Autoforum September/October 2014

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September / October 2014

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PAGE 26 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AUSTRALIAN BODYSHOP NEWS

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I N N O V A T I V E

Automechanika Frankfurt 2014 Special Feature

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Autoforum Online

Emergency in slo mo Diabetes in SA drivers

Auto Africa Lusaka Hyudai’s new commercial plant launches Management by walking around PAGE 1

AutoForum - September / October 2014

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September / October 2014

CONTENTS

08

Cover Stories Hyudai’s new commercial plant launches

14

Automechanika Frankfurt 2014 Special Feature

16

Management by walking around

42

Emergency in slo mo diabetes in SA drivers

44

Auto Africa Lusaka

54

14

Trade Talk Outside display at Messe Frankfurt

Editorial There are two main in features in this latest issue of AutoForum. First and foremost we look at the very recent Automehanika Frankfurt show, as our own Warwick Robinson attended the event - together with many of our advertisers and our Australian sister publication Bodyshop News. Our second feature covers the very real and largely ignored issue of diabetes in the transport sector.

We are fortunate to be reprinting the article with permission from Fleet magazine and encourage everybody to read it - its an eye opener and SA businesses can no longer deny this tragedy waiting to happen.

Speaking of reading - our newsletter is up and running! The email is sent out twice weekly and so far has proved a hit. It covers the latest sector news and the best stories relevant to your business from the web. If you are not signed up for it, do so now.

Have a good read.

Highlights of global and local industry news

06

News Forum UNESCO Africa engineering week makes engineering more appealing

12

DTI Commits to auto sector at Hyundai Commercial Assembly Plant

14

28

Automechanika Automechanika Frankfurt 2014

16

Bosch focuses on future technology and diagnosis

17

Mahle talks range and strategic focus

18

Hunter’s fast and effective alignment demo

18

Snap-on Aligner highlighted by GTS

20

Highveld displays Brain Bee X-Touch

20

Tenneco

22

Wheelquip’s Aligner range to get even more automated

22

Integrated Marketing celebrate with Bright

24

Aer-O-Cure top again at awards winner Car-O-liner

24

36

EDITOR: CLARE RUTKIEWICZ CONTRIBUTORS: AUSTRALIAN BODYSHOP NEWS Colin Windell KriSTEN FELDER Warwick robinson Krista McNamara grant west ROBERT KAISER

EMAIL: INFO@AUTOFORUM.CO.ZA

BodyShop News Changing vehicle DNA is changing the collision industry

28

NACE 2014 in Detroit – What a week!

30

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

Business Forum

55

Auto sector looking at a tougher year ahead

34

Can technological innovation can be Manufacturing SA’s saviour?

36

How buyers actually research cars

38

The Crusades revisited and a 20/20 on August sales

40

Autoforum has new figures currently being audited by the ABC with a print run of 7800.

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

Commercial Vehicles MWBA & MWRA - where rubber meets the pothole

42

‘An emergency in slow motion’– Diabetes among SA truck drivers - Part 1

44

Trysome launches SAFEmine FatigueMonitor at Electra Mining Africa 2014

49

Innovations Ford’s new cobra design innovation

50

A crash technology first – from a telematics company

52

Show Time Autoforum attends Auto Africa, Lusaka show

54

Aftermarketplace Dana introduces Victor Reinz aftermarket catalogues and new iOS tablet app

56

New fleet fuel card promises to go the distance

56

TransUnion 1Check – the new, revolutionised dealer app

57

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I N N O V A T I V E

Advertisers Guide ACDelco Aerocure Alfa AUDI Parts Auto Cosmos - Electrolog Auto Magneto Celette SA Garage Trade Supplies Highveld Garage Equipment Integrated Marketing Ital Machinery Leaderquip Mahle MIDAS Motor Merchandise Partquip PCL - AEI Robert Bosch Snap-on Tenneco / Monroe Trysome Auto Electric VW Parts Victor Reinz Wheelquip

21 OBC 39 29 56 15 27 53 33, 39, 57 37 4 IFC 35 11,23,45 26 5 41 31, IBC 49 9 13, 25 6-7 51 19

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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Price: R 1 778.79 Tensioning Roller Part No: 06B-109-243-F Beetle (2003 – 2010) Golf (2003 – 2006) Sharan (2003 – 2010)

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Part No: 050-109-309-H Beetle (2003 – 2010) Caddy (2009 – 2011) Golf (1998 – 2006) Citi Golf (1996 – 2009) Jetta (1999 – 2011) Passat (2001 – 2005) Polo (2003 – 2005) Polo Playa/Classic (1996 – 2010) Sharan (1999 – 2008) Touran (1999 – 2010) Transporter (1999 – 2012)

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Part No: 070-903-327-D T5 (2007 – 2010) Toureg (2003 – 2010) Transporter (2003 – 2010)

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Steering Lock

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Radiator Grille

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Window-right front

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Part No: 6Q0-845-011-BE Polo (2003 – 2010) Polo Playa/Classic (2003 – 2010) Polo Vivo (2010 – 2014)

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Trade Talk

AutoForum AutoForum - September - September / October / October 2014 2014

www.AutoForum.co.za

Midas extends franchise family The Midas Group has confirmed that it has signed an exclusive distribution and franchise management agreement with Behr Hella Service in South Africa.

Effective from 1 September, the deal will see 124 franchisees and 70 agents across the country – including the Silverton Radiators franchisee network - join the Midas Group franchise family.

As Warren Espinoza, Chief Executive Officer for the Midas Group explains: “Much of our current success is dependent on the strength and character of our 560 franchised retail and workshop outlets in Sub Saharan Africa. The Silverton franchise and Behr agents enhance our capacity even more, to deliver a truly compelling workshop service offering for the motorist.”

Behr Hella Service in South Africa will have joint responsibility for product development together with Midas Group-owned Parts Incorporated Africa (PIA).

PIA is the distributor of branded, guaranteed, quality parts and will handle warehousing, logistics, sales and customer support for the air-conditioning and other Behr Hella product ranges.

According to Franchise and Technical Director for Midas Group, Gerhard Braun, the Silverton Radiators franchise and Behr Hella Service air-conditioning agents will form a part of the workshop end of the Midas Group business, which consists of Motolek, ADCO, CBS, ACD and Battery Hub, a network of independently owned workshops specialising in vehicle service, maintenance and repairs, plus the latest in automotive diagnostics solutions.

VWSA wins SJM Flex Award Yet Again VWSA has walked away with the SJM Flex Environmental Award – the Exporters Club top annual environmental accolade.

Its the third consecutive year that the local arm of the automaker has received the merit. VWSA was also awarded the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the year award.

The SJM Flex Environmental Award recognises companies having made huge strides in implementing environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.

VWSA was described as having “not only continued to reduce the carbon footprint of its factory and products, but also introduced a unique Bell spraying system in its Paint Shop, which has significantly reduced hazardous waste in the production process.”

Managing Director David Powels commented: “Our success in the export market as well as our dominant market share position in the domestic passenger market, is proof that our Uitenhage plant is world class and able to compete internationally.”

The judges noted that VWSA had achieved No 1 position in the passenger car market for the fifth year in a row, were awarded gold status for Audi and VW on the IPSOS customer satisfaction index, placed first and second in the dealer satisfaction index, and that its customer interaction centre was voted No 1 call centre in South Africa.

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Trade Talk

AutoForum AutoForum - September - September / October / October 2014 2014

www.AutoForum.co.za

Regent To Sponsor New Truck Driver Award Regent Insurance has announced that it will launch a truck driver award in 2015, which it believes will help assist in improving driver efficiency. It is the second new fleet focused award launched recently, with TruckX having celebrated its first awards and conference this month.

It says that the move is in line with fleet and transport companies seeking greater value for their insurance spend, and the resulting increasing importance for insurance firms to provide services that cater for the needs of employees as well as the owners of insured fleets.

The insurer’s Commercial Vehicles National Manager Wayne Rautenbach commented: “We believe that our clients get better value from us providing reduced risk as well as improved efficiencies in addition to affordable costs. Our experience has shown that fleet owners can make dramatic improvements in terms of insured losses, vehicle performance and operational efficiency, for example, by incorporating driver wellness and training in their telematics systems.”

Regent’s driver wellness offering includes personal driver and co-driver accident cover, an accidental death benefit payable to a driver’s family or beneficiaries and the employer, as well as a hospitalisation benefit. The company also provides a free driver assessment and training service, which makes use of telematics data gathered through its Risk Services bureau.

While the data provided by telematics is valuable for route planning, speed management and administration of

PAGE 10

schedules, the company says that fleet managers have not used the information to its full potential to improve driver performance or manage operational costs, such as fuel and vehicle maintenance.

“We offer tailor-made driving programmes for the insured addressing both driving skills and on road attitude. Our unique training is based on the deep assessments and understanding of our insured fleet telematics data and information collected.”

Regent continues that in the past six months, more than 300 drivers have been assessed and it has held 43 threeday defensive driving courses. Rautenbach explains that the long term hope is to help reduce the 14 000 deaths on South African roads every year, many of which are caused by human error involving trucks.

The truck driver award is expected to be the first independent competition of its kind in South Africa, with the aim of saluting the truck driver and position the fleet manager as an employer of choice that contributes immensely to the South African economy.

“It’s all part of our holistic approach to insurance and risk management. If we can provide an added incentive for truck drivers that will help them to improve their performance on the roads, while at the same time helping our clients to manage their running costs, then we will certainly jump at the opportunity to do that.”

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AutoForum - September / October 2014

The latest global news

UNESCO Africa engineering week makes engineering more appealing

O

ver 250 girls from schools around Johannesburg donned pink hard hats at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in early September - all in an effort to get a feel of what it is like to be an engineer.

“Not all of you here may go on to pursue a career in engineering,” said Vallabh. “But at least if you choose not to, you will be making an informed decision and not one based on misperceptions about the industry.”

The day was part of the four-day United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Africa Engineering Week aimed at highlighting the importance of engineering in society and exposing young people to the industry.

The girls were given glitter, glue, marking pens and shiny paper stars to decorate their pink hard hats and express their values and passion – emphasising and celebrating their individuality.

Grade 10 and 11 learners were addressed by Hema Vallabh, who has an MSc in Chemical Engineering and is Director of GirlEng (a subdivision of SAWomEng), which encourages girls with potential to pursue a career in engineering. She told them that women were the engineers of the future and that the industry needed women like them to dispel the myth that the field was about brute physical strength or masculinity.

WomEng is a global organisation aimed at attracting, developing and nurturing the next generation of female engineering leaders.

Vallabh said that the engineering profession was all too often perceived as a career for grey, geeky, grease-monkeys in a hard hats and overalls. Passionate about imparting industry knowledge to young people in South Africa, she told the learners they needed to understand who they were and what they were passionate about, before making career decisions.

PAGE 12

“You all walked in here looking the same, but you’re walking out unique. So go out there and make your brand count. Pay it forward and make a difference.”

