2010

22 022

2011

23 500

If we take 1 500 off for lack of stock from all trucks sourced out of Japan in 2011, the SA truck market will flatline at 22 000 units and not represent real demand. Fleet operators also don’t switch brands mid-year, but this will be good for used trucks as the stream of trade-ins dries up.

However, it’s not only new whole goods that get stuck behind the JIT curtain.

“The possibility of certain parts supply interruptions could result,” says Craig Uren, Isuzu Truck South Africa’s Chief Operating Officer, and adds, “Our after-sales team will do everything they can, with the assistance of our dealers, to resolve these situations should they arise.” Truck parts people will have to be inventive and keep the wheels rolling, even if it means accessing used truck parts.

And then there are the South African truck sales teams whose incomes are commission-based and won’t be seeing stock to sell as well. It’s a testing time for all.

While we talk about a shortage of trucks and its impact on our pockets, there’s a global perspective. Says Michael Elliot in Fortune May 2, 2011 in his Opinion Column: “The tragedy in Japan is another matter. It may knock around 0.5% off Japan’s growth in the first half of this year, which was never looking that robust...Japan bulls will tell you that rebuilding infrastructure in the northeast will boost the economy in time, but that is really looking for a pony in a heap of manure and as about edifying.” He comments further that “Over time, the main consequence of the earthquake will be felt in energy markets. Outside the command-and-control economies such as China, the supposed ‘renaissance’ in nuclear power just got tossed back into the Dark Ages.”

scale is logarithmic – so, a magnitude 8.7 is 794 times bigger than a 5.8 quake as measured on seismograms, but the 8.7 quake is about 23.000 times STRONGER than the 5.8! Since it is really the energy or strength that knocks down buildings, this is really the more important comparison. This means that it would take about 23.000 quakes of magnitude 5.8 to equal the energy released by one magnitude 8.7 event. This explains why big quakes are so much more devastating than small ones. The amplitude (“size”) differences are big enough, but the energy (“strength”) differences are huge. The amplitude numbers are neater and a little easier to explain, which is why those are used more often in publications. But it’s the energy that does the damage. http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/topics/ how_much_bigger.php

Yes, there is a bigger picture out there and it’s got to do with global warming!

A magnitude 8.7 earthquake is 794 times BIGGER on a seismogram than a magnitude 5.8 earthquake. The magnitude scale is really comparing amplitudes of waves on a seismogram, not the STRENGTH (energy) of the quakes. The magnitude

PAGE 57

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

AutoForum - June 2011

UD Keeps on Trucking

U

D Trucks announced recently that despite the disastrous earthquake and tsunami earlier this year, the company is back on track at its manufacturing site in the Asian country. As Chief Executive Johan Richards explains: “The production plant in Japan is fully operational, although some interruptions have occurred due to delayed production from suppliers. The company is continuing to source alternative suppliers in the most affected areas.”

Luckily for SA UD truck owners, the impact locally has been minimal, with only minor shipment delays of around a week – thanks primarily, Richards says, to effective planning for the Southern African region. Based on the company’s

PAGE 58

order book, market outlook and order intake, sufficient stock has been available thus far. “Up to now, we have been fortunate enough to continue producing trucks at full capacity at our Rosslyn plant.”

This good fortune may, however, not continue into this month, as the impact of the disaster is expected to start affecting local production activities in June. “As we have decided to keep the normal production line speed to ensure product availability to our dealers and thus our customers, UD Trucks Southern Africa will be forced to stop production for a three-day period at the beginning of June,” Richards said. These lost days would be recovered by end

October. “We are doing everything in our power to ensure a continuous flow of stock to our dealers and customers.

We are closely working with our colleagues in Japan to secure alternative suppliers, and are flying in part supplies to reduce any downtime on customer vehicles if necessary.”

Despite the shutdown, stockholding of the UD 40, UD 330 WF and UD 390 WD remain high enough for these models to be unaffected throughout this period.

Truck sales performed well in April, with a 22.5% growth recorded, according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) report in mid-May. Richards attributed

some of the April market’s boost in sales to some pre-emptive buying by customers who feared some stock shortages in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami disasters in Japan.

Despite challenges faced by South African truck manufacturers, such as Chinese role players having entered the

market with aggressive export campaigns, Richards believes the prospects for the remainder of the year remain positive. The total truck market forecast is around 25 200 expected at the end of 2011, compared to the 22 022 units achieved last year.

PAGE 59

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

AutoForum - June 2011

MAINTENANCE IS AN EXECUTIVE PRIORITY

I

t’s a tragedy that business executives only take notice of lubrication and unnecessary friction when the ‘wheels stop or fall off’ a truck or any productive plant and machinery. Weak lubrication practice has a severe impact on the life of trucks, productivity and operating costs. It’s all compounded by lubrication costs that are such a small part of operating expenses and applied by the most unskilled labour available (‘grease monkeys’). In other words, lubrication is perceived to have no strategic value.

