Motor Trader e-magazine, July 2024

HYBRID HEAVYWEIGHT

BENTLEY UNLEASHES THE HYBRID CONTINENTAL GT SPEED

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF MTA QUEENSLAND? CLICK HERE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND

MTA QUEENSLAND

INDUSTRY MEETINGS

MTA QUEENSLAND hosts quarterly industry meetings for:

› AUSTRALIAN AUTOMOTIVE DEALER ASSOCIATION (NEW CAR DEALERS)

› AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS DIVISION (MECHANICAL REPAIRERS)

› AUTOMOTIVE PARTS RECYCLERS DIVISION (PARTS RECYCLERS)

› USED CAR DIVISION (USED CAR DEALERS)

› ENGINE RECONDITIONERS ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND (ENGINE RECONDITIONERS)

› NATIONAL AUTO COLLISION ALLIANCE (PAINT & PANEL / TOW TRUCKS)

› QUEENSLAND FARM & INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DEALERS DIVISION (FARM & INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY)

› QUEENSLAND MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY DIVISION (MOTORCYCLES)

› RENTAL VEHICLE INDUSTRY DIVISION (RENTAL VEHICLES)

› SERVICE STATION & CONVENIENCE STORE ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND (SERVICE STATIONS)

› TYRE & UNDERCAR DIVISION OF QUEENSLAND (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 industry 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.

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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

Email: publications@mtaq.com.au

Website: www.mtaq.com.au

EDITOR

Jonathan Nash

ART DIRECTOR

Marco Ilinic

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

Evangeline Kannis

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

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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

CORPORATE PARTNERS

From the Editor

JONATHAN NASH EDITOR

HELLO AND WELCOME

to the July edition of Motor Trader.

In our current, digital age, it seems perfectly possible that you could control pretty much every aspect of life through the screen of a computer/smartphone/ tablet.

Buying groceries? Easy. Got some banking to do? Couldn't be simpler. Want to book a flight, holiday, eye test, car service, tyre change? No problem. Learning or developing skills can be done online too - indeed MTA Queensland offers a range of of micro-credential courses that can be completed this way. There's no doubt that the ability to do all these things has made life easier. However, in some cases, there really is no substitute to physically getting into the same room with someone to meet, to talk, and to network, to develop closer relationships. With that in mind, MTA Queensland has been holding and participating in many

regional meetings, expos and shows across the state, and in June went a step farther with its inaugural Chairman's Trackside Breakfast, held in a corporate suite overlooking pit lane at the NTI Townsville 500 Supercars event.

You can read more about that event inside this edition of Motor Trader but, in short, more than 80 members from across the region came along to enjoy the event and meet MTA Queensland's CEO, Rod Camm; its Chairman, Paul Peterson; and other executives and representatives. Equally, it was a tremendous opportunity for MTA Queensland to engage with members away from the often very busy environments of their workshops and businesses.

The Townsville Trackside Breakfast may have been the first such event arranged by the Association, but it will not be the last. Such regional visits and events will be a much more regular part of the calendar and I encourage members to keep an eye out for when and where they are being held via MTA Queensland's website, social media channels, weekly newsletter and this publication.

I hope you enjoy this month's edition, and if you have any news to share, please contact me.

Cheers Jonathan Nash, Editor jonathann@mtaq.com.au

Search for MTA Queensland

MTAQ AND QLD POLICE PARTNER ON ELECTRIC VEHICLE SAFETY TRAINING

CONCEPT CORNER: BMW CONCEPT SKYTOP

MTA Q&A: GOLD COAST CAMPERVANS

JAYDEN GRAY’S 1968 CHEVROLET CAMARO

From the Desk of Management

ROD CAMM

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

IWOULD LIKE TO start

my column by thanking our members for their tremendous support over the last 12 months. It is with your guidance and backing that we have been able to push for positive advocacy change on topics including the Electrical Safety Act, the National Vehicle Efficiency Standard, and the Inquiry into Scrap Metal Theft, and I look forward to working closely with you all over the next 12 months!

You may have seen in the news over the last week that MTA Queensland has been pushing strongly on the topic of fraudulent roadworthy certificates being issued by dodgy online marketplaces.

IT IS WITH YOUR GUIDANCE AND BACKING THAT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PUSH FOR POSITIVE ADVOCACY CHANGE ON TOPICS INCLUDING THE ELECTRICAL SAFETY ACT, THE NATIONAL VEHICLE EFFICIENCY STANDARD, AND THE INQUIRY INTO SCRAP METAL THEFT . . .

Unfortunately, we are receiving more feedback from members who have been targeted through this practice, where criminals have impersonated legitimate Approved Inspection Stations (AIS) on roadworthy certificate documentation in an attempt to pass them off as legitimate. MTA Queensland has worked tirelessly to advocate for reform of the AIS scheme for some time now to address the issue of dodgy ‘phoneworthies’. Not only does this illegal practice jeopardise the safety of Queensland road users every day, but it is undermining reputable, quality member businesses that have worked incredibly hard to build their reputation in their communities. Urgent regulation overhaul is required and MTA Queensland will continue to shine light on this issue and advocate for stricter regulation and penalties for all involved on behalf of our members.

KELLIE DEWAR DEPUTY CEO | GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES

WELCOME TO THE new financial year! Hopefully everyone has had a chance to recollect after another busy EOFY period before preparing for the financial year ahead.

With the calendar ticking over to 1 July, members must be aware of several key industrial relations changes now in effect.

From the first full pay period on or after 1 July, the National Adult Minimum Wage and minimum award wage increases apply. MTA Queensland’s expert Industrial Relations team has developed the 2024 Award Wages Guides for all major modern awards used in the automotive industry, to assist members in ensuring they are paying the correct wages. Members can download the new Guides in the Member Portal HERE.

MTA QUEENSLAND’S EXPERT INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS TEAM HAS DEVELOPED THE 2024 AWARD WAGES GUIDES FOR ALL MAJOR MODERN AWARDS USED IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY . . .

The employer superannuation guarantee has also increased from 11 per cent to 11.5 per cent, while an updated Fair Work Information Statement has been released by the Fair Work Ombudsman in light of the recent Closing Loopholes legislation. If you need any assistance accessing information about these topics, please get in touch with our Workplace Relations team on (07) 3237 8777 and they will be more than happy to provide advice.

In other news, we have extended the nomination period for the 2024 MTA Queensland Industry Awards to support businesses in preparing nominations during this busy period. I am absolutely delighted to see members from right across the state get involved already, and I encourage all members to nominate, as there is an award category for everyone! To nominate your business or employee, click HERE. Nominations close Wednesday, 31st July 2024.

You could save on merchant fees^.

With Commonwealth Bank, MTAQ members can take advantage of preferential rates on credit and debit card merchant fees. Whether you’re a small or large business, the savings you could be making in merchant fees could be invested in other areas of your business, like purchasing equipment, employing staff or online marketing.

How much could you save?

When comparing credit and debit card merchant fee charges for MTAQ members versus non-members, the savings can be surprising. We have reviewed our merchant base^ for the industry and found that on average, members processing less than $500000 could save up to 23%.^

We can easily create a customised comparison for your business, by simply providing us your Merchant statement for one whole month.

With Commonwealth Bank, MTAQ can also take advantage of our latest technology with either an Essential Lite or Essential Plus device, no contracts and 24/7 support.

Here for you, for however you do business.

To find out how much you could save with Commonwealth Bank, contact MTAQ on 07 3237 8777 or email info@mtaq.com.au and they'll put you in touch with a Commonwealth Bank Relationship Manager.

MTA |Q&A

Social media is awash these days with content created by those enjoying the ‘van life’ – people travelling the country in campervans ingeniously fitted with all manner of features to ensure comfort and convenience. Jack Watt is the owner of Gold Coast Campervans, an award-winning business manufacturing these vehicles, taking the bare bones of a van and converting them to small homes on wheels. Motor Trader caught up with Jack at his workshop to find out just what is involved in building a successful business in this growing market.

Jack Watt, owner of Gold Coast Campervans

WHAT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?

JW: We predominantly work on custom van conversions. We work with clients that have hopes and dreams and try to make them come alive. That's the main part of the business. We also do a lot of stock vehicles. We have five layouts and customers who want a campervan but have no idea how to design one can choose one of those.

Within the last eight months we've also gone into sales of parts to the van-life community. Those range from air cons, batteries, solar equipment and so on, and we ship across Australia. That is a new avenue for us, and it is going great.

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND IN THE INDUSTRY AND HOW DID YOU COME TO ESTABLISH GOLD COAST CAMPERVANS?

JW: I actually wanted to be an electrician. My surname is Watt and there are a lot of electricians in my family! I was going to move to Cairns to do an electrical

“WE PREDOMINANTLY WORK ON CUSTOM VAN CONVERSIONS. WE WORK WITH CLIENTS THAT HAVE HOPES AND DREAMS AND TRY TO MAKE THEM COME ALIVE.”

apprenticeship but that didn’t work out.

I was in Lismore, and my father saw an advert in the local newspaper for a Recreational Vehicle Manufacturer apprenticeship. I had no idea what that was, but a mechanical friend said that it could be good for me and I’d learn a lot.

That’s how it really started and, from 2010, I worked for nearly eight years at Horizon Motorhomes in Ballina doing what they called Stage One, which was pretty much all the cut-outs, plumbing, wall linings, and underbody work.

I met Sarah, who is now my wife, when I was there and moved with her to the Gold

Coast where I was doing some van fit-out projects and advertising on Gumtree.

One of the managers at Paradise Motor Homes saw my work, messaged me on Gumtree, and asked if I would like a job. And so I began work with them.

I continued working on side projects, was looking to start a business for myself, and eventually I told my manager. He said, “You can have your job if you fail.” That was the final kick I needed out of the door.

So, five years ago, I started out working from a 20ft container. It wasn't a good shopfront, but it got me going and I was there for about six months. I then moved into a little workshop down in Varsity, moved again to Southport, and then to this workshop where we have been for three years in December.

HOW MANY EMPLOYEES DO YOU HAVE AND WHAT ARE THEIR ROLES?

JW: I have two apprentices/trainees who are doing the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturer Cert III, and two tradesmen who are shopfitters.

I am still hands-on as well, but I do want to take things to the next level which would mean me pulling away from that a bit. That is a bit difficult because it is hard to replace someone who has been doing it so long.

“WE FIT ONLY THE BEST QUALITY COMPONENTS AND MATERIALS TO DELIVER THE BEST PRODUCTS TO OUR CUSTOMERS AND THE YOUNGER GENERATION TEND TO WANT TO GO A BIT CHEAPER.”

I am actually searching for someone to look after the shop and also looking for apprentices and tradesmen – those qualified in carpentry, shopfitting, cabinetmaking and recreational vehicle manufacturing.

THE ‘VAN LIFE’ TREND IS PRETTY BIG ON SOCIAL MEDIA. IS IT A RELATIVELY NEW PHENOMENON?

JW: I think it's always been a big thing, but there's definitely a lot more people now wanting to get out of their homes and travel around Australia. The trend is getting stronger thanks to Facebook, Instagram and so on, and the influencers really push it, which has been good for us.

Covid also played a part. When Covid happened, I thought it was game over, but people couldn’t travel overseas, had nothing to do, and then the orders just

skyrocketed. It was a weird time.

Today, the style of builds we do is very much driven by Instagram and Facebook and our customers are mostly successful people aged from about 40 to 60. We fit only the best quality components and materials to deliver the best products to our customers and the younger generation tend to want to go a bit cheaper.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES IN BUILDING A QUALITY CAMPERVAN?

JW: As well as using the best quality materials and components, we also take a lean manufacturing approach because

weight is very important.

Some vans you see on social media can look amazing but, if you look closely, you can sometimes see their rear shocks are shot right down. If it was in a crash, insurance companies would pull you apart.

All of our work is engineered and compliant and everything is weighed before the vans leave. We source board that is ultra lightweight and there are parts of our builds where, in comparison to other manufacturers, we can shave off a lot of kilos. In our Toyota Hiaces, for example, we have nearly 800kg left over for usable carrying capacity once they are built.

