Motor Trader e-magazine, March 2022

MAR 2022

CHARGING AHEAD THE LAND ROVER PERENTIE EV FROM BRITISH OFF ROAD

| Q&A: SHARON AND SHAUN FOSTER + WOMEN IN THE WORKSHOP HELP DRIVE + MTA QUEENSLAND’S INAUGURAL AUTO + OFMTAFOSTER’S GROWTH AT GENESIS AUTOWORKS WOMEN CONNECT EVENT A SUCCESS ACE AUTO REPAIRS INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF MTA QUEENSLAND? CLICK HERE

+ FERRARI LA FERRARI

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND

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

MTA QUEENSLAND hosts quarterly Divisional Committee meetings for:

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

› robust discussions around the priorities of the Division, › issues that need to be directly presented to government and submissions, › skilling needs, › membership representation, › technical and educational updates, and › innovation opportunities.

The Committee meetings can be attended in-person at MTA Queensland or online.

The meetings are open to members and non-members, but we strongly encourage membership to ensure all member benefits are available.

CLICK HERE FOR MEETING DATES

20200885

CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY

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

vehicle (EV) conversions.

British Off Road has been around for more than 50 years and made its name as an independent Land Rover specialist. Like the brand itself, the business is embracing the JONATHAN NASH electrification revolution, and EDITOR its first customer EV conversion ELCOME TO THE - a Land Rover Perentie - graces March 2022 edition of our cover this month.

Motor Trader.

The move to take on EV It’s always a real treat to conversions is interesting and meet, chat with, and write one that we will surely see about those in the automotive others adopt in the future. industry who are doing Read the story from page 24. interesting and innovative As always, inside we also have things and pushing themselves plenty of industry news - from and their business in new innovations to training to new directions. vehicle launches to news from Last month, and during member businesses. I hope you a temporary break from enjoy this edition and do reach the horrendous downpours out if you have some interesting that have blitzed southeast Queensland in recent weeks, we news to share. I look forward to were able to catch up with Mark hearing from you.

Cheers and Ross Calder from British Jonathan Nash, Editor Off Road, near Brisbane, about jonathann@mtaq.com.au their new venture into electric

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

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EDITOR Jonathan Nash ART DIRECTOR Marco Ilinic INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Evangeline Kannis Ian Naylor POLICY Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

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

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

MTA Queensland welcomes the following new members

MTA QUEENSLAND ABN: 74 028 933 848

20221040

CORPORATE PARTNERS

BUSINESS NAME AutoFuzion Autocare Ipswich A Grade Mechanical Auto Masters - Labrador Auto Masters - Slacks Creek Auto Masters Yarrabilba David Galea Mechanical GGG Motors Le Mans Bulimba Le Mans Motors Milton Le Mans Motors Newstead Le Mans Woolloongabba Le Mans West End Pty Ltd Mr Prestige Auto Sales Torqueline Automotive Services Walkerston Mechanical West Dalby Ag Sales Pty Ltd

ADDRESS

DIVISION

3 Vaughan Dr, Ormeau QLD 4208 3 Hooper St, West Ipswich QLD 4305 88 Andrew St, Wynnum QLD 4178 197 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters QLD 4216 3361 Pacific Hwy, Slacks Creek QLD 4127 25 Wongawallan Dr, Yarrabilba QLD 4207 1/12 Carl Ct, Rural View QLD 4740 96 Compton Rd, Woodridge QLD 4114 51 Godwin St, Bulimba QLD 4171 36 Douglas St, Milton QLD 4064 18 Austin St, Newstead QLD 4006 98 Deshon St, Woolloongabba QLD 4102 194 Montague Rd, West End QLD 4101 355 Bradman St, Acacia Ridge QLD 4110 3/5 Henzell Rd, Caboolture QLD 4510 24 Dutton Street, Walkerston, QLD 4751 62/64 Yumborra Rd, Dalby QLD 4405

AED AED AED ARD AED ARD AED ARD AED AED AED AED AED ARD AED AED QFIMDD

March 2022 Motor Trader | 1

Contents

24

CHARGING AHEAD: THE LAND ROVER PERENTIE EV FROM BRITISH OFF ROAD

04 FROM THE DESK OF MANAGEMENT 08 MTA|Q&A: FOSTER’S ACE AUTO REPAIRS 14 MTA QUEENSLAND’S INAUGURAL AUTO WOMEN CONNECT EVENT A SUCCESS 16 WOMEN IN THE WORKSHOP HELP DRIVE GROWTH AT GENESIS AUTOWORKSS 24 CHARGING AHEAD: THE LAND ROVER PERENTIE EV FROM BRITISH OFF ROAD 34 AUTO INNOVATION NEWS 48 FERRARI LAFERRARI 56 AUTO NEWS 78 WORKPLACE RELATIONS 81 MTA INSTITUTE NEWS 82 APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH: FEBRUARY 2022 84 MTA INSTITUTE GRADUATE LIST 88 CONCEPT CORNER 2 | Motor Trader March 2022

16

WOMEN IN THE WORKSHOP HELP DRIVE GROWTH AT GENESIS AUTOWORKS

Search for MTA Queensland

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FERRARI LAFERRARI

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MTA QUEENSLAND’S INAUGURAL AUTO WOMEN CONNECT EVENT A SUCCESS

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14

MTA | Q&A: FOSTER’S ACE AUTO REPAIRS

DS E-TENSE PERFORMANCE

March 2022 Motor Trader | 3

From the Desk of Management

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HILE I AM starting to think it may be one of the most over used words in our vernacular, ‘unprecedented’ does seem to be an ROD CAMM appropriate way to CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MTA QUEENSLAND describe what we have been through recently. COVID, staff and supply shortages, floods, and now supercell storms. I am beginning to wonder if the locust plague is on the horizon!

Despite everything going on, I believe now, more than ever, our message to consumers is to only trust businesses who are members of MTA Queensland to perform the services required and avoid getting ripped off. The message is only MTA Queensland members are accredited and have committed to the values needed to ensure confidence and trust.

The risks as a result of the floods for consumers inadvertently attempting to start a flooded car, or privately purchasing a potentially written-off car, are real.

Media outlets have already been incredibly receptive to our push for consumers to utilise member businesses to get their cars checked and repaired, purchase a replacement vehicle, or hire a car.

Members should be aware that we will be pushing this message even harder in the coming months through a comprehensive marketing campaign – including social and mainstream media channels. My message now to you is to make sure you are ready and proudly and boldly display your membership signs and stickers any way you can. This campaign will only work if our members get behind it. If you require new signs, please get in touch with us by emailing info@mtaq.com.au 4 | Motor Trader March 2022

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ELEVANCE IS KEY for our engagement with members. Our Divisional Meetings are currently ongoing and open to all members, and we are KELLIE DEWAR really working hard DEPUTY CEO | GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES to introduce relevant guest speakers to encourage increased attendance, but we want to know what would it take to get you to attend?

WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF PREPARING THE LAUNCH OF OUR NEWEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTING THE BENEFITS OF CONSUMERS USING MTA QUEENSLAND MEMBER BUSINESSES. As Rod touched on, we are in the midst of preparing the launch of our newest marketing campaign highlighting the benefits of consumers using MTA Queensland member businesses. We also want to stamp out consumers going to unscrupulous and unlicensed operators taking advantage of them. I encourage all consumers to continue to send any information they have through to info@mtaq.com.au, or use the Dob in a Backyarder page on the MTAQ website.

We are continuing to hear cases of serious odometer fraud, so please, if you have any evidence, send it through so we can highlight the extent of the problem and encourage further action and penalties.

And finally, our deadline for nominations for Elections is looming. Nominations close midday, 16 March 2022, and we have a range of positions currently up for nominations across many divisions. If you would like to learn more about these positions, please get in contact with us.

Until next month, take care.

Are you getting the most out of your Membership?

MTAQ members have access to a Commonwealth Bank Relationship Manager who can arrange for you to receive information on: •

Everyday banking solutions including business accounts and eftpos terminals.

•

For your eftpos – a Commonwealth Bank Relationship Manager can provide information on the Least Cost Routing options.^

•

Funding options including Business Credit Cards, Car and Equipment Finance and Business Loans.

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These solutions may help you manage cash flow and expand your business.

To find out how Commonwealth Bank can help your business move forward, contact MTAQ on (07) 3237 8777or email info@mtaq.com.au.

Things you should know: As this information has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on this information, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. Eligibility criteria and other conditions applies. Applications are subject to credit approval. Full terms and conditions will be included in our loan offer. Fees and charges may be payable. ^ Least Cost Routing is also known as Merchant Choice Routing. A reference in the Merchant Agreement dated 1 April 2020 to Merchant Choice Routing is also a reference to Least Cost Routing.