A recent study by the SA Institute of Tribology (SAIT) – which has nothing to do with tribes and everything to do with friction and wear – outlines the really concerning state of lubrication practices in South Africa. Sponsored by the South African Department of Science and Technology, and titled ‘SA Tribology Project 2010’, the research objective was to determine the cost and energy saving potential of tribology to SA. Here are a few key findings that relate directly to the our local road transport industry: Root-cause failure analysis is not typically performed in industry, hence the true value of lubrication related failures cannot be determined. There are, however, a number of individual operations that are conducting root cause analyses and have reliability engineers for failures above a certain value. Most failures and breakdowns that occur are typically due to: • Contamination, water or dirt ingress • Alignment • Poor maintenance • Lack of greasing/lubricating • Policies and control The major component failures are gearboxes, pumps and bearings.

Typically, up to 35% of the failures are caused by shaft misalignment. Laser alignment equipment is normally available, but is not always used by the maintenance personnel, unless the reliability department insists and checks that this occurs.

PAGE 60

- Dave Scott

An example in one plant was fans with double spherical bearings that were failing: 30% were due to misalignment and 70% due to balancing. Bearing life in the 18 fans was 2-3 months. With correct alignment and balancing this was reduced to approximately one failure per annum. These failures indicate the lack of skills, attitudes and training of artisans and artisan helpers. It is believed that this could be the cause of up to 60 -70% of all failures.

This study has shown that, in general, equipment life has been reduced by a factor of three over the past 15 to 20 years. The loss of equipment life is a lack of traditional maintenance skills.

‘Modern’ maintenance has forgotten that that dirt does not lubricate, that shafts must be correctly aligned and that oils and greases are not all the same. The report goes on to point out the desperate need to get back-to-basics: • the need to calculate the correct viscosity grades throughout to minimise energy wastage and • to understand the difference between grade and type of lubricant Education is a priority, from the boardroom to artisan level. Tribology and lubrication are currently not part of any tertiary level course. A lubricator is one of the most important persons on the plant, and must be trained and recognised accordingly. Here are three items that truck operators can note: • Total cost of ownership of assets should be a philosophy that is implemented • Filters and filter management is CRITICAL in improving system cleanliness and improving component life • Design of systems from an operation and maintenance perspective is essential to minimise dirt contamination of systems during maintenance It’s a CEO challenge – place lubes on the boardroom table!

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ist Joh

n Fitto

n

Make lubrication a strategic and policydriven issue and don’t bring failures to board reports.

If any CEO is really interested in preserving and protecting a truck fleet, including all the fleet support machinery, then take a tour of the lubricators’ (‘grease monkeys’) workplace and ask yourself - does this match the highest standard? In all honesty, is this operation going to extend vehicle and component life? Do you really need more computers and software or an upgrade for outdated lubrication equipment, storage areas, systems and procedures?

A 21-page paper on the ‘Tribology 2010’ report that was presented at the recent Tribology International Conference in Pretoria, is broad-brush stuff - but worth the read and available FOC – Free of Charge! It might change your mind about how we think about friction.

But importantly, make friction (rather tribology – consider it your new word) a strategic issue. This elevates the subject to the level of being policy-driven, environmentally-friendly, energy-conservative and concerned with life-cycle costs.

References & acknowledgement ‘Swan PG, Fitton JC; South African Institute of Tribology; SA Tribology Project 2010’ A copy of this paper can be obtained from the SA Institute of Tribology.

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PAGE 61

Mini-block springs are an advanced development of the taper-wire type. They have a rugby ball shape, offer a longer life, produce less noise and have compact dimensions. In addition, these coils compress perfectly without touching.

These increasingly popular springs are fitted only on rear axles, meaning improved boot space. Mini-block springs are included in the original equipment of popular car models such as the Audi A3 and A6, BMW 3-series, Opel Zafira, VW Golf IV and Passat.

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Steering and suspension The company also has an extensive, competitively priced range available on special order including Tie Rods, Ball Joints, Stabiliser Links and Steering Racks.

for Trucks & Cars

Tenneco, who brought Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension (CES) Kinetic Passive Anti-Roll System to the market continue to add new and innovative suspension components to their portfolio of products and will continue to do so in the future.

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PAGE 63

Monroe taper wire springs are fitted with protective sleeves used to avoid wear, due to coils touching each other when the spring is compressed.