Vallabh believes it is the industry’s responsibility to develop young women in the engineering sphere. “I really believe that women are set to be the engineers of the future, but in order to feed the pipeline from grassroots level, we need to start creating awareness of the opportunities that exist in the field and on the continent. Together, we can then make the impact the country, and the continent, so desperately needs.”

Women engineers from companies such as Group Five, Bosch and Mercedes Benz shared their experience with engineering students and undergraduates, all saying there was an exciting window of opportunity for female engineers to thrive in South Africa. Africa Engineering Week is a collaboration between the Department of Science and Technology, UNESCO and the Engineering Council of South Africa.

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NEWS FORUM

AutoForum - September / October 2014

DTI Commits to auto sector at Hyundai commercial Assembly Plant - Roy Cokayne

H

yundai Automotive South Africa (HASA) has started producing medium commercial vehicles at its new R110 million truck assembly plant in Benoni and has plans to expand its operations to include the assembly of a bakkie.

However, the manufacturing of passenger cars does not form part of HASA’s future plans.

Alan Ross, the Chief Executive of HASA, ruled out the possibility of it eventually moving into passenger car manufacturing, stressing the biggest stumbling block was the cost of a paint shop. “It’s very expensive and you need 20 000 cars off one line. We are too small for it,” he said.

Mark Lamberti, the Chief Executive of Imperial Holdings, also stressed that despite opening the truck assembly plant, the group was not going to become a manufacturer and had no intention of manufacturing passenger cars.

HASA, part of Imperial Holdings Associated Motor Holdings (AMH), officially opened the truck assembly facility in early September, which had already started assembling the Hyundai HD65 and HD72 medium duty trucks on a semi knocked down (SKD) basis.

Ross said the plan was to first commence with the assembly of the HD65 and HD72 trucks and ensure the quality was up to scratch and in the second phase, start assembly the Hyundai H100 bakkie.

PAGE 14

Ross added that another estimated R20 million would have to be invested in the plant for the assembly of the H100 bakkie, which would create another 100 jobs in the plant.

According to Ross, the plant would have an annual capacity of about 6 000 units, of which the H100 bakkie would account for about 4 200 units. He added that the plant would be exporting some of the trucks and bakkies it assembled into right hand drive markets in Southern Africa.

Ross said it made sense to export into this region although it was a small market and it anticipated exporting only about 100 to 150 units a month.He indicated there was a possibility

the plant would also eventually assemble heavy trucks and to also expand into assembling Kia bakkies.

Wade Griffin, Director of commercial vehicles at HASA, said the rationale behind the SKD assembly plant was largely driven by a long term strategy to grow Hyundai’s share in the SA commercial vehicle market, be more competitive and increase Hyundai’s investment in the economy.

Griffin said the initial aim was to produce 50 units a month, focusing specifically on the Hyundai HD65 and HD72 trucks.

He said the plant had an initial workforce of 30 but this would expand to 60 when it was in full production. He added the local production of HD65 and HD72 trucks would give them a lot of momentum to increase their present 3% share in the medium commercial vehicle market.

An increase in local content of the vehicles that were assembled in the plant would bring further savings, a more competitive business model and create further jobs in the local economy, he said.

Roy Cokayne is a senior financial reporter for Business Report.

Trade and Industry Department Deputy Director-General Garth Strachan said at the plant opening that there was everything to be gained and nothing to lose by the SA government - working closely with African countries and global automotive companies - to scale up African assembly and production with accompanying localisation and value addition.

“This would lessen the dependence upon imports from other jurisdictions, build complementarities between various centres of production, increase economies of scale and enable significant economic spill over effects, including building local capabilities and skills.”

working closely with the Nigerian authorities in a process facilitated by Alec Erwin to support the development of an auto sector in that country.”

Strachan said the government was today unambiguously offering companies like Hyundai Motor Company a secure platform for future expanded production, value addition and participation in regional trade and regional integration, underpinned by policy certainty and a strong commitment to transparent cooperation. He said it would continue supporting the auto industry through continuously evolving programmes.

Strachan stressed cooperation and industrial integration made sense and his department viewed the opening of the Hyundai truck plant as the first step towards a potentially much wider set of regional expansion opportunities.

In support of this growth momentum in the continent, the regional economic communities of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) and Eastern African Community (EAC), were in negotiations towards a free trade area that would span 26 countries with a combined population of 600 million and an overall GDP of about $2 trillion.

Strachan stressed it was vital that trade facilitation and agreements were matched with a strong regional industrial integration. “This is why, for example, the DTi has been

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AutoForum - September / October 2014

AutoForum - September / October 2014

automechanika Special Feature

Ask anybody which is the one international show that they will not miss and the answer is invariably Automechanika Frankfurt.

This is the premier show in the Messe Frankfurt stable and has worldwide relevance to OE and aftermarket suppliers.

This year 4,631 companies exhibited at the show which attracted over 140 000 visitors. Some of the exhibitors used pedometers to measure their movements during the show and recorded distances of up to 20km a day – that can pretty much be doubled for intrepid journos trying to see as much as possible.

The halls were also practically impossible to move though in a straight line with Wednesday and Thursday being exceptionally busy, and busy with a high quality of visitor.

PAGE 16

The South African Pavilion was witness to another rarity on a stall directly opposite – evidently counterfeit products were swooped upon by the police and a team of lawyers demonstrating Messe Frankfurt’s no compromise attitude to counterfeit products at the show. First time exhibitors EZ Down were impressed with the visitors that attended their stand, and felt that the show was very succesful for them.

Overall the show had particular focus on alternative power trains, digitising and automation of systems, lightweight construction solutions, accessories, media and 3D printing.

Here are some of the other highlights we were privileged to enjoy:

SA Pavilion: Garth and Cheryne Turnbull with Janelle Orfao from EZ Down , DR. Norman Lamprecht with the DTI’s Phina Mashilo

Bosch focuses on technology and diagnosis

D

ereck Knight led me through the latest products on display, and specifically those that would be making their way to SA. Many of the newer products are geared up for the incoming Euro 6 legislation and the focus is on optimising the diagnosis process – in some cases making that as much as 40% faster.

Also important are new features such as remote support for many devices, where a support technician can diagnose and repair problems on a machine completely remotely, from virtually anywhere. Many of the Bosch diagnostics products had been integrated into typical test station type scenarios at the show, where headlight alignment (which will be an annual requirement in Europe), touchless wheel alignment, emissions and shock testing all occur in one compact space.

These scenarios are also expanded into fully automated test stations, where the entire system works together and simply processes the information to a controller. The diagnostic tools now also cover 7 of the big motorcycle brands.

Speed is another key aspect. The touchless wheel aligner uses around 4000 laser measurements to create a 3 dimensional image of the wheel and generate a diagnosis – all within 8 seconds. This has obvious drive though applications for dealers and tyre shops alike.

A nice feature of the Bosch stand this year were signs at almost every display detailing facts that were relevant to each of the items. The new EPS205 injector tester display, for instance, puts the requirement into perspective.

By 2019, there are expected to be 800 Million common rail injectors on the market. According to Knight, this model will also be available in SA as an upgrade model for those owners of the EPS200.

An exciting concept on display at the stand in a few areas was the augmented reality displays. While at first it may seem gimmicky, it can be developed to create 3 dimensional models and scenarios for diagnosis, repair, maintenance and more.

The user holds up a tablet for example, which recognises the item in front of it, and can not only access information such as training content, but get different views, cutaways, and more. In the photo, you can actually see the system being demonstrated clearly, where the application on the tablet creates the virtual content on top of what appears to be a flat surface. It can become fully interactive and, while seemingly futuristic now, will become commonplace as soon as products like google glass and the likes start becoming mainstream.

The reality is that these tools are being developed in such a way that software based changes mean hardware which can be used is pretty much global.

A cardboard device is already for sale that turns a normal android phone into a Google glass type of goggles, creating a virtual 3 dimensional environment where you can view an object and move around it.

It is great to see how technology-focussed companies such as Bosch are already poised to utilise these future technological breakthroughs into their strategies from now.

PAGE 17

AUTOMECHANIKA

AutoForum - September / October 2014

Mahle talks range and strategic focus

M

ahle held a press conference at Automechanika in Frankfurt last week to outline the group’s range and strategic focus after the Behr buyout.

Arnd Franz, the vice president for sales, pointed out that the buyout represented an almost 40% growth in revenue.

He added that while the group’s main market in Europe had actually declined, Asian markets had performed well – despite weakening currencies. With many companies at the show projecting figures for 2019, a total car market of just under 100 million cars is expected for these eastern markets.Commercial vehicle sales are also expected to grow worldwide by 2% and his projections are for 1.5 Billion cars by the end of the decade.

Good news for Mahle is that turbo engines are a strong performer and are expected to grow from the current 17% to 66% by 2019 – and that is only in Europe. But this does not mean that the company is not poised to take advantage of the opportunities in electric and hybrid mobility, which are boosted by their product ranges in Letrika and the newly acquired Kokus an Denki.

Newly appointed General Manager for the aftermarket, Mr Olaf Henning, ran through a breakdown of the various solutions being delivered by the aftermarket business unit.

He emphasised that what Mahle are referring to as holistic solutions are designed to cater to the demand for information in the market. “We want to move from simply being a supplier to the position of solutions partner” he concluded.

I met with Chris Stanbridge the dedicated representative for the South African and neighbouring markets who reminded me of the size of the organisation – it is a 10 Billion Euro a year company, with only 10% of that revenue derived from the aftermarket, which is obviously an area of opportunity and strategic focus, in addition to their very strong OE business.

“We are really excited about the growth we believe is possible in SA and the surrounding regions, and that the brand strength and product range is poised to meet the objectives we have set out,” he explained.

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Hunter’s fast & effective truck aligner

W

hile on the Hunter equipment stand, Jan Labuscagne of Leaderquip showed me the latest truck aligner from the company, which is able to diagnose a truck’s alignment in under 4 minutes. That is roughly a third of the time many competitive machines require.

“We have already shipped 4 units to SA based purely on the strength of the web based demo of this machine,” he explained. He also showed off the quick check drive over system which uses a laser generated image of the tyre to asses wear and is ideal for reception lanes at dealerships or service quick-fit centres.

PAGE 18

Mahle: Pictured above are the Mahle European executives.

Hunter: Leaderquip’s Jan and Elize Labuschagne, and Jan pictured with Wes WIngo of Hunter USA.

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AUTOMECHANIKA

AutoForum - September / October 2014

Snap-on Aligner highlighted by GTS David Barendse of Garage Trade Supplies showed me the latest wheel balancer from the company and led a demonstration of the latest systems and equipment features for visiting Snap-on client Nazir Tayob of Malas.

Highveld displays Brain Bee X-Touch Highveld Garage Equipment’s Ryhne and Warren Mclean met me at the Brain BEE stand. They are exclusive distributors of the brand with SADC and Santiago Malbran, sales manager for the area, demonstrated their latest tablet based Diagnosis tools. “We are focussing our efforts in creating software that gives our products an edge, as this enables users across various hardware platforms to access the benefits of the tools” This does not mean that they are abandoning advances in their hardware – Warren showed me the handheld X touch unit which is Bluetooth connected and communicates with the tablet for diagnosis, as well as other units in the range.