The target market for this product will be found within the product’s Target Market Determination, available at commbank.com.au/tmd.

MTAQ may receive a fee from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia for each successful referral.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.

ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY QUEENSLAND FLOODING

M

TA QUEENSLAND WOULD like to extend our deepest sympathy and support to everyone impacted by the devastating rainfall and flooding across parts of Queensland. Please know your health and safety is our top priority, and we are here to help in whatever capacity we can. If you require any assistance, our members can contact our Member Services and Workplace Relations teams on (07) 3237 8777.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE DISASTER RECOVERY PAYMENT The Federal Government’s Disaster Recovery Payment has been expanded to all individuals who have been seriously impacted by the floods in the Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gladstone, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, 6 | Motor Trader March 2022

Moreton Bay, Noosa, North Burnett, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, and Sunshine Coast Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Through the payment, a lump sum of $1,000 per adult and $400 per child under the age of 16 is available if: • you were seriously injured in the floods • you’re the immediate family member of an Australian citizen or resident who died or is missing • the flood caused major damage to your home To make a claim for this payment, click HERE.

EMERGENCY HARDSHIP ASSISTANCE GRANT The State Government’s Emergency Hardship Assistance Grant is a payment of $180 per person, up to a maximum of $900 for a family of five, to individuals directly impacted by the flood who are unable

All images: Alex Cimbal / Shutterstock.com

NATURAL DISASTER SUPPORT INFO & LINKS

CLICK THE HIGHLIGHTED LINKS ON THESE PAGES TO ACCESS MORE INFO

SMALL BUSINESS DISASTER HUB The Small Business Disaster Hub website has a range of resources to help businesses prepare, respond, and recover following a natural disaster.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE A range of financial assistance grants are available for eligible flood affected communities from both the Queensland and Australian Governments. Find out more HERE.

LEGAL AID QUEENSLAND Businesses can call the natural disaster legal help line on 1300 527 700 to get help with issues they may face when their property has been damaged by a natural disaster or severe weather.

The natural disaster legal help page has a range of resources available.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT Both the State and Federal Government, as well as other agencies, have developed a range of mental health and wellbeing resources to help small business owners.

NewAccess for Small Business Owners is a free and confidential mental health coaching program, developed by Beyond Blue to support small business owners, including sole traders.

NATURAL DISASTER BUSINESS SURVEY

to meet their immediate essential needs for food, clothing, medical supplies, or temporary accommodation.

The grant is available to individuals in the activation areas of the Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, North Burnett, Somerset, Sunshine Coast, Gladstone, and Gold Coast LGAs. Apply online through the Community Recovery Portal, or call 1800 173 349.

The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training has released the Natural Disaster Business Survey to help understand the impact of the recent rainfall and flooding on businesses in Southeast Queensland, Maryborough, the Fraser Coast, and Toowoomba to determine the assistance they require.

FAIR WORK AUSTRALIA Fair Work Australia has information about employee entitlements during natural disasters or emergencies. Phone the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 for specific information on your circumstances or visit fairwork.gov.au.

Source: Department of Employment, Small Business and Training

March 2022 Motor Trader | 7

The team at Foster’s Ace Auto Repairs: Sharon Foster, Shaun Foster, Elena Cardin, Miguel Tolentino, Mark Fanti, Curtis Briody, Jayden Stainkey, and Quinn Stinton

MTA |Q&A The friendly team at Foster’s Ace Auto Repairs are always happy to see their customers in their Aitkenvale store, and after 45 years in the Townsville community they are a well-known name in the region. Sharon and Shaun Foster took a moment out of their busy day to talk to Motor Trader.

WORDS: LARA WILDE PICTURES: JESSE DONOGHOE, SWEET SPOT PHOTOGRAPHY

8 | Motor Trader March 2022

The Foster’s Ace Auto Repairs workshop is a busy hive of activity. What are your main products and services?

SF: Our bread and butter are general servicing, maintenance, and repairs. We focus on customers with all makes of cars, including light vehicles and fourwheel-drives. We also provide roadworthy certificates, vehicle inspections for RACQ members, and we stock and install personal and commercial breathalysers.

Supply and installation of breathalysers is not a common service, can you tell us more about them in your business?

SF: The Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program applies to drivers who are convicted

of high-risk drink driving offences. To participate in the program, drink driving offenders require breathalysers be installed in their vehicles. Our most popular breathalysers are the handheld portable devices. They allow individuals and employers to ensure the driver is fit to drive with a safe blood alcohol limit protecting passengers, employees, and fleet vehicles.

Foster’s Ace Auto Repairs is a popular name in Townsville. How long have you been established?

SF: The business was started in 1977

by Shaun’s parents Steve and Faye at our current location 38 Charles Street, Aitkenvale. In 1982, they extended the buildings to provide additional

March 2022 Motor Trader | 9

MTA | Q&A workshop space. We took over the business in 2007 and since then we have continued to see it grow.

What is your background in the automotive industry?

SF: Shaun did his apprenticeship in

Townsville with Allen Llewellyn after Shaun made a decision to do his apprenticeship with another workshop in town and not with his dad. This was to give him some perspective on how other mechanic businesses are run. Shaun completed his apprenticeship as a light vehicle motor mechanic and auto electrician. I come from a hospitality and tourism background where I mastered customer service and business management.

Are you still hands-on in the business today?

SF: Very much so. Shaun is still on the tools five days a week and I am in the office managing the business five days a week.

We are across every aspect of the business, including mentoring and training staff.

Who is in your current team?

SF: Elena is the assistant office manager

in the office, Mark is our mechanic and has been here for 16 years, Jayden is another mechanic, and Curtis is our fourth-year apprentice mechanic.

Miguel is our second-year apprentice mechanic and Quinn is our trade assistant helping in the workshop.

Do you sponsor a lot of local motorsport and individual competitors? What role does it play in your marketing activities for the business?

SF: The Foster’s Ace Auto Repairs

marketing strategy is focused on maintaining our reputation and generating word-of-mouth referrals from our satisfied customers. We are passionate about supporting our local community, but we do it because we care and not necessarily for marketing purposes.

We sponsor the Car 321 in the

Queensland Variety Bash, Centrals Rugby League Football Club and Oztag Townsville. We also make donations to community groups such as the local netball teams, Diggers Military Motorcycle Club for Veterans and the Cyclones Rod and Custom Club hot rod show.

What do you do with your spare time?

SF: As a family we love spending our time

What are your plans for the next few years?

SF: Eventually we will sell the business

What advice would you give to a young you starting out in the industry?

SF: Running a mechanic shop can be

but for now we are looking to satisfy our customers and continue to grow Foster’s Ace Auto Repairs.

away from the business camping, fishing, and doing as little as possible! I also volunteer a lot of time at the Centrals Football Club to help build the sport in our community.

challenging. We inherited a family business and we were very excited but there were

many things we should have paid attention to earlier. I would advise a young us to ‘Keep your mind open to see your business as it is rather than being stuck in a honeymoon period where you have rose tinted glasses.’

How much importance do you place on social media for your business?

SF: We don’t like social media, so we do the bare minimum. There is a business listing for Foster’s Ace Auto Repairs on Facebook but there is no page or engagement on behalf of the business. We focus on building relationships with our customers and the community.

What do you see as the greatest advancement in technology for your business?

SF: By far the greatest advancement in

technology for us has been the amount of content available online and, in particular, the online access to workshop manuals to research what is available and best practice for each specific model of car and mechanical issue in the workshop.

What cars do you own?

SF: Our garage of personal cars is

very simple. We have a 200 Series Toyota, a Mazda BT50 and an old faithful 80 series Landcruiser.

12 | Motor Trader March 2022

It is great to pack the family up for the weekend and go fishing and camping.

Have you been impacted by Covid?

SF: We have been impacted by Covid in a

good way. There was one quiet month at the start and we did panic a little, but since then the workshop has been busier than ever. We think the increase in customer activity is due to the Covid payments giving people disposable cash. Also, the lack of available new cars has meant a boom in the second-hand car market and second-hand cars need more repairs, so we have seen more business.

How long have you been a member of MTAQ? SF: Foster’s Ace Auto Repairs has been a

member of MTAQ since the beginning.

We became member Number 254 in 1977.

What has been the greatest benefit of your MTA Queensland membership?

