Motor Trader e-magazine, February 2024 by MTAQ IT

FEB 2024

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& THE AGE OF PERSONAL CUSTOMISATION ELECTRONICS SHOW 2024 + SUMMERNATS + CONSUMER INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF MTA QUEENSLAND? CLICK HERE

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND

M TA Q U E E N S LAN D DI V I SIO NA L CO M MIT T EE M EET IN GS

MTA QUEENSLAND hosts quarterly Divisional Committee meetings for:

USTRALIAN AUTOMOTIVE DEALER ASSOCIATION › A(NEW CAR DEALERS) UTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS DIVISION › A(MECHANICAL REPAIRERS) UTOMOTIVE PARTS RECYCLERS DIVISION › A(PARTS RECYCLERS) UTOMOTIVE REMARKETING DIVISION › A(USED CAR DEALERS) NGINE RECONDITIONERS ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND › E(ENGINE RECONDITIONERS) ATIONAL AUTO COLLISION ALLIANCE › N(PAINT & PANEL / TOW TRUCKS) UEENSLAND FARM & INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DEALERS DIVISION › Q(FARM & INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY) UEENSLAND MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY DIVISION › Q(MOTORCYCLES) ENTAL VEHICLE INDUSTRY DIVISION › R(RENTAL VEHICLES) ERVICE STATION & CONVENIENCE STORE ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND › S(SERVICE STATIONS) YRE & UNDERCAR DIVISION OF QUEENSLAND › T(TYRES, BRAKES, SUSPENSIONS) The Agenda topics include:

› robust discussions around the priorities of the Division, › issues that need to be directly presented to government and submissions, › skilling needs, › membership representation, › technical and educational updates, and › innovation opportunities. The Committee meetings can be attended in-person at MTA Queensland or online. The meetings are open to members and non-members, but we strongly encourage membership to ensure all member benefits are available.

CLICK HERE FOR MEETING DATES

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From the Editor Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland 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

JONATHAN NASH

Email: publications@mtaq.com.au Website: www.mtaq.com.au EDITOR Jonathan Nash ART DIRECTOR Marco Ilinic INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Evangeline Kannis

EDITOR

ELLO AND WELCOME to the first edition of Motor Trader for 2024. Celebrating the start of a new year and the riches that may appear as it unfolds is a little tricky this time after seeing Queensland battered from pillar to post by a series of storms that have left many families, communities, and businesses with some very real clean-up and repair headaches. We hope all of those affected will recover swiftly. There is some support out there, with state and federal governments chipping in with various forms of grants, loans and other types of support. More information about these assistance packages can be found at these links: • Services Australia • Business Queensland

POLICY Kellie Dewar, Deputy CEO MTA Queensland ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

Email: jonathann@mtaq.com.au EDITORIAL Editorial submissions are welcomed but cannot be guaranteed placement. For more information email the Editor at publications@mtaq.com.au SUBSCRIPTION RATES Subscribing to the Motor Trader e-magazine is free. Click here to subscribe 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.

MTA QUEENSLAND ABN: 74 028 933 848

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CORPORATE PARTNERS

On a lighter note, the beginning of the year is the time when the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is held in Las Vegas. The show has been attracting leading carmakers, as well as technology companies developing products for the automotive market, for many years and there are always some interesting advances showcased

there. We take a look at some of them in this edition of Motor Trader from page 22. The U.S. is not alone in holding big automotive events at the beginning of the year. Australia's famous SummerNats gathering takes place at the beginning of January and Motor Trader was there, taking particular note of the increase in use of 3D design and printing technology as enthusiasts build their customised dream machines. You can check that story out from page 38. As always, the rest of Motor Trader is jam-packed and includes our regular Member Q&A feature which this month focuses on Valve Bodies Australia and its owner Nathan McCarthy. There are also reports on the Commonwealth Government's fuel efficiency standards plan, an EV transitions inquiry, and the Queensland Government's response to the Review of Queensland’s Electrical Safety Act. There's also plenty about new vehicles freshly arrived (or that will soon arrive), and we welcome a bumper crop of new members to the Association and to the ranks of qualified automotive tradespeople. I hope you enjoy this month's edition, and if you have any news you would like to share, or have a classic vehicle you'd like to see featured in Motor Trader, please contact me. Cheers Jonathan Nash, Editor jonathann@mtaq.com.au February 2024 Motor Trader | 1

Contents

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW 2024

04 FROM THE DESK OF MANAGEMENT 06 MTA Q&A: NATHAN MCCARTHY OF VALVE BODIES AUSTRALIA 12 STORM SEASON: QUEENSLAND WEATHERS CYCLONE STRIKES 22 CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW 2024 30 AUTO INNOVATION NEWS 34 SUMMERNATS & THE AGE OF PERSONAL CUSTOMISATION 42 AUTO NEWS 60 NEW VEHICLE SALES 64 WORKPLACE RELATIONS 67 MTA INSTITUTE NEWS 68 MTA INSTITUTE TRAINERS GATHER FOR END-OF-YEAR CONFERENCE 76 APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH: DECEMBER 2023 78 APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH: JANUARY 2024 80 MTA INSTITUTE GRADUATES 82 MTA QUEENSLAND NEW MEMBERS 84 CONCEPT CORNER 2 | Motor Trader February 2024

STORM SEASON: QUEENSLAND WEATHERS CYCLONE STRIKES

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SUMMERNATS & THE AGE OF PERSONAL CUSTOMISATION

MTA INSTITUTE TRAINERS GATHER FOR END-OF-YEAR CONFERENCE

CONCEPT CORNER: HONDA REVEALS 0 SERIES CONCEPTS

MTA Q&A: VALVE BODIES AUSTRALIA

February 2024 Motor Trader | 3

From the Desk of Management

T WOULD BE remiss of me not to begin this column by extending my thoughts to our members and their families around the state who are unfortunately experiencing more wild weather events. Remember, if you need any ROD CAMM assistance at all, we are here to CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MTA QUEENSLAND help. Just give us a call. 2024, what a year it is shaping up to be! Building on the inroads made last year, MTA Queensland will continue to drive the expansion of our School-to-Work Transition program into more regions, which I’m very excited about. Given the current skills climate, having a presence in schools and growing your own workforce has never been more critical, and we want to ensure our members have ample opportunity to engage with the next generation.

. . . MTA QUEENSLAND WILL CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE EXPANSION OF OUR SCHOOL-TO-WORK TRANSITION PROGRAM INTO MORE REGIONS, WHICH I’M VERY EXCITED ABOUT. As part of this, I am excited to announce that we are working with Capricorn to bring employers and schools together for a series of employer career trade expos held in tandem with Capricorn’s Trade Shows. Our first events will be held in Roma, Toowoomba, and Cairns in March, and are open to all members in these regions, so if you have any employment opportunities, we would love to see you come along! In other news, the Queensland Government has handed down their response to the review of the Electrical Safety Act. Positively, it was decided that the proposed recommendation, where electrical components of EVs should only be serviced by appropriately licensed electrical workers, not be accepted. Instead, further consideration on how to maintain and improve electrical safety CLICK TO around EVs will occur through a RSVP TO THE CAREER TRADE roundtable with industry stakeholders, EXPOS and we look forward to having our voice heard. 4 | Motor Trader February 2024

ELCOME TO 2024! I hope everyone made the most of the Christmas break and has come back refreshed and ready to get going again! I would like to start by thanking all our members KELLIE DEWAR who participated in our DEPUTY CEO | GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES member survey. We received some fantastic feedback, and we can now put in place our ideas knowing what our members want from us. Stay tuned for more on this!

THROUGH OUR ASSOCIATION WITH THE MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA (MTAA), WE WILL BE SUBMITTING A RESPONSE TO JOB AND SKILLS AUSTRALIA’S 2024 SKILLS PRIORITY LIST STAKEHOLDER SURVEY. Our 2024 divisional industry discussions have kicked off, and any members who have yet to RSVP, I implore you to do so today. Following the success of the collision industry forum in 2023, we have brought this same format to our other divisional discussions, and I am incredibly excited to sit-in and listen to the heavy-hitting discussions as our industry sectors unpack the challenges facing them and put together an action plan for the year ahead. Keep a look out in your emails for your invitation. Through our association with the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA), we will be submitting a response to Job and Skills Australia’s 2024 Skills Priority List stakeholder survey. This list helps inform government decision-making about the country’s skilling needs. MTAA has engaged Deloitte Access Economics to support the response, who have developed a survey for OUR members to complete to share their views on the current skills shortages. The survey can be completed HERE until 9 February. And finally, I would like to remind members of the upcoming General Meeting on Thursday, 15th February from 12:30pm here at MTA Queensland. I hope to see you there.

We are the Industry SuperFund for Australian motor trades

Jason Murray, Spirit Super CEO

Consider the PDS and TMD at spiritsuper.com.au/pds before making a decision about Spirit Super. Issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913).

Nathan McCarthy, owner of Valve Bodies Australia, vacuum testing a valve body

MTA |Q&A

A vehicle’s engine and drivetrain has hundreds of moving parts and it makes sense that there are businesses that specialise in servicing these sometimes very complex systems. On the Gold Coast, in Queensland’s south-east corner, Nathan McCarthy owns and runs Valve Bodies Australia, a business offering highly technical services for the maintenance and repair of this critical automatic transmission system component.

FOR THOSE OF US WHO DON’T KNOW, WHAT IS A VALVE BODY AND WHAT DOES IT DO? NM: It is essentially a redirection service

for fluid to go to different parts of the transmission to either apply or release clutch packs, apply or release bands, or 6 | Motor Trader February 2024

to direct it through into the converter or cooler feed. It is the central nervous system for your transmission and is commonly referred to as the heart, or the brain, of the transmission. The valve body is informed, by the

main control module and the transmission control module, of road speed, engine rpm and the rpm on the main unput shaft. It is being told those three things (and more) and activates and deactivates solenoids to redirect fluid to either kick down gears or push up through the gears. What we do at Valve Bodies Australia is to fully evaluate them and repair them. That is our specialty, and it is just valve bodies that we work on.

WHAT DOES THE VALVE BODY REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE PROCESS INVOLVE? NM: In the four-speed era, you could just

take valve bodies out, put them in the hot wash, clean them out a little bit, and put them back in the car. When they started to become more electronic, they started getting a lot more complicated. The tolerances got much finer, they did more work for the transmission and they are were controlled by solenoids, including on/off solenoids and variable pressure solenoids.

“WHAT WE DO AT VALVE BODIES AUSTRALIA IS TO FULLY EVALUATE THEM AND REPAIR THEM. THAT IS OUR SPECIALTY, AND IT IS JUST VALVE BODIES THAT WE WORK ON.” Contamination is probably the leading reason why valve bodies come to us. For example, a CVT transmission has a belt and pulley system that sits high up in the transmission, and directly below that is the valve body. The belt and pulley system works on friction and fine particles of metal can come off and drop down into the oil system and through the valve body. That contamination rubs up against the valves in the housing, scoring the inside of the bore and outside of the valve. If those valves aren’t sealing properly, then you’re getting leaks or flow-by which causes February 2024 Motor Trader | 7

MTA | Q&A things to lock up. That is the sort of issue we rectify here. While the process is quite technical, the basic process includes vacuum checks, reaming out those contaminated bores, putting in new valves and upgrading components.

A SPECIALIST VALVE BODIES SHOP IS QUITE RARE. WHAT’S THE BACKGROUND TO IT BECOMING ESTABLISHED? NM: To my knowledge, this is the only

business in Australia wholly and solely focused on valve bodies, and it was established by Bob Saddleton, a transmission specialist. Bob owned a couple of transmission specialist businesses in NSW – one in Coffs Harbour and one in Tamworth – and he saw a hole in the Australia market. In Europe and in the U.S., there are business dedicated to overhauling and testing the performance of valve bodies as a separate item. That sent Bob on a journey to do that

here. Previously, if there was a valve body issue, businesses would run the gauntlet of pulling it apart, trying to see visually if there was an issue, and attempting to repair them, but there was no way of really testing them. Bob was getting issues with valve bodies through his own stores and thought there must be another way. He knew that those business in Europe and the U.S. would test them on a test bed, hydraulically put them through their paces and activate the solenoids to make sure those critical circuits worked. He saw that gap in the industry here and started investing in those valve body tools. Eventually, he fully invested in valve body work. He sold up his businesses and moved to Queensland in 2017 where he operated first out of a shop in Underwood near Brisbane and then, when things got too big for that location, at this workshop from 2019. I bought the business last year.

A valve body is a complex mix of channels, valves, solenoids and other components, and requires an eye for detail and specialist equipment to maintain and repair

“WE HAVE CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND THE MAJORITY ARE TRANSMISSION SPECIALISTS . . . THEY UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON AND WILL OFTEN SEND THE VALVE BODY TO US WITH A DIAGNOSIS.” WHO ARE YOUR CUSTOMERS? NM: We have customers across

the country and the majority are transmission specialists. I prefer dealing with transmission specialists as they understand what is going on and will often send the valve body to us with a diagnosis.

WHY DO THEY USE YOUR SERVICE? NM: A transmission specialist may see a

valve body once a month and it’s not worth investing the money and time required for

the equipment and the training to do that amount of work. We have the equipment to hydraulically test the valve body and control the solenoids to see how a valve body would work in a running vehicle. And we can do that quite quickly. It is more efficient for shops to involve other specialists. For example, a transmission specialist might be doing

a complete overhaul on a box, and they will pull the box out, pull out the torque converter and valve body and send the converter to a specialist and the valve body to me. They will look after the box and by the time they have gone through it - cleaned it out, replaced plates and so on - the converter has come back, and the valve body has come back too. They can then assemble it all together and send it out knowing the valve body is a quality product that has been tested and warrantied.

