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November / December 2015
A N D
I N N O V A T I V E
Autoforum Online
SCAN ME!
I N F O R M E D
Innovation beyond the production line Isuzu shows how it’s done
Decreased CCI indicates weak economy Tighter controls for fewer road deaths The e-toll zombie that refuses to just die
N E W S UP DAT E
AA demystifies Regulation 32A The emissions scandal and its impact on South Africa A reality check on MIG/MAG welding db9 gt bond special edition
AutoForum - November / December 2015
ROAD FORCE TOUCH® The World’s #1 Diagnostic Balancer
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PAGE 2
November / December 2015
CONTENTS
14
Cover Stories
MIAZ Conference in Zimbabwe
Editorial Its the final weeks of 2015 and for many in the automotive sector, this is the busiest time of the year. It has certainly been a tough year financially and while that spells poor sales for new vehicles, it does - we hope - mean extra investment in the aftermarket sector. With a certain insurer calling for the use of non OEM quality aftermarket parts, it certainly promises to favour customers and smaller repairers - time will tell. In the interim, push on through to the festive period, drive safely and rest well. 2016 is just around the corner. Enjoy the read! Clare
EDITOR: CLARE RUTKIEWICZ 6681 Jan/June 2015 CONTRIBUTORS: AUSTRALIAN BODYSHOP NEWS ROBERT KAISER Warwick robinson Roy Cokayne grant west EMAIL: INFO@AUTOFORUM.CO.ZA
AA demystifies Regulation 32A
16
The emissions scandal and its impact on South Africa
22
Decreased CCI indicates weak economy
28
The e-toll zombie that refuses to just die
34
Innovation & revolution from beyond the assembly plant gate
36
Tighter controls for fewer road deaths
40
A reality check on MIG/MAG welding
46
16
Trade Talk Mahle integrates Letrika into the family of companies
8
Ford picks top apps at hackathon
10
TWT opens their first Harare branch
10
VW SA named 2015 MOTY
12
ZF wins again at reader’s awards in Germany
12
First Ranger made in Nigeria
14
Snap-on announces online winner
14
20
News Forum AA demystifies Regulation 32A
16
REDISA wins at Oracle Awards
18
Don’t bin that battery
18
Aston Martin shows off the DB9 GT Bond special edition
20
The emissions scandal and its impact on South Africa
22
...And its not all bad news
22
Audi tops race to driverless cars
24
No big smiles - NHTSA imposes $200M civil penalty on Takata airbags
26
24
Fax: 086 627 1135 PUBLISHER: SWIFT PUBLICATIONS & OLYMPIC PARK TRADING POSTNET SUITE 174 PRIVATE BAG X11 HALFWAY HOUSE 1684
FOR ADVERTISING ENQUiRIES: GRANT WEST Mobile: +27 (0) 76 727 8161
34
Business Forum Decreased CCI indicates weak economy
28
65% Automechanika Frankfurt space sold
30
Household debt plays havoc with sales in October
30
A streamlined supply chain will address the SA automotive parts challenge
32
The e-toll zombie that refuses to just die
34
WARWICK ROBINSON Mobile: +27 (0) 82 855 7750
PAGE 3
www.AutoForum.co.za I N F O R M E D
Commercial Vehicles Innovation & revolution from beyond the assembly plant gate
36
Volvo Group launches road safety campaign for kids
38
Economic climate evident from truck sales
38
Tighter controls for fewer road deaths
40
Aftermarketplace
A N D
I N N O V A T I V E
Advertisers Guide Aerocure Alert Engine Parts
OBC 15
Alfa Int
23
AMR
33
AS - Brembo
9
AS - Mahle
29
AS - PIA Arrow
13
AS- Tecnic Turbo
25
Audi Parts
19
Snap-on tool storage special
42
Autocosmos
31
Indy Oil introduces Engine Flush
42
Auto Magneto
23
Bosch’s vehicle of the month campaign
42
BASF Coatings
45
Garage Trade Supplies
53
Highveld Garage Equipment
11
Isuzu Trucks South Africa
OFC, 39
Ital Machinery
4, 31
BodyShop News
Leaderquip
IFC
44
Mahle
35
46
PCL
5
Santam lobbies for use of quality aftermarket car parts
48
Dust Free Sanding - Part 2
50
Axalta hands-on at SEMA...and buys Chemspec
52
Robert Bosch Silver Falcon - Hurricane Snap-on Equipment
IBC, 41 49 5
Tenneco / Monroe
17
Tyredev
31
VW Parts
6-7
AIDC trainees’ new augmented-reality welding A reality check on MIG/MAG welding
Don’t Know what this is?
Download a QR code reader for your Smart Phone or Tablet from the Apple or Android app stores, and you can use it to scan this code & go direct to our online edition at www.autoforum.co.za – it is free and updated DAILY! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook: AutoForumZA While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the advice and information given to readers, neither the editor, nor the publishers, can accept any responsibility for any damages, injury or loss which arise there from. The opinions expressed by contributors to this magazine are not necessarily shared by the editor or the publishers.
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Give your customer’s Volkswagen the quality it deserves with our price reduction on Genuine Track Rods and Turn Lights.
Genuine Track Rods Track Rods (sometimes also referred to as Tie Rods) form an integral part of steering. It’s the rod connecting the two front wheels ensuring that they turn at the same angle. With it being such an important part, Volkswagen lowered the price so that you can be in control of your Volkswagen at all times. Part Number
Part Description
Model
Year
Price
6R0423803A
Tie Rod
Polo
2010 - 2014
R1348.16
6R0423804A
Tie Rod
R1349.60
6Q0423804P
Tie Rod
6Q0423803P
Tie Rod
2E0713491
Tie Rod
1J0422803H
1J0422804H
Tie Rod
Tie Rod
Polo
2010 - 2014
Polo
2003 - 2010
Polo Vivo
2010 - 2014
Polo
2003 - 2010
Polo Vivo
2010 - 2014
Crafter
2006
Beetle
2003 - 2010
Golf
1998 - 2006
Jetta
1999 - 2006
Beetle
2003 - 2010
Golf
1998 - 2006
Jetta
1999 - 2006
R1229.24
R1240.89 R2146.70
R1651.79
R1647.27
*Prices are recommended retail exclusive of VAT and are subject to change without notification. Part applicability to model is dependent on chassis/VIN number. For further information, please consult your nearest participating Dealership. Prices valid from 1 September 2015 to 29 February 2016. While stocks last.
Visit vw.co.za and find us on facebook.com/VWSA
Genuine Turn Lights With more than a billion cars in the world, these little lights form a big part of our everyday lives. That’s why Volkswagen will fit your vehicle with Genuine Parts at a lowered price. Part Number
Part Description
Model
Year
Price
17S953049F
Turn signal - side
Citi Golf
1996 - 2009
R95.56
Polo
2003 - 2005
1J0949117
Turn signal - side
T5
2007 - 2008
Golf
1998 - 2006
Jetta
1999 - 2006
Passat
2001 - 2005
Polo Playa
2003 - 2005
Polo Vivo
2010 - 2014
Sharan
2001 - 2005
Transporter
2003 - 2005
R94.95
1Z0949102C
Turn signal - side Mirror - right
Polo/Polo Playa
2005 - 2010
R196.58
1Z0949101C
Turn signal - side Mirror - left
Polo/Polo Playa
2005 - 2010
R196.53
Golf
2004 - 2009
1K0949102
1K0949101
Turn signal - right
Turn signal - left
4B0949127
Turn signal - side
17S953049D
Turn signal
Eos
2007 - 2008
Jetta
2006 - 2010
Passat
2003 - 2011
Sharan
2003 - 2010
Golf
2004 - 2009
Eos
2007 - 2008
Jetta
2006 - 2010
Passat
2003 - 2011
Sharan
2003 - 2010
Citi Golf
1996 - 2009
Caddy
1996 - 2007
Citi Golf
1996 - 2009
Volkswagen Genuine Parts. Keep your Volkswagen a Volkswagen.
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R201.97
R201.97
R94.34 R138.71
Trade Talk
AutoForum - November / December 2015 AutoForum - November / December 2015
www.AutoForum.co.za
Mahle integrates Letrika into the family of companies Mahle’s focus over the last several years has been on advancing technologies to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions, with specific emphasis on the electrification of auxiliary aggregates. This however places heavy demands on mechatronic components such as starter motors, alternators, and electric motors, but now - thanks to the integration of Letrika into the family of companies - Mahle says it has expanded its competence in this segment. As of January 2016, Mahle Aftermarket will be distributing starter motors, alternators and electric motors for agricultural and construction machinery under the Mahle Original brand, thereby expanding its service offering. “Our aftermarket customers will also benefit from Letrika’s integration in the MAHLE Group. The new subsidiary Mahle Letrika builds on many years of product and service expertise, particularly in the agricultural and construction machinery
PAGE 8
sector. In the coming year, this means that in addition to expanding the portfolio to include alternators, starter motors, and electric motors, Mahle Aftermarket will also be offering technical information and support, repair instructions, and training courses,” comments Olaf Henning, Member of the Management Committee and Managing Director of Mahle Aftermarket GmbH. “In the long term, our expertise with regard to engine components, filters and turbochargers for trucks will complement Mahle Letrika’s competence wonderfully. We see great potential with our global distributors here.” Trade and repair shops will now have access to a product portfolio that encompasses the agricultural and construction machinery segment—everything from a single source in the usual original equipment quality.
THE BEST FOR YOUR BRAKING SYSTEM Over 100 different compounds, researched to satisfy the specific requirements of every application, ensure the original Brembo brake pads deliver maximum safety, performance and comfort.
For more information on our new extensive range of Brembo Brake Pads,call your nearest PIA branch today.