Jack Watt, right, with some of his team - Ashley Sutherland, Blake Davey and Daniel Osborne

If someone comes to us with a really specific bespoke build, it might require suspension changes and so on. In Queensland, the engineering is a little bit harder to get GVM lifted, but if it is a NSW-registered vehicle, we have engineers that can do all that work.

WHAT ARE THE MAKE AND MODELS THAT ARE MOST POPULAR FOR CONVERSIONS?

JW: We usually work with the 200 series and 300 series Hiace. One reason for that is that you just can't kill it! Bigger vans are most often the Volkswagen Crafter, Fiat Ducato, and Mercedes Sprinter. There's obviously different wheelbase and sizes, but they're the main big manufacturers.

In the Toyota Hiace the most popular layout is the two single benches, two single bed seats that convert into a double, with a kitchenette at the front and a swing-out cooker on the side. For the bigger vans, it’s definitely the fixed bed in the back, toilet and shower layout.

For a stock build with the vehicle included, a pop-top full campervan would be around $75,000 to $85,000, which is pretty competitive pricing. We also offer a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.

“I DEFINITELY WANT TO BE IN THE TOP FIVE FOR CAMPERVAN RETAIL AND WHOLESALE. WE WILL ALSO MOVE AWAY FROM THE CUSTOM BUILD SIDE OF THINGS . . .”

HOW DO YOU MARKET YOUR BUSINESS AND PRODUCTS?

JW: Social media works well for us – we have 28,000 followers on Instagram – and we do Google ad campaigns and use Meta. We do

a lot of walkthroughs and photos on those channels, and while I don't use influencers right now, I have thought about it.

IS THE ELECTRIFICATION OF THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY SOMETHING THAT YOU HAVE CONSIDERED?

JW: We haven’t seen any EV vans as yet, but I have had clients say they would like to do that. No one has followed through on that though. I'm probably not that interested in working with EVs yet. The computers are super sensitive and we earth off our lithium batteries in the back and the interference there might throw something out. Down the track we will look at it, if it does become something.

doing, let me know if you need a hand with anything, because I’m sure that I'm going to need help with something.’ It’s better to have a good rapport with everyone.

WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE BUSINESS?

JW: I definitely want to be in the top five for campervan retail and wholesale. We will also move away from the custom-build side of things and concentrate on stock vehicles and boosting the spare parts e-commerce side of the business.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A MEMBER OF MTA QUEENSLAND?

JW: We joined about a year ago and we have found the Workplace Relations information available to be very good.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF JUST STARTING OUT?

JW: I would try and get on a business course or do some form of business training. That’s the biggest thing. I’d also say don’t try to go too big too quickly, and also work with your competitors if you can. One of the first things I did once the business was up and running was to contact other van companies around me and say, ‘This is what I'm

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME, IF YOU HAVE ANY?

JW: My wife and I have a three-year-old and we enjoy what we call an ‘Adventure Sunday’ where we get out of the Gold Coast and go somewhere up in the hills. Time with the family is key.

I also love to play the piano. I've always had a passion for music and I enjoy that immensely.

MTA QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY AWARDS NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

MTA QUEENSLAND IS putting the call out to the Queensland automotive industry’s best and brightest, with nominations now open for the 2024 Industry Awards.

Celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and businesses from across Queensland’s automotive industry over the last 12 months, the Industry Award winners will be crowned at the 2024 MTA Queensland Industry Awards Gala on Saturday, 23 November 2024 at the W Brisbane. Hosted by Channel Seven and SEN Queensland’s Ben Davis, the Industry Awards Gala is the Queensland automotive industry’s night of nights, jam-packed with entertainment, live music, food, drinks, dancing, and a charity auction as we celebrate the outstanding contributions of those from the industry.

Following their successful launch in 2023, the Small and Large Business Awards for Excellence are back this year, with both awards to be presented to a member business that demonstrates excellence and best practice in all aspects of business.

“It has been terrific to see so many of our members get involved and nominate for the new award categories,” said Rod Camm, MTA Queensland Chief Executive. “The quality and quantity of nominations we received last year highlight the incredible level of dedication and commitment to customer service and service excellence delivered day-in day-out by automotive businesses across Queensland, which often goes unnoticed.”

In total, five award categories are open for nominations:

• Small Business Award for Excellence – awarded to a member business that employs 15 or fewer staff and demonstrates excellence and best practice in all aspects of business.

• Large Business Award for Excellence –awarded to a member business that employs 16 or more staff and demonstrates excellence and best practice in all aspects of business.

• Community Award – awarded to an individual or member business who is a role model in their community and this is evidenced in their actions.

• Innovation Award – awarded to an individual or business that is supporting or implementing innovation in the automotive or mobility industry.

• Women in Industry Award – awarded to a female leader achieving success through their commitment to driving change in the automotive or mobility industry.

Additionally, the MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year will also be crowned to an MTA Institute (RTO. 31529) apprentice who represents the future of the automotive industry through their commitment and dedication to learning the trade.

“Nominating for the MTA Queensland Industry Awards is a fantastic opportunity to recognise a person or business in your community for the wonderful value they bring. There is significant media attention attached to the finalists and winners, and it can bring an increased sense of trust and credibility for customers, knowing that the business has been recognised as a leader in the Queensland automotive industry,” said Mr Camm. Nominations for the Industry Awards will close at 11:59 pm, Wednesday, 31 July.

2023 Small Business Award for Excellence finalists Sharine Milne from R.H.D Classics, Nathan Brookes and Andrew Whiteway from the Garage Miami, and Craig Baills from Highfields Mechanical, with MTA Queensland Deputy CEO Kellie Dewar.

2024 INDUSTRY AWARDS

RECEIVEFINALISTS ONE ACCOMMODATIONNIGHT’SAND ONE RETURN FLIGHT TO BRISBANE WHERE THEY ARE LOCATED OUTSIDE SOUTH QUEENSLAND!EAST

Awarded to an individual or member business who is a role model in their community and this is evidenced by their actions.

Awarded to an individual or business that is supporting or implementing innovation in the automotive/mobility industry.

Awarded to a female leader or business achieving success by their commitment to driving change in the automotive/mobility industry.

Awarded to a member business with 15 or less staff (full or part-time) who demonstrates excellence and best practice in all aspects of business, including customer service, training and employee development, and marketing activities.

Awarded to a member business with 16 or more staff who demonstrates excellence and best practice in all aspects of business, including customer service, training and employee development, and marketing activities.

CLICK HERE

TO NOMINATE

NOMINATIONS WILL CLOSE WEDNESDAY, 31 JULY 2024

WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA ON SATURDAY, 23 NOVEMBER 2024.

ONLY 500 WORD SUBMISSION REQUIRED

2024-25 STATE BUDGET BRIEF

The Queensland Government handed down its 2024-25 Budget on 11 June 2024. We’ve reviewed the budget and below is an outline of a range of key initiatives that may affect MTA Queensland members and MTA Institute clients

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

QUEENSLAND'S ECONOMIC GROWTH is predicted to rise from 2.3 per cent in 2022–23 to 3 per cent in both 2023–24 and 2024–25. This growth will be fueled by a significant increase in exports, partly due to the easing of capacity constraints, and ongoing growth in public infrastructure investments.

Household budgets are still under pressure due to higher mortgage rates and other living expenses, leading to slower consumption growth in 2023–24. However, consumption growth is expected to rebound to pre-pandemic levels by 2025–26.

The Queensland economy is forecasted to maintain solid growth at 2.5 per cent in 2025–26, supported by sustained growth in domestic activities as household spending improves.

SMALL BUSINESS

In the 2024-25 Budget, the government is providing additional funding of $19.7M over 3 years to deliver the Queensland Small Business Strategy 2024-27. This forms part of a total investment of over $250M over 3 years to deliver a range of actions, including:

• Additional funding for grants to support businesses to implement workforce solutions

• New investment in cybersecurity support and safer retail precincts

THE QUEENSLAND ECONOMY IS FORECASTED TO MAINTAIN SOLID GROWTH AT

2.5 PER CENT IN 2025–26,

SUPPORTED BY SUSTAINED GROWTH IN DOMESTIC ACTIVITIES AS HOUSEHOLD SPENDING IMPROVES.

• Continuation of the $650 rebate on electricity bills for eligible small business (co funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments)

• Assistance to help small business recover from natural disaster events, including through wellness coaching and financial counselling

• Continuation of the small business grants program

• Expanded access to mentoring and upskilling Other relevant actions:

• 20 per cent reduction in registration fee and traffic improvement fee components of motor vehicle registration for all light vehicles for 12 months.

• Extension of Regional Payroll Tax Discount to support regional businesses and incentivise the hiring of local workers, through to 30 June 2030.

TRAINING

• Great Jobs, Great Training: Queensland Skills Strategy 2024-28

Additional funding of $203.1M over 2 years, as part of a total investment of $370M, to kickstart the new Good Jobs, Great Training: Queensland Skills Strategy 2024-28.

• Free TAFE (Subsidised tuition fees for all QLD trainees and apprentices)

An additional 30,000 places in 2024 through to 2026.

• Apprentice and trainee payroll tax exemptions

Most apprentice and trainee wages rates are exempt from payroll tax.

• Extension of 50 per cent payroll tax rebate for apprentices and trainees

The 50 per cent payroll tax rebate for wages paid to apprentices and trainees will be extended for 12 months until 30 June 2025.

Other key concessions that individuals could be eligible for in 2024-25 include:

• VET – Higher Level Skills Tuition Fee Subsidy

Subsidies to undertake a priority Certificate IV, diploma or advanced diploma qualification or industry endorsed skillset through the VET –High Level Skills Tuition Fee Subsidy

• Travel and Accommodation Subsidy

Financial assistance for apprentices and trainees to cover the cost of travel incurred in attending off-thejob training at a registered training organisation through the Travel and Accommodation Subsidy.

• User Choice – Apprentice and Trainee Training Subsidy

Subsidies to pre-approved public and private registered training organisations to subsidise the cost of training and assessment for eligible Queensland apprentices and trainees, or complementary pathways through the User Choice system

INNOVATION

The 2024-25 Budget includes capital investment of around $26B over 4 years to deliver the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plans. This includes new publicly owned investments, including:

• $16.5B for renewable energy and storage projects

• $500M for distribution network storage, including Energy Queensland’s Local Network Battery Plan and Local Renewable Energy Zone Pilot Projects.

MTA QUEENSLAND HOLDS INAUGURAL TRACKSIDE BREAKFAST AT TOWNSVILLE 500

MTA QUEENSLAND HELD its first Chairman’s Trackside Breakfast event in Townsville on Friday, July 5. Coinciding with the Townsville leg of the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship, and sponsored by Spirit Super, the breakfast was held in the Pavilion x Piper-Heidsieck corporate suite overlooking pit lane – a brilliant spot from which to watch the country’s top drivers, in Australia’s premier motor racing series, thunder around the city’s Reid Park Street Circuit.

Around 80 MTA Queensland members attended the breakfast, with some travelling epic distances to be part of the event. Members came from as far afield as Mount Isa and Maryborough to attend, network with others from industry, and meet MTA Queensland representatives and executives.

Rod Camm, CEO of MTA Queensland and Paul Peterson, Chairman of the Association were in attendance, as were Kellie Dewar, Deputy CEO, and Marcello

“. . . WE'VE COMMITTED 100 PER CENT TO MEMBERS. WE'RE OFFERING NEW SERVICES, NEW DIVERSITY. WE ARE OUT IN THE FIELD ALL THE TIME.”

Riotto, Director of the MTA Institute. MTA Queensland places immense value on listening to its members said Mr Camm, and the Trackside Breakfast, as well as other forthcoming regional visits, is another avenue through which the Association can reach out and engage with members. That is essential for any representative organisation, especially one such as MTA Queensland that is responding to the innovations and developments within the automotive industry by introducing a wide range of courses, programs and initiatives designed to assist businesses to navigate the industry’s transformation.

The Trackside Breakfast guests had the best seats in the house to watch the Townsville 500 Supercars practice sessions.

“. . . We've committed 100 per cent to members. We're offering new services, new diversity. We are out in the field all the time,” said Mr Camm during his address to guests at the breakfast event. “Members say to me, “Why don't we see the MTA Queensland brand at the events we go to,

at the places we go to make work, where we go to grow our business, where we go to enjoy ourselves?” They said, “Why don't you go to a Supercars event?”