WHAT’S YOUR BACKGROUND IN THE INDUSTRY AND HOW DID YOU COME TO OWN VALVE BODIES AUSTRALIA? NM: I did my time fitting and machining

and then found myself in a sales position at in Canberra at a business that sold vehicle parts. I then moved to Melbourne to work for a company called Motorspecs, part of GPC, and became a sales rep for Victoria. I worked for them for 15 years, including in Sydney where I looked after about half of NSW, and then in Queensland from 2017 where I looked after half the Queensland market. About three years ago, I was promoted to Queensland state sales manager. I had known Bob Saddleton since my time in NSW and he would sometimes ask, ‘When are you going to buy the business?’. For much of the time that was not on the cards, but I thought about it, talked to my wife, and we decided to take the plunge. We mulled it over for a long time but, in my favour was that I had been a

sales rep within the industry in Victoria, NSW and Queensland. I knew most of the transmission industry as they had been part of my customer base for 15 years. With my experience, the machining side of working with valve bodies was not

“CASS HAS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL. WHEN IT COMES TO VALVE BODIES . . . ATTENTION TO DETAIL IS REALLY IMPORTANT, AND CASS HAS THAT IN SPADES.” hugely complicated. More difficult was interpreting the testing data, seeing the flaws, and understanding them. So, I am very grateful for Cass – who has worked here for more than three years – being here. What she knows, and her experience, has been invaluable.

WHAT’S YOUR BACKGROUND CASSANDRA, AND HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK AT VALVE BODIES AUSTRALIA? CE: After high school I worked as a store manager, then started a cleaning business and then, unfortunately, COVID hit. Bob Saddleton is a friend and he said I could do some work around the shop. I was always mechanically minded, although I never pursued it as a career, so I went in, watched him work for many weeks, and was really interested in what he was doing with the valve bodies. After a while, I said I thought I could do

Nathan McCarthy and Cassandra Eastwood one. He stood beside me when I split it, important, and Cass has that in spades. cleaned it out, reamed it, did everything. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNGER YOU The next day I came in and said, ‘Which one do I do now?’ And that’s how it started. STARTING OUT? Bob trained me and it took probably 18 NM: There were times when I was young months for me to really have enough when I gave up on things and my career training, experience, and knowledge to was not in the forefront of my mind. In the rectify problems on my own, and to be grand scheme of things, a bit of short-term confident enough to do it. pain for long-term gain makes sense and There is no specific certification for valve so I would say to my younger self, ‘Stick body work, and I used to ask Bob whether with it and things will improve.’ I should be doing an apprenticeship or WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR SPARE TIME? traineeship. Bob would say to do that only if I wanted to go further into the NM: At the moment, it’s about repairing transmission or other areas. He trained me some damage at home from the storm we and I am very happy to focus on this area. had here over Christmas. At the back of the house, we currently have two pools – one NM: Cass has a tremendous amount of man-made and one that was not! I do knowledge and skill. When it comes to have an old 75 series Landcruiser valve bodies - when everything must CLICK troop carrier I play around with, but be very clean and very particular TO VISIT THE VALVE BODIES mostly I spend time with my wife and there are such fine tolerances AUSTRALIA - attention to detail is really and my dogs just relaxing. WEBSITE February 2024 Motor Trader | 11

Image supplied by Antony Joslin

ECEMBER 2023 AND January 2024 are likely to be a couple of months that many Queenslanders would like to forget. Less than halfway through a cyclone season that runs from October through to May, the state has been hammered by storms that have left many communities reeling. Extensive flooding, destroyed roads and community infrastructure have been left in the wake of the cyclones and storms that have ripped through the state from the Cairns region in the north to the Gold Coast in the southeast and west toward Mount Isa. Cyclone Jasper, a Category 2 cyclone, made landfall north of Cairns on December 13, bringing with it damaging winds,

intense rainfall, flooding, and storm surge. Over 40,000 people lost power across the region, and the deluge of rain - with some gauges recording as much as two metres - over the few days it took for the cyclone to move west was biblical, causing flash flooding, landslides, road closures and riverine flooding. In startling images, even aircraft at Cairns airport could be seen being swamped by rising waters. Homes and businesses across the region were impacted – it was reported that data from a survey by the Cairns Chamber of Commerce showed 90 per cent of businesses it surveyed had been affected – and as of January 24, the Insurance Council of Australia estimated claims Image supplied by LaraWilde Wilde Image supplied by Lara

WORDS: LARA WILDE & STAFF WRITER

Roads were washed away and properties damaged during Cyclone Jasper's move across Queensland

Image from NASA Worldview

Cyclone Jasper moving toward the Queensland coast in early December 2023 from Jasper had topped $200 million. Amongst those feeling the impact of the cyclone were those working in the automotive industry, including MTA Institute trainers who live and work in the region delivering apprenticeship training. “The cyclone itself was unusual in that it was very slow moving,” said Antony Joslin, one of three Institute trainers who service the Cairns area. “The region was preparing for wind and storm damage, but not for the unprecedented rainfall. “We live on a property surrounded by a creek, and we kept a close eye on the river levels and evacuated when there was around two metres to go before our house flooded. We stayed with family and waited until the rain stopped over 12 hours later. “We had 100mm of water through our main house and 300mm through our granny flat. These require a 1200mm tear out, where everything below 1.2 metres, including walls, is removed, treated, and dried. We have had to move out while this process takes place, and it is expected to

“THE CYCLONE ITSELF WAS UNUSUAL IN THAT IT WAS VERY SLOW MOVING. THE REGION WAS PREPARING FOR WIND AND STORM DAMAGE, BUT NOT FOR THE UNPRECEDENTED RAINFALL.” take a year for demolition, treatment and rebuild. “The area around is physically changed,” added Antony. “Rivers and creeks are wider, and the roads have taken a fair bit of damage. The range roads - Kuranda, Gillies and Palmerston were badly affected, with the Palmerston Range road not due to be opened for another month. These roads are the lifeline for the area we live in and join Cairns with the Atherton Tablelands.” Teena De Maria, owner of Advanced Auto Electrics and Mechanical in Innisfail, has lived through a few cyclones, but said the impact of Jasper had been surprising. February 2024 Motor Trader | 13

Images from the State of Queensland

Following major recovery and repair efforts, the Captain Cook Highway between Buchans Point and Oak Beach was reopened in mid-January “That did catch us off guard. We were waiting for the high tide to peak and, when it did peak, we assumed the water would recede,” she said. “We were flooded at home, so we couldn’t come into town, but we could see on our cameras around the workshop that the water was still rising and did rise further than it ever has.

“WE’VE LIVED THROUGH CYCLONES BEFORE AND WE HAVE HAD HIGH WATER BEFORE, BUT NEVER WHAT WE HAD WITH JASPER.”

The Gold Coast was battered by a fierce storm on Christmas Day night leaving trees uprooted and thousands without power

CYCLONE CATEGORIES Cyclones are ranked into 5 categories depending on wind speed. Category 1 is the weakest and 5 is the strongest, with strength measured by average wind speed and strongest gust.

Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4 Category 5

Ave. Wind Speed 63-88km/h 89-117km/h 118-159km/h 160-199km/h Greater than 200km/h

Strongest Gust Up to 125km/h 125-164km/h 165-224km/h 225-279km/h Greater than 279km/h

(Source: Bureau of Meteorology)

“We’ve lived through cyclones before and we have had high water before, but never what we had with Jasper. The water only just came into our office area, but in the showroom area it did get to about six inches.” Perhaps due to the experience of living through several such storms, Teena, and maybe the wider Innisfail community, was philosophical about living through another. “We closed on the Thursday when the cyclone was supposed to hit us, then the water rose on the Sunday. On the Monday, we came in and cleaned the shop up so we could resume business on the Tuesday,” said Teena. “I think we all just clean up and get on with it. We are kind of used to it. There are worse things out there. It’s not the worst thing that you can encounter.” While the effects of Cyclone Jasper have been painful, as always seems to happen in times of crisis, people get on with their lives as best they can and communities

“WE CAME OUT RELATIVELY UNSCATHED. WE WERE VERY LUCKY BUT PLENTY OF OTHERS WERE NOT SO LUCKY.”

pull together. The automotive community did that too. MTA Queensland member Tyrepower Cairns Pitstop lost days of trade as they sandbagged their workshop to stop incoming flood waters. Fortunately, in the end, they were largely unaffected. “We came out relatively unscathed. We were very lucky but plenty of others were not so lucky,” said owner Frank Raso. Frank generously shared his good luck by donating $2000 of fuel vouchers at the local servo for residents who needed help to get around while making ends meet. And it wasn’t just automotive businesses who helped out - car enthusiasts were there with a helping hand too. The Palmerston Range road on the southern end of the Atherton Tablelands was closed due to the torrential rain. With the road being the main freight arterial to the Tablelands, as well as being the main route for tourists to reach the area, towns such as Millaa Millaa struggled. However, the car clubs of Cairns rallied, and more than 50 cars filled with passengers made the 90-minute trek up the alternative route of the winding Gillies Range road to have lunch and put on a show for locals. Their cash injection into the community will keep some cafes open for just a little longer as they wait February 2024 Motor Trader | 15

“WE ARE A PART OF THIS COMMUNITY, AND WE NEVER HIDE WHEN THERE IS WORK TO BE DONE.”

16 | Motor Trader February 2024

Image: AustralianCamera/Shutterstock.com

for the roads to be repaired. Cyclone Jasper would eventually wane in strength, but it would be only a few days before a shockingly violent storm would rip through the Gold Coast, bringing down trees, blacking out swathes of the city, causing flash flooding, and ripping roofs from homes. Cyclone Kirrily crossed the Queensland coast on January 25 A few weeks later, and attention was back to the north of the state, with Cyclone Kirrily touching down in Townsville. While fears were that similar destruction to that wrought by Jasper might eventuate, that proved, at least initially, to not be the case, although the storm was potent enough to bring down trees and cut storms drawn in by the cyclone, with power to tens of thousands of homes and flooding recorded in and around the city, businesses. particularly on the Sunshine Coast. The MTA Queensland member Sharine Bureau of Meteorology was also warning ‘Spanner’ Milne from RHD ClassicSupplies that northwest and western parts of the was on the front line for Cyclone Kirrily’s state may well receive heavy rainfall and arrival in Townsville. As the storm possible flooding in the first couple of approached, Spanner was concerned that weeks of February. her stock would be destroyed as she was It has been a torrid start to 2024 for mid-move to new premises. Along with many, and the clean-up and repair of her staff, she spent hours in the aftermath homes, communities, and businesses may of the storm using a chainsaw in the sweltering heat cleaning up the mess. They take some time. Assistance has been made available by the Queensland and Federal have plenty more work ahead of them. “We are a part of this community, and we Governments. To find out more about the help you may be able to access, click on never hide when there is work to be done,” the following links and reach out to us at she said. MTA Queensland: At the time of writing, now ex-Tropical • Business Queensland: Queensland Cyclone Kirrily is still impacting the Natural Disaster Assistance state. The last few days of January into • Australian Government: Natural February have seen the regions around Brisbane lashed by intense rain and Disaster Support

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INQUIRY LAUNCHED INTO TRANSITION TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES

HE HOUSE OF Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water has commenced an inquiry into the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). “Australian motorists are increasingly choosing EVs when purchasing a new car,” said Tony Zappia MP, Chair of the Committee in a media release. “The percentage of EVs sold is growing every year, moving to 7.2 per cent of all new cars sold in 2023 up from less than 3 per cent in 2022. The inquiry will consider the necessary resources, systems and infrastructure for this transition and the impacts of moving away from traditional vehicles. “The Committee will also explore opportunities such as fuel savings and affordability for residents in outer regions to make this shift beneficial for everyone. Our focus will also be on the future of EV battery manufacturing, and we will consider challenges on electricity consumption and demand and our limited EV supply compared to other countries.” The Committee is seeking written submissions providing recommendations relating to any or all of the below inquiry terms of reference by Friday, 22 March 2024. • the establishment of resources, systems and infrastructure required to support transition to EVs • the impact of moving from internal combustion engine vehicles, including fuel excise loss, existing auto industry component manufacturers and the environment

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“THE PERCENTAGE OF EVS SOLD IS GROWING EVERY YEAR, MOVING TO 7.2 PER CENT OF ALL NEW CARS SOLD IN 2023 UP FROM LESS THAN 3 PER CENT IN 2022.” • the opportunities for fuel savings, such as by combining EVs with other consumer energy technologies and savings for outer suburban and regional motorists • the impact on electricity consumption and demand • the opportunities for expanding EV battery manufacturing, recycling, disposal and safety, and other opportunities for Australia in the automotive value chain to support the ongoing maintenance of EVs • the impact of Australia’s limited EV supply compared to peer countries, and • any other relevant matters.

Further information about the Committee’s inquiry is available on the inquiry webpage.

MTA QUEENSLAND WELCOMES FURTHER CONSULTATION ON EV MAINTENANCE & REPAIR

TA QUEENSLAND HAS welcomed the Queensland Government’s response to the Review of Queensland’s Electrical Safety Act (2002) final report, in which the Government has opted not to proceed with the recommendation which proposed the electrical components of electric vehicles (EVs) should be serviced and repaired by appropriately licensed electrical workers rather than qualified forward to further consultation automotive technicians. with both state and national bodies to In their response document, the determine the best path forward. Queensland Government determined “When the Review was first published that the recommendation would not in May 2023, we were astounded be implemented as proposed. that neither MTA Queensland Instead, further consideration of CLICK nor any other automotive how to maintain and improve TO READ MTA association had been consulted QUEENSLAND’S electrical safety in the context in its development, despite the SUBMISSION of electric vehicles will occur potentially catastrophic impact through a roundtable that will the recommendations would have liaise with the Commonwealth on our industry,” said Rod Camm, and other Australian jurisdictions. CEO of MTA Queensland. The roundtable will be chaired by the “While there is still work to do, it is Commissioner for Electrical Safety, with encouraging to see the Queensland outcomes to be referred for national Government take our concerns under consideration later this year. advisement and reject the initial Following months-long recommendation.” advocacy efforts to dissuade CLICK MTA Queensland will continue to advocate the implementation of the TO READ THE for EV service and repair jobs to remain the recommendation, MTA GOV’T RESPONSE responsibility of automotive technicians TO THE REVIEW Queensland considers the while ensuring the safety and wellbeing response a positive outcome for of workers as a top priority. the automotive industry and looks February 2024 Motor Trader | 19

GOVERNMENT REVEALS PLAN FOR VEHICLE FUEL EFFICIENCY STANDARD

HE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT has revealed its plan for a fuel efficiency standard which would see car companies required to supply more fuelefficient, cleaner, vehicles to Australian customers. The Government’s preferred model for the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard will only apply to new passenger and light commercial vehicles, not used or existing vehicles, and works by incentivising car companies to supply new cars that use less fuel per kilometre. Under a New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, each vehicle manufacturer has a set average CO2 target for the vehicles they produce, which they must meet or beat. Over time, the CO2 target is lowered, and companies must provide more choices of fuel-efficient, low or zero emissions vehicles to meet it. The Government has announced it has a preferred model it wishes to pursue but has included two other options within it published document - the Cleaner, Cheaper to Run Cars: An Australian New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Consultation Impact Analysis. The Government’s preferred option is the ‘fast but flexible approach’ and it says it will consult on the preferred model for a month and introduce the legislation as soon as possible, with the new rules coming into effect by 1 January 2025. With new vehicles using less fuel, the Government reckons that under the plan an average new vehicle purchaser in 2028 would save $5,710 over five years, and that over the life of a vehicle, the policy will provide around $17,000 in savings per new vehicle. 20 | Motor Trader February 2024

“WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO PROMOTE TARGETS THAT ARE BENEFICIAL TO ALL.” Furthermore, the Government says that by 2050 there will be an estimated $143 billion in financial benefits for Australians, including $108 billion in fuel savings and in excess of $5 billion in health benefits from a reduction in air pollution. The plan features an ambitious total CO2 intensity reduction target of 61 per cent in passenger vehicles and 62 per cent reduction for light commercial vehicles by 2029. It is widely agreed by the automotive industry that the introduction of fuel efficiency standards is overdue in Australia, with the local market regularly missing out on the latest fuel-efficient technology from global manufacturers. However, it is important to ensure that all Australians can afford to own and operate a car in our vast country with its unique driving conditions.

