Ignition Magazine Australia | March 2024

Classic/Member Ride:

VW TRANSPORTER

THE CONFIDENCE BOOST EVERY APPRENTICE NEEDS

An interview with first-ever Rising Stars Winner, Mark Smith.

CHATBOTS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

The next generation of customer service technology.

South Australia

Southern Equipment and Trade Show

20 March 2024

SA Golf Day

22 March 2024

Queensland

Western RoadShow

Roma Explorers Inn, Roma

5 March 2024

Clifford Park Racecourse, Toowoomba

6 March 2024

Cairns Trade Show

13 March 2024

Bundaberg Trade Show

17 April 2024

QLD Trade Expo

22 May 2024

Western Australia

WA Golf Day

15 March 2024

Tasmania

Hobart Trade Show

13 March 2024

Launceston Trade Show

14 March 2024

Capricorn

Hawaii

5-11 May 2024

David Fraser Group CEO

CEO’s message

How open are you to change? How willing are you to embrace new technologies and new ways of doing things? We like to think that, as automotive business owners, we’re great at adapting to change. After all, carmakers are inventing new tech for us to get our heads around all the time.

But we’re about to find out how true this tale we tell ourselves really is—because we’re now living in a period of incredible and rapid change and it’s going to fundamentally change our industry.

Fortunes are going to be made. New people are going to rise to the surface to lead us. In twenty years’ time, as vehicles become increasingly connected, autonomous, shared and electric, our businesses may look very different. That’s why this month’s Ignition focuses on the next generation—because it’s vital we’re always looking forward.

It’s one reason Capricorn has invested in Shift4Good, a global impact venture capital fund that aims to decarbonise the transport sector for goods and people. It’s backed by institutional financial investors and major industry players, with the goal of identifying and supporting the auto industry’s best emerging entrepreneurs with in-depth sector knowledge and financing. Teaming up with Shift4Good is part of our strategy to scout for and empower ground-breaking mobility ventures. We know the world of mobility is changing, and in a world of rapid change we must keep an eye on the future and the opportunities that new technology and business models could present.

But there’s more to ensuring the longevity of our businesses and our industry than just the technology. Of equal importance are the people who will work in our industry and lead it. We must encourage, grow and support the pipeline of talent— our next generation of technicians, business owners and entrepreneurs. Vital to this (and, yes, I’m banging a drum that I’ve used many times before) is bringing on more apprentices. Two in five Members told State of the Nation Special Report: The Skills Shortage they were very or extremely likely to take on an apprentice in the future—a figure that’s up five percentage points on 2022 and nine on 2021. It’s wonderful to see the industry responding so positively to this fundamental need. Problematic, though, is the fact the data also shows 43% of Members lost an apprentice before the apprenticeship was finished. We don’t just need to attract the next generation of talent, we need to retain it as well.

One way we can do that is to support and encourage the talent we already have by nominating our top-performing apprentices for the 2024 Capricorn Rising Stars. Past winners have been truly inspiring people with great futures in our industry. Even if you’ve nominated your apprentice before, please nominate them again this year at cap.coop/stars. Last year’s winner, Chelsea Bowers, had been a finalist the previous year, so persistence pays off!

The future is full of opportunity—for our apprentices, our businesses, our industry. It’s exciting. Let’s embrace it.

David Fraser Group CEO

MARCH 2024

5 CAPRICORN DIRECTOR ELECTION

How you can join our Board of Directors.

6 COLLISION REPAIR EXPO

International experts to lead training.

8 DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION

Ensuring the future of the auto industry workforce.

10 THE CONFIDENCE BOOST EVERY APPRENTICE NEEDS

An interview with first-ever Rising Stars Winner, Mark Smith.

14 CLASSIC/MEMBER RIDE: VW TRANSPORTER

Darrel’s dream—from bland van to iconic head-turner.

19 CHATBOTS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

The next generation of customer service technology.

23 EXPERT GUIDE TO THE F1 AUSTRALIAN GP

Everything you need to know about the 2024 race in Melbourne.

26 INCREASED ADAS REPAIR COSTS

Are your customers ready to pay more?