“Well, here we are. We had a capacity of 80 people, and every single place was sold . . . We've got people from Gladstone, people from Mount Isa, members from Longreach, and we are humbled by this effort to come along.

“We're really excited about it and we intend doing a lot more, not just in the racing industry but the agricultural sector too, and hold other events where our members are. It's a really exciting initiative for us.”

During his address, Mr Camm also noted how much effort MTA Queensland was putting in to be proactive in delivering on industry’s requirements, including in regional areas. It was, he said, imperative

Tallisha Harden (left), Captain of the North Queensland Cowboys Women's Rugby League team, chats with MTA Queensland members.

Rod Camm, CEO of MTA Queensland

that members reach out, including at events such as the Trackside Breakfast, to let MTA Queensland know what they want and need, so that the Association can put its considerable muscle and resources into action.

“. . . You want business planning? We can help you with that. You want electric vehicle training locally? We can help you with that. You want training of your apprentices, better EFTPOS rates, complimentary insurance review? Basically, you tell us and yes, we can do that,” he said.

“We are now running school-to-work programs across Queensland; we’re working with schools in Townsville; we’re running automotive training careers programs; we’ve partnered with Capricorn at trade shows . . . all you need to do is talk to us.”

MTA QUEENSLAND TAKES PRIDE IN

ITS PROACTIVE APPROACH, CRAFTING INITIATIVES DESIGNED TO FOSTER THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONALS ACROSS THE STATE.

While MTA Queensland members were welcomed to the relaxed environment of the corporate suite – and were treated to quite a spectacular breakfast! – a number of guests of the Association also attended. They included Councillor Paul Jacob, Deputy Mayor of Townsville; Scott Stewart MP, State Member for Townsville; and Tallisha Harden, captain of the North Queensland Cowboys Women’s Rugby League team. Also on hand was Geoffrey Lowe from Spirit Super to give members the lowdown on what the industry super fund is doing and how it can help them. The Trackside Breakfast was the focus on Friday, but MTA Queensland representatives had been in Townsville for a few days beforehand, travelling around the city to catch up and meet with members. Those included Brashas Workshop in

Garbutt, Bob Parkes Automotive in Hyde Park, and McClure Refinishing in Currajong. As well as talking to the owners of those businesses about their work and the challenges their industry sectors are facing, Marcello Riotto, Director of the MTA Institute, also caught up with some of their technicians and apprentices.

Regional visits and events were, he said, essential for MTA Queensland to further develop its close ties with members and show its commitment to the industry across the state.

“We often reflect internally that we are MTA Queensland, not MTA Brisbane. With that mindset, it’s important we engage with our stakeholders wherever they may be in Queensland,” he said.

“While we have solid digital communication strategies through

platforms such as our online portal, emails, regular newsletters, webinars and so on, they’re not a replacement for meaningful face-to-face engagement.

“Such regional visits and events allow us to support our regional managers and local trainers on the ground, and it gives members and training clients a sense of the depth and breadth of MTA Queensland and the MTA Institute and highlights our commitment to industry. They also enable us to get some local industry intelligence and receive clear communication, directly from members, about the challenges they face such as the workforce situation and their skilling requirements.”

As for the Trackside Breakfast, Marcello pointed out the benefit of meeting and networking in an informal setting.

“It’s an opportunity to engage with

Paul Jacob, Deputy Mayor of Townsville Scott Stewart MP, Member for Townsville

Geoffrey Lowe, Employer-Representative Director at Spirit Super

stakeholders outside of their businesses where they are always flat strap. The venue, the timeslot, the guest speakers, food and entertainment were great, but it was all about industry engagement, and that was exceptional. We look forward to the next regional visit.”

MTA Queensland takes pride in its proactive approach, crafting initiatives designed to foster the growth and development of automotive businesses and professionals across the state.

Recognising that the needs and challenges of automotive businesses are significant, MTA Queensland has instigated a range of programs and initiatives to assist them – from workplace solutions such as Auto Connect, the Industry Skills Advisor and Industry Workforce Advisor, and the newly launched Automotive Women in Trades Apprenticeship Mentoring program. Added to these will be a series of regional visits that will reflect the Association's commitment to the wellbeing and professional development of its members, ensuring that they know they are valued and understood, and that their concerns are always taken seriously by an organisation that is dedicated to their success.

The Trackside Breakfast took place on

“SUCH REGIONAL VISITS AND EVENTS . . . GIVES MEMBERS AND TRAINING CLIENTS A SENSE OF THE DEPTH AND BREADTH OF MTA QUEENSLAND AND THE MTA INSTITUTE AND HIGHLIGHTS OUR COMMITMENT TO INDUSTRY.”

the Friday before the main races of the NTI Townsville 500 and plenty of attendees stayed on to watch the practice sessions held that morning and the races over the weekend.

For the record, Cam Water of Monster Catrol Racing won the first race in Townsville with Penrite Racing’s Matthew Payne taking victory in Race Two. The Championship leaderboard is still topped by Will Brown of Red Bull Ampol Racing although his lead in the race for the title has been cut after he finished third in Race One and got caught up in a collision in Race Two which saw him finish 24th.

• MTA Queensland thanks event sponsor Spirit Super and prize sponsor Gates Corporation.

The MTA Queensland team: Marcello Riotto, Rod Camm, Rebecca McReight, Kellie Dewar, and Jade O'Shea

Ranked best for customer experience

We’re excited to have achieved the top spot for customer service in the super sector in CSBA’s 2023 SenseCX annual benchmarking report. Since 2022, we’ve consistently been recognised as the best when it comes to the ease, sentiment, and success of customer interactions. Join today and experience the award-winning service that sets us apart.

No one does super like

AUTOOPTIX VIDEO PLATFORM RAISING THE BAR FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE

CUSTOMER SERVICE IS a cornerstone of business success. It impacts customer retention, brand reputation, competitive positioning, and overall profitability. By prioritising customer service, businesses can build lasting relationships, drive growth, and achieve long-term success. In an increasingly competitive and customercentric world, exceptional customer service is not just an option but a necessity.

In today’s digital age, transparency and communication have become critical components of delivering this top-notch customer service, and the automotive repair industry, often perceived by the public as opaque and technical, is embracing innovative methods to bridge the information gap between technicians and customers.

And that is important because the

For the workshop manager or owner, the web platform is easy to navigate.

LAUNCHED OFFICIALLY LAST MONTH, AUTOOPTIX HAS BEEN THREE YEARS IN THE MAKING AND IS THE RESULT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BY A TRIO OF AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY VETERANS . . .

relationship can be challenging. Customers generally lack in-depth knowledge and can feel vulnerable and uncertain about the necessity and cost of repairs. A lack of transparency can lead to scepticism and dissatisfaction.

Tackling this issue, while simultaneously offering a way to streamline other elements

of job workflow, was the motivation for the creation of AutoOptix - a video communication and digital quoting tool that slots comfortably into a workshop’s processes. It enables the shop to keep customers up to date with work being carried out on their vehicle, and for the business to receive immediate approval and quote acceptance – something that is clearly an advantage in relation to trimming job times and ensuring a vehicle is not occupying productive workshop space any longer than is absolutely necessary. Additional benefits of the video and approval components include a measure of staff accountability and liability coverage.

Simplicity is key. For a new system to be effective, not only should it be able to do the job for which it is designed, it should be easy for the business to use and, most importantly, be something that is troublefree for the customer.

AutoOptix consists of an app –downloadable to both Apple and Android devices – and a web-based portal. Using the app, a technician can create a video of work in progress while also noting any additional issues or potential problems. That video is stored automatically into the AutoOptix system.

A link to that video is then sent via SMS or email to the customer who can view it within seconds of it being generated. The customer can then accept and approve the job and anything else that might have

The customer receives either an SMS or email and has only to click a couple of buttons to watch the video and approve the work .

VIDEO: WHAT IS AUTOOPTIX ALL ABOUT?

been picked up by the technician during the inspection.

There’s no requirement for the customer to download the app or sign-up for the service. For them, it is as easy as clicking a link, watching the video, and clicking a button to approve (or not) the work. Simple.

For the workshop, it is almost as easy. While the phone app is used to create the video, a web portal linked to the app is utilised to access further details and features such as additional job information, approvals, quoting, customer information, and historical records and data built up over time.

Launched officially last month, AutoOptix has been three years in the making and is the result of research and development by a trio of automotive industry veterans – Dudley Leighton, Caleb Sos and Shalvin Raju. All have spent many years in the industry, with Caleb and Shalvin both previously owners of multi-site tyre and mechanical workshops across Brisbane, while Dudley owns and runs Future Auto Northgate in Brisbane alongside his work with AutoOptix.

Dudley had investigated other videosending programs, but didn't find anything that offered all of the functionality he needed within his business. The other disappointing aspect was that nothing was available that was a local, Australian product. This led Dudley to begin creating his own locally made and operated videosending and quoting platform.

“WE’VE LIVED IT AND CREATED THE SOLUTION RATHER THAN CREATE A PRODUCT IN A SEALED ENVIRONMENT.”

With Caleb and Shalvin having previously pioneered a successful project, Dudley approached them to come into development with him.

For Caleb and Shalvin, AutoOptix presented an opportunity to bring a solution to the mechanical sector that tackled many issues relevant to busy workshops – a scenario they were well used to in their own businesses.

This understanding of workshop challenges meant building a product that tackles them precisely. AutoOptix is not, as some technology products can be argued to be, a solution looking for a problem. It is, said Shalvin, built specifically to make life easier and to tackle issues that workshops see daily.

“I think the most important thing here is that we've developed in reverse,” said Shalvin. “We’ve lived it and created the solution rather than create a product in a sealed environment.

“Speaking for myself, I have been in many franchise meetings with mechanics and owners who consistently have the same complaints about the industry - ‘I can't get my staff to do what I want to do’, ‘How do I

make sure that they're treating the customers right?’, ‘The customers don’t trust me, they don't want to pay for anything.’

“This is a solution for so many of those things, but they’re so caught up in tackling the day-to-day difficulties that looking to do something different is not even on their radar.”

Dudley, Shalvin, and Caleb spent months polishing, refining, and sharpening the AutoOptix platform - a process helped along immeasurably by being able to utilise the environment, staff and willing customers of Dudley’s business, Future Auto Northgate.

“Retaining a busy, fully functioning workshop has allowed for real-world testing and ongoing improvement to usability and functions,” said Caleb. “And we are able to conduct continuous testing of new functionality, using the current workflow to test new variables and directions of how we can improve.”

The result, said Dudley, has been something of a gamechanger.

“It is the best thing we have implemented to the business for customer engagement and customer satisfaction, and then from a business point of view for

upsells, staff accountability and so on,” he said. “My customers look for it, and when I talk about what AutoOptix does I’ll often hear how people wish their mechanics offered it.”

Built, developed, and hosted in Australia, AutoOptix is an innovative product that should deliver quantifiable and profitable benefits.

“AutoOptix was created by mechanics for mechanics,” said Shalvin. “We entered the automotive industry because, like most people, we love cars. It's undeniable that public perception of the automotive repair industry is sometimes unfavourable. Trust is earned through transparency, consistency and genuine pride in ones offering to others. In 2024, innovation is an added customer expectation, and we are excited to play a part in this.”

Already in use at workshops across the country, AutoOptix is available with a 30-day free trial period. Regular subscription starts from $299 per month but there is a $50 discount, available for six months, to members of MTA Queensland (Use promo code MTAQ249).

Caleb Sos, Shalvin Raju, and Dudley Leighton, the founders of AutoOptix

QLD COUPLE SCORE 'MYSTERY' CAR IN YOUTUBE SUPERSTAR’S MONSTER GIVEAWAY

IN THE HECTIC world of social mediaand video platform YouTube in particular - one name reigns supreme. With 292 million subscribers (at time of writing), the MrBeast YouTube channel is the most popular in world and MrBeast himself (real name Jimmy Donaldson) is the brightest star in the online firmament.

For those who don’t know – and perhaps there are a few of you out there who don’t – MrBeast videos range across categories from stunts to philanthropy, survival challenges to crazy experiments to competitions, and tens of millions of people flock to watch within hours of each of them hitting the YouTube feed.