“Australia has long missed out on new zero and low emission vehicle (ZLEV) technology due to manufacturers favouring other markets, to the detriment of both the automotive industry and consumers, so we are pleased to see that the Government is taking action,” said Rod Camm, MTA Queensland CEO. “Overall, we believe that any standards that lead to improved options and access to ZLEVs is a positive. However, the targets must consider the needs and driving habits of all vehicle users, especially with regards to utes. We look forward to working with the Government to promote targets that are beneficial to all." The other consideration that must be addressed is the preparedness of automotive businesses, who will play a critical role in the transition. “MTA Queensland’s member businesses from across the automotive retail,

repair, and service industry will be key to supporting the wider adoption of electrified vehicles, from new car dealers importing and selling these vehicles to mechanics and collision repairers being trusted to safely repair and service them to service stations charging them. It is therefore critical that the Government partners with industry to ensure the correct support mechanisms are put in place to ensure businesses are prepared and ready to cater for the growing demand.” MTA Queensland looks forward to consulting with the government on this issue going forward on behalf of its member businesses. • You can find out more at www.cleanercars.gov.au and find the recently published Impact Analysis and way to have your say by clicking HERE • Submission regarding the preferred option Australia’s fuel efficiency standard close on March 4.

ATO MDO R EVT HEA N R13, 000T IPESOPLEEDIRYE C TLYO I UN VORLVED IBN THEU MOTO S IR INN G IEN D USTR S SY (WEB SIT E OR E -MA G A ZINE OP TIONS)

C L I C K H E R E F O R M E D I A G U I D E A N DFebruaryC 2024 O SMotor T STrader | 21

Auto innovation news

CES 2024

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW 2024 O VER THE YEARS, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held every January in Las Vegas, has become the go-to expo for carmakers to show off their latest innovations. Technology companies developing tech for the auto industry like to get in on the action too, and be it the latest in concept

cars or the whiz-bang gadgetry that will one day feature in road-going production models, there was plenty to see at this year’s edition of the Show.

MERCEDES-BENZ ANNOUNCES ‘HYPERPERSONALISED USER EXPERIENCE’ TECH

a new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), the MBUX Virtual Assistant is, the company says, the most human-like interface with a Mercedes-Benz yet, offering ‘natural and empathetic interaction’. Mercedes said it gave the system four characteristics or ‘personal traits' – natural, predictive, empathetic, and personal – making conversations natural, expressive and interactive and being proactive and assisting with helpful suggestions.

AT CES 2024, Mercedes-Benz showcased some of its digital advancements aimed at enhancing the driver and passenger experience. Central to this goal is a new MBUX Virtual Assistant that uses generative AI and advanced 3D graphics. Running on

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Here are some of the automotive-related technological developments and innovations from CES 2024.

VOLKSWAGEN INTEGRATES CHATGPT INTO ITS VEHICLES VW IS TO integrate the artificialintelligence ChatGPT system into vehicles, with the German manufacturer integrating the chatbot into its IDA voice assistant. VW customers will have access to the AI and have researched content read out to them while driving. VW announced the development at CES and said the chatbot will be offered in conjunction with the latest generation of infotainment in the ID.7, ID.4, ID.5, ID.S models as well as the new Tiguan, Passat and Golf models.

The system - developed with tech partner Cerence Inc. - will offer a range of new capabilities, including enabling the voice assistant to be used to control the infotainment, navigation and air conditioning, or to answer general knowledge questions. In the future, the company said the AI system will provide additional information which can be helpful during a car journey by enriching conversations, clearing up questions, delivering vehicle-specific information, and more. VW added that data protection will be a feature, with ChatGPT not gaining access to vehicle data, and questions and answers deleted immediately.

Golf GTI concept and ID.7 Leveraging the new MB.OS system and 3D game-engine graphics is MBUX Surround Navigation, which marries route guidance and assistance in a three-dimensional map set-up, using the vehicle’s sensors to build a real-time environment showing infrastructure and other elements that the system guides the driver through. Mercedes-Benz also used CES to

announce new platforms and partnerships, including with retro games streaming service, Antstream Arcade; podcast and audiobook company Audible; and Amazon Music. Sony Pictures Entertainment RIDEVU video streaming service will also be integrated, granting customers access to an array of video entertainment directly within their vehicles.

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Auto innovation news

KIA UNVEILS NEW EV PLATFORM AND MOBILITY STRATEGY KIA REVEALED A range of concepts at the CES show, including a handful aimed at a strategy the company is calling Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV). The concepts – the PV5, PV7 and PV1 – are modular and customizable and future PBVs are intended, the company said, to be a ‘total mobility solution that combines fit-for-purpose EVs with advanced software solutions based on the Hyundai Motor Group’s software-to-everything, or SDx, strategy. As a Platform Beyond Vehicle, Kia PBVs are designed to open the

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CES 2024

VIDEO: EASY SWAP TECHNOLOGY | THE KIA PBV

door to new businesses and lifestyles by redefining the concept of space thanks to advanced, tailored interiors that provide freedom and flexibility.’ The PBVs use ‘Easy Swap’ technology which Kia said allows for the conversion

The KIA PV1, PV5 and PV7 concepts to different configurations. Behind a fixed cab, or ‘driver zone’, a variety of interchangeable upper bodies can be connected to the base vehicle, turning the PBV into a taxi during the day, to a delivery van at night, and a personal recreational vehicle on weekends. Kia’s PBV platform strategy is to be built around a dedicated business system - integrating vehicles, software, and future technologies - and the roadmap of the strategy, the company says, is divided into three phases. In phase one, Kia plans to introduce the PV5, an EV designed for jobs such as hailing, delivery and fleet work. Data connectivity between vehicles, and

external data such as route or delivery information, is intended to enable operation of multiple vehicles as a software-defined fleet. Phase two is to see the completion of the dedicated PBV model line-up, with PBVs evolving into AI-based mobility platforms that use data to interact with users and help keep vehicles updated. In phase three, Kia says PBVs are expected to evolve into highly customisable mobility solutions by integrating with the future mobility ecosystem. Perhaps, the company said, connected self-driving vehicles will be managed as part of a single smart city operating system. “Kia’s PBV business represents our vision of going beyond the traditional concept of automobiles by fulfilling the unmet needs of diverse customers and communities through optimised vehicles and services catering to specific market and business circumstances,” said Ho Sung Song, Kia President and CEO. “Kia PBVs will be an enabler of business innovation thanks to our customercentric management system, EV mass production expertise, and the Hyundai Motor Group’s rapidly developing SDx strategy and related future businesses.” February 2024 Motor Trader | 25

Auto innovation news

HYDROGEN DEVELOPMENTS SHOWCASED AT CES HYDROGEN POWER WAS on the agenda at CES this year, with both Bosch and Hyundai showcasing technologies and strategies around the fuel. Amongst many other developments covered at the company’s press conference, Bosch highlighted its work with hydrogen, and of particular interest were comments about its work on a new hydrogen engine. President of Bosch in North America, Mike Mansuetti, said the company was working on components for a hydrogen engine that uses the fuel directly as opposed to first converting it to electricity. This tech, he said, can offer the performance of a diesel engine and will be suitable for commercial vehicles, and in the on- and off-road segments, such as heavy-duty long-haul trucks and construction machinery. Mansuetti added that Bosch is planning to launch its first such hydrogen engine later this year. 26 | Motor Trader February 2024

CES 2024

Hyundai also had plenty to say about hydrogen, revealing more details about its plans to take advantage of the fuel. The company said it would expand HTWO – its existing fuel cell brand - and announced an ‘HTWO Grid’ solution that will ‘accelerate the transition to a hydrogen society.’

Technologies it will look at using include, at the production stage, Plastic-toHydrogen (P2H) and Waste-to-Hydrogen (W2H) and a green hydrogen process. W2H involves the fermentation of organic waste, such as food and livestock manure, to generate biogas. This biogas is then treated to capture carbon dioxide and produce hydrogen. P2H involves melting waste plastics that cannot be recycled, gasifying the molten plastics and producing hydrogen by removing unnecessary elements. Green hydrogen is produced by electrolysing water using plants operating on renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar and hydropower. Hyundai is involved in many hydrogenrelated projects – including in its storage and logistics - and has worked on developing hydrogen technology for mobility solutions for some time, including through such vehicles as its Xcient Fuel Cell trucks. Both Bosch and Hyundai said they will be involved with the ‘Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs’ program in the U.S. part of a $US7 billion ($AU10 billion) U.S. government initiative for hydrogen infrastructure development.

CONTINENTAL SHOWCASES FACE AUTHENTIFICATION TECHNOLOGY AS YOU MIGHT expect at a show like CES, some of the technology revealed can seem a bit like science fiction. So it is with the face authentication system developed by Continental. The ‘Face Authentication Display’ is a two-stage access control system based on biometric user recognition that uses special camera systems mounted externally on the vehicle’s B-pillar and behind the driver display console. The biometric face authentication enables the vehicle to be opened and started up as soon as it detects a registered, authorised user. Continental says the double authentication in the exterior and interior represents a further level of security to protect against theft, and also makes it possible, for example, to grant all family members access to the car at any time, while preventing children from starting the engine. February 2024 Motor Trader | 27

Auto innovation news

LAMBORGHINI UNVEILS TELEMETRY X CONCEPT LAMBORGHINI PRESENTED A ‘track connectivity’ concept at CES. Called Telemery X, the system combines three features called Real Time Remote Garage, Biometric Data System, and Digital Co-Pilot, and is designed to help deliver, as Lamborghini tells it, ‘the ultimate track-driving experience’. Remote Garage is a web application

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CES 2024

VIDEO: LAMBORGHINI TELEMETRY X

that enables drivers to have real-time video recording of their on-track performance and telemetry. Imagery and data can be

monitored live by a coach, who can be anywhere in the world, to give feedback and suggestions even during a driving session. The Biometric Data System captures aspects of the driver’s biometric data, including heart rate and stress level, to allow in-depth performance monitoring. Both systems work with the Digital Co-Pilot – a voice assistant that compares both biometric and vehicle data to give feedback to the driver while on the track. For example, the Digital Co-Pilot analyses lap times and provides pointers for

improving racing lines and braking points, as well as information on the performance of the car on the track. The system has, the company said, been tested on the Revuelto supercar. ‘In the future, our supercars will increasingly offer not jus thrills but truly immersive driving experiences,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “Telemetry X is a perfect preview of the connected service our customers will be able to experience n the coming years.

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Auto innovation news

BMW SHOWCASES HIGH-TECH AI, AR, AND PARKING INNOVATIONS BMW TOOK THE stage at CES to display some innovations that take advantage of the developments in Generative AI and Augmented Reality (AR). These included some pretty interesting AR glasses – called XREAL Air 2 – that have an integrated microphone and directional speakers, and which can display navigation instructions, hazard warnings, and entertainment content. BMW reckons the that, in the future,

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CES 2024

VIDEO: AUGMENTED REALITY GLASSES

AR and Mixed Reality (MR) devices will become increasingly popular, offering drivers and passengers a better in-car experience. In fact, the company has been working on this sort of technology for some years, building

VIDEO: TELEOPERATED PARKING DEMO

on that experience to overcome hurdles to produce tech such as ConnectedRide Smartglasses from BMW Motorrad. Along with the XReal Air 2 tech, BMW and Amazon showcased Generative AI and the capabilities of the new Alexa LLM (Large Language Model) that the companies are developing for a potential series rollout. BMW said that complex processing capabilities, which enable human-like interactions, are now possible by LLMs, which are AI models that are designed to process human language at a high level and generate responses accordingly. BMW also demonstrated teleoperated valet parking at CES.

Developed with French tech company Valeo, the system uses the very fast connectivity available to today’s devices to allow for the parking duties to be taken on by a remote operator – a teleoperator. That person uses the tech – including live camera images – to guide and move the vehicle so that it can be parked and retrieved again in a controlled manner. Different to the autonomous parking systems being developed – which the companies are also working on – the teleoperating system, BMW said, could find use in such situations as parking at events, at airports, or in the logistics sector.