Now’s the time to go paperless …

by opting out of receiving a paper statement each month. You’ll still receive an email when your statement is ready to review online so you can stay on top of managing your account. Plus you’ll be helping Capricorn become more sustainable. Opt out by 31 May 2024 and you will automatically go in the draw to win one of four prizes of 25,000 Bonus Rewards Points.* *Terms

Make a difference to the Capricorn community

Join the Capricorn Board of Directors

Capricorn Member Directors play an important role on our Board of Directors. They use their skills, knowledge and expertise in the industry to help ensure Capricorn is delivering for Members, reflecting their interests and living up to Capricorn’s promises and values.

Interested in learning more about what’s involved as a Capricorn Member Director or thinking about nominating in the next few years? Members across Australia and New Zealand are invited to join us at the following free, online events exclusively for Capricorn Members.

Q&A Session - 14 March 2024

Join current Board Member Directors

Mark Cooper (VIC/TAS) and Mark Rowe (QLD) at a free Question-and-Answer Session (Q&A Session) to learn what it’s like to be a Member Director. They will discuss their journey to join the Board, what they’ve learnt and maybe even a story or two about what happens behind closed doors.

Mini-Governance Course - April

This free 3-hour course is hosted by one of the most experienced governance trainers in the business and will explain more about what is required to be a director and what’s involved in being on the Board. Visit cap.coop/elections to learn more and register for these events

2024 Director Election

This year Members from South Australia and the Northern Territory are invited to nominate themselves for our Board of Directors. More information will be provided to eligible Members in April.

Shares are issued by Capricorn Society Limited (ACN 008 347 313). No offer of shares is made in this publication. An offer of shares will only be made in, or accompanied by, Capricorn’s Prospectus and any supplementary prospectus which is available on request or may be viewed at capricorn.coop under “Corporate Documents.” Before making any decision to apply for shares you should consider the Prospectus and any supplementary prospectus. Any application for shares must be made on the application form in or accompanying the Prospectus.

Q&A SESSION WITH

Mark Cooper, VIC/TAS Director (Chair)

Mark Rowe, QLD Director

INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS TO LEAD TRAINING

at Collision Repair Expo

Dirk Fuchs

Globally respected automotive experts Dirk Fuchs and Robert Snook will lead a valuable education program at the highly anticipated Collision Repair Expo. Taking place from 11 to 13 April 2024 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Collision Repair Expo (CRExpo) is Australia’s only comprehensive show for the collision repair industry.

The Expo, proudly sponsored by SAPE Group, will bring together the industry’s best and brightest, showcase the country’s leading collision repair companies, and offer unparalleled training opportunities.

The exciting new Collision Repair Training program will ensure workshops are best prepared to safely and efficiently repair electric and hybrid vehicles, while also providing vital insights into key business management challenges such as attracting and keeping staff, and opening business revenue streams.

“Australia’s automotive landscape is rapidly changing and the businesses which succeed tomorrow will be those that have prepared today,” Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) CEO, Stuart Charity, said.

“This is why we have put such a focus on education for the combined Expos, with a comprehensive line-up of free and paid training opportunities plus other game-changing features to ensure this is a must-attend event for business owners, managers, and collision repairers.

“It is our mission at the AAAA to provide our members and trade visitors with the tools and knowledge they need to adapt to a fast-approaching future, and we look forward to seeing Dirk and Robert deliver these important learnings at Expo in 2024.”

US-based Dirk Fuchs is a renowned expert and speaker in Hybrid and EV technology and Founder and CEO of Electric Mobility Consulting, created to meet the high demand for in-depth technical information. With more than 20 years of automotive experience, Dirk has an impressive resume including technical training roles in Volkswagen and ZF in

Germany, before aaserving as ZF North American Training Manager, and most recently as Director, Technical Programs and Services at I-CAR.

Dirk’s free-to-attend sessions are: Prepare your Workshop for Electrification, EV Battery Handling and Service in Collision Repair, and EV System Repair and Component Replacement.

Dirk will also host a special half-day training program, Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Awareness, that features a fantastic overview of EV system principles, high-voltage electric system hazards and safe EV working. This session will be in high demand and ticket prices are great value.

Robert Snook is a multi-award-winning business owner, global keynote speaker, respected business coach, consultant, mentor, and trainer. Starting as a qualified automotive paint technician, Robert successfully transitioned to the corporate world. Robert is now the owner and CEO of Business Success Global, where he demonstrates his passion for coaching and mentoring people and organisations around the world.

