Automotive Refinisher Jan-Feb 2015

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T H E V O I C E O F T H E I N D U S T R Y January - February 2015

Edition 177

SEMA SHOW

NEW BASF FACILITY

IN THIS ISSUE >> >> >> DEVILBISS DEVILBISS >>

TRAINING

CRA UPDATE DISCOVERY INSURE TRAINING SCHEDULES NEW PRODUCTS

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Enjoy the recognition you deserve.

In the last two decades the South African collision repair market has really come of age as right across the country top independent repair concerns have moved forward to embrace the changing technology of todays complex modern vehicles.

One of the foremost concerns in recent years has been the constant bottom line profitability erosion partially due to the lack of standards which has lead to a over-traded repair environment.

Top class independent shops have been left with only policies of a reactive nature and much difficulty in finding a proper return on their investment through a lack of recognition of the standards needed to run a professional repair facility.

The Collision Repairers Association has adopted an entirely new approach to the industry and some of its challenges by recruiting the cream of the crop of the repair industry who have invested in standards and continue to put out quality repairs with the aim to please customers. The vast knowledge of the officials and staff will drive forward a strategic plan to improve repairer profits and gain recognition for the vast number of independent key role players in every area of activity in collision repair in South Africa.

The CRA over the past year have worked closely with some major insurers in putting together guidelines to progress the needs of both the insurance and repair sectors. The time has come for major structural repairers and the smaller nonstructural repair shops to have a dedicated voice at the negotiating table. Not only do we have to understand the insurance industry and some of their unique challenges, but we need to also offer long term sustainable solution to problems that have existed over the past 3 decades.

The CRA is also driving a recognizable legislated standard via the DTI that will become compulsory for any repairer to trade in South Africa. This should see the repairers that have already invested in standards gain the recognition they so rightly deserve.

The industry has certainly been begging for change and change has arrived in the form of the CRA. So call us soon to gain your place on the road forwards with the new trade organisation of the future in collision repairs.

JOIN THE CRA AND GET THE RECOGNITION YOU DESERVE!

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Call us on 0861 726 272 or Visit www.crasa.org.za

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Contents January-February 2015

CRA UPDATE

Consolidation Consolidation isis Coming Coming

SEMA REPORT SEMA SEMA Does Does itit Again Again

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GM ALUMINIUM Welding Welding Revolutionised Revolutionised

DISCOVERY INSURE Top Top Body Body Shops Shops

SA AUTO PAINTS Progress Progress Report Report

FUTURE TECH

Can Can Manufacturers Manufacturers Keep Keep Up? Up?

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DID YOU HEAR? Roger Roger McCleery’s McCleery’s Column Column

MAZDA

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Boost Boost Parts Parts Availability Availability

BASF

All All New New Training Training Centre Centre

TOP SHOP

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Alberante Alberante Autospray Autospray

PPG

Cape Operation Cape Operation

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Front Cover: Mercedes-Benz F 015 (autonomous) Contents: Toyota Imperial Hilux - Dakar Rally 2015 (Giniel De Villiers)

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PUBLISHER’S BYTE - by Ian Groat WHAT’S HOT?

HERE WE GO AGAIN

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’m hoping that our opening year ahead will be another good one, but I must say we’re still juggling the pro’s and con’s of the long and bitter post office strike which caused a mammoth problem for this small publication late last year.

Imagine the sheer frustration of producing two all-time bumper editions, of the publishers ramblings on the state of the world’s collision repair business, then shelling out around R30k to post the first document only to be caught up for 16 weeks in a protracted bun fight between the unions and management about actual delivery of Automotive Refinisher, as they tried their level best to kill the customer that they so badly need.

It becomes visible to any South African that the union and labour hostility produced up to 114 strikes last year with the consequential loss of 185 million working days lost. That saw further losses of 775 million Rands to union members wages. It shows anyone with half a brain cell that we’re going the wrong way!

All this turmoil with the three competing unions of the South African protecting organisation rendered us late to pop through your post boxes - a first in 30 years of publishing. The reasons for the strike are as usual complex and varied but the unionism of just about everything is a subject of a giant waste of time. As one workers federation scraps it out with another the major casualty will become business with all this constant upheaval, backed by the spineless government management of critical issues. Just what do we in small business do?

To keep any source of reserve in sight, we did plenty. The latest editions are now on-line on your internet with the page by

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page viewer along with other electronic updates on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

So clearly we’re not in any mood to submit to all these labour agendas to up their constant positioning in this fledgling economy.

To download the magazine, go to www.autoref.co.za - and click on the image on the homepage.

We are very fortunate to have a wonderful working relationship with our advertisers who helped us distribute many magazines that literally went out to panel shops and others with their delivery vans.

Without this great gesture of help and understanding, I’m not sure what we would have done, so thank you very much once again.

Ultimately we’re also looking at other distribution methods as well and the reason for all this non-activity.

Back in the 1970’s I worked in the automotive industry at Rover UK when rampant unionism quickly took over all aspects of their car production. It was an era where no one thought of the quality of the car produced or if it was what the market needed. Like a bunch of lemmings we were all too busy management bashing until around 15 full soccer fields filled up an were full of rusting new vehicles that no one wanted and the company’s fixation with labour problems was propelled into bankruptcy and everyone lost.

The Post Office is a like kind. They are currently deep in the red, don’t care about the heritage of a 180 years of service to the nation and also seem to be busy setting the stage now for even further industrial action.

They certainly don’t serve their loyal client’s interests right now and only time will tell if they undermine the business even further this year with prolonged stoppages. But this time we will be in much better shape to cope with that as they continue to hold their customers hostage in the mailing dilemma.

Having had that rant, if only everyone had more ethics in South Africa perhaps 90% of our problems would disappear, is my take on it all.

Our new edition puts us off to a flying start with new top shops, the Sema Car show report, new products, driven features and much much more for your welcome interest. It’s all done gladly with committed fixation to bring the trade a riveting read from the team once again - as you can deduce were a pretty hardened bunch.

Enjoy the features.

Let Us Have Your Details To try and be proactive instead of reactive in future, we would like to convert our mailing database to include street and email addresses too. Please could you send us your details if you are receiving the magazine to a PO Box. In future a courier service may be called upon to do the work of the postal system, especially if they carry on going as they plan to do so.

Between this and the load-shedding it’s already a fun-filled adventurous African year, and it’s only the first month!

However, we always said that Africa is not for sissies. It sure does keep you on your toes though, as well as very creative in strategic planning.

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January - February 2015 Telephone: Facsimile: Email: Website: Publisher: Editor: Accounts: Design: Assistant: CT Correspondent: European Technical Editor: 4

Edition 177 +27 (0)11 949 4091 +27 (0)11 252 6844 autoref@iafrica.com www.autoref.co.za Ian Groat Claire Macfie Val Groat Jay Groat Nataschja Ferreira Dave Fall Andrew Marsh

The views expressed in articles in Automotive Refinisher are those of the authors and shall not be construed to represent those of the Editor or the Publisher.

Accordingly, Automotive Refinisher accepts no responsibility for claims and statements made by advertisers and independent columnists. Further, the appearance of advertisements herein does not necessarily indicate the approval by Automotive Refinisher for the product and/or service advertised.

Material may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the Publisher. Automotive Refinisher is dedicated to servicing the business interests of the collision repair industry.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

by Aleesen Kisten

LOCAL UPDATE

IS I.T. CONSOLIDATION AND NETWORK REPAIR REALLY FOR SOUTH AFRICA?

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he challenge that lies ahead for collision repairers often includes the difficulty of bringing in new trade processes to the body shop business. The effort of new anti-crash technologies on the global car and insurance relationships, as well as the sustainability of the current models, if you talk to some of the larger independent shops, like the 80 or so currently who are members of the CRA, mostly are confident about the state of the local trade going forward.

This is constantly changing and evolving and some might say the time is right for a sort of leap of faith in the way we do business.

Perhaps the new deal involving Santam and the CRA membership could be leading the way forward with the new project.

As a company, Santam have a good grip on what their market leading sustainable visions are and the move to improving customer satisfaction at the claims and repair level includes them focusing on motor body repair concerns who are capable as process partner in increasing their output finish repair quantities on each repair. They should also be able to boost their turn around time.

This sort of win-win value chain in accident management has fast been expanding in international markets like the US, Canada, the UK and Australia, amongst others, as international accident claims seem to be slowing at a rate of some 15% less on vehicle damage claims.

Everyone is looking to cut accident claims costs with improved partners in repair. By reducing some of the very costly areas of friction which cause a delay in a client’s key to key time on return of one insured drivers claim plus also add additional costs to the claims.

The new system of working together to harmonise an industry which has often appeared to an outsider to be a kind of dysfunctional business, will in the long term be welcomed by all concerned, in my opinion. In the “us and us” approach now being pursued by some major insurance concerns, it is hoped that with some clear rules of

engagement laid out, a much closer working relationship between key role players will deliver improved profit levels to our body shop repair trade as well as efficiency.

For one thing a much better transparency in just how everything gets done in body repair will go a long way to overcoming the atmosphere of general distrust. This is where a more equitable repair system of completing the damaged vehicle gets off to a new start.

One thing we all fully understand is that there is no one size fits all or a quick fix for all the current problems that we see in the South African repair industry and where seemingly more and more specialised equipment will need to be purchased to stay in business as some vehicle manufacturers look like they are deciding on a path to control their own destinies.

Along with this is an avalanche of technology still rolling into the workshop, the worry of where exactly we are going to get the skilled labour force to complete the work properly comes to mind. Perhaps some of the major insurance companies will align themselves with more capable and professionally run business operators for the future as the technology pendulum is now swinging in their direction in body shop repair and insurers are beginning to target relationships that they may have to value much closer into the future to get their expensive and complex vehicles repaired correctly in the time frame that they want.

Finally, it’s all about the maths. A shop owner will only invest where there is a reasonable return on his investment. The old method of putting excessive pressure on collision repair profits to supply on time and at as low a cost as possible is not a sustainable model. The short term thinking behind that system is sadly just doomed to failure and maybe we’re on a more enlightened path forwards into the future now.

WHAT’S HOT?

PREPARATIONS FOR AUTOMECHANIKA, JOHANNESBURG 2015

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he fourth edition of Automechanika Johannesburg takes place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, 6-9 May, 2015.

Announcing the date, Michael Johannes, brand manager Automechanika, said "Africa as an upcoming region is of great importance to us and we take pleasure in inviting the Southern Africa automotive community to participate in this event".

The largest International Automotive Aftermarket Industry event in Africa is set to further expand its African footprint.

The establishment of Automechanika Johannesburg in 2009 heralded a new era for the automotive aftermarket in sub-Saharan Africa which fulfilled a crying need for a dedicated industry business to business event and from the word go the Show was as widely welcomed as it was successful.

"Automechanika Johannesburg is firmly established as a premier business to business event for the automotive aftermarket in South Africa and the sub-Saharan African Region. Show visitation by business owners and managers from Africa witnessed a huge boost during the 2013 edition and there is good reason to believe that this trend will continue in 2015.

With Africa expected to be the fastest growing economic region in 2014 and beyond, the question is not "why do business in Africa", but rather "how?" The "how" factor is where Automechanika Johannesburg is playing an ever-increasing role as a solution in

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providing a business platform to reach into Africa", says show director Philip Otto.

New and exciting developments at Automechanika Johannesburg 2015 include a revised product group identification tailored to match industry demand.

Automechanika Johannesburg 6-9 May 2015! This is where the industry will meet… This is where brand promotion is optimised…

This is where business is done…

For more information visit www.automechanikasa.co.za or call South African Show Services on +27 (0)11 494 4217 or at media@sashows.com 5

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INDUSTRY NEWS WHAT’S HOT?

KAPCI TECHNICAL TRAINING

Neil Butterworth (right) from Anest Iwata shows Faaiz Fataar, Technical Manager from Kapci Coatings the AirGunsa range.

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o keep up with advanced spraygun technology, Kapci Coatings South Africa recently held technical training sessions at the company training centre in Johannesburg.

Heading up the session was Neil Butterworth from Anest

Iwata.

Their brands also include the price and performance Air Gunsa range of spray equipment. This range is of importance for the Kapci brand for its features the AZ-1 range of traditional HVLP sprayguns that offer a large spray pattern. Made from key stainless steel internal vetted parts combined with a high chrome finish the guns are very robust and guaranteed to stand up to constant cleaning and service.

The Kapci technical staff spent a full day in the spray booths getting the know-how on the different performance characteristics between the 1,3 and other popular fluid nozzle sizes. The guns also feature an internal cleaner valve air adjuster which helps for fast painter set ups.

“Distributor pricing will be at very competitive levels,” says Nizam Ally, CEO of Kapci Coatings.

From left to right are Themba Ndolvu, Shaamiel Ally, Kevin Mitchell, Precious Kunene - who found the training very beneficial - as well as Neil Butterworth and Faaiz Fataar.

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SEMA LAS VEGAS 2015

by David Newton-Ross

FEATURE STORY

SEMA DOES IT AGAIN

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hile I was really looking forward to the SEMA trip this year I was not looking forward to walking the aisles and wearing out whatever comfortable shoes I was taking with me over the four days of the event!

In Las Vegas for me the only place to stay (to ensure less walking) is what is now known as Westgate LVH (the old Las Vegas Hilton), which of course for many years was the home of Elvis Presley when he used to star in Vegas. More on the Elvis experience later!

The Westgate is adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Centre and in fact plays host to a new exhibitor section and also the many functions, dinners and meetings. Each morning a leisurely stroll to the Convention Centre is followed by a lot of walking in the miles and miles of aisles in each of the exhibit halls trying to take photos while being jostled by the more than 130 000 industry visitors!

Of course as well as all of the exhibits inside there are many booths and vehicles located outside – not to mention a drift track in use every day!

The Overhaulin’ team were busy once again this year working on three vehicles, located across the road from the SEMA site at one end of what looked to be a marquee of around 200 metres in length and 50 metres across housing lots of new exhibitors. This was a special area set up this year as the event continues to grow.

My first day at SEMA was the day prior to the official opening where I needed to secure my press passes and also to check out how the final touches inside and out were taking place and then visiting Aaron Schulenburg and the team from SCRS – plus helping them move a Tesla chassis onto their booth!

Tuesday morning I was up bright and early taking photographs of the many cars, trucks and bikes located outside of the halls. A new display this year was the Baja 1000 off road competition display that featured many of the vehicles which were heading off to Mexico about a week after SEMA to compete in this exciting annual event. Axalta also were outside (as well as inside) running spraypainting competitions in the spray booth which had been erected especially for that purpose. It certainly got a lot of attention from visitors. This early move paid off for me as on subsequent visits outside the crowds were huge!

SEMA officially opened the doors at 9 am for attendees but prior to that there was the SEMA awards breakfast where the winners of various categories were announced in front of a media audience of around 1 000.

Once inside SEMA the main hall of interest was the Collision Repair and Refinish area which was at least twice the size of 2013 located in the North Hall.

There were some really big displays with Car-O-Liner once again featuring all of their products and services over a large area. 3M were also very busy on their booth by wrapping various cars and attracting large crowds as well as lots of their other products being demonstrated.

Spray booths, equipment, welders, consumables, tools, specialty tools and software, in fact anything that you need for a collision repair facility was on display. Also featured in the hall 8

Celette were at the show meeting clients and showing new kit off.

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The crowding on the Ford stand was something spectacular to see for the American motor brand

Sema’s sometimes weird but always wonderful offerings make anything possible at the show.

Definitely the prettier side.

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were mobile electronics and technology plus restyling and car care accessories.

There was a collision repair and refinish stage area set up at the rear of the hall where training and education took place every day with I-CAR and many others educating the industry especially on the repair and handling of aluminium which was a hot topic this year due to the release of the 2015 Ford F150 aluminium specific vehicle.

Major paint companies including AkzoNobel, Axalta, BASF, PPG and Valspar were all located in the Central Hall which included racing and performance, hot rod alley and restoration marketplace. All of those companies had great booths and displays available and the team members working on the booths were very knowledgeable and attentive to the attendees. Ford and GM were once again prominent in this hall with huge displays featuring the many new 2015 cars and trucks being launched as well as some special vehicles for the attendees to drool over! The Ford F150 was prominently displayed in its many guises on their booth and garnered a lot of attention.

Thursday morning I attended the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and then headed off to the Velocity Live presentation which lasted around an hour and a half and then spent the rest of the day walking the halls and returning late in the day.

This was followed by a CIC reception and then on to the Sky Villa after party where some 250-300 people (including the Aussies!) enjoyed some eats and drinks in the 13 000 sq ft penthouse where Elvis Presley used to live when he was performing in Las Vegas. This really is the party to attend at SEMA and a great place to take in a view of the Las Vegas strip from about 88 floors up and mix with the best in the industry.

Friday is always an easier day to walk around the halls as many attendees take the opportunity to return home early and the people working on the booths have a little more time to talk and demonstrate their products and services. There are still seminars and training taking place and of course the activity outside – such as spraypainting demonstrations, drift track and Car Crazy taping runs throughout the day.

At the end of the day when SEMA officially closed at 4 pm the SEMA parade took place – but this year with a real twist.

The parade of cars wound their way through the thousands of people in the bleachers and around the Convention Centre eventually ending up next to Caesars Palace at the LINQ complex for the SEMA Ignited event. There was live music and lots to eat and drink and not only did the more than 10 000 people see Chip Foose with their Overhaulin’ reveals but also the Battle of the Builders finalists were all there with many of their vehicles on display (more than 125 vehicles were entered in the competition). There were 10 finalists but only one winner who was Kyle Tucker, taking home the title with his 1969 Chevy Camaro.

This was a fitting end to what was in just about everyone’s opinion the best and biggest SEMA ever!

SEMA really has grown over the years and now with the Collision Repair and Refinish area firmly established and the RDE Education programme offering so many programmes is the place to be for our industry. Once again this year there was a large number of visitors from Australia and New Zealand in attendance.

Of course if you like seeing the best cars, bikes, trucks and specialty vehicles along with the major industry personalities then you just have to get there.

SEMA in 2015 will be held from December 3-6 – once again in Las Vegas – we hope to see you there!

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Chip Foose signing autographs on Glasurit’s stand.

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3M’s stand

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LOCAL UPDATE CRA HELP

ADVICE ON HOW TO GET THE BEST FROM BBBEE

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s you are all aware the DTI issued the Amended QSE Codes on Friday, October 10 with a deadline for submission of any comments

by October 14, 2014. However, this is unconstitutional as they need to give at least 60 days for comments.

SME Verification Accounting Tracking Services will surely submit a few comments and suggest a couple of changes to be implemented ourselves.

We've already spent a substantial amount of time working through these proposed codes, analysing the differences and understanding the impact of points, cost and time for our clients. With substantial changes to the scorecard, it becomes absolutely critical to understand the new legislation as soon as possible and start implementing solutions to once again earn the maximum points.

We have been involved with the verification process since 2002 and have a good record within the motor industry.

With 29 years experience in the industry, Awie du Plessis is known as an expert with the right credentials. We are also proud to be an associate member of the CRA. There are three priority elements within the new codes. Ownership, Skills Development & Enterprise and Supplier Development. As a QSE you need to comply with at least two of these elements, but there's no reason for panic. There are definite ways of handling all of this so we will discuss with each and every client based on their own individual needs. We will furthermore suggest that you update your BEE Certificate before May 1, 2015.

This will give you enough time to prepare and collate all your documents to comply with the new QSE Amended Codes in 2016.

Our advice to all of our clients is to make use of our "tracking service" after your verification in order for us to assist you on a monthly basis during this transitional period.

This is to prepare and to ensure that you put your emphasis on the right elements in order to reach the best possible level in 2016.

Here are just a couple of tips to consider in the meantime to focus and maximise points in the meantime.

Ownership l Consider employee ownership schemes. l Black women are also included, not only as bonus points calculated on the excising codes. l New entrant threshold increased from R20 million to R50 million - only 2% of shares in the hands of a Black new entrant gives you three points.

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l An enterprise must achieve at least 40% of the net value targets in order to comply with this priority element. But if you only sell 10% of your shares you will receive 3.2 points out of the 8 points available and therefore are complying with this requirement. There are a lot of different ways to do so.

As mentioned, we will discuss every client's own requirements with them on a personal basis.

The main question here would be what level do your customers want you to reach?

If you can at least achieve the same points on all Elements as the previous year – even if your level drops, all of the other companies will be in the same position and therefore on an equal platform.