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PIA branches: Bloemfontein CH4611
Tel: (051) 506-0700 Fax: (051) 447-8336
Cape Town
Tel: (021) 590-7500 Fax: (021) 591-5033
CH4611
Durban
George
Nelspruit
East London
Johannesburg
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (031) 533-5300 Fax: (031) 569-6576 Tel: (043) 703-8000 Fax: (043) 743-8418
Tel: (044) 874-4175 Fax: (044) 874-3706 Tel: (011) 879-6000 Fax: (011) 454-0200
Tel: (013) 752-4821 Fax: (013) 752-4869
Pretoria
Tel: (012) 377-7500 Fax: (012) 377-3896
Tel: (041) 390-3000 Fax: (041) 373-0090
PAGE 9
Trade Talk
AutoForum - November / December 2015 AutoForum - November / December 2015
www.AutoForum.co.za
TWT opens their first Harare branch Tiger Wheel & Tyre has launched its first fitment centre in Zimbabwe – a collaboration between TiAuto Investments and Rishi Magecha and Atish Naran, owners of Tyre Treads, a dominant force in Zimbabwe’s tyre industry. Located at 106 Seke Road in Graniteside, Harare, the store features a contemporary showroom, a hospitality area where customers can wait while work is being done, and a workshop with six fitment and three wheel alignment bays. It also showcases the fresh, hi-tech look that is part of Tiger Wheel & Tyre’s winning formula.
Ford picks top apps at hackathon Ford has announced the winner of its latest SYNC® AppLink™ Developer Challenge which was held in Tel Aviv. The “Wake Me App,” which monitors drivers for signs of drowsiness, tops the apps presented at the 24-hour hackathon held in Mid October that attracted more than 150 app developers. Scott Lyons, business and partner development, Connected Vehicle and Services, Ford of Europe commented: “Wake Me App stood out because of its innovative use of the new SYNC AppLink developer tools that leverage vehicle information to create dynamic apps in the car.” The app monitors drivers for signs of drowsiness in specific stages, and issues escalating alerts accordingly. Developers Pavel Kaminsky and Shay Mishali leveraged the latest set of AppLink application programming interfaces and the new capabilities of SYNC 3 to create the app. At signs of driver drowsiness, the App performs an escalating-level of alerts to make the driver aware of his/ her condition, including audible chimes, changing the radio volume, and even automated SMS messages and phone calls to the driver’s contact list. Other winning apps included Red Alert (second place), an app which alerts drivers in Israel to a potential national security threat, and Karpoolz (third place), a multi-family carpooling app for parents to manage their kids’ afterschool and social activities. One app received an honorable mention, Green Light, which gives a countdown to upcoming traffic signals. The automaker challenged developers to create original apps leveraging the features of all-new AppLink and SYNC 3, including the system’s capacitive touch screen, improved voice recognition and image display capabilities to enhance the in-car experience for customers. The next challenge will take place in Dublin, Ireland in November.
PAGE 10
The tyre portfolio includes world renowned brands Continental, Yokohama, Hankook, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Pirelli, GT Radial, Sumitomo and Tiger Wheel & Tyre’s own value brand, Velocity. The store’s wheel portfolio is equally impressive and includes a wide range of styles from brands like TSW, Racing Hart Concepts, Black Rhino, and Turn 1, among others. “Tyres are an expensive purchase and it is imperative that people change their mind-set to become discerning of quality, safety and the real value obtained from buying the tyres best suited to their vehicle. At Tiger Wheel & Tyre Harare, customers can speak to experienced staff, have their vehicles attended to by expertly-trained workshop teams and purchase top quality, warrantied products at prices that suit their budget,” says Magecha.
LIFTS GALORE 4 Post lift (PEAK-409/409A) • • • • • • •
3D Wheel aligner (Acculiner) • • • • •
Electro hydraulic 220V / 2.2KW 4 ton lifting Capacity Max Lifting Height 1.9M Pneumatic safety locks Dual Safety System Adjustable Platform width Slip plates and adjustable turntable positions • Suitable for 3D Wheel alignment systems
Low maintenance High Accuracy Quick runout compensation Small, lightweight durable targets Turntables included
2 Post lift (EAE EE-6254)
• Electro hydraulic 220V / 2.2KW • 4 ton lifting Capacity • Max Lifting Height 1.9M • Manual mechanical safety locks • Automatic locking arms • Telescopic Adjustable pads • Optional 4X4 Extensions • Available in Blue, Red or Grey
We do services and load tests on most vehicle hoists Portable Power Pack(PBP14000/21000) • • • • • •
12V Booster Pack 400A/750A Peak Current 14Ah/21Ah Battery Capacity Digital battery indicator Jump start up to 3.0l diesel engines (PBP21000) Charge cellphones (PBP14000) and laptops (BPB21000) • Integrated light with red strobe light (BPB21000) • Protected against reverse polarity
Contact us on (012) 330 0540, info@hge.co.za or visit www.hge.co.za 42 Taaifontein st, Cnr Khai Apple st, Montana, Pretoria Quality brands at affordable prices
Trade Talk
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VWSA named 2015 MOTY Volkswagen may have had a rough ride internationally after its emissions scandal broke, but in SA it seems to be doing just fine. The company has been named the Manufacturer of the Year award for the sixth consecutive year, while Audi has received Silver and Tutuka awards, at a South African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (SAVRALA) gala dinner.
Thomas Schaefer, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group South Africa said: “We appreciate the recognition by the rental and leasing companies which are one of our key customers. We are also delighted and honoured to be named as the “Manufacturer of the Year” for the sixth consecutive year.”
Marc Corcoran, President of SAVRALA commented: “The 2015 Manufacturer of the Year results revealed that Volkswagen has gained advantage over its peers in the key survey category of communication and support.” Audi’s Tutuka award is a newly created category for small volume and premium brands. The winners of the SAVRALA awards are decided by the rental companies such as Avis Budget, Bidvest, Hertz, Europcar / Tempest, First Car, Dollar Thrifty and other rental companies “through a scientific and stringent process”. SAVRALA members are required to rate 26 motor manufacturers using a survey containing 40 different and targeted questions. The survey cover aspects such as communication, contact with the manufacturer, technical assistance, parts availability and pricing structures.
ZF wins again at reader’s awards in Germany ZF has once again been recognised as a favorite for commercial vehicles at the annual ETM readers’ choice. The company won both the “Commercial Vehicle Transmission” and “Retarder” categories, based on it continued popularity with the readers for components’ and systems’ quality, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
was originally introduced 11 years ago. The ZF automatic transmission system for commercial vehicles worldwide, the AS Tronic, has sold over a million units. The “Retarder” category entry – the ZF-Intarder - is an almost wear-free hydrodynamic auxiliary brake, which makes transport both safer and more economical.
The brand took 56 percent of all votes in the “Commercial Vehicle Transmission” category and impressed with a record overall score. To date no other company has been at the top more often than ZF since that competition category
“To be successful on a continuing basis also means that both the company and our products have to improve continuously and meet ZF’s self-understanding of being an innovator both with regards to mechanics and electronics,” explains Winfried Gründler, who is responsible for Truck & Van Driveline Technology in the Commercial Vehicle Technology division. The company is not resting on its laurels - completely new and unique products are in the pipeline that it hopes will keep it in the winner’s circle, such as an automatic transmission system. One of these ZF-TraXon for heavy trucks is based on a basic transmission that, depending on customer requests, can be modularly combined with five different drive elements. This means that it opens up completely new possibilities making everything from the dual clutch to hybrid applications feasible.
PAGE 12
Trade Talk
ARROW HT Leads
With ever increasing demands placed on today’s technologically advanced engines, ARROW HT IGNITION LEADS more that deliver, with their wound filament inductive cable and double layer silicone based covering. The 88 part numbers which form the ARROW range covers close to 90% of the passenger
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For more information on this comprehensive range of ARROW HT IGNITION LEADS, contact your PIA branch today.
CH4573
PIA Branches: Bloemfontein
Durban
George
Nelspruit
Cape Town
East London
Johannesburg
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (051) 506-0700 Fax: (051) 447-8336 Tel: (021) 590-7500 Fax: (021) 591-5033
Tel: (031) 533-5300 Fax: (031) 569-6576 Tel: (043) 703-8000 Fax: (043) 743-8418
Tel: (044) 874-4175 Fax: (044) 874-3706 Tel: (011) 879-6000 Fax: (011) 454-0200
Tel: (013) 752-4821 Fax: (013) 752-4869
Pretoria
Tel: (012) 377-7500 Fax: (012) 377-3896
Tel: (041) 390-3000 Fax: (041) 373-0090
PAGE 13
Trade Talk
AutoForum - November / December 2015 AutoForum - November / December 2015
www.AutoForum.co.za
First Ranger made in Nigeria Ford has confirmed that its first Ranger has been built in Nigeria. The first vehicle to come off the assembly line was built in an existing facility with Ford’s Nigerian partners Coscharis and follows the automaker’s announcement that it would produce Ranger trucks in Nigeria in August. “The facility will accommodate one shift and will produce an initial 10 units per day for the Nigerian market, creating approximately 180 direct and indirect jobs. Over time, this will gradually expand,” said Jeff Nemeth, President and CEO Ford Motor Company of Sub-Saharan Africa region.
“The main driver behind Ford in Africa is affordability. Africa is one of the youngest markets in the world and presents a huge opportunity in terms of consumption. The buying power of the African consumer is on the rise as the continent’s middle class increases exponentially. Despite infrastructure challenges, Africa has demonstrated impressive returns on foreign direct investment.” The semi-knockdown (SKD) operation in Nigeria was established in partnership with the local Ford dealer group, Coscharis Motors Limited and is based in Ikeja, Lagos State, approximately 750km south-west of Nigeria’s capital city Abuja. The Ranger trucks will be assembled at a semi-knockdown level, using body parts and components imported from Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in SA. Nigeria is a significant market in the automaker’s SubSaharan Africa (SSA) region and accounts for a solid percent of the regional sales. The programme will also look at training and skills transfer opportunities. Jeff Nemeth, President & ceo ford sub Saharan Africa region, alongside Dr Cosmos Maduka, President & ceo coscharis Group, celebrating the first customer for the Nigerian built Ranger.
Snap-on announces online winner A few months ago, Snap-on ran an online competition to win a Heritage Series green and gold tool storage unit, which we also featured in our web magazine. The winner - ticket 232 was recently drawn at the Snap-on head offices and verified by auditors BDO South Africa, before being announced. Quinton Williamson of Cape Town was delivered his prize by authorised dealer Neill Wilkie in November. Congratulations Quinton, it looks like it fits right in!
PAGE 14
Trade Talk
AutoForum - November / December 2015 The latest local and global news
AA demystifies Regulation 32A The Automobile Association (AA) sent out a media release in early November to clarify reports of new rules relating to the renewing of license discs that came into effect on 1 November.
The regulation states that anyone who does not comply with this notice will not receive their vehicle and driving licence renewal notices and any other road traffic related communication from eNaTIS.