Robert will host two important seminars: Solving the People Puzzle – Attracting, Recruiting, Developing and Retaining a Team Fit for the Future; and Open Your Business Revenue Stream and Step Off the Hamster Wheel.

“I’m looking forward to supporting the Expo and sharing global insights on why businesses with the same resources operating in the same areas produce vastly different results, and what it is that the winners are doing. My other session will help attendees address their recruitment issues with actionable ideas to develop and retain great talent in their business,” Robert said.

The combined Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (AAAExpo) and CRExpo are the nation’s only comprehensive exhibition for Australia’s automotive repair and service industry. Across the three days of 11–13 April 2024 an expected 9,000 trade visitors from across Australia, New Zealand and beyond will descend on the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC) to connect, learn, and build their businesses or careers.

The AAAExpo and CRExpo are both FREE. To get your tickets, please visit aftermarketexpo.com.au and collisionrepair.com.au

Purchase access to the four-hour Collision Repair EV Training program with Dirk Fuchs while booking your tickets for the CRExpo.

Robert Snook

Developing the next generation of automotive apprentices

by Geoff Mutton

It’s common knowledge that the shortage of technicians is the number one issue facing the aftermarket automotive sector.

At the big end of town, industry associations and governments are working away at schemes to make the motor trade more appealing. While candidates may well be enticed into joining up, these good intentions will be discounted if many recruits quit before they become qualified.

The onus would seem to be on workshops to see what they can do to ensure their apprentices complete their apprenticeship and become qualified tradespeople. Only when apprentices become qualified do they see value in their qualification and the endless opportunities in front of them.

Don’t rush recruitment

Unlike recruiting a qualified technician, hiring a brand new apprentice is more complex because the candidate may be uncertain or dubious about whether this is their right career path. It will be less disappointing for both parties if the recruitment process involves some work experience and a friendly discussion about the exciting opportunities in the auto trades of the future. A meeting with the candidate’s parents or partners can help. The more the business understands the family situation the better prepared it will be to help the candidate on their path to a qualification. So, don’t rush the recruitment of apprentices. The offer of an apprenticeship should come only after the above steps are completed.

Communicate your expectations upfront and make them feel welcome

It’s likely that an apprenticeship will be the first full-time job for the recruit, so try to appreciate their stress and anxiety about this important first move in their working lives. Spend the first few days outlining the workshop’s expectations and making them feel part of the team. Welcome the new apprentice to the team by introducing them to all staff, and make sure they know who to turn to if they need help.

Understand that apprentices make mistakes

There’s a lot going on in the life of a young apprentice, and starting a job is just one of a host of changes and challenges they face. So don’t expect their dedication to the job to be as intense as the owners or managers of the business. Mistakes are inevitable by those with a skill set that has yet to mature.

As costly and frustrating as this can be, losing your cool will only turn their initial enthusiasm into a hatred for work. This is not helping either of you, so it is far better to take a breath and walk away. Then deal with the situation in a calm and solution-focused way.

Challenge your apprentices with different work and invest in their skills

I’ve yet to meet an apprentice whose career ambition was to wash cars. If this is all you have planned for them,

I forecast the apprenticeship will be over within 18 months. It is acknowledged that washing cars may be included in their day, but finding some challenging work for them will retain their enthusiasm and stimulate their cognitive skills. Any loss of productivity in those early years will be far eclipsed by the long-term benefits for the business.

Think of apprenticeships like superannuation — the more invested today, the greater the financial rewards in the long run.

Monthly check-in

The schooling side of apprenticeship training is all too often ignored by the business. Many otherwise promising young apprentices quit the trade when they fall behind in their schooling, for whatever reason.

The onus is on the business to take an interest in the schooling side of the apprenticeship. Sit down with the apprentice once a month to check on their progress. If learning difficulties seem evident, check in with their trade teachers so that any shortcomings can be quickly addressed.

Recognition and reward

Young employees crave recognition for a job well done. Go out of your way to recognise their achievements and milestones. Implement an incentive or reward system to acknowledge exceptional performance. Celebrate their successes, whether it’s completing a training module or achieving a specific

skill level. You could also nominate them for this year's Capricorn's Rising Star Apprentice of the Year award (visit cap.coop/stars). Positive reinforcement enhances engagement and encourages continued growth.