PAGE 20

Snapon: David Barendse at the Snapon stand with Nazir Tayob. Highveld: Ryhne and Warren Mclean at Brain Bee

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AUTOMECHANIKA

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he Tenneco exhibit featured a really interesting and amusing video presentation using a number of integrated video screens together with a 3D “tank” filled with a movable exhaust system as part of the video. Very interactive and memeorable, while getting the message across regarding the company’s Walker products. I caught up with Andrew Antonis and Philip Lutz with some of their clients visiting the stand which as usual featured the Monroe hostesses.

Wheelquip’s Aligner range to get even more automated

C

inzia Corghi and Mauro Severi who are both shareholders of Corghi, are pictured here on the company stand.

On display was the latest version of the R.E.M.O. touchless and robotic aligner. Danilo Nava took the time to demonstrate the newest feature of the system, which eliminates the last manual process of steering adjustment. The robotic steering system communicates automatically with the rest of the R.E.M.O. unit to execute the alignment diagnosis.

Also on the stand was an example of the compact van setup aimed at servicing the growing direct order tyre customer, who generally order their tyres online but need professional fitment.

“The system has been compacted as much as possible to allow the vehicle to enter standard parking areas to perform the fitment” Danilo Nava explained.

Corghi is distributed in SA via Wheelquip.

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AUTOMECHANIKA

AutoForum - September / October 2014

Integrated Marketing celebrate with Bright

B

right, the brand of wheel equipment distributed locally via Integrated Marketing, held an event at the show as well. The brand has been grouped together with the Winntec and Gaither ranges under the umbrella of the Techno Marketing Group. “We are building a family of strong brands and equipment which complement each other well� explained Hugo Deveugele who has been involced with the companies for over 3 decades. It is interesting to note that Bright manufactured their 3 millionth Tyre changer this year.

Aer-O-Cure nominated again at Car-O-liner awards

W

alter Lenaerts of Aer-O-Cure, led me through a demo of the latest Vision2 measuring software from Car-O-Liner.

It is touted as being up to 20% faster than other systems due to an easy to use interface based on user friendly graphics.

The three step process involves entering the make and model of the subject vehicle, conducting and automatic measuring and centering of the vehicle simultaneously, and then printing out the results. Technicians can even repair and watch live as panels are repaired to get highly accurate results. The bench works in a number of configurations and in virtually any position making it that much more flexible to fit into existing workstations.

Car-O-Liner won the innovation award for the software and Aero-O-Cure were nominated as the distributor of the year for Car-O-Liner.

PAGE 24

Above: Integrated Marketing - Jeff Alexander of Gaither, Ralph Dubbeldam of Techno and Mary Wei of Bright with Hugo Deveugele.

Below: Aer-O-Cure - Walter Lenaerts on the Car-O-Liner stand

PAGE 25

AutoForum - September / October 2014

Contents 26

Changing vehicle DNA is changing the collision industry

28

NACE 2014 in Detroit – What a week!

PAGE 26

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BODYSHOP NEWS

AutoForum - September / October 2014

Changing vehicle DNA is changing the collision industry - Krista McNamara

BODYSHOP

Transportation is changing significantly. It is impacting collision repair, and anticipating and responding to change is essential. Lawrence Burns, PhD, Professor of Engineering Practice, University of Michigan and former Vice President, R&D and Planning with General Motors (1998-2009), discussed “The Changing DNA of the Vehicle” at the I-CAR Conference in Detroit, at the end of July.

PAGE 28

Driverless systems “are not a fairy tale,” he says. Google is on record to have its selfdriving vehicle ready to sell by 2017. “The biggest risk [in driverless technology] is not moving fast enough.”

“All these options give us an opportunity to have a better mobility experience and significantly lower societal costs,” Burns says.

Serious challenges face the transportation industry, including: safety; energy consumption; congestion; parking, environmental concerns; and infrastructure.

These challenges beg the question: “Is the automobile transportation system truly sustainable? I don’t think it is. The good news is there is a new DNA emerging, one that is driven by electrical drive and electric motors, diverse energy sources, connected and coordinated technologies and driverless developments,” Burns says.

Vehicles can fight challenges by combining five elements — connected, coordinated, shared, tailored and driverless systems.

Connected vehicles communicate with other vehicles on the road through transponders and GPS systems, among others. Coordinated vehicles take all this information — where people are, where they want to go — and coordinate it so the industry can best match supply and demand. Shared vehicles may be a better system for automobile use. “When we buy and own our car, we think it is a rational decision,” Burns says. “But it sits idle 90 percent of the time.

And parking is a negative impact on the vehicle ownership experience. So more and

more companies are coming out with vehicle sharing capabilities.”

He adds that the technologies will drive lower demand for the collision repair industry. “There will be fewer crashes and these crashes will be less severe. They will be more complex, with more technology, more materials, more fastening systems and more vehicle types,” he says. “Vehicle repairs will require more know how, more equipment and more information systems. And there will be higher expectations — you will see more demanding vehicle owners and business partners. These new technologies will also further drive industry consolidation.”

To be prepared, he advises the industry to take action.

“You have to get in front of the inevitable and comprehend what is possible. You have to think big, start small and learn fast. You have to develop the know how to respond to opportunities.”

“You have to make purposeful decisions.”

The article is also available online at : http:// www.searchautoparts.com/abrn/collisionindustry-news/changing-vehicle-dna-changingcollision-industry#sthash.082SgQmu.dpuf

Krista McNamara is the Managing Editor of Aftermarket Business World.

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PAGE 29

AutoForum - September / October 2014

BODYSHOP NEWS

NACE 2014 in Detroit – What a week!

- Michel Malik and Karen Fierst

The 2014 edition of NACE was held in the automotive capital of the world, Detroit, in the state of Michigan across the Detroit River from the state of Ontario in Canada. Australian BodyShop News publisher Michel Malik and renowned Industry Consultant Karen Fierst, shared reporting duties along the week-long activities of the event. Karen writes.

You would think that a 73 story hotel, the tallest building in Detroit, Michigan, surrounded by four 39 story office towers, one of which houses General Motor’s World Headquarters, a four-screen movie theatre, shopping centre, restaurants, brokerage firms, banks, and private clubs would provide enough sustenance and entertainment to keep one busy for at least a week. But the Renaissance Centre (a.k.a. the RenCen) housed only a portion of the activities taking place during NACE|CARS 2014.

There were the traditional alphabet soup of business and association meetings: NABC (National Auto Body Council, CIECA (Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association), WIN (Women’s Industry Network, SCRS (Society of Collision Repair Specialists), CIC (Collision Industry Conference), CCIF (Canadian Collision Industry Forum), CREF (Collision Repair Education Foundation), OEM Roundtable, CRES (Collision Repair Executive Symposium), I-CAR’s Annual Conference and 35th Anniversary Reception, AMI (Automotive Management Institute) Graduation, an automotive telematics seminar, interesting sight tours, a multitude of educational seminars and training classes and, of course, ASA’s (Automotive Service Association) Collision and Mechanical Division’s capstone event NACE/CARS, formerly the International Autobody Conference and Exposition and Congress of Automotive Repair & Service which were combined a few years ago.

counterfeit airbag deployment were chilling. The video showed side by side deployments of a legitimate airbag deployment and one of the fakes. The counterfeit product literally exploded with small pieces of shrapnel spewing forth.

These airbags would likely maim or kill the passenger, possibly inflicting more harm than the accident itself. The investigative findings indicate that the problem remains relatively small right now, but the officials admit that there really is no way for them to evaluate the magnitude of the problem as the smugglers use tactics which would require extremely labour intensive operations to completely put a stop to this. The message about counterfeit airbags in particular, and other counterfeit automotive parts and components was sobering and an important one for those in the automotive repair industry to hear.

Also during CIC, Randy Stabler, Owner of Pride Auto Body, a six-location southern Californian multi-shop operation was announced as the 2015 CIC Chair. His tenure begins in late November, with the first meeting he chairs in January 2015.

The 35th Anniversary I-CAR Conference theme was Driving Excellence in Technology with emphasis on the technical tsunami which has already begun to hit our industry (can you say Military Grade Aluminium Ford F-150 and telematics?) and will only accelerate in the coming years.

For the second year in a row, I-CAR invited well known automotive journalist John McElroy to moderate the Conference. McElroy did a great job during post presentation interviews asking each speaker probing and relevant questions. It is clear why he has garnered a name for himself as a top notch automotive journalist. He knows his stuff and he can read his audience.

There were press conferences, new product introductions, product demonstrations, educational seminars, and parties, parties, parties – smaller, but nevertheless reminiscent of those held during the NACE of yore in the late 1990s and early 2000s – with glitz, bling, live Motown music, cigars, good drink and fare, and plenty of networking opportunities.

A Few Highlights A very interesting and important panel presentation was organised by the Collision Industry Conference’s (CIC) Parts & Materials Committee. In front of the CIC Body sat a row of six representatives of the United States Department of Homeland Security, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division.

The topic of the day was counterfeit airbags. The audience was introduced to the efforts of the Office of Investigations involving a variety of illegal products entering the country, with a specific emphasis on the investigation of counterfeit airbags since their first discovery in the US in 2010. The details of the investigation and especially the video of the

PAGE 30

Karen Fierst is principal of KerenOr Consultants which provides a variety of services to all segments of the collision repair industry, government agencies, certification entities as well as auto part manufacturers and distributors. Fierst is a well-known industry speaker and recipient of numerous awards. She serves on the Board of Directors of the National Auto Body Council (NABC), is active in the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and a number of other industry associations.

PAGE 31

BODYSHOP NEWS

AutoForum - September / October 2014

Keynote speaker Lawrence D. Burns, PhD, Professor of Engineering Practice, University of Michigan, formerly Vice President, R&D and Planning General Motors 1998 – 2009) spoke about The Changing DNA of the Vehicle: Reinventing the Automobile. The presentation was dynamic, informative and humorous. He emphasized that there is new ‘automotive DNA’ and that we are witnessing a “100 year revolution”. He spoke about the implications of the 2007 ‘DARPA Urban Challenge” (http://archive.darpa.mil/grandchallenge/), which was the first time autonomous vehicles had to interact with both manned and unmanned vehicle traffic in an urban environment. There were more than 200 vehicles built to compete. The message that autonomous vehicles were disrupting the automotive industry came across loud and clear.

According to Burns “incumbents lose” and it is prudent to “Do unto yourself before others do unto you. Dr Burns’ presentation “teed” up the stage for a later presentation

by Sean Carey.

Sean Carey, SCG Management Consultants: Challenged the audience to consider how claims might be filed in the future. His theory is that with the rapid development of telematics capabilities, as well as generational and societal changes, we are headed towards the vehicle making the claim, cutting out an entire level of human involvement. As far-fetched as it might seem, the basic technology already exists. Carey suggested that it may only be a matter of time before Silicon Valley takes on the challenge of integrated electronic claims and serious involvement in the auto insurance space.