SF: There are lots of benefits to being an

MTAQ member and that is why we have been a member for 45 years. The feature we use the most is accessing the CLICK TO HR [workplace relations] advice VISIT THE to best manage our staff. We also FOSTER’S ACE AUTO REPAIRS take advantage of training when WEBSITE it is delivered locally.

New name.

Same love for the motor trades.

Some things never change — like our support for the motor trades.

Low fees. A history of strong returns. Excellent service. We’re the super fund with spirit. spiritsuper.com.au

Issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 238 718, ABN 14 008 650 628). Consider your position, the PDS and TMD available at spiritsuper.com.au/pds before making a decision. Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future performance.

MTA QUEENSLAND’S INAUGURAL AUTO WOMEN CONNECT EVENT A SUCCESS

M

TA QUEENSLAND HAS kickstarted the Auto Women Initiative, with over 50 women (and male leaders) from across the automotive industry coming together to celebrate and support one another at the first Auto Women Connect virtual event.

Held via Teams on Wednesday, 9 February, the event provided an outlet for women to connect, network, and seek advice from industry leaders as they navigate the barriers that still exist for females in the trades.

From apprentices, mechanics, and workshop managers to business owners, trainers, and executives, the virtual meet-up brought together a vast pool of knowledge and experience to draw on.

Joining the event as a special guest speaker was Radmila Desic, a strong supporter of women in the trades and a recently appointed Member of the Order of Australia for her significant service in advancing women in the construction industry.

Radmila spoke about ‘How to Deal with Disrespect when Working in a Man’s World’ and offered invaluable advice for those facing diversity issues in the workplace.

Following Radmila’s talk, attention turned to the Auto Women Mentor team for an interactive ‘ask for advice’ session, where attendees could raise any issues – from a small personal problem to a ‘big picture’ ongoing issue – for the group to address.

14 | Motor Trader March 2022

“WE WANTED TO CREATE A PLATFORM WHERE WOMEN ACROSS THE INDUSTRY COULD CONNECT, SHARE THEIR STORIES, AND SEEK ADVICE. I BELIEVE WE ACHIEVED THIS . . . FOR OUR FIRST EVENT UNDER THE AUTO WOMEN INITIATIVE, IT WAS FANTASTIC TO SEE SO MANY PEOPLE GET INVOLVED” Participants asked various questions on breaking down barriers, building resilience and changing workplace culture. The Auto Women Mentor Team, consisting of nine female leaders, were eager to help – sharing their learnings and providing feedback on how to handle or overcome these challenges.

They also spoke about the current opportunities available to women in the industry and how to make the most of them. The group was particularly excited to hear about Auto Women’s four new professional development scholarships coming out in 2022, as well as the various resources promoting diversity to employers.

“We wanted to create a platform where women across the industry could connect, share their stories, and seek advice.

I believe we achieved this,” said Kellie everyone to come along to the next event.”

The February event was just one of Dewar, MTA Queensland Deputy CEO three Auto Women Connect events and Auto Women Mentor. “For CLICK for the year, with the next one our first event under the Auto TO VISIT THE scheduled for Wednesday, AUTO WOMEN Women initiative, it was fantastic FACEBOOK PAGE 20 April 2022. to see so many people get involved. Thank you to all those Don’t miss out! Follow the Auto Women who attended. I am excited to see Facebook page to stay up to date on the latest this initiative grow and encourage news and upcoming events.

The Auto Women initiative is offering scholarships for management courses delivered by Women & Leadership Australia.

This is an exciting opportunity to further your knowledge and advance your career.

Click HERE to find out more.

Click HERE to join the Auto Women Facebook Page & be kept up to date on courses, virtual events, networking events & more.

SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS

March 2022 Motor Trader | 15

Genesis Autoworks founder, Nick Manolis with apprentices Emily Wilson (left) and Crystal Muller (right)

WOMEN IN THE WORKSHOP HELP DRIVE GROWTH AT GENESIS AUTOWORKS

G

ENESIS AUTOWORKS IS a business on the rise. Founded in April 2020 by Nick Manolis, Genesis offers general servicing and maintenance services across all vehicle brands and has expanded from its first workshop site in the Brisbane suburb of Coorparoo to comprise three locations across the city.

Considering the month and year it was established - just as the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent lockdowns were first being felt - the 16 | Motor Trader March 2022

growth of the business (and there are plans for further expansion) has been dramatic.

COVID-19 could actually be credited with playing a part in the Genesis Autoworks success story. The automotive repair sector was deemed an essential industry during the early pandemic lockdowns so was spared mandatory closure, and with the public looking to follow social distancing guidelines and steering clear of public transport and ridesharing services, the humble car became

. . . ONLY FOUR PER CENT OF AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESSES EMPLOY WOMEN MECHANICS, FITTERS, OR ELECTRICIANS . . . THERE CLEARLY IS A VAST, UNTAPPED, TALENT POOL WAITING FOR THOSE WORKSHOPS WILLING TO TAKE ON FEMALE APPRENTICES AND TECHNICIANS. an even more vital means of getting about. The result was, for Nick at least, a phenomenally busy start for his business.

Not surprisingly, it was a sleepless time for the 34-year-old who, having worked as a mechanic for a decade before working for five years in finance, had returned to the automotive industry to start Genesis.

And as trade ramped up, it meant Nick needed to tackle the challenge faced by many in the automotive sector – finding enthusiastic staff who could become an integral component of the business and its bustling beginning and rapid expansion.

That is not a simple task. Staffing an automotive workshop is not easy and is an issue that is well documented. For example, key points of the 2021 State of the Nation report from the Capricorn Society (a survey of more than 2000 of that organisation’s automotive industry members) included 43 per cent of respondents naming the lack of qualified staff as a top-five challenge for their business, and 53 per cent saying they were very or extremely concerned about the issue of skills shortage.

Importantly, the report also notes that only four per cent of automotive March 2022 Motor Trader | 17

businesses employ women mechanics, fitters, or electricians. With women making up around 50 per cent of Australia’s population, there clearly is a vast, untapped talent pool waiting for those workshops willing to take on female apprentices and technicians.

For Nick, anxious to be able to service the many potential customers knocking on his door in those early days, whether someone was male or female wasn’t a consideration – he wanted enthusiastic, passionate, hard-working staff. And this pragmatic attitude led him to his first full-time employee, Emily Wilson.

“We got very, very busy and couldn’t find enough staff to keep up with the demand and the work that was being asked of us,” said Nick. “I was scouring every source possible to find someone to fill these roles and found Emily through an advert she had put online looking for work. She came for an interview, was keen, had a real interest in cars, and so we gave her a shot, and it has worked out really well.”

Now in the second year of her light vehicle apprenticeship, and working at the Genesis Autoworks’ Coorparoo shop, 26-year-old Emily grew up around the industry. Her grandfather was a mechanic, and her father owned a service station with a mechanical workshop attached, so Emily Wilson

working in automotive was something she had always wanted to do. Unfortunately, the road to an auto career was bumpy.

Initially finding work in retail, Emily was always on the lookout for the opportunity of an apprenticeship and, after being made redundant from her administration role, she briefly went to Western Australia to take an apprentice role there before heading back to Queensland. Finding a similar job here was the problem.

“I got pushed back because I am a woman,” she said. “I actually had one guy say to me that although I looked good on paper, they didn’t think they could take me on because I was ‘too small’. That was, it seems, why I didn’t get that job – I was perfect for the role, but I am a woman.”

“I HAD NOT ACTUALLY WORKED WITH A FEMALE MECHANIC BEFORE . . . BUT ONCE EMILY HAD BEGUN WORKING HERE AND I COULD SEE THE VALUE, I REALISED WE HAD ESSENTIALLY OPENED OURSELVES UP TO A POOL OF PEOPLE TWICE THE SIZE.”

Crystal Muller

That’s a demoralising thing to happen to anyone, but Emily pushed on, taking a somewhat unorthodox route in her search for a job.

“I put an advert on Gumtree saying I wanted to start an apprenticeship and after a while Nick found it, called me, and I went in to meet him.”

A half-day trial swiftly turned into a full-time job and Emily signed up for an apprenticeship within a week.

“Emily came in for that trial and we ran through a basic service together and I could see straight away that her attention to detail was really good,” said Nick.

“She wanted to be here too,” he added.

“And that’s what I look for. I want someone who wants to be working on cars, not just someone who has applied for 100 different roles and takes whatever comes up. Someone who comes to me who wants to be mechanic is someone I’ll give a job. If it’s something they genuinely want to do, at the very least I’ll give them a chance.”

About a year later, in mid-2021, Nick was ready to take on another apprentice, and the online world played a part once again in finding his next employee.