Engage apprentices with technology

Depending on your interest and prior digital experience, new technologies can be either daunting or exciting. Many young apprentices, having grown up in this digital era, will undoubtedly find technology exciting. Use this excitement to your advantage. It will help the business and keep the apprentice engaged at the same time. More than likely your new apprentice might be able to teach mature staff a thing or two. Today’s apprentices will not be daunted by such things as Bluetooth connectivity or programming new car keys or cloning that replacement electronic control unit. The younger generation can be of great value to a workshop facing advanced technologies in every vehicle on the floor. Use their skills and don’t forget to recognise and reward real achievements.

Discuss their future with them

The industry is heading into exciting times. Young techs will have endless opportunities in a wide variety of areas within the automotive space. However, these opportunities won’t present themselves until apprentices become qualified.

Regularly encourage your apprentices to stick with it and don’t stop reminding

them of the potential opportunities that they can tap into the longer they remain in the industry.

Recent studies show that up to 60 percent of apprentices drop out in their first year and many of these might have been averted had the business gone out of its way to make a good first impression.

Apprenticeship Careers Australia

has identified the key factors that influence apprentices leaving their employers: a bad relationship with the boss or co-workers, poor commitment to training, lack of a support network, lack of structured training, and availability of career paths.

Apprentices do take some extra effort. There may be some setbacks and laughs along the way, but your business can take comfort in the knowledge that it is developing the next generation of highly skilled technicians.

The CAPRICORN RISING STARS AWARD is the confidence boost every apprentice needs

An interview with first-ever Rising Stars Winner, Mark Smith

ark, an auto-electrician with The Battery Terminal in Belconnen, Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory, was the first-ever winner of the Capricorn Rising Stars Award, in 2018.

At the time, his prizes included an all-expenses-paid trip to the Gold Coast to watch the Supercars race and a customer service training package from The Workshop Whisperer for The Battery Terminal—his parents’ business. But the real prize was something far less tangible.

“I got a lot more respect from a lot of peers and from the businesses that we deal with,” Mark said. “But the main thing for me was just the confidence from knowing that everyone had respect for me at such a young age. It allowed me to learn off a lot of other people who wouldn’t normally talk to an apprentice from another workshop. Business owners of other mechanical shops were actually talking to me about electrical problems, rather than always going straight to Dad."

“So, that’s one of the biggest things Rising Stars gave me—just the confidence. Now I’m sort of second in charge, and in charge when Dad’s not there, and it’s definitely given me the confidence to do that.”

It’s a boost Mark said every business owner can give their apprentice by nominating them for this year’s Capricorn Rising Stars Award. Nominations are now open for 2024 and Mark said he believed the simple act of nominating an apprentice could deliver the kind of confidence boost that winning the award gave to him.

“Don’t be shy to nominate your apprentice,” he said. “Even if they don’t think they will win it, the confidence it will give them is something that you can’t give them during the workday,” he said. “I don’t think you can say ‘good job’ or ‘great work’ enough to give an apprentice the confidence that this sort of thing can give some young people, especially ones that show initiative and are passionate about their job."

“Just nominate them, because that will mean the world to these young people coming through our industry. Nominate them, because it’s all worth it and it’ll be a massive confidence boost for them.”

That confidence might just be the kind of gold dust that both promising young apprentices, and our industry, need to help us retain talent. In the State of the Nation Special Report: The

Skills Shortage, 22% of Members told us finding a good apprentice was a challenge—up eight percentage points on the previous year.

Members identified problems with both attention and retention of talent. Six in 10 believed auto apprenticeships were less or a lot less attractive than apprenticeships in other industries. Sixty per cent of New Zealand and 57% of Australian Members told us they had lost an apprentice before the qualification had been completed.

Mark’s best advice to workshop owners wanting to attract and retain apprentices was to make the job as diverse as possible—and to show confidence in your apprentice’s abilities.

“We’re all going to have bad days and good days, but just break the day up,” he said. “Make it interesting, rather than the same thing over and over again, because that’s obviously not what we’re all there to do."

“What I found was helpful for me was doing the different jobs. Dad used to just say, ‘Go and do it and figure it out.’ When you’ve got an apprentice, obviously you’re teaching them, so you’ve got to allow them to do the harder jobs. You can’t just let them do easy jobs and then give them a hard job once they’re qualified, because if they haven’t had that practice, then they’re not going to be ready to do it.”

Mark urged apprentices to “stick it out— especially if you love cars”.