Management Control or Employment Equity l The indicators for Management and Employment Equity have been combined into one Element l Awards points for Executive Management l Also points for: Non-Executive Management ie m Senior Management m Middle Management m Junior Management l Keep a portfolio of evidence on each employee - Employee contracts, ID Documents, Make sure that the person is a Black South African citizen (i.e. by birth or descent, or a SA citizen by naturalisation before 27th April 1994). l Determine the appropriate Management level for each staff member it's sometimes practical to list the skills, salary, responsibilities, years of service. Keep definitions of management as per EEA report submitted to Dept of Labour in mind. l When appointing new staff it is of utmost importance to keep this in mind.

Skills/Training l How quickly is the business growing and what skills are needed? l Workplace skills plan now compulsory l Identify training opportunities l Measure ALL training - Internal training also counts e.g. Health & Safety, First Aid - Record keeping is of utmost importance - (Training register & Attendance register) Make use of a Skills Development Facilitator in your Company 15 % of annual salary can be used for skills. l Spend on non-core training counts. e.g. Accommodation, food, transport, manuals etc., but may not exceed more than 15 % of total cost of training. l Best rating will be achieved on Learnerships, internships, Apprenticeships (Category B,C,D) Not only the cost of training, but also salaries can be included as well as 15 % of the Mentors salary.

l Keep a portfolio of evidence on each employee - Employee contracts, ID Documents, Make sure that the person is a Black South African citizen (i.e. by birth or descent, or a SA citizen by naturalisation before 27th April 1994). m Note: 3 % target spend on "Black People", Not necessarily employees.

Procurement l Make sure to get BEE certificates from all Suppliers - do not accept any excuses l NB: Double counting on black women on both indicators is acceptable.

Identify procurement spend on Empowering Suppliers that are at least 51% Black owned.

This could be double counted. l Help Black owned Companies to get their affidavit or BEE Certificate - Cost can be counted as Enterprise Development. l Find more 51% black owned businesses to spend on - get affidavit or BEE certificates at time of spend and keep on file. l Ensure all suppliers are Empowering Suppliers.

Definition of Empowering Supplies l Can only be an Empowering Supplier if a good corporate citizen in compliance with all regulatory requirements: m At least 25 % of cost of sales excluding labour cost and depreciation must be procured from local producers or local suppliers in SA for service industry labour cost are included but capped to 15% m Job creation - 50% of jobs created are for Black People provided the number of Black Employees since the immediate prior to verified B-BBEE Measurement is maintained m At least 25% transformation of raw material/beneficiation which include local manufacturing, production and/or assembly and/or packaging. m Skills transfer - at least spend 12 days per annum (plus minus 100 hours) of productivity deployed in assisting black EME's and QSE's beneficiaries to increase their operation off financial capacity Help coaching and Mentoring. (If this is not charged for, it can be used for Enterprise Development). This would be the most recommended to do.

Enterprise and Supplier Development l Identify any procurement that needs improvement - find Enterprise Development companies who can eventually become a Empowering Supplier l Assist with Supplier Development to use to do procurement at a later stage !!

Offer recoverable ED, loans, investments l Offer discounts to ED/SD/SED customers l Keep records. No evidence means no points l Select a verification agency based on service and especially good interpretations.

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INDUSTRY UPDATE TRENDS

GM SET TO REVOLUTIONISE ALUMINIUM WELDING

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eneral Motors is adding more lightweight aluminium to its vehicles. But unlike Ford Motor Co., GM is not spending hundreds of millions of dollars to retool its assembly plants for the metal. Instead of joining aluminium parts with rivets and industrial adhesive, as Ford does to assemble the redesigned 2015 F150, GM is rolling out a new welding system.

GM’s system spot welds aluminium sheet, such as doors, hoods and tailgates, on existing production lines with the same robots and welding guns used for steel.

Ford, on the other hand, spent R3.5 billion and lost 10 weeks of production when it converted its Dearborn, Michigan F150 plant from steel to aluminium for the 2015 model. Ford plans to make the same expensive switch at its Kansas City truck plant.

Richard Shultz of Ducker Worldwide, a consulting firm in suburban Detroit, says GM’s aluminium welding system is a breakthrough in manufacturing technology.

“It is a great leap. And I think that is very important. I don’t know of anyone else who has that,” he said.

GM has not committed to producing an aluminium-bodied vehicle. But reducing weight with more aluminium is a high priority. “We can no longer bring out new vehicles that weigh the same or more as the competition. We have to be the best in the world at how we do vehicle design,” said Mark Reuss.

The new aluminium spot welding system, which GM internally calls multiring domes electrode, is used at GM’s Grand River plant in Lansing Michigan, to weld the aluminium doors on the 2015 Cadillac CTS. It’s also used in Arlington, Texas on the aluminium liftgates of the Chevrolet Tahoe and

Suburban, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV. GM also uses the system in Bowling Green, Kentucky to weld the aluminium underbody of the Chevrolet Corvette.

GM can quickly and inexpensively roll out the welding system to its assembly plants, Reuss said. Only minor changes are required to production equipment. Liquid coiling lines must be installed to keep special copper welding tips at the proper temperature. A machine that resurfaces the copper welding tips is also required. And the production line robots need an additional transformer to handle the higher voltage required to weld aluminium sheets.

“Our view is we want to be able to reuse our existing infrastructures. We don’t want to have to retool,” say GM. During a demonstration at GM’s Tech Centre in Warren, Michigan, officials showed visitors a standard Fanuc production line robot that quickly and quietly zipped through 48 welds on a series of aluminium sheets. Each weld took about a second. The robot’s arm holds pincers with copper caps.

The pincers gently squeeze the two aluminium sheets together, making a sound like the soft clicking of castanets. Electricity is applied, and the weld is complete, usually with little or no smoke and no sparks.

Here’s the problem with welding aluminium. Oxide on the surface of the metal makes it difficult to create a strong, durable weld. Among other things, oxide traps hydrogen gases in the melted metal causing porosity, which weakens the weld.

GM’s system solves these problems with copper welding caps. Circles scribed on the ends of the caps help ensure strong welds by disrupting the oxide.

GM has been granted nearly 20 patents for its aluminium welding technology. The

“The way repairers currently spot weld aluminium could be in for a process step change in the future within the next decade,” say GM.

key components are the copper caps and the circles scribed into them by the resurfacing machine. Each cap lasts for about 4 000 welds. They are resurfaced after every 50 welds until they wear out. GM spends less than R10 for each cap.

Aluminium helps automakers cut vehicle weight. The redesigned 2015 aluminiumbodied F150 pickup now on its way to dealers cuts as much as 700 pounds from the steel-bodied 2014 model’s curb weight.

Ford is promising fuel economy gains for the new pickup as high as 20% from the 2014 model, as the company works to meet government fuel economy standards that call for automaker fleet averages to rise to 54.5mpg by the 2025 model year.

Reuss says GM can meet its fuel economy obligations without switching to a full aluminium body. He says a combination of “mixed materials”, can give GM the weight savings it needs.

HIGH DEFINITION

WAX JHB: 011 908 5446 CT Tonie: 083 458 0699 KZN Andre: 082 850 5056 ezecare@mweb.co.za

The trusted name in body shop products just got better AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

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NEWS FROM THE ZOO - by Roger Houghton

SA NOW GIVING OUT THE WRONG SIGNAL TO INVESTORS

Ford SA’s Struandale engine plant in Port Elizabeth, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, has been hit by more than 90 power outages during a 12-month period, causing serious disruption to a plant which works 24/7 with expensive, sophisticated machinery that does not take kindly to sudden losses of electric power.

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outh Africa is nowadays giving out all the wrong signals to investors and industrialists – both local and international – as the very fabric of basic services in the country go into meltdown. Years ago this country was the economic hub, industrial powerhouse and breadbasket of Africa. Now it seems headed for one catastrophic service delivery failure after another.

A couple of months ago there was a widespread water shortage – including comments on the dire, long term challenges facing the national water supply sector in general – now we have crippling electricity power outages and load-shedding as this system fails to meet demand due, evidently, to a lack of planned maintenance – that’s according to trade union Solidarity.

A shocking statistic came from the CEO of Ford SA, Jeff Nemeth, in a recent interview where he reported 90-odd power outages over a 12-month period at Ford’s engine plant in Port Elizabeth. One can only imagine the havoc wrought to the equipment, especially the high-speed tools, and to the scrappage rate that these outages cause in a 24/7 machining plant.

This time the rolling blackouts have been imposed not due to heavy mid-winter demand, wet coal, or even collapsing coal silos.

Instead Eskom has rolled out a whole lot of other excuses, none of which gets to the root causes of the problem which were highlighted so graphically on TV during a recent Carte Blanche show.

Then we had the Post Office strike which lasted four months and there is still not a full return to delivery service. This strike – unlike those in various sectors such as steel and mining – has affected virtually everyone plus businesses in the land in some way or another and is sure to start a rethink about using the facilities and services of the SA Post Office in the future.

The publishing industry, which includes Automotive Refinisher and WCM Media, the company for which I work, are among the companies affected directly as both rely on the Post Office to deliver their magazines.

What is particularly concerning is that nobody seems to be leading from the front in an effort to sort out these major problems in basic services. Instead Parliament erupts into mayhem with internal fighting between the various political parties and huge amounts of publicity on the admittedly thorny matters of e-tolls and Nkandla. But nobody is really castigating the Government for failing to meet its duty of providing reliable basic services to the citizens of the country.

This is very concerning as it is severely damaging the reputation of South Africa as an investment destination and this unhappy situation 18

could well impact directly and indirectly on the motor industry’s future in this country.

The warning cry has been taken up by many other people in the SA business and economic environment, including billionaire Johann Rupert, chairman of a host of companies including Richement and Remgro. Speaking at the AGM of the latter company in Somerset West recently, he berated the government for failing to address corruption and power shortages.

“The leadership of this country, quite frankly, is becoming very, very hard to defend abroad,” said Rupert. “The people who are running the country now were not given proper education.

Wherever you look we have got stagnation and really worrying signs.”

The Bloomberg News article in Moneyweb reported that Rupert went on to say: “South Africa’s central bank expects the secondlargest economy on the continent to grow 1.4% this year, the slowest pace since a 2009 recession, as a series of blackouts caused by a creaking power-station network and strikes cramp production.

The negative sentiment has been compounded by corruption scandals implicating President Jacob Zuma and his administration.”

“I’m concerned that we are not prioritising the right things,” Rupert said. “We picked low-hanging fruit for a very long time.

Those trees are now starting to run empty. How can a person not have electricity? How can we create jobs?”

Adding further fuel to the fire of despondency in the SA business community comes from Grant Thornton SA whose latest tracker research shows business confidence plunged to 3% in the quarter which ended on September 30 from 35% at the end of the previous quarter on June 30.

According to an article in The Star the consultancy firm’s international business report says that a lack of visible economic reforms, current issues relating to land grabs, “Nkandlagate” and continued rabble-rousing in Parliament is not helping matters and have caused the business confidence indicator to tumble.

“As long as we have these issues the economy will not grow beyond 2%. They need to be addressed as a matter of urgency,” said the national chairman of Grant Thornton, Deepak Nagar.

However, the executive went on to add: “It’s not all a lost cause.

We need to get back on track. Growth is the driver of the economy.

Otherwise our African counterparts will overtake us as an investment destination for foreign direct investment.”

AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

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LOCAL NEWS WHAT’S HOT?

CHEMSPEC METALUX BRAND MOVING AHEAD IN THE GLOBAL MARKET

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he global success of the South African Metalux and Metacryl brands was supported by another good year of trading in the collision repair trade.

Gerard Metzer, Group Marketing Director at Chemical Specialities (Chemspec), has a wealth of experience in helping develop successful and long term brand strategies in many diverse countries.

Metzer says that legislation still dominates the environmental choice in many countries and that the Hydrolux waterborne system, which is successfully exported from South Africa to global markets, meets and exceeds the tough 1172 California emission standards. Metalux comprises of basecoats and solids and is very popular where no new legislation is enforced in traditional markets.

South Africa, has over 500 mixing machines up and running locally and the solvent borne refinish remains ever popular.

As a flagship range, the state-of-the-art technology is very able in colour formula retrieval and accurately covers 140 000 mixing formulas on the latest Easymix 3 colouristics.

All this can be achieved with a minimum of just some 77 toners. That means in real terms that a smaller toner stock is needed for all those shades to achieve excellence in the colour tools support area of business.

Metalux, which was founded way back in 1957, backs up the full range with an extended lifetime product warranty to guarantee a peace-of-mind purchase for body shops using the product range in repair. Full training is also supplied with the availability of three in-house training centres as market penetration for the brand continues to develop in Southern Africa.

Hannes Kloppers, Head of Refinish Sales SA, is upbeat about the latest Hi-Solid clearcoats and improved primer range on offer at Chemspec.

Chemspec has products designed to perform perfectly at many price levels to the end user. So if it’s either Hydrolux, Metalux, Specrylic Plus or their foundation body fillers and polishers from Formula 40, they have suitable excellent materials for both car repair, CV trucks and light industrial markets.

It’s nice to see that Chemspec’s world activities and great sales have brought an improved sales performance to the Chemspec Group and that they are no longer a best kept secret in the world of high quality car refinish paints.

AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

The Chemspec management team have posted good global acceptance for the South African developed Metalux range. Seen here are Baron Schreuder (left), CEO, Hannes Kloppers, Head of Refinish Sales SA and Gerard Metzer (right), Group Marketing Director.

The Metalux range from Chemspec has been one of South Africa’s greatest success stories in automotive coatings globally.

Seen here are Jurie Scheepers (left) and Hannes Kloppers. “With over 140 000 colour formulas and a full colour box to identify car colours, Metalux has a state-of-the-art colouristics package for collision repairers.

This year they are aiming to expand into SA body shops even further”, said Kloppers.

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LOCAL NEWS AWARDS

TOP THREE DISCOVERY INSURE PANELBEATERS ACKNOWLEDGED

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iscovery Insure has recently issued awards to the top three panelbeaters in South Africa. This was determined by their CSIs and client information obtained about their service. It beats all expectations on quality and service in collision repair. With around 100 collision repair shops as part of the Discovery Insure team, the top three body shops awarded can really take pride in this recognition.

Car World Panelbeating in Wynberg were honoured in their commitment to clients with first place. Speaking for the family owned business, Dion Scanlen said that it was a huge achievement for the company who has traded for over 25 years in the body shop business.

“The company achieved a great result,” said Anton Ossip, CEO of Discovery Insure, “as they achieved top place in the service charter for the group.”

Speaking about success Scanlen said that each and every repair is personally checked for quality of repair and that all that effort and care from Car World Panelbeating had paid off with the result of winning the national best of the best award.

Riverside Autobody, managed by director Marc Wafer, were also awarded a top CSI rating by Discovery Insure. The company is regularly in the 95% marks of service and quality on their output work.

“Once again we have been recognised for our hands on approach,” said Wafer. “This is an absolutely awesome result for the entire company for their dedication and effort in everything we repair”.

Wafer says that the company has only been operating in the current partnership for two years and his damage assessment background has helped to manage clients through their accidental mishaps.

Third place was awarded to Classic Coachworks, and once again it’s a family owned enterprise with a hands on outlook in everything – this seems to be a quality thread. Since 1995 this has been their secret to success and it has and will stand them in great stead into the future.

The RSB Autogroup would like to congratulate these top three winners and thank Car World Panelbeating and Riverside Autobody for powering their business to excellence by choosing R-M coatings as their refinish brand of choice.

1. Car World Panelbeating is a hands on family run business and achieved first place.

2. Marc Wafer, Director from Riverside Autobody.

3. From left to right back: Gerry Cavadias and Lowell Festus. From left to right front: Karin van der Schyff and Carla Cavadias from Classic Coachworks.

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LOCAL NEWS

Aer-o-cure is now the exclusive importer of GYS equipment for South Africa. The GYS brand has a reputation for good quality and strength.

WHAT’S HOT?

AER-O-CURE THE NEW EXCLUSIVE GYS DISTRIBUTORS

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er-o-cure has been appointed as the exclusive South African importer for GYS welding products. GYS offers a very competitive product range. All production is taken care of in-house to ensure innovative products with excellent after sales service and support.

The 1960s marked the time when many domestic electrical appliances, large and small began to arrive into the home, ie: fridges, washing machines, TV's etc that we all take for granted today. To cater for this increased demand for energy in the home, urgent changes had to be made to the energy network. It was decided that the French electrical network would have to change, lifting the voltage level from 110 to 220 Volts requiring the installation of transformers in each home.

It was in 1964 that Guy Yves Stephanie built a factory in Laval to manufacture these transformers. The construction of motor vehicles, machine tools, art structures, buildings or any structures of all metal construction – all this would be impossible

without welding. GYS manufactures arc welding machines for the three most commonly used methods. Manual electrode or stick welding (MMA), TIG welding, welding with inert gas (MIG) and active gas (MAG). Their range of yellow welding machines designed are the most popular welding applications in maintenance, fabrication and light manufacturing. They use a grey colour scheme to differentiate their most advanced machines designed for the most demanding applications or those subjected to the most intensive use.

GYS offers a comprehensive range of welding equipment, cutters, as well as accessories and consumables. There is also a dent puller to help in body repair.

If you take a look inside GYS’ production facilities in Laval, France, you will be surprised by their manufacturing activities.

They develop and produce nearly all the components that make up their machines inhouse. The speed with which 2000 machines roll off the production line each day is impressive. They have a large fully automated sheet metal working centre and a highly flexible powder coating system that makes this achievable.

Some Interesting Figures About GYS: 1964: Guy Yves Stephanie establishes GYS and secures a contract to manufacture transformers for French electricity company EDF (Électricité de France).

1970: GYS commences production of

battery charging devices and by the end of the same decade is making the first conventional electric welding equipment.

1980: GYS is taken over by an investment company.

1997: Nicolas Bouygues acquires GYS. The company employs fewer than 50 members of staff.

1997-2001: Game-changing investment, restructuring and modernisation.

1999 - The first electrode welding inverter leaves the factory.

2001-2004: GYS invests heavily in new product development. TIG welder inverters, plasma cutter inverters and other MIG welding machinery follows. The third production segment is added: resistance welding and car body repair equipment.

2004: Shanghai, China: start of production of battery charging devices for private usage.

2006: Sales and service subsidiary opens in Aachen, Germany.

2008: Sales and service subsidiary opens in Warwick, England.

2011: Sales subsidiary opens in Shanghai, China.

2013: GYS subsidiary opens in Coimbatore, India.

2013: The GYS Group employs 470 staff, generating annual sales of more than €60 million Give Aer-o-cure a call for more information on the complete GYS range on +27 (0)11 444 6454.

INNOVATION

CAR-O-LINER’S NEW VISION 2 SOFTWARE WINS AWARD

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ar-O-Liner’s brand new Vision2 software won the prestigious Innovation Award within the category IT & Management at the Automechanika Trade Show 2014.

Vision2 is part of Car-O-Liner’s Vision™ system, state-of-the-art measuring hardware and software for the repair of collision-damaged vehicles.

“We are very proud to receive this

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prestigious award honouring our leadership in state-of-the-art measuring software for the vehicle collision repair market,” says Jonas Gunnarsson, VP and Business Unit Manager. “I would like to thank our employees for their dedication to the pursuit of quality and excellence at Car-OLiner.” The photo-based Vision2 software, which guides the entire repair process and performs automatic centering, measuring

and documentation, is so user-friendly that technicians can complete the measurement process 20% faster than before.

Vision2 is compatible with the Car-OTronic™ and Car-O-Mech measuring systems as well as with the PointX diagnostic measuring tool and is integrated with Car-O-Data, the world´s largest vehicle measurement database containing data on over 14 500 measured vehicles.

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BUSINESS UPDATE WHAT’S HOT?

SA AUTO PAINTS GROWTH AND PROGRESS

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yron Zackey heads up the SA Auto Paints Company in Newlands, Johannesburg. The company has now racked up 20 years of solid growth and progress with strong levels of compound growth in sales year on year. The company are a refinish diversified supply company with a large offering on alternative body panels, lamps, motor glass, spoilers, bumper replacement and a full line of tapes and abrasives.

Tyron says that right now they operate a full fleet of seven fast delivery vehicles to supply the trade right across the Gauteng area and it’s that type of specialist good service that has powered SA Auto Paints forward.