26-year-old Crystal Muller had, like Emily, been searching for a way into a mechanical career. She had grown up in a

family that worked on their own cars and, like Emily, had worked in retail for a few years as she searched for the opportunity for an apprenticeship. The parallels between the two continued even further when Crystal took to the internet to ask what path she might follow to realise her dream.

“I was asking on social media how to get into the trade,” said Crystal. “Should I be doing a TAFE course first? Should I just be applying for jobs? What do I do?

“A lot of people were quite negative about it, saying that they didn’t enjoy the trade or that it was very hard to become a matureaged apprentice because people have to pay you more. But then Nick came along, and he said that the fact I was looking and asking was a bonus and showed I was quite committed. He asked me to come out to the Cooparoo shop to see how it all worked and it went from there.”

A few weeks later, Crystal was in the workshop and signed on as an apprenticeship.

While both Emily and Crystal have made their mark already and are proving to be gifted, hard workers, it is true that being a mechanic is a physically tough gig – the excuse that Emily encountered when turned down for an apprenticeship a March 2022 Motor Trader | 19

Nick Manolis

“THIS ISN’T A CONVERSATION WE SHOULD BE HAVING REALLY . . . IF THERE IS SOMEONE WILLING TO DO THE JOB, YOU GIVE THEM THE JOB. THEY DO IT WELL, YOU MOVE ON. THAT’S IT.”

few years ago. However, both have found ways to adapt and respond well to the tasks presented to them, and have found an environment at Genesis that, while supportive, expects nothing more than for a job to be done well.

“You work out how to do things,” said Emily. “There isn’t anything that you can’t do. You find ways to get it done.

“At the start, I was feeling that I had to “I had not actually worked with a prove myself. However, once I knew what female mechanic before, so it wasn’t a Nick was like and that he wasn’t going conscious decision at the start, but once to treat us any differently, I felt I could Emily had begun working here and I could actually breathe - I could still work to the see the value, I realised we had essentially same high level but also know that I didn’t opened ourselves up to a pool of people twice need Nick to see that I could do it better the size,” he said. “Emily set the standard and than a man.” demonstrated that we really need to look at Emily and Crystal recognise that they the other half of the population.” are unusual in that they are women in the Nick is representative of a new workshop. Both also recognise they can generation of workshop owners. Young, forge a really exciting career at Genesis driven and ambitious, the only thing that and are aiming to grow and advance with matters is delivering brilliant service to the business. customers. And he makes it clear that the And that is just fine with Nick. old attitudes around gender and jobs are Employing women in the business relics of the past. might not have been an official part of “This isn’t a conversation we should his start-up plan, but in an industry starving for enthusiastic employees, be having really,” he said. “If there is CLICK and with half of Australians being someone willing to do the job, you TO VISIT female, encouraging women to THE GENESIS give them the job. They do it well, AUTOWORKS apply for the roles on offer is a you move on. That’s it.”

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20 | Motor Trader March 2022

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GOV’T GRANT HELPING McCARTHY PANEL WORKS EXPANSION INTO EV & HYBRID VEHICLE REPAIRS

O

VER THE PAST year, McCarthy Panel Works has been looking ahead and preparing for the influx of electric vehicles into Australia by planning and starting the development of a new electric (EV) and hybrid vehicle repair centre. The business, which has been servicing the Mackay community for more than 50 years, recently announced it is to receive $50,000 in State Government funding to assist in the completion of its new venture.

While some of the required equipment and tooling – including new car-o-liner products - has been purchased and is being installed, the grant from the Government Business Growth Fund will help in the acquisition of more specialist equipment enabling new EV repair services to be offered to customers within the next six months.

All EV and hybrid vehicle makes and models will be able to be repaired at the new centre, including those from Tesla – the largest-selling EV brand in the country which sold more than 12,000 cars in Australia in 2021.

VIDEO: MACKAY SMASH REPAIRS BUSINESS RECEIVES FUNDING TO BUILD AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE REPAIRS FACILITY

Speaking at an event to announce the funding, McCarthy Panel Works co-owner Andrea McCarthy said that the business had set course on developing the new repair centre more than a year ago and the team were eager to bring the new repair services to Mackay.

“We are so passionate about bringing this to our local region that we are already well underway with this project,” she said.

“And we are excited to announce that we are going to be a Tesla repair centre for our region. We have already sent some of our guys away for the training, and they are all very excited.”

Development of the new facility has already begun, with some of the required equipment and tooling already purchased and being installed

Minister for Employment and for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert,

Photo: Ashley Mar

Craig and Andrea McCarthy

Andrea with Sam Street, editor of Australasian Paint & Panel magazine, at the recent Women In Collision Awards

Asked whether there was much of a identify and focus in on the direction requirement for an electric vehicle repair we wanted to go,” she said. centre, Andrea said that an understanding “It is really encouraging for us to know of the direction in which the automotive that others can see how passionate we are industry was heading, and preparation about what we do and the need to do it right. for that future, had encouraged McCarthy Minister for Employment and Small Panel Works to make the investment and Business Di Farmer said the Business apply for the grant.

Growth Fund was about helping small “I know that Tesla is the fastest-growing businesses reach the next phase of their electric vehicle company. I know that it is development journey, and the grants of mandated that all the manufacturers have up to $50,000 were for highly specialised to have their own electric vehicle models,” equipment that will help businesses she said. “We know that this is coming. boost their productivity, give them the The question is how prepared can we be? confidence to scale-up and grow their We are well on our way.” workforce.

CLICK Speaking of the funding, Andrea “Across Queensland, the Fund FOR MORE ON said that it was heartening to see will support 40 small businesses to QLD GOVT others recognise the road that accelerate growth opportunities GRANTS AND BUSINESS SUPPORT lay ahead for the industry and with investments in everything that assistance was there. from flight simulator equipment “The grant process made to irrigation systems,” said the available to us really helped us to Minister.

d Small Business Di Farmer, Member , and Andrea and Craig McCarthy

March 2022 Motor Trader | 23

CHARGIN

THE LAND ROVER PERENTIE E

24 | Motor Trader March 2022

NG AHEAD

EV FROM BRITISH OFF ROAD

March 2022 Motor Trader | 25

L

OCATED JUST OFF the Bruce Highway at Chevallum, 100km north of Brisbane, is British Off Road, one of the largest independent Land Rover specialists in the country.

Established in 1970, and now owned by the Calder family with brothers Ross and Mark at the reins, British Off Road must qualify as some sort of automotive heaven for the Land Rover enthusiast.

If you want, a team of mechanics can modify and upgrade your off-road adventurer or bring your tired workhorse back to life in workshops equipped to handle any job, from the earliest Series 1 to the latest Discovery. And behind the modest building that lies at the front of the business lies a veritable Aladdin’s cave of Land Rover and Range Rover goodies: The parts department carries thousands of components; you can get your hands on any one of hundreds of accessories; and way out the back is an epic Land Rover/ Range Rover holding yard – a treasure trove of more than 150 vehicles laid up and ready to be used for parts.

As if all that wasn’t enough, in 2022, British Off Road is offering its customers an even broader service choice. Like the Land Rover brand itself, the business is embracing the automotive electrification revolution to offer electric vehicle (EV) conversions.

And this is a service not just for owners of vehicles from the venerable British brand. While British Off Road has made its name dealing with Land Rover products, the EV conversion service has a much wider scope. The service is open to all.

If you want your prized classic, of any make and model, to be converted to take advantage of the EV revolution, British Off Road can do the job.

Moving into the EV conversion space is, said Ross Calder, a natural shift.

With the whole industry pivoting on electrification, and public interest in it on the rise, considering all the opportunities 26 | Motor Trader March 2022

presented by the shift just made business sense.

“The interest in EV conversions has been building for a number of years – especially in the US and UK where you see quite a few companies doing them – and to our mind it was clear that it was something that would be coming here,” he said.

“We chose to be active about it, to get in there and learn all about it and get started now.”

That meant research and experimentation, and a lot of it, with Mark and Ross first hitting every training course and investigating every bit of technology in their search for exactly the right products and parts, and then converting an old VW Beetle to test and evaluate those products and prove they could deliver.

“We spent an intensive period learning about the different aspects of conversions, doing every course that was available and researching every component,” said Mark. “What we are not interested in doing is cheap, low-end conversions or using unproven products.”

“We spent a couple of years talking about and researching it,” added Ross.

“And that coincided with an approach by one of our customers - Noah Wasmer from Mint EV, to be Mint EV’s conversion and parts partner. So we started by converting one ourselves, the Beetle, to iron things out, and then we got started on his Perentie.”