“If it’s tough, just find something that makes your day better,” he said. “I could have 10 customers that I serve and if nine of them are awful, but I have one good one, then I go home happy. If you’ve had three bad jobs and then you get a simple service—a quick alternator or something—just find enjoyment in that. If you can’t do that then maybe it’s not for you, but for me it just makes it easier because it feels less like a job and more like a hobby."

“That’s what I always say. This feels like a hobby rather than a job and I’m just blessed that I get paid for it.”

Mark was nominated for the Capricorn Rising Stars by his parents, Capricorn Members Steve and Julie Smith, of The Battery Terminal. If you’d like to nominate your apprentice and give them the kind of confidence boost Mark talks about, visit cap.coop/stars.

TRANSPORTER

CLASSIC/ MEMBERRIDE:

TRANSPORTER

DARREL’S DREAMFROM BLAND VAN TO ICONIC HEAD-TURNER

In the great pantheon of iconic Volkswagen creations, is there a place for today’s humble Transporter?

TRANSPORTER

e mean the late model Transporters. Not the classics. Not the Kombi—the much-loved head-turner that delights adults and children alike wherever it goes, with its characterful front end and the charming putt-putt-putt of its engine.

We’re referring to the functional, uninspiring workhorse that it eventually evolved into. From the T3 of 1979 onwards.

The “bread loaf on wheels” Transporters.

Until very recently, we’d have suggested that for all the benefits of the Transporter— the reputation for quality and reliability, the versatility, the driver comfort, the fuel efficiency—no-one had ever bought one just because they loved the Transporter.

Turns out, we were wrong.

Meet Capricorn Member Darrel Sutton, director of UK Autocare in Wangara, Western Australia. Originally from the UK, Darrel specialises in the service and repair of European vehicles. But his particular passion is Volkswagens.

“I’ve always had an interest in Volkswagens, even when I had my workshop in the UK—the Volkswagen scene in the UK is massive,” he said. “I’d done a few conversions over there and I’ve done a couple of camper conversions over here, too. It’s a personal passion, not a work passion.”

In 2022, Darrel took himself off to an auto auction. He was in the market for a Range Rover. Somehow, he managed to come home with a 2018 T6 VW Transporter.

“It started life as one of those shopping trolley collectors from Coles,” Darrel said. “It had one of those big, red backs on it.

It looked so ugly. I thought, ‘I can make something nice out of that. I want to make something really stunning that stands out’.

Then I thought, ‘you know something; I’ll give it a crack!”

$11,000 later, Darrel was the proud of owner of perhaps the ugliest vehicle on Western Australian roads—one that would have struggled to have turned any heads unless it had run into the back of the vehicle in front of it. Things wouldn’t stay that way for long.

“I removed the Coles trolley carrier and it just became a cab chassis, then we fabricated the tray for it,” Darrel said. “The lower part of the tray is curved around—that’s all handcrafted by a local trader. I got it all bolted together and everything and then we put composite decking on the middle of the back, to complement the grey and black of the new paint. Obviously, I gave it a full respray in Tornado Grey.”

Darrel had a black rear roll bar handmade for the front of the bed, too, and added a smart-looking aluminium VW logo, which lights up at night-time.

The whole custom fit-out took about 10 months and $20,000. Darrel didn’t touch the two-litre turbo under the hood, but has plans to switch it out for an electric motor in the next couple of years.

“We’re just waiting for the correct motoring configuration for it, then I’ll take it off the road for another 12 months and we’ll work our way through that job,” he said.

Which all rather begs the question, why?

Why spend all that time, money and care on such an ugly duckling?

“Just to turn heads as I’m driving around,” Darrel said.

And does it turn heads?

You betcha.

“I get people hanging out of the windows, photographing it,” he said. “Last time I went to fill it up with fuel, I had about 20 people round it. So yeah, it really does turn heads.

You get people flashing their lights, waving at you the whole time when you’re out in it.”

“People tell me they think it looks so cool, so ‘out there’. A lot of people think it's brand new. They think it’s the latest model of Volkswagen. They say, ‘Is that brand new? When did they bring them out?’ They honestly think it’s a VW-produced one, because the quality is so good.”

Very impressive. But, at the end of the day, it’s still just a Transporter, right? Turning heads is one thing, but surely nothing could elevate this historically bland van to the icon status of the Volkswagen “Gods”—the Beetle, the Kombi, the Golf? No-one could seriously suggest a VW T6 Transporter could win over the hearts and minds of the people to join the pantheon of the greats.