He says they pay great attention to their customer care levels in the business, backedup by a loyal team with Patrica Farrell and Trevor Basson in sales to clients. They operate six specialist colour-matching staff and everyone has a hands-on approach to keep a good focus on their customers needs all the time.

Tim Zackey has a long history of knowledge and success in the body shop refinish supply business and operates a first class family business in Newlands, Johannesburg.

Tyron’s brother Timothy, also manages the shop as they see a large amount of their paint refinish lines delivered everyday. Luxor and Kapci paint brands form a big part of the company body shop sales performance as they operate in the East Rand, Northern suburbs, Central, West Rand and the deep South areas on the reef.

Barbra Zackey keeps a watchful eye on the internal administration and believes a

David, Pat and Trevor keep the frontline sales at high levels in their market.

Robbie (left) and Peter in the spares department hold large stocks of fast moving body parts.

AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

strong sense of Christian values powers SA Auto Paints fowards.

The Zackeys look well set to keep SA Auto Paints ahead of the game in their specialist market for years to come.

You can call Tyron or his team on +27 (0)11 673 9381 for more details on the company’s activities. They are based in Palm Centre Main Road, Newlands, Johannesburg if you wish to drop in.

The SA Auto Paints team have notched up a 20-year run of success from Newlands, Johannesburg.

Colours and even more colour matches are part of the paint mixing department’s daily routine.

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DRIVEN HONDA BALLADE VTEC

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he 2015 Ballade ups the ante at every level: from its streamlined shape and even more spacious interior to exceptional safety standards, improved dynamics and greater efficiency.

The Ballade also offers an extended list of standard features across its two specification levels, many of which entrench the Honda’s class-leading status in this segment.

The Ballade doesn’t rely on oldergeneration technology, but delivers several innovations, including an all-new Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT) featuring Honda’s Earth Dreams technology, as well as a touch screen-based infotainment system that offers an array of powerful features.

Strongly emphasised style lines create a more powerful, more confident side-on appearance, while the rear treatment continues to underscore the smooth flow of the Ballade’s design.

Innovative solutions such as reduced internal friction, weight reduction and Honda’s own i-VTEC variable valve timing system, together with the Ballade’s more aerodynamic shape, have allowed significant improvements in performance, fuel consumption and emissions.

The new Ballade performs more eagerly

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than before, while achieving improved levels of efficiency in the process. Manualtransmission models accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 9,6 sec, which is 0,2 quicker than the outgoing model.

Top speed is 185 km/h. The Ballade is easy to drive, thanks to its stable road manners and high comfort levels, but is also responsive to enthusiastic driver inputs.

The new Ballade offers class-leading levels of active and passive safety. The new sedan is equipped with six airbags – front, side and curtain – as well as seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters. Active head restraints are standard, too. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) is standard across the Ballade range.

Honda has also included Hill Start Assist to the Ballade’s feature set, making starts on an incline easier and safer by preventing the vehicle from rolling back.

A further innovation fitted to the new Ballade Elegance is a multi-angle rear-view camera. When reverse gear is selected, the camera view is displayed on the car’s touchscreen display. The camera angle can be adjusted to change perspective, assisting with parking. The camera incorporates a dynamic guidance function that displays yellow guidelines while reversing to indicate the area

into which the vehicle is being reversed. The lines change as the steering wheel angle is changed to show the area being reversed towards.

As part of the thoroughly updated interior, the Ballade Trend model gets an all-new audio system with integrated USB and Bluetooth.

The list of standard equipment is comprehensive. The most eye-catching addition to the Elegance execution is the fitment of a seven-inch touchscreen display with icon-based graphical user interface. It offers an intuitive interface for the car’s infotainment system, including audio functionality and Bluetooth telephony.

The touchscreen interface emulates smartphone screen functionality by offering gesture-based control (including tap to select, swipe to scroll, slide to move and pinch to zoom) for more intuitive ease of use.

The new Honda Ballade will be offered in a choice of six colours, of which three are metallics, while two are pearl-effect hues.

They are Taffeta White, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Urban Titanium Metallic, Golden Brown Metallic, Carnelian Red Pearl, and Crystal Black Pearl.

The pricing includes a three-year/ 100 000km warranty, a four-year/60 000 km service plan, and one-year roadside assistance.

AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

ANEST AIRGUNSA A4 J-F 2015_Layout 1 2015/02/03 11:04 AM Page 1

THE AIR GUN SA RANGE OFFERS TOP PERFORMANCE AT A VALUE PRICE WITH PROFESSIONAL MATERIAL TRANSFER EFFICIENCY. DISTRIBUTOR ENQUIRIES ARE INVITED FOR THE HIGH PERFORMANCE RANGE.

Contact: +27 (0)11 463 2169 Block B, Ground Floor, St. Andrews Office Complex Meadowbrook Lane, Epsom Downs, Johannesburg

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FUTURE TECH - by Andrew Marsh

CAN MANUFACTURERS KEEP UP?

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here is a stark trend that has been underway since the turn of the century – car manufacturers have taken advantage of the manufacturing revolution to produce more and more versions of a given model. Whilst that has led to an everincreasing array of body styles and engine choices as each manufacturer seeks to exploit every possible niche demand, there are some dark clouds on the horizon. Not only has this marketdriven trend taken place but there has been a considerable number of brand new technologies reaching the market which simply were not on offer way back in 2000.

Consider when BMW produced the 3 series around 2000, there were five body styles (saloon, estate, coupé, convertible, 3-door hatch) whereas now it looks like this: l 1 series (F2X) – 3-door hatch, 5-door hatch l 2 series (F2X) – coupé, convertible, but not the 2 series Active Tourer which is related to F5X Mini l 3 series (F3X) - saloon, estate, Gran Tourismo l 4 series (F3X) – coupé, convertible, Gran Coupe l X3 (F25) – SUV l X4 (F26) – SUV coupe cross over By extending the use of multiple engines into multiple body styles and then splitting out those body styles into separate groupings, BMW now has 13 body styles based on common underbody, front end structures, powertrains and suspension/steering/brake systems.

So that’s all good?

Details, Details The trend outlined by BMW can be seen right around the world from most of the major vehicle manufacturers. These days it is rare to find a product that exists only in one or two styles – even the new Mazda MX-5 will have an Alfa Romeo sister with a different engine assembled in the same Japanese plant for worldwide sale. The success of each version relies on totality of execution, where every single surface or control the customer will use has an identity of its own rather than appearing as blatantly ‘borrowed’ from another model.

The unique aspects of each version are typically the front wings, rear quarter panel and even the doors/tailgate/boot lid. The differences go deeper into the body structure, with changes to the sill, rear platform and inner rear quarter panels. Each unique body shape will have variations of exterior trim, glass, bumper skins, tail lights, interior trim and electrical systems. All of this is fine as long as the niche product is in production, but such satellite products can be switched off before the model series finishes if sales volumes are poor, and then the fun begins.

Let’s start with what appears to be a slightly extended logistic issue – servicing parts for all those versions of each model range.

Whilst in manufacturing a series of anywhere from 1 000 to 100 000 vehicles can command the appropriate number of unique parts for assembly, providing enough of those ‘special’ parts is the tricky part.

For routine service it is possible to predict the ‘all time’ need for

The new W242 is the new Mercedes-Benz powertrain and the underbody had to be altered to receive these new huge underfloor modules.

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every service part, but when it comes to collision repair… well, there’s no such thing at the moment of a major or minor level repair pack. Combine this with a dramatically increased number of possible model variations and we have an issue – the real possibility that when the spare parts stock is depleted, it really is gone.

Conventional Commerce Typically each part number created by a vehicle manufacturer will cost around $10 000 – just for the part number. This is because the logistic system needs to be administered and filled with the part number data (description, number per vehicle, which vehicles, does it replace an older part) that in turn triggers more logistic and purchasing actions. Just for a part number.

Add to this the reality that a part number is associated with a real thing, which has to be recyclable where ever possible, actually work, meet the cost objectives, actually work, may need colour coordination with parts made elsewhere… and actually work…. the act of creating a part number is relatively straight forward. However we can see that whilst vehicle manufacturers have tried really hard to reuse components and sub-assemblies where ever possible to increase volume and reduce cost, the reality is the operational cost overall is still climbing.

Diverse Powertrains Mercedes-Benz has had a second generation B class (W246) available with diesel and petrol engines since 2011. The range has just been extended with the addition of a pure electric and petrol/compressed natural gas (CNG) powertrains along with a mild facelift for the existing models. Except that whilst outwardly the new powertrain versions look just like W246, they are W242… meaning the underbody is altered to accept these almighty under-floor modules.

Tell-tales? Well the place the ‘fuel’ is put into the vehicle is different, the instrument panels are unique and there are some small trim differences. Essentially, however, these new additions look identical to the petrol or diesel engine powered B class (W246).

Other vehicle manufacturers have been more successful in coping with the divergent requirement of traction batteries with high voltage power systems or compressed natural gas storage tanks. However, this is a trend well and truly underway, available for each destination country to import if they think they can sell it.

Diverse Bodies 2000 marked the mass production vehicle arrival of high and ultra-high strength steel alloys. Back then press-hardened steel alloy was applied in a few vehicles for a few selected panels, but now we see mild steel content for all types of vehicle regularly falling below 30% by weight. Essentially this is a well-worn story.

What is coming to the market now is going to make the arrival of those steel alloys look quite straight forward. Not only will all types of body shell be made from ferrous as well as non ferrous materials, the way the panels are joined is migrating from spot welding with adhesive, to riveting with adhesive and now – purely on the grounds of reduced cost – pure riveting.

Aside from the training required and the specialist equipment that should be purchased is the small matter of parts. Every single rivet.

Because where adhesives and/or riveting is used, there is no single type specified. Indeed some vehicle manufacturers have spend loads of cash just on part numbers alone as they went potty specifying a huge array of fixings.

Add Technology We know that active safety systems that can brake a vehicle without the driver are on the market already and rapidly decreasing in price. Vehicles that can self-park and self-brake if it detects a moving vehicle whilst reversing and self-steer are also on the market.

Given these devices have been a technology reality for more than a decade and a mass market fitment for around four years it’s going to take a while before it reaches the average minibus in use around South Africa.

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www.autoindustryinsider.com

The Future Truck 2025 is a concept heavy truck that can drive itself according to the national speed limit using an array of sensors similar to that developed for autonomous braking.

Never Mind Because mind, because the vehicle and system manufacturers are racing off into the sun. The next step is vehicle-to-vehicle communication (due in 2015 from Volvo, Audi, Toyota/Lexus et al), vehicle to infrastructure (due in 2016 from Toyota) and real autonomous driving (due by around 2020, depending on which country is going to be brave enough to allow general use).

This technology stretch is pushing what is possible versus what is available versus what is required to the very limit. Legislators around the world are so far behind the curve it’s embarrassing. Take a look at two concepts from Mercedes-Benz announced in the autumn of 2014: Future Truck 2025 was revealed at the IAA Hanover commercial vehicle show. The concept is a heavy truck (44 tonnes plus) which can drive itself at speeds up to the national speed limit, using a sensor array similar to that developed for autonomous braking/blind spot detection/lane keeping with the addition of vehicle to vehicle communication as well as vehicle to infrastructure communication. Road signs for example can help direct the truck without the aid of the driver. Tellingly the driver is nowhere near the controls.

The second concept was about a future luxury vehicle where the interior can be either a space for interaction with the passengers or can be laid out conventionally. Whilst that appears to be a bit old, the reality is once again the vehicle controls are not the primary concern of the driver but are provided as a back-up only.

The prototype test uses new technologies such as gesture or facial expression control of the vehicle systems, 3D 306 degree simulation, connection to the internet and more. Oddly the connectivity thrust seems to be more focused towards on-line gaming that surely will not exist in the same format in another decade? Oh, and what happened to viewing the surroundings as we travel along?

The alarming fact is there is no driver training anywhere in the world aimed at getting drivers used to autonomous driving, or that it requires absolute concentration to a greater degree than driving as we understand it today.

The End Game The perfect storm. So far vehicle manufacturers have tried to keep the entire ownership experience for the entire life of each vehicle under their wing. That is being challenged as never before

AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

because of: l Increased product diversity at any given time. l Increased technology content that is frequently upgraded during the vehicle lifetime. l Net confusion about how vehicles will be powered both now and in the future.

All of this comes down to those part numbers. Can vehicle manufacturers continue to be the one stop for all vehicle requirements? The reality is that whilst all are racing along in terms of build, most are increasingly finding it difficult to support the huge array of models already built and that is not going to get any easier any time soon.

Solutions?

Well the key part is to ensure at the design stage that a vehicle manufacturer produce wide component or sub-assembly parts identical for all applications. Volkswagen spent 10 years formulating their strategy for MQB, but at a component level there is still a huge array of possible components for the same function.

A second and more interesting option would be to put the aftermarket parts operation into the hands of an after-market specialist.

For many years UniPart did exactly this for BL/MG Rover, to the extent that the vehicle manufacturer frequently did not have a clue about the specification of the parts because UniPart had taken care of all the details – along with one of the best distribution systems ever seen. MG Rover collapsed, and commerce intervened – but the business model worked.

If the after-market only rely on vehicle manufacturers and their import agencies to supply all the requirements of the collision repair business, immense supply issues will occur before the end of 2020. It is time for a gaggle of existing specialists to step into the shoes of the vehicle manufacturer, so that the manufacturer can concentrate on the creative process. In times of revolution, clear thinking is essential.

Auto Industry Consulting is an independent provider of technical information to the global collision repair industry. Products include EziMethods, our online collision repair methods system and A uto Industry Insider, o ur co llisio n repair industry technical information website. For more information please visit the websites: www.ezimethods.com and www.autoindustryinsider.com or contact ben.cardy@autoindustryconsulting.com 31

AR J-F 2015 CLAIRE_NOV/DEC 2005 paganation 2015/02/04 1:15 PM Page 8

TOP SHOP SUMMIT AUTOBODY, LOUIS TRICHARDT

QUALITY AND EXCELLENCE Deon Greyling started out panelbeating from a scrapyard over 20 years ago and has come a long way at Summit Autobody.

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here are many ways to become successful in the collision repair business and Deon Greyling is just one man who did it the hard way. He used to work out of a scrapyard refurbishing old mine vehicles to make a living.

Coming from that start-up 20 years ago it has been a long, hard slog to get to the state-of-the-art facility that the Summit Autobody operation is today. The company is now a major structural repair centre in Makhado and currently employs around 45 personnel in the auto body repair centre.

It’s a family-owned operation where his daughter Charlotte takes care of the daily business dealings. The plot of land which now houses the new company was virgin soil and Greyling in true “ons werk self” fashion has been largely responsible for the rapid building and starting-up phase of the relocated workshop in Industria Street.

Greyling says it became a case of constantly ploughing back profits and investing in new, more efficient production equipment and training to get the top quality production that’s needed in todays repair shop. Three new Chief drive-on bench racks are just some of the new equipment installed. “We started the company working only for private clients and it took some real hard work and effort to

It took many years to gain insurance work but today Summit Autobody have many approvals.

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eventually gain the confidence of our insurance companies to come on board and be a trusted repairer.

Today we’re on all the major insurance repair panels like Santam, Mutual and Federal, Hollard, Zurich and many more,” says Greyling.

Driving standards up has been a constant theme for the Greyling family.

Greyling showed me pictures of all his handmade roof trusses members made at his farm close by. This type of cost saving had to be taken to make his budget go even further as expenses forged ahead in the venture. The end result is a world-class production centre set up with high volume clean compressed air and a full turnkey operation supplied by Phoenix Exchange.

There are Radical spraybooths that are waterborne compliant, a special mixing room plus a downdraft preparation station centre for primer vehicle preparation.

“Support for the company on refinish comes in the form of Glasurit, who have supplied on-site training to upgrade the spray painting output,” say painters Sarel Lube and Rudi Viljoen. “We are on target to put out around 120 repairs this month and have in reality only been up and running for a few months now.

“Being successful,” says Greyling, “requires a number of disciplines. Delivering a good repair to the client to their damaged vehicle and maintaining positive relationships with both trade suppliers and insurance companies, is a vital part of ongoing business.”

Greyling was a founder member of the Collision Repair Association (CRA) and feels the group has succeeded because as a trade body they are focused on the industry needs and will play a big role as a trade body going forward.

Surrounded by a wall of approvals from motor manufacturers such as Toyota, VW, Audi, GM, Hyundai, Kia and a host of others, shows the Greyling philosophy of giving their customers peace of mind is part of their objective in delivering a car right first time.

They have developed a special training facility up in the company boardroom where suppliers can easily update changing process needs for the company. Greyling’s ability to personally check each and every vehicle before delivery has and still remains a big priority in his daily work schedule. All in all the new Summit Autobody workshop based in Louis Trichardt shows that with twenty years of painstaking effort and quality commitment Greyling and the family’s effort have been well rewarded.

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Story and pics by Ian Groat

“Frontline counter staff take great care of both clients and insurance concerns,” says Charlotte (right).

The Chief Ex-Liner forms a big part of Summit Autobody’s successful body shop as it makes repairs much quicker and easier.

The all-new Sprinter type Radical Omega spraybooth dominates the sprayshop.

Phoenix Exchange took care of the new turnkey workshop booths and equipment.

Seen here are Lloyd Magill (left) and Tyrone Hogan from Phoenix Exchange at the centre for the handover.

In-house training has uplifted the output quality at Summit Autobody.

Glasurit waterborne refinish powers up the mixing room.

AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

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DRIVEN TOYOTA HILUX LEGEND 45

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hen it comes to bundu-bashing excellence, there’s really only one name that springs to mind - our very own home grown Toyota Hilux. A simple mention of the name takes you back to bulldozing your way through the bush at some stage of your life. Because of its supreme off road capability and tough durable reliability, the ‘knows no boundaries’ brute has topped SA's most wanted list for ages. .

So when the invite for the launch of their new Hilux Legend 45 landed on our desks - headlining “A Legendary Road Trip” - I couldn't wait to see what was in store for us.

The Hilux Legend 45 is a special edition Raider with the number 45 symbolic of how long the vehicle has been locally produced in their Prospecton Plant in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This celebratory model is predominantly cosmetic. In terms of the seventh generation engine derivatives, all the usual suspects are available.

What can you expect to see different on your Hilux Legend 45?

On the outside new headlights and front foglight design with blackout detail and smoked rear lights, exclusive Legend 45 decals on the stainless steel front nudge bar and rear stainless steel step bumper with matt-black side steps and fitted tow bar. Colour-coded door handles and chrome finish mirrors, with a favorite being the multispoke 17-inch anthracite alloy mag wheels beefing up the impact factor. The inside boasts a full black interior for the cabin including dashboard finish, with silver contrast stitching on your black leather seating, door panels, and steering wheel. Included on some models is a reverse camera, these are the XtraCab Legend 45 models as well as 2.5 D-4D and 2.7 VVTI Legend 45 models (standard on all other double-cab Legend 45 models). All in all the upgrades have added a meaner ruggedness to the Hilux Legend 45.

Our 'Legendary Road trip' took man and machine on a road trip from George's luxurious Fancourt in to Graaf-Reinet and back again. On arrival at Fancourt the general chatter was about Toyota’s previous ‘Legend 40’ launch which was a four day affair of island dining and driving in Madagascar!

The next morning we were taxied from Fancourt to breakfast

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by Jay Groat aboard a 1940’s steam train carriage at the Outeniqua Transport Museum. We were then treated to a spectacular sight-seeing train ride aboard the famous Outeniqua Tjoe-Choo express. The railway line has been closed for use since 2009 due to embers spitting out of the steam engine’s boiler and causing forrest fires, so it is now a sight seeing train tour. It winds along the eighty seven year old track to way above the wilderness coastline, exposing hard to reach parts of the Outeniqua and Montagu passes, a definite must see.

Waiting for us at our first train stop were the fleet of Legend 45’s and once on the road we were told to make our way for lunch in Jansenville in the middle of the Klein Karoo. The drive was all you would expect from 45 years of tried and tested muscle as we hit one dirt track after the other. Our Legend 45 felt as if it was sitting at home with its feet up watching telly most of the way as the drive was so smooth and easy. During the drive I actually found myself starting to dread the thought of tarred roads.

After lunch we made our way through to our final stop, but this time sampling rarely used farmer tracks which really put the Legend through its paces en-route to Graaf-Reinet. On arrival, Toyota revealed their giant Flag initiative from high above the valley of desolation in the Camdeboo National Park, about five kilometres from Graaff-Reinet.