These are not small, guerilla-style, selfietype videos, but expensive productions, with all the panache, creativity and style that a skilled entertainer and his team can muster.

While he may be the biggest player on YouTube, MrBeast is no slouch in the business world either, having launched

“I SAID TO ALICIA THAT I'M GOING TO BE SO EMBARRASSED IF I KEEP GOING AND GOING AND GOING AND I DON'T GET IT IN . . . AND THEN THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE HAPPENED. I GOT IT ON THE FIRST GO!”

brands such as MrBeast Burger, and Feastables - a line of snacks and treats. It was the launch of Feastables in Australia that brought MrBeast to Sydney in June and saw him take over the Opera House forecourt to hold a promotional extravaganza in the form of a competition which would see 10 people guaranteed to win one of 10 luxury (or at the very least, quite unusual) cars.

From a Lamborghini Huracan to a Tesla Model 3 to a Porsche to a Mustang to a Toyota Hiace decked out like the

Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, competitors were playing for something special.

The competiton rules were simple: throw a rugby ball through a hole in a wall corresponding to a particular car and win that car. The twist was that the more expensive the car, the smaller the hole. Thousands of fans were drawn to watch the event. Among them was 24-year-old

Alicia Welsford, MTA Queensland’s Industry Workforce Mentor. However, unlike most of the gathered throng, this was not just an enjoyable distraction for Alicia. She was there to cheer on her partner Sam Lawn –one of the 10 lucky participants competing for one of the cars.

Sam, 26, had already come up trumps in an online game run by MrBeast to find those 10 participants and so already knew that he would be returning from Sydney as the owner of a new vehicle. What he didn't know - what none of the particpants knew - was what challenge they would face to win any particular car.

Discovering it is was to be a footballrelated challenge didn’t help settle Sam's nerves - he cheerfully admits that he ‘sucks at footy’. However, when put on the spot, he found the composure to throw the ball with confidence and watch it sail into one of the holes on his first attempt.

“I said to Alicia that I'm going to be so embarrassed if I keep going and going and going and I don't get it in,” said Sam. “And then the complete opposite happened. I got it on the first go!”

Watching Sam as he stepped up in front of so many cheering fans to take his shot was, said Alicia, extremely nerve-wracking.

“I thought I was going to vomit,” she said with a chuckle. “I was freaking out for Sam because they brought them [the competitors] out one by one onto the stage and they had to speak about themselves . . . I knew Sam would be anxious.

“As he was first up, they also asked him to help hype up the crowd,” she added. “Seeing him do that, I was so proud. But I was also terrified for him!”

Having holed the shot first time, Sam became the owner of the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine Toyota. It wasn’t exactly what he was aiming for – he’d had his eye on the Tesla - but there was no disappointment. Being part of such an event and claiming anything was a win in itself.

Sam Lawn with MrBeast, aka Jimmy Donaldson

“IF ANYONE ELSE GETS THE CHANCE TO DO SOMETHING WITH JIMMY, OR SOMETHING ALONG THE LINES OF WHAT WE DID, TRY AND SOAK IT UP AS MUCH AS YOU CAN, BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT WE DID.”

“I didn’t mind what car I got,” said Sam. “There are so many people that would pay for this experience, so I didn’t mind what the outcome was with the car.”

Actually, for the social media-savvy Sam, there may have been as much excitement to be had rubbing shoulders with MrBeast as there was to be had gunning for a car.

As a huge fan of the YouTube behemoth's work, and a videographer and content creator himself, Sam said that watching how MrBeast and his team put things together – from the everything-is-free treatment of the competitors to producing a video and event on such a scale - was a fantastic learning experience.

“I was picking the brains of his producer and the audio guys at dinner the night before,” he said. “I was asking so many questions. It was very valuable for me finding things out from a technical aspect.”

A few days on from the event, and as things calm down, there is still the small

issue of the vehicle to consider. The Mystery Machine Toyota Hiace has not yet taken pride of place in Sam and Alicia’s Brisbane driveway, and an option to take an alternative prize, or to maybe sell the Hiace at some point, is enticing. Not that it matters too much. As with many things, the destination is not always the best part of a journey and for a handful of days in June, the couple were having a blast and making some brilliant memories.

“I emailed Jimmy's producer afterwards to say that it really was a once in a lifetime opportunity. We are, more than likely, not going to do anything like this ever again,” said Sam. “If anyone else gets the chance to do something with Jimmy, or something along the lines of what we did, try and soak it up as much as you can, because that's what we did.

“It was probably the greatest few days of our lives. Truthfully.”

MTA Queensland's Alicia Welsford with Sam

VIDEO: ZERO CONTEXT PODCAST: WINNING A CAR FROM MRBEAST

Sam with the other lucky winners

Auto innovation news

COMMBANK LAUNCHES CAR BUYING SERVICE VIA APP

THE COMMONWEALTH BANK

has announced it has collaborated with digital auto marketplace carsales and Australian automotive retail platform provider Vyro to launch a car buying service via the CommBank app. The service will, the company says, help customers find, finance and manage their next new or used car and provides exclusive discounts and benefits for customers purchasing an electric vehicle (EV).

The bank’s customers can access the car buying service via the CommBank app or NetBank website. It will allow them to search for their next vehicle with the option to gain conditional approval for personal and business finance, and filter by options in their budget with loan repayment amounts displayed during the search. Customers with an existing car may also be eligible to get an Instant Offer from carsales to sell their vehicle.

Furthermore, CommBank says that customers wanting to purchase an EV will be able to access unique discounted vehicle pricing, with deals from manufacturers Polestar and BYD. Customers will also be able to access discounted interest rates on loans for their vehicles and EV accessories such as network charging, home charging and energy providers.

MCLAREN PARTNERS WITH DIVERGENT ON ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

MCLAREN AUTOMOTIVE HAS announced a multi-year collaboration with California-based industrial digital manufacturing company Divergent Technologies. The collaboration is aiming to develop the usage of additive manufacturing to ‘enhance vehicle performance, sustainability, and production efficiency.’

The companies say that Divergent’s approach to the design and manufacturing of complex structures

will allow McLaren to integrate new and more complex designs into its vehicles whilst achieving better manufacturing efficiencies and supporting a more sustainable supply chain.

Initially, McLaren will utilise the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPSTM) to additively manufacture chassis components for its nextgeneration supercars, allowing further reduction in weight and improvement of dynamic performance.

MONSTER V8 POWER AVAILABLE FROM MOPAR AUSTRALIA

MOPAR AUSTRALIA IS making available a limited number of powerful production engines – the 527kW Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 6.2-litre

Supercharged HEMI V8, and Mopar’s 6.4-litre 392 Crate HEMI V8 Engine from the Grand Cherokee SRT, which boasts 361kW and 644Nm of torque.

The company says that both engines are suited to motorsport or off-road applications and are available at Jeep dealerships. The 6.4-litre 392 Crate HEMI V8 Engine can be had from $16,000 +GST, while for $29,000 +GST you can get your hands on the 527kW Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 6.2-litre

Supercharged HEMI V8 engine. Mopar Australia says they are complete engines which include water pump, front sump oil pan, intake manifold with throttle body, fuel injectors and coil packs.

EV SMART CHARGING AND V2G TRIAL RECEIVES GOV'T BACKING

THE AUSTRALIAN RENEWABLE

Energy Agency (ARENA) – an Australian Government agency which aims to support the transition to net zero emissions – is investing $3.2 million into Amber Electric (Amber) to trial battery electric vehicle (BEV) smart charging and provision of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) services with residential customers.

Amber, an energy provider and tech company, is developing a software solution to facilitate BEV smart charging and V2G bi-directional charging for its residential customers, including the installation of 100 smart chargers and 50 V2G chargers into participants’ homes.

At least 1000 customers will participate in the trial across the ACT, NSW, QLD, SA and VIC over the next two years with the V2G scope expected to kick-off in mid-2025. The solution will be built into Amber’s existing customer application.

The project is aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of their wholesale electricity cost pass-through model when paired with optimised use of BEV chargers, rooftop solar and home batteries to increase customer savings and enable greater utilisation of renewable energy at times when it is generated.

Arena has said that insights gained through the project may inform policy across Australia and encourage other industry participants to follow in Amber’s efforts.

BMW TO OFFER ADVANCED AUTONOMOUS DRIVING FEATURES ON 7 SERIES

BMW HAS REPORTED that it has received approval in Germany to introduce a combination of a Level 2 driving assistance system (the BMW Highway Assistant) and a Level 3 system, in the form of the BMW Personal Pilot L3, in the same vehicle. The system will be available in the new BMW 7 Series.

BMW Highway Assistant Level 2 can work at speeds up to 130km/h. It is an additional function of the Steering and Lane Control Assistant that can be used on motorways with structurally separated carriageways. On such roads, the driver is able to take their hands off the steering wheel for longer periods provided they continue to pay attention to what is happening on the road and are able to take over the steering again at any time.

The BMW Personal Pilot Level 3 means drivers can take their hands off the steering wheel and temporarily turn their attention away from the road. BMW says the feature enables drivers to fully delegate the task of driving to their car under certain conditions at speeds up to 60km/h.

Highly automated systems are capable of completely talking over the driving in specific situations – e.g., in traffic jams on the motorway – and can even let drivers carry out other in-car activities, such

as making phone calls, reading, writing messages, working or streaming videos. However, the driver must always be prepared to reassume control within a few seconds when prompted by the car.

“We are setting new standards in the automotive industry by combining both technologies in the new BMW 7 Series,” said Dr Mihiar Ayoubi, Senior Vice President Driving Experience BMW Group, in a statement. “In the process, we are underlining our commitment to offering our customers a safe, comfortable and innovative driving experience.”

VIDEO: BMW LEVEL 2 & LEVEL 3 AUTONOMOUS DRIVING FUNCTIONS

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CHATGPT IS NOW AVAILABLE IN VOLKSWAGEN MODELS IN EUROPE

VOLKSWAGEN MODELS IN Europe, including all those in the ID family of electric cars, will be equipped with ChatGPT. The Artificial Intelligence tool can be accessed using the IDA voice assistant and offers a range of new options that go far beyond the voice control previously available. VW says that the AI can, for example, provide information on tourist attractions, report on past football tournaments or help solve maths problems. All of this works intuitively: the driver simply talks to the assistant in natural language, and there is no need for them to take their eyes off the road.

Volkswagen presented the first vehicles with ChatGPT integrated into the IDA voice assistant at the CES 2024 trade show

in January. The technology is currently available in the system languages English (US), English (UK), Spanish, Czech and German.

VOLKSWAGEN AND AMPOL JOIN FORCES FOR EV CHARGING

VOLKSWAGEN AUSTRALIA AND Ampol have reached an agreement that will see Volkswagen Australia electric vehicle (EV) customers gain access to Ampol’s AmpCharge home EV charging offer and discounts at its public EV charging stations nationwide.

Volkswagen ID. customers will receive discounted Ampol public EV charging rates for the first 12 months of ownership, with rates to be determined closer to the ID. electric vehicle range launch.

Volkswagen has more than 100 dealerships nationally, all of which are currently being prepared to sell and service the brand’s battery-electric ID. brand vehicle rollout that begins in 2024/25 with the ID.4, ID.4 GTX, ID.5, ID.5 GTX, ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo. Each dealership will also offer charging options for customers.

“80 per cent of charging in urban areas will be done at home, while we are supporting the growing Ampol network on the open road, so this association literally

empowers our customers wherever they live around this great country,” said Michal Szaniecki, Director of Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles.

Volkswagen will announce the rates for Ampol public vehicle charging, ahead of the ID. range rollout commencing in the second half of 2024.

JAYDEN 1968 CHEVROLET

WORDS & IMAGES : LARA WILDE

GRAY’S CHEVROLET CAMARO

MANY PEOPLE FALL in love with their car, but not everyone has had a car be the catalyst for them to fall in love. Jayden Gray fell in love with his wife Zearne while rebuilding his 1968 Chevrolet Camaro and the couple have never looked back. Paying the same amount of attention to their marriage as they have to his

“I WANTED A TOUGH LITTLE STREET CAR WITH STANCE AND LOOKS . . . AT THE TIME, HAVING A CAR THAT LOOKED THE PART WAS MY MAIN FOCUS.”