“I took it down to the Day of the Volkswagen at Whitfords recently where there were 200 vehicles, and it came fifth in it out of all of them,” Darrel said. “It was the people’s choice, so I got an award for that. There were hundreds of Kombis down there, hundreds. Some of them were Samba Kombis, which they’d spent $200,000, $300,000 on. So, to get a place above them was quite an achievement.”

Iconic, you might say.

AI CHATBOTS and

If you’ve ever engaged with a company using a live chat option on their website, you’ve probably engaged with a chatbot.

hatbots use artificial intelligence(AI) and machine learning to provide 24/7 customer support by resolving questions and enquiries without needing human-to-human interaction It’s tech that really came into its own during the pandemic, as businesses the world over embraced automation.

In the past year, of course, AI has begun to revolutionise and disrupt many industries and areas of life in earnest.

It’s technology that’s not going away, but is it just for the big end of town, or can every business make use of chatbots to improve efficiency and customer service?

In truth, there are plenty of good reasons to consider investing in this kind of technology.

1. Chatbots improve efficiency and cut costs. According to research from IBM (Digital Customer Care in the Age of AI), chatbots can lead to as much as a 30% decline in customer support service costs and can handle 80% of routine tasks and customer questions.

2. Chatbots resolve simple customer enquiries instantly. Customers don’t like having to wait to get an answer to a simple question and they hate being left on hold. Plus, you have better things to do than sit on the phone answering simple enquiries.

3. They offer 24/7 support. Chatbots can answer customer questions, even when you’re not there.

4. Chatbots keep learning and improving. When a chatbot is able to answer a question, it can also interpret the context around the question and answer, which enables it to answer related questions. It also learns how to improve its answers, based on customer responses. You can train your chatbot!

5. They help you identify your leads. When a customer is browsing your website for information, you have no idea who they are and what they want to know. When they engage with your chatbot, you suddenly have data about them and their enquiry. You can use this to make sure you were able to answer their questions.

6. Chatbots ensure an “on brand” customer service experience. You get to teach and train your chatbot, so you get to tell it how to talk to your customers. You can be sure that every customer who engages with the chatbot gets the standard of customer service they expect. Technology that can do all that sounds expensive—and the complex ones are—but in fact there are reliable chatbot service providers that offer subscription-based services in packages starting from about $50 a month.

But will customers use them and accept them?

The 2020 State of Conversational Marketing Study by Drift and the Platform LiveChat Analytics Report by Comm100 found 87.2% of consumers who used chatbots said they had a neutral or positive experience, while 87.6% said they were satisfied with the service they received from chatbots (which was two percentage points higher than with human agents).

Chatbots won’t replace human interaction. They won’t stop your phone ringing completely. But they are a simple and attractive way to enhance your customer service offering, while improving your business efficiency.

EXPERT’S GUIDE

to

FORMULA

the AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2024

by Paul Marinelli

Australia’s biggest motorsport event is set for another massive edition, with the FORMULA 1 Australian Grand Prix 2024 taking place at the Albert Park Circuit this month, from 21 to 24 March 2024.

It took just two hours for race day tickets to the 2024 event to completely sell out, following the biggest pre-registration for a sporting event in Ticketmaster Australia’s history.

The F1 Australian Grand Prix has recorded back-to-back four-day crowd records for each of the last two years, with 419,114 attending in 2022 and 444,631 in 2023. As FORMULA 1 continues to boom in popularity as a result of the Netflix Drive to Survive series, along with showcasing the fastest cars the global series has ever produced, the F1 Australian Grand Prix 2024 looks set to achieve yet another attendance record.

Of course, F1 headlines the event, with Australia yet again hosting the third round of the world championship following the opening races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. F1 will be joined for the second year running by the F2 and F3 categories, the international junior formulas where future F1 stars are developed. Each category will compete in one race on the Saturday and Sunday of the Grand Prix weekend. The local favourite Supercars will also be part of the show, with four races across the weekend, forming the second round of the 2024 Supercars Championship.

The F1 Australian Grand Prix 2024 will also be the second event to feature two Australian drivers, with crowd favourite and proud West Australian Daniel Ricciardo competing with the Visa Cash App RB and Melbourne’s own Oscar Piastri competing in his second F1 Australian Grand Prix with the McLaren F1 Team. (Last time was back in 2013 when Ricciardo and Mark Webber competed).