New Releases

AutoForum AutoForum - June 2011 - June 2011

www.AutoForum.co.za

Pneumatic lift jack stands

Siphoning made easy

Blue Point recently launched its new pneumatic lift jack that raises the saddle to the service height under a vehicle, automatically.

Securetech has recently launched a new fuel transfer syphon, which puts an end to the days of doing the job manually, and possibly ending up with a mouthful of noxious fuel.

With the new Super Siphon, shaking the mechanism up and down will ensure a constant flow of fuel between two containers, and it is ideal for transferring water, paraffin, petrol, diesel, two stroke premix and even aviation fuel.

This handy device not only saves effort, it also makes setting jack stands under the vehicle easier, and is available as a 6 tonne pneumatic lift jack stand and 12 tonne pneumatic lift jack stand.

The pneumatic cylinder was built with the professional user in mind, and raises the saddle to the desired height by simply by pressing the lever, and then automatically locks into place upon release.

For more information contact Snap-on on 0861 762 766 or email enquiries@snapon.co.za.

The unique two part spark resistant brass siphon mechanism, with stainless steel spring and “A� grade glass ball does all the work, creating a vacuum and ensuring the flow of fuel, while a clear UV stabilised solvent resistant hose allows you to monitor the flow of liquid from the source container to the tank being filled.

The unit is available ex stock in lengths from 1.5 metres to 3.0 metres; on request longer units can be ordered. For more information contact Special Industrial Supplies on 0861 04 05 06 or email - michaeI@liftlash.co.za.

POS Service Holland in new premises Starter and alternator supplier, POS Service Holland, recently moved premises to accommodate its expanded operations.

The Netherlands-based company opened a SA branch in 2007 which has grown from strength to strength largely, MD Harald van Haaster explains, because of its focus on quality. With both OEM ranges that include Bosch, Valeo and more, as well

PAGE 64

as its own PSH Plus line, quality control is of utmost importance and is conducted in China, Holland and locally.

POS Service Holland is now located at Unit 7, Mica Drive, Newport Business Park, Kya Sand, Ext.101. Visit their website for more information - www.psh-sa.co.za.

SOUTHERN AFRICA'S LEADING ENGINE COOLING SPECIALISTS Silverton Radiators offers a complete range of radiators and related parts to customers from the automotive aftermarket, including body repair facilities, mechanical workshops, fleet operators, the mining industry, agricultural community as well as private motorists. A complete range of cooling system products (including: complete radiators, radiator components, air-conditioning components, fans and Visco clutches, intercoolers, pressure caps, hoses, and also water pumps and thermostats).

Silverton Radiators Offers:

• More than 120 automotive cooling specialist repair and supply outlets throughout Southern Africa • A complete range of cooling system services, radiators and related parts that comply fully with original equipment standards set by vehicle manufacturers • A countrywide warranty valid at all Silverton outlets • Speedy parts distribution via six warehouses located in major centres • Testing of cooling systems such as leaks, combustion gases, stray current (Electrolysis), Anti-freeze levels, flushing, radiator cleaning, radiator repairing/replacing/re-coring, removal/refitting and more Silverton Radiators is a franchise of Behr Hella Service South Africa (Pty)Ltd.

INSTEAD OF JUST “MOVING BOXES” WE PROVIDE TOTAL SOLUTIONS TO YOUR COOLING PROBLEMS, SAVING YOU MONEY IN THE LONG RUN Dial

0 8 6 1 R A D I AT O R to contact an outlet

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w w w . s i l v e r t o n r a dPAGE s . c 65 o.za

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

MED Motor Electro Diesel

Aftermarket Parts & Accessories

021 505 4000

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

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

Pressure Washers & Vacuum Cleaners

012 330 0540

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 Equipment

Diagnostics Equipment

0861 762 766

Industrial Interlocking Floors

011 873 1292

Abro Global

Balancing Machines

021 945 1419

AutoZone

Aftermarket Parts & Accessories

0861 122 111

Beissbarth

Wheel Alignment Equipment

011 651 9600

Highveld Garage Equipment

Tyre & Lifting Equipment & Tools

012 330 0540

Hofmann Megaplan

Complete Range of Garage Equipment

011 472 7279/5954

Integrated Marketing

Wheel Service & Workshop Equipment

011 974 2203

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

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

GMSA

Parts Supplier

041 365 6170

Goodyear RAM

Timing Belts, Fan Belts, Radiator Hoses & Air Springs

011 248 9300

MED Motor Electro Diesel

Aftermarket Parts & Accessories

021 505 4000

Midas

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

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

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CLEANING EQUIPMENT Highveld Garage Equipment DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT

FLOORING Tuff Floors GARAGE EQUIPMENT & TOOLS

PARTS MANUFACTURERS & DISTRIBUTORS

SERVICES

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