Camaro indicates that the Gray’s will be happy together for many years to come.

Jayden grew up in a car-loving family. His dad is a mad keen rev-head and automotive enthusiast with an impressive collection of Australian and American muscle cars including Camaros, Monaros, and Falcon GTs. Growing up surrounded

by immaculate machines meant that the writing was on the wall for young Jaydenhe was going to have nice cars in his life.

In 2014, while still on his P-plates, friends of family friends told Jayden about the Camaro. The sale was not advertised but the grapevine was on fire with news that the big girl was looking for a forever home. Jayden knew the story of the car, where it had come from originally, and the running gear she was sporting at the time. That same day, Jayden and his dad loaded up the trailer and drove from Cairns to Brisbane to collect the magic muscle car.

The Camaro was in showroom condition when Jayden put it in the trailer to take it home and he knew it was the perfect car for him and his P-plates.

“I wanted a tough little street car with stance and looks,” said Jayden. “At the time, having a car that looked the part was my main focus.”

Jayden and Zearne Gray

Of course, being a mechanic, it did not take long for Jayden to start planning some changes for the Camaro.

Off his P-plates and with some coin in the bank, Jayden picked up the tools and started to tinker with the Chevy. Plenty of long nights and hard lessons were invested in the build.

“The biggest lesson I learnt when rebuilding this car is patience,” he said. “Things do not happen overnight.”

Some things are worth the wait.

It was about six years ago that Jayden decided to rebuild the Camaro. At about the same time, he met Zearne.

"For our first ‘date’ we were in the shed stripping the car, bagging, and tagging,” said Jayden. “After five or so years, we finally finished the car, right before our wedding. Of course we used the Camaro as our wedding car.”

Despite the fact the couple have rebuilt every inch of the car together, Zearne still acknowledges that it is still very much Jayden’s Camaro.

“I am incredibly careful not to upset the

Camaro,” she said. “If a door needs to be shut forcefully, I leave that to Jayden.”

So what were they doing to rebuild the Camaro for five years?

Jayden and Zearne completely rebuilt the beast from the ground up. All new wiring throughout the machine, and an entire new driveline from the radiator cap through to the exhaust tip. When it came to the panel work and paint, Jayden was not satisfied with the condition of the car body once the sandblasting had revealed

“I ENDED UP REPLACING EVERY PANEL ON THE CAR EXCEPT FOR THE ROOF AND THE BONNET . . . THE REAR QUARTER PANELS, THE DOORS, THE FRONT GUARDS, AND THE NOSE CONE ARE ALL BRAND NEW.”

the many imperfections underneath.

“I ended up replacing every panel on the car except for the roof and the bonnet,” he said. “The rear quarter panels, the doors, the front guards, and the nose cone are all brand new.”

With this attention to detail, it is no wonder that Jayden and Zearne’s new workshop, Gray’s Mechanical, is growing from strength to strength in Cairns.

Today, the big Chevy is sporting a 406 cubic inch small block Chev engine with

a complete set of aftermarket internals built for nitrous. Backing the motor is a Powerglide two-speed transmission. The paint is a House of Kolor candy red with a black undercoat and many layers of clear.

With all the fruit under the bonnet, it seems like a no-brainer that Jayden would have taken it to the racetrack.

“Since the rebuild I have not entered the car in any racing events,” he said. “Years ago, before the rebuild, when I did drag race the car, motorsport regulations demanded that for the speed and times it

“WHO KNOWS WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS . . . WHATEVER TOMORROW HAS IN STORE, I CAN GUARANTEE IT WILL DEFINITELY BE AN OLD-SCHOOL, HIGHPERFORMANCE ORIENTATED BUILD.”

was running it required a tech inspection. A tech inspection meant I needed to upgrade the roll cage, potentially install

a parachute and other modifications for safety. I was not willing to start cutting the car up as a race car and so back to street cruising it went.”

The head-turning street cruiser still gets plenty of attention in the spotlight at car shows, dyno days and local club runs.

Project cars are very rarely if ever completely finished, even after five years and a wedding. Jayden says this Camaro just needs some finishing touches.

The question is, if he had to do it again, would Jayden build the Camaro differently?

“Well, sure, you always learn lessons and have new ideas and new wants,” he said.

“If I were to rebuild the Camaro again, I would change it up for more power. I would wire in an aftermarket ECU like a Hal Tech. Then I would make sure the engine was built to handle boost and run with a pro charger or build a turbo kit for her. Finally, I would pair up the motor with a 4L80 transmission, giving her more street manners with an over-drive gear.”

So, what is next on the build list for Jayden and Zearne? They are not sure yet.

As a newlywed couple with a brandnew mechanical workshop, their priority for now is to make sure their business grows. However, the Camaro is getting plenty of time on the road attending events and turning heads.

“Who knows what the future holds,” said Jayden.

“Whatever tomorrow has in store, I can guarantee it will definitely be an old-school, high-performance orientated build.”

MTAQ MEMBER SIGNAGE

ENTRY-LEVEL CHERY OMODA 5 FX AVAILABLE FROM JULY Auto

CHERY AUSTRALIA HAS revealed details of the new entry-level Omoda 5 FX model which will be available to order from this month.

Chery says that more than 7000 Omoda 5 units have been sold since the model was introduced to the local market in 2023 and the range will be enhanced with the introduction of the FX model, starting at a price point of $27,990 drive away.

CHERY SAYS THAT MORE THAN 7000 OMODA 5 UNITS HAVE BEEN SOLD SINCE THE MODEL WAS INTRODUCED TO THE LOCAL MARKET IN 2023 . . .

The Omoda FX model includes:

• 17-inch alloy wheels

• Fabric seats with synthetic leather bolsters

• Single zone air conditioning

• 6 speaker Sony sound system

• Halogen projector headlights

All other features are as per the Omoda 5 BX model, including the 1.5L turbo engine producing 108kW and 210Nm. Other features see connectivity options including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Chery’s ‘Hello Chery’ voice control system, as well as a suite of safety and driver assistance features.

The Omoda 5 FX is covered with a seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, seven years of roadside assistance, and seven years capped-price servicing.

Cherry Omoda 5

FORD ADDS NEW EDITION TO RANGER FAMILY

FORD AUSTRALIA IS adding a Black Edition model to its Ranger Pick-Up range.

Based on the MY24.5 Ranger XL Double Pick-Up 2-litre Bi-Turbo 4x4, the Ranger Black Edition brings some exterior design enhancements and extra features above the Ranger XL. 1500 units are planned for the Australian market.

The Ranger Black Edition gains a black long-legged sports bar as well as a drop-in bedliner with 12V socket and in-built cargo management system in the tray.

Further visual tweaks include unique 17-inch Asphalt Black alloy wheels wrapped with all-terrain tyres. All Black Editions also feature black side steps, and unique Asphalt Black mesh grill with Bolder Grey inserts as standard.

BASED ON THE MY24.5 RANGER XL DOUBLE PICK-UP 2-LITRE BI-TURBO 4X4, THE RANGER BLACK EDITION BRINGS SOME EXTERIOR DESIGN ENHANCEMENTS AND EXTRA FEATURES

. . .

The Ranger Black Edition has a recommended Manufacturer List Price (MLP) of $56,680. When kitted out with Arctic White paint it is available with a drive away offer price of $57,990.

Ford says that production of the Ranger Black Edition has begun with first customer arrivals expected in the third quarter of this year.

Ford Ranger Black Edition

YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN AUTO WOMEN

Auto Women is a supportive group that:

Raises the profile of women in the automotive industry

Advocates for women in the automotive industry on key issues to government

Promotes career opportunities for women and the advantages of diversity to employers

Hosts virtual and in-person networking and social events that educate, connect and support women

Is led by a diverse mentor team

Provides career enhancement courses and scholarships

CHINA’S XPENG TO DEBUT IN AUSTRALIA WITH G6 MID-SIZE SUV

THE BRAND AND model choices available for those wishing to own an electric vehicle (EV) continues to grow, and Australians are now able to consider yet another manufacturer entering the local fray.

This time it is Chinese manufacturer Xpeng, which has struck an exclusive partnership with TrueEV – a NSW-based business which focuses on EV products and services - to bring its range of vehicles to Australia.

That journey will start with the G6, a premium, mid-size SUV that offers some pretty tempting technology features along with some sharp performance.

The XPENG G6 line-up includes two variants: the G6 Standard Range Battery (with a 66kWh LFP battery) and the XPENG G6 Long Range Battery (with an 87.5kWh NCM battery). The G6 Standard offers a driving range of 435km (WLTP), while

the G6 Long extends this out to 570 km.

Built on the latest generation of XPENG’s EV platform – SEPA 2.0 –with 800-volt technology, the G6 can be charged at up to 280kW, and the drive system delivers maximum power output of 190kW for the Standard and 210kW for the Long variant, with a maximum torque of 440Nm. Xpeng says the G6 Standard can sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds with the Long range variant doing so in a slightly swifter 6.7 seconds.

Both variants get a long list of features with the Xpeng website showing 20-inch wheels with Michelin tyres, panoramic glass roof, adjustable heated leatherette seats throughout, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, four USB ports, two 50W charging ports for smartphones, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability. Advanced driver assistance system features are sure to be comprehensive.

Both variants feature rear-wheel drive

THAT JOURNEY WILL START WITH THE G6, A PREMIUM, MID-SIZE SUV THAT OFFERS SOME PRETTY TEMPTING TECHNOLOGY FEATURES ALONG WITH SOME

SHARP PERFORMANCE.

and are available in a range of colours including Arctic White, Silver Frost, Graphite Grey, Midnight Black, and Fiery Orange. Interior options come in either white or black.

TrueEV and Xpeng began accepting online pre-orders for the G6 back in mid-June, with customers able to secure their vehicle with a fully refundable

deposit of $1000. Deliveries are expected to being in the fourth quarter of this year with customers able to pick up their new EV from designated delivery centres in Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne, with home delivery available free of charge for most locations.

"We are beyond excited to announce our exclusive partnership with Xpeng to bring to the market a highly intelligent, stylish and technologically advanced electric vehicle that will excite and accelerate the adoption of EVs in Australia,” said Jason Clarke, CEO of TrueEV in a media release when announcing the agreement with Xpeng. "Xpeng is the highest quality intelligent EV that we could identify after an exhaustive search. We are confident that Xpeng’s product range and design features are ideally suited to the Australian market.

"This collaboration represents a significant leap forward in the Australian range of intelligent EVs available and will be supported with the roll out of superior charging technology and capability."

Pricing for the G6 will be announced in September, but other media outlets have been guessing at a price around the $60,000 mark, which sounds pretty competitive for a premium EV with all the trimmings.

Xpeng G6

MERCEDES-BENZ UPGRADES SPRINTER RANGE AND ADDS ELECTRIC MODEL

MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER

PANEL van and cab chassis models are to receive a range of new equipment and safety upgrades, with the company also adding an allelectric variant to the range.

The overhaul for 2024 includes thorax-protecting airbags as standard, supplementing existing frontal and side head-protecting airbags for both driver and passenger. Active safety now includes Active Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Sign Assist, Rain-sensing wipers and automatic tyre pressure monitoring, and there’s a Parking Package available offering standard rear-view camera on all models apart from the 311 MWB panel van, which has reversing camera only.

Also available is Moving Off Information Assist, which utilises a camera mounted in

eSprinter Panel Van

THE OVERHAUL FOR 2024 INCLUDES THORAX-PROTECTING AIRBAGS AS STANDARD, SUPPLEMENTING EXISTING FRONTAL AND SIDE HEAD-PROTECTING AIRBAGS FOR BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER.

the radiator grille, plus six ultrasonic sensors, to monitor an area 3.7 metres in front of the steered direction of the vehicle and 0.5 metres to the side. This is automatically activated at startup, and remains active up to 10 km/h. The 2024 Sprinter range also includes Sideguard Assist, which provides extended detection in the blind spot on the passenger side of the Sprinter.

A new leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel incorporates touch pads and hands-off detection. Fuel tank capacity, meanwhile, is up from 71 to 93 litres.