This living giant South African flag will be made up of two and a half million coloured desert succulents and will include a four megawatt solar field. Construction begins this year, and will cost around R180 million to complete. The intense green finger action is said to be over a hundred hectares in size and once complete will sustain 700 permanent jobs for locals. Not only will the solar field supply power to the local community, but it will also entice ecotourism to the region.

We finished off in style at the official Giant Flag street party in the centre of town where all officals and participants in the initiave showed us a real warm Graaf-Reinet welcome. It was a fitting end to a ‘legendary Road trip’ to honour this living Legend.

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AR J-F 2015 CLAIRE_NOV/DEC 2005 paganation 2015/02/04 10:58 AM Page 7

INTERNATIONAL UPDATE AWARDS

CARSYSTEM HONOURS BULLDOG ABRASIVES ®

C

arsystem® meets all of the requirements of a qualityconscious company. Famous for its range of high quality and competitively priced fillers manufactured by Vosschemie GmbH, Carsystem® offers a complete range of paint related products and systems designed to improve output at body shops and at the same time provide cost savings.

Over the years, Carsystem® has become a well-known brand and its products are sold worldwide. Bulldog Abrasives has been the sole distributor of their stock in SubSaharan Africa since 2002 and their products and systems have been very successful in body shops across Southern Africa.

The Carsystem® Dolphin Award is an honour which is handed out to Carsystem®’s worldwide partners every second year at the Automechanika exhibition in Frankfurt. It is their way of showing appreciation to their distributors for creating awareness of the Carsystem® brand and for ensuring that Carsystem® products and systems are promoted in each of their respective territories.

Last year was the 15th anniversary of Carsystem® at the Automechanika exhibition. Each distributor was handed a beautiful Dolphin Award in celebration of this milestone. This award was handed to Bulldog Abrasives CEO, John Maroun, by Carsystem®’s general manager, Dieter Voss, and director of Carsystem®’s automotive division, Thomas Weppner.

Voss commented that the only thing that he can say about the Bulldog Abrasives and Carsystem® partnership is that it is a “winwin situation”. He added “Bulldog Abrasives is working superbly well without a doubt and we are more than happy with the way that they are helping grow the Carsystem® brand. We are very proud to be associated with such a professional organisation.”

Bulldog Abrasives is proud to have partnered Carsystem during the past 12 years. Their innovative products and systems have been an integral part of Bulldog Abrasives’ success.

John Maroun (centre) CEO Bulldog Abrasives holds the Dolphin Award given to mark the fifteenth anniversary of Carsystem® as an exhibitor at Automechanika. Seen here too are Carsystem®’s GM Dieter Voss (left) and Thomas Weppner, the Director of Carsystem®’s Automotive Division. of 2K clear coats as well as 2K topcoats. It diminishes old paints resulting in a remarkable blending outcome. This SpotBlender is used in the conversion between the new and old top coats – the very fine jet creates a consistent flow during this transformation. l Carsystem® 1K High Build Primer is a complete, ready to use high build primer/filler in an aerosol form. It is specially designed for rapid priming and filling in the areas of spot damages before top coating.

Primer 1K High Build is capable of producing a coating of a film thickness in spot repairs similar to that of a primer applied with a spray gun.

The convenient use of this high build primer in an aerosol form results in masking being kept to a minimum. Primer 1K High Build can be applied to many plastic surfaces without primer. However, a test should always be carried out before application

since there are so many different plastics available. l Carsystem® Etch Primer has been specially developed for repairing primer coats on aluminium car bodies. This primer has excellent adhesion to all steel, zinc and aluminium surfaces. It is easy to apply and dries quickly. The Etch Primer is suitable for spot repairs and partial paintings. l Carsystem® Bumper Paint Spray (available in black or grey) is suitable for the repair or visual improvement of plastic bumpers and parts. The original structure of the bumper remains unchanged. The Bumper Paint Spray can be applied directly to the plastic without previous priming because of special additives in the content of the spray. With its excellent covering, professional wide angle spraying nozzle and good economy of use, it allows quick and simple painting of all sizes and areas.

Carsystem® Top Aerosol Products Aerosol technology produces precise amounts of product for an exact area, eliminating waste and resulting in huge cost savings. You can aim and spray exactly where you want to with maximum effectiveness. Listed below are four of Carsystem®’s top aerosol products available from Bulldog Abrasives: l The Carsystem® Spot-Blender is an aerosol with excellent dissolving properties and is ideal for spot repair and the blending

AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

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INDUSTRY NEWS

by Hanna Barry

WHAT’S HOT?

CAR PARTS PROBE IS THIS JUST THE BEGINNING?

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riginal equipment manufacturers (OEM) in the automotive industry are anti-competitive in refusing to allow cheaper alternative parts to be used to repair vehicles where safety is not a consideration. This is according to a number of insurance companies, brokers and aftermarket parts suppliers, none of which are willing to be quoted on record.

Gari Dombo, MD of Alexander Forbes Insurance told journalists recently that short-term insurers were being “held to ransom”, by vehicle parts suppliers. He said insurers needed to be allowed to use certified alternative parts to contain the cost of vehicle repairs, which currently account for anything between 60% and 70% of claim costs.

The Competition Commission then announced it was investigating 82 automotive component manufacturers for collusion and price fixing in respect of 121 fairly arbitrary automotive components supplied to OEMs. The investigation forms part of a broader international investigation and in the main appears to relate to imported components, as opposed to locally manufactured and supplied parts, according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA).

However, a body suggesting local players need to be investigated as part of the probe has approached the Commission, according to spokesperson Mava Scott. “If in the evaluation of the evidence there is a suggestion of some contravention, abuse of dominance or prohibited practice by OEMs, there’s nothing that stops the commissioner from pursuing further investigations,” Scott said.

An Anti-Competitive Racket?

When you buy a new car the service plan – generally around five years – is included in the upfront unit cost. However, most local OEMs will remove the warranty on your vehicle (and the service plan) if you use a cheaper alternative part to repair your vehicle during that time, even if it is not a safety critical part and a purely cosmetic repair (such as a rearview mirror).

Insurers argue that in such cases, consumers should be allowed to use certified alternative parts, bringing down the cost of repair and, ultimately, the cost of their insurance premiums. However, NAAMSA director Nico Vermeulen insists that OEMs are responsible to protect the integrity of their brand and to ensure the safety of their customers. NAAMSA represents the interests of motor vehicle manufacturers.

“It is normal practice throughout the world that while the vehicle is under warranty, it has to be repaired by the appointed franchise dealer… and in line with the original design requirements,” Vermeulen said.

Similarly, BMW said it did not warrant any non-approved parts on its products, in the interest of quality assurance and liability. “This is directly related to safety and warranty issues as we cannot vouch for the quality, safety or reliability of any part which has not been validated by the BMW Group,” Edward Makana, manager of group automotive communications, told Moneyweb.

According to one industry commentator, BMW insists on the use of original parts even on vehicles that are not under warranty, threatening to remove the BMW stamp of approval from panel beaters that do not comply. Makana could not be reached for comment on this.

VW said it would not unilaterally withdraw warranties if alternative parts were fitted, but might reject a warranty claim if a subsequent problem or failure of a component was due to a nongenuine part being fitted.

Insurers To Meet With OEMs The high cost of parts has long been a concern of the short-term insurance industry’s representative body, the South African Insurance Association (SAIA). Viviene Pearson, general manager of insurance risk at SAIA, confirmed that the organisation was meeting “at the highest level” with NAAMSA in December to discuss the high cost of OEM parts.

“This meeting included CEOs from insurers as well as the president and deputy presidents from NAAMSA,” Pearson said. “It still remains a very viable idea to certify alternative parts to ensure quality while addressing the affordability issue.”

It’s not clear whether the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) is willing to certify alternative parts, with some suggesting this is because the OEMs are significant SABS customers. SABS could not be reached for comment.

However, TÜV Rheinland, a Germany-based company that accredits motor vehicle parts around the world, has set up a parts accreditation capability in South Africa. “With the growth in imported generic parts and with the focus on quality standards it is likely that we will see growing pressure from insurers to utilise generic parts,” commented Peter Todd, founding director of motor vehicle repair management company, Repair Solutions, and former CEO of Mutual & Federal.

According to a spokesperson for a leading aftermarket parts supplier who preferred not to be named, OEM parts prices can vary between being 20% to 400% more expensive than alternative parts, even where these have been certified by third-party agencies to vouch for their quality.

He says motor manufacturers make most of their money through after-sales servicing and some OEMs will refuse to sell single parts to panel beaters (like a front light for instance) if they suspect the panel beater is sourcing accompanying parts (such as a bumper) elsewhere, insisting the panel beater buys a basket of parts.

NEWSPRESS

MET POLICE RECOVER VEHICLES

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obra, a British leading supplier of vehicle tracking, safety and security systems, has helped the Metropolitan Police locate and recover three stolen premium SUVs worth more than R1.4m before they were transported out of the country. Luckily for the owners, one of the SUVs was fitted with a CobraTrak vehicle tracking system. With Cobra’s help, the police were directed to a moving truck. Initially the police could not see the vehicle, although its GPS coordinates meant they knew they were in its exact location. Further details provided by Cobra such as the vehicles’ direction of travel, route and speed, helped the police to pinpoint an eastern European truck they had in their line of sight.

When the truck was pulled over, police discovered a further two SUVs in the back, and with the truck registered in Lithuania, the police were able to recover the vehicles before they could attempt a swift exit from the country.

The driver had not long left the warehouse from where he had 38

collected the cars, and he accompanied the police back to that location, where a further four arrests were made.

Andrew Smith, managing director at Cobra UK Limited said, “This case study strongly demonstrates the power, speed and efficiency of stolen vehicle tracking. Without one of our devices installed in the car, three owners would have permanently lost their cars.”

Aside from the emotional distress caused by having a car stolen, high value cars are generally built to order for customers to their individual specification. With long production lead times on many premium brand models, it could take months to replace your hard earned pride and joy, as well as having to endure all the hassle of haggling with your insurer. Installation of a stolen vehicle tracking device offers reassurance to the drivers of high value cars, if a vehicle is stolen, recovery can take as little as 40 minutes.

AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

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DRIVEN RENAULT SANDERO

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he all-new Renault Sandero puts a fresh and innovative spin on the South African affordable car market. The New Sandero is one of this kind: modern and refined design, F1inspired performance-plus engine boasting excellent fuel economy unique-in-segment safety level and the inclusion of ‘big car’ features and smart technology, this newcomer is way ahead of its competitors.

“What you see is a vehicle fully representative of Renault’s heritage with every gene rooted in Renault’s DNA.” says Wayne van der Merwe, product manager for New Sandero.

Youthful and modern styling exudes a mix of discernible quality and refinement.

While Renault’s ubiquitous, centre-piece diamond-shaped badge dominates the black grille and underscores the brand’s new design identity, a trendy, integrated roof spoiler, body-coloured side mirrors and 15” wheels standard across the range, add to its up-to-the-minute exterior appeal.

Inside the cabin, the quality of the materials used is tangible. To optimise driving pleasure, the dashboard features a sophisticated cluster with chrome detailing around the dials and boasts an array of techno-smart yet practical instrumentation.

AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

New Sandero is the only model of its class to offer a petrol Turbo engine. It reaches a top speed of 175 km/h and speedily accelerates from 0 to 100km/h, in only 11.1s.

The spritely personality of the Turbo 66kW engine exudes from its engaging sound as well as its best-in-class responsiveness in all conditions, thanks to its steady low-end torque which reaches a maximum of 135Nm from 2,500rpm, 90% of which being available from 2,000rpm.

New Renault Sandero is, without question, the safest car in its class as it offers, standard across the range, safety features usually the reserve of ‘higher class’ models.

The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) now comes with EBA which kicks in and automatically applies maximum brake pressure when emergency braking conditions are detected. Maximum pressure is applied from the onset of braking and remains until the ABS trigger threshold is reached. EBA shortens braking distance by up to nine metres or up to 25%.

ESP + ASR (traction control) Electronic Stability (Control) Programme (ESP) Ensures vehicle stability and assists the driver to avoid possible loss of control; detects and reduces loss of traction (on slippery road

surfaces, for example) and reduces engine power and brakes on independent wheels in the event of loss of control.

Hill Start Assist (HSA) is automatically activated (upon complete stop) as soon as an incline of at least 10% is detected. The system is engaged by stepping firmly on the brake and prevents any backward movement for long enough to pull off without needing to use the handbrake.

When stepping off the brake, the car will hold for approximately three seconds to allow pull off with no roll-back. The new Sandero also offers safety features ‘beyond its class’.

Over and above front seat belts with load limiters and ISOFIX fasteners for child and baby seats, New Sandero is the only car in its category to offer a three-point safety belt at the central rear seat. As with the standard safety features outlined, it’s the host of standard smart technology fitments and features that also sets New Renault Sandero apart from its class peers.

Renault’s Complete Peace of Mind kicks in as soon as the deal is done. All New Sandero come with Renault’s industryleading five-year/150 000km warranty completed by a standard two-year/ 30 000km service plan.

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AR JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2015 NAT_NOV/DEC 2005 paganation 2015/02/03 10:48 AM Page 10

INTERNATIONAL UPDATE TECHNOLOGY

NEW PLATFORM TECHNOLOGIES RAISE MOTOR MAKER PROFITS

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ary Barro, General Motors CEO, skipped Europe’s biggest auto show of the year to focus on what is arguably her biggest strategic announcement so far. Barra briefed investors on her ambitious plan to reduce GM’s confusing slew of more than two dozen, largely integrated vehicle architectures to just four modular megaplatforms over the next 10 years.

Like Volkswagen Group CEO Martin Winterkorn, Renault-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn and Toyota chief Akio Toyoda, Barra knows that having prolific, flexible, globally competitive mega-platforms is a key to success in the fast-expanding, ultracompetitive volume car manufacturing business. Enormous economies of scale, lower development expenditure, faster times to market and the ability to build multiple cars on one line are some of the other mouthwatering benefits of megaplatforms. Mastering this part of the business could ultimately decide which automakers survive and which ones don’t as pressure from customers, competitors and regulators escalate.

Two of Europe’s largest automakers, PSA/Peugeot-Citroën and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, do not have global megaplatforms and analysts say that leaves them vulnerable in an industry in which bigger is often better, especially when it comes to procurement and establishing a worldwide presence. Also, but the time GM is finally finished with this mammoth platform revamp it will be 2025, the kind of distant future one might almost expect from science fiction movies given the auto industry’s current rapid pace of change, By then, it might be commonplace on European roads for people to be chauffeured around in self-driven cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells with only water vapour the exhaust bi-product.

Just as GM’s chief executive described her long-term vision, VW was busy making those dreams a reality and pocketing the savings for itself. It was ramping up production of its new Passat, already the sixth model line underpinned by the group’s ultra-flexible modular transverse matrix, better know by its German acronym MQB. The race is on to find the most efficient and standardised mega-platform, the stakes are high and VW Group’s head start on its global competitors is substantial. Its MQB mega-platform puts it years ahead of rivals when it comes to the next evolutionary

AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

The Volkswagen Group MBQ platform comes with variable length extensions to make over nine different models available on a global scale.

state of mass car production. European competitors such as Renault-Nissan, PSA and Fiat Chrysler are rushing to catch up, shifting to a largely modular approach from amore integral one. But like with any strategic rollout that overhauls entrenched processes and disrupts business relationships, it entails big risks.

“The bigger the platform the bigger the recall will be if there is a problem,” said Ernesto Antolin, vice chairman of Grupo Antolin, the industry’s largest supplier of vehicle headliners. “That is the bad side of supplying a mega-platform.”

The reason Toyota’s massive, imagedamaging recall in 2009-2010 was hard to contain was because if affected millions of vehicles made all over the world. In addition, VW’s launch of MQB, which is forecast to underpin nearly six million vehicles by 2020, has included a few bumps, although the carmaker has been able to contain them thus far.

“Modularity is such a better way of thinking and acting and implementing than any other form of platform strategy,” said Luther Johnson of consultancy firm Modular Management. “But you can also say you’re doing it and do it poorly.” By breaking vehicles down to their lowest common denominator, VW is able to set pre-defined dimensions and standardised interfaces for modules that can easily be swapped back and forth, lowering costs per unit and oneoff R&D expenditure by as much as 20% and engineered hours per vehicle by as much as 30%.

Renault’s Response Among the closest to achieving VW’s scale is Renault-Nissan. It aims to have 70% of its vehicles underpinned by three common module family (CMF) platforms for minicars (CMF-A), subcompacts (CMFB) and compact/midsize (CMF-C-D) models by 2020. At that time RenaultNissan is expected to be making more than 3.5 million vehicles on CMF B, including the Renault Clio, and about 2.7 million cars using CMF-C-D, including the Nissan Qashqai. This should cut purchasing and

engineering costs by as much as 30% and 40%, respectively, the automaker says.

Fiat Chrysler planned to have three mega-platforms with more than one million units by this year, but that target has been pushed back to 2018. The automaker believes the move will help it achieve 1.5 billion euros in cumulative savings.

Not to be outdone, PSA wants to reduce its current platforms to two from seven by 2022. Last year the automaker launched the C4 Picasso and Peugeot 308 based on its new efficient modular platform (EMP2), PSA aims to launch 11 different models and build 1.5 million cars off EMP2 by 2018.

“All the carmakers are working on this right now, I can’t think of anyone who is not, at least among the big names. It’s something that everybody has to do,” said Exane BNP Paribas auto analyst Stuart Pearson.

But while they may be following the same goal, neither Fiat Chrysler nor PSA is expected to have one of the 10 largest global platforms by 2020, according to IHS Automotive forecasts. “PSA is a long way from the industry leaders, in fact, the gap looks likely to only widen from here. We struggle to see how PSA can become competitive on costs until this issue is resolved,” Morgan Stanley wrote in a report.

“Where PSA falls short is on its lack of absolute volume. Unfortunately this is harder to fix and with organic growth hard to come by, may require further strategic alliances or M&A in our view.”

Even those carmakers with sheer scale such as GM, which despite its size still lags the competition in terms of rationalising its platforms, cannot expect to see big benefits from the move to mega-platforms, experts say. Exane’s Pearson believes that in an industry where relative advantages can fall away quickly, laggards are motivated more by a defensive fear not to fall too far behind, “It’s like with any first-mover advantage whether it’s a hit model or a flexible architecture, the leaders tend to generate greater benefits and hang onto them longer than those that come late to the party,” he said.

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AR JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2015 NAT_NOV/DEC 2005 paganation 2015/02/04 11:10 AM Page 1

DID YOU HEAR? by Roger McCleery

DID YOU HEAR? by Roger McCleery Listen to Ro ger McC leery every Tuesday o n Radio To day (1485 A M) at17h30 fo r everything abo ut SA mo to ring.

D

espite predictions, the motor industry in South Africa is having a fairly good run. September 2014 sales were the third highest in the history of the industry in South Africa finishing at 60 000 plus.

It is a buyers’ market as manufacturers are throwing big money at doing deals, even for their volume sellers. If you are thinking of buying a car or bakkie, now is the time to shop.

Suzuki’s popular Swift hatchback internationally and locally has become a global car. Since 2004 it has accumulated four million sales. In June this year Suzuki vehicles and its Indian subsidiary Maruti were the world’s two fastest growing brands improving sales by more than 20% over 2013.

It is now built in eight countries including Hungary, India, China and Thailand and sold in more than 140 countries. Impressive.

It is rated in Australia as one of the country’s best ‘first’ cars for the third year running. It was also a finalist in the 2009 South African WesBank Car of the Year contest.

KMSA Distributors who sell Kawasaki, Triumph and Sym motorcycles and scooters have given up both the Aprilia and Moto Guzzi franchises. They will, however, continue to provide parts for the bikes until a new distributor has been appointed.

The finalists for the 2015 WesBank/SA Guild of Motoring Journalists Car of the Year were announced on 23rd October. There are 11 finalists. In alphabetical order they are: l Audi A3 Sedan1.4 S Tronic l BMW M4 Coupe Auto l Citroën C4 Picasso Diesel l Honda Accord 3.5 V6 l Lexus ES250 EX l Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200 Auto l Nissan Qashqai 1.6 Diesel l Porsche Macan S Diesel l Renault Duster 1.5 Diesel l Subaru WRX l Toyota Corolla 1.4 Hard to choose from that list!

The entire event has WesBank as the main sponsor. Hollard and Motul, a French oil company, also lend big support. March 18, 2015, is the evening when WesBank hosts a gala banquet and the winners are announced.