THE LAND ROVER PERENTIE EV

That first customer EV vehicle conversion from British Off Road is this Land Rover

Mark and Ross Calder, owners of British Off Road

“THE INTEREST IN EV CONVERSIONS HAS BEEN BUILDING FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS – ESPECIALLY IN THE US AND UK WHERE YOU SEE QUITE A FEW COMPANIES DOING THEM - AND TO OUR MIND IT WAS CLEAR THAT IT WAS SOMETHING THAT WOULD BE COMING HERE.” 110 Perentie FFR – a big, two-tonne+, exmilitary Land Rover that had been ‘Fitted for Radio’ (FFR) during its time in Australian Defence Force (ADF) service.

Once powered by a big, heavy, 3.9-litre diesel, the now-completed EV is almost

silent as it glides from the workshop, the only noise coming from the crunch of tyres on gravel as it moves smoothly onto the road that runs through the British Off Road site.

The reason for the eerie quiet is, of course, that the engine bay is no longer packed with that heavy Isuzu motor.

Instead, a look under the camouflage bonnet reveals a bespoke battery pack box containing five Tesla battery modules of 5.3kWh each, all neatly packaged and flanked by associated controllers, cabling and cooling components.

Underneath these components lies a single 100kW/230Nm electric motor, while directly behind the cabin, mounted high up in the tray, is another battery pack. This one is a mirror of the one up front, with March 2022 Motor Trader | 27

the separation of the two heavy battery packs done to balance weight distribution.

Under both the driver and passenger seats are various components related to battery charging and management, including the DC-DC Converter which enables the 124.5-volt high voltage system to charge the 12-volt battery that runs all the regular accessories that vehicles use – from the electric power steering to the lighting and so on.

In the cabin itself, a small digital screen is sat central on the dash to keep the driver up to speed on battery pack usage and status. Rather brilliantly, the standard Land Rover gauge set-up is still there in front of the driver and behind the steering wheel, and there are no digital displays here, just the regular look a Land Rover owner would recognise but with the clever tweak that the fuel gauge is plugged into the electric system and reflects how much battery charge is left - a nice, analogue touch.

28 | Motor Trader March 2022

THAT FIRST CUSTOMER EV VEHICLE CONVERSION FROM BRITISH OFF ROAD IS THIS LAND ROVER 110 PERENTIE FFR – A BIG, TWO-TONNE+, EX-MILITARY LAND ROVER THAT HAD BEEN ‘FITTED FOR RADIO’ (FFR) DURING ITS TIME IN AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE SERVICE. On the outside, there’s a Type 2 (Mennekes) charging inlet – the industrystandard vehicle connector for charging – and while there is no DC fast-charging available on this vehicle ( future builds are on the drawing board which will have fastcharging), the Perentie can be recharged at up to 5kW and has three charge profiles – 10 amp, 15 amp, and 32 amp – meaning an overnight recharge is no problem.

Under the bonnet is a neatly packaged battery pack made up of five Tesla 5.3kWh modules. The set-up is mirrored in the tray behind the cabin (below right)

Back in the cabin there is a functional gear stick – which might be a surprise to those who have read that many production EVs have a single-speed transmission.

An internal combustion engine requires gears because it is at its most efficient and performs best in a small band of revolutions. A gearbox provides the right gear ratios for it to do so at different speeds. An electric motor, on the other hand, can perform well across a much wider range of speeds, and continue to deliver decent power.

However, an electric motor’s efficiency and torque is not optimum at all times and, in some circumstances - for example, with a smaller motor, lower voltage system, smaller battery pack, and, of course, when a customer prefers it - an EV with gears is the way to go. So it is with the Perentie EV. “The benefits of being able to change through the gears mainly comes down

to efficiency,” said Mark. “Efficiency is the main thing because there will be less battery draw. In any motor – electric or internal combustion – there is a specific rev range at which it is most efficient. If you use that rev range, then you get better range and the best power too.

“You could have a single gear in this car, but it would, with the size motor it has, be sluggish off the mark, and you would have a big draw until you reached a sweet spot. Once you move past that sweet spot, your draw would increase again and the motor would be revving at the high end.

That’s fine for a light sports car, and it could work on this size car too but only with a much bigger motor and more battery.

“There are advantages in going to a single gear, but not so much in this vehicle set-up.”

The Perentie build uses a suite of proven components that the British Off Road team sourced from respected manufacturers within the industry.

March 2022 Motor Trader | 29

The electric motor - a Hyper 9 AC SRIPM - comes from US company Netgain.

The Battery Management System, as well as the Charge Controller, Charger, and cabin touchscreen display, comes from Thunderstruck, also a US company.

The batteries come from salvaged Tesla cars, and Mark and Ross assert that using Tesla batteries makes sense. As the EV market leader – and approaching its 20th anniversary as a carmaker – the company’s technology is at the leading edge and provided you can get your hands on them, the batteries offer a very inviting energy solution for EV conversions. While British Off Road won’t restrict itself to using Tesla packs, for the moment that is the technology of choice.

“You can get semi-modular battery packs from a number of manufacturers, and it will evolve so that they are much more readily available, but we chose to go with Tesla as they have the highest density ratio and are the most efficient batteries you can get. As they are coming out of an EV, they also already have cooling and cell monitoring built in,” said Mark.

“And as we are a salvage yard as well, using batteries salvaged from Teslas suits us,” added Ross. “We currently have four Teslas in our yard and customers we have spoken to like the idea of recycling batteries in this way. We are, essentially, recycling an existing vehicle.”

At a technical level, the Perentie is topnotch, using quality components. But what about performance? A Land Rover of any kind, and particularly an ex-military one, would be tuned to offer excellent off-road ability. Does a conversion to electric mean that performance is diminished?

While a sacrifice will be made in terms of range (the Perentie will do about 150km on a full charge, though it should be noted that it is not fitted, at the customer’s request, with either a large battery pack or particularly powerful motor), according to Mark and Ross the switch to electric means other performance elements will be boosted. And as for future builds, performance will depend on just how big and powerful the customer wants to go.

“For this build, the customer specification was not about range.

LAND ROVER PERENTIE EV TECH SPECS Motor Battery pack Battery Management System Electric Vehicle Charge Controller BMS/EVCC Display Charger DC-DC Charge port Gearbox/Transfer case Power Steering Brake booster Cabin heating

Netgain Hyper 9 IS motor and Hyper-Drive X1 inverter/controller Tesla 5.3 kWh - 10 modules for 53kWh total Thunderstruck BMSC + BMSS Thunderstruck EVCC Thunderstruck Dilithium Design EV Display Two 2.5kw Thunderstruck TSM2500 chargers (5kW capability) DSD1200 High Voltage 1200watt DC-DC Converter Type 2 (Mennekes) Reconditioned Defender R380 gearbox and LT230T transfer box Electric hydraulic power steering Electric vacuum pump for brake boost High voltage PTC (Positive temperature coefficient)

THE PERENTIE BUILD USES A SUITE OF PROVEN COMPONENTS THAT THE BRITISH OFF ROAD TEAM SOURCED FROM RESPECTED MANUFACTURERS WITHIN THE INDUSTRY.

However, elements such as weight distribution and off-road performance are enhanced,” said Mark. “You have maximum torque at zero revs from an electric motor, so there is no lag. Your throttle control is much better, and because you have a wider rev range, there is a lot less need for a gear change to get to the right speed.

“There are options about how much battery you can have, how powerful

The components of the EV conversions are smart and neatly packaged, and out of sight. In the cabin, there’s a small digital screen that displays the battery status but, otherwise, there is little change from its regular, rugged look

British Off Road have made their reputation on, amongst other things, the quality of the restorations they can deliver. This Series 1 Land Rover was all but a pile of scrap but was brought back to life by the team.

you want the motor, whether you retain that sector looks to be at the right time, the gearbox and so on, and the only not only because, as public interest grows, restriction on any of that is the vehicle. For potential customers will be looking for Land Rovers, there really aren’t that many experienced businesses with an excellent limitations - you have a massive cargo on reputation to do the conversions, but any Land Rover so you do, for example, because the DIY sector will likely grow too, have the facility for quite a lot of battery.” and with it the need to access parts and In fact, the next conversion on the advice – another area for with British Off British Off Road schedule will highlight Road is well known. this point, as the customer’s requirements On top of all that is the recognition that for that vehicle were for something with with the Land Rover brand embarking on more power and longer range. its own electrification adventure, it won’t “Our next build will have a much higher be long before British Off Road will be output Tesla motor, be single gear, have welcoming the company’s factory-built a much bigger battery pack and be much hybrids and EVs into its workshops for higher voltage, so the efficiencies and repair and maintenance. Delivering EV range will be better,” said Mark. conversions now will develop the team’s “A lot of it comes down to what the experience and knowledge for when those customer wants and how much they want new vehicles arrive. to spend,” added Ross. “Componentry is For now, however, and with a VW Kombi, expensive. If you want a very fast, longanother Land Rover, and a classic BMW range Land Rover, then you’ll want a lot already in the pipeline for EV conversion, of battery, a powerful motor, the right the hard work of the past two years is controllers and DC fast charging. Within starting to pay off. reason, anything is possible.”