While there has been some speculation regarding the details and implications of the new regulation, the AA would like to separate this speculation from fact.
The AA says it would like to point out that while the implementation of these regulations is happening now, they were gazetted, and a decision on their implementation was made, in November 2014.
Regulation 32A of the National Road Traffic Regulations requires all persons to provide proof of residence to acquire a license disc. The Department of Transport says the purpose of this regulation, which provides for the verification of address particulars on the eNaTIS system, is to ensure all people registered on the system “promptly and timeously receive their vehicle and driving licence renewal notices and any other road traffic related communique.” The regulation applies to all drivers of motor vehicles and all persons registered on the eNaTIS or those who wish to make use of the eNaTIS services, be it because they are holders of a valid South African driving licence or they are motor vehicle owners.
PAGE 16
“We would further like to point out that while there is a requirement for proof of residence, the new regulation cannot be used to withhold a license disc for outstanding e-toll fees.” “Regulations 25(7) and 59(2) of the National Road Traffic Act do not make provision for the withholding of licence discs for outstanding e-toll fees. Legislation that enables this action has not yet been gazetted.” Further the organisation would like to urge all licensing authorities to ensure they are properly geared to process all the people who apply for license discs as quickly as possible and to avoid long delays, which many have predicted may result from the implementation of the new regulations.
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NEWS FORUM
AutoForum - November / December 2015
REDISA wins at Oracle Awards The Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa has been recognised for its innovative and efficient systems for the second consecutive year at the Oracle Awards.
This process alone increases security and reduces theft as there are no physical money transactions.
The 2015 Oracle Innovation Award in Security was presented to REDISA for efficiently complying with regulatory requirements, securing critical applications and sensitive data, and lowering operational costs.
Erdmann explains that REDISA’s structure is essentially one of a reverse supply chain, made up of a virtual logistics fleet of transporters — micro collectors or waste entrepreneurs — with their own vehicles. To streamline operations and keep costs down, regional depots are the only infrastructure it owns.
REDISA CEO Hermann Erdmann commented: “This award highlights to an international audience our hard work creating a management system which is an effective tool to build and grow a recycling industry, create jobs, deal with an environmental problem and at the same time make a significant contribution to reducing the national carbon footprint,”.
For instance once the transporter delivers the load, a depot manager inputs information into the system via a tablet. The back-end of the system can keep track of all data: tyres collected, payments made, and orchestrating the onward transport to recycling centres. It allows for seamless management, and richer information collection and reporting.
The organisation explains that it has been successful in marrying a highly sophisticated technology process with basic micro business capabilities. The system registers the tyres that need to be collected from dealerships for transport to one of the many depots around the country. Because most transporters only have access to basic mobile phones, this information is sent via SMS functionality, payment for the transporter is also sent via the same function.
Using Oracle software tools, REDISA is able to track carbon emissions created by the transport network of owner managed businesses. The initiative is also able to report on the emissions created by the processing facilities as a result of the tyres delivered to their premises. The award presentation took place in San Francisco on 28 October 2015.
Don’t bin that battery According to First National Battery, a subsidiary of Metair Investments Limited, the disposal of batteries in SA is a key concern, particularly when it comes to the recycling of lead acid batteries. “Importers of lead acid batteries don’t always share our sense of responsibility toward protecting the environment – and for this reason our Scrap Battery division is committed to recycling all scrap lead acid batteries across the country,” says First National Battery Automotive Marketing Director, Andrew Webb. Discarding a used car battery in domestic refuse is not a great solution for disposing of it – but is sadly a very common occurrence! The lead, plastic and acid in the batteries can be extremely harmful to the environment if not disposed of correctly. Recycling of lead acid batteries is vital to sustainability, waste management and reducing the risk and impact of pollution. “Our 120 Battery Centre franchises across the country are drop-off points for lead acid batteries that need to be recycled. For large volumes of scrap batteries, make use of Scrap
PAGE 18
Battery’s free collection service, by contacting Battery Centre or call toll free 0800 333 462 for assistance.” It is a win-win for battery users – by recycling through the system, customers avoid paying the lead surcharge on their new battery bought through Battery Centre. Scrap Battery collects scrap sealed lead acid batteries as well as lead acid vehicle starter and industrial batteries. “Scrap Battery buys used lead acid batteries based on a number of variables, and we pride ourselves on offering competitive prices per kilo,” adds Webb. Other rechargeable battery types (as used in cell phones, laptops and toys) can be placed in collection bins offered by major retailers in South Africa. “More than 90% of all scrap batteries in SA are recycled. Scrap Battery is proud to be at the forefront of recycling efforts and through Battery Centre, will continue to educate and encourage South Africans to recycle used lead acid batteries,” adds Webb.
Audi Genuine Parts Vorsprung through and through. Vorsprung durch Technik is not only our promise, it is the basic philosophy that drives everything we do. Carrying the promise of progressive engineering to its core, Audi Genuine Parts are as distinct as the brand they represent. Audi Genuine Parts originate during the development of each model, ensuring the perfect fit, quality and reliability you expect from Audi. With new discounts on Audi Genuine Parts, available exclusively from Audi Centre Anytown, you can keep enjoying the perfect Audi experience. Visit Audi Centre Anytown for more details.
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Part No. 1K0-129-607-AQ A3 2004 - 2013
Part No. 03F-141-025 A3 2009 - 2013
8E0-615-301-T A4 2001 - 2009
Price: R207,57*
Price: R1377,39*
Price: R1966,12*
Price: R1070,35*
POLLEN FILTER
CLUTCH DISC
Part No. 4B0-819-439-C A4 2001 - 2008 A6 1998 - 2005
Part No. 036-141-032-H A1 2011 - 2014 A3 2004 - 2013
Price: R291,54*
Price: R1562,56*
ROLLER Part No. 03G-109-244-A A3 2004 - 2008 Price: R558,83*
INJECTOR
SPARK PLUG
Price: R1915,33*
Price: R71,80*
Part No. 06F-906-036-A A3 2004 - 2008 A4 2005 - 2009 A6 2005 - 2011 TT 2007 - 2010
Part No. 101-000-033-AA A3 1997 - 2013 A4 1995 - 2008 A6 1995 - 1997 A8 1994 - 1999
TOOTH BELT Part No. 056-109-119-A A100 1989 - 1999 Price: R72,53*
Audi Centre Anytown, 123 Street Name, Suburb, Tel: 0822 111 888 * Prices are recommended retail exclusive of VAT and are subject to change without notification. Part applicability dependent on chassis number. Valid from 15 August 2015 – 19 February 2016.
Genuine Parts
PAGE 19 OGILVY CAPE TOWN 83833/E/DEALER 275
NEWS FORUM
AutoForum - November / December 2015
Aston Martin shows off the db9 gt bond special edition - Grant West
Grant Dryden, GM Aston Martin South Africa recently revealed the strictly limited DB9 GT Bond Edition at their Sandton premises. For as long as one remembers, Aston Martin has been the preferred sports car of James Bond the ultimate spy of fiction and film. With the release of Bond’s new movie “Spectre”, Aston Martin are celebrating this long-standing relationship with the launch of the DB9 GT Bond Edition. Limited to 150 examples worldwide, this model is based on the recently launched DB9 GT and delivers world-class grand touring, with hand-built excellence. “South Africa has been allocated three of these iconic limited edition vehicles. We have received a great deal of interest around these vehicles, with two being delivered to their new owners imminently,” said Dryden.
PAGE 20
“Due to the limited production run, this is definitely a must have for any car collection.” Powered by a 6.0-litre V12-engine, which is capable of generating 540hp at 6750 rpm and 620 Nm of torque at 5500 rpm, the car accelerates 0-100 km/h in a mere 4.5 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 295km/h. The all-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve 5,935 cc front mid-mounted V12 is mated to the proven rear mid-mounted Touchtronic II six-speed transmission with electronic shift-bywire control system. The all-round independent double wishbone suspension continues to deliver secure handling, while the three-stage Adaptive Damping System (ADS) offers distinct Normal, Sport and Track modes for the broadest possible breadth of dynamic characteristics. Additionally, this GT features unique “Spectre” Silver paint; sterling silver Aston Martin badges front and rear; and discreet ‘007 Bond Edition’ exterior badging. The elegant styling of the DB9 GT includes unique ten-spoke gloss black diamond turned 20-inch alloy wheels; aluminum bonnet vents, side strakes and grille; carbon fibre front splitter and rear diffuser, and grey brake calipers.
The Bond Edition interior continues its homage to James Bond with unique numbered sill plaques featuring the familiar 007 logo; gun barrel embroidery on the 2+2’s rear seat divider and a special Bond Edition start-up screen on the new model’s AMi II touch-sensitive Aston Martin infotainment system. If you don’t feel like climbing into this cockpit you may already be dead. Besides its unique interior and exterior features, the DB9 GT Bond Edition offers a suite of elegant Bond-themed accessories to complement the model’s creation. Presented in a fine-crafted 21” Globe-Trotter trolley case finished with an embossed leather luggage tag, the collector’s car also includes an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m James Bond Limited Edition watch, complete with a unique Aston Martin strap. Welcoming the debut of the DB9 GT Bond Edition, Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer is quoted as saying: “Aston Martin and James Bond are intrinsically linked in the minds of many of our enthusiasts and, indeed, owners, worldwide and in the run-up to the launch of the new film, Spectre, which sees Bond behind the wheel of the DB10, we are very happy to be able to celebrate the partnership with this superb limited edition DB9 GT collector’s item.” The new DB9 GT Bond Edition is now available to order in markets around the world and priced at R3.6M.
PAGE 21
NEWS FORUM
AutoForum - November / December 2015
The emissions scandal and its impact on South Africa The VW emissions scandal talk seems to have died down somewhat locally, but it is still big news internationally, where the automaker is being sued in Australia, investigations continue in the US and Europe and the brand is top of mind for all the wrong reasons. The local arm of the automaker has remained quiet, however, but this has not stopped questions being raised by concerned South African VW owners. Who better to ask then, than the AA? The Automobile Association of South Africa says it has indeed received numerous enquiries from the public and media since mid-September relating to Volkswagen AG’s use of defeat devices on certain diesel vehicles. As a service to local motorists, the organisation has released a briefing document provided by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) outlining the various issues. It says that it must be noted that although this document is Europe specific, it does provide useful background on the matter, as well as the position of FIA Region 1, of which the AA is a member. You can access the document here : http://www.aa.co.za/ content/FIA-VW-QA.pdf Emissions Guidelines The acceptable limits for exhaust emissions of new vehicles are defined by the European Emission Standards. There are a number of levels of the standards up to Euro 6. Currently, South Africa operates under Euro 2 guidelines. New fuel specifications for South Africa are being considered, but an implementation date has yet to be determined.