Other informative events for collision repairers took place as well, among them CCIF’s event and the Collision Repair Executive Forum.

For the first time in its history, the Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF) held an event outside of Canada.

More than 160 people came to hear the noted speakers discuss North American Collision Industry Trends.

Initiated at NACE|CARS a number of years ago, the popular MSO Symposium, rebranded as the Collision Repair Executive Symposium (CRES) and now open to more than only representatives of Multi shop Operations, included a

PAGE 32

number of in depth presentations geared towards, as captured in its name – collision repair executives. In the incredibly active collision repair shop merger and acquisition atmosphere evident in the US over the past two years. The Anatomy of an Acquisition was one of the most interesting and relevant sessions of the day. Adeptly facilitated by Symphony Advisors’ Marcy Tieger, John Walcher, President of merger and acquisition advisor Veritas Advisors, Inc. and Service King Vice President of Acquisitions Will Johnson gave a step-by-step account of the entire acquisition process from both a buyer and seller perspective. The information was timely and enlightening.

Lest you think NACE was all work and no play, even with a very busy schedule BodyShop News publisher Michel Malik and I were able to enjoy a brief visit to the world class Henry Ford Museum as invited guests of ASA to attend AMI’s Celebration of Excellence evening event (Don’t miss it if you are ever in Detroit. An hour is not enough!).

A week in Detroit would not be complete without the music of Motown. The Motown Experience Band, which gave an incredible performance of the oldie hits many of us remember ‘real time’, provided an opportunity for the brave among us to shake our booties and work off a few calories. Let’s just say that Michel enjoyed watching the fools on the dance floor while nibbling oysters.

These are only a few of the many highlights of NACE|CARS. There was something for everyone, regardless of their collision industry segment. It is impossible to mention every event. I’ve left out a lot, with no offense intentioned. In any event, you get the picture – the pre NACE|CARS buzz carried over into the event which was wildly successful, if you listen to the dozens of attendees with whom I spoke. Feedback from NACE exhibitors was also favourable with quite a few already signed up for NACE 2015, also in Detroit, July 23 – 25, 2015. See you there!

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Business Forum

AutoForum - September / October 2014

Business insight

Auto sector looking at a tougher year ahead - Nicholas de Canha

Slight shrinkage expected for 2014, after a very bumpy ride The South African automotive sector is shrinking – and the greatest challenge facing the sector is low economic growth in the country, which has placed strains on consumer affordability and spiked more cautious lending by the banks.

Dealing with the here and now There is no denying that the economy has been faced with a number of hurdles since the start of the year, not least of all the six month strike in the Platinum sector that saw the economy take a significant knock. While labour unrest – in the Platinum sector as well as the six week long strike

by National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) - isn’t the only influencing factor to stagnate economic growth, it certainly has had a significant impact. Since January, the International Monetary Fund (IMF)1&2 has lowered its 2014 growth forecast for South Africa three times, from 2.9% in October 2013 to 2.8% in January, 2.3% in April and now 1.7% in July.

This slow economic growth has had a direct impact on the market expectations for South Africa, which in turn affects the strength of the Rand and confidence by the major banks to lend consumers money. As a result, vehicle sales have had a difficult year in 2014. In fact, after scaling to their third highest ever number in 2013, overall vehicle sales for 2014 are down by 3-6% on last year’s sales and there is less optimism in the market now for an upswing in sales than there had been earlier in the year.

Added to the concurring downgrading of the country’s economic performance, the South African Reserve Bank has stated it expects volatility in the Rand to continue.

This volatility places significant pressures on the entire market, although these changes appear faster in the fully imported motor brands as - whilst globally entry level car prices have been quite stable due to improved value and increased affordability - the weaker Rand and less favourable exchange rate is providing some resistance in these efforts in the local market.

PAGE 34

Consumers are feeling the pinch A clear indicator of the change in sentiment is that sales in the entry level motor segment have shrunk more than any other this year, which is similar to the pattern the sector experienced a few years ago following the credit crisis of 2008/9. In essence, this means that consumers can’t afford to buy cars, or they can’t get access to financing to buy cars.

Notably, the banks have become more cautious about lending consumers money, where the number of consumers who have applied for financing and have been declined by the banks is increasing. However, this is largely as the banks have had to tighten up on their consumer risk indexes, as consumers are feeling the squeeze on their disposable income as the ‘cost of living’ continues to rise on the back of – but not excluded to - increases in fuel prices and inflation.

However, it’s not just the dealerships that are responsible for selling cars onto consumers who are feeling the feeling the squeeze, but the after sales market as well. The industry as a whole will need to continue improving on product value – particularly on entry level cars – in order for vehicle sales to gain significant momentum.

In review, the economy saw marginal growth of 0.6% for the second quarter of 2014 according to the latest data from Statistics South Africa. While this does bring relief that the economy has dodged a “recession”, in truth it will take a lot more than one quarter of positive growth before the returns of this growth will trickle down – and we’ll see a more robust automotive market once again.

References: 1.http://mg.co.za/article/2014-07-10-imf-likely-to-cut-southafricas-economic-growth-forecast 2.http://www.bdlive.co.za/ economy/2014/07/25/imf-slashes-sas-growth-forecast-forthis-year 3. http://www.southafrica.info/business/economy/ gdp-260814.htm#.VAQmStsaLIU

Nicholas de Canha is the CEO of Imperial Fleet Management

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AutoForum - September / October 2014

Can technological innovation be Manufacturing SA’s saviour?

“South African business needs to become more cognisant of what are the global drivers of competitiveness, as Deloitte’s Global Competitiveness survey sees South Africa slipping.”

According to the speakers at the recent Frontier Forum, the future of manufacturing will not be decided in roundtable discussions between government, labour and business – it is being decided globally every minute through new technologies such as 3D printing, telematics, big data and analytics and products such as driverless cars.

Forum attendees heard that within a mere five to ten years, certain industries employing tens of thousands of people – from clothing manufacturers to car dealerships – are

people are already doing, use their mobiles to share a ride to their next destination”.

“There are massively exciting developments on the horizon in manufacturing, and these changes will impact all supporting parts and service providers. Given the scale of the impending change, I question whether South Africa is concentrating anywhere near enough on where manufacturing is headed.

Certainly, public discussions are focused primarily on the issues of here and now. I fear that without dedicated action

expected to start disappearing from the South African business landscape in the face of technological advances.

The forum was hosted jointly by the IDC and Deloitte professional services group. Deloitte Africa Manufacturing Leader and Director Karthi Pillay, said that the future of manufacturing would see numerous disruptive innovations leading to low cost products being no longer manufactured in low-wage countries such as China and Bangladesh.

Google’s first driverless car (using SIM cards and GPS technology), was highlighted as paving the way for massive change in the logistics, transportation and vehicle finance markets. Pillay continued that future people may no longer be obliged to own a vehicle but could simply use their mobiles to book the use of a driverless car for each particular trip, “or as

about future, our economy will be considerably worse off in 10 years’ time, as our competitors overtake us in the race to innovate,” cautioned Pillay.

PAGE 36

The forum brought together representatives from business, government and labour to discuss the way forward for manufacturing in South Africa.

“Future jobs in successful economies will be high-tech jobs, not low-tech. To this end, Deloitte is globally spending time working with leading universities, and the public and private sectors in various countries to understand and shape the future of manufacturing, and what this means for local economies such as South Africa. We have no option but to play in this space – the only question is how soon we do so.”

“Ten years ago nobody anticipated how Google would utterly change the way in which people access information.

A similar scale of change will overtake numerous industries over the next five to ten years, leaving people and policymakers of today unable to ascertain how those industries will look in the future” said Roy Campbell, partner at Deloitte and Leader: Forest, Paper Pulp and Packaging Industry.

“Technology is about to dematerialise many bricksand-mortar industries, by taking a physical activity and transforming it online. People already order their books, music and even groceries online, but the same is about to occur with clothing and motor vehicles, as the next wave with many more to follow.”

A clear trend highlighted at the forum was manufacturing’s shift from a philosophy of making goods that have to be on-sold, to custom made products. This requires real-time market research and far shorter lead times – especially in the case of automobiles.

Campbell pointed to global Deloitte research which highlighted that South Africa has been in a “different space” to more developed countries. Whereas ‘talent-driven innovation’ was the no.1 concern globally, locally it was ranked a lowly 7th. Conversely, local market conditions only rated 8th globally, but 2nd in South Africa.

“South African business needs to become more cognisant of what are the global drivers of competitiveness, as Deloitte’s Global Competitiveness survey sees South Africa slipping. The 2013 Deloitte Global Competitiveness Survey ranked South Africa as 24th for manufacturing competitiveness (22nd five years ago) and predicted a further slide to 25th position in the next five years,” said Campbell.

Bronwyn Kilpartick, Manufacturing Automotive Leader: Assurance Partner at Deloitte, said that the sector that had succeeded most in growing its share of GDP was the Automotive sector. This was the result of a supportive regulatory regime being put in place, and the cooperation of all stakeholders and manufacturers in a united effort.

This model could succeed for other sectors, including agricultural products.

“Admittedly, the automotive industry is at the forefront of innovation, but it is an example of an industry that planned for the future rather than the ‘here and now’,” she said.

Pillay concluded: “It is of course important that we focus on addressing the issues that relate to the “here and now” and we must do so aggressively, but we must also do so, with a robust understanding of the future of manufacturing. We must leverage our county’s wealth of experience and skills and this includes our universe and research institutes, to anticipate the future of manufacturing, and more importantly select areas where South Africa could dominate.”

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PAGE 37

AutoForum - September / October 2014

How buyers actually research cars According to a new study conducted for Auto Trader in the UK, manufacturer websites play a limited role in the early stages of the car buying process. Instead it found that consumers (in the UK anyway) favour automotive content sites.

The study recently concluded by Kantar for UK Auto Trader suggests that more than half do not go to a carmaker’s website in the first 30 days of their online research, choosing instead content-led sites to consider options, prices and to weigh-up the best possible deal.

In a rapid path-to-purchase that takes an average of just six weeks for 85% of new car buyers, 63% initially turn to content-led websites. The most visited site for people who were researching brand new cars is Auto Trader with 64%, three times as many as the second placed site, eBay at 22%, and with 13% going to GumTree. (The study was commissioned by Auto Trader, but we reckon the message is more important that which site picked up more traffic. Ed) Automotive sites used for new car research Auto Trader 64% eBay 22% GumTree 13% Motors 9% WhatCar? 8% Parkers 7% Pistonhead 6% AutoExpress 5% RAC 5% TopGear 3%

Brand promiscuous buyers (now that is a fun descriptor – Ed) take just ten steps on the fast track to purchase, the study also reveals. It also found that while 60% say they are considering up to three brands at the outset, online behaviour points to an average of just 1.8 manufacturer sites visited, suggesting many options are dismissed at the initial research stage.

