Motor Traders

motor trader

motor trader queensland | vol. 83 | issue 7 | August 2012

Refrigerant gases Amphibious cars Dad and Partner pay Ag Show 2012

Automotive tax update

Health: heart matters

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Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland

contents

Head Office Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 P.O. Box 4530, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Tel: 07 3237 8777 Fax: 07 3844 4488 Toll Free: 1800 177 951 Email: publications@mtaq.com.au Website: www.mtaq.com.au

2. From the editor

Editor

8. Automotive tax update

Art Director

Industry Update

AG SHOW

Michael Taylor Marco Ilinic

4. Policy/Viewpoint 6. Industrial Relations Feature

10. Cars in 2030: An amphibious

Industrial Relations

vision

Ted Kowalski Michelle Chadburn

The Amphi-X concept won the Toyota People's Choice Award at the Target 2030 Automotive Design Awards, p. 10

11. Irate Tate on Carbongate

Policy

Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland

Advertising Enquiries

Jeff Dunlop Mobile: 0422 075 007 Facsimile: 07 3844 4488 Email: jeffd@mtaq.com.au

Editorial

Editorial submissions are welcomed but cannot be guaranteed placement. For more information telephone the Editor 07 3237 8777

Subscription Rates (including GST) Australia: $72.60 annually Overseas: $110 annually

TH, 8TH MBER 2011

Reader’s Digest survey reveals most trusted brands

12. NRMA’s small vehicle crash repair comparisons 14. New engine plant at Toyota Australia 15. Staying ‘connected’ behind the wheel 16. Galvanising ELV outcomes

SUV’s continue ‘blistering’ run

Automobile News 18. Mazda6 sedan

Infiniti Emerg-e

Motor Trader Publishing Policy Motor Trader is the official publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland. The role of Motor Trader is to inform members of current issues and legislation affecting the industry. As such it can be regarded as the business magazine for the Queensland motor industry. The role of Motor Trader is not to be in competition with the technical magazines already on the market. It will advise of new vehicles being released and of the latest technology incorporated into them; it will advise of latest technology affecting members in each of the MTA Queensland Divisions; it will keep members abreast of the latest in motor industry training and industrial affairs; and it will keep members informed of the latest technical aids available through MTA Queensland Member Services, which will assist members in staying ahead of the technological revolution presently being encountered within the motor industry. The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any advertisement and the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher for all damages or liabilities arising from the published material.

Kia Optima sedan

MTA Queensland ABN: 74 028 933 848

23. Standout MIT students rewarded

ghofer Events Centre ba Showgrounds 5pm daily

ORMATION Partners T PETERCorporate ERWIN 634 1155 634 8043 110 325 agshow.com.au how.com.au

19. Veloster SR Turbo

Range Rover Evoque

Subaru Exigae

20. Members MIT News

MTA Queensland invites school careers counsellors and VET coordinators to its automotive training facility, p. 22

22. Showcasing automotive industry at MTAQ

One-two finish at Townsville 400

Health 25. Heart matters: terms, symptoms and solutions

Sport 29. Industry racing veteran set for Bathurst

Pye on podium at Queensland Raceway

30. Toyota becomes Oz cricket partner

Nostalgia Nationals a big hit at Willowbank

CR53540

20120015

Tony Longhurst is set to participate at Mount Panorama for Round 4 of the Auto One V8 Ute Racing, p. 29

motor trader queensland

1

from the editor

Michael Taylor, Editor

T

he annual Ag Show is upon us, taking place at the Toowoomba Showgrounds on the Tue/Wed/Thur in the first week of September (see the advertisement on the Inside Front Cover of this edition).

The organising committee represents a show that puts exhibitors’ interests in the top priority bracket, but still ensures that patrons are catered for in a comfortable, congenial atmosphere.

Approximately 80,000 people from as far afield as North Queensland and interstate flock to this event.

If you can find the time, it’s worth the effort. See www.agshow.com.au for more details.

There’s still time to make a donation towards Kids Helpline, the charity at the forefront of the Bridge to Brisbane event on 2nd September. Thanks to all who have made

contributions thus far; the MTAQ team of employees participating in this are very appreciative. To donate, please visit http://fundraise. bridgetobrisbane.com.au/ mtaq or telephone Katie Gould in Member Services on 1 800 177 951.

Congratulations to MTA Queensland member John Spencer of Goodyear Autocare in Sumner Park for being named ‘National Dealer of the Year’ at the 2012 Goodyear Autocare Conference (page 20).

Winning criteria entailed a number of business areas including customer feedback, program compliance, marketing, store appearance and sales. Well done, John and your team, for this outstanding result!

and VET Coordinators in October (page 22). This will be an opportunity for MIT to showcase why the automotive industry is an excellent career option.

The event will include special guest speakers, tours of our facility and mechanical and paint & panel demonstrations.

Standout MIT students in Townsville were rewarded with entry tickets to the Townsville 400, compliments of MTAA Superannuation representative, Diedre Bell.

MIT Technical Trainer, Dean Stockwell selected the high caliber students and was on hand to present the awards along with Diedre and Townsville-based MTAQ Divisional Representative, Andy O’Hearn.

The MTA Institute of Technology (MIT) will be hosting an open day for school careers counselors

Diploma of Management Course Objective: This qualification provides the skills and knowledge required to perform effectively as a manager, team leader or workshop manager. It will develop your skill base and knowledge and create a greater awareness of management practices.

Units of Competence • Manage quality customer service • Manage budgets and financial plans • Manage an information or knowledge management system • Develop a workplace learning environment • Manage people performance • Manage operational plan • Ensure team effectiveness • Manage personal work priorities and professional development

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motor trader queensland

Fees and Charges The Australian Government is providing $3000 to the employer/business for each eligible employee to do the Diploma of Management BSB 51107 offered by MTA Institute of Technology.

The course cost is $3500. The course fees are in no way related to the Australian Government incentives available to eligible individuals.

Delivery The course is delivered over a 20 week period consisting of one evening each week, supported by assignments to reinforce theoretical knowledge. Skills will be taught and practised in your workplace where learning will be placed into context.

Alternatively it can be done under simulation at our facility. The Diploma of Management is also available via distance learning over a 26 week period.

Enrol

Should you wish to enrol in the above course please contact one of our friendly team using the contact details below.

MTA Institute of Technology Address: Building 8, 2728 Logan Road,

Eight Mile Plains QLD 4113 Postal: PO Box 4530 Eight Mile Plains

QLD 4113 Tel: (07) 3722 3000 Toll Free: 1800 884 137 Email: training@mtaq.com.au

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Stationery for the automotive industry gue o l a t a ct C Produ

• General Office Stationery Supplies • Motor Vehicle Sales Stationery • Job/Time Cards • Service Station Supplies • Signage • Approved Inspection Station Signage and Decals • Accessories • MTA Queensland Member Signage • Technical Publications Our Stationery Catalogue is available online at www.mtaq.com.au Telephone: 07 3237 8777 Toll free 1800 177 951

policy/viewpoint

Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland

As mentioned last month, I attended a Small Business Roundtable discussion at which Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Parliamentary Secretary for Industry and Innovation Mark Dreyfus were present. The priority issues they addressed were the carbon tax particularly as it applied to refrigerant gases and the small business initiatives in the Federal Budget.

Refrigerant gases There’s been much negative comment about the increased cost of some refrigerant gases used in cooling systems, so they were keen to rebut this outlook. They said some refrigerant suppliers had the opportunity to increase the price of imported gases over and above the equivalent carbon price.

By way of illustration, they pointed to one supplier of R134A refrigerant gas increasing the list price from around $66 to $182 kilogram when the equivalent carbon price component was less than $30. Another example was the list price of R404A which rose from $93 to $378 per kilogram or 300% when the equivalent carbon price component was $75.

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motor trader queensland

Of interest is that the list price of other refrigerant gases such as R22, which did not attract an equivalent carbon price, also increased in price by $62.

Of interest is that the list price of other refrigerant gases such as R22, which did not attract an equivalent carbon price, also increased in price by $62.

Their issue was that suppliers were entitled to put up their prices, but were not entitled to falsely give the impression that it is the result of the equivalent carbon price. They warned that any evidence of price gouging

would be pursued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Council (ACCC) and any concerns about claims that price increases were due to the carbon tax should be reported.

It is clear from the refrigerant examples provided by the Prime Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary that the carbon tax has been a factor increasing the costs of some refrigerant gases.

They said that businesses using refrigerant gases should consider whether their refrigeration and air-conditioning systems were appropriately maintained and if leaks could be minimised.

Appropriately maintained systems, with leak detection where appropriate, should

minimise the extent to which systems needed to be re-gassed.