The grandstands were the first to sell out for 2024, so your only way into this mammoth motor racing event is by General Admission — but don’t let that deter you.

Fans can get a hold of a Park Pass that enables you to roam the entire circuit, allowing you to watch the action from various general admission vantage points across the circuit.

The most popular area for this is Brocky’s Hill, located at Turn 9. The elevated mound gives fans a great vantage point at one of the fastest corners on the circuit, as drivers navigate through Turns 9 and 10 absolutely flat out.

It was this section of the track that underwent a significant redesign ahead of the 2022 event, with the modification of the Turn 9-10 complex from a slow right-left corner to a fast and sweeping right-left corner, making it a much faster and more overtaking friendly part of the circuit.

Other popular general admission areas include the exit of Turn 2 and entry of Turn 3, particularly for race starts as the pack battles it out for position. Then, after the flowing middle section of the circuit, there are good general admission vantage points heading towards the end of the lap and the pit entry, through the technical Turn 11 to 13 section.

Off the track there are a number of fun activities taking place during each day of the four-day event. If you want to see and meet the drivers, the Melbourne Walk is the place to do it. Located on the inside of the track, it’s where the drivers walk from their cars/ team transport to enter the paddock, stopping to sign autographs, do TV interviews and take photos with the fans. It is the only Grand Prix venue in the world that does this and it has proven to be a massive hit with the fans, drivers and team personnel each year. The drivers and teams exit the track the same way at the end of each day, so you have two chances for a selfie or autograph. Drivers tend to arrive not long after the gates to the event are open, so you should make your way to Melbourne Walk as soon as you have access to the venue. In the afternoons, be there about 30 minutes to one hour after the final F1 session of the day.

The event organisers also conduct a number of super stage interviews located at the centre of the circuit and near the merchandise outlets each day. These appearances are also shown on massive super screens to ensure that everyone gets a good look at their Formula One heroes.

The Supercars paddock is open to all General Admission (Park Pass) fans attending and the Grand Prix represents an excellent opportunity to meet your favourite Supercars teams and drivers. This also applies to all Australian support racing categories taking part, such as the world’s fastest one-make motor racing series, Porsche Carrera Cup Australia.

Make sure you take your credit card, as each Grand Prix team is represented in the trackside merchandise stores, which have something for everyone, and there are numerous food trucks and stalls offering tasty cuisines from all over the world.

The event also includes roving musical and theatrical artists, sponsor activations, bars, trade displays, fan zones and more for any motor racing or automotive enthusiast, including an array of historic cars on display. There is definitely something for everyone at the FORMULA 1 Australian Grand Prix. For those of you who couldn’t get a ticket or cannot travel to Melbourne for this amazing sporting experience, there will be wall-to-wall coverage of the event live on Network 10, FOX Sports Australia and Kayo Sports.

ARE YOUR CUSTOMERS READY TO PAY MORE FOR ADAS REPAIR COSTS?

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are blowing out the costs of vehicle repairs by up to nearly 40 per cent, and experts are warning workshops to adequately prepare their customers in order to avoid bill shock.

Arecent study by the American Automobile Association (AAA) found ADAS, which includes features like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warnings, can add up to 37.6 per cent to the total repair cost after a crash. This is due mostly to the high cost of replacing and calibrating the sensors that these systems rely on.

The study compared the costs of repairs for 2018 models to 2023 models of the same vehicles (the 2023 Ford F-150, 2023 Nissan Rogue, and 2023 Toyota Camry). It found the cost of repairing minor front-end collisions was up an average of 13.2 per cent, the cost of side mirror replacements was up 70.8% and the cost of minor rear collision repairs was up 40.9%.

In its report, AAA warned consumers to both “be aware of the repair costs associated with these vehicle systems” and to “prioritise repairing them when necessary to ensure they work as intended”.

While the vehicles used for the study were obviously the American models, the data is likely to be comparable for Australian and New Zealand models where ADAS systems are present. Which is why for the past year, at least in Australia, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has been urging repair workshops to lay the groundwork with customers. In March 2023, Lesley Yates, AAAA’s Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, said workshops should seize the opportunity to “pull back the curtain” and educate consumers about ADAS and the cost of ADAS repair.