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CES 2024

VinFast VF Wild

VINFAST UNVEILS PICK-UP TRUCK CONCEPT VINFAST AUTO, THE electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer from Vietnam, revealed a rather interesting concept at CES – the VF Wild. It’s the company’s first attempt at a pickup truck and it does have some interesting features, with the mid-size truck (5,324mm overall length and 1,997mm wide) including a power-folding mid-gate that enables the bed to expand from 1.5 to 2.4 metres. There’s also a panoramic glass roof and digital side mirrors. Perhaps of particular interest to Australia is that an Australian design studio – Gomotiv – was involved in the development of the VF Wild, with the company saying this is the first time an independent Australian design studio has been responsible for the design of a complete showcar and production vehicle on behalf of a global OEM. Also displayed at CES was the VF3, a mini-eSUV also developed by VinFast with Gomotiv and set for production. VinFast says it is set to begin accepting reservations for the VF3 this year. 32 | Motor Trader February 2024

VIDEO: INTRODUCING THE VINFAST VF 3

While more details of the VF Wild and VF3 are few, VinFast does say the VF3 is aimed at city drivers, with the four-seater coming in at 3165mm long and 1679mm wide and with a target range of 200km. Functions and features include a 10-inchscreen infotainment system fitted with Android Auto and Apple Carplay while full folding second-row seats allow for the expansion of cargo space to 550 litres. VinFast is a relatively new company, founded in 2017, and in 2022 it announced it would stop producing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and focus research and development efforts on all-electric powertrains for their vehicles. Its current EV range includes the VF6, VF7, VF8, and VF9 eSUVs and the company revealed in January this year that it had delivered 34,855 EVs in 2023.

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Auto innovation news

HYUNDAI AND KIA UNVEIL NEW ‘ACTIVE AIR SKIRT’ TECH FOR EVS

ERODYNAMIC EFFICIENCY IS crucial to the range capability of an electric vehicle (EV), and Hyundai and Kia have unveiled to new piece of tech designed to enhance the range of their EVs. The companies say the Active Air Skirt (AAS) technology minimises the aerodynamic resistance generated during high-speed driving and improves driving range and stability. It does this by controlling the flow of air entering through the lower part of the bumper and controlling the turbulence generated around the vehicle wheels by operating variably according to the vehicle speed. AAS is installed between the front bumper and the front wheels of the vehicle and is hidden during normal operation, but kicks in at speeds over 80km/h, when the

aerodynamic resistance becomes greater than the rolling resistance, and is stored again at 70km/h. Hyundai and Kia say AAS can also operate at speeds over 200km/h. The companies say they Active Air Skirt (AAS) technology have tested and reduced the drag coefficient (Cd) by 0.008 - improving drag by 2.8 percent - by installing AAS in a Genesis GV60, a compact luxury crossover SUV. This is a figure that can expect an additional range improvement of about 6 km. Hyundai and Kia have applied for related patents in South Korea and the U.S., and plan to consider mass production after durability and performance tests.

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FORD RANGER AND EVEREST TO GET PRO TRAILER BACKUP ASSIST

HE FORD RANGER and Everest are both set to gain new towing technology with Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist system to be standard on selected models of Ranger and optional on the Everest in 2024. Pro Trailer Backup Assist operates by allowing a driver to ‘steer the trailer’. Using a controller on the centre console, a driver can ‘steer’ the trailer while the system controls the vehicle’s steering wheel, turning to direct the trailer where it needs to go. Pro-Trailer Backup Assist is to be standard on Ranger Wildtrak, Platinum and Raptor, and be part of the optional Touring Pack on 4X4 XLT and Sport pick-up variants. For Everest it will be available as a part of the Touring Pack on 4WD Trend and 4WD Sport vehicles, replacing the Zone

Lighting and black Stand-Off Roof Rails features. On Platinum series, an optional Pro Towing Pack, including both Pro Trailer Backup Assist and the contents of the Towing Pack, will be available replacing the standard Towing Pack option.

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SUMMERNATS & THE AGE OF PERSONAL

CUSTOMISATION

WORDS: LARA WILDE | WORDS: LARA WILDE & SUPPLIED

HERE ARE TWO types of car only been limited by your wallet and people. Those who can have a car imagination. without leaving as much as an air The cars unveiled at SummerNats show freshener of choice in it to mark it as that the opportunity to put your personal theirs, and those who feel the need to touch on your project build is becoming be fully self-expressed in a car with their far more attainable and less expensive. personal choice of bumper sticker, seat As 3D scanning, CAD drawings, 3D cover or stuffed toy on the dash. printing, CNC routers and laser cutters The people who attend SummerNats, as a become more mainstream, car builders spectator or as an entrant, definitely fall are leaping at the opportunity to make into the latter category and they take their visions come to life. CLICK automotive personalisation to the The man in charge of the TO VISIT THE next level. Meguiar’s Pavilion at SummerNats SUMMERNATS Held in Canberra in January, is Senior Judge, Owen Webb. With WEBSITE this year's SummerNats saw four more than 60 years of experience, days of non-stop car action with Owen knows every type of car from 130,000 spectators striding through classic Aussie muscle to modern the gate and 2,400 entrants putting tuners and exotics. With his well-tuned their pride and joy on display for everyone to admire, critique and be inspired by. The variety of cars on display is unrivalled in Australia. From the homemade beater that is flogged on the cruise route and belted through skid row, to the high-end performance machines on the dyno; from the weaponised beasts on the burnout pad through to the elite show cars in the Meguiars Pavilion, every make, model and condition of combustion engine machine is on display. The one thing that every car has in common is that none of them are stock. In the past, building a car could mean many things. From a personally designed bumper sticker through to a full groundup build with custom metal fabrication, unique paint hues and one-of-a-kind interior. To date, building these cars has

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James Bullion's 1969 Mazda Familia Presto GS R100 was a crowd pleaser and award winner at SummerNats. The car was built with the help of The Render Garage, using 3D technology to design the project.

AS 3D SCANNING, CAD DRAWINGS, 3D PRINTING, CNC ROUTERS AND LASER CUTTERS BECOME LESS COST PROHIBITIVE AND MORE MAINSTREAM, CAR BUILDERS ARE LEAPING AT THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE THEIR VISIONS COME TO LIFE.

eye, Owen can spot the finer details that sets an elite car apart from a run-of-the-mill show car. “We are seeing a lot of custom 3D printed interiors in the cars at SummerNats. From one-off unique knobs through to entire dash units with one-of-a-kind instrument clusters,” he said. “Most car builders are still old school, but some are embracing the opportunity to do one-off, unique touches. In particular, I am excited CLICK

The R100 was designed and planned virtually in 3D before the build got underway (example below), and project renders were created to showcase design ideas (left).

TO VISIT THE RENDER GARAGE WEBSITE

February 2024 Motor Trader | 37

to see builders creating casts of custom prototype components for suspension and the engine. It is really only limited to who have the equipment and the interest. 3D printing is far more advanced in America, but we are slowly catching up in Australia.” Owen will be holding a seminar on all things 3D printing at MotorEx in Melbourne later this year. A regular at MotorEx each year with an interactive display is Matt Barnsley

Dean Rickard's sensational 1969 HT Monaro was built with many 3D printed components. 38 | Motor Trader February 2024

and the team at The Render Garage. As 3D technology is adopted by the customising industry, the first step is to define the vision of what you want to create. The Render Garage team have been at the forefront of that work, assisting car builders to work closely with clients to bring their dream to reality. Originally a Torana man and a graphic designer by trade, Matt is a keen car enthusiast who frequently makes the trip to SEMA in the

“THE BIGGEST ADVANTAGE OF WHAT WE DO IS FOR A CLIENT TO SEE THEIR VISION FOR THE VEHICLE AND COMMUNICATE IT VERY CLEARLY TO THE BUILDER.” U.S. to stay ahead of the trends. “Custom 3D technology can be cost prohibitive at the moment but that will change in the near future,” he said. “The biggest advantage of what we do is for a client to see their vision for the vehicle and communicate it very clearly to the builder. This can save a lot of time and money in the long run. Often a builder will ask us to create a 3D render in collaboration with the client so they can convince them that a design choice will or won’t work before they spend months or years crafting it and paying for it.” Matt recently bought a DeLorean and intends to make it his personalised statement car showcasing what can be done. “Just imagine if you see a car at a show and you love the

wheels or the door handles,” he said. “That builder can then do a commercial scale or limited production run to provide those components for that range of enthusiasts.” One enthusiast who has fully embraced the 3D printing option is Dean Rickard. Dean spent almost five years building his dream car - a 1969 HT Monaro. The clean two-door has won countless awards including World’s Best Interior 2020 (judged online through SEMA), Top Street Machine 2021 Rosehill, SpringNats 2021, SummerNats 2022, MotorEx 2022, RockyNats 2022, Adelaide 2022, RedCentre Nats 2022, Motorvation 2023, Adelaide 2023, and SummerNats 2024. While the car looks relatively stock, it is when you get up close and see the finer details that you realise just how much thought went into every inch of the build. “We began with trying to find a door hinge,” said Dean. “I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted. We used a handheld 3D scanner on some old hinges and then used that as a base to model the final hinges. From there I became a little obsessed, making everything just the way I wanted it. The instrument cluster in the dash is completely unique, printed in two parts and then plastic-welded to be flawless.” One car that was unveiled at SummerNats in 2024 was the divine HR ute built by Southern Rod & Custom. February 2024 Motor Trader | 39

The HR ute from Southern Rod & Custom.

Southern Rod & Custom owner and veteran car builder Shane Rowe is excited by the future of 3D technology in the automotive industry. “What we’ll see on cars over the next few years is going to be incredible – we’re looking into buying a professional machine. The types of things you can make are limitless and the finish is so good – it’s production quality. Dash knobs, interior pieces, you can print any material you want – I’m even designing my own wheels. The key is the CAD design stuff – I’ve got a good handle on that side of things.” The CAD design work is handled by the Southern Rod & Custom sister shop Chassisworks Australia. “I do all the design work and suspension systems in CAD. This wasn’t always the case. I never wanted to go that way, as I reckoned I could do simple brackets and things faster by hand. But once you get 40 | Motor Trader February 2024

“WHAT WE’LL SEE ON CARS OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS IS GOING TO BE INCREDIBLE . . . THE TYPES OF THINGS YOU CAN MAKE ARE LIMITLESS AND THE FINISH IS SO GOOD – IT’S PRODUCTION QUALITY.” good at CAD, you can make 10 in the same time, all exactly the same!” What is the future of 3D tech and printing for the automotive industry? Looking at the trends on show at SummerNats in 2024, we CLICK have yet to really explore TO VISIT THE SOUTHERN ROD just how far we can take & CUSTOM this new technology, but WEBSITE the future is looking very interesting indeed.

AU TO MOTIVE C A RE E RS EVENING

Inviting all local automotive businesses…

Roma | 5 March 2024 Roma Explorer’s Inn 4:30pm - 5:30pm

MTA Queensland has partnered with Capricorn Society to connect local business owners with school students interested in a career in the automotive industry. Held at Capricorn’s Tradeshow, businesses will have the opportunity to engage with students, provide information on the wide ranging career pathways available in their sector, and maybe even find a potential future apprentice!

Toowoomba | 6 March 2024 Clifford Park Racecourse 4:30pm - 5:30pm Cairns | 13 March 2024 Rydges Esplanade Resort 4:30pm - 5:30pm

To attend, please RSVP HERE

Limited places available so get in quick to avoid missing out!

For more information, contact S2W@mtaq.com.au

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School to Work Transitions is part of the Queensland Government’s Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032.

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GWM HYBRID TANK 500 AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA SOON

HINA’S GWM IS set to introduce the Tank 500 to Australia in the second quarter of 2024. The body-on-frame, seven-seater SUV will be available in either Lux or Ultra grades and will have a 2-litre turbo hybrid engine set-up delivering 255kW and a 648Nm. It’s fitted with a 9-speed Hybrid Automatic Transmission (9HAT). GWM claims fuel economy of 8.5 L/100km combined. There’s an 80-litre fuel tank. The Tank 500 has a 3,000kg braked towing capacity and 750 kg unbraked. There’s Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive with ‘seamless switching’ between 2H, AWD, 4H and 4L modes, and other features include an All-Terrain Control System with 11 driving modes, low range and rear differential lock as standard, Turn Assistance, Clear Chassis Function, and Under Carriage Protection. Ground clearance is 224mm (unloaded), and the Tank 500 has a 30-degree approach angle, 22.5-degree breakover angle, 24-degree departure angle, and a wading depth of 800mm. Inside, there are seats in faux leather throughout or lush Nappa-appointed seating on the Ultra grade. There’s 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support; heated, ventilated and massaging front seats with memory and welcome function (Ultra grade); heated and ventilated second row outer seats and electric folding 3rd row (Ultra grade); a

42 | Motor Trader February 2024

GWM CLAIMS FUEL ECONOMY OF 8.5 L/100KM COMBINED. THERE’S AN 80-LITRE FUEL TANK. THE TANK 500 HAS A 3,000KG BRAKED TOWING CAPACITY AND 750 KG UNBRAKED. 14.6-inch Colour Multitouch Screen, with wireless CarPlay and wired Android Auto integration; 12-speaker premium Infinity audio system (Ultra grade); 3 zone climate control; Front and Rear Parking Sensors and a 360-degree View Monitor; Auto Parking and Auto Reversing Assistance. Safety tech includes 7 airbags, Adaptive cruise control, Autonomous emergency braking, Pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane-keep assist, Lane centring, Front cross-traffic and Rear cross-traffic assist, and Traffic sign recognition.

Pricing for the Tank 500 sees the Lux model from $66,490 Driveaway. Ultra pricing is yet to be confirmed.