Federal Budget Initiatives As pointed out to Members previously, small business are able to instantly write off each and every asset they purchase costing less than $6,500, rather than depreciating them over time. Assets costing $6,500 or above can now be depreciated in a single pool (15 per cent in the year of purchase and 30 per cent in subsequent years.)

In addition, small business will be able to claim up to $5,000 as an immediate deduction for new or used motor vehicles acquired during the 2012-13

income year. The instant asset write-off applies to small business whether they are sole traders, partnerships, trusts or through companies.

Businesses will now have access to their tax losses when they need them such as a manufacturer needing to retool in order to move up the value chain.

Referring to the Loss Carry-back initiative, we were reminded that this measure will allow companies to carry back up to $1 million of losses to offset them against previous tax paid, providing a cash benefit of up to $300,000 per year against tax previously paid.

Businesses will now have access to their tax losses when they need them such as a manufacturer needing to retool in order to move up the value chain. Companies will be able to carry back losses by one year in 2012-13 and by up to two years from 2013-14.

Automotive New Markets Program Some Members have inquired about the Automotive New Markets Program and their eligibility to apply.

I was given advice that it is a merit based grants program that provides direct financial assistance for firms to enhance capability and access new market for their automotive products or new product opportunities, including non-automotive opportunities. It will run for

four years and comes into effect in 2012-13. If Members require additional information please contact me.

MTA – Queensland’s question Having listened to the Prime Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary, attendees were able to ask questions and did so –the prospect of the unfair contracts regime to cover business to business transactions being implemented.

Consistently, through several changes to the Consumer Protection Framework legislation, we presented in our submissions that the definition of “Consumer” should include business consumers.

They should be entitled to consumer law protection particularly as it applies to the Codes that form part of the Australian Competition and Consumer Act (previously the Trade Practices Act) and reflect implied conditions of supply and warranties.

Listening carefully to the responses it seemed to me we should not expect any changes in the near future.

We thought we had succeeded, but as the legislation was being introduced into the House of Representatives in June 2009, the then Minister for Small Business Craig Evans advised business-tobusiness transactions would be excluded from new laws banning unfair contract terms in standard-form contracts.

He gave some hope by indicating that the Federal Government would consider the issue following the completion of reviews relating to the unconscionable conduct provision of the then Trade Practices Act (now the Competition and Consumer Act) and the Franchising Code. These reviews have long been completed.

Listening carefully to the responses it seemed to me we should not expect any changes in the near future.

We need to keep this issue on the Federal Government’s policy agenda.

Green Stamp Plus Program

had representation from Fair Trading and our Corporate Partners.

Members were briefed on training, the status of some of our policy representations such as splitting of the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act, Deregulation of Safety Inspection Fees, Carbon Tax, current increases on refrigerant gases, formal removal of the requirement for a separate Repair Register to be recorded and other issues.

We appreciate the attendance at the Regional meetings and seek your input to format, guests and topics of discussion for future meetings.

Recently, I went to Adelaide to participate in discussions about establishing nationally consistent criteria and branding for the Green Stamp Plus Program.

This is an environmental program that is run in each state and territory of Australia through Motor Trade Associations.

Green Stamp Plus aims to ensure that businesses in the automotive industry have access to information and tools to help achieve environmental compliance and beyond.

The Program assists small to medium business in the automotive trades to incorporate processes and practices that avoid, reduce, reuse, recycle and dispose of waste in an environmentally sensitive manner.

Regional Members Meeting in Townsville On 17 July we had our regional members meeting in Townsville. The meeting was well attended and we

Q- Ride Submission We made a submission to the Parliamentary Transport, Housing and Local Government Committee’s Inquiry into Motorcycle Licensing Processes in Queensland.

Our Motorcycle Industry Division, which includes Q-Ride Registered Service Providers and provides Q-Ride training and assessment, consulted widely to prepare a sound submission. motor trader queensland

5

industrial relations

Ted Kowalski, Industrial Relations Manager

“Dad and Partner” pay to be introduced from 1st January 2013.

A

s an extension to the Paid Parental leave scheme, the Federal government has introduced a new payment called “Dad and Partner” pay – which is over and above the 18 week’s paid parental leave payment.

It will apply to eligible working fathers and partners, including adopting parents and parents in same-sex couples, who are caring for a child born or adopted from 1st January 2013.

State-wide audit of service stations by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland

W

orkplace Health and Safety Queensland will be conducting a state-wide audit of approximately 100 service stations to commence in the middle of August 2012.

The focus of the audit will be the safe storage and handling of hazardous chemicals.

Sites will be chosen at random and each site to

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motor trader queensland

Sites will be chosen at random and each site to be visited will be contacted directly by WH&S Inspectors. be visited will be contacted directly by WH&S Inspectors and a copy of a guide produced by the Department (entitled “A Guide for Service Station Operators – under the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011”) will be posted to the site at least two weeks prior to the audit date.

A report will be prepared after the audit is completed and will be made available to the MTAQ and other stakeholders.

It will be available to eligible full-time, part-time, casual, seasonal, contract and self employed workers who have worked at least 330 hours in ten of the thirteen months before the birth of their baby, and who earned $150,000 or less in the previous financial year.

Claims for “Dad and Partner” pay will be made through the Department of Human Services, which will deliver payments direct to eligible claimants.

The payment will be equivalent to the National Minimum Wage which is currently $606 per week and is paid for two weeks - provided the dad or partner is on unpaid leave or not working during the two-week period.

Claims for “Dad and Partner” pay will be made through the Department of Human Services, which will deliver payments direct to eligible claimants.

Employers will not make “Dad and Partner” pay payments.

give yourself an

advantage

- a well-known identifiable brand that signifies trust The MTA Queensland logo provides an element of differentiation between you and other businesses and may just form the key point of difference for a potential customer.

• Industrial Relations As a member of MTA Queensland you have access to industry specific-industrial relations expertise for advice and legal representation

MTA Queensland actively lobbies Governments with the best interest of our members to reduce red tape and streamline process for business owners.

• Consumer Complaints MTA Queensland will assist member businesses and mediate in the event of a consumer complaint.

Being a Member gives you input in the future productivity and profitability of your industry and the opportunity to positively influence it’s future through divisional and regional committees.

• Legal Advice Members can access professional legal assistance as part of their membership of MTA Queensland – intial phone advise free

One Stop Industry Advice

• Industry Awareness Members receive regular industry specific publications keeping you abreast of changes, legislative requirements, developments and initiatives in your industry.

• Technical Information Service Ever had the situation of working on a vehicle which you don’t usually work on? You don’t need a vast technical library – all you need is MTA Queensland membership to get all the technical resources you need.

Motor Trader, the official publication of MTA Queensland is issued monthly as part of your membership.

MeMbers cAn receive A subsTAnTiAl sAvings And efficiencies viA our corporATe pArTners The capricorn society is the largest independent automotive parts buying cooperative in Australia.

The Society is based on group purchasing to secure price advantage.

dun and bradstreet is the nation’s foremost credit control and debt collection agency, with an enviable record of service to the recoverables industry. Members are eligible for substantial savings on annual subscriptions.

The commonwealth bank offers members some of the lowest eftpos charges in the country. Savings in the thousands of dollars have been achieved by members who opted for the CBA deal.

MTAA superannuation, our superannuation partner has over 200,000 members who are enjoying excellent returns from the Fund.

corporate express is the leading supplier of a complete range of office consumables, bulk stationery and janitorial supplies.

nrMA insurance has vast experience in the provision of a superior level of specialist insurance services to the automotive industry, using the buying potential of the member base, can achieve pricing far more attractive than business owners are able to negotiate individually.

MTA Queensland, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road Eight Mile Plains Qld 4113 07 3237 8777 enquires@mtaq.com.au www.mtaq.com.au

BDO’s Automotive team provides some guidance on important taxation changes relevant to this new financial year, the 2013 financial year.

Accelerated depreciation of motor vehicles for small businesses New and used motor vehicles purchased from 1 July 2012 will entitle small businesses to claim up to $5,000 as an immediate tax deduction. The balance of the motor vehicle’s value will be pooled in the general small business pool (depreciated at 15 per cent in the first year and then 30 per cent each year after until fully depreciated).

To be eligible, your business must be a small business entity, which is generally the case where the aggregated annual turnover is less than $2 million.

Note that this is a timing benefit only, in that the business will receive the tax benefit in the 2013 financial year rather than in later financial years.

This reform is closely related to another previously announced measure that allows small businesses to immediately write-off any newly acquired business asset costing less than $6,500 from 1 July 2012 onwards.