“Many commentators are already pointing out the need for the automotive industry to better educate and engage consumers on how to incorporate ADAS technology into the day-to-day driving experience,” she said.

“Perhaps this is a role that we can play. For instance, as we undertake logbook servicing of these new vehicles, there is an opportunity to educate consumers on the features and to intentionally work in a conversation about ADAS.

“This is the right time for the independent aftermarket to work together to support consumer awareness that we have the training and the technology to ensure their ADAS technology continues to operate within the required operating parameters.”

The opportunity for our industry from ADAS is certainly immense. According to data from Persistence Market Research, a New York-based research consultancy, the value of the global ADAS aftermarket in 2022 was US$1.058 billion (A$1.57 billion) and is expected to reach US$2.77 billion (A$4.12 billion) by 2033—a compound annual growth rate of around 9.1 per cent.

With so much opportunity on the line, it’s no wonder the AAAA is warning the aftermarket industry to set the narrative around ADAS repair now.

“We are experiencing some subtle public messaging from the car industry implying you can only trust an authorised repairer to service an ADAS-equipped vehicle,” Lesley said. “This is clearly not true.”

CASTROL AUSTRALIA

PREFERRED SUPPLIER PROFILES

27 YEARS PREFERRED SUPPLIER

Castrol Victoria has been a Capricorn Preferred Supplier for over 25 years. With a focus on customer needs, they've consolidated their range to better serve their loyal clientele. They also have a knowledgeable team that is able to offer industry expertise, service, and support. Castrol Victoria proudly represents a globally recognised brand with two manufacturing plants in Australia.

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PEDDERS SUSPENSION & BRAKES AUSTRALIA

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TRITECH LUBRICANTS AUSTRALIA

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Pedders has been a stalwart in the automotive industry for over 70 years and has its roots in Melbourne, Australia. Starting out with shock absorber reconditioning and evolving to manufacturing springs in Keysborough, Victoria, Pedders is a proudly Australian-owned family business. They specialise in brake, steering, and suspension components for all makes and models.

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Established in 2002, TriTech Lubricants is a proudly Australian-owned company supplying oils and lubricants across diverse markets, from automotive to mining. As a family-run business, they prioritize product quality and customer service. Initially focused on lubricant toll blending, the company expanded in 2010 with a retail product range, ensuring unmatched service and support. In 2016, TriTech Lubricants relocated to a purpose-built warehouse in Tullamarine, Victoria, to accommodate growth. Committed to technical excellence, TriTech’s products adhere to strict ISO 9001-2015 standards and comply with industry specifications. With a global presence in Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Asia, TriTech Lubricants continues to thrive, attributing success to dedicated employees and unwavering commitment to quality and service.

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HELLA AUSTRALIA

4 YEARS PREFERRED SUPPLIER

HELLA Australia was established in 1961 as the first overseas operation of what is now the worldwide group HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA, Lippstadt. They’re leaders in ADAS calibration and diagnostics, offering top-level service and support. Operating in diverse sectors, from automotive to mining, their state-of-the-art headquarters in Mentone, Victoria, spans 7,000 sqm for optimal responsiveness. With an extensive aftermarket product portfolio exceeding 40,000 parts, including HELLA and Hella Marine ranges, they also provide premium parts and tools from joint ventures and OEM partnerships.

Hella Australia pioneers OE quality braking through HELLA PAGID BRAKE SYSTEMS and supplies automotive professionals with SCANGRIP work lights. Their recent launch, HELLA GUTMANN SOLUTIONS, offers world-class diagnostic tools and a leading ADAS calibration solution, empowering Australian workshops to stay ahead in evolving vehicle technology.

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GULF WESTERN WORKSHOP DIVISION AUSTRALIA

Established in 1988 by Peter Vicary and his sons Ben and Andrew, Gulf Western is a leader in Australian-made lubricants. With a focus on designing oils tailored to the local market, Gulf Western has thrived over 35 years. Embracing industry-leading programs, they hold API Licensing and ISO 9001 Quality Assurance Management System Certification.

The company prides itself on utilizing the highest quality virgin base oils and technologically advanced API-approved additive systems, earning some of the highest OEM approvals. From a small local blender, Gulf Western has evolved into a multi-million-litre organization with an extensive distributor network spanning Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific Islands. The fully Australian-owned and operated company is still run by the Vicary family and has a dedicated loyalty program to service and support their customers.

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