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PORSCHE LAUNCHES THE MACAN ELECTRIC SUV

ORSCHE HAS LAUNCHED the all-electric version of its bigselling Macan SUV. It's the second electric vehicle (EV) from the German manufacturer following the sporty Taycan. To be available with dual-motor powertrains of up to 470kW/1130Nm, and a 100kWh battery pack, the Macan EV will come initially in two models – the Macan 4 and the Macan Turbo – with the Turbo variant punching out those big power numbers. The Macan 4 will pump out still very impressive figures of 300kW/650Nm. Porsche says Macan 4 accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds under test conditions, while the Macan Turbo does the sprint in 3.3 seconds. The two models achieve top speeds of 220 and 260 km/h respectively. Built on Porsche’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE), the Macan boasts an 800volt architecture. DC charging output is up to 270 kW, enabling the battery to be charged from 10 to 80 per cent

All-electric Porche Macan 4 and Macan Turbo

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TO BE AVAILABLE WITH DUALMOTOR POWERTRAINS OF UP TO 470KW/1130NM AND A 100KWH BATTERY PACK, THE MACAN EV WILL COME INITIALLY IN TWO MODELS – THE MACAN 4 AND THE MACAN TURBO . . . within approximately 21 minutes at a suitable fast-charging station. At 400-volt charging stations, a high-voltage switch in the battery enables bank charging by effectively splitting the 800-volt battery into two batteries, each with a rated voltage of 400 volts. Porsche says this enables charging at up to 135kW. AC charging at up to 11kW is possible at household wall boxes. The Macan is 4,784 mm long, 1,938 mm wide and 1,622 mm high. The wheelbase is 86mm

Macan 4 interior longer than the previous model (2,893 mm). Range is up to 613km (WLTP) for the Macan 4 and 591km for the Turbo, and Porsche said it has helped to stretch the range by giving the Macan a drag coefficient of 0.25. Depending on the model and equipment fitted, the capacity behind the rear seat bench is up to 540 litres (cargo mode). In addition, there is the front trunk with a capacity of 84 litres. If the rear seat backrest is folded down completely, the rear luggage compartment capacity increases to up to 1,348 litres. Maximum towing capacity is 2,000kg. Inside, the Macan is equipped with up to three screens, including a free-standing 12.6-

inch, curved-design instrument cluster and the 10.9-inch central display. The passenger can also view information, adjust settings on the infotainment system or stream video content while the car is being driven via their own optional 10.9-inch passenger display. There’s an optional head-up display with augmented reality technology where virtual elements such as navigation arrows are visually integrated into the real world. The image appears to the driver at a distance of 10m and corresponds, Porsche said, to the size of an 87-inch display. A “Hey Porsche” voice assistant suggests routes, including charging stops, and in the new Porsche App Centre passengers can directly access apps from third-party

February 2024 Motor Trader | 45

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Macan Turbo interior

providers and install them directly. Driving performance and dynamics are a Porsche specialty, and both the Macan 4 and the Macan Turbo have all-wheel drive and electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management (ePTM) – which the company said operates around five times faster than a conventional all-wheel drive system. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) - an electronically controlled differential lock on the rear axle - also contributes to the traction, driving stability and lateral dynamics of the Macan Turbo. Macan models with air suspension – standard on the Turbo – are equipped with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) electronic damping control. The Macan EV has optional rear-axle steering, with a maximum steering angle of five degrees. In Australia, Porsche says the new Macan models will be additionally fitted with the following features:

ALL MODELS • Tyre fit set • Privacy glass • Porsche Entry and Drive 46 | Motor Trader February 2024

• Adaptive Cruise Control • Lane Change Assist • Surround View with Active Parking Support • Side airbags in rear compartment • Digital radio

SELECT MODELS • Automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors (4 only, standard on Turbo) • Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) (4 only, standard on Turbo) • Power steering Plus (4 only, standard on Turbo) • 14-way Comfort seats including memory package (4 only, No-Cost Option on Turbo) • 21-inch Macan Turbo wheels painted in Black (high-gloss) (No-Cost Option on Turbo only) • Panoramic roof system (Turbo only) • Porsche Electric Sport Sound (Turbo only) • Sport Chrono Package (Turbo only) • 4-zone Advanced climate control (Turbo only)

The new all-electric Macan models will arrive in Australia in late 2024 with the Macan 4 available from $133,700 and the Macan Turbo available from $180,100.

FORD ADDS NEW VARIANTS TO TRANSIT VAN RANGE

ORD'S TRANSIT CUSTOM van range is set to double, with the company bringing the Transit Custom Sport Van and Transit Custom Sport Double Cab to the local market. The two new additions will arrive alongside the already confirmed Transit Custom Trend Short- and LongWheelbase models. The Sport series vans add some exterior styling elements, and power will come from a 2-litre turbo EcoBlue diesel engine paired with an 8-speed auto transmission. Power figures come in at 125kW and 390Nm. The Transit Custom Sport has a GCM of 5525kg and GVM of 3025kg. Kerb weight is 2002kg, meaning if offers more than a tonne of payload capacity. The Transit Custom Double Cab has a kerb weight of 2171kg resulting in 854kg of payload capacity. Maximum braked towing capacity of 2500kg. The Transit Custom Sport Double Cab offers space for five occupants, versus the three available in all other Transit Custom variants, thanks to the addition of a second row of seats. Further specification for the Transit Custom Sport and Custom Sport Double Cab will be announced closer to local arrivals in late 2024.

Transit Custom Sport

Pricing (Manufacturers List Price) for the Transit range is: • Trend SWB Van: $56,590 • Trend LWB Van: $57,590 • Sport SWB Van: $59,990 • Sport LWB Double Cab: $62,990.

February 2024 Motor Trader | 47

Auto news

. . . THE SSG TRANSMISSION MCLAREN PROVIDES SEAMLESS AND RAPID UNLEASHES SHIFTS IN COMFORT MODE – WHICH IS THE START-UP DEFAULT MODE – THE GTS BUT THE DRIVER CAN ENHANCE THE

CLAREN HAS REVEALED its latest supercar creation, the GTS. A replacement for the company’s GT that was released in 2019, the new lightweight mid-engine GTS model weighs

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EXPERIENCE WITH TWO FURTHER DRIVING MODES – SPORT AND TRACK.

in at 1520kg (10kg lighter than the GT) and boasts a 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 producing 467kW (11kW more than the GT). Performance figures are predictably excellent, with 100km/h reached in 3.2 seconds, 200km/h reached in 8.9 seconds, and top speed peaking at 326km/h. Power is sent through a seven-speed SSG transmission to the rear wheels. McLaren said the SSG transmission provides seamless and rapid shifts in Comfort mode – which is the start-up default mode – but the driver can choose

McLaren GTS

form two further driving modes – Sport and Track. Manual control of gearshifts is possible using the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters in any of the drive modes. The GTS is equipped with 390mm carbon ceramic brake discs at the front and 380mm discs at the rear. There are lightweight six-piston aluminium calipers up front with four-piston calipers at the rear. Wheels are fitted with Pirelli P ZEROs. Continuously variable, twin-valve hydraulic dampers are a part of the lightweight, aluminium double-wishbone suspension. Featuring McLaren’s adaptive damper technology - Proactive Damper Control - suspension characteristics alter between the three drive modes – Comfort, Sport and Track. Underbody ground clearance of 110mm can be increased to 130mm using a vehicle lift function. There's a 420-litre cargo area accessed via a front-hinged, full-length glass tailgate and a further 150-litre storage space is up front within the nose of the car. Built on McLaren’s carbon fibre monocoque chassis, the GTS is a beautiful-looking machine. There are visual changes over the GT, plus features February 2024 Motor Trader | 49

Auto news

such as GTS badging, and options such as the Stealth Badge Pack option. Visual carbon fibre options include an underbody carbon pack, which encompasses the front splitter, side skirts and rear bumper lower and diffuser. Exterior details such as the front air intake blades, the rear fender air intakes and mirror caps can also be finished in carbon fibre. The standard composite roof is made from recycled carbon fibre. Inside the cabin, which is available with a choice of interior trim schemes,

50 | Motor Trader February 2024

there’s a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, and a 7-inch central touchscreen infotainment system. Satellite navigation, real-time traffic information, Bluetooth connectivity and media streaming, plus DAB radio reception, are standard. A Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system is available. New paint options are available too, as is ambient lighting, and a glass panoramic roof with an electrochromic glazed panel, which replaces the standard carbon fibre composite gloss black roof.

LAWS PROTECTING AGAINST HARASSMENT

A positive duty already exists under model WHS laws for employers to ensure

RECENT MEDIA STORIES about what June be happening in some parliamentarian’s offices is a reminder to all employers and business owners that no-one is immune from a sexual harassment claim. The Fair Work Act and Regulations will soon be amended to give employers more power to sack perpetrators of sexual harassment. The Federal Government has announced it will amend section 387 of the Act to clarify that sexual harassment can be a valid reason for termination when determining whether a dismissal was unfair. It will also amend the definition of “serious misconduct” in the Fair Work Regulations to include sexual harassment, to clarify that this behaviour can justify summary dismissal. In addition, education and guidance on unfair dismissal and other workplace rights will be updated. The Act will include a ‘stop sexual harassment order’ by clarifying that a stop-bullying order is available in the context of harassment.

workers are not exposed to health and safety risks, which includes the risk of sexual harassment. Safe Work Australia guidance recently released specifically describes sexual harassment as a systemic risk employers must approach with a safety mindset.

PSYCHOSOCIAL RISKS CODE OF PRACTICE A code of practice on managing psychosocial risks is currently being

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS developed by Safe Work Australia, which is to cover sexual harassment in the

TO MORE THAN 15,000 PEOPLEworkplace. DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE This will help to increase MOTORING INDUSTRY POSITIVE DUTY ALREADY EXISTS awareness (website or e-magazine options)of the duty to manage

psychosocial health and safety risks and improve compliance, it says, adding it will continue to support this work. The aim is to create an improved culture of respectful workplace behaviour.

For further information about Policy for your workplace, please contact MTA Queensland.

CLICK HERE FOR MEDIA GUIDE AND COSTS

Auto news

ASIASTAR VANS ARRIVE IN AUSTRALIA

NEW NAME IN all-electric commercial transport has arrived in Australia, with China’s Asiastar debuting a range of vans, cab chassis and buses. The brand, distributed by Australia’s Foton Mobility Distribution, is offering a range of electric vehicles (EVs) including van and cab chassis models with either a 70kWh or 105.6kWh battery set-ups, plus a bus variant with the 105.6kWh battery. That bus model can be fitted with 12 seats or no seats for bespoke configurations. Models feature an eAxle motor system in which the drive motor is mounted directly to the rear axle. With the 105.6kWh battery fitted, the van has a maximum payload of 1480kg within its 10.5 cubic metres cargo space. With the smaller battery, the van is rated to a 1700kg payload. The cab chassis variant allows for customisation of the cargo area of the vehicle, for a Pantech body, a tray, or any other combination. With the smaller battery fitted, a 1870k payload is possible, while the larger battery allows for 1650kg. The 12-seat bus configuration features a manual folding step and a fixed handrail, with the passenger seats finished in either cloth or vinyl, resulting in a 1250kg payload.

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WITH THE 105.6KWH BATTERY FITTED, THE VAN HAS A MAXIMUM PAYLOAD OF 1480KG WITHIN ITS 10.5 CUBIC METRES CARGO SPACE.

Asiastar

All products have a 4,500kg GVM and are capable of being driven on a car licence. Standard safety features include ABS braking, autonomous electric braking, electronic stability control, lane departure warning and a reversing camera on the van and bus. Foton Mobility says the offering has been tailored to cater to last-mile deliveries, trades and construction companies, local government use, community transport, aged care, and patient transport, as well as for integration into rental companies. Initial stock for the range has now landed in Australia and will be expected to arrive in dealerships by the end of the first quarter. Pricing for the Asiastar range will start from around the $90,000 mark. Models are backed by a five-year or 200,000km

warranty, with the main traction batteries having an eight-year or 300,000km warranty. There is 24/7 roadside and phone support. “In Australia, commercial vehicle buyers are now looking to all-electric solutions to meet their environmental mandate, and through Asiastar, we have a comprehensive range that are proven performers, which simply make financial sense,” said Bill Gillespie, Foton Mobility Distribution’s General Manager of Light Duty Vehicles. “The electric van segment is truly underserviced locally, and with the

innovations we are bringing to the market with our leading battery size, range, and eAxle configuration, we know that this will be a hit. “From a price standpoint, the cab chassis version starts at under $90,000 excluding GST, which really brings down one of the main barriers to converting to EV. “Asiastar is making big inroads in their various markets around the world, and we are working closely with the factory and our local upfitters to be able to provide off-the-shelf and tailored solutions that will cater to any application.”

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February 2024 Motor Trader | 53

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KIA PICANTO UPGRADED FOR 2024

IA’S SMALL CITY car, the Picanto, has been given an upgrade, with a new look, enhanced technology, and safety upgrades. Available in two trims - Sport and GT-Line – the Picanto is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine, mated to either a fiveKia Picanto speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic transmission, producing 62kW and 122Nm. Design wise, there’s a new headlight graphic, expanded radiator grille, and redesigned front bumper. The rear design has been slightly tweaked, with adjustments made to the rear tail lamps and bumper. On GT-Line variants, the front and rear lighting have been given the new ‘signature’ lighting design. New wheel designs have been applied to both trims, with 14-inch alloy wheels for Sport and 16-inch machine-finished diamond-cut alloy wheels for the GT-Line. Premium artificial leather now features as a standard material across the steering wheel and shift knob (manual and auto) of both trims. Additionally, GT-Line variants gain a D-cut sports steering wheel.

54 | Motor Trader February 2024

Analogue gauges have been replaced in favour of a 4.2-inch digital cluster across both models, which partners with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. GT-Line gets rear USB Type-C charging ports. The Picanto receives Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) as standard, which includes Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist; Rear CrossTraffic Collision-Avoidance Assist,Lane Follow Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist. Picanto is offered in a choice of seven exterior paint finishes, with Adventurous Green being new to the Kia colour palette.

As with all Kia models, new Picanto continues to include Kia’s 7-Year Warranty, 7-Year Capped Price Servicing, and 7-Year Roadside Assist programs.

TOYOTA UNVEILS ENHANCED GR YARIS HOT HATCH

OYOTA UNVEILED AN upgraded GR Yaris hot hatch at January’s Tokyo Auto Salon, with the new model receiving an increase in power and torque, improved cockpit design and a new eight-speed DirectShift automatic transmission. An increase in maximum engine Toyota GR Yaris outputs for the GR Yaris’ 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine sees power grow from 200kW to a peak 224kW at 6500rpm with torque also boosted by 30Nm to 400Nm from 3250-4600rpm.

VISUAL UPGRADES INSIDE AND OUT INCLUDE TILTING THE DASHBOARD AND MULTIMEDIA SCREEN TOWARDS THE DRIVER BY 15 DEGREES, WHILE SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE HAS ALSO BEEN INCREASED. . . Power continues to be deployed to all four wheels with selectable torque distribution and a new drive mode select system which adjusts the electronic power steering, air conditioning and powertrain settings depending on user preferences. Visual upgrades inside and out include tilting the dashboard and multimedia screen towards the driver by 15 degrees, while safety and convenience has been increased with additional active safety features and Toyota Connected Services added.