Although Volkswagen vehicles locally do not meet the higher Euro 5 standards currently applied in Europe, they do meet the local Euro 2 standards. Regardless of this, the National Regulator for Compulsory Standards (NRCS) has indicated their intention to test local variants of Volkswagen vehicles. It is, however, not anticipated that any of these local vehicles will be recalled in the worldwide recall scheduled to begin in January 2016. Cleaner Fuels in South Africa South African efforts to improve emissions and move to the Euro 5 standards through improvements in local fuel quality, are pending. The South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA) explains that the process of introducing cleaner fuels in the country started in 1986 with the removal of lead from petrol. SAPIA notes on its website (www.sapia.co.za): “In June 2012, the Minister of Energy promulgated amended regulations providing for new fuel specifications to be introduced by July 2017. The Department of Energy has subsequently informed the oil industry that the 2017 implementation date had been pushed out to a date still to be determined.” Its sad news really that we are so far behind in the cleaner fuels campaign that is being chased globally, but perhaps good news for VW. SA has many goals to achieve over the next few years to try to catch up environmentally, lets hope fuels are on the list soon.
... and it’s not all bad news - VWSA gains the group’s 1st ISO9001:2015 Volkswagen Group South Africa’s manufacturing plant in Uitenhage has gained the first ISO9001:2015 standard certification from TÜV NORD Hanover for the group. According to the local arm of the German automaker, its Quality Assurance department took six weeks to meet the requirements of the new ISO9001:2015 standard, which was certified in an annual audit undertaken by TÜV NORD Hanover from 2 - 10 November. This achievement guarantees that the Uitenhage plant has the management systems in place as a pre-requisite for export to international customers and therefore the continuation of its export programme, whilst simultaneously providing assurance to customers, suppliers and employees that VWSA is compliant with international standards.
PAGE 22
“ISO9001:2015 Quality Management Systems is the world’s leading quality management standard and we are proud as VWSA to be the first manufacturing plant in the Volkswagen production network to achieve this certification,” said Thomas Schaefer, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group South Africa. The International Organisation for Standardisation based in Geneva, Switzerland has allowed companies a three year transition period to convert to the new standard, which is described as the most significant change to the ISO 9001 standard since inception. The ISO 9001 helps organisations demonstrate to customers that they can offer products and services of consistently good quality, it also acts as a tool to streamline processes, making them more efficient.
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PAGE 23
NEWS FORUM
AutoForum - November / December 2015
Audi tops race to driverless cars Audi ranks as one of the leaders in the global motor industry movement toward autonomous driving – that is according to a new study conducted by Navigant Research. Audi, Daimler, BMW and General Motors were found to be the leading automakers as they move toward the goal of producing selfdriven vehicles in the next few years.
- Clare Rutkiewicz
Among the automaker’s accomplishments with more advanced piloted driving still in development, have been the completion of a test drive by a selected group of journalists in an Audi A7 that drove more than 560 miles, largely hands-free on Interstate highways, from Silicon Valley, California, to the International Consumer Electronics Show in Law Vegas last January. Audi has predicted that the company will field a model capable of fully autonomous driving within the next few years. Navigant ranked each of 18 original-equipment manufacturers according to a number of criteria and then, based on their scores, grouped them into ranked categories.
“Our approach looked at the overall strategy and execution, to see who’s got the best history in this area as well as who’s got the most on the drawing board now and has made announcements about what is going to be launched in the next year or two,” said David Alexander, the senior research analyst for the market research and consulting firm. Today’s Audi vehicles already demonstrate many of the advanced driver assistance technologies that form the building blocks of what one could term “piloted” driving, including active lane assist, adaptive cruise control, the brand’s side assist and pre sense rear, helping drivers change lanes safely.
PAGE 24
After the “Leaders” group of four that included Audi, Navigant ranked as “Contenders” Volvo, Ford, Toyota and Honda; as “Challengers” Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover, Tesla and Hyundai/Kia; and in the last group, Fiat Chrysler, Mazda, Renault, PSA Peugeot Citroen and Mitsubishi. Alexander acknowledged that Google has helped create a lot of media, public and industry interest in self-driving and has undertaken significant development work on the concept. However, Navigant did not include the tech giant among serious candidates for fielding its own self-driving vehicle in the next few years “because they’re not in danger of putting anything into production in that time,” he said.
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1999-2009
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1997-2007
T40010
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1997-2007
T80020
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T80010
TOYOTA QUANTAM 2.5 D4D (2KD)
T83020
AUDI A4 / VW PASSAT 1.8T
1996-2005
T83030
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1999-2004
T83040
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2004-2008
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Application
SolidW o For Ac rks Student ademi c Use O Edition. nlyNelspruit . George
Bloemfontein
Durban
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Pretoria
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PAGE 25
NEWS FORUM
AutoForum - November / December 2015
No big smiles - NHTSA imposes $200M civil penalty on Takata airbags The US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced in early November that it had issued two orders designed to protect the traveling public from defective Takata air bag inflators. The orders impose the largest civil penalty in NHTSA’s history for Takata’s violations of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, and for the first time use the organisation’s authority to accelerate recall repairs to millions of affected vehicles in that country. The actions also prioritise recalls so the greatest safety risks are addressed first, and set deadlines for future recalls of other Takata inflators that use a suspect propellant, unless they are proved to be safe. “For years, Takata has built and sold defective products, refused to acknowledge the defect, and failed to provide full information to NHTSA, its customers, or the public,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “The result of that delay and denial has harmed scores of consumers and caused the largest, most complex safety recall in history. Today’s actions represent aggressive use of NHTSA’s authority to clean up these problems and protect public safety.” The Consent Order issued to Takata imposes a record civil penalty of $200 million and requires the company to phase out the manufacture and sale of inflators that use phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant, which is believed to be a factor in explosive ruptures that have caused 7 deaths and nearly 100 injuries in the United States. The Consent Order also lays out a schedule for recalling all Takata ammonium nitrate inflators now on the roads, unless the company can prove they are safe or can show it has determined why its inflators are prone to rupture.
PAGE 26
The company has admitted that it was aware of a defect but failed to issue a timely recall, a violation of the US Motor Vehicle Safety Act. In connection with the Consent Order, NHTSA also issued findings that Takata provided NHTSA with selective, incomplete or inaccurate data dating back to at least 2009, and continuing through the agency’s current investigation, and that Takata also provided its customers with selective, incomplete or inaccurate data. Of that $200 million fine, $70 million is payable in cash. An additional $130 million would become due if Takata fails to meet its commitments or if additional violations of the Safety Act are discovered. The order also imposes unprecedented oversight on Takata for the next five years, including an independent monitor selected by NHTSA to assess, track and report the company’s compliance with the phase-out schedule and other requirements of the Consent Order, and to oversee the Coordinated Remedy Programme. “Today, we are holding Takata responsible for its failures, and we are taking strong action to protect the traveling public,” said NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind. “We are accelerating Takata recalls to get safe air bags into American vehicles more quickly, ensuring that consumers at the greatest risk are protected, and addressing the long-term risk of Takata’s use of a suspect propellant.” Separately, the Coordinated Remedy Order issued to Takata and the 12 vehicle manufacturers involved in the existing Takata recalls directs them to prioritise their remedy programmes based on risk, and establishes a schedule by which they must have sufficient parts on hand to remedy the defect for all affected vehicles.
PAGE 27
Business Forum
AutoForum - November / December 2015
Business insight
Decreased CCI indicates weak economy TransUnion has released the latest SA Consumer Credit Index (CCI) report, which shows a decline in the index to 51.2 in the third quarter of 2015. This is down from a revised 53.6 in Q2. TransUnion adds that new account defaults and distressed borrowing levels have seen a marginal increase, although both indicators were relatively neutral and do not show either materially worsening or improving credit behaviour. The CCI is a unique indicator of consumer credit health and measures the ability of consumers to service existing credit obligations within the constraints of their monthly household budget. It is based on a 100-point scale, where 50.0 is the break-even level between improvement and deterioration of credit health.
quarters of 2015 suggest neither significant improvement nor worsening in financial distress.
TransUnion’s Owen Sorour, commented: “While the CCI remains above the 50 point break-even mark, the decline in the index compared to previous quarters of the year shows that improving trends in consumer credit health have slowed and are possibly starting to reverse course. Consumer credit health is only marginally better compared to the same quarter a year ago, despite a period of relatively soft inflation. This highlights SA’s weak Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, which at around 1.5% is well below the historical average. Despite the somewhat encouraging official employment statistics for Q3, the broader trend is still one in which new job opportunities are scarce, salary increases are barely keeping pace with inflation, and in general consumers are feeling the pressure.”
“Many factors have contributed to the trends observed in this quarter’s report,” said Sorour. “Interest rates have increased slightly and we can expect that they will continue to do so. The petrol price has risen once again, electricity costs increased in the quarter, and the rand exchange rate remains volatile. While none of these factors are very significant in their own right, when combined and coupled with South Africa’s weak economic growth, they indicate that consumers will be feeling the pressure for some time to come.”
According to the TransUnion payment profile database, by February 2015 new consumer loan defaults (accounts three months in arrears) were declining by 8.3% year on year. This means that there were fewer new defaults - in the second quarter of 2015, the rate of decline was 5.0% and by the end of Q3 2015, the rate of this decline had slowed to just 1.6% year-on-year. While there are still fewer people defaulting on their accounts than in previous years, the rate of improvement has slowed significantly and indicates that the pressure on consumers’ credit health is starting to increase. The TransUnion distressed borrowing indicator deteriorated marginally in Q3, with more people resorting to borrowing money in order to pay off debt or general expenses. Distressed borrowing shows the amount of revolving credit such as credit cards and store cards used by consumers as a percentage of their overall credit limit. The index shows a marginal increase in distressed borrowing of 0.8% when comparing the figures to Q3 2014. Despite marginally more distress in the 3rd quarter, the overall trend still shows improvement, and the figures from the second and third
PAGE 28
The household cash flow index weakened in the 3rd quarter, although the decline too was marginal and cash flow remains better than during 2014. Lower rates of inflation on essential purchases (non-discretionary items) have contributed to this trend. In 2015 so far, non-discretionary inflation has averaged 3.8% year-on-year, while from 2011 to 2014 it averaged 5.8% year-on-year. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) raised the benchmark repo rate from 5.75% to 6.00% during the 3rd quarter, which has resulted in debt service costs increasing slightly.