Number of brands consumers consider when buying a new car 1 car brand

9%

2 car brands

31%

3 car brands

25%

4 car brands

16%

5 car brands

7%

6 car brands

4%

7+ car brands

8%

“It is clear that automotive content sites play a leading role in an increasingly rapid path to purchase for new car buyers and Auto Trader is at the top of the car buying funnel,” said Chris Ward, Auto Trader Display Director. “Consumers are no longer brand loyal and automotive sites are now where buyers make their brand comparisons and decisions – even which brand to finally purchase.”

The Kantar study measured online desktop activity over a three month period tracking more than 300,000 transactions.

It also found that people do not necessarily follow their original purchase intention when considering options to buy a new, nearly new or used model. For example, of those who planned to buy a nearly new car, 18% bought brand new.

A recent study by Aurora Market Research among 1,024 car buyers, suggests that the more research you do, the more likely it is that you will buy a new car. 21% of the people buying a new car started out looking for a used car, while only 3% of people looking for a new car changed their mind and bought used.

62% of new car buyers don’t contact a dealer before arriving on their forecourt. This mirrors the average number of forecourt visits that has fallen by 41% in the last four years to an average of 2.2 visits in 2014 according to the latest Google Gearshift report. For new car buyers, the average number of forecourt visits has fallen to 1.6.

PAGE 38

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PAGE 39

AutoForum - September / October 2014

The Crusades revisited and a 20/20 on August sales - Colin Windell

The first protest I became actively involved in was way back in the 60’s when we boycotted Levi Strauss for being a uniform provider to the US Army, then embroiled in the Vietnam conflict. I also realised then, conflict makes a few people obscenely rich and screws with economies, making millions of people poorer.

Back then it was about the evils of Communism. Today the glut of conflict around the globe is akin to the Crusades with one group determined to impose its religious persuasion on all others, whatever the cost in human life and suffering.

All of this makes it difficult for economies – originally struck down because of their own greed – to really kickstart themselves and get back to reasonable levels of growth, productivity and provision for its citizens.

South Africa, because of this and its own internal failings, is plodding along and, as we move into the final quarter of 2014, new vehicle sales are not sliding as fast as many thought at the beginning of the year.

Thanks to steady demand from the rental industry and supported by private company refleeting, the overall picture is not all that bad. Domestic new vehicle sales continued to show resilience, for the third month in a row, despite subdued economic growth and pressure on consumers’ disposable income.

August 2014 aggregate new vehicle sales at 55 751 vehicles registered a modest decline of 738 vehicles or a fall of 1,3% compared to the 56 489 vehicles sold in August last year.

The August, 2014 export sales at 25 027 units reflected a substantial improvement of 3 911 vehicles or a gain of 18,5% compared to the 21 116 vehicles exported in August last year.

Overall, out of the total reported industry sales of 55 751 vehicles, 79,8% represented dealer sales, 13,1% represented sales to the vehicle rental Industry, 3,6% to industry corporate fleets and 3,5% to government.

The new car market during August performed relatively well and at 37 982 units reflected a decline of 1 018 vehicles or a

PAGE 40

fall of 2,6% compared to the 39 000 new cars sold in August last year.

Domestic sales of new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and mini buses at 14 942 units during August reflected an improvement of 306 units or 2,1% compared to the 14 636 light commercial vehicles last year.

Compared to the corresponding month last year, sales of vehicles in the medium and heavy truck segments of the Industry at 1 006 units and 1 821 units, respectively, reflected a mixed picture with medium commercial vehicle sales showing a slight decline of 36 units or 3,5% whilst heavy trucks and buses had registered a marginal improvement of 10 units or 0,1%.

According to a spokesperson for Naamsa: “The outlook for the SA automotive sector for the balance of 2014 will remain challenging. Relatively low economic growth, recent increases in interest rates and above inflation new vehicle price increases will combine to dampen new vehicle sales momentum.

“The domestic market is expected to register a decline, in volume terms, of between 4% and 5% compared to 2013.

South Africa requires stronger growth, faster employment creation and a narrowing of the country’s current account and fiscal deficits. An improvement in domestic and foreign investor confidence is imperative in this regard.”

“Steadfast focus on the implementation of the National Development Plan will assist in boosting business sentiment.”

According to Brian Olson, GMSA Vice President of Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing: “The industry sales came in where we expected, down on last year again. This reflects the

Colin Windell is the Editor of Fleet Magazine.

continued pressure on the retail consumer. We are hoping the decrease in fuel price will bring some relief to consumers.”

“News of a decline is never great, however a 1,3% decline is a welcome relief after other months this year where we have seen declines as high as 10,2%” says Rudolf Mahoney, head of research at WesBank. “However, the growth this month has been at fleet level, and not through dealer sales. This is indicative consumers are still under pressure.”

The decline in the new market is in contrast to continued growth in the used car market, where buyers are finding better value for money. WesBank’s own data comparing sales of used and new vehicles shows a ratio of 1,39 used vehicles to every one new vehicle, a year-to-date increase of 11%.

“The domestic passenger vehicle sales will continue to show pressure for the duration of 2014 given interest rates and car price increases which are above inflation” he says.

As a result, the expected reduction in the petrol price by 67c a litre will not have any impact on vehicle sales. However, the good news is the export market will continue to be the star performer in the motor industry given the stability going forward post the wage settlements.”

Toyota’s CEO and President, Dr Johan van Zyl, says: “The market is certainly showing resilience despite continued

economic pressures, fluctuating exchange rates, interest rate hikes and continued growth in particular the Extra Heavy Commercial segment bodes well for infrastructure development.”.

“However, consumers will continue to be wary of incurring new debt. Negative sentiment due to strikes,economic confidence, international instability, interest rate movements and price increases are all factors influencing buying decisions.

Continued growth in the smaller passenger car segment as well as used car market shows that affordability remains key for South African customers.”

In an almost unprecedented move, GWM SouthAfrica has reduced pricing on its vehicles.

The improved economies of scale that followed as a direct consequence of the investment by listed company Super Group earlier this year has now enabled GWM South Africa to make the bold - and possibly unprecedented - decision to reduce retail pricing across its entire model line-up.

While a welcome move, the industry needs to be careful it does not devolve into a price war. Despite the fact new vehicle prices are high, there is stability and this includes the used sector. A price war could quickly ripple through and destroy this.

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PAGE 41

AutoForum - September / October 2014

MWBA & MWRA - where rubber meets the pothole - Dave Scott

I

COMMERCIAL

t’s a fact. Management meetings are often attended where decisions are made in absence of reality – that means far away from where the ‘rubber meets the pothole’. This distance from the coal face is compounded by a ‘silo-thinking’ factor, where company departments/divisions operate in silos and do not share information with each other.

History is littered with case studies and examples - from World War 1 right up to modern bankruptcies and massive vehicles recalls. Why do we fall into the trap of steering strategy by remote control, without knowing what’s happening at ground-zero?

PAGE 42

If you are a South African Manager, it seems that for many a place at the boardroom meetings is more important than a presence at the sharp end in the field. And then to add to the problem, the only place to visit is a parking bay in a reserved management basement level.

Practicing MBWA and MWRA The one discipline that all Managers, especially fleet and transport people, should be encouraged to practice is MBWA management by walking around. It’s a seldom used technique that surprises operating staff at the sight of their leader actually visiting a work station.

Field Marshall Erwin Rommel, master tactician and leader of the German Afrika Korps in the Second World War, was one of the most respected, hands-on leaders of all time.

Known as the ‘Desert Fox’ and leading his troops from the front, Rommel was criticised by his peers for always being too close to the battle. One cannot be ‘too close to the battle’ in the transport business.

Imagine the commotion in a transport workplace if the Managing Director practiced MBRA – management by riding around.

Eishhhh! Can it be that the boss would actually allocate some time and take the effort to sit in a truck cab with the driver, to listen and observe what is happening at ground-zero?

The paradigm shift is almost unthinkable.

Senior Managers who take the trouble to set aside the odd couple of days in the year and travel with their vehicles and drivers will be amazed at the response they get from the ‘troops on the ground’.

MBRA is certainly worth considering - and if it is not too uncomfortable, it is worth implementing.

MBWA allows for quality & safety spot-checking Safety and quality are two items that come back to bite management in world headlines – it’s a case of constant vigilance. Too often the top echelon has relied completely on reports, without testing reality. Walk the line, observe and record when it’s not expected.

If it’s a 24/7 operation, then MBWA must be randomly conducted at the dead of night when procedures get short-circuited.

Service providers are part of effective MWBA. The fact that a service is outsourced has to be inspected for both quality and safety. Fleet audits prove this time and time again where all tyre maintenance has been contracted out, but tyres are not operating at correct pressure, missing both valve caps and valve extensions for inner dual tyres. A Transport Manager only occasionally wandering around with a tyre pressure gauge in his hand and conducting spot checks, is evidence that tyre pressure and quality gets serious attention at all levels.

Simple, understandable procedures Successful, cost-effective road transport relies on procedures. Pre-driving checks are only conducted on a cold engine – at every stop do a quick-walk around inspection – check the trailer ABS green warning lamp function before driving off – and a host of other items.

Only MBWA and MBRA will allow this to be observed in practice. Even if this is part of a supervisor’s job description, are supervisors conducting spot checks on correct and accurate execution of procedures? It’s all part of continuous improvement in both administration and on the ground.

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.

How do customers get treated?

Drivers have a much wider impact than just moving vehicle and load.

I have been present at deliveries of high-quality goods where poor cargohandling, combined with a negative attitude displayed by the driver and his crew, left it wide open for competitors to seize the account. That was the day for the Managing Director to practice MBWA and MBRA. All perceptions of customer satisfaction and loyalty

would have been smashed by the way the delivery staff treated customers.

And the MD would know what is really happening in the truck fleet and with customers. Is knowing the truth too much to ask?

of the day. The realities of how the fleet is being driven, what stresses the drivers are experiencing, condition of the fleet and how customers are being treated, is masked by gloating over profit figures.

Conclusion A common culture of business boardrooms is not to table bad news.

The messenger invariably gets shot.

Financial accounts head the discussion

On the battlefield of business, the question to ask is – are you leading from the front? Maybe it’s time for MWBA.

1. A truck loaded to maximum GVM is parked with steering axle hard against a curb for the night. This deformity gets imprinted into the rubber and structure that translates into abnormal wear and tyre failure. This will never be seen behind a desk resulting in high tyre costs with arguments around the reason for failure.

2. The only way the early morning startup check can be conducted is by moving the truck. Once the engine is started at least 30 minutes must elapse before checking engine oil sump levels – this does not happen in practice and a reason for overfilling with all the consequent evils.

3. A broken trailer support bracing-arm that has detached can lead to a trailer support collapse. Is this a ‘case of rabies’? How many other trailer supports are in a similar condition?

4. If fuel is 40% of the total cost of ownership how can a fuel tank reach such a state of cracked neglect? Are management/ supervisory standards so low that fuel – the sole controller of profitability – cannot be properly stored on board the truck? Why does the boss not see this?