Toyota says further information on the new GR Yaris will be shared closer to Australian model production commencing late 2024. February 2024 Motor Trader | 55

Auto news

NEW ELECTRIC KANGOO E-TECH NOW AVAILABLE

HE NEW GENERATION of Renault’s all-electric Kangoo E-Tech van launches into Australia this month. Available initially in short wheelbase (SWB) form (with a long wheelbase (LWB) model to follow later this year), the Kangoo E-Tech comes with a 45kWh battery offering a range of up to 285km (WLTP), Kangoo E-Tech a 90kW motor delivering 245Nm that drives the front wheels, and an Eco mode that caps the vehicle's power output and top speed to help optimise range. Recharging can be done via a standard 22kW AC charger or an optional 80kW rapid-charge DC charger that Renault says can charge up to 170km (WLTP) of range in 27 minutes. The cargo bay volume for the SWB Kangoo E-Tech is 3.3 cubic metres. The LWB variant will offer 4.2 cubic metres. Equipment, safety and tech includes active safety features such as emergency brake assist, lane keep assist, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, and hill start assist. A ‘Peace of Mind’ pack can be optioned which includes blind spot intervention, driver attention alert, high beam assist, navigation, and traffic sign recognition and overspeed prevention. Inside, the cabin tech includes the Renault Easy Link multimedia system

56 | Motor Trader February 2024

with 8-inch display, three front seats with a central folding backrest that turns into a mobile office, a 4.2-inch digital instrument display, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a smartphone dock, and a 12v dashboard power outlet. As well as the Peace of Mind pack option (available for $1500), further optional packs include the Business Pack ($3,200) which features a tyre pressure monitor, adaptive cruise control, wireless smartphone charger and more; and a Trade Pack ($1,200) which delivers a timber floor lining, full-height cargo area wall lining, yard kit underbody protection, and cargo area LED lighting.

The Renault Kangoo E-Tech is priced from $61,990 and is covered by a 5yrs/100,000km warranty and 8yrs/160,000km battery warranty, plus 5-years roadside assistance. Renault says the LWB variant will be priced from $63,990.

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SUBARU CONFIRMS SPECS & PRICE FOR SOLTERRA SUV EV

UBARU’S FIRST BATTERY electric vehicle (EV), the Solterra SUV, will be available in Australia in two variants - the AWD and AWD Touring. Energy for the all-wheel drive SUV comes via a 71.4kWh battery, with the Solterra offering a maximum power output of 160kW/337Nm from its dual electric motors. Range (on NEDC testing) is 485km. Charging from 0 to 80 per cent with a 150kW DC charger will, said Subaru, take 30 minutes. A 7kW AC charger will recharge the Solterra from 0 to 100 per cent in 9.5 hours, while an 11kW threephase charge will take approximately 6.5 hours. Working with the AWD system is a Dual Mode X-Mode with New Grip Control Function - a driver-activated feature that the company said provides more grip and control on challenging surfaces or in difficult conditions. On the inside, the AWD variant gets cloth trim, while the Touring gets synthetic

58 | Motor Trader February 2024

leather. The Touring also gets a panoramic glass roof, and an Subaru Solterra 8-way power seat for the front passenger. Both variants have 8-way power seat with lumbar support for the driver. There are regeneration mode paddles, a digital rear view mirror, and dual zone climate control. Tech and safety systems include a 12.3-inch touchscreen coupled with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 7-inch digital instrument display, USB ports, and SRS airbags – dual front, dual front side, dual curtain and front seat centre. The Touring model gets some extras, including wireless phone charging, and a 10-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system. The Subaru Safety Sense system includes dynamic radar cruise control, emergency stop system, emergency steering assist, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, low-speed acceleration suppression,

MICHELIN BUYS AUSTRALIAN TYRE ONLINE RETAILER TYROOLA

ENERGY FOR THE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) SUV COMES VIA A 71.4KWH BATTERY, WITH THE SOLTERRA OFFERING A MAXIMUM POWER OUTPUT OF 160KW/337NM FROM ITS DUAL ELECTRIC MOTORS. pre-collision system, road sign assist, and speed limiter. Other features include distraction warning, drowsiness warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitor, adaptive high-beam, and more.

Pricing for the Solterra see the AWD variant available at $77,990, with the AWD Touring priced at $83,690.

MICHELIN HAS ACQUIRED Tyroola, Australia’s third-largest online tyre and fitting service provider. Tyroola will continue to operate under its existing brand, maintaining its foothold in the market, the company said, with its inventory of over 52,000 SKUs available online and offering access to over 700 fitting centres in Australia and New Zealand for tyre fittings. According to Michelin, nearly two-thirds of drivers rely on online information before making new tyre purchases - one indication of why Tyroola was a target for acquisition – and the company added a significant share of these people complete their purchase online – a trend which is expected to strengthen. “Michelin is excited that Tyroola joins the existing eRetail companies of the Michelin Group within the Business Direction for Distribution, Services & Solutions” said Lorraine Frega, Michelin Executive Vice-President of Business Line Services and Solutions. “This strategic investment broadens Michelin’s eRetail footprint. In fact, Australia represents the seventh country that we invest in after Canada, Egypt, France, Italy, South Africa and the UK.” Andrea Voss, Tyroola's CEO, added: "Tyroola has experienced strong growth since its inception in 2015. The company has sold over 650,000 tyres to more than 120,000 customers and currently accounts for 16 per cent of the Australian online tyre sales market to private individuals.” February 2024 Motor Trader | 59

New vehicle sales

AUSTRALIA BREAKS ALL-TIME NEW VEHICLE SALES RECORD IN 2023

HE AUSTRALIAN AUTOMOTIVE market achieved record sales for new vehicles in 2023. According to VFACTS data published by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), a total of 1,216,780 vehicles were delivered during the year, trumping the previous highest sales result of 1,189,116 reached in 2017. Toyota topped the charts with 215,240

Ford Ranger

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units sold - a 17.7 per cent share of the market - but the best-selling vehicle came from the Blue Oval, with the Ford Ranger atop of the podium with 63,356 units sold. However, Ford managed just third spot on the best-selling brands list. Its 87,800 sales fell behind Toyota and Mazda (which secured 100,008 sales). Behind Ford came Kia (76,120), Hyundai (75,183), Mitsubishi (63,511), MG (58,346), Tesla (46,116),

Subaru (46,114), and Isuzu Ute (45,341). Not surprisingly, SUVs and light commercials made up the bulk of the new vehicle market, accounting for 78.4 per cent of sales. The top 10 best-selling vehicles for 2023 came from this sector with the Toyota HiLux taking second spot behind the Ranger, followed by the Isuzu Ute D-Max, the Toyota RAV4, MG ZS, Tesla Model Y, Toyota Landcruiser, Mitsubishi Outlander,

TOYOTA TOPPED THE CHARTS WITH 215,240 UNITS SOLD - A 17.7 PER CENT SHARE OF THE MARKET - BUT THE BESTSELLING VEHICLE CAME FROM THE BLUE OVAL, WITH THE FORD RANGER ATOP OF THE PODIUM WITH 63,356 UNITS SOLD.

Mazda CX-5, and Hyundai Tucson. Battery electric vehicles accounted for 7.2 per cent of sales. Combined battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles achieved 196,868 sales or 16.2 per cent of new vehicle sales. Tesla’s 46,116 sales for the year was impressive. Chinese EV manufacturer BYD also made a mark with 12,438 sales. Of note on a global scale, BYD reportedly became the world’s largest EV maker at the back end of 2023 with Tesla reporting deliveries of 484,000 vehicles, and BYD 526,000. Regarding the Australian new vehicle market, FCAI Chief Executive,Tony Weber said the record-breaking figures underscored the competitive nature of Australia's automotive landscape, providing consumers with an extensive array of choices across price brackets. "This extraordinary result is a testament to the adaptability and resilience of both industry players and consumers alike. Despite the supply chain disruptions faced in recent times, consumers now have greater access to a broad range of choices, fostering increased accessibility in the market," said Mr. Weber. Motorcycle sales for 2023 did not scale the heights of the four-wheel market. FCAI figures showed a decline of 3.1 per cent over 2022, with 95,890 motorcycles and off-highway vehicles (OHV) sold over the 12 months. Off-road motorcycles totalled 40,138 units, experiencing a 3.7 per cent decrease and road motorcycles recorded a 3 per cent decline (35,122 units) on 2022 figures. Bucking the trend, scooters experienced a strong increase in sales (6,135 units), up 15.4 per cent on the previous year. OHV segment sold 14,585 units, a decrease of 7.8 per cent compared with 2022 figures. February 2024 Motor Trader | 61

New vehicle sales - January 2024

JANUARY VEHICLE SALES SET NEW BENCHMARK

HE RECORD-BREAKING NUMBERS for new vehicle sales set through 2023 has continued into 2024 with VFACTS data published by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) showing January's figures reaching 89,782 new vehicles sold. That's up 5.8 per cent on the same month last year and breaks the previous January record of 88,551 set in 2018. Sales in Queensland were up 5.4 per cent, while Western Australia increased by a whopping 25.4 per cent compared with January 2023. Figures in South Australia were up by 3.7 per cent; Victoria by 6.3 per cent and NSW by 1.2 per cent. Northern Territory recorded an increase of 11.6 per cent while sales in the ACT decreased by 7.5 per cent and were down in Tasmania by 1.1 per cent compared with the same month last year. Toyota was the market leader with sales of 17,903, followed by Mazda (8,165), Ford (6,624), Hyundai (6,162) and Mitsubishi (5,911). The Ford Ranger was Australia’s topselling vehicle with sales of 4,747, followed by the Toyota HiLux (4,092), Toyota Landcruiser (2,541), Isuzu Ute D-Max (2,541) and Toyota RAV4 (2,211). SUVs accounted for 55.5 per cent of sales while Light Commercials were 22.9 per cent. Passenger vehicles made up 18.3 per cent of sales. Electrified vehicles remained popular, with hybrids, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles making up 17.4 per cent of sales. Battery electric vehicles represented 5.4 per cent of sales. Following the Commonwealth

62 | Motor Trader February 2024

Government's announcement of its pursuit of a New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) (see pages 20-21), FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber noted that there was a challenge for the Government as it works to introduce that standard. “Industry wants an emissions standard that is ambitious without limiting the choice and increasing the cost of the vehicles Australians need and want," he said in a statment. “Even with the current incentives offered by the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments, sales of battery electric vehicles appear to have plateaued during recent months. “For more than a year, the industry has been sharing information with the Government about what is happening in the suburbs and regions around the country and the preferences and challenges facing families and businesses. “Good policy must reflect reality rather than a desktop exercise that makes assumptions about what the world can look like, and we strongly urge the Government to share its modelling with us.”

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There’s more talent out there. Visit hire.mtaq.com.au

Workplace relations

EVANGELINE KANNIS SENIOR WORKPLACE RELATIONS ADVISOR

ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS IN THE WORKPLACE THE KEY TAKEAWAYS ARE THE IMPORTANCE OF TRANSPARENCY IN THE WORKPLACE . . . AND FOR EVERYONE TO UNDERSTAND AND ABIDE BY WORKPLACE POLICIES.

RECENT UNFAIR DISMISSAL decision showed that a workplace romance can lead to dismissal. This case was about a senior employee who had denied and repeatedly failed to disclose the conflict of interest. The employee then made a claim alleging unfair dismissal which was unsuccessful. The business had started when two people established a small company in photographs had been improperly obtained August 2017, located in a small regional in the rented premises of the applicant’s community. The applicant joined them as bedroom. These showed the length of time General Manager in December 2017. In November 2020 the applicant also became a of the relationship, however they had been obtained after searching the applicant’s Director. During the first half of 2022 one of personal property without permission. the original Directors and Ms H separated. The commission found there was valid Ms H continued working for the company reason for the dismissal as the applicant as a contractor providing marketing and IT failed to disclose the relationship with services on a part-time basis. From January Ms H and / or his dishonesty in denying 2023 Ms H and the General Manager had a the relationship and its nature on several more than close friendship. occasions. And the process undertaken In March 2023, the applicant was asked to show cause for misconduct. By 11 April 2023, was found to be lawful. the applicant was issued with a termination The key takeaways are the importance letter stating it had been concluded that of transparency in the workplace, based several allegations, including allegations of fundamentally on honesty and integrity, serious misconduct, had been substantiated. and for everyone to understand and abide Their employment was terminated, and he by workplace policies. was removed as a Director. This article is of a general nature, not to be taken nor is it Interestingly, some of the evidence intended to be legal advice. For more information, attempted to be presented by the CLICK TO or advice and assistance in all workplace Respondent was denied as not VISIT THE MTAQ MEMBER relations matters, MTAQ members may call the being admissible because the PORTAL Commission found that cards and workplace relations advisors on 07 3237 8777.

64 | Motor Trader February 2024

ALWAYS LOOK FOR MTA QUEENSLAND MEMBERS Trust the Motor Trades Professional Circle.

February 2024 Motor Trader | 65

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MEMBER

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF MEMBERSHIP?

INSTANT VALUE

• Workplace Health & Safety Audit

• Workplace Relations Consultation • Insurance Review

• EFTPOS Comparison • Energy Audit

EVENTS & PROGRAMS • Golf Day

• Auto Women

• Carmageddon

• Industry Awards Gala

BESPOKE MEMBERSHIP FEE

SKILLS EXTENSION & TRAINING

• MTA Institute (RTO31529) provides leading industry training • Online industry courses • Webinars

UNLIMITED WORKPLACE SUPPORT SERVICES

INDUSTRY REPRESENTATION TO GOVERNMENT

MTA Institute News

MARCELLO RIOTTO DIRECTOR, MTA INSTITUTE

ND IN THE blink of an eye, we say goodbye to 2023! While 2023 flew by, we saw a material increase in both the volume and variety of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) come to market, making the new BEV apprenticeship more relevant than ever. While the apprenticeship is aimed predominantly at new starters, there are many options to get existing automotive workers upskilled in both hybrid and battery electric vehicle servicing, repairs and diagnostics. As a reminder there are the following EV training products available right now: • MTAQ’s Electric Vehicle Safety micro-credentials. Heavily subsidised by the state government ( free for QLD apprentices and trainees) these microcredentials are at an introductory level but are a critical pathway enabling industry to safely work on BEV and HEV’s • A more in-depth training option is the accredited Depower and Reinitialise unit which can be delivered in your workplaces throughout QLD, or at MTA Queensland/Institute. This course is designed to upskill automotive technicians with the skills and knowledge to safely depower and reinitialise BEVs, HEVs and PHEVs. It involves ensuring

the vehicles’ high-voltage rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) is isolated before commencing any service or repair work and calibrating vehicle systems that may need resetting once the energy storage system is reinitialised. • Finally, designed for qualified automotive technicians, is the BEV and HEV Inspection and Servicing Skill Set delivered in Brisbane. Also partially subsidised by the state government, this course covers the fundamental requirements for inspecting and servicing battery electric vehicle (BEV) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) systems and components.