The decline in the index for the third quarter of 2015 represents the largest single quarter drop since the first quarter of 2012. It is also a fairly sharp reversal of the upward trend that has been experienced since the first quarter of 2013. The weak economic environment has caused concern in policy and financial circles of an impending recession should things not take a turn for the better. “Numerous analysts are now arguing that recession risks have risen substantially,” said Sorour. “While no single indicator of consumer credit health shows a significant decline, a prolonged period of difficulty since 2008 and low levels of liquid household savings make the consumer sector vulnerable to these macroeconomic headwinds. We are beginning to see this in increased defaults in areas such as automotive and banking loans, typically the first areas to indicate a worsening situation. “While businesses will not be affected by this trend for some time, eventually reduced consumer spending will result in pressure on business margins. Once again we are already seeing this in the automotive market, with the rate of new car sales declining and the price of vehicles remaining stable or even beginning to fall. This will eventually have a knockon effect to other non-essential goods, putting pressure on local business. The general outlook calls for conservative behaviour. Although the festive season is upon us, now is not the time to spend money you do not have.”
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Contact your nearest PIA branch today Bloemfontein
Durban
George
Nelspruit
Cape Town
East London
Johannesburg
Port Elizabeth
CH4518
Tel: (051) 506-0700 Fax: (051) 447-8336
Tel: (021) 590-7500 Fax: (021) 591-5033
Tel: (031) 533-5300 Fax: (031) 569-6576
Tel: (043) 703-8000 Fax: (043) 743-8418
Tel: (044) 874-4175 Fax: (044) 874-3706
Tel: (011) 879-6000 Fax: (011) 454-0200
Tel: (013) 752-4821 Fax: (013) 752-4869
Tel: (041) 390-3000 Fax: (041) 373-0090
Pretoria
Tel: (012) 377-7500 Fax: (012) 377-3896
BUSINESS FORUM
AutoForum - November / December 2015
65% Automechanika Frankfurt space sold From 13 to 17 September 2016, Automechanika Frankfurt will once again be the international meeting place for the automotive service industry. To date, more than 1,700 exhibitors from 59 countries have registered and 65% of the exhibition space is already taken. Olaf Musshoff, Director Automechanika Frankfurt, explains: “The high level of demand and internationality at this early point in time, underscore the significance of the fair for our customers who use Automechanika as an innovation platform for their business, and for making new contacts and networking. Visitors can look forward to a very large and wide-ranging spectrum of products and services, giving them an unrivalled overview of the worldwide market.” The numerous renowned suppliers and manufacturers from the equipment, parts, accessories, management and service segments include Bosch, Brembo, Continental, Christ, Denso, Hella, Istobal, KAW Kiehl, Maha, Mahle, Schaeffler, Wabco and ZF. Around 25% of exhibitors will present products and services for the truck sector. For further information for exhibitors and registration details, please see the Automechanika Frankfurt website at www. automechanika-frankfurt.com. Automechanika remains a key platform for innovations and future-oriented solutions
and trends and, for the first time, will present the aftersales world of the future as ‘Tomorrow’s Service & Mobility’ in the ‘Festhalle’ of Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre. Accordingly, visitors will have the chance to see the workshop of the future, as well as products and solutions for the connectivity, alternative drive trains, automated driving and mobility services segments. As in the past, the subject of basic and advanced training will be one of the most important focal points in 2016. Aimed primarily at workshop employees and proprietors, the range of free certified workshops and training courses, some of them in English, will also be expanded. The show also gives companies and potential trainees the opportunity to meet at the fair, with the Automechanika Academy a unique information platform with numerous lectures by renowned experts. The Automechanika Innovation Award this year adds the ‘Green Award’, which goes to the most sustainable product among all those entered. All award-winning products will be on show at a special exhibition throughout Automechanika Frankfurt. We will be there and look forward to meeting up with our regulars as well as meeting new readers. Or watch this space for the report back.
Household debt plays havoc with sales in October October Naamsa figures have shown that South African new vehicle sales continued to decline over the month, with industry sales totaling just 54 244 vehicles. This represents an 8.6% year-on-year decline, with a notable decrease in government and rental channel sales. Government channel sales declined a whopping 25.7% and the rental market slumped 23.8%, both compared to sales in October 2014. Sales through the dealer channel, which accounts for consumer sales, only declined 2% over the same period. Total passenger car sales saw a year-on-year decline of 10.9%, with 36 175 vehicles sold. October saw 15 171 sales of light commercial vehicles (LCVs), a market decline 4.1%. Despite this, LCV sales through the dealer channel grew 1.5%, year-on-year. “The current macro-economic headwinds are mirrored in this sales decline. With prevailing low confidence levels, corporates are not spending money acquiring new or replacement assets, choosing instead to hold onto their capital,” said Simphiwe Nghona, CEO of Motor Division at WesBank. “With a forecast
PAGE 30
of subdued growth in the GDP, coupled with various other economic factors, we don’t expect sales to improve.” Wesbank says that despite the drop in sales in the government and rental markets, both dealer sales and WesBank’s application data indicate that there remains strong demand for new vehicles among consumers. In line with the smaller sales declines through the dealer channel, record numbers of finance applications were received in October. Finance applications for new vehicles grew 7.5%, year-on-year. This imbalance points to deteriorating credit profiles. With high levels of household debt and new lending rules that are more stringent, fewer consumers are qualifying for vehicle finance. Additionally, household budgets have been under pressure throughout the year, on the back of a depreciating Rand, fluctuating fuel prices, interest rate hikes and all the associated increases in living costs.
PAGE 31
AutoForum - November / December 2015
A streamlined supply chain will address the SA automotive parts challenge Despite the competitiveness of the South African automotive industry, questions around the affordability and availability of spare parts and maintaining the sustainability of the sector remain. The recently released 2015 Kinsey Report, examining the prices of parts as a percentage of the cost of a vehicle, paints a grim picture of the South African landscape. It shows examples of alarmingly high prices, which cannot be blamed entirely on the weak currency. “Automotive parts will always be a sensitive subject for consumers and dealerships alike. While the market is definitely susceptible to the deteriorating Rand, the fact that each manufacturer, dealership, and parts supplier have different approaches to pricing and import process only complicates matters,” says Adam Orlin, CEO of Blue Strata Trading import and working capital specialist. “While spare parts form part of the bigger automotive supply chain, as with any industry, pricing in one area can have significant repercussions up and down the value chain that puts additional pressure on the market.” “Given the current depressed economic conditions, including the decline in new vehicle sales figures, consumers might retain current vehicles, creating a greater demand for aftermarket automotive component imports and parts,” Orlin suggests. “As a result, many in the industry are looking for ways and cost effective ones at that, to streamline the process and minimise the risk.”
PAGE 32
For Orlin, technology has helped bring this risk to the foreground. “Implementing the right technology allows for the automotive industry to assign different values to different stock or parts in a significantly dynamic way. This means that the collateral risk management platform allows for the company to update its risk management systems on a real-time basis in terms of the way it values assets. As a result, by being able to manage the risk, the financier can place value on goods in transit, instead of simply taking stock and debtors at a point in time,” explains Orlin. “This means that the industry is more empowered than ever before and can take control around cost and service.” As a member of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation, as well as the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers, Blue Strata is actively involved in driving discussions with automotive components importers to see if they can engage in mutually beneficial business partnerships going forward. “There is no quick fix to pricing of imported parts but manufacturers need to take a more active role in being more aligned to local financial concerns. Partnerships between dealers and importers also present an opportunity for market stability despite the currency volatility. Mutually beneficial arrangements that take into account the relatively remote location of South Africa to international manufacturers could help drive positive momentum in the sector,” concludes Orlin.
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AutoForum - November / December 2015
The e-toll zombie that refuses to just die - again the AA slams tax funding of eTolls Gauteng Finance MEC Barbara Creecy announced mid month the allocation of R123 million to the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) for the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP). The allocation is part of her medium-term policy statement.
road users from the burden of cost. This allocation nullifies this argument, as there will be many thousands of Gauteng residents who don’t use the GFIP system but who will, indirectly through their taxes, be funding it,” the association noted.
In a commentary on the announcement, the Automobile Association said the allocation completely takes the users of the system out of the picture and places the burden of funding on all taxpayers in the province, regardless of GFIP usage or even car ownership.
“Our view, as it has been since the outset, is that a portion of the fuel levy must be ring-fenced to fund the GFIP. We support initiatives to improve roads in all provinces but funding these improvements through e-tolls is not the answer, as the unnecessary administrative costs place an extra burden on the already over stretched motorists, and the South African taxpayer,” added the association.
The organisation believes that making a 50% contribution towards the shortfall in funding for the e-tolling system, to the value of R123 million, completely nullifies the argument that it is a “user pays” system and contradicts government’s refusal to consider more reasonable alternative funding models for the system. The AA further believes the allocation is a clear indication from government that the system is now, and will continue to remain, unpopular, and unsupported, among Gauteng motorists. “SANRAL’s argument for the e-toll system throughout has been that this is a user pays system, which relieves all other
PAGE 34
Providing this shortfall funding is also an admission from government that the system is not working as so many motorists in Gauteng simply boycott the system, despite being offered reduced rates as incentives to do so. (Which offers, by the way, get daily media exposure - at what portion of cost out of the R123M one wonders?). “This allocation puts to rest any argument over whether this system is being supported or not. Having to fund such a large amount to cover a shortfall is perhaps the strongest indication yet that it is not. If everyone was paying their e-tolls, this allocation wouldn’t be needed.”
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PAGE 35
AutoForum - November / December 2015
Innovation & revolution from beyond the assembly plant gate - by Dave Scott
It’s traditional for truck original equipment manufacturers to focus on wholesale figures. That means pushing as many completed chassis/cab units outside the factory gates and onto truck dealer financing floorplans. The pressure of expensive chassis/cab stock units at point of retail generates the pressure to sell and at least some ownership of the retail forecast created at truck OEM level. That’s the theory of past performances.