Porsche are on the up and up. In the first nine months of 2014 a total of 165 642 sports cars were delivered worldwide. That is 13% up on last year. Revenue grew by 17% to €12.24b and profit by 2% to €1.93b.

Porsche employ 22 000 people. Up from 19 000 who worked for them last year.

The AA is always the one that warns us of increases and reductions in fuel prices. Normally they are spot on with their prediction. They reckon it looks as if we will have a little more spending money than before.

An average of 40 people die on South African roads every day resulting in about 14-15 000 deaths each year. Actually some other surveys show that there are upwards of 25 000 as bodies are counted in mortuaries long after accidents have happened.

More people are killed in road accidents than malaria, with impaired drivers a significant contributor to this fatality rate. That is according to the AA. Alcohol, for instance, plays a major role. 55% of people killed were under the influence of alcohol. So we kill more people on our roads on a daily basis than Ebola is claiming around the world, and basically nothing is done to reduce the number of road deaths.

Lots of speeches but no action.

42

A corrupt enforcement body gives licences out to people who can’t drive – for a small contribution.

The brand value of Hyundai Motor Company, according to Interbrand Best 100 Global Brands, is more than $10b. It is one of the fastest growing automotive brands in terms of volume and value.

Their latest luxury car, the Genesis, has taken off after its successful launch overseas. Also in that first year of competing in the World Rally Championship, the Hyundai Team has won two rallies already. It is looking good to continue this success against some of the toughest competition in the world in 2015.

Toyota’s brand value, according to Interbrand, is $42.4 billion, Mercedes-Benz $34.3 billion and BMW $34.2 billion. Honda is at $22 billion.

More than 100 000 S-Class Mercedes-Benz models have been delivered to customers since the new “Best Car in the World” hit the market. China and the US are their largest markets. We have done all right here in South Africa with MBSA selling upwards of 500 S-Class Mercs in a single year.

A major contributor to the success of a Volkswagen Touareg in South Africa travelling from the Northern Cape to Cape Agulhas – 17 000 km in 10 days was as a result of using LiquiMoly motor oil.

17 000 km were travelled with basically 250 hours of uninterrupted engine operation. The oil was at its operating temperature over the entire period.

“Driving to the local Spar is worse than a trip halfway around the world”, said Oliver Kuhn, “as oil doesn’t get to operating temperature. LiquiMoly can handle this and allows longer oil change intervals.”

With Mazda trading in South Africa and now a subsidiary of Mazda in Japan came news that the all-new Mazda 2 – shortly to hit our shores – is the Car of the Year in Japan. Good start. Mazda’s CX5 won the Car of the Year in Japan in 2012.

The Ford Motor Company has donated 18 Ranger bakkies to 12 colleges and two schools around the country to help with automotive technical training.

Interesting news is that Dennis Kimetto not only won the 2014 Berlin Marathon but also set a new record for marathon running in 2 hours, 2 minutes and 20 seconds. What is the interesting part? He was running in Adidas shoes. Who supplies the rubber for the soles? Continental Rubber – the type of compound you find in the tyres on your car.

Ipsos, the research people, have found out that one in every three South African owners rated price as the most important purchase decision influencer these days. Price is followed by brand reputation with 16% of people placing importance on this. The more established entry-level automotive brands grew market share while some of the lower priced new entry brands recorded losses between -01% and -4%.

1.24 million people worldwide annually are killed in motor accidents around the world. So this is about the same number as TB but twice as many as Malaria.

Vietnamese folk trading bicycles for motorcycles caused those injury statistics to soar. Although they have to wear helmets, most people say “not for me” as it is uncomfortable in the heat and messes with their hair! Or they just leave the straps on their helmets loose.

Heavy enforcement of the helmet laws has now reduced serious head injuries and deaths by 18%.

Biggest selling vehicle in the world is the Honda Super Cub first introduced in 1958. Sold in more than 160 countries, 87 million units have been sold. For the first time in Japan, a motorcycle or any

AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

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A DVA N C E D T E C H N O L O G Y LASTING IMPRESSIONS

The British Dunlop Formula Ford Championship, Kelvin van der Linde and his team-mate Rene Rost took the GT Master Cup in Germany driving an Audi RS8.

other product from an automaker is registered as a three dimensional trademark. Very rare.

Top dealership for Mahindra in South Africa was East London selling 225 units. They are called Motorland and have been with Mahindra since 2006. Steve Chandler is the dealer principal.

Talking Mahindra, they have just increased the service plan on their vehicles from three years or 60 000km to four years or 80 000km.

Ferrari sold just on 7 000 cars over the last 12 months.

GWM has launched a guaranteed buy-back programme, underwritten by WesBank where they guarantee to buy-back a customer’s vehicle for as much as 40% of its original value after five years.

Geely is serious about the future of Volvo and Geely. They are soon to boast new Volvo technology on future Geely models coming to South Africa.

We are very proud of our South Africans who have shaped in international motorsport overseas. Jordan Pepper won the Volkswagen Scirocco Cup in Germany, Jade Kruger our singleseater champion in South Africa won the British Dunlop Formula Ford Championship, Kelvin van der Linde and his team-mate Rene Rost took the GT Master Cup in Germany driving an Audi RS8, and Jonathan Wing, a paraplegic, won the World Handikart Championship in France. These youngsters make us very proud of their achievements by flying the flag in Europe.

Jonathan Wing, a paraplegic, won the World Handikart Championship in France.

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INDUSTRY NEWS PRODUCT PROFILE

PRESTA’S HEADLIGHT RESTORATION KIT

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resta’s ReNuLite headlight restoration kit restores a “like-new” clarity to cloudy, scratched, oxidised and yellowed plastic lenses. This restoration kit effectively removes fine scratches, surface contaminants, oxidation, cloudiness and yellowing, leaving plastics brilliantly clear, polished and protected against future discoloration. Works great on headlights, brake lights, light bars and more!

The Presta ReNuLite headlight restoration process involves four steps: 1. Removing the old lens surface by sanding and buffing 2. Cleaning and drying the lens 3. Applying the sealant 4. Curing the sealant The ReNuLite headlight restoration kit contains ReNewLite restoration crème, ReNewLite headlight lens drier, ReNewLite headlight sealant, 3” wool buffing pad, drill attachment and a shop point of purchase display. You will need a drill, masking paper, a clean lint free towel and a couple of sheets of Mirka P1000, P1200 or P1500 water paper.

You can watch a demonstration on the ReNuLite restoration kit and download the technical data sheet on www.prestaproducts.com. Contact their sales team on +27 (0)11 786 5991 or on sales@bulldogabrasives.co.za for more information.

WHAT’S HOT?

PRESTA’S BEST SELLING COMPOUND

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resta’s Ultra Cutting Crème is easy to use and extremely versatile - removing medium to heavy scratches, oxidation and weathering. Diminishing abrasives round to help polish away scratches and swirls.

Unlike most consumer products that simply fill scratches, Presta's Ultra Cutting Crème actually mechanically removes defects from your car, motorcycle or boat's finish. This process creates a smooth, flat and even finish with incredible gloss and shine.

Ultra Cutting Crème's advanced formula makes compounding ultra-high solids clear faster and much easier. It is aggressive enough to remove 1200-grit (or 1500P-grit) sand scratches from soft and cured paint, yet the diminishing abrasives round out as you buff to help polish away some of the compounding scratches and swirls that other compounds leave behind. l Ideal for all automotive, marine and gel coats l Contains no fillers, waxes or silicones l Designed for use with a high-speed, rotary buffer l For best results use with Presta Black Wool Cutting Pad l Follow with Presta Ultra Polish to maximize gloss and shine l Cleans up easily – water-based formula See why body shops have trusted Ultra Cutting Crème for more than two decades. Bulldog Abrasives is the sole distributor of Presta Products in Sub-Saharan Africa. Contact them on +27 (0)11 786 5991 or on sales@bulldogabrasives.co.za for more information.

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AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS CAR SALES

NEW GLOBAL CAR SALES REMAIN BUOYANT

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urotax Glass’s reports that whilst car sales are still improving, the fall in Germany shows how delicate the European market remains and contrasts sharply against the growth being seen in Spain and the UK. It is a similary mixed picture around the world with Turkey and Australia both seeing falls, the US continuing to grow and Canadian auto sales breaking records.

If evidence was needed about the fragile and inconsistent state of the European automotive recovery then look no further than the car sales for June 2014. For the second time this year new car sales fell in Germany, down 1.9% although there was one less working day which puts Germany up just 2% for the first half year and on target to just scrape over the three million mark. Meanwhile the UK continued to grow, up 6.2% in June and 10.6% growth for the half year, which is the best first six months since 2005. Whilst the SMMT report a 2.4 million full year estimate 2.5 million is looking increasingly possible which would be the best result since 2004 further fuelling the risk of the market overheating. Spain continues to see the strongest percentile recovery, jumping up 23.9% in June making it 10 months in a row and an YTD position up 17.8% as the PIVE scheme

continues to drive sales. Meanwhile Italy and France both saw similar growth in June up 3.2% and 3.8% respectively and putting them to a first half year of 2.9% up in France and 3.3% up in Italy. Overall this puts the big five markets up 4.1% in June and 5.9% YTD keeping the EU28 and EFT3 on track to hit 13 million for the full year.

Australian sales down 0.4% in June with vehicle sales remaining slightly depressed compared to 2013 with June down 0.4% and the YTD down 2.3%. However there is some good news as June was a much stronger month than May with SUVs in particular riding the crest of a sales wave up, 7.1% over June 2013.

Moving to Canada where auto sales are on a high, breaking the June sales record with YTD sales up 2.8% to 908 094. It is also the earliest date sales have topped 900 000 units on record. Meanwhile across the border US auto sales rose 1% in June producing the best annualised rate for eight years.

SAFETY

JAGUAR LAND ROVER DEVELOP VIRTUAL TECHNOLOGIES

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aguar Land Rover (JLR) is creating cutting-edge technologies to develop new ways to give drivers higher quality, life-like graphics and information that will offer an enhanced ‘virtual’ view of the road or race track.

The ‘Jaguar Virtual Windscreen’ concept uses the entire windscreen as a display so the driver’s eyes need never leave the road. High quality hazard, speed and navigation icons could all be projected onto the screen together.

Dr Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology for Jaguar Land Rover said, “We are working on research projects that will give the driver better information to enhance the driving

50

experience. By presenting the highest quality imagery possible, a driver need only look at a display once. Showing virtual images that allow the driver to accurately judge speed and distance will enable better decision-making and offer real benefits for every-day driving on the road, or the track.”

“Gesture control has already become an accepted form of controlling anything from TV sets to games consoles. The next logical step is to control selected in-car features. “The system is currently being tested on a number of features including sunblinds, rear wipers and satellite navigation maps. It has the potential to be on sale within the next few years.”

AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

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LATEST NEWS TECHNOLOGY

NEW BATTERY TECHNOLOGY TRIPLES ELECTRIC CAR RANGE

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new lithium battery, which could be available within 12 months could see two of the biggest electric car problems fade into history. Currently electric car batteries are expensive and don’t give enough range per charge for drivers. However, a new battery that has been developed by US scientists, could triple the driving range of an electric vehicle, and have a far lower cost.

Dr Qichao Hu, who developed the device with his former professor, Donald Sadoway, a prominent battery expert at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology said that the battery could double the life of laptops and smartphones.

But it is in the electric car arena where the benefits could be the most dramatic.

Professor Sadoway said: “We’ve got to get a car on the showroom floor for R300 000 not R1.3 million and the big expenditure is the battery, “It’s too costly and it runs down

Imagine how popular electric cars could become with cheaper and range-extended battery power. too fast.”

The new battery is set to be around 20% cheaper than existing batteries (which can account for as much as 30% of the cost of an electric car) and don’t need temperature control systems.

With electric cars accounting for roughly 1% of new passenger car sales in most countries, analysts say a battery that will cut costs and decrease ‘range anxiety’ could work to change sales.

“That’s game-changing,” said Arndt Ellinghorst, head of global automotive research at ISI Group, an investment research group. “There are a lot of experienced battery makers trying to do exactly that because it’s the killer application.”

Independent experts in the US recently confirmed prototype cells in the battery developed by Dr Hu and Professor Sadoway can store more than twice as much energy as conventional cells in the ultra-thin metal anode and has higher energy density than the graphite and silicon anodes found in current batteries.

Dr Hu founded a company called SolidEnergy in 2012, just outside Boston, to commercialise the technology and hopes the battery will be in production for consumer electronics in the first half of 2016 and in electric cars by the second half of that year.

The project has backing from Vertex, the venture capital arm of Temasek, Singapore’s state investment group and there is possible interest from Apple and Tesla.

BUSINESS UPDATE

JAGUAR LAND ROVER OPEN $750 BILLION ENGINE PLANT

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aguar Land Rover (JLR) moved another step closer to gaining greater control of its destiny with the opening of its $750 million engine plant near Wolverhampton, England. It’s the first time in a generation that either brand has built an engine of its own design in one of its own plants, the company said.

JLR has been buying its engines from former parent Ford Motor Co, since it split from the automaker. When Ford sold Jaguar and Land Rover in 2008 to India’s Tata Motors Inc, part of the deal included continued supplies of Ford powertrains while JLR developed its own and built a factory. The project got underway in 2011.

The plant will build JLR’s new family of Ingenium gasoline and diesel engines. The first engine is a 2.0 litre turbodiesel that will be used in the upcoming Jaguar XE compact sport sedan. The XE

Tel: 011 425 4062 Franz: 082 463 6284 Email: info@specialheat.com 1 Madeley Street, Rynfield, Benoni AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

launches in the spring in Europe and in 2016 in North America.

Ingenium engines are likely to see action in Land Rover Evoque and Discovery and several other models.

JLR’s gasoline and diesel engines share the same basic architecture and have been designed for flexible manufacturing, enabling the company to adjust production to meet consumer demand. They have also been designed so that the base 2.0 litre displacement can be made smaller or larger without having extensive redesign and calibration work done.

Even after the plant is in full production, JLR will continue to buy some of its larger engines from Ford, including a 4.4 litre diesel that is made by Ford for Land Rover in Mexico.

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LOCAL NEWS BUSINESS UPDATE

MAZDA SOUTHERN AFRICA SET TO BOOST PARTS AVAILABILITY

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uilding an all-new parts distribution centre in record time has seen Mazda Southern Africa move ahead rapidly in their quest to up their levels of service for their vehicle owners and corporate fleet operators.

Trevor Ward, head of customer service at the company, says they have been burning the midnight oil with the design team who came from Japan, after the company split as a brand to a stand-alone operation in South Africa.

They are based in the N1 office business park in Midrand and have over 12 000 square metres of warehouse and head office. They have been operating since last October and reach 48 national dealers with express deliveries. They have been rewarded with a solid set of turnover figures in the first month of Mazda business in the new company.

“We are able to cope with all our new models like Mazda 2, 3, 5, 6, MX5, CX5 and the BT50 which is still being manufactured locally in Silverton. This unique situation also sees us in a bid to remain very competitively positioned on price when spare parts come into view,” says Ward.

As the company ramps-up Mazda availability, in the new showrooms there is an ambitious plan ahead to boost their sales platform to some 48 national dealers. “We’re looking at a 92% first time pick on ordered spare parts at this early stage – that’s a good show for us in the start-up on our genuine parts availability. With our outsourced overnight express delivery being carried out by UTI and other logistics partners we are in great shape going forward.”

Ward showed Automotive Refinisher magazine the huge racked up warehouse operation where already over R60 million worth of Mazda parts are ready for sale with 51 000 line items on offer. This will be expanded along with new model launches next year: up to 91 000 line items. They already have in stock parts for new models three months before they are launched onto the local market. With close to 50 personnel in place to cope with the envisaged Mazda increased local sales platform and the mother plant based in Hiroshima, Japan, they have great plans for the brand in South Africa.

They pursue a “zoom-zoom” philosophy in a company with a heritage of over 90 years in the motor business. They are definitely up for the challenge to satisfy their loyal drivers on South African roads.

National overnight logistics to dealers are outsourced but operate very efficiently to 48 dealers nationwide.

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Trevor Ward head of Mazda customer service says that the new head office operation in Midrand was completed with Japan’s help in record time.

Up to R60 million worth of Mazda parts are already in stock.

The huge genuine Mazda 8 800 square metre parts warehouse opened in late October last year.

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w, . o n y k life’ d s a lre car’ a rs your e v dri end A D - Ext Z A s t M part a wh zda n ly o e Ma e R uin n ’Ge Your Mazda Dealer is your true PARTNER when it comes to buying genuine Mazda parts. Mazda Dealers offer the widest range, a factory-backed warranty and unbeatable support that can’t be duplicated.

It’s a true partnership.

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INDUSTRY UPDATE TRENDS

NISSAN STARTS EV PRODUCTION IN BARCELONA Nissan Leaf

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issan has started the production of its second all-electric vehicle – the e-NV200 – that will be available as both a passenger vehicle and light commercial van. The ceremony was attended by Spanish Minister of Industry, José Manuel Soria, Catalan President, Artur Mas; and the Mayor of Barcelona, Xavier Trias, who were welcomed by Nissan's chief planning officer, Andy Palmer.

The Nissan plant in Barcelona will be the global production site for this zero-emission vehicle, which will be available as a light commercial van, passenger vehicle and electric taxi.

Representing an investment of R1.4 billion in Nissan's Barcelona plant, as part of a wider multi-billion investment in its Spanish operations, the e-NV200 will initially be exported to around 20 international markets, including Japan. Just as with the Nissan LEAF introduction, the number of markets will grow after the initial launch, to continue the company's sustained electric vehicle expansion.

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. chief planning officer Andy Palmer joined the VIP list at the event, adding, “This is a great landmark day for Nissan, starting production of our second electric vehicle. This is at a time when EV's are now recognised as mainstream technology, many competitors are only just starting to launch their first EV and where Nissan has clear first mover advantage. We're proud that the Nissan LEAF is the world's best selling electric vehicle with more than 110 000 delighted customers enjoying the quiet and smooth ride of an EV.” Barcelona will be the first city in the world to introduce the eNV200 as a 100% electric taxi, an initiative Palmer believes is vital for the city, continued: “This e-NV200 taxi has renewed significance in

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the wake of record levels of air pollution in London and Paris.

Bringing a significant number of zero emission vehicles to Barcelona's streets will ensure cleaner air for every citizen, visitor and tourist, and we're confident that forward-thinking councils everywhere will be clamoring to bring these benefits to their municipalities in the coming years.”

For the Mayor of Barcelona, the start of production of the new all-electric van and the partnership between Nissan and Barcelona ‘is part of a strategy in Barcelona and its metropolitan area in order to consolidate Barcelona as the centre of a new urban economy model’, based on innovation, technology and sustainability. In our city, we are strategically targeting sectors that are essential for the future, and electric vehicles are one of them. Furthermore, we are working to generate wealth in our city, strengthening our economy and the industrial sector; thus taking a very important step ahead that will improve the quality of life for residents”.

Frank Torres, managing director and vice president of Nissan Spain Industrial Operations said, “Barcelona has the honour of producing Nissan's second 100% electric vehicle, and this is a result of many years of hard work and quality improvements from the team here. This will only be the second time we have produced a model in Spain for export back to Nissan's home market in Japan and that is a fantastic achievement by my colleagues at the plant.”

Barcelona is the only Nissan plant in the world producing the electric version of e-NV200, which means that it will be exported all over the world – Japan included. The first vehicles exported to these markets will set sail any day now.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

CERTIFIED PARTS PROGRAMME FOR SA?

Jack Gillis CEO of CAPA Certified Parts Programme is hoping to penetrate the quality alternative parts business in Southern Africa.

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hen it comes to aftermarket parts that are made across the world, it’s a grey area on exactly how they will perform in a secondary accident or in panel fit and performance to the vehicle it’s intended to repair. For decades there has been a lot left to be desired for the body shop repair owners to contend with when using these parts.

In a recent visit to South Africa, Jack Gillis CEO of the company and Thomas Andrews from Intertek Testing Services held a marketing meeting to discuss the merits of how the CAPA Certified Parts Programme could interface with the South African market.