Key comfort and convenience upgrades see all models fitted with the new MBUX multimedia system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen. This system, Mercedes said, can be optionally upgraded to add navigation and seven years of map updates, boosts computing power and performance and offers improved voice control via the ‘Hey Mercedes’ command, as well as increased functionality over vehicle functions and improved compatibility with mobile devices.

The combustion-engine Sprinter range offers a choice of 2-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines configured to different models and body styles:

311 Panel Van ................................................................. 84 kW/300 Nm

315/415 Panel Van...................................................... 110 kW/340 Nm

317/417/517 Panel Van, 517 Cab Chassis ...... 125 kW/400 Nm

319/419/519 Panel Van, 519 Cab Chassis ..... 140 kW/450 Nm

All variants drive power to the rear wheels via a nine-speed auto transmission, have an ECO start/stop function, and include a heavy-duty battery and 22-litre AdBlue Tank.

THE NEW ALL-ELECTRIC MERCEDES-BENZ ESPRINTER

Australian customers can now opt for an all-electric drivetrain with the new eSprinter in a choice of two panel van variants – an eSprinter MWB Van (81 kWh battery), and

an eSprinter LWB Van (113 kWh battery).

The electric range of the eSprinter LWB Van, based on a European simulation using the WLTP cycle, is up to 440km. The simulated range based on the WLTP city cycle is up to 530km. Cargo capacity is up to 14 cubic meters.

The electric powertrain features a motor and electric rear axle. In either eSprinter model, the motor provides 150kW of peak output and delivers torque of up to 400Nm.

Three different drive modes allow for customisation of performance and energy consumption. Comfort mode delivers the best performance and torque. Economic mode limits engine power for increased range, and Maximum Range mode further reduces engine output by limiting the use of features such as climate control. Regenerative braking also helps to maximise range.

An optional Navigation with Electric Intelligence feature calculates an optimised route, including charging stops, in real time.

Mercedes says the eSprinter has an onboard AC charger for maximum charging power of 11kW. Fast charging with up to 155kW can be done at DC fast-charging stations. The company says fast charging from 10 to 80 per cent takes around 42 minutes for the 113kWh battery.

Pricing for the eSprinter models sees the 81kWh MWB variant come in at $104,313 while the 113 kWh LWB model is priced at $121,041.

Sprinter Cab Chassis

HYUNDAI UPDATES STARIA PEOPLE MOVER AND STARIA LOAD VAN

HYUNDAI’S STARIA LINE-UP –

both the Staria people mover and Staria Load van variants - has received some technology and styling updates for the new model year.

Amongst the features for the 2025 model year are Bluelink connected car services and rain sensing wipers, which feature as standard for 2025 Staria Elite and Highlander and 2025 Staria Load Premium models. In addition, every 2025 Staria and Staria Load features 2D aluminium badging along with extra USB-C ports in the cabin.

Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist has been replaced with Blind-Spot Collision Warning across the range.

2025 Staria is offered in three variants – the Staria, the Elite, and the Highlander – each with a choice of 3.5-litre V6 petrol and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel powertrains with 8-speed automatic transmission.

The 2025 Staria Load also is offered in three variants – a two-seat van, a 5-seat Crew van, and a two-seat Premium vanwith the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel powertrain and 8-speed auto transmission, and a choice of liftback or twin-swing tailgate.

Hyundai’s Bluelink connected car services are provided free of charge for the first five years of new vehicle ownership and are transferrable to subsequent owners within this five-year period.

Key Bluelink features include:

• Automatic Collision Notification (ACN)

• Emergency Call (SOS) function

• Alert services including geo-fencing, valet, speed & time alerts

• Remote control of climate & vehicle functions

• Navigation send-to-car

• Voice recognition for POI lookup & vehicle controls

• Live weather information

• Vehicle settings management

Pricing (MLP, excluding on roads and dealer delivery) for the 2025 Staria runs from $49,500 for the 3.5-litre FWD entrylevel model, through to $67,500 for the 2.2-litre turbo diesel Highlander variant.

The Staria Load starts at $46,740 for the two-seat van.

• Connected Routing with live traffic updates

The five-seat Crew van comes in at $50,640, with the two-seat Premium van available for $51,740.

Hyundai Staria Load

JOIN US FOR THE 74TH ANNUAL

Swing into action! MOTOR TRADES GOLF DAY

The Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) invites you to tee off at our highly anticipated 2024 Golf Day. Enjoy a round of social golf with fellow automotive industry members and get involved in some friendly competition.

Tickets include green fees, golf buggy, coffee on arrival, morning tea on course, post-game gourmet buffet lunch, and the chance to win heaps of prizes!!

We encourage players of all skill levels to get involved, so grab your mates and we’ll see you on the green.

Friday, 6 September 2024

7:00am registration, for 8:00am “shotgun start”

Virginia Golf Club, Banyo

TICKETS HERE

Sponsorship options available, email events@mtaq.com.au or call 07 3237 8777 to find out more!

PRIZE SPONSOR & PLAYING TEAM

Team of 4 players

Logo on event webpage

Logo on event program

MC acknowledgement on the day

Acknowledgement on prize table signage

HOLE SPONSOR AND PLAYING TEAM

Team of 4 players

Company signage/banner displayed on 1 hole

Logo on event webpage

Logo on event program

Mention on golf day social media posts

MC acknowledgement on the day

Optional activation on 1 hole

Optional merchandise/gifts on 1 hole

HYUNDAI REVEALS DETAILS OF INSTER COMPACT EV

HYUNDAI HAS UNVEILED an A-segment sub-compact EV called the Inster.

Two variants will be available – a base model with a 42kWh battery set-up, and a Long-Range version with a 49kWh battery. The Inster will, Hyundai says, offer a projected range of 355km (WLTP) on a single charge for the Long-Range variant. Both models are powered by a single motor delivering 71.1kW in the base variant and 84.5kW in the Long-Range. Both versions deliver 147Nm of torque.

When using a 120kW DC charging station, Inster can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes. It comes equipped with an 11kW onboard charger

as standard. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality is available.

Dimensions see the Inster come in at 3825mm long, 1610mm wide, and 1575mm high. Wheelbase is 2580mm. The Inster sits on 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers but 15-inch alloy or 17-inch alloy wheels will be offered depending on specification.

TWO VARIANTS WILL BE AVAILABLE – A BASE MODEL WITH A 42KWH BATTERY SET-UP, AND A LONG-RANGE VERSION WITH A 49KWH BATTERY.

Hyundai Inster

Inside, Inster’s technology and convenience set-up sees a 10.25-inch digital cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, and a wireless charging dock.

All seats can be folded flat – including the driver’s seat. A front bench seat option and heated front seats and steering wheel are available. The second-row seats are split 50/50 and slide and recline.

For safety, Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features include Surround View Monitor, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear, Blind-spot View Monitor and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5.

Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist are also offered, plus Blind-Spot

Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear CrossTraffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safety Exit Warning, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Highway Driving Assist 1.5, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert and Rear Occupant Alert.

The ADAS Parking System combines Parking Distance Warning Front and Rear with a Rear-View Monitor for greater visibility.

INSTER will launch first in Korea this summer, followed by Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific in due course. Specifications for any model destined for Australia will be announced closer to launch.

BENTLEY UNLEASHES THE NEW HYBRID CONTINENTAL GT SPEED

BENTLEY HAS UNVEILED the fourth generation Continental GT Speed, with the new luxury Grant Tourer - which is also being released as a convertible - receiving an exterior and interior redesign but, more importantly perhaps, sporting an all-new hybrid powertrain - one that makes

this incarnation of the Speed the most powerful Bentley on the road.

The new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, as the company calls it, is a brute of a thing with a 4-litre twin-turbo V8, which churns out 441kW and 800Nm, working in tandem with an electric motor pumping out 140kW and 450Nm.

Continental GT Speed

THE CONTINENTAL GT SPEED OFFERS BLISTERING

PERFORMANCE, WITH 0-100KM/H COVERED IN 3.2 SECONDS AND TOP SPEED REACHING 335KM/H.

A 25.9kWh battery is mounted behind the rear axle. There’s a new 400-volt electrical architecture, and the set-up of the hybrid system means, Bentley says, that the new Continental can cover 81km on just battery-electric power. Total range is 859km. The battery can be fully replenished in as little as 2.75 hours with 11kW peak charging power.

The mighty power of the hybrid is delivered to all four wheels via an eightspeed dual clutch transmission and an electronic limited slip differential (eLSD). The system uses active torque vectoring front to rear through a centre differential, and precision vectoring across each axle

using the brakes. This Continental GT Speed offers blistering performance, with 0-100km/h covered in 3.2 seconds and top speed reaching 335km/h.

As well as the new powertrain, the Continental boasts a new chassis system, with new two-chamber air springs paired with new dual-valve dampers, along with Bentley Dynamic Ride (48V active antiroll control) and the eLSD and torque vectoring.

Braking system options include 10-piston front calipers and four-piston rears with either ventilated iron brakes of 420 mm front and 380 mm rear discs, or Carbon-Silicon-Carbide brakes with 440 mm front and 410 mm rear discs.

Being a Bentley, interior materials, trim and technology is top tier. There are 20-way adjustable seats and optional Wellness seating with Postural Adjust and Auto Climate to the front seats. Laminated acoustic glass is used for the windscreen and side windows.

GT continues to feature the Bentley Rotating Display – the three-sided display featuring a 12.3-inch display, three analogue dials, and a side of handcrafted veneer.

The environment display (shown in the driver’s instrument panel) enables driving in semi-assisted mode, providing feedback to the driver on how the car is responding to other vehicles. There’s also the latest generation self-parking system with speed control.

The air conditioning system includes air ionisers, a new particulate matter filter and displays showing air quality outside and inside the vehicle.

Customers who choose to pair their mobile phone can access connected car services, including Remote Charging Status, Remote Park Assist, and Remote Cabin Pre-Conditioning.

Bentley will also introduce the My Bentley app studio to the fourthgeneration Continental. Customers can gain access to a wide variety of vehicle and third-party applications which can be downloaded directly, independent of a smartphone, to the infotainment system.

THE NEW OPEN-TOP CONTINENTAL GTC IS BEING LAUNCHED AT THE SAME TIME AS THE COUPE.

Applications include music, video, gaming, navigation, parking and charging.

The new open-top Continental GTC is being launched at the same time as the coupe. The Convertible features Bentley’s seven-bow fabric roof system, available in a range of seven exterior colours and deployable in 19 seconds at speeds up to 48 km/h. The convertible is, like the coupe, a performance monster. 0-100km/h is completed in 3.4 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 285km/h.

Bentley’s bespoke division – Mulliner - will be offering a collection of unique features enabling further personalisation to the latest model.

Trust the Motor Trades Professional Circle.

MEMBER

New vehicle sales

YEAR-TO-DATE SALES HIT RECORD HIGH AS JUNE NUMBER WILTS

IN WHAT HAS been a bumper year for Australian new vehicle sales, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has revealed that the June 2024 sales number of 119,659 has seen year-to-date sales stretch to 632,412 - an increase of 8.7 per cent on 2023. It's also a number that surpasses the previous record of 605,522 set in 2018.

However, that good news was accompanied by the unwelcome result of the June 2024 number declining 4.2 per cent compared to the same month in 2023.

Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales also slipped in June. According to the FCAI, while BEV sales nabbed 8.8 per cent of the market in June 2023, they fell to 8 per cent of new sales in June 2024. However, the BEV sector was buoyant for the year, accounting for 50,219 sales year-to-date compared to 43,092 at the same time last year.

The June 2024 sales breakdown saw Queensland decrease by 6.3 per cent (26,265) compared to June 2023. NSW was down by 2.1 per cent (36,246), South Australia decreased by 0.5 per cent (7,932), Victoria decreased by 4.7 per cent, Western Australia was down by 7.6 per cent (12,079), and Tasmania decreased by 1.4 per cent (1,897). The ACT were the same as June 2023 (1,856) while the NT fell by 5.3 per cent (1,028).

Toyota was the market leader with sales of 20,903 in June, followed by Ford (9,493), Mazda (9,483), Kia (8,225), and Mitsubishi (7,723).

BATTERY-ELECTRIC VEHICLE (BEV) SALES ALSO SLIPPED IN JUNE. ACCORDING TO THE FCAI, WHILE BEV SALES NABBED AN 8.8 PER CENT OF THE MARKET IN JUNE

2023, THEY FELL TO 8 PER CENT OF NEW SALES IN JUNE 2024.