“There is a lot of potential to expand,” said With electric vehicles soon to be Ross. “There’s the conversion business itself, a regular sight on our roads, and but also a market for those who want to do infrastructure and technology a conversion themselves, so there is the improving all the time, there likely side of our business that is concerned will be many people who will look with EV conversion kits and parts CLICK TO VISIT THE to take advantage of the growing from Thunderstruck and Netgain.

BRITISH OFF EV conversion opportunities.

And we may offer a consulting ROAD WEBSITE British Off Road’s entry into service too. It’s an exciting time.”

32 | Motor Trader March 2022

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Auto innovation news

PORTABLE CHARGERS TO MAKE EV OWNERSHIP EASIER FOR ALL

C

HARGING INFRASTRUCTURE, OR the lack thereof, is an issue often levelled at the electric vehicle (EV) sector as an impediment to the uptake of its vehicles. That particular problem is being tackled in Australia as companies such as Evie Networks and JetCharge work to expand their charging networks, but the chance that an EV could run out of juice before reaching a charger remains a talking point for potential EV buyers.

There is also the issue that not everyone is able to charge an EV at their home – there are plenty of city dwellings that don’t have off-street parking or designated parking spots where an EV could be charged.

For every problem, however, there are clever folks prepared to work on a solution, and in the past few weeks, announcements

have been made by a couple of companies with regards to the charging challenge.

In the UK, there is ZipCharge, which announced in early February that it is now at validation prototype (VP) stage for its portable charging system called Go. The Go uses a bi-directional AC-DC converter and Silicon Carbide (SiC) VIDEO: ZIPCHARGE | LAUNCH VIDEO

BENTLEY EXPANDS 3D PRINTING CAPABILITY

semiconductors that when coupled with ZipCharge’s software enable it to be charged at home, using a standard single-phase supply (common in most homes) in just over one hour. The Go can then be connected to an EV wherever it is parked and deliver 32km to 65km in 30-60 minutes.

If this sounds a bit familiar, we only need to look south to Victoria to find Re:Start, a Melbourne start-up that recently hooked up with the RACV to trial its portable EV charging units with the RACV’S Emergency Roadside Assist vehicles.

The Re:Start system also utilises Silicon Carbide technology, and is designed to withstand bumps, water, humidity and extreme temperature to ensure charging is available in all conditions. It will, the RACV said, mean EV drivers can expect to get a 20km range charge in as little as six minutes – a terrific boost for those who might find themselves stranded and powerless.

While the EV landscape continues to develop in Australia – and this year will be a big one as more and more electrified vehicles reach our shore and become available to consumers – any product that makes owning an EV easier and eases any concerns over range and the like, is welcome.

ZipCharge says it is on track to deliver the first models of the Go to customers early in 2023, while Re:Start and the RACV plan to trial their EV charging units from late 2022.

3D PRINTING – also known as additive manufacturing – has become a well-accepted technology amongst OEM manufacturers, allowing for fastprototyping of parts and the production of limited-run components.

Bentley Motors uses the technology and has detailed the impact of a £3 million ($AU5.6 million) investment to double its Additive Manufacturing (AM) capacity at the company’s headquarters in the UK. Its facility produced more than 15,000 components in 2021 and the expansion will, the company said, enable it to create more parts and deliver greater personalisation in customer cars.

The company’s research and development team identified a wide variety of items to print, including historically accurate tooling equipment needed to make parts for the Bentley Blower Continuation model.

The technology has also been used to create physical components for several prototype Bentleys, including full-scale powertrain models and wind tunnel models, as well as parts for the Bentley models driven in the Pikes Peak Challenge in America.

Bentley says the AM equipment enables a 50 per cent cost saving on parts, and the facility is capable of producing thousands of components in over 25 different material options.

Auto innovation news

LEXUS OFFERS A GLIMPSE OF FUTURE EV MODELS

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EXUS HAS RELEASED a gallery of new images of its potential nextgeneration BEV Sport, Sedan and SUV concepts.

That these models were on the drawing board was first revealed in December 2021, in an announcement made by Akio Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation President, and the new Sedan, Sport and SUV concepts are proposed to be part of a full line-up of vehicles under the collective vision known as “Lexus Electrified.”

They do look stunning, but details are scarce at this point. However, with regards to the BEV Sport, Lexus says that acceleration from 0-100km/h mph could be in the low two-second range – which would make it one of the fastestaccelerating road-going EVs. The company is also giving a clue as to what system will Lexus BEV RZ

36 | Motor Trader March 2022

. . . WITH REGARDS TO THE BEV SPORT, LEXUS SAYS THAT ACCELERATION FROM 0-100KM/H MPH COULD BE IN THE LOW TWO-SECOND RANGE – WHICH WOULD MAKE IT ONE OF THE FASTESTACCELERATING ROAD-GOING EVS.

be providing the energy to the concepts, saying that cruising distance could edge towards 700km ‘thanks to the possible use of solid-state batteries.’

Solid-state batteries (SSB) are a major part of battery research and their use of a solid rather than liquid electrolyte makes them not only safer but able to

Lexus BEV Sport

pack in more energy density. A smaller-in-volume, and lighter, SSB can offer similar range to a bigger liquidelectrolyte battery, which allows for the design of vehicles that are lighter and that offer more interior space. An SSB of the same size as a liquid-electrolyte equivalent can offer much greater range.

We wait to see how this might pan out, but if the tech matches the Lexus designs, then the company is on to sure-fire winner.

Lexus BEV SUV

Lexus BEV Sedan

March 2022 Motor Trader | 37

Auto innovation news

BMW LAUNCHES ENHANCED CARBON FIBRE REPAIR TRAINING PROGRAM

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MW GROUP AUSTRALIA has launched an enhanced carbon fibre repair program for its Accredited BMW Bodyshop network.

The program builds on BMW’s deployment of globally certified training standards in June 2020 and the company says that the initiative – the first session of which was held at a purpose-built facility in Melbourne in February – will further elevate the capability of the BMW Bodyshop network to repair carbon fibre composites.

BMW uses carbon fibre extensively, including in the construction of the BMW iX which launched in Australia late last year. It has also featured prominently in the safety cell passenger compartment of flagship vehicles such as the 7 and 8 Series and multiple elements of BMW M models.

“Carbon fibre requires specialist handling and skills both in its diagnosis and its repair to ensure it retains the qualities for which it is recognised and so it can contribute to ongoing cabin integrity and therefore safety of the vehicle for occupants,” said Glen

38 | Motor Trader March 2022

“AND ALTHOUGH OUR NETWORK ALREADY HAS A STRONG LEVEL OF COMPETENCY IN THIS AREA, THIS TRAINING TAKES UP IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL TO ENSURE OUR BMW BODYSHOP PROFESSIONALS CAN DELIVER AN EVEN HIGHER LEVEL OF REPAIR FOR OUR CUSTOMERS. Keddie, Bodyshop Network Development Manager for BMW Group Australia.

“And although our network already has a strong level of competency in this area, this training takes up it to the next level to ensure our BMW Bodyshop professionals can deliver an even higher level of repair for our customers.

“Seven BMW Bodyshops are already certified to repair carbon fibre components, and our training will ensure we can rapidly build on that number with the aim of having the entire network fully equipped in the coming years.”

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Auto innovation news

JAGUAR LAND ROVER ANNOUNCES NVIDIA TECH PARTNERSHIP

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AGUAR LAND ROVER has formed a strategic partnership with artificial intelligence (AI) and computing giant NVIDIA to develop and deliver nextgeneration automated driving systems plus AI-enabled services and experiences for its customers.

Starting in 2025, all new Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles will be built on the NVIDIA DRIVE software-derived platform, aimed at delivering a suite of active safety, automated driving and parking systems as well as driver assistance systems. Inside the vehicle, the system will deliver AI features, including driver and occupant monitoring as well as advanced visualisation of the vehicle’s environment.

Jaguar Land Rover will also use NVIDIA technology for real-time simulation.

Updates to such systems will be done via over-the-air software updates.