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motor trader queensland

AUT TAX UPD

$

Individual income tax rates

There are changes to the rates that apply to individuals who are Australian residents for tax purposes. Referring to the tables below, note the changes from the prior year, especially in regard to taxable incomes between $6,001 and $18,200. The rates below do not include the Medicare levy of 1.5 per cent or the flood levy. The flood levy applied to taxable income for the 2012 financial year, but no longer applies in this current financial year.

The following rates apply for the current 2013 financial year.

Taxable income

Tax on this income

0 - $18,200

Nil

$18,201 - $37,000

19c for each $1 over $18,200

$37,001 - $80,000

$3,572 plus 32.5c for each $1 over $37,000

$80,001 - $180,000

$17,547 plus 37c for each $1 over $80,000

$180,001 and over

$54,547 plus 45c for each $1 over $180,000

The following rates applied for the previous 2012 financial year.

Taxable income

Tax on this income

0 - $6,000

Nil

$6,001 - $37,000

15c for each $1 over $6,000

$37,001 - $80,000

$4,650 plus 30c for each $1 over $37,000

$80,001 - $180,000

$17,550 plus 37c for each $1 over $80,000

$180,001 and over

$54,550 plus 45c for each $1 over $180,000

TOMOTIVE DATE Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold and Fuel Efficient Car Limit

Superannuation contributions for over 50’s effectively halved

On 27 June 2012 LCTD 2012/1 was released and refers to the Luxury Car Tax threshold and the fuel efficient car limit.

For the 2013 financial year all

From 1 July 2012 the LCT threshold will increase from $57,466 to $59,133.

The fuel efficient car limit will remain unchanged at $75,375.

Care should be taken by motor dealers to ensure software and spreadsheets used by staff to calculate the LCT are updated to reflect the changes.

individuals will be limited to

remained unchanged.

Trustee resolutions

per annum regardless of their age or

In past years many taxpayers have

how much they have in their

relied on an administrative concession

retirement savings.

from the ATO to make trust income distribution resolutions after 30 June of

In the prior year the concessional

the relative income year.

contributions cap was $50,000 per annum for individuals aged 50 to

To find out more about BDO’s

74 years. Note that the work test

Automotive services please

applies to owners and directors

Car limit for depreciation

The limit of $57,466 for the 2013 financial year will remain unchanged from the previous year.

The payroll tax rate of 4.75 per cent

concessional contributions of $25,000

between 65 and 74.

On 27 June 2012 TD 2012/16 was released and refers to the car limit for the purpose of depreciation.

$1.1 million from 1 July 2012.

GST changes – additional funding for GST compliance program

contact one of our team members. Refer to contact details on the back cover of this publication.

The Government plans to extend

The ATO has now emphasised that

the 2010-2011 Budget measure that

trust resolutions need to be made by

provided additional funding to the

30 June in Draft Taxation Determination

Company loss carry back

Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to

TD 2012/D2 and in its recent factsheet.

For the 2013 financial year, a company will be entitled to claw back tax paid on the prior year’s profits where a loss is suffered in the subsequent year.

An additional $195.3 million will be

ATO’s reconsidering its administrative

provided in respect of the 2014-2015

approach to trusts following a string of

and 2015-2016 years to help the ATO

court cases about the taxation of trusts.

This measure will be: • Subject to integrity measures • Limited to $1 million of losses for each year, and • Limited by the company’s franking account.

The measure is not available to any other form of business structure; for example a trust, partnership or sole trader.

encourage GST compliance.

This has arisen as a result of the

target issues, including fraudulent GST refunds, systematic under-reporting

Please note this information is general

of GST liabilities, failure to lodge GST

in nature and should not be a substitute

returns and outstanding GST debts.

for your own professional advice which

Increased tax revenue is estimated to

will consider your own circumstances.

be $986.2 million.

Payroll tax exemption threshold

To find out more about BDO’s Automotive services please contact one of our team members. Refer to contact

The annual payroll tax exemption

details on the back cover of

threshold increased from $1 million to

this publication. motor trader queensland

9

industry update Cars in 2030: An amphibious vision

A

revolutionary concept car designed to ease traffic congestion by operating on land or water has won a prestigious automotive industry design award sponsored by Toyota.

The Amphi-X concept, created by Monash University industrial design graduate Beichan Nan, is a vision for the year 2030 that suggests future cars should not be limited to driving on roads.

Nan, 24, said the inspiration for the Amphi-X was a way to prevent traffic choking our cities.

The innovative amphibious concept features a "tunnel hull" design and four claw-like wheels that give it traction over a variety of surfaces.

In addition to operating as a regular car, the Amphi-X can become a water-borne vessel with the wheels acting as impellers. Faster speeds are achieved by using its rear water jet.

"Each wheel has its own motor, which can propel the vehicle on land or water," Mr Nan said.

"The wheels feature a number of rubber 'rollers' which provide two key functions - firstly, they shrink in size in the water which creates less drag, and they also enable the wheel to move in more directions than simply longitudinally.

"This theoretically creates a drifting effect to the handling on land."

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motor trader queensland

The innovative amphibious Amphi-X concept won the Toyota People's Choice Award at the Target 2030 Automotive Design Awards.

Through this competition we can promote the industry and encourage young people to consider pursuing a career within it, helping to create a viable Australian automotive industry for the long term.

Toyota Australia's design chief Paul Beranger presented Mr Nan with the Toyota People's Choice Award at the VACC's Target 2030 Automotive Design Awards.

The victory for Mr Nan's Amphi-X concept was the result of voting by the public when all entries were displayed in Melbourne's Federation Square.

Mr Beranger, who is one of Australia's most talented and experienced automotive designers, said Target 2030

was important in stimulating interest for working in the industry.

"Toyota's enthusiasm for being involved with Target 2030 is part of the company's commitment to developing the research and development skills and abilities of future generations.

"Through this competition we can promote the industry and encourage young people to consider pursuing a career within it, helping to create a viable Australian automotive industry for the long term."

"We are delighted that Toyota has become involved with Target 2030 in providing us with a member of the judging panel of the ilk of Paul Beranger, and as sponsors of this year's awards.

"The People's Choice Award, sponsored by Toyota, saw hundreds of visitors to Federation Square vote for their favourite student entry.

"This is the first time that we have invited the public to elect an Award winner and it was a great success."

VACC executive director David Purchase said the new Toyota People's Choice Award involved the public and its thoughts on the future of motoring.

"VACC is proud to create this unique opportunity for automotive industry professionals, students, parents, teachers and Government ministers to come together and support automotive careers," Mr Purchase said.

Toyota Australia's design chief Paul Beranger with the Amphi-X creator, Beichan Nan.

Irate Tate on Carbongate

G

old Coast Mayor Tom Tate wrote to the Councils around Australia in late May urging them to join him in a "boycott" of the carbon price.

A spokesperson for Cr Tate's office said the Gold Council had an approximate carbon liability of $4.5 million arising from emissions from its Reedy Creek landfill.

In a letter to other liable Council's around Australia dated May 24, Cr Tate wrote: "Yesterday, I publically voiced my opposition to the carbon and reiterated my pledge to do everything I could to ensure Gold Coast residents do not pay this tax through their council rates and charges."

"Why does the Australian Government ask us to collect a carbon tax from residents simply because they want to use a dump or landfill facility?"

"With seemingly no ability to offset emissions with green initiatives or reduce or eliminate current or future liabilities."

"I am asking you to join me in boycotting this tax."

"Advice provided to me indicates there could be strong constitutional ground on which we could appeal our possible liability. I am asking other Councils that may be liable to join with us in mounting a challenge to the tax on legal grounds."

Mayor Tom Tate also wrote to Chloe Munro, CEO of the Clean Energy Regulator indicating he intends to challenge the carbon price.

"It is my strong view that Councils should not be the collection agency for the Australian Government and this insidious tax," Tate wrote.

"We are currently seeking detailed advice on our constitutional options in relation to challenging this potential liability."

Closed landfills and all landfill waste deposited prior to July 1 are a potential asset under the Clean Energy Future plan.

Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change Mark Dreyfus was quick to respond.

"He couldn’t be more wrong," Dreyfus wrote in response to Cr Tate's position. "Mayor Tate is serving neither his ratepayers, or the nation."

"He should spend less time working on Tony Abbott’s hysterical and deceitful scare campaign and devote more time serving his community by investing in the many opportunities to reduce his council’s [greenhouse gas emissions]."

"To begin with, landfill gas capture already occurs at many council operated landfill sites across Australia, and is being introduced at others. Gas capture can reduce emissions - and therefore carbon costs - very substantially."

"Average capture rates of 50% would reduce carbon costs to below $13 per tonne for municipal solid waste. Sites operating at best practice can reduce emissions by 70% or more, reducing carbon costs further, to below $8 per tonne."