The Ford Ranger was Australia's topselling vehicle with sales of 6,289 in June, followed by the Toyota HiLux (5,630), Toyota RAV4 (3,907), Mitsubishi Outlander (3,045), and Tesla Model Y (2,906).

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said in a statement that the yearly sales were encouraging, especially considering the ongoing economic challenges.

"The end of the financial year has traditionally been a strong month for vehicle sales and achieving 632,412 sales in just six months is a testament to the resilience of the market," he said.

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Workplace relations

EVANGELINE KANNIS SENIOR WORKPLACE RELATIONS ADVISOR

EQUEENSLAND COMPANY CONVICTED OF INDUSTRIAL MANSLAUGHTER

MPLOYERS ARE GENERALLY acutely aware of their obligations under Queensland Workplace Health and Safety laws. Since 2017 Queensland has a maximum penalty for industrial manslaughter of 20 years imprisonment for an individual and $15.5m for a corporate. It is a criminal offence.

Each state, except Tasmania, has its own laws, and businesses that cross state borders are reminded to maintain vigilance and knowledge of their workplace risks.

An individual in these laws is the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) or a senior officer may include:

• A director or secretary of a corporation.

• Chief Executive Officers.

• Chief Financial Officers or Chief Operations Officer.

• General Counsel.

• General Managers.

• Officeholders in an unincorporated association (e.g., club president). This is a complex and serious area of law. A PCBU or Senior Officer will be criminally liable when:

• a worker dies in the course of carrying out work for the business or is injured in the course of carrying out work at the business and later dies; and

• the PCBU’s or Senior Officer’s conduct causes the death of the worker; and

• the PCBU’s or Senior Officer’s conduct is negligent, and that negligent conduct causes the death of the worker.

In June 2024, a Queensland pool manufacturer was convicted and fined $1.5million after pleading guilty to industrial manslaughter in the District Court at Brisbane. The incident stems from a tragic accident in August 2021 when a worker was killed after being struck by a mobile crane.

In the Decision, His Honour remarked that although the defendant had mechanisms for work health and safety compliance, as would be expected of a corporation employing a significant number of employees and operating this type of business, and it further engaged consultancy firms to identify work health and safety risks, at no time in respect of any of its sites were the risks leading to this tragic accident identified. In summary, even though there were considerable mitigating factors the substantial fine was set as a general deterrent.

The information in this article is general and does not constitute legal advice. For more information about this case or other Workplace Relations advice and assistance please contact MTA Queensland on 07 3237 8777.

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF MEMBERSHIP?

EVENTS & PROGRAMS

• Golf Day

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INSTANT VALUE

• Workplace Health & Safety Audit

• Workplace Relations Consultation

• Insurance Review

• EFTPOS Comparison

• Energy Audit

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• MTA Institute (RTO31529) provides leading industry training

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INDUSTRY REPRESENTATION TO GOVERNMENT

MTA Institute News

MARCELLO

DIRECTOR, MTA INSTITUTE

WITH THE

END of the 2023/24 financial year and the start of the next, we see a change of guard with long-term MTA Institute trainers Roger West and Alex Fletcher both reaching the point of well-earned retirement.

I'd like to personally thank them both for near on 40 years of combined service at MTA Queensland.

Interestingly, I completed my prevocational course as a young whippersnapper under Roger as my supervisor in the late 1980s and started my employment at a similar time as Alex with MTA Queensland in the early 2000s.

While the exit of long-serving staff results in a loss of decades of experience, it opens the way for a new generation of trainers charged with the heavy responsibility of guiding our current and future trainees and apprentices. I’m both confident and excited to see a new generation of educators emerge.

ON THE SUBJECT OF OUR TRAINERS, WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THEM ALL AT OUR BI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE AT THE END OF JULY.

quickly our industry is progressing with significant technological advancements presenting very rapidly. MTA Queensland is committed to ensuring our trainers are, and will continue to be, at the forefront of these technological changes.

On the subject of our trainers, we look forward to seeing them all at our bi-annual conference at the end of July.

The conference represents an opportunity to assist them with their ongoing professional development which positions them as confident and competent leaders.

We are all more than aware of how

On the subject of keeping up with technology, I’d like to remind everyone of some of our training products, which include online electric vehicle microcredentials, face-to-face electric vehicle skill sets, ADAS short courses, several diesel courses and introductory welding courses. Just jump on our website - mtai.edu.auand have a look around.

On another note, keep an eye out for training in regional Queensland as we schedule the deployment of our Auto Ready programs aimed at school students interested in automotive, and our electric and hybrid vehicle de-power program for technicians. That's about it for this month. Hoping you all a productive 2024/25.

RIOTTO

Roger West

Alex Fletcher

Apprentice of the Month: June 2024

APPRENTICE:

BLAKE PEAGHAM

WORKPLACE:

CAM DUFFY AUTOS

APPRENTICESHIP:

LIGHT VEHICLE MECHANICAL

BLAKE PEAGHAM IS the MTA Institute Apprentice of the month for June 2024.

The 38-year-old light vehicle apprentice works at Cam Duffy Autos in Atherton, has just a handful of units to do to complete his qualification and has impressed both his employer and MTA Institute trainer with his ability, positive attitude, attention to detail, and professionalism.

This is not the first go at a light vehicle apprenticeship for Blake. After finishing high school some 20 years ago, he got a couple of years into an apprenticeship, coincidently also at Cam Duffy Autos, before deciding to go a different route, working in transportation and starting his own business in that sector.

“I WANTED TO SEE WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND ASK CAM WHAT WAS GOING ON . . . WHEN I MENTIONED I WAS INTERESTED HE SAID THEY'D HELP ME FINISH MY APPRENTICESHIP. ”

A couple of decades on and the idea took shape to return to the workshop environment and potentially complete that apprenticeship.

"It is what I wanted to do when I left school," said Blake. "I did a pre-vocational course and then 'job-jumped' around a bit between three different places. The last place I worked back then, when I was 20, was Cam Duffy Autos, so I did actually do a portion of my apprenticeship.

"However, I was a young man and I went out and had a fantastic adventure for 20 years. I spent a long time in transport and drove trucks all over Australia. It was a really well-paid holiday to be honest with you!"

Blake said it was partly due to 'being ready to settle down' getting 'stabilised' and, perhaps, acknowledging how tough running a business can be that played a role in him looking to return to the workshop and an apprenticeship.

Keen to find out the lay of the land in the auto industry, Blake called his one-time employer Cam Duffy.

"I wanted to see what was happening and ask Cam what was going on. And he said he had plenty of work and actually had a spot for me," said Blake. "When I mentioned I was interested he said they'd help me finish my apprenticeship."

Although Blake had completed a couple of years of his training 20 years ago, he effectively had to start again from scratch.

"It was too long ago, and I was very grateful to be able to go back and do that training again as I have taken quite a bit out of it," he said.

Today, Blake works on all manner of jobs across many vehicle makes and models, and the end of his light vehicle apprenticeship training is fast approaching. However, he recognises that continual learning, especially in the age of electrification, is a feature of the auto industry in modern times.

"They are going to be a part of the industry," he said of electrified vehicles. "And I have already spoken to my MTA Institute trainer about it."

Having once been a business owner, it might be natural to think that Blake might complete his apprenticeship and look to branch out and flex his business muscles once again. However, while he said running a business can be rewarding, it can also take the emphasis away from the work and the satisfaction to be drawn from it.

"I had my own business, and I didn't really get out of that what I thought I would," he said.

"Being in a workshop with other guys means you're working with other people and you're part of a team. And that is really good.”

• Are you employing an apprentice who is excelling in the workplace?

• Do you have a high-achieving apprentice colleague?

If the answer is ‘yes’, then nominate them for the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month Award.

• Are they training with MTA Institute? CLICK HERE FOR

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

Aaron Nailer

Lachlan Ries

Scott Taylor

Joshua Coleman

Riccardo Ferandoes-Ashwell

Adam Habermann

Ricky Petersen

Ronil Prasad

Jakob Schneider

Jack Sherrin

Adam Williams

Jake Woolnough

Byron Hafemeister

Joel Jamieson

Reece Valta

Amy Clissold

Bailey Elliott

Jessee-James Benson

Mitchell Beacham

Christopher Hobson

Jade Holloway

Joseph O'Neill

Jack Baker

Wade Brinner

James Chigwidden

Brayden Connelly

Matthew Graham

George Greenham

Lawson Harris

Luke Hayes

Te Ranginui Kelly

Patrick Moore

Zachary Morrison

Matthew Murray

Michael Poddubecki

Lachlan Reed

Nicholas Robbie

Kane Somerville

Aiden Stevenson

Frank Warren

Thomas McLaughlan

Mitchell Colley

Ethan Sturgeon

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

QUALIFICATION

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 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 Refinishing Technology

Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology

Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology

Certificate III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting)

Certificate III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting)

Certificate III in Automotive Underbody 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 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 Motorcycle Mechanical Technology

Certificate III in Outdoor Power Equipment Technology

Certificate III in Outdoor Power Equipment Technology

TRAINER

Keiran Charters

Alfio Rotolone

Brett Baker

Antony Joslin

Roger West

Stephen Blaauw

Dennis Shaw

Roger West

Frank Crause

Roger West

Derrick Pratt

Kevin Ryan

Keiran Charters

Keiran Charters

Brett Baker

Stephen Blaauw

Keiran Charters

Colin Crichton

Terry Palfrey

Steve Adams

Steve Adams

Steve Adams

Roger West

Roger West

James Dixon

Stephen Blaauw

Stephen Blaauw

Stuart Davies

Les Hart

Don Lerm

Gavin Jacobs

James Dixon

Stephen Blaauw

Les Hart

Ross Wilson

Bruce McLeish

Dennis Shaw

Stuart Davies

Jens Puder

Terry Palfrey

Neville Donaldson

David Twidale

Ivan Aird

MICHELLE KING

PROJECT MANAGERWOMEN IN AUTOMOTIVE TRADES APPRENTICESHIPS

TMTA QUEENSLAND TO SUPPORT FEMALE APPRENTICES VIA MENTORING SCHEME

HERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 9500 automotive apprentices in Queensland, and around 8 per cent of those are female. There is so much work to be done to increase that number and it’s critical that we do. Female representation in the trades is important and the value created can ensure growth and longevity for the automotive industry.

MTA Queensland recently announced the launch of a Women in Automotive Apprenticeships Mentoring Program to support the attraction and retention of females in the industry. The program aims to deliver one-on-one mentoring for first- and second-year female apprentices to help build confidence and overcome challenges faced in their day-to-day work activities.

Through a partnership with BUSY Sisters, MTA Queensland will deliver a program that will ensure experienced and dedicated mentors are equipped to work with apprentices and understand their needs to provide resources and tools that better themselves and their career.

We will be looking to host various webinars and events that focus on education on important topics like mental health, work-life balance, understanding finances and superannuation. It will be about helping our female apprentices build confidence, learn how to have tough conversations, and understand the various career pathways available to them in the automotive industry post completion of their apprenticeship.

Our program will also provide assistance for businessescreating resources and information for them on how to foster a better workplace culture. It’s important for businesses to understand their role in building supportive environments for female apprentices to thrive. There will be opportunities for them to engage and further the goal of bettering the automotive industry.

For businesses needing to close gaps with skilled labour, they need to be looking beyond traditional recruiting methods and ways of doing things. Diverse workforces are here, and

MTA QUEENSLAND RECENTLY ANNOUNCED THE LAUNCH OF A WOMEN IN AUTOMOTIVE APPRENTICESHIPS MENTORING PROGRAM TO SUPPORT THE ATTRACTION AND RETENTION OF FEMALES IN THE INDUSTRY.

they are the future for industries. By prioritising training and embracing a better workplace culture, businesses open the doors for new and creative ways of thinking and approaches to the work. This focus will ultimately make them an employer of choice. Businesses that don’t harness diversity risk losing potential talent as well as potential customer bases.

There are challenges in every apprenticeship and career. However, the challenges for women working in male-dominated spaces often lead to fewer apprenticeship completions which only increases the skilled labour shortages.