5. Walking under a truck is very revealing.

This would never be spotted from up top.

Here a drive-axle hub-seal failure has leaked oil into the brake drum – not only is there no braking on this wheel, a wheel hub seizure is imminent with disastrous outcomes.

6. Wandering underneath reveals a missing brake booster on one side of a drive axle – is any comment needed?

7. When a fifth wheel lockjaw handle is hard up against the top-plate then the lockjaw mechanism is severely worn as is the kingpin on the trailer rubbing plate. This is the beginning of the trailer detaching itself on the road. Maybe the driver cannot know and spot this but managers practicing MBWA could note it and take preventive action.

PAGE 43

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AutoForum - September / October 2014

‘An emergency in slow motion’– Diabetes among SA truck drivers - Part 1 - Dave Scott

W

hat is the cascade of events that lead to a serious road incident? Why did the driver lose precious reaction time? This article on diabetes and truck driving was first published in FleetWatch magazine, and the issue is of such great importance, we are reprinting over two issues in AutoForum, as well as on our website.

Regrettably there was very little response from any operator on research questions Dave Scott posed in the market – from disinterest to total refusal to participate. He believes this only indicates that the situation exists and denial rules among both operators and drivers.

As diabetes has an all-embracing effect on health, the contents reach into the overall problems impacting on driver quality and reaction times behind the wheel. But please read into this that the effects of diabetes impact on anyone operating equipment – whether it be a tail-lift or forklift.

In a nutshell: Diabetes is a massive subject. Anyone who drives a vehicle will find something useful in this article.

However, the contents are aimed at truck operators, particularly fleets where top and HR management will

PAGE 44

never read a medical journal or receive the very informative ‘DIABETES FOCUS’ magazine. And because 90% of people with diabetes in South Africa have Type-2 diabetes, this focus is on Type-2 diabetes. SA law (RTA Section 15(f) (v)) also disqualifies a driver suffering from ‘uncontrolled diabetes mellitus’. The main purpose of this article is to expose the high risk of diabetes among SA truck drivers as a special community that needs urgent attention. SA truck drivers are subject to the ravages of Type-2 diabetes resulting from lifestyle, ignorance, self-denial, lack of policy and absence of testing for diabetes among truck fleets. Type-1 diabetes demands immediate attention, while untreated Type-2 diabetes is insidious with equally disastrous health outcomes.

Effective screening demands the use of the HbA1c test, measuring average blood sugar levels over 3 months. Driver risks must be prioritised – starting with public passenger transport, through to hazardous goods and on to extra-heavy Code EC long-haul drivers.

Key words: Type-1 diabetes, Type-2 Diabetes, Hypoglycaemia, Hyper-glycaemia, Glycated Haemoglobin, (HbA1c) level, mmol/l – millimoles/litre, insulin MSDS, glycaemic-variability,

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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PAGE 45 CH3020

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AutoForum - September / October 2014

Key definitions for truck operators, road traffic law regulators and corporate policy-makers: Diabetes mellitus – this is the full medical term for all of the different forms of diabetes, including Type-1, Type-2, and gestational diabetes Type-1 diabetes – an auto-immune condition that is characterised by the body manufacturing little or no insulin. Blood glucose levels must be monitored and controlled by injected insulin.

Type-2 diabetes – a metabolic disorder usually diagnosed in adulthood where lifestyle, physical condition and family history all contribute. The body becomes resistant to insulin and blood glucose levels are controlled by a combination of lifestyle changes, oral medications and insulin injections.

Hypoglycaemia – is the technical term for blood glucose (blood sugar) below normal levels (< 4.0 mmol/l). This may occur for a variety of reasons including administration of excessive insulin/oral medication or mismatch between physical exertion and carbohydrate intake (insufficient).

Hyperglycaemia – is the technical term for blood glucose (blood sugar) above normal levels (>10.0 mmol/l). This may occur for a variety of reasons including undiagnosed diabetes, administration of insufficient insulin/oral medication or mismatch between physical exertion and carbohydrate intake (an excess).

Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) level – a blood test that provides a measurement of a person’s average blood-glucose level over the previous three months. mmol/l – millimoles/litre is the designated SI (Systeme International) unit for measuring glucose in blood.

PAGE 46

It’s not ‘awesome’ it’s simply awful. Anyone who has not unsuspectingly suffered from the ravages of diabetes can possibly understand the impact of this disease. And anyone who has not been a treated diabetic can possibly comprehend the complexity of this health condition. No ways!

That is probably why corporate South Africa generally has ill-defined attitudes and policies towards diabetic employees who are engaged with productive machinery in terms of the Occupational Health & Safety Act of 1993.

The OHSA Act implications At this point take note that a driver’s seat in a commercial vehicle is a work station in terms of the OHSA Act and a driver has the same privileges as a factory employee – the managing director of a transport concern is thus also liable to prosecution under the OHSA Act. Under the OHSA Act, workers must take care of their own and other people’s health and safety at work; co-operate with their employer and obey all lawful instructions, rules and procedures; give information requested by the Department of Labour (DoL) inspector; and immediately report unsafe or unhealthy conditions or incidents to their employer, supervisor or health and safety representative.

Attorney/Solicitor Advocate George Jopling offers the following opinion: “Therefore considering that diabetes mellitus is not regarded as a dread disease under either Schedule 2 or 3 of the WCP Act, there should not be any need for a medical practitioner or health representative to

report that particular worker’s condition to the chief inspector from the DoL.” Adv. Jopling adds: “Therefore, if a truck driver who is suffering from diabetes mellitus is upfront and honest about his affliction and informs his employer’s health representative and/or the chief inspector from the DoL, the employer would not be able to invoke the provisions of the OHSA Act to disqualify or preclude him/her from driving on a public road or performing duties.”

Adv. Jopling concludes: “If any employer tried to rely on the regulations under the OHSA Act to fire or prohibit a truck driver with diabetes from performing his duties, this would amount to unfair discrimination in terms of Section 14 of the Constitution and victimization in terms of Section 26 of the OHSA Act.” The complexity of labour law and dismissing a diabetic employee is reflected in the following case: THE LABOUR COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA, CAPE TOWN JUDGEMENT Case no: C 887/2011 in the matter between Lithotech Africa Mail Cape, a division of Bidvest Paper Plus (Pty) Ltd and Statutory Council for The Printing, Newspaper and Packaging Industries.

SA road law and diabetes The only reference to diabetes and driving is contained in the National Road Traffic Act No. 93 of 1996. Under Section 15 ‘Disqualification from obtaining or holding a learner’s or driving licence’, subsection (f) (v) specifically lists ‘uncontrolled diabetes mellitus’ as a disqualifying factor.

There is no definition for the word ‘uncontrolled’. Another interesting fact is that very few truck operators submit a

driver to an independent full medical check following a road accident, to establish whether anything has changed in the driver’s health status. Too much reliance is given to the annual medical check that must be provided with a PrDP driver licence and which is often just a price-discounted paper-chase.

Among all driving abilities, good eyesight ranks as the most important but visual acuity and diabetes have a common destiny. The complications of ‘uncontrolled diabetes mellitus’ are often revealed in failing eyesight where the damage is irreversible. Road Traffic Act Regulation 102 ‘Defective vision disqualifying person from obtaining or holding licence’ refers to Snellen Chart ratings which are inadequate for testing diabetic conditions. Nowhere in Regulation 102 is any mention made of the special need for testing people with diabetes.

While Regulation 102 needs amendment to include diabetes, fleet corporate policy-makers must take note of this and not wait on legislative changes to action this check on their diabetic drivers’ visual acuity.

Two out of three with diabetes live in cities – are truck cabs any different?

The rise of diabetes is one of the world’s most serious health challenges with statistics getting worse every year. By 2030, it is estimated that more than half a billion people will suffer from diabetes. Today, nearly two thirds of everyone with diabetes live in cities, and those who move to cities are significantly more likely to develop diabetes than those who remain in rural settings.

TRUCK DRIVING HEALTH CHALLENGES

PHYSICAL REALITY - LINE-HAUL OPS

1

Lack of exercise

15,000 to 20,000kms per month, no control over hours of operational service, and kilometre-driven incentive programs leave no space for exercise

2

Poor diet – pap & vleis

Low-quality roadside meals: starch, sugar, fat & salt dominate

3

Succumbing to snack & sweet-tooth temptations

Vehicle stops are well stocked with every type of sweets, salty-snacks and soft-drinks

4

Bad eating habits – one or two large meals/day

Glucose levels spike under bad eating habits

5

Obesity

Not overweight – just obese

6

Stress

Increasing traffic, poor-quality sleep, meeting scheduled delivery demands, all heighten stress

7

Hypertension

This is commonplace and generally not tracked for control

8

AIDS

AIDS – has not gone away. Anti-retrovirals are becoming attributive with the destruction of insulin cells

9

Smoking and…….

Smoking is diabetes partner in shutting down circulation to limb extremities

10

Massive variety of sweet soft drinks …..

10 teaspoons of sugar per soft drink can multiplied by 4 cans/day is 40 teaspoons of un-needed sugar – 164gms

11

Truck PrDP medical certificate is a paper chase

Self-denial and price rule the day - the ‘cheapest’ medical certificate applies

12

In-cab temperatures degrade stored insulin

A truck cab environment is very hostile to storing insulin

PAGE 47

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AutoForum - September / October 2014

From rising wealth and increasing consumption, to more sedentary lifestyles and inequality of access to healthcare, urban living presents a major challenge to health and has become one of the key drivers behind the acceleration of global diabetes. “The global diabetes epidemic is an emergency in slow motion,” says Lars Rebien Sorensen, Chief Executive Officer, Novo Nordisk, a leading manufacturer of insulin. “While there are many factors fuelling the growth trajectory of diabetes, the most striking contributor is urbanisation and the growth of cities.”

Every urbanisation factor that contributes to swathes of people falling prey to diabetes can be found in a long-haul truck driver’s cab. What is happening on the ground in the SA road transport industry – ‘where the rubber meets the pothole’ – and where we should be on the subject of diabetes are far, far apart. Truck driving is a threatened occupation promoting every ingredient for Type-2 diabetes and here are a few very obvious reasons: From an outside, non-sufferer an over-simplified perception of diabetes is that one can control the problem through just avoiding sugar, pills or self-injection. Nothing can be further from the harsh facts. To be a responsible diabetic demands a complete change in entrenched habits and lifestyle. And for a South African truck driver, especially on long-haul, this is the harshest challenge.

Here are current statistics from the International Diabetes Federation, the World Health Organisation & the Centre for Disease Control: There are twice as many people worldwide dying of diabetes complications than there are of AIDS & cancer combined.

Every 8 seconds a person dies from diabetes-related causes.

Every 10 seconds two people develop diabetes.

Every 30 seconds a lower limb is amputated worldwide from diabetes-related causes.

At least 50% of all people with diabetes are unaware of their condition. In some countries this figure may reach 80%.