“Jaguar Land Rover will become the 40 | Motor Trader March 2022

creator of the world’s most desirable luxury vehicles and services for the most discerning customers. Our long-term strategic partnership with NVIDIA will unlock a world of potential for our future vehicles as the business continues its transformation into a truly global, digital powerhouse,” said Thierry Bolloré, Jaguar Land Rover CEO. Jaguar Land Rover’s future vehicles will certainly be high-tech. The company has embraced electrification and aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across its supply chain, products, and operations by 2039. The company announced in 2021 that Jaguar would be a pure electric luxury brand by 2025, and that Land Rover would have six pure electric models by 2026.

By 2030, the company said that it expects 100 per cent of Jaguar sales and 60 per cent of Land Rover sales will be zero emission vehicles.

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Auto innovation news

FUTURE FUELS FUNDING BOOST FOR FLEETS

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HE AUSTRALIAN RENEWABLE Energy Agency (ARENA) – established by the Australian Government in 2012 to support the transition to net zero emissions - has launched a Future Fuels Program with $127.9 million of funding to support fleets to shift to zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) technology over the next four years.

Funding will be available for light vehicle fleet operators for charging and electrical infrastructure, while heavy fleet operators are eligible for funding towards enabling infrastructure and some support for vehicle costs. ARENA says it is also looking to fund projects that incorporate hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and refuelling infrastructure.

The program is the latest from the Australian Government’s Future Fuels Fund. The first round of funding saw $24.55 million allocated to five companies for the construction of 403 electric vehicle fast charging stations across the nation.

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FIND OUT MORE ON THE FUTURE FUELS PROGRAM

Announced in 2020, the Future Fuels Fund was initially a $71.9 million fund to support public charging infrastructure for battery electric vehicles, as well as hydrogen and biofuel technologies. It was boosted with a further $178 million in 2021.

Also announced by ARENA in the past few weeks is $22.8 million in funding to Viva Energy Group Limited (Viva Energy) to develop, build and operate the New Energies Service Station located in Geelong, Victoria, to support the uptake of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) in heavy fleets.

The project will be built opposite Viva Energy’s petroleum refinery and incorporate a 2MW electrolyser along with hydrogen compression, storage and dispensing infrastructure. The service station will also include 150 kW electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities.

ARENA’s funding will also subsidise the purchase and operations of 15 hydrogen FCEVs to help fast-track FCEV uptake.

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

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RIGHT TO RETAIN

QUALIFIED/TRAINED TECHNICIAN

No admittance into the workshop – Staff Only.

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

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

This automotive business guarantees only qualified and trained technicians will be working on your vehicle.

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R E PA I R N OT I C E

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CUSTOMERS RIGHT TO CHOOSE A REPAIRER

CUSTOMER SUPPLIED PARTS

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

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

Independent repairers can complete log book servicing on your vehicle, even while it is under the warranty period, without affecting the manufacturer’s warranty.

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This business is willing and able to diagnose and assess the vehicle’s problem and supply you with competitively priced, high quality parts in order to fix your vehicle.

This will ensure you are provided with all of the warranties and guarantees in accordance with the Australian Consumer Law. A LWAY S C H O O S E A N M TA Q U E E N S L A N D MEMBER

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20210946

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

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BRABHAM BRANDING LAUNCHES CLASSIC F1 RACE CAR SIMULATORS

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ANCY DRIVING A Brabham race car? Of course you do. But while that is, for most us, an unlikely scenario, there is a chance of getting that Brabham thrill through a new series of simulators that Brabham Branding is producing in collaboration with Base Performance Simulators (BPS), a UK-based company that specialises in the creation of driver development simulators.

To celebrate the motor racing history of the Brabham name, the three new simulators will pay tribute to some of the company’s most iconic Formula One grand prix cars and be styled after those cars.

Each rig will allow drivers to test, compete and play on a professional level – be they professional racing drivers, esports competitors, or home gamers.

The three limited-edition Brabham Motorsport / Base Performance Simulator racing simulators include the BT19 - the car that Sir Jack Brabham raced to his third Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship, and which made Brabham the first, and so far only, driver to win the world championship in a car of his own construction. The next simulator is the BT46B, which was the groundbreaking

Brabham BT46 racing si

44 | Motor Trader March 2022 Brabham BT19 racing simulator

Brabham BT52 racing si

RENEWABLE FUELS OK FOR USE IN CERTAIN AUDI & VW DIESEL MODELS

‘fan car’ that debuted at the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix. The BT46B simulator comes in the red, white, and blue of that car. Finally, there’s the BT52, which was the company’s 1983 Formula One season car which Nelson Piquet drove to his second world championship title.

“The Brabham Branding team are excited to not only be involved in such a great project, but also to see these incredible works of art come to life in a way that will inspire people to get behind the wheel and develop their driving skills,” said David Brabham, owner of the Brabham racing name. “As we continue to grow the Brabham brand through our Brand Partnership Programme, this new collaboration with imulator BPS is the next exciting chapter where drivers who enjoy driving on simulators can be part of the Brabham journey.”

imulator

Brabham Motorsport range of racing simulators are available for £24,990 ($AU47,210) from baseperformance.net

MOST LEGACY OEM carmakers are now focusing massive investments on their efforts to become electric vehicle manufacturers. However, the pursuit of carbon-neutral mobility does encompass other technologies.

Audi in the UK, part of the Volkswagen Group, has, for example, now approved many of its V6 diesel engines for use with the renewable fuel HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil).

Audi says that HVO is a sustainable paraffinic fuel that enables CO2 reductions of between 70 and 95 percent compared to fossil diesel. It is also more efficient and combusts more cleanly.

Audi models with V6 diesel engines up to and including 210kW that left the company’s factories as of the middle of February can use the HVO fuel in accordance with the European standard EN 15940.

Late last year, Volkswagen announced that all its 4-cylinder diesel engines (TDI) delivered since the end of June 2021 are also approved for operation with paraffinic diesel fuels in accordance with European standard EN 15940.

There is a wide range of different paraffinic fuels, which are produced from biological residual and waste materials such as HVO. These vegetable oils are converted into hydrocarbons by a reaction with hydrogen and can be added to the diesel fuel in any quantities. They can also be used 100 per cent as fuels.

Auto news

FORD TO CREATE SEPARATE EV AND ICE VEHICLE DIVISIONS

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ORD IS TO reorganise its operations - and split off its EV venture to create a new division separate to its internal combustion engine (ICE) business.

The company said that the business units – called Ford Blue for the ICE division, and Ford Model e for the EV division – together with its Ford Pro commercial unit, will drive its growth plan (called Ford+) and will position Ford to ‘outperform both legacy automakers and new EV competitors’.

“Ford Model e will be Ford’s centre of innovation and growth, a team of the world’s best software, electrical and automotive talent turned loose to create truly incredible electric vehicles and digital experiences for new generations of Ford customers,” said Jim Farley, Ford President

VIDEO: ACCELERATING TRANSFORMATION | FORD+

and CEO in a statement.

“Ford Blue’s mission is to deliver a more profitable and vibrant ICE business, strengthen our successful and iconic vehicle families and earn greater loyalty by delivering incredible service and experiences. It’s about harnessing a century of hardware mastery to help build the future. This team will be hellbent

Mustang coupe

on delivering leading quality, attacking waste in every corner of the business, maximising cash flow and optimising our industrial footprint.”

Ford Model e and Ford Blue will be run as distinct businesses, but also support each other and Ford Pro - another unit designed to deliver a one-stop shop for commercial and government customers with a range of conventional and electric vehicles and a full suite of software, charging, financing, services and support on Ford and non-Ford products.

The goal of Ford Model e is to accelerate innovation and delivery of breakthrough electric vehicles at scale and develop software and connected vehicle technologies and services for all of Ford.

“We have made tremendous progress in a short period of time. We have launched a series of hit products globally and demand

Mustang Mach E electric SUV

for our new EVs like F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E is off the charts,” said Farley. “But our ambition with Ford+ is to become a truly great, world-changing company again, and that requires focus.

We are going all in, creating separate but complementary businesses that give us start-up speed and unbridled innovation in Ford Model e together with Ford Blue’s industrial know-how, volume and iconic brands like Bronco, that start-ups can only dream about.”

The company said it expects to produce more than 2 million electric vehicles annually by 2026, representing about onethird of Ford’s global volume, rising to half by 2030. It also reiterated its commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and to use 100 per cent local, renewable electricity in all of its manufacturing operations by 2035.