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But what if you take a trucking interest in what happens beyond the factory gate?
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This is most often left in the hands of truck dealers, their customers and truck body builders. The official monthly reported Naamsa figures only record broad-brush chassis/ cab retail figures and not the exact type of application – was the freight carrier an aerial platform unit, a crane mounted truck, a steel box van or a refuse compactor? We don’t know. Only a clever truck OEM digs deeper to find out exactly into what application/segment/ geographic market its trucks are being sold, including knowledge of peripheral equipment such as power-take-offs and other chassis modifications. And then there is also the quality factor. There are well over 150 truck body builders in South Africa, all with varying quality standards. And while the truck OEM’s are subject to severelyapplied quality standards plus homologation, there are no such entry-level quality standards for body-builders to become a registered MIB – manufacturer/importer/ builder of vehicles – within the NaTIS system, providing they remain within the truck OEM homologated envelope. Poor cargo body mounting standards damage truck chassis and impact on total cost of ownership. Truck operators do not operate just a chassis cab but the whole truck with its purpose-built cargo body and all peripheral equipment – their perception is of the complete truck. That is also why the quality of truck bodies and related equipment must be of equal high standards to match the first and second economic lives of trucks.
Isuzu Truck South Africa has turned all of this on its head by launching a unique, unilateral program to improve the engineering quality, durability and on-road safety of cargo bodies and all equipment that is chassis-mounted or fitted to Isuzu trucks in Africa. This initiative includes training, self-auditing, and configuration management guidelines for truck body builders in Africa which is free-ofcharge, excluding the cost of an initial audit, and will benefit the entire road transport industry. All new trucks, regardless of make, will benefit from Isuzu Truck South Africa taking the lead on this ambitious project that will improve trucking’s total cost of ownership and the value of used trucks on the market. In addition, a remarkable display at Gerotek west of Pretoria for two weeks of over 50 Isuzu trucks equipped with a wide range of body equipment proved that Isuzu Truck South Africa has moved out of traditional thinking to what’s happening ‘where the rubber meets the pothole’. There are more than 79 Isuzu truck model variants and truck selling starts at the back end – firstly, knowing the cargo in terms of specific gravity and if classified as dangerous goods; secondly, defining the correct cargo body/trailer application plus handling equipment to carry those goods; finally selecting the appropriate Isuzu chassis/cab in terms of gross vehicle mass (GVM) and gross combination mass (GCM) to match the goods and cargo body. Everyone talks about and wants to be ‘close to the customer’ – Isuzu Truck South Africa is taking serious steps to get there.
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.
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1 – Truck-on-truck carrier Through KANU body builders Isuzu Truck South Africa has produced the first truck transporter that is totally compliant with all the Road Traffic Act Regulations, not requiring any special permits to operate on SA roads. This articulated rig will transport four chassis-cab N-Series models in complete safety. The movement of new trucks across South Africa means that a truck can pick up anywhere between 1000km to 6000km prior to delivery which impacts on new vehicle warranties with these ferry convoys compounding road safety conditions for other road users – particularly at night. 2 – Road rail unit This Isuzu double cab N-Series model runs on Transnet rails and SANRAL roads – it carries rail and inspection/repair teams and returns from a rail inspection tour by road. 4 – Palletised brick transporter This unit can unload both truck and a towed trailer – mass distribution is critical as well as the crane mounting procedures behind the driven axles.
3 – Truck mounted telescopic crane As opposed to a knuckle-boom folding crane, straight-boom telescopic cranes provide greater ability to reach over walls, fences and obstacles. They can also reach high places as well as below ground level, to provide for higher productivity on the work site and a straight-boom crane lifts straight up and down, making loading in narrow spaces possible, with reduced risk of damage to the cargo. 5 – Demountable car carrier Towing a car by road is not the answer – apart from the possible damage that may occur to the transmission, there may be other accident damage or technical reasons why a demountable body is the superior heavy-lift answer to a problem. 6 – Mobile showroom A mobile showroom brings the product to the people – and usable for transport when not on display.
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AutoForum - November / December 2015
Volvo Group launches road safety campaign for kids The Volvo Group Southern Africa recently launched a campaign - Stop, Look, Wave – which is focused on promoting safety among children, with specific focus on teaching them how best to behave around trucks, buses and cars. Current statistics put traffic deaths at 3 400 globally per day, with South Africa’s road mortality rate 31.9 deaths per 100 000 people (according to an August 2015 issue of Time Magazine). The World Health Organisation estimates that without drastic action, the number of road traffic fatalities will increase by 45% by 2030, and commercial vehicles are implicated in about 10% of fatal road accidents. “Over the years, the Volvo Group has developed many pioneering safety features for its products to limit the impact of traffic accidents on people,” said Torbjörn Christensson, President of Volvo Group Southern Africa. “We have also found in our research that the cause of the majority of road accidents is as a result of to human behaviour to some degree. For this reason, Volvo Group has decided to work on raising children’s awareness of how to behave safely in traffic through its Stop, Look, Wave campaign.” At the campaign’s kick-off event in South Africa, Volvo Group in partnership with the Star for Life non-profit organisation, educated 768 children at Palmridge Primary School in Kathlehong, Johannesburg, about the importance of road safety.
A training kit was specially developed to facilitate conversations with the children, and the message was brought home through various song and dance activities. The participating children also received reflective vests to wear to make them more visible wherever they walk or ride their bicycles. The day also involved discussion and practical demonstrations regarding the size of trucks and buses, their uses, when and how they operate, as well as the need for road users to be as visible as possible to the truck drivers. “We are very proud to partner with Star for Life in this essential campaign,” said Valentia Hobbs, General Manager of Marketing and Communications at Volvo Group Southern Africa. “As one of the country’s leading vehicle manufactures, we believe it is our duty and privilege to campaign for more awareness around road safety, especially when it comes to children.” Star for Life also had a mobile health unit available to the high school students to distribute primary health care information and to offer basic treatment and services. The Stop, Look, Wave campaign will now be rolled out to other Star for Life Schools around the country, in order to reach as many children as possible.
Economic climate evident from truck sales Truck sales have continued their ninth month of decline according to the latest combined results released by Naamsa, AMH and AAD, which found that year-to-date sales have declined by 4.3% by the end of October, to reach 25 133 units. “The decline was recorded across the majority of segments, with Heavy Commercial Vehicles being the only exception with 1.2% year-on-year growth,” said Torbjörn Christensson, President of Volvo Group Southern Africa. “Most of the segments have narrowed their losses, which is a bit of positive news for the industry.” Sales in the Medium Commercial Vehicle (MCV) segment declined by 5.1% when compared to 2014’s year-to-date performance, to log 8 507 sales.
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Extra Heavy Commercial Vehicles (EHCV) recorded a 5.2% loss in sales to conclude October on 11 216 units sold so far this year. The Bus segment is taking the biggest hit, with a 10.1% decline in sales and only 908 sales recorded by the end of October. “We are in for some challenging times ahead, with a range of macroeconomic factors, as well as decadelow business confidence levels, having a negative impact on the South African truck market,” said Christensson. “In these tough market conditions, it is those truck manufacturers who excel at aftermarket support and quality service who retain customers and ultimately win new business. Literally every sale and every service counts in this extremely competitive environment.”
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PAGE 39
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Tighter controls for fewer road deaths Rhys Evans, Director of ALCO-Sa has released an opinion piece to the media regarding the organisation’s belief that the SA transport sector needs tighter controls and regulations to curb drink driving fatalities. Crosses from wood, markers from stone, some decorated with plastic flowers and others displaying photographs of the dead. Roadside memorials marking the locations of fatal traffic accidents have become a common sight in South Africa. The unfortunate reality is that many of these accidents are caused by professional drivers in the transport industry, and the number of incidents that result from driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is unacceptably high. Tighter control and regulation of the transport sector, similar to that seen in the mining industry, is essential in helping to reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents, injuries and deaths on our roads. Worldwide statistics indicate that every year around 1.2 million people die in road traffic accidents – a staggering 3000 every day. Global forecasts predict that the number of fatalities on the roads will continue to increase dramatically if this current trend continues. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has emphasised the need for effective legislation to be implemented to ensure that the transportation industry becomes regulated and monitored, in order to reduce this trend. Alcohol consumption remains a major contributing factor to both the risk of road traffic incidents as well as the severity of injuries and the rate of fatalities that result. While the frequency of drinking and driving varies between countries, decades of research have shown that drunk drivers have a significantly higher risk of being involved in a road crash than drivers who have not consumed alcohol. According to the South African national injury mortality surveillance system, there were 25 361 fatal injuries registered at 32 of the state mortuaries in 2001. This represents approximately 35% of all non-natural mortality in South Africa in that year. Transport-related deaths accounted for 27% of all the fatal injuries. These statistics show that the transportation sector plays a significant role in the rate of accidents and fatalities on our roads. As recommended by WHO, a more regulated environment is essential. This needs to include the enforcement and auditing of daily, compulsory breathalyser testing and random drug testing as well as comprehensive alcohol and substance abuse policies, training and education. The South African mining industry is an excellent example of how effective regulation and tight controls can help to curb the levels of drinking on the job, improving risk and ensuring adherence to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act. The mining industry is regulated with compulsory testing of all employees upon entering the premises, before they can begin work.
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The Department of Mineral Resources ensures compliance to this requirement by performing regular audits of the mines, during which operations can be shut down until the mine managers can prove they have been performing adequate testing. A similar practice needs to be adopted within the transport sector, with best practices requiring drivers to be tested before they are permitted to take out vehicles, as well as upon their return to ensure they have not been drinking while on the job. This process must be audited and enforced in order to ensure accountability and compliance with legal driving limits and daily compulsory breathalyser testing. Transport organisations also need to enforce a zero tolerance approach to driving under the influence, not only to ensure the safety of road users but also to comply with the OHS Act. Many transport organisations view breathalyser testing to be a chore rather than something beneficial, as an added expense and a waste of time. However, the reality is that by possibly permitting drunk drivers on the road, they could be incurring significant damage to their own vehicle assets as the result of accidents, not to mention the loss of human life that could occur. In addition, drunk drivers tend to be erratic, driving at inconsistent speeds and leaning heavily on the brakes, which incurs additional daily wear and tear. Furthermore, by enforcing testing transport companies can benefit from reduced absenteeism as well as fewer late deliveries. In addition to compulsory testing when drivers enter the premises and when they return from deliveries, transport companies should also augment this with educational programmes. Education on the dangers of alcohol consumption, and of driving under the influence, and practical examples of the devastating consequences that drunken driving can have, will all help to reduce the number of fatalities. Transport companies should also educate employees as to how they can drink safely, without being in danger of alcoholism or of contravening the laws around enforceable limits for professional drivers. Ultimately however, while transport companies need to play their part, it is essential for regulations to be put into place to enforce this zero tolerance approach. This must be driven by the government, as by putting these practices into law and performing regular audits of companies, it will be possible to drastically reduce the number of road deaths and injuries in South Africa.