When it comes to the true assurance of parts quality on sale, the company CAPA is only a fully fledged tertiary company and they don’t sell certification on any products for their base of mainly Taiwanese companies that originally wanted a public service operation to achieve standards that are acceptable on a global scale for aftermarket parts. Now with over R30 million invested they offer a CAPA certified mark on thousands of body panel parts and plastic parts, bumpers, cooling pieces and motor lighting products with an e-mark that has international recognition. These parts will be readily used on the major car parc repairs of up to 65% of vehicles that fall outside of motor makers warranty operations and will ultimately be priced very competitively in a global aftermarket of approximately $48 billion. There is a big place for alternative parts that meet a high standard of production excellence.

Thomas Andrews, sub-Saharan marketing manager from Intertek Testing Services in Durban went on to expand the objectives of bringing this certification to the local market with the tamper proof seal. It offers clients a peace-of-mind purchase on quality every time in bumper parts and verified lamps that play a big part in safety consideration. Insurance companies, like the host company Santam, who facilitated the CAPA meeting will undoubtedly be anal issuing the whole certified offer on CAPA parts for the local market going forwards. Take a look at the five different product centres of CAPA parts that are on offer.

For further details contact Thomas Andrews at Intertek on +27 (0)31 274 8000 or visit www.capacertified.org

AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

CAPA 101 - Metal Parts Fenders, hoods, tailgates, trunk lids, any metal part on the exterior of the vehicle.

CAPA 201 - Plastic Parts Fenders, hoods, grilles, trim parts, any plastic part used on the exterior of the vehicle.

CAPA 301 - Lighting Parts Any exterior light used on the vehicle including headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal lamps, side market lamps. All parts are also tested to ensure compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 or other applicable standards.

CAPA 401 - Foam Rubber Limited to flexible cellular rubber products known as sponge rubber and expanded foam rubber, used as a seal.

CAPA 501 - Metal, Plastic, and Foam Parts Bumpers, bumper brackets, reinforcement bars, energy absorbers.

Thomas Andrews Intertek Testing Services from Durban will supply the certification for CAPA parts locally.

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INDUSTRY NEWS TRAINING

ALL NEW BASF TRAINING FACILITY

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ASF Coatings Services, BASF Group’s company specialising in the paints and coatings industry, inaugurated its state-of-the-art training facility for automotive refinishing in Midrand, Johannesburg at the end of last year. The new Refinish Competence Centre (RCC) is the first facility of its kind to be established in the country.

The new RCC, which expands BASF’S global network of Refinish Competence Centres, will offer customers an opportunity to learn, practice and fully master the use of BASF’s automotive refinish products. The training offerings will include courses on application techniques, the optimal use of paints as well as colour matching. Training sessions and workshops have been developed and structured in order to enhance the productivity of body shops and to increase their efficiency and competitiveness.

A significant number of trainees and business partners can be trained in the new facility which comprises two spray booths, two preparation bays, two polish areas, as well as one meeting and two seminar rooms.

Other added benefits of the establishment of this facility include the centralisation of all products and services, the RCC, the warehouse, the colour lab and the administrative department.

Training offerings are flexible in order to meet the specific training needs of the customers and programmes can be tailormade in modular format. Training seminars will take the spray painters’ level of knowledge into account and the training

It was a grand opening in Midrand for the BASF Senior Management team. Seen here from left to right are: Harald Pflanzi, Senior Vice President Automotive Refinisher Coatings Solutions EMEA; Dr Falk Bömeke, Head of the Economic Division of the German Embassy; Paul Mandersloot, MD of BASF Coatings Services and JoanMaria Garcia-Girona, Head of BASF Business Centre in South Africa and sub-Sahara. programme is geared to the individual spray painters’ need.

At the opening function Harald Pflanzl, senior vice president Automotive Refinish Coatings Solutions EMEA, and Joan-Maria Garcia-Girona, vice president and head of BASF Business Centre in South Africa and Sub-Sahara, welcomed and addressed around 100 guests, customers and industry stakeholders, representatives of the Southern African German Chamber of Commerce and Industry and BASF employees.

According to Pflanzl, “The RCC Johannesburg enhances the Group’s global network of training centres and confirms our commitment to invest in areas where we operate,” head of the economic division of the German Embassy in Pretoria, Dr Falk Bömeke, recognised BASF for the launch of the new refinish Competence Centre.

During his opening address, managing director of BASF Coatings Services, Paul Mandersloot, said, “The establishment of the new Refinish Competence Centre in Johannesburg is an important cornerstone of

A pair of full European Termomeccanica GL spraybooths feature compliant specifications right out of the top level of choice.

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our strategy to train and uplift the refinish paint profession to a higher level and underpin our existing training initiatives. Our customers will now have the opportunity to learn, practice and fully master the use of BASF’s automotive refinish products in stateof-the-art facilities.”

Says Joan-Maria Garcia-Girona: “One of BASF’s strategic pillars aims to make our customers more successful. Today’s inauguration highlights that BASF meets this commitment of collaboration to ensure our customer’s future success, and also help industry standards to be raised. This training facility will also ensure that the highest standards in training are met while providing innovative solutions and increasing the efficiency level and profitability of our customers’ business.”

BASF has established Refinish Competence Centres across the globe, spanning Australia, China and the United States to France and Germany. The training network comprises more than 50 training centres, where painters practice and perfect the use of automotive paints.

Learners from the Central Competence Centre in Bloemfontein in the Free State were on hand for the official opening ceremony.

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GLASURIT TRAINING AD J-F 2015_Layout 1 2015/02/03 11:07 AM Page 1

BASF Coatings Services (Pty) Ltd, 39 Venturi Crescent, Hennops Park, Extension 56, Centurion, Gauteng, 0517 Tel: +27 (0)12 681 9200, Fax: +27 (0)12 681 9231

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LATEST NEWS WHAT’S HOT?

DENT DIGEST PAINTLESS DENT REMOVAL SYSTEMS

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ent Digest started in 2006 offering Mobile Paintless Dent Removal training nationwide. Based in Boksburg their specialisation covers all areas of hail damage removal, training and the tools kits that will be needed to cover the area of small area body repair.

Lawrence Yawa, the PDR technical manager says “We’re an ideal partner for the removal of door dents, dings, trolley dents, etc.”

They have a fully equipped training centre to carry out training for paintless dent removal repairs as well as offering a solution to become fully skilled PDR operators.

Dent Digest also recently supplied their tools for the South African skills competition. The kits start out at as a basic push and pull package from around R3 995 plus VAT and the top end tool kit will rise to approximately R8 000-R12 000 for a full package kit, depending on a customer’s level of PDR repairs needed in the form of tools.

The company can be reached by calling +27 (0)11 826 6417 and they operate from Unit B09 Prosper Business Park in Boksburg. Visit their website www.dentdigest.co.za for more details of their offer on small area smart repairs, or sms “training” to 40935.

Lawrence Yawa is the PDR technical manager.

The centre is equipped with a full complement of training equipment for PDR repair.

OBITUARY

ROGER SWAN: 27 APRIL 1939 - 20 DECEMBER 2014

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espected automotive and industrial photographer Roger Swan passed away peacefully on Saturday, 20 December 2014. Born in Lyndhurst in the New Forrest in England on 29 April 1939, Roger took up his trade as a photographer in the post war years at the UK Ministry of Defence Porton Down scientific research centre. During this time he achieved a professional qualification studying on day release from the MOD at the Regent Street Polytechnic in London. His speciality with the MOD was the then evolving technology of high-speed photography.

In 1968, aged just 29, Roger decided to migrate to South Africa with his family and took up a position as in-house photographer with ad agency Young Advertising. Stifled by the constraints of working in a corporate environment he soon broke out into the freelance world.

His agency work had brought him to the attention of vehicle manufacturer Datsun, at the time heavily involved in motor rallying, one of Roger’s passions. and he became the on event photographer for the manufacturer. A dust or mud covered Swan emerging from the action at the end of the day on an event became a familiar sight.

Whilst his contemporaries stood on the side lines he got down and dirty on events and typically got the shot that others missed.

It did not take long for his natural photographic talent and professional experience to provide a breakthrough into product and general promotional photography. In his role Roger established himself as one of the “Go-To” people in the South African automotive industry setting new benchmarks for technical quality and service delivery in a burgeoning industry.

Very often a pronounced professional talent goes hand-in-hand with an inflated ego. With Roger Swan just the opposite was the reality. He had a tendency to understate his own capabilities and not 60

fully capitalise on them to a fault. At the same time he was totally free with advice and support for others that wanted to enter the business.

He mentored a generation of young hobby photographers to the extent that they too became seasoned professionals. The fact that this could result in a competitive threat to his own business interests never hindered this, the promotion of young enthusiasts took precedence. Many would come close to Roger’s work in his prime but he still retained an edge that drover others to strive to match his benchmarks.

A traditionalist at heart, Roger was quick to embrace the explosive transformation of photography into the digital age. He rapidly adapted his store of technical knowledge from noxious chemical processes to the clean work of computer technology and successfully mastered the world of “Photoshop” once again happy to share in his knowledge and experience.

His profession was never far from his hobbies, one of which was the study and collection of classic Leica cameras. In this regard he became a leading authority on the brand in South Africa. On the automotive front his choice once again tended towards the classic side where he favoured older Lancias for his personal transport rather than anything modern that needed to age a bit to acquire any degree of acceptable patina through use.

Like his interests Roger was a limited edition classic, one that will be dearly missed. RIP Roger Swan.

Roger is survived by his wife Isobel and children David and Carolyn.

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GENERAL New AD_Invoice TOYOTA 16-8-05 2014/02/07 11:41 AM Page 1

General paints have a very successful track record and supply over 56 countries across the globe with a full range of 92 toners - 39 standards, 16 pearls, 6 xyralics and 29 2K. These high cover toners ensure a perfect result everytime.

General Paints also offer a complete colour support package with their colour box of 8000 colour formulas backed-up by GPC pro computer software which has close to 70 000 international car colour formulas in different variable shades. The General refinish range includes rapid primers and high solid clearcoats which have been extensively researched to provide you with a ‘One Stop Shop’ philosophy. General paints are designed to improve body shop profitability and shorten process times.

Unit No.1B Plumbago Bussiness Park Cnr Spier & Monument Road Kempton Park Johannnesburg

For dealer opportunities in your area or nearest stockist call us on +27 (0)11 663 0300 Email us at info@kanyevimba.co.za Visit us on www.kanyevimba.co.za

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DRIVEN RENAULT DUSTER

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global success story, New Renault Duster is the first Renault model designed and engineered to meet stringent European standards and yet capable of conquering markets where usages and road conditions are much tougher.

The bold and stylish design of New Renault Duster seems to imply: “I’m not one of these softy crossovers”. Indeed, its ground clearance, wide wheel arches, imposing chrome-plated grille and muscular lines assert the newcomer’s identity of a genuine Sports Utility Vehicle, very capable of serious off-road driving.

This hearty personality is also visible inside where New Renault Duster’s dashboard is modern, uncluttered and functional to the extreme.

The Duster is the perfect fit for South African roads as it is equally at home on highways, in suburbs as it is off the beaten track as well as being the perfect companion for active families who need their car to adapt to their outdoor activities.

The new Renault Duster comes with a choice of two engines: the 1.6 16 valve normally aspirated petrol and the 1.5 dCi turbo diesel. Both offer high performance yet remain the perfect fit for the consumer’s

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criteria of cost, reliability and easy maintenance.

Inside, comfort and convenience are at their best with standard manual air conditioning, front & rear power windows, remote central locking, electrically adjustable side mirrors, height adjustable steering wheel & driver seat, CD/MP 3/Radio 4x15W with satellite controls, Jack and USB ports, Bluetooth® connectivity, onboard computer and rear parking sensors.

As the perfect family car, the New Renault Duster also provides active families with unparalleled practicality with its 60/40 foldable rear bench and the numerous and large storage spaces at the front and at the back, complete with a generous boot (475 lt.).

Consistently with Renault’s worldwide reputation for safety and security, the New Renault Duster comes standard with ABS coupled with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), front driver and passenger airbag – the latter being disconnectable in case of a child seat being placed in the front passenger seat. Also, the New Renault Duster offers as standard driver and passenger head/thorax side airbags as well as height adjustable front safety belts.

The New Renault Duster 1.5 dCi

Dynamique 4x4 is equipped with ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and a highperforming 4WD control system, derived from Nissan. This intuitive 4WD control system adapts to all situations and enables the driver to choose between three modes: 2WD for roads with good grip conditions (power & torque distributed to front wheels only), AUTO for potentially slippery road surfaces (detection of spinning wheels and automatic distribution of power & torque to preserve traction), and LOCK for challenging off-road tracks (permanent distribution of power & torque to the 4 wheels).

As is the case across Renault’s entire product range, the New Renault Duster comes standard with a 5-year/150 000km warranty. Also, all New Renault Duster variants come standard with a 3-year / 45,000km Service plan.

While services intervals are at 15 000km for both 1.6 16v petrol and 1.5 dCi engine buyers will be pleased to know that service & maintenance costs have been tailored to be extremely competitive. Also, the availability of spare parts is not a point of concern as Renault South Africa keeps more than 17 000 parts available in its local warehouse situated in Rosslyn, Pretoria.

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DEVILBISS AD N-D 2013_Layout 1 2013/11/06 9:42 AM Page 1

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DEVILBISS TECHNICAL UPDATE

DEVILBISS UPDATES

The hands-on practical training was enjoyed by all the attending delegates on the various technologies.

All types of sprayguns and varying weather temperatures were covered in the two-day intensive DeVilbiss technical product update

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Deon Els from Luxor Paints gave the industrial wood finishing system a trial sprayout with brief demonstrations at the TTi Global Training Centre.

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he finishing brand company DeVilbiss recently held an updated technology national training course for the South African market. Export sales manager, Adrian Perry says the company has many innovative developments in the area of automotive refinish and commercial finishing, as well as the huge area of activity in industrial coating applications. This road show training package was designed to improve their technical and dealer support distribution and support team with the latest spray gun and pump circulating technology that the UK division have developed for global markets.

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International technical guru Phil Merrifield introduced the PRI Gravity range of fluid tips and controls and explained that DeVilbiss had been hard at work to develop sprayguns that work exactly right straight out of the box. They have concentrated on fluid tip design with complementary air cup systems to cope with both dry air conditions and varying humidity levels.

Their full range of DeVilbiss BGK and Binks products on offer come with an excellent global spares back-up system across the entire range of fluid delivery products.

“The company in South Africa, “ says Perry, “has been busy

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Phil Merrifield introduced the cost and time saving smart pumps to the delegates.

From left to right: Adrian Perry, Export Sales Manager, DeVilbiss; Ronnie and Kevin Lurie of Luxor Paints SA and Phil Merrifield, technical guru from DeVilbiss UK. Luxor Paints are now proud distributors of the DeVilbiss brand.

expanding their footprint on distribution levels with the addition of Luxor Paints and Kanyevimba to add to their long time local agents of BASF, Tunzi and Edward Searle products. The need for us to increase product knowledge in areas of airless sprayguns, air assisted airless and pump circulating fluid systems has become a high priority and the company plan a number of special two-day intensive applications and theory sessions in 2015, as sales remain very buoyant for the latest range of top technology products from DeVilbiss and their concepts on intelligent atomisation.”

On the final day of the updated course, DeVilbiss moved the

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whole ensemble of some 50 technical and dealer staff up to the all new TTi Global Training Centre in Wynberg where a full range of all the latest hand sprayguns – along with airless and special bulk circulating pumps – were put through their paces. It was a full day of practical applications on the completely successful DeVilbiss technical days in South Africa. Adrian Perry said this type of actual hands-on type of training really gives the sales and distribution personnel a great sense of knowledge on their sales applications in both refinish and commercial vehicle spray painting. This is just the start of their market activities for 2015 for DeVilbiss products in South Africa.

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INTERVIEW KEVIN PERKS, TTI GLOBAL

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We deal with most of them and this now includes some Chinese motor makers like Curos, to the VW Group, General Motors, Ford and other smaller specialist car producers. The business of training doesn’t have a one-size fits all cover for body repairs. Our experience shows us that as panelbeating repair shops uplift their investments in both people training and expertise and equipment levels training, some markets have become easier to be more successful.

We note that in on-site training for skill level compliance the tests conducted on proficiency are quite difficult to pass. Is the standard high?

In our training we are talking about each candidate’s competency and the basic need or desire to manage and develop some basic levels of panel and body joining repairs technology. This is a vital part of the courses taken, as is the speed of a repair. It’s quite clear that from our information that prospective colleges aren’t keeping pace with developing body manufacturing cold cure technologies globally – and that’s where we fit in.

Does one standard of competency always apply for trainees?

Q A Q A

In general the answer is no. Each motor maker demands different types of body structure repairs especially the European major carmakers. Korean and Japanese concerns are fast catching up in this area of the business with Hyundai, Kia, Toyota and some Chinese makers looking at high standards for their vehicle repairs in a collision repair area of damage rectification.

Body welding seems to be a discipline of all change. Where do you see that all going?

Technologies change fast as new variations of welding are being developed in metal joining with laser welding and hydroformed parts becoming common. These are difficult to replicate at the repair level in many cases. So really Mig Brazing and its lower temperatures has gained in a big way in recent years as has specialist spot welding machinery which meets motor makers laid out criteria for approval programmes.

Are you seeing more or less model specific training courses coming from some car makers?

What we try to establish at TTi Global is a good foundation of body repairing techniques and that overall competency will in our view stand up well for the repairer of tomorrow’s vehicles. It is clear to us that kevlar light weighting materials will become one of the major movers in materials being used as the quest for lighter and more fuel efficient vehicles becomes a driving influence in the future in South Africa. Ford. GM and VW are some new companies that we will be involved with next year. As we speak we try to take no more than 10 trainees at a time. In the future we will have more online material that will be available from our sources.

Tell us about your role at TTi Global, Kevin.

Q A Q A

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ith the latest wave of technology-packed new vehicles it’s becoming a vital task to improve and update panelbeaters with new technologies in repair. We took time out to visit the global headquarters of the TTi Global Group in Warwick, England and talked about the South African investment and implementation of the local training centre in Wynberg, Johannesburg with Kevin Perks, the managing director of the group.

Tell us a bit about the role of aftermarket collision repair that TTi Global operate in.

Our role in the body shop repair cycle is to try to raise standards of the process at the repair stage and with that in mind we train young apprentices, panelbeaters, assessors to management levels. We also operate manufacturer training programmes to cover parts departments, dealer selling performance measure assessments, in fact just about everything on an improvement level is where TTi Global concentrate on.

Does the industry really need an expansive world programme to uplift skills levels in collision repair?

What we see on an international basis are many different standards being used in core repair values. The need when new body joining technology is viewed, becomes a way forward to teach new methods of brazing, welding and bonding to our younger tradesmen as well as improve the image of body repair technicians.

To my mind, in countries like Germany, mechanics and body repair tradesmen are treated with equal respect and that recognition is lacking in some ways in other countries.

What global motor manufacturers do you operate training for on a global basis?

Q A Q A Q 66

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My personal piece in the TTi Global training operation that now embraces seven countries is one of global support like in South Africa. Since day one we have tried to implement high standards on Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux repair with every conceiveable tool and repair technique needed to effect a good quality repair. Developing good people locally for training has been part of the start up phase in Johannesburg as well as rolling out a larger training module plan.

How do you gauge the upliftment process on a before and after training level on training?

Our results at the end of all the competency training often deliver at every level of the business. Satisfied customers, whether they are in collision repair, car sales or services, getting a repaired unit out on time and being right the first time is key. It often takes around only four days or so to see if a trainee is going to master all the technology training and its the coaching and helping that master a technicians progress and it’s this focus on a sort of hand-on approach that wins the day. My final thoughts on it all is that body shop owners are today left with little option other than to keep on investing in upgrading equipment levels as process changes hit us and investing in people and their expertise will also form a big part of any future success for any concern.

Q A

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TECHNICAL INTEREST WHAT’S HOT?

SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE BLOODHOUND PROJECT

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he BLOODHOUND Project started the 12-month countdown to its first Land Speed Record attempt in November 2014, and celebrated Jaguar joining the programme as Innovation Partner, by staging a high-speed communications test at Hakskeen Pan, South Africa.

An L39 jet aircraft flew multiple passes down BLOODHOUND’s specially prepared desert track, synchronised with the new allwheel drive (AWD) Jaguar F-TYPE R Coupé driven by project director Richard Noble and a Jaguar XF saloon, at closing speeds of up to 1 126km/h. The cars carried the same equipment that will stream data, voice and imagery live from the BLOODHOUND Supersonic Car during test runs and record attempts in 2015 and 2016.