For more details, please contact us directly on (07) 3237 8777 or check the website links above. On another note, I’m excited for 2024 as it sees the MTA Institute consolidate on its expanded trainer capacity. With several new trainers located throughout QLD, we anticipate longer and more frequent training visits which will undoubtably assist with the current skill shortages we are experiencing. That’s it for now, catch you next month. February 2024 Motor Trader | 67

MTA INSTITUTE TRAINERS GATHER FOR END-OFYEAR CONFERENCE

N DECEMBER, THE MTA Institute held the second of its bi-annual trainers’ conferences, bringing many of its more than 30 trainers from across Queensland for a three-day educational gathering at its Brisbane head office. The first conference of 2023, held in July, focused on areas such as administrative and regulatory aspects of the training role. The December conference, meanwhile, focused on the technical and practical aspects of training. Together, the two are designed to keep the MTA Institute training team up to date with the latest in training delivery and ideas, technical developments and industry requirements. “They both serve the same purpose, of offering trainer Professional Development or PD,” said Marcello Riotto, Director of the MTA Institute. “PD is split into two specific categories. One category is technical PD, while the other is teaching PD. As the name indicates, technical PD centres on ensuring our trainers are up to date with the latest emerging technology such as ADAS and electric vehicles, to

68 | Motor Trader February 2024

“THE MTA INSTITUTE DELIVERS TRAINING TO EVERY CORNER OF QUEENSLAND SO MANY OF THE TRAINERS ... WORK IN REGIONAL AREAS AND DON’T OFTEN GET THE CHANCE TO MEET UP. THESE CONFERENCES ARE A GREAT WAY TO LEARN, UPSKILL AND RECONNECT.” name just a couple. Technical PD also includes upskilling trainers in multiple qualifications - for example, auto electrical trainers are upskilled into a light vehicle qualification giving them dual trades. “The teaching PD category really focuses on developing our trainers to be the best educators they can be,” added Marcello. “This includes providing contemporary delivery and assessment strategies, supporting them with delivery to diverse student cohorts and of course, peer-2-peer interchange of information and moderation.” December’s three-day conference had

a packed agenda, with activities ranging across a number of technical categories. Amongst these were theoretical and practical workshops on non-intrusive diagnostics, including on thermal imaging and digital multimeters and pressure analysis; as well as updates on Can-bus systems, and developments from Caro-liner and Axalta. Workshops on trade recognition and apprenticeship training delivery were also held. “The trainer conferences are very important,” said Marcello. “Bringing our

trainers together for these workshops and sessions means they get the opportunity not only to keep their skills and knowledge sharp and relevant to what industry needs, it also enables them to meet up as a group, network and share experiences. The MTA Institute delivers training to every corner of Queensland so many of the trainers, with tremendous support from the head office team, work in regional areas and don’t often get the chance to meet up. These conferences are a great way to learn, upskill and reconnect.”

February 2024 Motor Trader | 69

TRAINER OF THE YEAR 2023 December’s trainers’ conference is the event at which the MTA Institute presents its Trainer of the Year award. In what is always a very tight race the recipient of the 2023 award was Gareth Hartley, with Patrick Cranitch, David Twidale, and Brett Baker named in runners-up spots. Based in Mackay, Gareth delivers training to 80 apprentices in a region that stretches from Mackay to Bowen and west to Moranbah. His knowledge and skills enable him to train apprentices across a wide range of disciplines Automotive Electrical, Heavy Commercial 2023 Trainer of the Year, Gareth Hartley Mechanical, Light Vehicle Mechanical, Mobile Plant, Agricultural Mechanical and Automotive Sales – and he said he was extremely pleased to have been recognised with the award. “I was surprised,” he said. “It was only my second year with the Institute, and I thought I was just staying under the radar doing the training to ensure my students and their employers received the best Turning apprenticeship before immediately possible training I could deliver. My family going on to train in automotive electrical and friends were as proud of this as I am. on heavy commercial and light vehicles. It was a great surprise for Christmas!” Joining the NZ police force would see him Gareth’s varied and interesting career undertake specialist training to qualify as journey to the MTA Institute began in a forensic crash investigator, at which time the early 1990s in New Zealand, where he also ran his own auto electrical business. A deployment to the Solomon Islands he started by completing a Fitting and

“THE SATISFACTION FOR ME IS SEEING THE IMPROVEMENT THAT STUDENTS CAN MAKE WHEN GUIDED AND MENTORED CORRECTLY.”

AS WELL AS the MTA Institute Trainer of the Year award, other awards were presented to members of the MTA Queensland staff who delivered outstanding service to the Association and members through the year. Administration officer Alison Shonrock received the Individual Contributor award; Projects Coordinator Tegan Crossman received a Service Excellence Award, as did Technical Trainer Andrew Elson. 70 | Motor Trader February 2024

Alison Shonrock received the Individual Contributor award

2023 Trainer of the Year Runner-up, Patrick Cranitch with MTA Queensland CEO Rod Camm

2023 Trainer of the Year Runner-up, David Twidale

with NZ police would see him work with the Police Maritime Unit, using his skills to repair and maintain boats to Australian Maritime Safety Authority specifications. Moving to Mackay, Gareth joined the team at Mackay Toyota before moving on to work in the mining sector in the Bowen Basin as a field auto electrician and crew supervisor. He would join the MTA Institute as a trainer in 2021. Training and helping others to develop their skills has been a part of Gareth’s career for many years and there is, he said, an immense amount of satisfaction in seeing raw, enthusiastic students - including those who have personal challenges to tackle develop into accomplished technicians. The MTA Institute’s training delivery model of working with apprentices oneon-one in their workplace is, he added, particularly effective.

Tegan Crossman received a Service Excellence Award

“The satisfaction for me is seeing the improvement that students can make when guided and mentored correctly,” he said. “I currently have a number of students that have learning difficulties and had they been in a classroom environment they would not have been able to progress their training. Working one-on-one with them, and adapting to their individual needs, means we can progress them and see them qualify in their respective trades.” With the automotive industry currently going through massive technological change, Gareth said there was tremendous opportunity for those interested in the industry to enjoy an exciting and challenging career. “In just the last few years we have seen massive change with electric and hybrid vehicles, and hydrogen is in the mix as well,” he said. “This means that the line between mechanic and auto electrician is now blurred. One cannot be done without the other. And do not think that due to a disability, it is impossible to get into the automotive trades. My advice is to give Andrew Elson received a Service Excellence Award it a go and enjoy the challenges.” February 2024 Motor Trader | 71

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR MTA QUEENSLAND'S VET TRAINER SCHOLARSHIP

Image: Shutterstock.com/Juice Verve

HE MOTOR TRADES Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) is excited to announce that applications for its VET Trainer Scholarship are now open! Launched back in 2021 to help address the industry’s skill shortage, the VET Trainer Scholarship provides two ambitious technicians the opportunity to undertake a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122), valued at over $3,000. Designed to teach the skills and knowledge required to deliver training in the vocational education and training (VET) sector, participants will learn skills in designing, conducting, and assessing, while also receiving knowledge on how to facilitate and evaluate the impacts of various learning programs. Each round, one female and one male candidate will have the chance to undertake the highly sought-after course and take the next step in their career. apprenticeship experience in any of the MTA Group CEO Rod Camm said, following automotive areas – Light Vehicle, “MTA Queensland is extremely proud Heavy Vehicle, Auto Electrical, Motorcycle, to continue offering our VET Trainer Mobile Plant, Agricultural, Parts scholarship program in 2024. These Interpreting, Outdoor Power Equipment, scholarships provide a fantastic Automotive Body Repair & Refinishing, opportunity for industry professionals to and Underbody. grow their knowledge and skillset.” • Applications will close C.O.B 29 February 2023. To The scholarship is open to all check eligibility criteria, and to nominate for the Queensland-based, trade-qualified CLICK TO scholarship, click HERE. FIND OUT automotive professionals who MORE possess at least 5-years post-

“THESE SCHOLARSHIPS PROVIDE A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY FOR INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS TO GROW THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLSET.”

72 | Motor Trader February 2024

NEED HELP FINDING STAFF? Talk to MTA Queensland today! INDUSTRY WORKFORCE ADVISOR Providing tailored solutions to small and medium employers; helping to address challenges, diversify their workforce, and support productivity growth.

OPENING DOORS TO THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY Attracting staff from non-traditional cohorts and supporting them into entry-level positions in the automotive industry.

TRANSIT LANE - AUTOMOTIVE SCHOOL TO WORK PROGRAM Connecting young Queenslanders with employers into school-based apprenticeships and connecting with students/parents/schools to promote the automotive industry as an exciting career path.

These programs are proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.

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(07) 3237 8777 iwa@mtaq.com.au mtaq.com.au/workforce-solutions

MTAQ MEMBER SIGNAGE MTA Queensland has developed a series of posters that can be downloaded free of charge for members only. These are signs commonly asked for, and used, in workshops. R E PA I R N OT I C E

R E PA I R N OT I C E

WARNING

RIGHT TO RETAIN

QUALIFIED/TRAINED TECHNICIAN

No admittance into the workshop – Staff Only.

We reserve the right to retain your vehicle until payment is made in full.

A LWAY S C H O O S E A N M TA Q U E E N S L A N D MEMBER

This automotive business guarantees only qualified and trained technicians will be working on your vehicle. A LWAY S C H O O S E A N M TA Q U E E N S L A N D MEMBER

R E PA I R N OT I C E

CUSTOMERS RIGHT TO CHOOSE A REPAIRER

CUSTOMER SUPPLIED PARTS

Please note that you, as a consumer, have the legal right to choose who repairs your vehicle.

This automotive business will not install customer supplied parts because it cannot warrant or guarantee the quality, fitment and/ or the intended outcome of fitting these parts.

Independent repairers can complete log book servicing on your vehicle, even while it is under the warranty period, without affecting the manufacturer’s warranty. A LWAY S C H O O S E A N M TA Q U E E N S L A N D MEMBER

This business is willing and able to diagnose and assess the vehicle’s problem and supply you with competitively priced, high quality parts in order to fix your vehicle. This will ensure you are provided with all of the warranties and guarantees in accordance with the Australian Consumer Law. A LWAY S C H O O S E A N M TA Q U E E N S L A N D MEMBER

CLICK HERE TO SIGN-IN OR REGISTER FOR ACCESS TO MEMBER SIGNAGE

A LWAY S C H O O S E A N M TA Q U E E N S L A N D MEMBER

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We hope to build a library of commonly needed signs, so please contact info@mtaq.com.au if you have suggestions.

FINDING IT HARD TO RETAIN WORKERS? HERE’S A FEW TIPS THAT MIGHT HELP

BRAD FLANAGAN DIRECTOR INDUSTRY INITIATIVES

ETAINING STAFF IN the current labour market can be very difficult. In an environment of low unemployment, workers can shift quickly, especially if they are unhappy about something. Creating a positive work environment and culture is important when you want to keep good people. It doesn’t always have to be about paying salaries way over the odds to keep good staff, many people will stay if they can see there is a bright and positive future in your business. Offering a supportive workplace free from bullying and harassment will help you to keep good people. Offering training and development opportunities and offering opportunities to attend things like trade events can also help. Identifying to key staff career pathways can help them as they will see they are not in a dead-end job. Also, introducing incentives such as flexible work arrangements, 9-day fortnights, and bonuses can help you retain key people.

The way to get started can be simple. You probably already have most of the information you need, but if you don’t, sit down with your workers and find out a bit more about them, what motivates them, and what their aspirations are. If you know a bit more about them personally it will help you to build a plan to keep them. This could be done through the development of a personal development plan which identifies future training and professional development opportunities. You could also look at introducing the workplace flexibility they might need to help them better manage their workfamily life balance. If you can come to an agreement around introducing some better and flexible working arrangements, it might sway them to not look for the extra dollars and stay in your business. If you want more information on retention strategies, contact the Industry Workforce Advisor at MTA Queensland. • The Industry Workforce Advisor program is funded by the Queensland Government as part of the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032.

IT DOESN’T ALWAYS HAVE TO BE ABOUT PAYING SALARIES WAY OVER THE ODDS TO KEEP GOOD STAFF, MANY PEOPLE WILL STAY IF THEY CAN SEE THERE IS A BRIGHT AND POSITIVE FUTURE IN YOUR BUSINESS.