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AutoForum - November / December 2015 Aftermarketplace
AutoForum - November / December
Snap-on tool storage special
Indy Oil introduces Engine Flush
Snap-on has a special `eEdition 11 Drawer White & Red Custom Tool storage unit on promotion for November and December. This is a 7 drawer roll cabinet with 4 drawer top chest combination, which boasts a combined closed size of 1,449mm high X 1,016mm wide X 500 deep.
Local lubricant manufacturer, Indy Oil, has expanded its range to include an engine flush product. Developed by the company’s in house chemist using the highest quality specialty additives, Indy Engine Flush is described as working by breaking up and removing harmful deposits and sludge build-up from vital components within the engine.
The unit currently sells for R29,480 exclusive of VAT and Snap-on will donate R1000 to the Save The Rhino fund, for each unit sold. Also available as individual units. For more information, visit the website www.snapon.co.za
Indy Engine flush is recommended for older or high mileage vehicles. It is used before servicing the vehicle, by pouring the product into the engine and allowing it to idle for 15-20 minutes before draining the engine oil. Indy Engine flush is available in a 375ml bottle and is suitable for use in both petrol and diesel engines. Further information on Indy Engine Flush and its usage can be found on the Indy Oil website www.indyoil.co.za
Bosch’s vehicle of the month campaign Robert Bosch SA runs a “vehicle of the month” campaign offering special deals on particular models. All sorts of components and replacement parts are on offer at special deals for that month.
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The example below is the Toyota Quantum in both petrol and diesel variants and covers products from filters, batteries, wiper blades and lighting right through to alternators, brake pads and discs. Watch Autoforum.co.za and AutoForum on Facebook and twitter for the latest deals - or visit your nearest Bosch dealer.
Body repair insight in association with BodyShop News Australia
Contents AIDC trainees’ new augmented-reality welding A reality check on MIG/MAG welding Dust Free SaNding
AutoForum - November / December 2015
BODYSHOP NEWS
AIDC trainees’ new augmentedreality welding The Automotive Industry Development
The trainee wears the augmented-reality
Centre (AIDC) in Rosslyn, Pretoria, has
headgear, simulating a real welding
announced that it has implemented an
environment. The headgear does this by
augmented-reality welding solution for its
generating realistic welding graphics,
trainees.
such as the weld pool and beam. It emits
BODYSHOP
simulated sparks and smoke and simulates Supplied by Sangari South Africa,
heating at the affected area - all of which is
an education solutions provider, the
viewed through the student’s headgear. It
Soldamatic augmented-reality welding
also simulates cracks, filler material, gravity
simulator is being used to upskill trainee
and undercutting.
welders, without the need for a formal training environment. The simulator benefits
“Welding skills can be trained for specific
include its low running costs, eliminating
applications and the student’s performance
the need for welding rods, steel plates
measured in a fair, reliable and unbiased
and oxygen or even special clothing or
manner. The unit includes 93 different
ventilation according to Bez Sangari, CEO
training lessons and customised lessons
Sangari South Africa, the sole distributor of
can also be added,” says Sangari.
the product. In addition, the trainer and trainee are “The system provides augmented-reality
able to analyse and assess the welding
3-D vision in a simulated workshop
performance in a video format afterwards, in
environment. Payback for a large training
order to evaluate skills such as the welding
institution is about 18-24 months, which is
velocity, stick out, travel and working
achieved because no materials are used and
angles. When required, maintenance and
the unit requires no special environment.”
upgrades of the software can be done remotely.
The simulator consists of a hardware unit the size of a standard PC with a built-in
The system supports SMAW, GTAW and
screen that allows the trainer to view the
GMAW processes and a variety of welding
student’s progress in real-time. Progress is
joints such as V-butt joint, Lap, T-joint, pipe
also recorded.
to square butt joints and pipe T-joints and a variety of angle welding exercises.
PAGE 44
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AutoForum - November / December 2015
BODYSHOP NEWS
A reality check on MIG/MAG welding
- Lori Lorenz
I recently had a mature aged apprentice. He was a
Many panel beaters “skip weld” to prevent burning holes.
qualified boiler maker and was decorated with every
As they should, they first tack weld the panel, but then,
conceivable welding ticket, undoubtedly a far more
they continue the process until the panel is fully welded.
qualified welder than I am.
The result is a very poor weld!
As part of the induction process we discussed whether some units could be RPLed (Recognition of Prior Learning) and welding was an obvious choice. Regardless of his qualifications and experience, I asked him to get an old quarter panel out of the metal bin and with a hacksaw, cut 200 millimetres into the panel. This is to simulate the weld we perform when we replace a quarter panel. Out of respect, I let him do the welding without me breathing down his neck and I worked with other apprentices while he performed this test weld. When you look at the other side of this weld, you can see Suddenly, the workshop peace was rudely interrupted
that it has only partially penetrated and the metal has
with a blast of choice words coming out of the welding
clearly not been fused together, it is simply a series of
bay. “How the f--- do you weld this s---!?”
cold welds with gaps in between.
With a little guidance and some practice he now masters
The above pictures are from students’ welding
welding thin metal as we do it in our industry and these
assessments and in my view not a pass, but what is
days, I often call on him to discuss welding issues.
disturbing is that there are employers out there who argue
This story clearly demonstrates that welding in the
with me that these welds should pass. If this was a rust
collision repair industry is very different to other trades;
patch on the bottom of a door, I would not be too worried,
however the basic principles are the same.
but if this was a structural part, I would have serious concerns.
Welding is fusing two pieces of metal together. Those of us that learned oxy welding understand this process well. A very hot flame was used to melt the two metal pieces together and sometimes, filler rod was used to fill the gaps. Oxy welding takes a fair bit of time to master, it is a slow process and distortion of the panels is a big problem. Skip welding
Continuous welding
I vividly remember the first MIG. It was a revolutionary piece of equipment. We considered it to be “distortion
On the left you see the result of skip welding, whereas on
free” welding; it was fast and very easy to learn, but
the right you see what continuous welding should look
welding thin panel steel can still be challenging.
like. Unfortunately, welding thin steel is challenging and as you would know, we end up with a piece of metal that has more resemblance with Swiss cheese if we were to weld continuously. So what is the solution? The answer lays in a compromise. Think of welding continuously, but releasing the trigger for a “puffteen” of
PAGE 46
Lori Lorenze is the Director of the Automotive Academy, a registered training organisation specialising in online education and based in Australia. It offers accredited and none-accredited courses for the Collision Repair Industry in Australia and oversees.
a second when the welding puddle becomes too wide.
in another accident, this weld would fail and I leave the
When you trigger again, it is important that the welding
outcome to your imagination.
puddle should still be seen as red through your mask. Listen to your welder. When you skip weld (the left side
A common problem with this weld is that the gun/torch
picture) you will hear: p.p.p.chrrrrrrr p.p.p.chrrrrrrr
angle needs to be changed to follow the contour of the
p.p.p.chrrrrrrr p.p.p.chrrrrrrr. The p.p.p. is the start-up
panel. Generally, you find less penetration in the “corners”
phase of the welder and some people refer to this as
or as some students call it, the “valleys”.
stutter.
I said earlier that MIG welding is easy to learn… well, welding a clean, five millimetre plate on a flat surface is,
On the right side picture you would hear p.p.p.chrrrrrrr
but welding panel steel can be a bit more challenging.
chrrrrrrr chrrrrrrr chrrrrrrr chrrrrrrr. Because the weld is still hot, no start up is required and the welder continues.
I think that we all should have a reality check and ask ourselves a few critical questions.
If done correctly, your weld looks as if it was welded continuously. But remember, the aim is to weld continuously and only trigger if the weld puddle becomes
• Can I let my apprentice weld structural parts without supervision?
too wide. • Am I, or are my staff competent welders? • Have I taken sufficient steps to assure that my staff is competent for the work I assign to them? As an absolute minimum, ask everyone who is using the MIG to produce the above welding samples. Take a picture of the samples and save them in the person’s staff file. There are a number of organisations that offer MIG/MAG welding courses and you may consider them depending on the outcome of the weld samples.
This is another welding assessment and the student should demonstrate the sectioning of a chassis rail. For this, we use an old REO out of the scrap bin. Yes, this is more difficult than welding a clean, straight piece of steel, but it is a realistic assessment of the job we are supposed to perform.
To say “panel beaters cannot weld” I find insulting – there are many very capable technicians out there. However, I
Whilst the weld looks ok from the outside and with a bit of
have to admit that there are some individuals that could
grinding it could be made almost invisible, I would not let
do with a bit of a reality check and a good start would be
my loved ones drive this car. If this car became involved
to quietly perform the two weld samples above and see for yourself where you are at.
PAGE 47
BODYSHOP NEWS
AutoForum - November / December 2015
Santam lobbies for use of quality aftermarket car parts The recently released Kinsey Report highlighted
The Kinsey Report, which reviewed 74 vehicles across
the considerable increase in the cost of spare and
nine categories on a price per part comparison, pointed
replacement motor vehicle parts. The significance of this
to the fact that crash parts were the most costly when it
is the knock-on effect that such price hikes have on the
comes to vehicle accident repairs.
overall cost of vehicle repairs. This is not a shock for collision repairers. Current cars are Short-term insurer Santam, says that around 70% of
generally manufactured using alloy parts – but aluminium
motor claims relate to motor vehicle accidents. It cites
body panels and chassis components are complicated
South African Insurance Association figures from 2014 in
and therefore expensive to repair. Vehicles with aluminium
which the insurance industry collectively spent between
parts are often considered uneconomical to repair when
R15 billion and R16 billion on the replacement of parts in
the repair costs reach 50% of the resale value of the
the repair of accident-related vehicles.
vehicle. However – says Santam - if you use aftermarket parts to repair a car, the repair becomes more economical
Santam believes that bringing down the cost of car parts
and viable to consider.
is instrumental in creating sustainability in the insurance sector.