Toward the end of the mentoring program, apprentices will be encouraged to join MTA Queensland’s Auto Women initiative. This will open them up to an even larger group of women in the industry, helping to continue the creation of a strong network of women whose shared experiences allow us all to learn from one another as well as challenge and motivate each other to drive this industry forward.

Reach out via the link below if you’re interested in joining the program or would like to learn more as an employer!

The Women in Automotive Apprenticeships

Mentoring Program is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government through the Women in Trades Mentoring Program.

KELVIN MILLAR INDUSTRY WORKFORCE ADVISOR

DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT WITH OUTDATED OR NON-COMPLIANT HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

IS YOUR BUSINESS struggling with all things Human Resources (HR)? Are you up to date with the most relevant HR material and practices in the market today? Why not join the many businesses that have already been successful in securing a $5,000 small business HR grant to implement or update an HR system or practice into their workplace.

With today’s ever-changing world it has never been more important to ensure your HR needs are in order and with the Queensland government’s workforce connect HR grant, part of the good people, good jobs Queensland workforce strategy 2022-32, now is the best time to take advantage and ensure your business is up to date with its HR practices and processes. Whether it’s making sure your onboarding process is correct to ensure motivated and productive staff, ensuring your staff retention stays at manageable levels, or ensuring you have a robust diversity and inclusion policy, accessing the

WITH TODAY’S EVER-CHANGING WORLD IT HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT TO ENSURE YOUR HR NEEDS ARE IN ORDER . . .

HR fund could help your business.

Applying couldn’t be easier, simply contact your Industry Workforce Advisor (IWA) at the Motor Trades Association of Queensland, Kelvin Millar, for a chat and see what’s possible.

Once approved, the funding can be used to update a current HR system or to develop a new system to be implemented into the business.

HR Support Grants provides funding to small businesses with an immediate need for new and innovative human resources (HR) solutions to support their business. Up to $5,000 is available for HR support and advice (subject to funding availability).

MTAQ AND QLD POLICE PARTNER ON ELECTRIC VEHICLE SAFETY TRAINING

WHILE ELECTRIC VEHICLES

(EVs) offer numerous environmental and economic benefits, they also present unique challenges, particularly in emergency situations.

For first responders - such as firefighters, paramedics, police officers and forensic teams - understanding the specific dangers associated with EVs is crucial. Proper training can mean the difference between life and death in what can be the chaotic and traumatising aftermath of an accident.

MTA Queensland has been working with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to deliver EV training to the QPS teams that must attend such accident scenes - in particular on how to ensure that the high-

FOR FIRST RESPONDERS - SUCH AS FIREFIGHTERS, PARAMEDICS, POLICE OFFICERS AND FORENSIC TEAMSUNDERSTANDING THE SPECIFIC DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH EVS IS CRUCIAL.

voltage system is depowered allowing them to do their work safely.

This is important, as the risks associated with EVs can be very serious indeed, and include:

1. Battery Fires and Thermal Runaway: EVs are powered by large lithium-ion battery packs, which can catch fire

if damaged. These fires are not only difficult to extinguish but can also lead to a phenomenon known as thermal runaway. Thermal runaway occurs when a damaged battery cell generates heat, which then causes adjacent cells to overheat and fail, leading to a rapid and uncontrollable fire. Such fires can reignite even days after the initial incident, posing ongoing risks.

2. Electrical Shock Hazards: EVs operate at high voltages, often ranging from 400 to 800 volts. In the event of an accident, these high-voltage systems can become exposed, creating a risk of electrical shock.

3. Hazardous Materials: The batteries and other components of EVs contain

hazardous materials, including lithium, cobalt, and nickel. In an accident, these materials can be released, posing risks of chemical burns, inhalation of toxic fumes, and environmental contamination.

4. Vehicle Construction: EVs can feature unusual construction techniques and materials. This complexity can make rescue efforts more challenging. For example, the presence of high-strength steel, aluminium, and composite materials can complicate cutting and prying operations. Additionally, the placement of batteries and other electrical components can create obstacles that must be navigated.

Clearly, training is essential to be able to identify and safely manage these risks and the two-day training program developed by MTA Queensland for the QPS focuses on the depowering and making safe of an EV at the site of an incident.

Elements of the course include the study of the layout, construction and componentry of electric vehicle; general safety and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); identifying risks; and, of course, the ways to depower it to make it safe and to reinitialise power to it should that be required.

“These people are going to encounter a range of different situations when they arrive on a scene, and our first and foremost consideration is to make sure we maintain the safety of these people working around electric vehicles, as well as the safety of others around that scene,” said Keith Minchin, Technical Trainer

“. . . AFTER DOING THIS TRAINING, I FEEL PRETTY CONFIDENT THAT I CAN ATTEND THE SCENE SUCCESSFULLY AND DEPOWER THE VEHICLES TO MAKE THEM SAFE.”

with the MTA Institute who delivered the course. “In order to be able to work on EVs safely, they need an understanding of how electric vehicles work and the systems that are actually in that vehicle.

“On the first day we introduce the theory of the electric vehicle, the basic outline of the electronics and we'll demonstrate various components. Then we migrate down into the workshop where we'll actually work on vehicles, observe various components, and go through a depowering procedure where we can make the vehicle safe.

“With the understanding of the theory of how electric vehicles work and then the ability to visually identify components on the vehicle, we can have someone who can work within a range of different situations that they may face and carry out that work in a safe manner.”

numbers growing, it was, she said, very important to understand how to work with them safely.

“Obviously they're becoming quite prevalent on the roads and that's only going to increase. It's very important for us to know how to make that safe for ourselves and everyone else at the scene,” said Hayley.

“The training that we have done has involved isolating and depowering electronic vehicles . . . there are several steps involved in doing that. I was initially quite apprehensive about it. However, after doing this training, I feel pretty confident that I can attend a scene successfully and depower the vehicles to make them safe. We also learned how to reinitialise the power back to the vehicles. so that they can continue to be used in the future.”

Such training is crucial for first responders said Hayley Garrod, a Senior Constable from Townsville’s Forensic Crash Unit. The members of such units are tasked with investigating serious injury and fatal traffic crashes and Hayley undertook the course in June along with more than a dozen other officers. With EV

Delivering such tailored safety training is one of many EV-related initiatives MTA Queensland and the MTA Institute has developed. These include short, online micro-credential courses, EV inspection and servicing courses, and will also soon include the full EV apprenticeship – AUR32721 Certificate in Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology.

VIDEO: ELECTRIC VEHICLE SAFETY TRAINING

A WEEK WITH EXHAUST CLEAN AUSTRALIA: TRSLA'S SCHOOL-TOWORK JOURNEY

WITH AUTOMOTIVE WORKPLACES

across Queensland

continuing to battle ongoing skill and workforce shortages, developing pathways that promote entry to a career in the industry for aspiring school students is a key strategy for MTA Queensland.

With this in mind, MTA Queensland partnered with Capricorn Society in 2024 to host a series of automotive careers expos in regions across the state, aimed at connecting students seeking to learn more about commencing an apprenticeship or career in automotive with local employers looking for their next star apprentice, trainee, or employee.

Following successful expos in Roma, Toowoomba, Cairns, and Bundaberg, the event came to Brisbane in May of this year, where 17-year-old high-school student Trsla Bhatnagar came along to learn more about the career opportunities available to her.

At the event, Trsla connected with Brennden Alder, the Sales and Marketing Manager at Exhaust Clean Australia

in Beenleigh, who attended the event to promote the opportunities available with one of the nation’s leading vehicular exhaust cleaning services. Following the interaction, Trsla reached out to MTA Queensland’s Automotive Schools Program Coordinator, Tegan Crossman, to assist in organising a week’s work experience, which occurred during the recent school holidays.

“I’ve learnt so much this week, it has been so busy but so enjoyable,” said Trsla. “Exhaust Clean Australia’s specialty is exhausts, so I’ve worked a lot with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and the chemicals involved with cleaning out the soot and carbon build-up which is super interesting. I will be able to take what I’ve learned and use it on my own car which is great.

“I got to work on a variety of different cars over the week. We had a Ford and a heap of Range Rovers, and I enjoyed revving up the cars to watch how the sensors and emissions systems work.”

With Exhaust Clean Australia offering services that can be niche compared to the regular automotive workshop, Brennden said he was incredibly happy with how Trsla took to the learning experience.

“We did a few DPF’s, Catalytic Converters, Selective Catalyst Reduction Catalysts, a bit of everything really, and I was really impressed with how Trsla got stuck in and soaked up everything the team was teaching her,” said Brennden.

“I GOT TO WORK ON A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT CARS OVER THE WEEK . . . I ENJOYED REVVING UP THE CARS TO WATCH HOW THE SENSORS AND EMISSIONS SYSTEMS WORK.”

“It’s quite hands-on work and can get very dirty, so it’s interesting to see how people react to that, but she loved it. At one point, I pointed out that she had soot all over her, and she just said 'Yeah, so do the other guys’. She was completely unfazed!”

While the opportunity to offer a work experience placement comes with numerous benefits for the participants, Brennden explained that his team of staff also got a lot out of the experience.

“Working in the workshop all day, you get used to doing your job autonomously, so when someone comes in asking questions about everything you’re doing and showing such enthusiasm, it does make you think about all the skills you have learnt and it’s quite rewarding to be

able to explain what you are doing,” said Brennden. “I wouldn’t say the guys were showing off, but they were very thorough in going over the correct processes and were happy to explain what they were doing. I think they got a lot out of it.

“I’ve attended a few of the MTA Queensland/Capricorn careers events now and they have been a great outlet for talking to students with a real interest in the automotive industry. I would recommend going along and offering a work experience placement."

For Trsla, while a career in the automotive industry isn’t necessarily the ultimate goal, the skills and experience she has taken from the week with Clean Exhaust Australia has been really beneficial.

“Having recently just got my own car as well, having that deeper understanding of vehicles, how to look after them, and knowing what a mechanic is talking about when I take my car in for a service is very important and I have definitely learnt a lot about this over this week.”

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

Above: Trsla (fourth from left) with Brennden Alder (third from left) and the team from Exhaust Clean Australia in Beenleigh.

Right: Trsla with Tegan Crossman, MTA Queensland's Automotive Schools Program Coordinator

BMW CONCEPT

CONCEPT SKYTOP

THIS IS THE BMW Concept Skytop design study - an open two-seater that references the company’s V8 Roadster with its sweeping bonnet and shark-nose design, and flowing, sporty and muscular stance. Also here in the design is a pronounced spline that extends from the bonnet, through the interior, to an aluminium trim positioned on the tailgate.

A leather-finished roll-over bar behind the Concept Skytop’s two seats is combined with side fins on the B-pillar and a fully retractable rear window.

BMW SAYS THAT, LIKE THE V8 ROADSTER, THE CONCEPT SKYTOP BOASTS THE MOST POWERFUL V8 ENGINE IN THE BMW DRIVE TRAIN PORTFOLIO.

THE COLOUR SCHEME INCLUDES, IN THE REAR SECTION, A REDDISH-BROWN TONE ON THE ROOF THAT FLOWS INTO THE SILVER WITH CHROME SHADOW EFFECT OF THE EXTERIOR PAINTWORK.

The two removable roof parts, also finished in leather, can be stored in a special compartment in the luggage space. Winglets integrated into the door shoulders replace conventional door handles.

LED headlights, positioned on milled aluminium carriers, have been custom developed for the concept, offering the slimmest profile currently available.

The colour scheme includes, in the rear section, a reddish-brown tone on the roof that flows into the silver with chrome shadow effect of the exterior paintwork. Brogue-style leather surfaces cover the interior. Crystal applications are embedded in the cockpit giving the interior that extra bit of sparkle and luxury touch.

BMW says that, like the V8 Roadster, the Concept Skytop boasts the most powerful V8 engine in the BMW drive train portfolio.

That might mean the 460kW/750Nm twin-turbo 4.4-litre engine from the M8 Competition. However, BMW does have more potent powertrains in its portfolio – notably the BMW XM Label Red SUV boasts a twin-turbo hybrid set-up busting out 550kW and 1000Nm. Whatever sits underneath the sleek skin of the Concept Skytop, it no doubt means that the slicklooking machine is as quick as it looks.

VIDEO: BMW CONCEPT SKYTOP