The event was attended by representatives of the Northern Cape Government, the Project’s hosts in South Africa, and was the successful culmination of months of preparation by BLOODHOUND’s Technical Communications Partners MTN, Emcom and Poynting.

A recent communications test saw BLOODHOUND take an important step towards fulfilling its ultimate goal: to inspire a generation about science, technology and engineering by sharing a unique engineering adventure.

To that end, data from over 300 sensors, plus three streams of 720p video, will be transmitted live via single channel from the jet and rocket powered vehicle as it blasts down the desert racetrack during the test.

By way of comparison, a modern F1 car transmits 150 channels of data over a single radio channel during a Grand Prix weekend.

Each run by BLOODHOUND SSC will generate information equivalent to 125 MP3 music tracks played concurrently.

Beaming data at over 1600km/h will push available communications technology to the limit. To meet the challenge, MTN and Poynting Antennas have created a bespoke 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) network for the Project, based on known and trusted mobile telephone technology. The 800MHz signal is highly focused, rather than broadcast, to ensure the network has ‘link budget’ capable of streaming 4 Megabytes per second of data live from the car a kilometre in 2.25 seconds.

The signal was then captured by BLOODHOUND engineers on the track. In 2015 and 2016, it will travel to the team’s Mission Control Centre and then be relayed to the nearest town, Upington, 130 kilometres away, to be fed into the internet, ready to be viewed by schools, colleges and other audiences worldwide.

For this test, custom-made Poynting antennas with Sierra Wireless Air Prime embedded LTE modems were mounted on the Jaguar XF, replicating the kit that will be built into BLOODHOUND’s tail fin.

Simulated BLOODHOUND SSC data and footage from four high-resolution Stemmer Imaging cameras, equipped with unique BJR lenses, was streamed live from the Jaguar XF during the high-speed passes.

Driving in tandem was an all-wheel drive Jaguar F-TYPE R Coupé carrying Emcom’s latest Digital VHF Radio technology. This equipment has been specially calibrated to ensure clear voice communication from the Team to both Andy Green in the supersonic car and Jaguar’s two rapid response vehicles.

This test ensured there were no frequency clashes across the spectra the team will be utilising across the 142 square km area of Hakskeen Pan. Flying above the cars in the L39 Jet, BLOODHOUND’s IT manager Sarah Covell measured signal strength from the 60m tall solar powered MTN mast 14.5 km from the west of the track.

The Project’s entire radio infrastructure is now in place, ready for 2015 and the beginning of BLOODHOUND’s high-speed campaign. It was also testament to the outstanding support and expertise of BLOODHOUND’s partners in South Africa and the UK.

Some Fun Facts: l The world land speed record of 1 227 km/ph is held by Thrust SSC, a UK team led

by BLOODHOUND’s Project Director Richard Noble and driven by Andy Green. l The BLOODHOUND team scoured the globe to find the perfect desert to run the car on, it needed to be at least 19km long, 3km wide and perfectly flat. The Hakskeen Pan, Northern Cape, South Africa was selected. l At full speed BLOODHOUND SSC will cover 1.6km in 3.6 seconds, that’s 4.5 football pitches laid end to end per second. l BLOODHOUND has three power plants, a Rolls-Royce EJ200 jet from a Eurofighter Typhoon, a cluster of Nammo hybrid rockets and a 650 bhp engine that drives the rocket oxidiser pump.

Between them they generate 135,000 thrust hp, equivalent to 180 F1 cars. l BLOODHOUND SSC is currently being assembled at the BLOODHOUND Technical Centre in Bristol, UK. It is on schedule for roll out summer 2015 where it will undergo UK runway testing up to 321km/h at the Aerohub, Newquay.

The Team will then deploy to South Africa to begin high speed testing with the target of reaching 1,287 km/h. The Team will return to the UK to review the data and return to South Africa in 2016 with the aim of reaching 1,609 km/h l Over 250 global companies, 180 of them SMEs, are involved in the Project, which has become a showcase for science and engineering capability. l Over 5,700 UK primary and secondary schools have signed up to use the free BLOODHOUND Education resources in their classrooms l The educational outreach programme also runs in South Africa with more than 600 schools already participating and more than 100 BLOODHOUND Ambassadors signed up to help use the project to inspire young people about studying maths and science.

The programme reaches out to schools across the country, but particularly in the Northern Cape Province, home to the track where the BLOODHOUND SSC will run.

Andy Green is seen alongside the new All Wheel Drive (AWD) Jaguar F-Type R Coupé and the Bloodhound Supersonic Car (SCC). The Jaguar was driven by Project Director Richard Noble and the vehicle were recorded at speeds of 1 126km/h. The car will carry the equipment that will stream data, voice and imagery live from Bloodhound SCC during its test runs and record attempts in 2015 and 2016.

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DRIVEN RENAULT CLIO

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onsistently ahead of its class rivals in terms of innovation since inception, Clio is renowned for its inclusion of technologies usually reserved for cars in upper segments. It was the first car in its category to obtain a four star, then a five star, Euro NCAP rating. A meeting of fashionable and functional, the fourth generation New Clio remains the ‘small car with big car attributes’.

New Clio’s sporty, coupé-like silhouette is accentuated by the integrated rear door handles concealed close to the rear quarter lights while the ratio of wheel-size to vehicleheight has been fine-tuned to afford a more dynamic look. The lower ride-height benefits the car’s aerodynamics while pronounced shoulder lines make the fourth generation New Clio even more visually distinctive and appealing.

Style by design, New Clio is the embodiment of Renault’s new design rebirth that is simple, sensuous and warm. Three words which, thanks to the Renault engineering team’s skill in matching the vehicle to the design team’s original vision, make it a car high on emotion inside and out.

All practical and easy-to-use, a host of upto-the-minute multimedia bells and whistles, standard smart features include, cruise control

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with speed limiter, Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming, hands-free telephony, USB connectivity, onboard computer, the new Bass Reflex sound system, motorway touch indicators, Renault keycard and Hill Start Assist.

Thanks to Renault’s engineering excellence and expertise in powertrain development, the new 66kW Turbo engine boasts amazing power and torque for a low capacity engine with unparalleled flexibility, agility and high drivability.

New Clio also comes with a range of efficient solutions designed to help drivers’ reduce their fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. To optimise fuel economy, ‘ECO’ mode can be activated at the push of a button reducing fuel consumption by up to 10 percent.

“As always with Renault, on-board safety is paramount – irrespective of pricing or class segment,” says the company. “From the entry level Clio 55kW Authentique and upgraded 66kW Turbo Expression to the top-of-therange 66kW Turbo Dynamique, the on-board safety equipment and features are the same.”

For enhanced safety and driving pleasure, all New Clio engines incorporate Hill Start Assist connected to an ESP system that is standard across the range and represents a

unique offering in the segment. Additional active safety features include ASR traction control, ABS, EBD and EBA as well as electric variable-rate power steering and cruise control/speed limiter. New features are the ‘motorway-mode’ indicators that are an extremely practical feature to produce three flashes of the indicator when preparing to overtake by lightly moving the indicator stalk.

New Clio is an entirely keyless car. The ‘regular’ key is replaced by an electronic card (depending on equipment level) that locks and unlocks the doors and permits the engine to be started without the driver removing same from his or her pocket, bag or wallet for example.

In the event of a head-on impact, occupants are protected by four highefficiency airbags – two front and two side airbags – as well as by seat belts equipped with pre-tensioners and load limiters. The rear seats are also equipped with an antisubmarining hump and three three-point seat belts with load limiter.

As is the case across Renault’s entire product range, the three New Clio variants come standard with a five-year/150 000km mechanical warranty, a three-year/45 000km service plan and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty.

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TOP SHOP ALBERANTE AUTOSPRAY

The front counter reception area is impressive and packed with warm smiles and helpful staff.

A LIFETIME OF INVESTMENT

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anny Henriques the owner of Alberante Autospray is no stranger to the collision repair trade. In terms of sheer survival Manny has done the whole nine yards to keep his lifetime dream alive of running the auto body shop operation. The latest move to a new location has seen another massive amount of investment to keep the company on an industry-leading path forwards.

Manny came from Portugal in the eighties but only worked for another body shop for a couple of years before striking it out on his own. In order to keep pace with both quality and production demands as well as other challenges, the all-new shop has now moved to Barney Street in Benrose. It features new car production routing plus a 48-hour express repair centre for driveable and small area body repair.

The production hall has a number of Car-O-Liner bench racks.

It is equipped with the latest three-dimensional 3D measuring for correct realignment as well. “We’re now able to process over 300 cars per working month,” says Henriques, “and with eight qualified panelbeaters plus three full time apprentices the shop is humming along nicely. The shop also boasts the newest type of aluminium bay which is approved for both Audi and VW for body repairs.”

The company has expanded to over 70 employees and they have also installed the Aer-o-wave and prep system from Aer-ocure for top class body preparation results. These fast cycle areas are coupled to the current waterborne refinish system supplied by Global Auto Coatings from Benoni. “We were one of the first body shops to convert to Envirobase refinish and this helped us to increase our key to key time on units repaired for our regular clients.” It’s been a full 20 years of progress for Manny and his ability to work close to a 20-hour day in all that time seems by now to be well rewarded.

Alberante Autospray give a full workmanship guarantee on work completed and have teamed up with all the major insurance houses. This peace of mind approach has seen the company develop no less than 13 approved panel shop repair certificates.

Looking at the wall containing the approvals, clients can quickly gauge how professional they are at car repairs. There is a row of finished customer cars all lined up for anyone to see, that await their collection from satisfied owners.

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Story and pics by Ian Groat

With the new shop already producing great repairs, Manny is pleased at just how fast the production ramp-up phase has been achieved. The company have installed a new update progress report system to fast track all work in progress to enable the ‘off the road’ customer to keep up with exactly where their damaged vehicle is in the repair cycle.

There is a big team effort at all times at Alberante Autospray and should guarantee good results for the company in the decades to come.

“This is what you can achieve in todays ultra competitive repair market, if you continue to invest in the latest equipment and train your staff into the new technologies that lie ahead,” says Manny, who continues to manage just about everything in a very personal way to keep these results coming at Alberante Autospray.

The end result speaks for itself.

Global Auto Coatings director Wayne Nortje (left) and Preggie Pillay (right), have worked hand in hand with Alberante Autospray to bring the shop to full production in a short space of time with great back-up service on PPG Envirobase products.

They are seen here with the owner Manny Henriques.

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Manny Henriques has a 30-year track record of building a successful body shop by reinvesting profits.

New inverter spot welders get the body repair back to factory standards.

The expert body repair section run fast set-up drive-on benches to help workflow.

It looks like a factory production line down at the preparation zone.

The 8 000 square metre collision repair shop is huge and already producing over 70 cars per week.

Attention to detail is ever present at Alberante Autospray and it is an outstanding repair centre.

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INDUSTRY NEWS WHAT’S HOT?

DE BEER’S AFRICAN EXPANSION CONTINUES TO GAIN MOMENTUM

T

he De Beer paint company, a specialist in automotive refinish systems and a division of the global paint giant Valspar, has expanded the portfolio of their sales manager for Africa, Shanker Achari, to now include the South African market. With the task of heading up the next stage in De Beer’s growth strategy for SA, Shanker says that the brand has seen a steady growth in market share, leading to a stronger focus on this key market within the company and resulting in increased investments in marketing and branding with their local importer, Cowley Automotive SA and Industrial Coatings.

“My role,” says Shanker, “is to assist our distribution partners to grow De Beer brand sales with factory-approved collision repair centres across Africa, with a special focus on South Africa and other countries in the SADC region.” After a successful auto parts sales career, plus a stint of selling auto-body refinish ancillary products, Shanker now covers over 20 African countries for the De Beer refinish paint brand, travelling for two weeks every month to booming markets in Africa such as South Africa, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Nigeria and Kenya.

The De Beer paint company is investing heavily in training, with four international training centres in the Netherlands, Italy, US and Australia; and by fielding a well-trained technical team in South Africa through their partners, Cowley Automotive SA. The proven De Beer, “Train the Trainer” concept will enable the South African distributors and their technicians to empower spray-painters and panel-beaters in body shops across South Africa, with the newest and most efficient solutions in the auto-body repair industry.

Approvals Thrust “New partnerships with international motor manufacturers are ramping up the sales of De Beer, Octoral and other Valspar paint brands across the world,” says Shanker. “The latest partnership entered into with KIA Europe was another key milestone in the success of our brands. Now, along with the General Motors global approval of Valspar for their brands Opel, Vauxhall, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Holden and Isuzu, we are well on the way to growing our brand profile in South Africa as elsewhere across the globe. Further, our Ford and Chrysler global approvals will open up new markets for De Beer to take its place as one of the leading automotive refinish brands, globally”.

The force behind the De Beer brand in South Africa, Andre Coetzee, general manager of Cowley Automotive SA, has set the base for Cowley and De Beer to be leaders in the SA refinish market. The brands can now boast a solid infrastructure and sales growth leading towards a strong future. “In six short years the Cowley group has embarked on an ambitious sales programme to become a successful partner in the Valspar family, and to rival other significant markets such as Australia,” says Coetzee, “and our confidence stems from the professionalism and expertise of autobody refinish businesses in South Africa.

“This confidence is being reciprocated by an increased acceptance of the total quality proposition that De Beer delivers, by body shops across the country. This goes in line with the Cowley SA objectives, with our distribution partners, to continue to grow the business by over 15% year-on-year. We are confident that our product quality, internationally acclaimed colouristics and approvals status will enable an increasing number of bodyshops to take advantage of our competitive offerings, to make a success of their business in these strenuous economic times”.

The De Beer paint company and Cowleys Automotive SA take the opportunity to thank their distributor partners and bodyshop customers across South Africa for their support and look forward to welcoming new partners to join the family.

For more information about De Beer products email them on andre@cowleysa.co.za or call them on +27 (0) 78 782 9618.

De Beer’s Sales Manager for Africa, Shanker Achari (left), is upbeat about Cowley Automotive’s success in the South Africa market. He is seen here with General Manager, Andre Coetzee from Cowley SA. 72

AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

DE BEER BEROBASE S-O 2011_Layout 1 2015/02/03 11:06 AM Page 1

Call for distribution opportunities in your area.

Sole Importer Cowley Automotive Products Tel: (016) 933 2233 email: sales@cowleysa.co.za COWLEY AUTOMOTIVE & INDUSTRIAL COATINGS (PTY) LTD

AR J-F 2015 CLAIRE_NOV/DEC 2005 paganation 2015/02/04 1:07 PM Page 21

LOCAL UPDATE FINAL FINISH

3M PAINT RECTIFICATION POLISHING SYSTEM BOOSTS FINAL FINISH OUTPUT

T

he latest development in 3M rectification systems for both new and aging car refinish panels is the Paint Rectification Polishing System process. It uses all new Trizact ultra fine pad technology. The vehicle’s appearance system can be started with grits that go to P1500 to remove dust inclusions. These are quickly followed by a dual action sander using the 3000 grit Trizact and with a damp surface this quickly polishes out the courser 1500 grit marks.

Once again the process can be repeated using the incredibly fine 6000 Hook-It discs which comes complete with its own soft face backing to eliminate any scratching or swirl marks once the panel is completed to a firm key.

For the polishing procedure it takes, in some cases, less than 10 seconds to bring back a full wet look gloss with the Perfect-It or Fast Cut XL final polish. “All the economies of scale with the new system are delivered because the chances of polishing through old paintwork are now vastly reduced,” says Malcolm Groom, “and the 3M system is now so well co-ordinated to meet the demands of the latest generation of clearcoats. Both the high solid type or conventional materials respond well to the Paint Rectification Polishing System system of rectification and polishing.”

The Perfect-It III Polishing System consists of colour-coded compound, polishes and pads that have been developed in Europe.

The system is ideally suited to the paint finishes found in South Africa.

The Paint Rectification Polishing System promotional introduction kit has all the products that are required to achieve that showroom finish on all makes of cars. The removal of surface defects is simplified with the use of 3M Trizact abrasives. The defect removal and scratch refinement is achieved with Trizact P1500 and 3000. The use of

these products will also assist in productivity by reducing polishing times. The Perfect-It III Polishing System comes with 150mm foam pads to make access into corners and recesses easy.

New to South Africa is the 3M Trizact 6000 abrasive disc which is recommended for dark shade colours but will improve the finish on all vehicles.

Numerous of KZN body shops have already converted to the 3M process because of its sheer speed and increased vehicle output levels, says Groom who heads up the technical side of body shop support for KZN. James Stewart from Classic Coachworks says that with such a clean and fast final polishing system now up and running very successfully, customers are absolutely delighted with the final finish it produces.

James Stewart (left) from Classic Coachworks in Durban is upbeat about the Vanity polishing system from 3M. Its ability to produce a great result everytime with incredible in-house hygiene has really helped to increase their finished quality output. He is seen with Malcom Groom from 3M (centre) and Ricky Ruthilall from Balco.

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VERMONT N-D 2014 ADS_Layout 1 2015/02/03 11:26 AM Page 1

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FOCUS TRAINING 2015

KZN

W/CAPE

GAUTENG

STANDOX TRAINING February 2-6 March 2- 3 March 4 -5 March 16-20 April 8-9 April 10 April 21-21 May 11-15 June 8-12 June 23 June 24-25 June 30 - July 1 July 27-31 August 18-20 31 August - 4 September September 16 September 17-18 September 28 - October 2 October 20-21 October 22-23 November 4 November 5-6 November 17-19

Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module

5 1 4 6 2 3 7 5 6 3 4 1 6 7 6 3 4 5 1 2 3 2 7

Standohyd Spraypainters Forum Colouristics Standoblue Spraypainters Forum Advanced Painting Plastics Specialised Training Standohyd Standoblue Painting Plastics Colouristics Spraypainters Forum Standoblue Specialised Training Standoblue Painting Plastics Colouristics Standohyd Spraypainters Forum Spraypainters Forum Advanced Painting Plastics Spraypainters Forum Advanced Specialised Training

January 20-21 January 22-23 February 24-27 March 24-27 May 5-8 June 4 June 10-11 June 17-19 July 28-31 September 22-23 October 13-14 OCtober 15-16 October 27-28 November 17-20

Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module

1 2 6 5 5 3 4 7 5 5 1 2 4 6

Spraypainters Forum Spraypainters Forum Standoblue Standohyd Standohyd Painting Plastics Colouristics Specialised Training Standohyd Standohyd Spraypainters Forum Spraypainters Forum Advanced Colouristics Standoblue

February 2-6 March 2-3 April 8-9 April 10 June 8-12 June 23 June 24-25 June 30- July 1 July 2-3 August 31 - September 4 September 28 - October 2 November 17-19

Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module Module

5 1 2 3 6 3 4 1 2 6 5 7

Standohyd Spraypainters Forum Spraypainaters Forum Advanced Painting Plastics Standoblue Painting Plastics Colouristics Spraypainters Forum Spraypainters Forum Advanced Standoblue Stamdohyd Specialised Training

METALUX TRAINING

26-27 16-17 12-13 25-26 12-13 30-31

February July February June March July

1.

1.

1.

1.

1.

1.

Spot Spot Spot Spot Spot Spot

Repair Repair Repair Repair Repair Repair

23-25 March 22-24 June 2-4 November 20-22 April 27-29 July 13-15 July 16-18 November

2.

2.

2.

2.

2.

2.

2.

Advanced Advanced Advanced Advanced Advanced Advanced Advanced

8-10 June 7-9 September 26-28 October 23-25 February 9-11 March 18-20 May 23-23 September 9-11 February 4-6 May 10-12 August 12-14 October 76

3.

3.

3.

3.

3.

3.

3.

3.

3.

3.

3.