February 2024 Motor Trader | 75

Apprentice of the Month: December 2023 The MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month is proudly sponsored by Spirit Super

APPRENTICE: CONNOR MCMAHON WORKPLACE: C2C MINE MAINTENANCE APPRENTICESHIP: HEAVY COMMERCIAL VEHICLE

ONNOR MCMAHON IS the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for December 2023. Currently working for C2C Mine Maintenance in Mackay, 17-year-old Connor is in the third year of training provider to the MTA Institute and trainer Gareth Hartley. his heavy commercial vehicle apprenticeship and has drawn praise “I moved to C2C really because there were more opportunities from his employer and MTA Institute trainer for his strong work to work on a wider range of equipment. I thought it would be ethic, developing skills and enthusiasm for the job. beneficial,” said Connor. “When I moved over to C2C I also switched “He consistently goes above and beyond, showcasing the over to the MTA Institute and Gareth has been my trainer since then. qualities that embody an outstanding apprentice,” said C2C “And the training with Gareth has been really great. It’s Director Robert Bryan in nominating Connor for the Apprentice of practical, hands on, and because it is just me and him in the the Month award. “He shows a level of mechanical knowledge and workshop, it is like doing tutoring at school – it’s much better maturity usually found at tradesman level.” one-on-one than it is with a whole group of people. It’s way easier At C2C Mine Maintenance - which is part of a group that and I’d definitely recommend it.” includes C2C Site Services and C2C Hire and Haulage – Connor Like every other sector of the automotive industry – in fact, any works as part of a team that repairs and maintains a wide range of industry in which powered machinery is used – electrification is equipment, machinery and vehicles used on mine sites, including something that those working within mining, or mining-related cars, trucks, diggers, and generators. As a third-year apprentice, sectors, should consider as being part of their future. he is able to work on just about any job that comes into the shop, While it may take time for such technology to make big inroads and he enjoys the work immensely. into the mining sector generally, C2C Mine Maintenance has seen Connor caught the automotive mechanical bug when still at some electrified vehicles come through the shop and Connor is school, when work experience at another automotive business in mindful that some training may be required down the track. Mackay exposed him to the workshop environment. “While we do mine work, we do work on ordinary cars too and “I had thought about being a boilermaker or something like we have seen some hybrids come in,” he said. “I do think about that, but when I did the work experience, I realised that was what I doing the training on them at some point – in the coming years they wanted to do,” said Connor. “I didn’t necessarily think I would work will become more common. So, yes, I will consider the training.” in a mine-related industry either, but there’s a lot of that around Having electric vehicle skills will, of course, be very useful, here, so that sort of just happened. But it has been great. especially as Connor, even at 17, has a pretty clear idea of “Initially, my work experience was for two weeks. what direction he wants his career to take. CLICK TO Then I did more over the holidays, then one day a “I don’t have a plan, but I do know I’d like to run VISIT THE C2C SITE SERVICES week for a while, and then took on the apprenticeship my own business and work for myself one day,” he WEBSITE – I think that was after I had finished Grade 10.” said. “And I’d like to earn plenty of money and A little over a year ago, Connor moved to work at maybe retire to Hawaii!” C2C and, at the same time, change his apprenticeship That sounds like a pretty good career goal to us.

76 | Motor Trader February 2024

BUILD YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF HYBRID AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY.

Online courses available from MTA Queensland

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CLICK TO ENROL

Apprentice of the Month: January 2024 The MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month is proudly sponsored by Spirit Super

You pick things up pretty quick when all sorts of work comes through the shop.” Chelsea said she enjoys every aspect of the job and feels plenty of pride in seeing a job done well and customers happy. “I love what I do, and I get a lot of satisfaction seeing something that has in come broken turned around and sent out in good shape. It is very rewarding.” HELSEA WADDINGTON Having done all her training with the IS the MTA Institute MTA Institute, Chelsea said that the Institute’s Apprentice of the method of delivering that training – learning Month for January 2024. with a trainer one-on-one in the student’s The 20-year-old has just workplace – was one that worked very well completed her light vehicle for her. She added that even though she is apprenticeship and is now a qualified tech working at Doyle’s qualified, the electrification of the industry meant there will be Garage in Gympie – an independent workshop offering more training for her in the near future. maintenance and repair services on a wide range of makes and “I think doing the courses will be rewarding because electric models of cars, trucks, 4WDs, and trailers. vehicles will be a part of the industry and I want to understand According to her employer, Chelsea has shown ‘. . . an them fully,” she said. “They are certainly a cool bit of machinery, outstanding work ethic and high attention to detail’ throughout and I will do the training to be able to work on them. I don’t really her apprenticeship and is someone who ‘. . . has a very bright and have a choice! It’s the way things are going, and you’ve got to promising future ahead of her in the industry.’ keep up with things. So I am keen to do it and I have spoken with Chelsea knew early on that she wanted to pursue a career my trainer Terry, who has already pointed me in the direction in the automotive industry, finding that passion thanks to the for training.” support and encouragement of family and friends. While it is still unusual to see women on the tools in a “Our neighbour at the time owned a mechanic shop in town workshop, Chelsea said she received total support in her and I did some work experience there on school holidays and quest to join the industry. so on,” said Chelsea. “He would throw me into the deep end a “Everywhere I have been has been great,” she said. “Even bit, showed me what it was like and didn’t just let me sit back customers make comments about how awesome it is to see a and watch. That was really good and really got me interested in female mechanic. That is a good feeling, especially coming from pursuing it as a career. the older generation who might once have frowned upon it. The “When I was 16, I started my school-based apprenticeship and industry has been great to get into. then went full time quite quickly,” she added. “I was doing one day “I would certainly recommend to others. Do work experience a week, then went to two days a week, and I left school after Grade first, so you get a feel of what it is like, and then 100 per cent go 10 to go full time.” for that career!” Beginning her apprenticeship with another shop in Gympie, Of her own career, Chelsea said running her own business Chelsea would move to Doyle’s Garage in 2022 to complete her might be one path she may take, but learning more and training and to get more experience on the wide range of getting more experience was the way forward for now. CLICK jobs the business has running through the workshop. “The future means training for EVs, perhaps TO VISIT THE “We work on just about every make and model becoming a workshop manager and maybe starting DOYLE’S GARAGE WEBSITE my own business one day,” she said. “But for now, and do just about everything - servicing, suspension I am happy building up my skills and maybe helping upgrades, clutches, cylinder heads - anything you to train and mentor others.” can think of I have done or at least learned how to do.

APPRENTICE: CHELSEA WADDINGTON WORKPLACE: DOYLE’S GARAGE APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE MECHANICAL

78 | Motor Trader February 2024

N OM IN AT E FOR T HE MTA INS TIT U TE APP R E N TIC E O F T HE MONT H AWARD • Are yo u em p loyi ng a n a p p re nti ce wh o is excelling i n th e wor kp l a ce? • Do yo u have a hi g h- a chi ev i n g ap p rent ice co lle a g u e? • Are they t rainin g wi th MTA Ins ti tu te? If th e ans wer is ‘ye s ’, the n nom i nate th e m fo r t he M TA In s ti tute Ap p re nti ce of th e Mo nt h Awa rd.

C L I CK H E R E FO R M O R E I N FO R M AT IO N

MTA Institute Graduates

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MTA INSTITUTE’S LATEST GRADUATES THE MTA INSTITUTE is the largest independent provider of automotive apprenticeships and training in Queensland and it is always a proud moment when its

APPRENTICE

Robert Weatherby Shannon Manson James Azzopardi Jack Fischer Kyle Strowe Curtis Williams Aaron O'Neill Toby Burns Oliver Kemp Jamie Galea Benjamin Fraser Nathan Faggotter Maxwell Te Rito Myles Gelling Danielle Simpson Duncan Munday Travis Hutchison Joshua De Maria Daniel Byrnes Crystal Power Issara Ketkul Jai Kennedy Jake Jorgensen Corey Baulch Trysten Trajkovic Riley Barletta Aiden Ryan Bailey Smith Christopher Field Patrick Turvey Casey Brunner Chelsea Waddington Brett Modra Daniel Haskins Alexander Hubner John Ric Austria

80 | Motor Trader February 2024

QUALIFICATION

students complete their trade qualification. Congratulations to everyone who was issued a qualification in December 2023/ January 2024. It's a fantastic achievement!

Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

TRAINER

Frank Crause Steven Cameron Antony Joslin Steven Cameron Derrick Pratt Roger West Andrew Elson Antony Joslin Gareth Hartley Gareth Hartley Michael De Waard Andrew Keys Jeff Mann Damien O'Connor Jason McCann Jason McCann Terry Palfrey Antony Joslin Derrick Pratt James Dixon Derrick Pratt Jens Puder Derrick Pratt James Dixon Derrick Pratt Dennis Shaw Stuart Davies Roger West Ross Wilson Andrew Elson David Twidale Terry Palfrey Colin Crichton Steven Cameron Scott Buckley Steven Cameron

APPRENTICE

Lewis Blair Brady Ryan Donald Chisholm Kyahn Paten Thomas Hollington Jai Te Maari Nixon Jayden Thorburn Chelsea Wilkinson Joshua Shields Liam Mawditt Lucas Giacoboni Lane Whalan Maxwell Morgan Ashley Ross Leah Boyd Kieran Benson Adam Young Kai Turnbull Samuel Harper Callum Walters Reese Thornton Jack Malas Declan Jenkinson Shawn Ponturo Jake Newton Shaun Marsh Jack Oliver Brodie Scott Finn Polman Andre Bisak Mark Dawson Devin Cahill Luke Sanders Christopher Yiakoumi Patrick Buckley Jordan Pearce Danny Stratford Jason Smith Mason Hartwell Xavier McLellan Danny Wood Kaleb Ryan Levi Kennedy Alexander Burnett Sandy Harris Damian Cladingboel Kayecee Patterson

QUALIFICATION

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting) Certificate III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting) Certificate III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting) Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology (Mobile Plant Equipment) Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology (Mobile Plant Equipment) Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology (Mobile Plant Equipment) Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology

TRAINER

Steven Cameron Colin Crichton Scott Buckley James Dixon Stephen Baker Don Lerm Stephen Blaauw Don Lerm Keith Minchin Keith Minchin Kevin Ryan Damien O'Connor Ross Wilson Terry Palfrey Andrew Elson Terry Palfrey Neville Donaldson Steve Adams Steve Adams Sol Layland Terry Palfrey Damien O'Connor Sol Layland Steve Adams Steve Adams Steve Adams Steve Adams Steve Adams Steve Adams Jeff Mann Andrew Keys Andrew Keys Andrew Keys Alfio Rotolone Brett Baker Brett Baker Shane Palmer Shane Palmer Keiran Charters Brett Baker Brett Baker Brett Baker Brett Baker Shane Palmer Brett Baker Shane Palmer Alfio Rotolone

February 2024 Motor Trader | 81

MTA Queensland New Members

MTA QUEENSLAND WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS

BUSINESS NAME

ADDRESS

BUSINESS NAME

ADDRESS

Australian Motorcycle Museum

6/22 Allgas St Slacks Creek Qld 4127

Lower Cost Cars

3432 Pacific Hwy Springwood Qld 4127

Auto Solutions 2 U

2/23 Lathe Street Virginia Qld 4014

Mathew Kates

101 William Pde Pimpama Qld 4209

B&R Mobile Mechanical

14 Carrie Street Zillmere Qld 4034

Milne Bros Equipment

324 Campbell Street Rockhampton Qld 4700

Balyan’s Car Care

40 Nariel Street Albion Qld 4010

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52 Queens Rd Woodridge Qld 4114

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60 Brisbane St Beaudesert Qld 4285

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123 Olympic Circuit Southport Qld 4215

Ozwide Engine Parts

14 Turill St Shailer Park Qld 4128

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22 Sowden Street Drayton Qld 4350

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485 Bli Bli Road Bli Bli Qld 4560

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21 Alfred St Tannum Sands Qld 4680

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60 Emerald Dr Helensvale Qld 4212

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4/7 Curban St Underwood Qld 4119

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Southport Nerang Road Olsen Ave Ashmore Qld 4214

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Gray’s Mechanical

176 English Street Manunda Qld 4870

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21 Civil Rd Garbutt Qld 4814

Hail Smart Pty Ltd

Unit 3/78 Spencer Road Nerang Qld 4211

Tweed Valley Auto Electrics

701 Quarry Rd Murwillumbah Nsw 2484

J P Autobody

1/8 Miller St Slacks Creek Qld 4127

Tyre Select

797 Boundary Rd Coopers Plains Qld 4108

James Kassolos

5 Doris Street Kuraby Qld 4112

Ultimate Fleet Maintenance

7 Hendricks St Hemmant Qld 4174

K & K Brothers Autocare

3/9 Timms Crt Woodridge Qld 4114

Ultra Tune

576 Progress Rd Wacol Qld 4076

Kamson Mechanical Services

40-46 Rochester Drive Mount Warren Park Qld 4207

Vartan Auto Performance

16 Edgworth Place Helensvale Qld 4212

Key Motor Mechanic Services

6/16 Dulacca St Acacia Ridge Qld 4110

Zapps Auto Electrical

154 Mosely Road Atherton Qld 4883

Koncept Automotive Services

8 Ribwort Crt Shailer Park Qld 4128

82 | Motor Trader February 2024

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Concept car

HONDA REVEALS 0 Honda 0 Series Saloon

84 | Motor Trader February 2024

SERIES CONCEPTS 2

026 SHOULD BE an interesting year for Honda. The Japanese carmaker revealed a pair of concepts at the CES Show that previews a range of electric vehicles (EV) it aims to launch two years from now.

THE TWO CONCEPTS SHOWN AT CES WERE THE SALOON, THE FLAGSHIP MODEL OF THE 0 SERIES WHICH APPEARS SLEEK AND SPORTY AND BOASTS A PAIR OF GULLWING DOORS, AND THE SPACE HUB, A MORE PEOPLEMOVER-SHAPED VEHICLE OFFERING A SPACIOUS, FLEXIBLE CABIN SPACE.

VIDEO: HONDA 0 SERIES SALOON CONCEPT

Called the ‘Honda 0 Series’, the range of EVs will be built from scratch, with the company saying that the name of the series – ‘zero’ – highlights its determination to develop EVs by ‘going back to the starting point of Honda as an automaker and creating completely new EVs from ‘zero’.’ The two concepts shown at CES were the Saloon, the flagship model of the 0 Series which appears sleek and sporty and boasts

February 2024 Motor Trader | 85

Honda 0 Series Space Hub a pair of gullwing doors, and the Space Hub, a more people-mover-shaped vehicle offering a spacious, flexible cabin space. Details of drivetrains, batteries, power, performance and so on are few, but Honda does say the 0 Series vehicles will feature a dedicated EV architecture, feature e-axles and high-density battery packs, offer fastcharging capability, have comprehensive ADAS and connected technologies, and an automated driving system. Cabin technology looks to include full-width digital screen tech, retractable steering yokes, and the use of sustainable materials for the trim.

VIDEO: HONDA O SERIES SPACE HUB CONCEPT

As well as the reveal of the two concept vehicles, Honda also unveiled a new H mark logo design – one without the current border - that its next-generation EVs will carry .

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