Up to 80% of Type-2 diabetes is preventable by adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity.

Diabetes is the largest cause of kidney failure and blindness 95% of Diabetics are Type-2; 90% of the complications are in Type-2 diabetics.

People with Type-2 diabetes are twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death in diabetes, accounting for some 75% of all diabetes fatalities All damage caused by elevated blood glucose levels is irreversible People with uncontrolled diabetes face the near certainty of premature death.

That there is no known cure for Type-1 or Type-2 Diabetes Anti-retrovirals are becoming attributive with the destruction of insulin cells, causing the immediate onset of Type-1 Diabetes.

Prof Ayesha A Motala reporting from the Diabetes Leadership Forum held in Johannesburg from 30 September to 1 October 2010 said: “According to the latest global IDF figures, the greatest growth in the number of people with diabetes is in Africa. There will be a 98% increase in people with diabetes, from 12.1 million in 2010 to 24 million in 2030.

For impaired glucose tolerance, there is an expected 76% increase for Africa (vs. 37% for the world average).

The countries hardest hit by the current diabetes epidemic are those that are least developed and most resource-depleted. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest proportion (61%) of people with diabetes out of the UNdefined 49 least developed countries.

The interaction between diabetes, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS and treatments conspire to increase the negative impact of all three conditions in Africa more than on any other continent.”

Don’t miss AutoForum November / December for Part 2.

First printed in Fleet magazine and reprinted here with kind permission.

PAGE 48

Trysome launches SAFEmine FatigueMonitor at Electra Mining Africa 2014

The all new driver focussed FatigueMonitor was proudly launched to invited guests by Trysome at the recent Electra Mining exhibition. Eddie Smith, MD of Trysome described how 6 years ago the company, the Southern Africa distributing partner of SAFEmine, first exhibited their Collision Avoidance System (CAS) at Electra Mining 2008.

He added that the system is based on continuing scientific research carried out by the University of Zurich FatigueMonitor is the first multi-technology Collision Avoidance Solution (CAS) and fatigue detection system for monitoring driver alertness within the mining environment.

It integrates data from collision avoidance and fatigue monitors to help operators maintain attention levels and minimize accidents, whilst providing management with driver fatigue profiles, based on scientifically researched fatigue-assessment algorithms and traffic-related data from the open pit site.

Input collated and integrated from four data streams *attention-level detection â&#x20AC;&#x201C;(PerClos), * vehicle dynamics sensors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (inertial sensors) , * the operatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body clock - (circadian rythms) and traffic behavior systems â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (CAS) allows the FatigueMonitor to predict operator fatigue levels and help avoid incidents via visual and audio alarms and warnings to both operators and supervisors.

WHEEL SERVICE EQUIPMENT

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PAGE 49

Trysome, renowned for supplying quality products, is leading the way in driver safety technology in the mining sector.

AutoForum - September / October 2014

Innovations Ford’s new cobra design innovation Ford engineers have discovered that designing the turbo exhaust outlet, or downpipe, of the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel like a cobra head, helps the engine breathe easier.

INNOVATIONS

The automaker’s second-generation 6.7-litre Power Stroke® V8 turbo diesel now boasts 440 horsepower, up from 400 horsepower, and 860 lb.-ft. of torque (that’s 1166.00344 NewtonMeters), up from 800 lb.-ft, across all Super Duty models from F-250 to F-450.

PAGE 50

Ford proudly attests that it is the only heavy-duty bakkie manufacturer that designs and builds its own diesel engine and transmission combination.

This, it says, ensures that the powertrain will work seamlessly with all chassis components and vehicle calibrations – from concept to execution.

A key Ford innovation on the original 6.7-litre Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel was its so-called reverse-flow layout.

The advanced design places the exhaust inside the engine’s V-shape, while the air intake is positioned on the outside of the V. This segment-exclusive design naturally improves a variety of attributes: • Shorter airflow from the exhaust system to the turbocharger sitting between the engine’s cylinder banks improves turbo responsiveness.

• Positioning the turbo inside the engine’s valley helps the engine efficiently use the hot temperatures, improving performance and efficiency, while also reducing noise, vibration and harshness.

The carmaker continues that the hot-V design of the 6.7-litre Power Stroke – with

its turbocharger bolted directly onto the compacted graphite iron engine block within the V of the V8 – provides exceptional packaging, structural advantages, and improved noise, vibration and harshness characteristics.

Getting the hot exhaust gases from the turbocharger out of the engine V with minimal obstruction to exhaust flow, which aids in generating power, is the job of the cobra head.

And here is how it works: Any sharp turn or kink in an exhaust system can disrupt the flow and increase the pumping work an engine must do, reducing efficiency.

The Cobra head acts like a widened, banked turn, allowing exhaust gases to flow smoothly through the 90-degree turn from the engine to the aftertreatment system and reduce backpressure.

By reducing pumping losses, the design improves efficiency and allows greater torque production.

Finding the optimal shape of the pipe bend involved applying hundreds of hours of advanced fluid dynamics computer modeling simulations to the design.

“Fluid dynamics allowed us to precisely tune the curvature and width of the pipe to optimize exhaust gas flow,” said Robert Wade, engine air path Technical Leader. “It turns out that a downpipe shaped like a cobra head is the ideal design for air flow and breathability, which we validated through thousands of miles of durability testing.”

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PAGE 51

INNOVATIONS

AutoForum - September / October 2014

A crash technology first – from a telematics company

The telematics industry in South Africa is set to mark a global first with the imminent introduction of ground-breaking crash technology that alerts local emergency services on impact.

Vincent Gore, CEO of Resource Tracking, says the introduction of Fully Automated Crash Technology (FACT) to the South African market will completely revolutionise how emergency services respond to accidents. “The system immediately alerts emergency services within seconds of an accident, determining the level of response required and the damage to the vehicle.”

In addition, the technology automatically and accurately predicts the possible injuries to the occupants of a vehicle, giving emergency response teams actionable data to inform the dispatching of response teams. FACT is also able to quantify the mechanical damage to a vehicle calculating the angle of collision impact, vehicle crush, bill of materials and a preliminary cost to repair the vehicle.

Gore says that several major telematics companies in South Africa have now completed technical due diligence on the technology and are entering into pilot projects.

In the 2013 Road Safety Annual Report from The International Transport Forum,

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South Africa is cited as having amongst the highest accident rates worldwide.

Road accidents cost South Africa around R307 billion annually. FACT alerts emergency services on impact, determines the level of response required and the damage to the vehicle

Some of the feature highlights include: • Automated crash detection and initial reporting in seconds • Instant crash alerts sent via text message to authorised numbers • The ability to Understand the probability of bodily injury to the occupants using advanced predictive analytics in minutes to lower fraudulent personal injury claims • The ability to view accident reconstruction reports with key precrash parameters in seconds • Preliminary loss estimate for material damage generated to improve the disposition of the vehicle in the repair system

The main focus of insurance telematics over the past 3 plus years has been “driver scoring”, or measuring the way a specific driver handles his vehicle, in order to anticipate better the likelihood

of an accident and ultimately, a claim.

Driver scoring technology, also known as Usage Based Insurance (UBI) allows insurers to price policies better and attract lower risk drivers. According to Gore: “the success of UBI has convinced many insurance industry leaders of the power of telematics, especially on the underwriting side of the business. We are now taking telematics one step further into insurance claims operations, by fully automating accident reporting and analysis.”

Gore believes that crash management technology can make a significant difference to fatality rates as a result of road accidents. Being able to provide insurance companies with the ability to identify risky drivers and a report that can calculate the angle of collision impact, vehicle crush, bill of materials and a preliminary cost to repair the vehicle, all in real time, is truly ground-breaking.

FACT is licensed from Crashboxx in the USA and Resource Tracking has the exclusive rights to the technology. South Africa will be the first country outside of the US to implement this crash management technology.

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

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

Proud suppliers of the following top brands:

PAGE 53

SHOW TIME

AutoForum - September / October 2014

Show Time Autoforum attends Auto Africa, Lusaka show - Grant West

SHOW TIME

The inaugural Auto Africa show - in alignment with SA Show Services - took place at the end of August in Lusaka, Zambia. The event was comprised of an automotive aftermarket exhibition, automotive conference, a collision repair conference, a two day training session for insurance assessors and training and demonstrations offered on both days of the event by member companies of Partinform–AAMA. Although visitor numbers were not as high as expected, the majority of those visitors attending showed a keen interest in the exhibitors’stands.

PAGE 54

A highlight of Auto Africa Zambia was the Automotive Conference, which was officially opened by the Hon. Yamfwa Mukanga, Minister of Transport, Supply, Works and Communication.

The Minister lauded Auto Africa Zambia as a pioneer event for the Zambian Automotive sector and signified Zambian Government support for the Exhibition and Conference and the willingness of the Government to engage with the automotive sector in matters of industry importance.

He outlined the ambitious road construction programme that was already under way in Zambia to improve road infrastructure in the metropolitan as well as rural areas.

Nico Vermeulen, Director of Naamsa, gave an illuminating address on developments in the automotive sector in Africa from an OEM perspective whilst Ewald Faulstich, Director: Automotive Aftermarket of Robert Bosch Southern Africa, delivered a comprehensive address on the future of the automotive aftermarket in Africa and workshop concepts that would be the mainstay of developments going forward.

Hein Coetzee of Lightstone Auto presented his company’s sophisticated vehicle sales and analysis systems. This was followed by Greg Mokwena, Head: Vehicle & Asset Finance of First National Bank Zambia, addressing the conference on the role of financial planning and services in the Zambian automotive sector; and Jessica Chombo from the Zambian Development Agency who outlined the Zambian government incentive schemes for investment in that country.

David Chakonta, Director-General of the Zambian training authority TEVETA, spoke on the training systems in Zambia and the policy of the TEVETA in recognising alternative learning pathways to achieve training and skills transfer. Henry Mwale, Registrar and CEO of the Engineering Institution of Zambia, gave insight into the system of registration of skilled engineering professionals, including qualified artisans in the automotive sector, which is a statutory requirement in Zambia.

The most significant outcome of the conference was the announcement that an association would be established for the Zambian automotive sector. The new association is described as being representative of the majority of the sector and the development carries the full support of the Zambian Government. The fact that the Zambian automotive sector will now be organised and act as the voice for the industry is a breakthrough development that augurs well for the interests of the automotive sector in the country.

The “South Africa Automotive export manual’ published by Dr Norman Lamprecht on behalf of the A.I.E.C. reveals that the official automotive component export values from South Africa, ranked Zambia 9th with R1 370,7 million, in 2013.

Similarly, Zimbabwe ranked 15th with R839,6 million in the same year. When one considers that these figures do not include any vehicle exports, and that official auto component export values into our sub-Saharan neighbours - ones which AutoForum currently distributes into - accounted for R7 434,9 million in 2013, it would seem apparent that any SA manufacturer or distributor not currently actively targeting our SADC neighbours should have an urgent re-alignment in their future strategic thinking. Autoforum is firmly committed to expanding our current distribution into these important markets and are continuously expanding our database of readers in these countries.