Start Start Start Start Start Start Start Start Start Start Start

to to to to to to to to to to to

& & & & & &

Blending Blending Blending Blending Blending Blending

Colour Colour Colour Colour Colour Colour Colour

Finish Finish Finish Finish Finish Finish Finish Finish Finish Finish Finish

Tinting Tinting Tinting Tinting Tinting Tinting Tinting

Epping Training Centre Epping Training Centre Clayville Training Centre Clayville Training Centre Canelands Training Centre Canelands Training Centre

Cape Town Cape Town Gauteng Gauteng Durban Durban

Clayville Training Centre Clayville Training Centre Clayville Training Centre Canelands Training Centre Canelands Training Centre Epping Training Centre Epping Training Centre

Gauteng Gauteng Gauteng Durban Durban Cape Town Cape Town

Epping Training Centre Epping Training Centre Epping Training Centre Epping Training Centre Canelands Training Centre Canelands Training Centre Canelands Training Centre Clayville Training Centre Clayville Training Centre Clayville Training Centre Clayville Training Centre

Cape Town Cape Town Cape Town Cape Town Durban Durban Durban Gauteng Gauteng Gauteng Gauteng

AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

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February 9-11 February 16-18 February 19 February 23-25 February 26-27 March 9-11 March 9-11 March 12 March 23-25 April 8-10 April 20-22 May 18-20 May 21 May 25-27 May 28-29 June 8-10 June 11 June 17-19 July 1-3 July 13-15 July 16 July 20-22 July 23-24 August 3-5 August 17-19 September 14-16 September 17-18 September 28-30 October 26-28 October 29 November 2-4 November 23-25

PE3 (2 days) CE1 PS2 (1 day) PE1 & PE2 (3 PS1 (2 days) PE1 & PE2 CE1 PS2 (1 day) CE2 CE2 PE1 & PE2 (3 CE1 PS2 (1 day) PE1 & PE2 (3 PS1 (2 days) CE1 PS2 (1 day) CE2 PE3 (2 days) CE2 PS2 (1 day) PE1 & PE2 (3 PS1 (2 days) PE3 (2 days) PE3 (2 days) PE1 & PE2 (3 PS1 (2 days) CE2 CE1 PS2 (1 day) PE3 (2 days) CE2

February 2-4 February 16-18 March 9-10 March 10-11 March 11 March 16-18 April 28-30 May 11-13 June 2-3 June 4 July 1-3 July 20-22 July 27-29 September 1-3 September 15-17 November 2-4 November 16-18

PE1 (3 days) CE1 (3 days) PS1 (1.5 days) PS2 (1 day) PS2 (1 day) PE2 (3 days) CE2 (3 days) PE3 (3 days) PS1 (1.5 days) PS2 (1 day) PE1 (3 days) CE1 (3 days) PE2 (3 days) PE3 (3 days) CE2 (3 days) PE1 (3 days) CE1 (3 days)

FCCC FCCC FCCC FCCC FCCC FCCC FCCC FCCC FCCC FCCC FCCC FCCC FCCC FCCC FCCC FCCC FCCC

February 16-18 February 19-20 March 19 March 30 - April 1 April 20-22 April 23-24 June 8-10 June 11-15 June 29 - July 1 July 21-23 August 11-13 August 17-19 September 7-9 September 10-11 September 28-30 October 15 November 16-18 December 7-8

PW1 & PE2 (3 days) PS1 PS2 CE1 PE1 & PE2 (3 days) PS1 CE1 PS2 CE1 CE2 PE3 CE2 PE1 & PE2 (3 days) PS1 PE3 (2 days) PS2 CE2 PE3 (2 days)

Flanagans Training Centre Flanagans Training Centre Flanagans Training Centre Flanagans Training Centre Flanagans Training Centre Flanagans Training Centre Flanagans Training Centre Flanagans Training Centre Flanagans Training Centre Flanagans Training Centre Flanagans Training Centre Flanagans Training Centre Flanagans Training Centre Flanagans Training Centre Flanagans Training Centre Flanagans Training Centre Flanagans Training Centre Flanagans Training Centre

February 2-4 February 5-6 March 2-4 March 5 July 27-29 August 31 - September 2 September 3

PW1 & PE2 (3 days) PS1 (2 days) PE3 (2 days) PS2 (1 day) PE1 & PE2 (3 days) PE3 (2 days) PS2 (1 day)

Central Central Central Central Central Central Central

AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

days)

days) days)

days)

days)

RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand Training Training Training Training Training Training Training Training Training Training Training Training Training Training Training Training Training

Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre

Refinish Refinish Refinish Refinish Refinish Refinish Refinish

Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre 77

All dates and times supplied were correct at the time of going to print.

BLOEM

KZN

W/CAPE

GAUTENG

GLASURIT TRAINING

AR JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2015 NAT_NOV/DEC 2005 paganation 2015/02/03 10:48 AM Page 15

FOCUS TRAINING 2015 SPIES HECKER TRAINING GAUTENG

2-4 5 9 -11 16-20 23-27 9 -13 23-25 26 27 13-16 4-8 18-20 21 22 22-26 7-9 20-24 10-12 13 14 24-26 7-11 12-14 15 16 9-13

E/CAPE

January February March May July October November

26 - 30 16 - 20 16 - 20 25 - 29 27- 31 19 - 23 23 - 27

KZN

February March April May August October November

8 - 14 8 - 14 12 - 18 24 - 30 9 - 15 25 - 31 8 - 14

Hi-TEC Spray Painters College Painting Plastics & Colour College Permahyd Spray Painters College & Blending Techniques Colour College Permahyd

CAPE TOWN

Spraypainters College Blending Techniques & Painting Plastics Tinted Clear Permahyd Permahyd Hi-TEC Spray Painters College Blending Techniques Painting Plastics Permahyd Hi-TEC Spray Painters College Blending Techniques Painting Plastics Painting Plastics Tinted Clear Hi-TEC Spray Painters College Blending Techniques Painting Plastics Tinted Clears Permahyd Spray Painters College Blending Techniques Painting Plastics Hi-TEC

February February February February February March March March March April May May May May June July July August August August August September October October October November

January January February March May June June July July September October October October November

27-28 29-30 10-13 10-13 19-22 3 11-12 1-3 14-17 8-11 6-7 8 29-31 10-13

Spray Painters College Blending Techniques Hi-TEC Permahyd Permahyd Plastics Colouristics Specialised Training Permahyd Permahyd Spray Painters College Blending Techniques Colourstics Hi-TEC

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

78

Namibia training takes place in Cape Town and is planned as 4 separate week sessions.

Port Elizabeth training takes place in Cape Town and is planned as 4 seperate week sessions.

Technical sessions with distributor technical and sales staff.

Additional sessions and visits as per other regions.

Eastern Cape training sessions are not specific to a topic and will be tailor-made according to customer needs.

AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

AR JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2015 NAT_NOV/DEC 2005 paganation 2015/02/03 10:48 AM Page 16

• TP1 Focus on efficient use of R-M waterborne basecoat systm Onyx HD • TPB Multi Stage Blending. Identify and complete most efficient repair solution.

Blending of 3 & 4 stage pearls and spot repair.

• TP 3 Painting of plastic parts.

• TP 4 Surface Preparation.

• TP 5 Optimisation of application techniques • TP 11 & TP 12 Colour retrieval and Colourimitry and colour adjustment techniques.

TP3 & TP4 - 3 day course

GAUTENG

February 2-4 March 2-4 March 23-25 March 26-27 March 30 - April 1 April 16-17 May 18-20 June 1-3 July 3-4 July 6-8 July 9 - 10 July 27-29 August 20-21 August 24-26 August 31 - September 2 October 11-12

TP 1 & TPB TP 3 & TP 4 TP11 & TP12 TP5 TP1 & TPB TP5 TP3 & TP4 TP1 & TPB TP 3 & TP4 TP11 & TP12 TP5 TP1 & TPB TP5 TP3 & TP4 TP11 & TP12 TP11 & TP12

RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand RCC Midrand

w/CAPE

February 2-4 March 2-4 March 23-25 March 26-27 March 30 - April 1 April 16-17 May 18 - 20 June 1-3 July 3-4 July 6-8 July 9 - 10 July 27-29 August 20-21 August 24-26 August 31 - September 2 October 11-12

TP1 & TPB TP3 & TP4 TP11 & TP12 TP5 TP1 & TPB TP5 TP3 & TP4 TP1 & TPB TP 3 & TP4 TP11 & TP12 TP5 TP1 & TPB TP5 TP3 & TP4 TP11 & TP12 TP11 & TP12

First First First First First First First First First First First First First First First First

KZN

R-M TRAINING

March 16-18 April 8 - 10 April 28-30 May 11-13 May 14-15 June 1-3 June 4-5 July 13-15 October 5-7 November 9 - 11 November 12-13 November 23-25

TP11 & TP12 TP11 & TP12 TP3 & TP4 TP1 & TPB TP5 TP3 & TP4 TP5 TP3 & TP4 TP1 & TPB TP1 & TPB TP5 TP11 & TP12

Flanagans Flanagans Flanagans Flanagans Flanagans Flanagans Flanagans Flanagans Flanagans Flanagans Flanagans Flanagans

R E F I N I S H E R

TP5 - 2 day course TP11 & TP12 - 3day course

Car Car Car Car Car Car Car Car Car Car Car Car Car Car Car Car

Care Care Care Care Care Care Care Care Care Care Care Care Care Care Care Care

College College College College College College College College College College College College College College College College

Training Training Training Training Training Training Training Training Training Training Training Training

Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre Centre

79

All dates and times supplied were correct at the time of going to print.

AUTOMOTIVE

TP1 & TPB - 3 day course

AR J-F 2015 CLAIRE_NOV/DEC 2005 paganation 2015/02/04 1:08 PM Page 16

INDUSTRY NEWS WHAT’S HOT?

PPG MOVE UP A GEAR IN THE CAPE OPERATION

T

ammy Robberts, the regional sales manager for the Western and Eastern Cape as well as Namibian markets for PPG Refinish paint, has moved the current outlet to a new location – Tygerwaterfront – in Cape Town’s northern

suburbs.

“The new operational headquarters will assist in improving client services,” says Tammy. “We have a team of over 10 specialists to support the Envirobase® HP range of waterborne materials which include both technical experts and also key internal staff members who are involved in the day-to-day deliveries throughout the Western Cape markets, as well as the city centre area.”

Tammy has many years of successful support behind her with long stints seen in the Cape central collision repair markets where Envirobase® HP has proven to be a very popular brand for a loyal brand of body shop users. PPG have a special team for all their accounts that operate in the Western Cape and also distribute through three successful distribution outlets.

“Also popular is the MaxMeyer® range imported from Italy, which offers a great value option on costs and performance to keep up with economical market needs,” said Tammy. “The technologically advanced Selemix, a product that gives an amazing grip to bare steel substrates, is also on offer and as a system there are a number of special epoxy primers and acrylic top coats from PPG. For more information call Tammy or the PPG team in Cape Town on +27 (0)21 914 1287.

Tammy Robberts has a successful track record at PPG and great working relationships with customers.

The professional team at the new headquarters in theTygerwaterfront complex sees the inclusion of four technical back-up staff to keep both Envirobase® HP and MaxMeyer® Refinish sales buoyant.

80 AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

PPG J-F COLOUR EXP 2012_Layout 1 2015/02/03 11:17 AM Page 1

For more information call +27 (0)11 953 2576 or visit www.ppgrefinish.com

AR J-F 2015 CLAIRE_NOV/DEC 2005 paganation 2015/02/04 1:05 PM Page 18

NEW PRODUCTS HENKEL SA TEROSTAT 8597 DIRECT GLAZING ADHESIVE Terostat 8597 HMLC Direct Glazing Adhesive is a one component, moisture curing Direct Glazing Adhesive with excellent sag resistance base on polyurethane, which cures by reaction with moisture to a soft elastic product. The skin formation and curing times are dependent on humidity and temperature, and the curing time also depends on joint depth.

By increasing the temperature and moisture these times can be reduced; low temperature as well as low moisture retard the process.

Contact Craig on +27 (0)79 504 4563 for more information on this product as well as their wide range available for collision repairers.

CARSYSTEM PLASTIC REPAIR KIT BULLDOG ABRASIVES

The Carsystem Plastic Repair kit contains: Power Mix Gun 1 pc.

Power Mix black 50ml 3 pcs.

Power Mix transparent 50ml 2 pcs.

Power Mix black 25ml 1 pc.

Power Mix transparent 25ml 1 pc.

Power Mix Primer/Activator 1 pc.

Power Mixer 12 pcs.

Power Mix supporting / reinforcing film 1 pc.

Prep Hand Cut size 10 1 pair Cutter 1 pc.

82

The Carsystem Plastic Repair Kit is intended to keep Carsystem plastic repair products perfectly sorted in a handy box. The kit boxes are stackable and can be fitted together to save space.

Power Mix is a two-compound polyurethane material used for structural and quick repairs and bonding of plastic parts. The 25ml cartridges are used by hand and the 50ml cartridges are mixed with the Carsystem Power Mix Gun. The dual cartridges are supplied in the mixing ratio 1:1. They are automatically mixed with the static mixing tip. A viscous compound for repairing, filling, bonding and sealing is produced. For more information contact the Bulldog Abrasives sales team on +27 (0)11 786 5991 or sales@bulldogabrasives.co.za.

AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

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GYS DENT PULLER RANGE AER-O-CURE Speedliner is a complete dent pulling kit, essential for repairing small, medium and big dents: such as sills, wheelhouses, car fenders. There is also the Speedliner ALU E.FV, a complete dent pulling kit for aluminium, essential for repairing small, medium and big dents using M4 M5 and M6 studs. This device allows dents to be removed in doors, wings and bonnet etc without stripping.

With Speedliner you can: l Remove dents without disassembling vehicle fittings l Repair without replacing l Reduce the down-time l Increase your margin l Improve your profitability.

Contact Aer-o-cure on +27 (0)11 444 6454 about these and other dent pullers as well as much more on the comprehensive GYS range.

FINE STOPPERS QBRANDS Q-Brands, importers of the 4CR range, introduce their “Fine Stoppers”. The two pack Elasticweiss (2200) is white in colour, has good adhesion, is pin-hole free and has a non-shrink formulation. The one pack Combi-Stopper (2625) is green in colour and is used for filling minor scratches and stone chips.

Contact Geoff: 072 069 5423 or Valerie: 082 923 4373 or visit www.QbrandsSA.com

CUMI ABRASIVES NOW IN SA MIX AND MATCH CUMI™ pioneered the manufacture of Coated Abrasives and Bonded Abrasives. With strategic global alliances and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, CUMI™ has achieved a reputation for unbeatable quality and innovation.

Local testing in SA industries has proven CUMI™ Abrasives to be more durable than European or American equivalents and the full range is now available in South Africa.

The CUMI range includes the following types: Coated Abrasives: lSheets & rolls l Fibre, velcro & Stikkit Discs l Flap discs l Abrasive belts l Non-woven abrasives l Spindle & Bore Flap wheels Bonded Abrasives: l Cutting & grinding discs l Super abrasives Call Mix & Match on more information on the entire range on +27 (0)31 465 4511/1078.

AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

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AR J-F 2015 CLAIRE_NOV/DEC 2005 paganation 2015/02/04 10:26 AM Page 3

WHAT’S HOT? JOBS, EQUIPMENT, SERVICES AND MUCH MORE Auto Industry Consulting provide technical information and consultancy to the global collision repair industry. Our subscription based website

www.autoindustryinsider.com includes:

l Vehicle Technology Review Videos l New model introductions l Vehicle manufacturer connections l Technology trend overviews l Vehicle engineering materials l In depth industry reports l Industry news and more.

Ezi-Methods; our vehicle repair methods solution: CRI Tech Reports; a monthly publication providing strategic and practical industry information.

For further information on any of these products and services please contact: ben.cardy@autoindustryconsulting.com or by calling

+44 (0)7923 563 260

We weld with over 20 years of experience.

Repairs to aluminium, magnesium components, high strength steel, bronze, pewter, iron, titanium, copper and damaged steel.

PARTS MADE NEW.

Call Mark on 086 100 9353

DON’ T FEEL LEFT OUT? ADVERTISE ADVERTISE AND BUILD BUILD YOUR YOUR BRAND. BRAND. The voice of the collision repair industry for over 29 years

CALL US +27 (0)11 949 4091 EMAIL US autoref@iafrica.com 84

AUTOMOTIVE R E F I N I S H E R

AR J-F 2015 CLAIRE_NOV/DEC 2005 paganation 2015/02/03 10:21 AM Page 4

WHAT’S HOT? JOBS, EQUIPMENT, SERVICES AND MUCH MORE

A BRIGHT SPARK LOOKS NO FURTHER FOR A MULTI-PURPOSE LUBRICANT Quality lubricating, moisture-repelling penetrating oil which does not attract dust. A permanent lubricant, protects against rust and corrosion.

Special Lubricants and Allied Chemical Products

tel: +27 (0)860 772 652 l email: sales@spanjaard.biz l www.spanjaard.biz

DENT PRO-PORTABLE DENT PULLER

Call us on

076 142 7263 082 452 6631 www.panelprotech.co.za

The 4CR Overspray clay with the Clean and Protect Spray from Q-Brands are a great combination for your surface cleaning needs. The Overspray clay comes in blue or red blocks and removes overspray surface rust and masking residue. The Clean and Protect Spray is developed to remove polish residue, finger marks and dust from paint surfaces easily and quickly leaving a high gloss.

Call Geoff: 072 069 5423, Val: 082 923 4373 or visit www.QbrandsSA .com

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AR J-F 2015 CLAIRE_NOV/DEC 2005 paganation 2015/02/03 10:22 AM Page 23

AFRICAN PANORAMA - THE BACON SANDWICH

H

oliday time had hit and the yearend bonanza was in full flight with clogged roads and overloaded buses. It was, as per usual, a case of panic on wheels as the nation split up into 50 directions for the holiday happening.

This year the Boss was about to take his long time friend, Commander Kettle, on a burst of military history. Commander Kettle was intent on spending far too many of the few remaining hours on planet earth looking at the military battle sites that surround Kimberley in the Northern Cape.

Their push in this quest quickly saw them holed up in the Kimberley Club doing what needed to be done and that was to try and find the final resting place of Commander Kettle’s distant family, who was dispatched to meet his maker at the battle of Matjiesfontein at the turn of the previous century in the Anglo-Boer war.

A past where doubtful glories were the order of the day in many battles where no one was the real victor. What prompted the visiting tourist to take it all on was the fact that Commander Kettle had a full line-up of shiny medals that were won by the lad posthumously, in his possession.

He had them pinned to his chest on the evening they went down to dinner where they were set upon by the only waiter on duty at the club. The Boss asked why it was so quiet on such a glorious Friday summer’s night, only to be told that there was an epic rugby showdown taking place between the 86

Griquas – the local team – and the Free State Cheetahs that night. After a short drive to the stadium, they sat amongst 20 000 spectators who were shouting themselves hoarse in enjoyment. The pair took on too much alcohol that night and awoke the next day with a blurry outlook on life and that with a huge hangover.

This was suitably resolved with a big breakfast and the pair set out in their luxury car to tour the delights of Hopetown and other far flung salt pans in their quest to find just where the Welsh and Scots guards were brought to a complete standstill by the sharp-shooting Boers.

After traipsing to and fro, finally at Magersfontein they were winding through the military museum remnants which are set to hell and gone – almost 30 kilometres from the tar road. Here in this remote place only a solitary hawk flying overhead where 1 000 soldiers had perished on that fateful day. It had all turned out to be sort of futile as Commander Kettle donned the family pith helmet and jacket resplendent with medals and bars. It was a job well done in finding this place, but sadly proved little in the way of exploits of old, very unlike the romantic stories of yesteryear.

Commander Kettle was pleased that they had commemorated the fallen forefathers, but could quickly visualise that a sad end had befallen both sides in the conflict. In the seering heat of desert conditions, there are no winners.

The trip had cost the Boss quite a few

by Ian Groat

Rands as Commander Kettle was sort of down on his luck with poor health and had no financial resources to cover the historic trip. But the Boss had enjoyed taking his friend on the all-expenses incurred threeday journey into the past.

Winding their way slowly back to the Reef that day, they were prompted by hunger to stop at the Portuguese cafe in Wolmaranstad to get something on the run.

Commander Kettle jumped out while the refuel was underway for two bacon sandwiches, “I’ll get this,” he said and promptly returned to the car spitting blood.

“Can you believe those thieves.” he said furiously, “They charged me R20 each for the two bacon sandwiches!” Now here was a visitor that the Boss had blown over ten grand on for his lifelong quest, as part of a bucket list, and to be able to complete his family lineage, was completely upset at having to spend twenty bucks on a measly sandwich.

After a further bubble of discontentment, the Boss told him in no uncertain terms that his tightness on spending money sort of beggared belief and the burst of genuine laughter lasted for the next 100 kilometres.

Commander Kettle clearly felt a bit uncomfortable for showing little gratitude for the Boss’s generosity and patronage.

Truthfully, they remain great friends, but the Boss often tweaks a raw nerve about the tightness of his mate and the cost of a bacon sandwich for the price of a trip of a lifetime.

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