"In fact, closed landfills and all landfill waste deposited prior to July 1 are a potential asset under the Clean Energy Future plan."

"Councils can earn carbon credits from capturing methane gas from this waste and can use these credits to meet any potential carbon price liability they may have, or generate income by selling credits to entities with carbon price obligations."

"This new income stream, realised by reducing carbon pollution, can then be re-invested in the local community or returned to ratepayers through reduced rates."

"Has Mayor Tate looked into initiatives such as these for his rate payers?"

Reader’s Digest survey reveals most trusted brand

I

n a survey conducted for Reader's Digest Australia, Toyota has been judged Australia's most trusted car brand for the seventh year in a row.

Reader's Digest Australia, reporting the results of its survey, said a trusted brand with a loyal group of customers is a ‘hot property’.

"In uncertain times, it's the brands that continue to offer quality and substance that continue to enjoy Australians' trust," the magazine said.

"A product that is dependable and meets our expectations is a valuable asset to a company.

Customers who trust a product - and the company behind the product become repeat buyers, and this loyalty can span years, generations, lifetimes even."

Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said the company regarded it as an honour to be named the most trusted car company among more than 50 brands operating in Australia.

"Over more than half a century, Toyota has worked hard to deliver Australian customers with top-quality vehicles that are reliable, long-lasting and fuel-efficient - at prices that represent great value for money," Mr. Callachor said.

"Toyota is also proud to support local jobs and the economy by building the Camry, Camry Hybrid and V6 Aurion right here in Australia." motor trader queensland

11

industry update

NRMA’s small vehicle crash repair comparisons

T

he Holden Barina has topped an NRMA Insurance crash test program that looks at low speed collision repair costs.

Nine of the top selling small vehicles in Australia were put to the test to encourage consumers to consider repair costs when looking for a new car due to the impact it can have on their insurance premium.

The Holden Barina was heralded the best performer by a significant lead with a repair cost for a front and rear collision of $2,574 or 14.3 per cent of its new purchase price*.

Barina outperformed its competitors with the second place vehicle costing 35.6 per cent of its new purchase price while the worst performer cost over 70 per cent of its new purchase price to repair.

Steve Curtis, Holden Manager Vehicle Structure & Safety Integration, said the NRMA Insurance result proved that safety and affordability didn’t have to be mutually exclusive.

Robert McDonald, Head of Research NRMA Insurance said the low speed crash test program was designed to urge car manufacturers to make improvements to bumper bar design to help keep the cost of collision repairs affordable.

“Because of its effective bumper design, Barina did not suffer structural damage and the damage was isolated to the bumper components,” Mr. McDonald said.

“It is possible to have effective bumpers on

Small Car Front and Rear Bumper Collision Test Results Type of Vehicle

Front & rear bumper repair cost

Repair costs as percentage of purchase price*

Holden Barina (5 door hatch)

$2,574

14.3%

Nissan Micra ST-L (5 door hatch)

$6,056

35.6%

Ford Fiesta LX (5 door hatch)

$8,850

42.2%

Suzuki Swift GL (5 door hatch)

$8,929

48.6%

VW Polo 77TSI Comfortline (5 door hatch)

$11,037

51.4%

Hyundai i20 Active (3 door hatch)

$9,031

53.2%

Mazda2 Maxx (5 door hatch)

$11,320

58.5%

Honda Jazz VTi (5 door hatch)

$13,754

69.5%

Toyota Yaris YRS (5 door hatch)

$13,440

70.8%

* Purchase price based on Recommended Retail Price (including GST) as quoted from Glass's Guide July 2012 publication.

For more information on this test, visit: http://tinyurl.com/bumpertests

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motor trader queensland

small cars that protect the more expensive parts like headlights and the radiator.”

With a long list of safety features, the all-new Barina hatch and sedan have also been awarded a maximum five-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

Steve Curtis, Holden Manager Vehicle Structure & Safety Integration, said the NRMA Insurance result proved that safety and affordability didn’t have to be mutually exclusive.

“These results reflect the commitment Holden has made to make the Barina not only one of the most affordable small cars on the road but also one of the safest.” Curtis said.

The indusTry super fund for The auTomoTive indusTry.

www.mtaasuper.com.au motor Trades association of australia superannuation fund pty Ltd (aBn 14 008 650 628, afsL 238 718) is the Trustee of mTaa superannuation fund (aBn 74 559 365 913). you should consider whether or not mTaa super is appropriate for you. The mTaa super product disclosure statement (pds) can be obtained by calling us on 1300 362 415. you should consider the pds in making a decision.

industry update

New engine plant at Toyota Australia

T

oyota Australia is ramping up pre production of its new state-of-the-art fourcylinder engine plant, with the first trial build having just taken place.

The trial is designed to ensure all new machines are working at capacity and the engines produced meet Toyota’s quality standards.

Ten facts about ANCAP

1

It’s based on benefits, not features – Vehicles are based on the injuries sustained by the dummies in key body regions (head, torso, thigh, calves and feet).

The potential vulnerability and potential risk is where the cars get their star rating. The vehicles are not scored on how many safety features they have.

2

ANCAP runs 5 tests; frontal, side collision, pedestrian, pole and whiplash (added start of 2012).

3

All frontal crashes are based on a 64km crash – This is considered the most appropriate speed as it covers a large percentage of deaths caused by a frontal collision.

4

ANCAP began testing and assessing vehicles in 1993 and in 1999 aligned their test protocols with the Euro NCAP protocols.

5

ANCAP does not currently publish a child occupant rating like the one published by Euro NCAP.

6

ANCAP does not test vehicles with bull bars fitted – This is the case with most, if not all additional exterior accessories.

7

You have twice the chance of being killed or seriously injured in an ANCAP 1 star rated vehicle compared to an ANCAP 5 star rated vehicle.

8

ANCAP does not recommend purchasing vehicles with less than 4 stars.

9

For the frontal crash test, 40% of the driver's side of the car makes contact with a crushable barrier at 64km/h – According to the ANCAP site, this represents a large portion of crashes.

10

For the side impact crash test a 950kg trolley is run into the vehicle at 50km. This simulates a side on collision or a "t-bone" accident.

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It also provides production, maintenance and logistics employees the opportunity to develop new skills relating to hybrid technology and standardise work practices before the plant goes into full production.

The new plant is located at the Altona manufacturing plant in Melbourne and has been in development since October last year. It will replace the previous engine plant that was built in 1978.

Chris Harrod, Toyota Australia's executive director of manufacturing, said the trial build was an important milestone for the company.

both petrol and hybrid engines. In fact, it is the first simple slimline engine plant to be built outside of Japan and reaffirms our position as a leading manufacturer.

"Once we commence full production, the new plant will produce engines for our locally manufactured cars - Camry and Camry Hybrid - and open up new export markets in Thailand and Malaysia."

Mr. Harrod said the engine plant also has a unique set-up with casting, assembly and machinery all housed under the same roof to improve efficiencies.

The new plant is located at the Altona manufacturing plant in Melbourne and has been in development since October last year. It will replace the previous engine plant that was built in 1978.

The plant is expected to commence volume production at the end of the year and will produce approximately 450 engines per day.

Thirty four-cylinder engines were produced during the two-week trial.

"The success of the first trial means we are one step closer to going into full production," Mr. Harrod said.

The total investment in the new plant is around $330 million and was secured

by Toyota Australia with co-investment from the Victorian Government and $63 million from the Federal Government's Green Car Innovation Fund.

"The new engine plant is an Australian first for producing

Toyota employs a total of 4200 people in Australia.

Staying ‘connected’ behind the wheel

T

he University of Kansas (KU) in America has partnered with a leading voice-command service company on technologies designed to mitigate distracted driving.

Beginning in the third quarter of this year, a team of KU researchers will work with California-based company Voice Assist to analyze the distracted driving market and the company¹s voicecommand service, which enables drivers to make calls, send or respond to texts and e-mails and post to social networks, all by voice command from any phone or Bluetooth device.

Under the direction of Greg Thomas, professor of design and director of the KU Center for Design Research, students in KU’s new Advanced Design Studio 560 class will study the Voice Assist service and provide feedback on its features, usability and the potential impact to driver safety and hands-free legislation. The student researchers will work with Prof. Thomas and other CDR faculty to provide a full report to Voice Assist later in the year.

in the area of distracted driving,” he added.

Voice Assist is a subscription-based service that enables users in America to manage phone calls, emails, texts and social media posts by voice commands ­i.e., entirely hands-free ­over the phone. The service doesn’t require any special software or device, other than a phone or Bluetooth device.