“As an insurer our objective is to ensure that we reduce repair costs and save vehicles that will be uneconomical
To counter these increasing part costs, the insurer says it
to repair if fitted with OEM parts, by fitting quality certified
has introduced a certified aftermarket parts programme.
aftermarket parts onto our insured clients’ vehicles. In
It defines aftermarket parts as any part “that is not
the process, we aim to contribute to more competitive
directly sourced from the vehicle manufacturer” and
insurance premiums for policyholders and create more
which “provide a more economical alternative to Original
work for our business partners in the motor body repair
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts”.
industry,” says Coetzee.
It adds however that this is applicable where the vehicles
“During the repair process we will not compromise on
being repaired are no longer under warranty and owners
the quality and safety of parts used. As evidence of this,
are not obliged to use OEM parts.
and to further support our commitment, Santam provides a lifetime warranty on all body repairs where we have
According to Fanus Coetzee, head: adjustment services
authorised certified aftermarket parts. Santam’s initiative
at Santam, accident-damaged vehicles are often deemed
on certified aftermarket parts is endorsed by the South
‘uneconomical to repair’ due to the prohibitive cost of
African Insurance Association,” he concludes.
OEM parts prescribed by the motor vehicle industry.
PAGE 48
BODYSHOP NEWS
AutoForum - November / December 2015
Safe aluminium dust extraction is imperative in any modern bodyshop
- Grant West
In September, Autoforum was invited to meet Bernd Himmelreich, MD of ProWoTech at Aer-O-Cure’s training centre in Wynberg. An enlightening conversation took place, which highlighted the many unseen dangers existing in most bodyshops today. The modern vehicle body - as we are all aware - is no longer simply comprised of steel or aluminium panels. We are now faced with “hybrid bodies” comprising a mixture of steel, aluminium, plastic and carbon fibre panels and structures. This modern technology combination of materials in the bodywork enhances a range of positive strides forward in the manufacture of the modern vehicle body including both strength and weight saving amongst others, but has also created a dangerous work station situation namely that of the “flash-off” created by aluminium dust particles, combined with oxygen in the atmosphere and an ignition source.
After six years of installing these workstations they were approached by Audi to create a similar system specifically for aluminium repair, complete with specific vacuum systems to cope with the aluminium dust extraction. Approximately 800 of these stations were installed up to 2009 and there was never any type of accident involving the aluminium dust. “The marketplace has these wonderful separate aluminium work bays, with fixed vacuum systems to cope with this technology, but with the modern hybrid body there is a need to adjust the procedures in terms of repair to the different material components of the vehicle.”
Before we detail this situation, let us briefly look at Himmelreich’s level of experience. As a young man he was involved in the aircraft maintenance sector where he worked extensively with aluminium before joining a company that specialized in conceptual designing, manufacturing and installing tracked automotive body workstations into Volkswagen, amongst others.
In 2009, he started his own business ProWoTech with the support of VW, Audi, Mercedes Benz and Porsche. With the advent of the hybrid bodies and the uneconomical need to move vehicles backwards and forwards between specialized prep bays in order to cope with the new technology, Himmelreich focused on designing a portable aluminium dust extraction unit. In 2014, whilst his company was installing a hybrid bay - complete with Audi approved vacuum system
PAGE 50
- into a training centre, he had a discussion with the owner, who ignored his warning to be careful, as he was also using a standard vacuum machine elsewhere in the training centre. Seven weeks later Himmelreich was called by the training centre to assist in the insurance claim as the standard vacuum had had a “flash-off” incident, leaving the same manager deaf in one ear and with shrapnel wounds. Flash-off is created when aluminium dust, in conjunction oxygen (in the atmosphere), are exposed to an ignition source (spark from grinding steel, static electricity etc.) and the resultant explosion is both hot and violent. Up to mid 2014 there have been 6 reported aluminium dust flash-off incidences, creating injuries and damage. After this first accident, Himmelreich realized the biggest contributing factor was the low levels of education in relation to aluminium repair procedures. He embarked on a risk assessment evaluation of the sector with the help of the workers’ safety organization and the manufacturers of his extraction system. Over a three month period, he compiled a safety document for aluminium repair, both equipment and procedures, for the manufacturers, workshops and training centres.
Understanding the risks associated with fine particles of aluminium dust, which are at best flammable and worst explosive, is vital to ensuring a safe working environment in the repair process. “Any aluminium dust extraction system must be designed and manufactured to prevent any source of ignition from reaching the filter and/or dust collector” says Himmelreich. Stationary aluminium extraction systems used prior to 2009 do not have this protection and are incapable of being modified to prevent all external ignition sources, including sparks from the grinding of steel, to be eliminated. Himmelreich developed his work bay solution to be fully compliant with the manufacturers’ operational requirements, as well as health and safety regulations when repairing hybrid bodies. This includes a portable Ruwac dust extraction solution, which integrates a 5 meter anti-static intake hose with a specifically designed spark arrester and a further 5 meter cooling pipe. This ensures that any sparks which may be vacuumed up will be stopped and cooled below the ignition temperature of the aluminium dust, before reaching the filter or dust collection area. This extraction system is TUV certified for steel sparks. AerO-Cure has been appointed the sole importer and distributor for this ,the only approved equipment in the market, and will provide a 2 year warranty as well as full after sales support in Sub-Saharan Africa. For all enquiries contact Aer-O-Cure alex@aerocure.co.za or +27 11 444 6454.
Opposite page: Alex Lanaerts demonstrates the intake to the spark arrestor and cooling pipe. InsertDetail of the spark arrestor. This page from top left: The dust filter & collector, A view of the full unit, detailed shot of the disposal warning.
BODYSHOP NEWS
AutoForum - November / December 2015
Axalta hands-on at SEMA Axalta Coating Systems, took advantage of the recent Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) tradeshow, to display award-winning cars and the high speed drying of their coatings. In the Axalta Engineered for Speed outdoor area, the coatings company teamed up with Global Finishing Solutions (GFS) to integrate REVO infrared technology into live collision repairs that were completed in just over 30 minutes in a fully functional spray booth.
“SEMA is an important show for Axalta,” said Matt Robertson, Axalta Refinish Marketing Director. “I know attendees found our activities, cars, celebrities, content and events to be both interesting and informative. Our interactive features and our custom-built, fully operational spray booth and mixing room along with our hospitality tent helped us do that and more.” The company also unveiled a commemorative “We Paint Winners” Radiant Red SATAjet 5000 B spray gun during the show.
The Axalta outdoor area not only boasted cutting-edge paint demos, amazing artists creating custom masterpieces, but also the opportunity to actually suit up to spray Cromax Pro waterborne basecoat and Cromax Premier LE UVA primersurfacer in a GFS Ultra XD semi-downdraft spray booth.
...and keeps busy buying Chemspec USA According to an article in Business Day one of Chemspec’s subsidiaries – Chemspec USA – has been bought by Pennsylvania-based paint group Axalta Coating Systems for an undisclosed sum. Axalta noted: “We are very excited about the opportunities that the acquisition will present.…” Reference is also made to “huge growth opportunities” for Chemspec USA under the wing of Axalta, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and churns out annual revenues of $4.4bn.
PAGE 52
The article continues that Chemspec’s liquidators have indicated that it is premature to determine whether a dividend will be paid to concurrent creditors. They have however insinuated that a recovery for shareholders - some of whom backed consecutive capital-raising exercises appears to be extremely unlikely.
Thatcham gathers international experts The name Thatcham has not been well known up until now in South Africa, but the organisation is slowly gaining ground in the SA automotive sector, mostly thanks to its vehicle security developments. But its origins lie in the area of research on repair techniques. Automotive research and repair experts from around the globe met together in the heart of England recently to discuss some of the burning issues affecting the automotive and insurance industries worldwide. As the UK’s insurer research centre, Thatcham hosted delegates from 24 international research organisations as the annual RCAR (Research Council for Automobile Repair) conference got underway in Stratford-upon-Avon. A global association of like-minded, automotive research centres, the RCAR conference provides the ideal forum for its members to come together and share their vital work in a bid to improve vehicle safety and security worldwide and to discuss the impact of modern technology on vehicle repair.
WHY A FITMENT CENTRE NEEDS DIAGNOSTICS • • • • • • •
Steering angle sensors (SAS) which may require recalibration after alignment. Tyre Pressure Monitoring systems (TPMS) which may require coding. Batteries which require service resets and system updates Electronic Parking Brakes which require releasing for brake replacement ABS for the bleeding of electronic braking systems Ride Height pre-set required on some Air suspension vehicles Engine Management light reset required after some exhaust replacements
After a brief welcome from Thatcham’s Chief Executive Peter Shaw and RCAR’s Secretary General Wilf Bedard, Day 1 was dominated by discussions on the development and testing of autonomous vehicles, in particular the performance of AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) systems and their impact on insurance. Day Two centred on repair challenges, in particular those brought about by ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). At the end of this session, the conference concluded that in future vehicle manufacturers should be encouraged to ensure ADAS systems which are brought to market require no further calibration during windscreen replacement. Other highlights from across the week-long conference included a look at the challenges resulting from increased vehicle complexity as well as the use of advanced materials and whether new designs in vehicles are resulting in more expensive vehicle repair. Thatcham’s Andy Walker shared the findings from the Golf VII repair validation project, whilst AXA Winterthur’s Bettina Zahnd presented on the use of data recording in cars. Thatcham’s Chief Technical Officer, Andrew Miller, who cochaired the conference, said “It’s a real pleasure for Thatcham to host our colleagues from RCAR this year at a conference that demonstrates international cohesion at its best. I’ve been delighted with the wide ranging, thought provoking material we’ve viewed this week, which provides an excellent foundation for ongoing collaboration.” We will continue to feature the ground breaking research and repair techniques from this well respected organisation in issues to come.
David Barendse 082 450 6109
Tel: 011 908 5199 Fax: 011 864 1588 gts@telkomsa.net
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