Our stand at this Lusaka show solicited in excess of 80 new subscribers who had not been previously been exposed to the magazine, whilst those already receiving the publication via our sub-Saharan mailing updated their contact details. A large number have opted to receive the digital version of both AutoForum magazine and our weekly newsletter, due to the ease of receipt and speed in delivery.

Outside exhibitors at the show included Zambian automotive dealers representing Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, and Mitsubishi. The exhibition hall featured exhibitions by Partinform members Ate, Bosch, CEF Quickbrake, Federal Mogul, GUD Holdings, Monroe, Ram, Raylite, SABAT, SKF, Willard, ZF Sachs, and Schaeffler Group brands LUK, INA, and FAG. In addition, there were stands for Action Auto, Autoforum, Automechanika Johannesburg and the Johannesburg International Motor Show, BUK Truck Parts, Diesel-Electric South Africa, First National Bank Zambia, Harrys’ Tyres, Jambo Tracking, LA Sport, Leaderquip, Leader Tread, Metaforge, Partquip, Precision Power and the Zambia Bureau of Standards.

What impressed us was the number of end-user technicians from the refinish, mechanical–petrol/diesel in both passenger and commercial - as well as auto electrical sectors attending the show. We spoke to a notable number of trainee’s visiting the show, eager to see any new products or equipment that might be available. Accompanying many of these visiting technicians were their employers–owners and/or senior managers, and these employers were eager to discuss the need to source both product training and further skills training with AutoForum.

Partinform exhibiting members conducted a series of training sessions on Brakes, Shock Absorbers, Complete Engine, Belts, Clutches, Bearings, Gaskets Diesel & Gasoline Systems, Filters, Batteries and Gaskets.

This bodes well for the Zambian automotive industry ongoing – as replacement qualified petrol/diesel mechanics, auto electricians, panel beaters and spray-painters, feeding into the industry, is an absolute necessity for the continued well being of the industry. This is an area in which our own industry falls short and South Africa would do well to drive increased training of future replacement technicians and the up-skilling of our semi skilled workforce if we are serious about growing our industry globally.

We selectively handed out a number of“Technica”training module brochures as well as Highveld Garage Equipment catalogues to those visitors who requested assistance in procuring product and services from our stand.

AutoForum’s exhibiting at this show, gave us the opportunity to successfully visit some of our loyal readers, including officials from the Motor Industry Association in Zimbabwe. We look forward to announcing exciting new partnerships in the very near future, which will add value to both our readers and advertisers in Sub-Saharan Africa.

We have committed to list South African automotive companies who are prepared to provide training to interested companies in future issues of the publication.

Any of our readers who are interested in listing themselves, please contact Grant West at AutoForum.

PAGE 55

Aftermarketplace AutoForum - September / October 2014 AutoForum - September / October 2014 Dana introduces Victor Reinz aftermarket catalogues and new iOS tablet app

New fleet fuel card promises to go the distance

Dana’s latest technology offerings are contained in newly refreshed catalogues that were launched at the recent Automechanika event in Frankfurt. For car engines alone, Victor Reinz lists 8,700 engines, including approximately 700 new engines. For trucks, 5,500 engines are available, with nearly 300 listed in the catalog for the first time. The agriculture line is seeing changes as well, listing more than 1,300 engines. Finally, the turbocharger catalog showcases 4,400 turbocharger units, including 204 sets, with 52 appearing for the first time.

“At Dana, we seek to provide global customers with the most innovative, up-to-date technologies to meet evolving market demands,” said Markus Meier, Supervising Product Manager. “Our latest catalogues – and supporting app – highlight our newest offerings and allow customers to easily explore products and select equipment best suited to their needs.”

In addition to its updated catalogues, Dana’s newly launched Victor Reinz product app offers users the full technology portfolios, consistent with the catalogues.

The app is easy to navigate and offers users the ability to quickly search for products by part number or key words. It also features a section with the latest Dana news about new product offerings and company information. To organise product needs, customers can utilise the app’s notes section, which is accessible through the homepage, to compile, review, and prioritize products they are interested in purchasing.

The Victor Reinz app is free for download and available in the Apple app store.

PAGE 56

Total has announced the introduction of its Total Card, which it describes as “a customisable fuel card that offers a comprehensive range of benefits”. The company says the card “allows managers to drive their fleet from behind their desk.”

It explains that the card is unique in that it is customisable to the individual fleet - allowing for specific combinations of products and services, payments options, which dealerships and locations are used and how the account details are viewed. This is all thanks to the card’s microchip, which is loaded with customers’ specific profile data. Each card also comes with a windscreen tag, so that as a vehicle from that customer’s fleet pulls into a Total fuel station, a card reader is simply held against the tag to record all the customer’s preloaded details – instantly and accurately.

And any future changes to the profile are uploaded remotely to the chip.

Other benefits include interest-free transactions from the date of purchase to the payment date; zero finance fees; a selection of payment options; diesel purchases at prices that are guaranteed to be lower than retail pump prices; lower than market monthly card fees; value-for-money transactional fees and the flexibility to refuel at any point in fuel company’s network across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland. The card also provides a full programme of driver support, from safety information and cab enhancements to discounts and benefits.

Torre Automotive embarks on nationwide Imbizo Torre Automotive, formerly known as Control Instruments, recently launched its new Imbizo - a Zulu word meaning invitation - with the first in an ongoing schedule of shortcourse product and system training events.

Sean Staley, Marketing Manager–Ride Control, said the company recogniSed the need for up-skilling and up-to-date training within the industry, particularly amongst the end users i.e. mechanics and fitment technicians. At the same, it was increasingly aware of the difficulties encountered by managers with the logistics of movement and after hour’s commitment by their employees, in order to attend traditional training seminars.

Hence Torre Automotive’s creation of the Imbizo, an innovative training format, that allows for minimal absence from work thanks to the short-course nature of each of the sessions covering the individual systems and products on offer. In addition, where necessary and appropriate, Torre will arrange transport to both collect and deliver those attendees to their workplaces.

These shortened courses are designed to impart complete understanding of the systems and products of the Echlin, Gabriel and Textar brands distributed by Torre Automotive, with each attendee receiving a dated certificate of attendance for completion of each course.

For more information please contact Sean Staley at +27 11 627 2500

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Scan Tool capable of: • Reading fault codes Special Offer • Erasing fault codes Only R 8 900.00 • Displaying live data Including VAT • Testing actuators • Doing adjustments • Coding systems • Resetting service lights • Latest software included

Offer valid while stocks last. 10 Students per course Contact us on (012) 330 0540, info@hge.co.za or visit www.hge.co.za 42 Taaifontein st, Cnr Khai Apple st, Montana, Pretoria Quality brands at affordable prices

PAGE 57

DIRECTORY LISTING

AutoForum - September / October 2014 Aftermarketplace Directory

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

AUTO ELECTRICAL Auto Cosmos - Electrolog

Electronic Parts (Electrical) Catalogue

012 327 6210

Bosch

Parts, Accessories & Batteries

011 651 9600

Parts Incorporated Africa

Automotive Components & Accessories

011 879 6000

Trysome Auto Electrical

Parts, Accessories & Batteries

011 823 5650

Connoisseur Automotive

Air Conditioning Specialists

021 419 7188

Highveld Garage Equipment

Air Conditioning Specialists

012 330 0540

Snap-on Equipment

Diagnostics Equipment

0861 762 766

Spray Booths, Chassis Straighteners & Welding Equipment

011 444 6454

Aer-O-Cure

Pressure Washers & Vacuum Cleaners

011 444 6454

Highveld Garage Equipment

Pressure Washers & Vacuum Cleaners

012 330 0540

NAPA/Midas Group

Tools & Garage Equipment

011 879 6000

Aer-O-Cure

Electronic Chassis Straighteners

011 444 6454

Beissbarth

Wheel Alignment Equipment

011 651 9600

Bosch

Diagnostic Equipment

011 651 9600

Equipment Africa

Diagnostic Tools & Garage Equipment

012 653 0364

Highveld Garage Equipment

Engine Analyser & Diagnostic Scanners

012 330 0540

Integrated Marketing

Sales, Service & Repairs to all Equipment

012 664 3556

Leaderquip

Wheel Alignment Equipment

011 334 1680

Launch

Air Conditioning Diagnostic Equipment

011 397 3073

Midas

Diagnostic Tools & Garage Equipment

011 879 6000

Snap-on Diagnostics

Diagnostics Equipment

086 176 2766

Wheelquip

Wheel Alignment Equipment

021 949 0010

Aer-O-Cure

Tools & Garage Equipment

011 444 6454

Beissbarth

Wheel Alignment Equipment

011 651 9600

Bosch

Diagnostic Equipment

011 651 9600

Equipment Africa

Tools & Garage Equipment

012 653 0364

Highveld Garage Equipment

Tyre & Lifting Equipment & Tools

012 330 0540

Integrated Marketing

Sales, Service & Repairs to all Equipment

012 664 3556

Ital Machinery

Brake & Clutch Machinery

011 483 3737

John Bean - Snap-on Equipment

Wheel Service Equipment

086 176 2766

Leaderquip

Tyre & Lifting Equipment & Tools

011 334 1680

Launch

Tyre & Lifting Equipment & Tools

011 397 3073

NAPA/Midas Group

Tools & Garage Equipment

011 879 6000

Snap-on Tools

Tools & Garage Equipment

086 176 2766

Wheelquip

Wheel Service Equipment

021 949 0010

Alfa Brake Drums & Discs

Brake Drums & Discs

011 608 0801/3

AUDI Parts

Genuine OE Parts

086 043 4838

Bosch

Parts, Accessories & Batteries

011 651 9600

Federal Mogul Ferodo

Aftermarket Parts & Accessories

011 630 3000

Midas

Aftermarket Parts & Accessories

011 879 6000

Nissan SA

Aftermarket Parts & Accessories

080 064 7726

NAPA/Midas Group

Aftermarket Parts & Accessories

011 879 6000

Parts Incorporated Africa

Automotive Components & Accessories

011 879 6000

Trysome Auto Electrical

Electrical Parts, Accessories & Batteries

011 823 5650

Turbo Exchange

Aftermarket Parts & Genuine OE Parts

011 402 7085

Victor Reinz

Aftermarket Parts

011 432 2667

VW Parts

Genuine OE Parts

086 043 4737

Auto Cosmos - Electrolog

Electronic Parts (Electrical) Catalogue

012 327 6210

Bosch

Automotive Training Courses

011 651 9600

AIR CONDITIONING

BODY REPAIR EQUIPMENT Aer-O-Cure CLEANING EQUIPMENT

DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT

GARAGE EQUIPMENT & TOOLS

PARTS MANUFACTURERS & DISTRIBUTORS

SERVICES

PAGE 58

Secure the future of your workshop!

Bosch - your optimal workshop concept partner

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

PAGE 59

AutoForum - September / October 2014

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