Subscribers call the Voice Assist access number and say what they want to do ­ “Call John” or “Text John that I¹m running late” ­and the voice recognition technology takes over from there.

As part of the collaboration, Voice Assist has sent the CDR eight Jabra FREEWAY speakerphones. Voice Assist and Denmark-headquartered Jabra last year partnered so that consumers who buy the FREEWAY get a free subscription to Voice Assist.

Thomas arranged the KUVoice Assist collaboration with Michael Metcalf, Voice Assist founder and CEO, at the recent Connected World Conference, where Thomas delivered a keynote address on distracted driving.

“We are very impressed with the work that the CDR publishes and the leadership that Greg has shown in the area of distracted driving,” Metcalf said.

“It¹s unfortunate that so many people are injured or killed every year from distracted driving. In fact, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, distracted driving contributes to up to 8,000 automotive accidents every day.

Voice Assist is a subscription-based service that enables users in America to manage phone calls, emails, texts and social media posts by voice commands.

That's almost 3 million accidents per year that could be avoided. We believe there are better ways to reduce driver distraction, and we are glad to work with Greg and his team to support safer and better driving solutions.”

The partnership is the latest success for the CDR, which was launched in 2011 to foster interdisciplinary collaboration across KU in the area of smart technology and consumer products.

A key focus for the CDR so far has been distracted driving and in-car technologies to make driving safer and more enjoyable.

Last year, the CDR received national attention for a presentation on Adaptive Information Displays ­also called ‘smart dashboards’ ­at the Transportation Research Board in Washington, D.C. The CDR is part of the School of Architecture, Design and Planning but is open to faculty and students in all KU schools and departments.

Advanced Design Studio 560 is a new class designed

by Thomas that enables students to work on technology solutions for industry-sponsored projects.

In addition to Voice Assist, Thomas has been in talks with Ford Motor Company, Audi and Bayer HealthCare on potential upcoming projects.

“The KU Center for Design Research and Voice Assist are both looking at ways to address the problem of distracted driving,” Thomas said.

“The fact that a company like Voice Assist, which has some of the most innovative voice-command technology on the market, has asked us to evaluate their product speaks volumes about the CDR and our reputation motor trader queensland

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industry update

Galvanising ELV outcomes

O

n 7 June the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council hosted a national forum on the management of End of Life Vehicles in order to work towards developing a consistent view of priorities to combat the problem with its stakeholders.

According to NMVTRC executive director Ray Carroll, the forum brought together more than 50 representatives of the insurance and automotive industries & trades, environmental agencies, scrap processors, police and registration authorities to define the common issues of

concern and explore options for achieving improved ELV outcomes.

“ELVs are a significant contributor to Australia’s waste stream,” said Mr. Carroll.

“In addition to environmental factors, hidden amongst these hundreds and thousands of legitimate vehicles are thousands of stolen vehicles,” he said.

The forum program was divided into two distinct sessions—the first dealing with optimising the existing settings and arrangements and the second with what role product stewardship could play.

Expert presentations on the key themes and issues were followed by detailed

syndicate group discussions in which participants considered challenges and benefits of pursing a range of short-term and longer-term reforms.

Mr. Carroll said the forum was considered to be an overwhelming success with consensus being reached among participants on a range of issues to address going forward.

For those who were unable to attend the forum, a full summary of the program content and outcomes of the national forum including links to presentations from keynote speakers is available from the NMVTRC website. Please visit http:// carsafe.com.au/latest-news

In addition to environmental factors, hidden amongst these hundreds and thousands of legitimate vehicles are thousands of stolen vehicles.

SUV’s continue ‘blistering’ run

S

ales of new vehicles in Australia were up 7 percent in July, compared to the same month last year, led by big gains in the sports utility sector.

The Australian Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries VFACTS report showed total vehicle sales in July was 86,641, compared to 80,991 in July last year.

Sales were down 29.9 percent on June but that is typically a very strong month as dealers cut prices for the end of the financial year. Adjusted for seasonal factors, VFACTS estimated sales rose 0.8 percent in July, from June.

Sales of sport utility vehicles extended their blistering run with a rise of 23 percent, compared to a year earlier, while the light truck market enjoyed a jump of nearly 26 percent.

For the seven months to July, sales were running at 634,495, up 9.9 percent on the same period last year.

The solid vehicle numbers follow official data showing surprising strength in retail sales for both May and June, suggesting household consumption is holding firm overall.

For July alone, Toyota retained first place in the sales ladder with 20.5 percent of the market.

The Holden unit of General Motors held second spot with 10.3 percent, while Mazda moved up a notch to 9.2 percent. Hyundai followed with 8.8 percent, ahead of Ford at 8.0 percent and Nissan with 7.1 percent.

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motor trader queensland

I N ST I T UT E OF T E CHNOL OGY

Automotive Prevocational Training Program The Queensland Government’s Strategic Investment Fund has approved MIT (MTA Institute of Technology) in conjunction with ASQ (Automotive Skills Queensland) to deliver a prevocational model of training to assist eligible candidates into the workforce.

This program is specifically designed for people who may be having some difficulty securing an apprenticeship in the automotive industry.

This program will prepare candidates for employment opportunities in the automotive industry. The course will provide full time training that gives participants an introduction to the automotive trade and provide them with basic skills suitable for employment.

The Automotive Prevocational Training Program (APTRAP) This course involves inspect and service, tool equipment and service operations on various types of vehicles such as cars, trucks and vans, tractors and other machinery.

Course Objective APTRAP will be utilised as a stepping stone into the automotive trades. Successful completion of this course will greatly improve the skills base and employability of prospective apprentices and trainees to ensure that they have improved chances of securing employment through the apprenticeship pathway.

Fees and Charges The course is fully funded by the Queensland Government.

Course Length 9 weeks

Enquiries Should you wish to express interest in the APTRAP course please contact Leoni Murphy on 3722 3000 or email leonim@mtaq.com.au

MTA Institute of Technology Address Building 8, 2728 Logan Road Eight Mile Plains QLD 4113 Postal PO Box 4530 Eight Mile Plains QLD 4113 Tel (07) 3722 3000 Toll Free 1800 884 137 Email training@mtaq.com.au

automobile news Mazda6 sedan Mazda Motor Corporation will hold the world premiere of the all-new Mazda6 sedan, totally redesigned for the first time in five years, at the 2012 Moscow Motor Show, from August 29 to September 9, 2012. The new Mazda6 is the second of Mazda's new generation of products that incorporates both the full range of SKYACTIV technologies and the new KODO-SOUL OF MOTION design language. It will also be the first model equipped with Mazda's brake energy regeneration system, i-ELOOP.

Infiniti Emerg-e Infiniti’s Emerg-e, the brand’s first range-extended, mid-engined electric sports car concept recently won a prestigious award from the German Design Council.

The award, which will be presented in a ceremony at the Mondial de L’Automobile, Paris on 27th September, recognises excellence and innovation in product design, and celebrates the brand’s fresh, fluent design approach, expressed in the highly aerodynamic curves of the Infiniti Emerg-e.

Kia Optima sedan Kia kept the pedal to the metal in its bid to be the fastest growing mainstream importer for 2012 with an impressive year-to-date growth of 23.4 per cent at the end of July, according to figures released by industry monitor VFACTS. With sales of 2337 in July Kia maintained its growth momentum with impressive year-on-year sales growth of 139 per cent for the stylish Optima mid-sized sedan, 46.6 per cent for the Cerato small car and 34.7 per cent for the large SUV Sorento.

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motor trader queensland

Veloster SR Turbo Hyundai Motor Company's all-new Veloster SR Turbo is starting to arrive in Australian showrooms. Powered by the all-new Gamma 1.6-litre fourcylinder twin-scroll Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (T-GDI) engine, the Veloster SR Turbo delivers 46% more peak power (150 kW @ 6000 rpm) and 60% more maximum torque (265Nm @ 1750 - 4500 rpm) than the naturally aspirated 1.6-litre GDI engine found in the Veloster and Veloster + models.

The Veloster SR Turbo is available with the option of a six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

Range Rover Evoque The Range Rover Evoque has taken out the 2012 Design Award Best in category automotive & transport at the Australian International Design Awards. The announcement was made at a gala event in Sydney and sees Evoque's awards tally reach more than 100 global accolades.

The award is testament to the Evoque's groundbreaking and unique design and recognises the fact that the dynamic new Range Rover has created a new segment of the market to worldwide acclaim.

Subaru Exiga Subaru's Model Year 2013 Liberty Exiga is now on sale with a seventh seat, while maintaining the current competitive price. Previously only available with six seats, the flexible family wagon is still priced from $37,990 MLP for the Liberty Exiga 2.5i. In addition to the seventh-seat, located in the second row, there are three sets of child-seat anchor points.

Liberty Exiga also has a new door mirror design, while premium versions have a new 17-inch wheel pattern. motor trader queensland

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members National Dealer of the Year

“Again, I need to thank my hardworking team at the store, along with the Goodyear Autocare network.

Without them we wouldn’t have been able to achieve what we have over the last 12 months.”

M

TA Queensland member John Spencer of Goodyear Autocare in Sumner Park earlier in the year received the top accolade at the 2012 Goodyear Autocare Conference, being awarded the title of ‘National Dealer of the Year’.

The annual conference that was held in April in Perth united the national network of Goodyear Autocare franchisees to celebrate and recognise excellence in tyre and automotive servicing.

Nominated stores were judged across a number of business areas including customer feedback, program compliance, marketing, store appearance and sales.

Triumphing over 131 other Goodyear Autocare stores from across Australia competing for the title, John was presented with the accolade at the Gala Awards Dinner in the presence of approximately 200 franchisees, suppliers and associates.

‘Hall of Fame’ awards were also presented during the ceremony to stores and individuals who have shown continuous outstanding service to the Goodyear and Goodyear Autocare brands.

He said he was surprised, but thrilled that he’d won the award.

“It’s a great honour for us to be recognised amongst so many hard working dealers.

We have a great team at Sumner Park and much of the credit for this award must go to them,” John said.

“I know our customers will also be delighted to find out they’re being serviced by the ‘Dealer of the Year’!”

“We’re a friendly, local business, and now by winning this award we’ve further proven our high national standard of service.”

It’s a great honour for us to be recognised amongst so many hard working dealers.

Receiving the award was particularly significant for John after his Goodyear Autocare Sumner Park business was devastated by the Queensland floods in January 2011.

“It has been very rewarding watching our business grow to what it is today, in particular how we have been able to pick ourselves up after the floods last year.

Conference delegates also had the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Goodyear’s latest innovative technologies and industry-leading developments. These included the Spring Tyre – an airless tyre designed originally for use on the moon, and a concept tyre made with BioIsoprene, a revolutionary bio-based alternative for petroleumderived isoprene. The development of BioIsoprene will help reduce the tyre and rubber industry’s dependence on oil-derived products.

MTA Queensland welcomes the following new members Business Name

Principal/s

Address/Email

Auto Collision Repairs

Brian & Timothy Gibbons

613, 17 Mile Rocks Road Seventeen Mile Rocks QLD 4073 admin.autocollision@bigpond.com

Division

Carfixers Qld

Arlene Taylor

1-29 Business Drive Narangba QLD 4504 mal.taylor@carfixers.com.au

AED

Clayton’s Towing Service P/L

William Clayton

563 Bli Bli Road Nambour QLD 4560 mike@claytonstowing.com.au

ITTO

NACA

Diff Lapping (Qld)

Carl Tattam

62 Boothby Street Kedron QLD 4031

Eagle Smash Repairs

Peter Stahlhut

263 Cullen Ave East, Eagle Farm QLD 4009 scott@eaglesmashrepairs.com.au

NACA

Pickering Smash Repairs

Robert Elborne

49 Pickering Street, Enoggera QLD 4051 psmash@bigpond.net.au

NACA

Pittstop Pty Ltd

Russell Keeley, Kenneth Kummerow & Geoffrey Harris

97 Yandilla Street Pittsworth QLD 4356 pitt.stop@bigpond.com

AED

Pro-Built Engines

Mick Pavlovic

7 Energy Crescent Molendinar QLD 4214 subzeromick@hotmail.com

ERAQ

Surf Ford

Simon Murphy

2023 Gold Coast Highway Miami QLD 4220 admin@surfford.com.au

AADA

20

motor trader queensland

AED

Be part of an industry that offers more than you

•

Specialising in: • Light Vehicle Mechanical Technicians • Motorcycle Mechanical Technicians Automotive Electrical Technicians • Parts Interpreting • Management Courses • Front Line Management Courses • Specialist Automotive Technicians • Tyre Fitting Light and Heavy • Panel Beating and Vehicle Painting • Heavy Vehicle Road Transport & Diesel

I N S T IT U T E O F T E C H N O L O G Y

Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains QLD 4113 Tel: 07) 3722 3000 Fax:motor 07) trader 3722queensland 3030 Funding for Traineeships and Apprenticeships is made available from the Department of Education and Training

21

MIT news

Showcasing

automotive industry at MTAQ

School Careers Counsellors & VET Coordinators Open Day

The purpose of this event is to provide careers counsellors and VET coordinators information about the automotive industry in Queensland and career opportunities within the industry.

M

TA Queensland is proud to invite school careers counsellors and VET coordinators to its automotive training facility on Wednesday, 3rd October 2012.

The creation of the training facility – MIT (the MTA Institute of Technology) - offers a focal point for automotive industry training and skilling and a strong channel for industry and vocational training collaboration.

The purpose of this event is to provide careers counsellors and VET coordinators information

22

motor trader queensland

about the automotive industry in Queensland and career opportunities within the industry.

The event will include: • Special guest speakers from the automotive industry • Tour of our automotive training facility • Mechanical and Paint & Panel demonstrations.

MIT has a long history of providing quality automotive training to industry, by assisting employers and supporting their apprentices throughout the life of the apprenticeship and by setting high standards for its trainers. The new training facility will continue this tradition.

telephone (07) 3722 3000

RSVP by Tuesday, 25th September 2012 by

Logan Road - Eight Mile

or email to Magda Gavriel magdag@mtaq.com.au.

The Open Day will be held at MTA Queensland’s new state-of-the-art facility on Wednesday, 3rd October from 9:00 am to 12 noon.

Address: Freeway Office Park - Building 8, 2728 Plains QLD 4113.

Standout MIT students rewarded

V

8 supercars tickets to the Townsville 400 were presented to selected MIT students in June, compliments of MTAA Super.

MIT Technical Trainer Dean Stockwell nominated the students for their outstanding achievements and commitment to the industry.

“Jarrod Jones has improved ten fold in the last twelve months, turning it all around to become a great young mechanic with a great attitude who has qualified well ahead of time,” said Mr. Stockwell.

“Aneeta Savage is a real inspiration to the female indigenous community and her eagerness to succeed in a male dominant industry will ensure she will go a long way in the industry.

“Jacob Virgo is a good old fashioned hard working apprentice that is a pleasure to train because of his own

Aneeta Savage is a real inspiration to the female indigenous community and her eagerness to succeed in a male dominant industry will ensure she will go a long way. self driven need to know everything about each topic – he is going to go a long way in our industry.

“Tony Gordon possesses an incredible ability to interpret technical information extremely easily and answers all workbooks with amazing answers unmatched by any other apprentice.

“Hayden Aylward’s appreciation of theory in trade has grown enormously.

He has become a pleasure to train and has shown a marked improvement in his bookwork. He displays a real desire to value his work and to succeed in our industry,” Mr. Stockwell said.

MIT Technical Trainer Dean Stockwell nominated the students for their outstanding achievements and commitment to the industry.

One-two finish at Townsville 400 Team Vodafone’s Jamie Whincup took a clean sweep of the Sucrogen Townsville 400 in early July, leading home teammate Craig Lowndes, in the final 200km race.

Qualifying ninth for the 72 lap race, Whincup - the defending V8 Supercar

Aneeta Savage, Dean Stockwell, Jacob Virgo

Hayden Aylward with Dean Stockwell

Tony Gordon with Dean Stockwell

Jarrod Jones with Dean Stockwell

Champion - got a good start off the line, moving up into fifth and maintaining his position for the first half of the race.

He then moved into fourth on Lap 35 after Lowndes accidentally triggered the pit lane speed limiter in between Turn 11 and 12.

Whincup took his second pit stop on Lap 43 and after an

exceptionally quick stop by the Team Vodafone pit crew, he moved up three positions and into the race lead.

After regaining momentum, Lowndes was also the beneficiary of a perfect pit stop, and a battle ensued between the Team Vodafone duo. Whincup held the lead over his teammate to secure his fifth race win of the season and 57th career win.

motor trader queensland

23

24/7 crisis support Lifeline 13 11 14

lifeline.org.au

health

Heart matters:

terms, symptoms and solutions What Is Heart Disease? Bring up heart disease, and most people think of a heart attack. But there are many conditions that can undermine the heart's ability to do its job. These include coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, and heart failure. Keep reading to find out what these disorders do to the body and how to recognize the warning signs.

What Is a Heart Attack?

Every year, millions of people worldwide have a heart attack -- a sudden interruption in the heart's blood supply. This happens when there is a blockage in the coronary arteries, the vessels that carry blood to the heart muscle. When blood flow is blocked, heart muscle can be damaged very quickly and die. Prompt emergency treatments have reduced the number of deaths from heart attacks in recent years.

Heart Attack Symptoms A heart attack is an emergency even when

symptoms are mild. Warning signs include: • Pain or pressure in the chest • Discomfort spreading to the back, jaw, throat, or arm • Nausea, indigestion, or heartburn • Weakness, anxiety, or shortness of breath • Rapid or irregular heartbeats

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women Women don't always feel chest pain with a heart attack. Women are more

likely than men to have heartburn, loss of appetite, tiredness or weakness, coughing, and heart flutters.

These symptoms should not be ignored. The longer you postpone treatment, the more damage the heart may sustain.

know they have CAD until a heart attack strikes. But there are warning signs, such as recurring chest pain caused by the restricted blood flow. This pain is known as angina.

Signs of Coronary Artery Disease

The plaque deposited in your arteries is hard on the outside and soft and mushy on the inside. Sometimes the hard outer shell cracks.

When this happens, a blood clot forms around the plaque. If the clot completely blocks the artery, it cuts off the blood supply to a

A precursor to a heart attack, coronary artery disease or CAD occurs when sticky plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. This narrows the arteries, making it more difficult for blood to flow through. Many people don't

Inside a Heart Attack

continued on page 26

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25

health portion of the heart. Without immediate treatment, that part of the heart muscle could be damaged or destroyed.

Don't Wait to Be Sure The best time to treat a heart attack is as soon as symptoms begin. Waiting to be sure can result in permanent heart damage or even death. If you think you may be having a heart attack, call 000. And don't try driving yourself to the hospital. When you call 000, the ambulance staff can start emergency care as soon as they reach you.

Sudden Cardiac Death Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is not the same as a heart attack. SCD occurs when the heart's electrical system goes haywire, causing it to beat irregularly and dangerously fast. The heart's pumping chambers may quiver instead of pumping blood out to the body.

Without CPR and restoration of a regular heart rhythm, death can occur in minutes.

Arrhythmia: Erratic Heart Beat Regular electrical impulses cause your heart to beat. But sometimes those impulses become erratic. The heart may race, slow down, or quiver. Arrhythmias are often harmless variations in rhythm that pass quickly. But some types make your heart less effective at pumping blood, and that can take a serious toll on the body. Let your GP know if you've noticed your heart beating abnormally.

Cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy is a disease involving changes in the heart muscle. These 26

motor trader queensland

The best time to treat a heart attack is as soon as symptoms begin. Waiting to be sure can result in permanent heart damage or even death. changes may interfere with the heart's ability to pump effectively, which can lead to a chronic condition called heart failure. Cardiomyopathy is sometimes associated with other chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart valve disease.

Heart Failure Heart failure doesn't mean your heart stops working. It means the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Over time, the heart gets bigger to hold more blood, it pumps faster to increase the amount of blood moving out of it, and the blood vessels narrow.

The heart muscle may also weaken, reducing the blood

supply even more. Most cases of heart failure are the result of coronary artery disease and heart attacks.

Congenital Heart Defect A congenital heart defect is one that's present at birth. The problem could be a leaky heart valve, malformations in the walls that separate the heart chambers, or other heart problems. Some defects are not found until a person becomes an adult. Some need no treatment. Others require medicine or surgery.

People with congenital heart defects may have a higher risk of developing complications such as arrhythmias, heart failure, and heart valve

infection, but there are ways to reduce this risk.

Living With Heart Disease Most forms of heart disease are chronic. In the beginning, symptoms may be too mild to affect everyday life. And in many cases, long-term treatment can keep symptoms under control. But if the heart begins to fail, patients may develop shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling in ankles, feet, legs, and abdomen.

Heart failure can be managed with medication, lifestyle changes, surgery, and in certain cases, a heart transplant.

Testing

Electrocardiogram (ECG) An ECG is a painless test that uses electrodes placed on the skin to record the heart's electrical activity.

The test provides information about your heart rhythm and damage to the heart muscle. An ECG can help your doctor diagnose a heart attack and evaluate abnormalities such as an enlarged heart. The results can be compared to future ECGs to track changes in the condition of your heart.

Stress Test The stress test measures how your heart responds to exertion. If you have an exercise stress test, you'll either walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike while the level of difficulty increases. At the same time, your ECG, heart rate, and blood pressure will be monitored as your heart works harder. Doctors use a stress test to evaluate whether there is an adequate supply of blood to the heart muscle.

Holter Monitor A Holter monitor is a portable heart rhythm recorder. If your doctor suspects a heart rhythm problem, you may be asked to wear one for one or two days. It records the heart's continuous electrical activity day and night, compared with an ECG, which is a snapshot in time. The doctor will probably also ask you to keep a log of your activities and to note any symptoms and when they occur.

Chest X-ray A chest X-ray is a picture of your heart, lungs, and chest bones that's made by using a very small amount radiation.

Chest X-rays can be used to look for heart and lung abnormalities.

Echocardiogram An echocardiogram uses sound waves (ultrasound) to generate moving images of the heart. The test can assess the chambers and valves of your heart and how well your heart muscle and heart valves are working. It's useful in diagnosing and evaluating several types of heart

disease, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of treatments.

Cardiac CT Cardiac computerized tomography (known as cardiac CT) takes detailed images of the heart and its blood vessels. A computer stacks the images to create a 3-D picture of heart.

A cardiac CT can be used to look for plaque or calcium buildup in the coronary arteries, heart valve problems, and other types of heart disease.

Cardiac Catheterization Cardiac catheterization helps diagnose and treat some heart conditions. The doctor guides a narrow tube, called a catheter, through a blood vessel in your arm or leg until it reaches the coronary arteries.

Dye is injected into each coronary artery, making them easy to see with an X-ray. This reveals the extent and severity of any blockages. Treatments such as angioplasty or stenting can be done during this procedure. continued on page 28

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health Who's at Risk for Heart Disease?

Men have a higher risk of having a heart attack than women, and at an earlier age. But it's important to note that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, too.

People with a family history of heart ailments also have a higher risk of heart trouble.

Risk Factors You Can Control High cholesterol and high blood pressure are major risk factors for heart disease.

Being overweight, obese, or physically inactive all increase your risk. So does diabetes, especially if your glucose levels are not well controlled. Discuss your risks with your doctor and develop a strategy for managing them. There are many steps you can take to protect your heart.

Smoking and Your Heart If you smoke, your risk of heart disease is 2 to 4 times greater than a nonsmoker's.

And if you smoke around loved ones, you're increasing their risk with secondhand smoke. Each year hundreds of thousands of people worldwide die from smoking-related heart disease.

But it's never too late to quit.

Within 24 hours of quitting, your heart attack risk begins to fall.

Life After a Heart Attack It is possible to regain your health after a heart attack. By avoiding cigarettes, becoming more active, and watching what you eat, you can give your heart and overall health

By avoiding cigarettes, becoming more active, and watching what you eat, you can give your heart and overall health a big boost.

Treatment Treatment: Medicines Medications play a huge role in treating heart disease. Some drugs help lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol levels. Others can keep abnormal heart rhythms under control or prevent clotting.

For patients who already have some heart damage, there are medications to improve the pumping ability of an injured heart.

Treatment: Angioplasty Angioplasty is used to open a blocked heart artery and improve blood flow to the heart. The doctor inserts a thin catheter

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with a balloon on the end into the artery.

When the balloon reaches the blockage, it is expanded, opening up the artery and improving blood flow. The doctor may also insert a small mesh tube, called a stent, to help keep the artery open after angioplasty.

Treatment: Bypass Surgery Bypass surgery is another way to improve the heart's blood flow. It gives blood a new pathway when the coronary arteries have become too narrow or blocked. During the surgery, a blood vessel is first moved from one area of the body -- such as the chest, legs, or arms -- and attached to the blocked artery, allowing it to bypass the blocked part.

a big boost. One of the best ways to learn how to make these changes is to take part in a cardiac rehab program. Ask your doctor for recommendations.

Heart Disease Prevention The key to preventing heart disease is a healthy lifestyle.

This includes a nutritious diet, at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week, not smoking, and controlling high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation -- no more than one drink a day for women, two drinks a day for men. Ask your friends and family for help in making these changes.

They'll benefit, too.

Diet and Your Heart What you eat makes a difference. Be sure you get plenty of whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruits to help keep your heart healthy. Plant oils, walnuts, other nuts, and seeds can also help improve cholesterol levels. And don't forget to eat fish at least a couple of times each week for a good source of hearthealthy protein.

sport Industry racing veteran set for Bathurst

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he Gold Coast’s Tony Longhurst is set to participate at Mount Panorama for Round 4 of the Auto One V8 Ute Racing in early October.

The former Australian Water Skiing Champion and threetime Bathurst winner recently completed a test at Eastern Creek last week.

“The car felt really good at Eastern Creek,” Longhurst said.

“There were a few changes to the car this time with the new shocks and I felt a lot more at home.

keen as can be and can¹t wait to get to there - it’s my favourite circuit, I¹ve done well there in the past and hopefully can do it again,” he added.

The car is run by Williams Race Tech and Team Manager Wayne Williams was really happy with Longhursts’ testing results.

“The whole reason for the test was getting him comfortable in the car,” said Williams.

Longhurst won his first Bathurst 1000 in 1988 with Tomas Mezera in a Ford Sierra, and again in 2001 with Mark Skaife driving for the Holden Racing Team.

“It was hard last year at Sandown only getting 20 minutes sessions and I’m feeling much more comfortable now and I don¹t want to run up the back this year.

“From testing shocks and settings in the car we had some great feedback from him, his times improved up to a certain point and he maintained that time and it was a very competitive time.

“Bathurst is such a competitive competition with such good drivers now, I’m

“I'm happy with the feedback he gave us and where we are with the car and we're

looking forward to a great weekend at the 50 years of Bathurst,” Williams added.

Longhurst won his first Bathurst 1000 in 1988 with Tomas Mezera in a Ford Sierra, and again in 2001 with Mark Skaife driving for the Holden Racing Team.

He is one of only three drivers in the V8 Supercar era to win Bathurst in both a Ford and a Holden (joining Craig Lowndes and Steven Richards.) Longhurst claimed his third Bathurst win in the 2009 Bathurst 12 Hour with Damien White and Rod Salmon in a Mitsubishi EVO X. He was also an Australian Water Skiing Speed Record holder in the late 70’s, won the Sandown 500 in 1985 with Jim Richards in a BMW 635 CSI, and was lead driver for the BMW Team in the Australian Super Touring Championship, winning the series in 1994 driving a BMW 318i.

The late Frank Gardner first noticed the Longhurst talent when he dominated the Alfa Romeo Trophy Series at Amaroo Park in the early 80’s. Gardner then mentored the youngster, grooming him

into a very successful BMW Team driver, alongside the likes of Jim Richards, Alan Jones and later Paul Morris.

Longhurst then left to set up his own V8 Supercar Team, which he ran for many years with Castrol and Yokohama backing.

The 2012 Series consists of 32 V8 Utes - 16 Fords and 16 Holden’s - who battle it out through 26 races over eight rounds raced throughout Australia covering six states and one territory and is televised nationally throughout Australia on Network Seven and 7 Mate and internationally through Motors TV Europe, TV3 New Zealand and SPEED online in the USA.

Pye on podium at Queensland Raceway

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risbane-based (Banyo) Triple Eight Race Engineering's Scott Pye made a triumphant return to the podium in early August at the fourth round of the Dunlop Series at the Coates Hire Ipswich 300, finishing second overall for the weekend.

Pye, who started in the reverse grid race ninth, managed to manoeuvre his continued on page 30

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sport way through the carnage in the early stages of the 15 lap race and drove conservatively to finish an impressive fourth.

With overall meeting points determining the grid position for the final 22-lap race, the Monster Energy/ Gear Wrench pilot started third and held his position off the line.

Pye moved past Scott McLaughlin and into second on Lap 3 and drove a smooth and consistent race to maintain his position throughout the 70km race.

Finishing 16 points shy of round winner Chaz Mostert, Pye said it was great to be back on the podium.

“It was a tough day but very satisfying to come away with a podium finish," Pye said.

“We started ninth for the reverse grid race and nearly got caught up in the carnage but fortunately I was able to work my way around it and finish fourth.

Championship points standings on 892 points.

The team now looks to Round 5 of the Dunlop Series, which will be held at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 from October 4-7.

For regular new and updates, head to www.teamvodafone.com

Toyota becomes Oz cricket partner

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oyota Australia has strengthened its commitment to local sport by becoming the official automotive partner of Australian cricket for the next five years.

The deal involves Toyota supporting Cricket Australia, the Australian Vodafone test and Commonwealth Bank one-day teams, state associations and the KFC T20 Big Bash League.

Toyota will contribute to the future of Australian cricket

by supplying more than 100 vehicles - the majority of which will be locally built Camry Hybrid sedans.

Toyota's executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said the company was proud to sponsor one of Australia's most popular sports.

"The new cricket partnership is a natural extension of Toyota's involvement as a long-time and passionate supporter of Australian sport at all levels," Mr. Callachor said.

"Cricket is one of the most played and watched sports in Australia and we are looking forward to a long-term and successful partnership.

As with our other sports sponsorships, we intend to support Cricket Australia's development of the game at all levels, including the grass roots.

“We made some more tweaks to the Holden Commodore to improve it on yesterday and the car was fantastic today.

“It was unfortunate because of the reverse grid we started third for the final race so we didn’t quite have track position to win the race but still managed to finish P2 and second for the round.

“Overall, it was a fantastic result for the team, I can't wait for the next round at Bathurst,” Pye concluded.

Triple Eight Race Engineering collected 268 points to finish Round 4 second and Pye now sits third in the Dunlop Series 30

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Toyota Australia's new sponsorship of Australian cricket - which includes supplying cars such as the locally built Camry Hybrid - will extend to the grass roots level, benefiting junior players such as Zac Norris

"As with our other sports sponsorships, we intend to support Cricket Australia's development of the game at all levels, including the grass roots," he added.

Mr. Callachor said the skills, commitment and passion of the Australian cricket teams were attributes shared by Toyota and its approximately 4,200 employees in Australia.

Nostalgia Nationals a big hit at Willowbank

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ruzin Magazine Nostalgia Nationals hit Willowbank Raceway over the 11th and 12th of August 2012.

Nostalgia Nitro Funny Cars led the way for approximately 200 racers at Queensland’s premier drag racing facility, with the event also incorporating the annual Willowbank Raceway Super Swap Meet, traders and a Shannons show n’ shine.

“With the first of the two scheduled nostalgia events at Willowbank Raceway for 2012 – which had more than 170 entrants - cancelled due to wet weather in March, the racers, spectators and track management were all ready and rearing to go for this event,” said Willowbank Raceway Managing Director Steve Bettes.

“With nostalgia nitro funny cars leading more than 200 of their fellow nostalgia enthusiasts on-track, with dragsters, funny cars, USA and Aussie muscle cars, hot rods, the show n’ shine, the super swap meet and plenty of on and off track action, this August outing of the Cruzin Magazine Nostalgia continued on page 32

sport Nationals shaped up to be a fantastic event for all involved.”

No less than three Nostalgia Nitro Funny Cars took to the track, led by popular Top Fuel racer Andrew Cowin and his 1957 Nitro Express Chevrolet Belair fielded by the Rocket Industries team. Joining him on track in the nitro ranks was team-mate Shane Olive and his 1971 Fast Company Plymouth Satellite, and Robert West at the wheel of Paul Shackleton’s 1970 Shack Attack Mach 1 Ford Mustang.

The Paul Shackleton 'Shack Attack' Nostalgia Nitro Funny Car in action (credit - Lauren Lait)

Late last year, Willowbank Raceway and the Cruzin Magazine Nostalgia Nationals announced a new association which sees the Nostalgia events held at the venue run under the care of Willowbank Raceway track management.

Also attracting plenty of interest was the annual Willowbank Raceway Super Swap meet, which attracted hundreds of traders and plenty of buyers.

“Interest in our annual super swap meet is always high and this year was no exception, with gates having opened at 5.30am on Saturday morning for traders and 6am for buyers - the Super Swap has grown every year with lots of buyers and traders with a wide range of items on offer.”

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Andrew Cowin and Shane Olive line up in their Nostalgia Nitro FCs (credit - dragphotos.com.au)

Late last year, Willowbank Raceway and the Cruzin Magazine Nostalgia Nationals announced a new association which sees the Nostalgia events held at the venue run under the care of Willowbank Raceway track management. The arrangement has seen a

new race format introduced for 2012, and a third event and an exciting new class of racing – Nostalgia Super Stock - to be introduced in 2013. Under the new format, a range of Elapsed Time (ET) cut-offs were created, including 6.60s, 7.60s, 8.60s and 9.60s. Cars running

10.50s and slower were grouped together based on qualifying times into smaller Dial Your Own (DYO) fields.

No break outs were allowed in any of the categories and they all ran on the Chicago Shootout format, which gave plenty of runs for every competitor.

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