March 2022 Motor Trader | 47

FERRARI L 48 | Motor Trader March 2022

LAFERRARI March 2022 Motor Trader | 49

FERRARI LAFERRARI

VIDEO: LAFERRARI - OFFICIAL VIDEO

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ACK IN 2013, Ferrari unveiled what some consider its greatest supercar.

The limited-series special, of which just 499 were to be made, was called LaFerrari, and while the name is odd – Ferrari LaFerrari appears to translate into English as ‘Ferrari The Ferrari’ – the car is anything but. It is a spectacular piece of work.

So spectacular was it when first revealed, and such was the interest, that you couldn’t just walk into a dealership, plonk down the $1.4 million US dollars it cost to own, and then drive one away.

Rather, you had to be invited by Ferrari to buy one. That’s right, a company built a product that you could only purchase if they invited you to do so. That was not, you would think, a winning marketing

50 | Motor Trader March 2022

. . . SUCH WAS THE INTEREST, THAT YOU COULDN’T JUST WALK INTO A DEALERSHIP, PLONK DOWN THE $1.4 MILLION US DOLLARS IT COST TO OWN, AND THEN DRIVE ONE AWAY. RATHER, YOU HAD TO BE INVITED BY FERRARI TO BUY ONE.

strategy, but this was, and is, no ordinary sports car.

As with any hypercar, one of the first things you look for is the performance numbers. And in that respect, the LaFerrari smashed it out of the park.

Underneath the beautiful exterior (has Ferrari ever made an ugly car?) is a powertrain that maxes out at 710kW and 900Nm and can push the LaFerrari from 0 to 100km/h in 2.5 seconds on to a top speed of 355km/h. Incredible.

And it is that powertrain that makes the

. . . POWER COMES FROM A WHOPPING MID-REAR MOUNTED, NATURALLY ASPIRATED, 6.3-LITRE V12 THAT DELIVERS NEARLY 690KW. BUT PAIRED UP WITH THAT COMBUSTION MONSTER IS THE REAL INNOVATION OF THE LAFERRARI – AN ELECTRIC SYSTEM CALLED HY-KERS.

LaFerrari special. Most of its power comes from a whopping mid-rear mounted, naturally aspirated, 6.3-litre V12 that delivers nearly 690kW. But paired up with that combustion monster is the real innovation of the LaFerrari – an electric system called HY-KERS. A technology developed from the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) used in Ferrari’s Formula One cars, the HY-KERS consists of two electric motors and a 2.3kWh battery pack. The first motor is designed to supplement the output of the

V12 and recovers kinetic energy during braking. This energy gives the LaFerrari its extra boost. The second electric motor is driven by the combustion engine and generates power to keep the charge levels in the batteries constant while also providing energy for ancillary systems such as the lights.

Power is run through a 7-speed dualclutch gearbox, and an F1 electronic traction control is integrated with the hybrid system. Also integrated is the Brembo braking system which includes

THE DRIVING POSITION IS . . . SIMILAR TO THAT OF A SINGLE-SEATER RACE CAR AND WAS DESIGNED AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE COMPANY’S F1 DRIVERS OF THE TIME, FERNANDO ALONSO AND FELIPE MASSA . . . lightweight calipers and carbon-ceramic material (CCM) discs.

The efficiency and potency of the hybrid set-up is very clever. For example, in cornering, the HY-KERS works to keep the V12’s revs high to guarantee better acceleration on exit.

There is plenty more clever stuff going on in the LaFerrari to keep those performance numbers so eye-wateringly good. The chassis is lightweight and strong, is made from four different kinds of carbon fibre, and designed and constructed using the

same methods used for the company’s contemporary F1 car.

The car looks, and is, slippery in the air, and uses active aerodynamics. Diffusers front and rear as well as an underbody guide vane and rear spoiler generate downforce, and active elements deploy automatically depending on performance parameters that are monitored in real time by the car’s dynamic vehicle controls.

On the inside, while it is luxurious with plenty of digital goodies, the inspiration from F1 racing is clear, especially in the set-up of the driver’s seat, which is fixed and tailored to the driver. You want to change driving position? Instead of the seat, it’s the pedal box and steering wheel that are adjusted.

The driving position is, according to Ferrari, similar to that of a single-seater race car and was designed after consultation

with the company’s F1 drivers of the time, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, who played an active role throughout the car’s entire development process.

The LaFerrari was the first of the Italian company’s supercars to feature a hybrid power system and it appeared at around the same time as Porsche unveiled its hybrid effort, the 918 Spyder, and McLaren unwrapped its hybrid, the P1. Together, the trio became known as ‘the holy trinity’ and are still considered some of the most epic hypercars ever built.

Innovations and developments in the industry since 2013 have seen the creation of some truly outstanding new hypercars – the Rimac Nevera, the Aston Martin Valhalla, Lamborghini’s new Countach, the Tesla Model S Plaid, Ferrari’s own SF90 Stradale, and plenty more, are either all-electric or hybrids that offer serious competition to the holy trinity. However, the LaFerrari was at the start of the hypercar electrification shift and as such deserves a special place on any list of the most important, innovative sports cars of recent times.

March 2022 Motor Trader | 55

Auto news

MERCEDES-AMG UNWRAPS EQE ELECTRIC PERFORMANCE SEDAN

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ERCEDES-AMG, THE BRAND that creates the performance cars for the German carmaker, has revealed the beefed-up electric variants of the Mercedes EQE luxury electric sedan.

Two versions – the EQE 43 4MATIC and the EQE 53 4MATIC+ – have been unveiled with reports suggesting that the more potent variant, the EQE 53 4MATIC+, is headed to Australian shores.

Both models get a dual electric motor set-up with one on each axle – a set-up that also delivers all-wheel drive. Power ranges from 350Kw/858Nm in the EQE 43 to 505kW/1000Nm for the EQE 53 when fitted with an optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package. Performance is, naturally, pretty awesome, with the EQE 43 getting to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds and capable of a 210km/h top speed, while the EQE 53 can reach 100km/h in 3.3 seconds and top out at 240km/h.

Both models come with a 90.6kWh battery pack with some tweaks made to the battery

56 | Motor Trader March 2022

VIDEO: MERCEDES-AMG EQE 43

management system and wiring harness in the EQE 53 to deliver higher performance.

The battery system can charge with up to 170kW at fast charging stations with direct current and, in this scenario, 180km of charge can be delivered in 15 minutes.

Thanks to the onboard charger, the AMG EQE models can be charged at home or at public charging stations with 11kW or optionally 22kW with alternating current.

The battery can also be charged through energy recovery using regeneration power that reaches up to 260kW. The driver can

EQE 43 4MATIC

adjust the level of recuperation in three stages with Mercedes-AMG saying that one-pedal driving and combined braking to a standstill are possible in certain modes.

Range on a full charge comes in at a max 533km for the EQE 43 and 518km for the EQE 53.

Helping to ensure there’s always power on hand is a ‘Navigation with Electric Intelligence’ system that can plan the fastest and most convenient route, including charging stops, and which can, the company says, react dynamically to traffic jams or a change in driving style. The system includes all relevant data in its calculation, from topography and route to driving speed and heating and cooling requirements.

Standard-fit is the AMG Performance 4MATIC (EQE 43) or 4MATIC+ (EQE 53) fully variable all-wheel drive. In both models, the system continuously distributes drive torque between the front and rear axles depending on the driving situation EQE 53 4MATIC+

and the company says that compared to a mechanical all wheel drive system, the electric-specific system ensures a significantly faster response.

AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with adaptive adjustable damping is standard, as is rear axle steering, which delivers a steering angle of up to 3.6 degrees.

A high-performance brake system delivers the stopping power with six-piston brake callipers and 415x33mm brake discs up front and single-piston brake callipers and 378x22mm brake discs at the rear. An optional AMG ceramic high-performance compound brake system uses 440x40mm brake discs at the front when 21-inch wheels are fitted.

The EQE models have the slippery, aerodynamic styling that is the mark of the EQ electric vehicle brand, but pick up some AMG-specific features such as the black panel grille with hot-stamped vertical struts in chrome, Digital Light

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headlamps that feature a specific AMG projection when opening and closing the vehicle, the front splitter in high-gloss black with chrome trim and air diffusers on the left and right in high-gloss black, amongst other elements.

Inside, AMG features abound too, with AMG seats with individual graphics and special seat covers in Artico man-made leather with Microcut microfibre and red decorative topstitching. Alternatively, seat upholstery in nappa leather is available, also with AMG-specific seat graphics.

There are also AMG badges on the backrests of the front seats and embossed AMG emblems in the front head restraints.

There’s an AMG Performance steering wheel from which plenty of driving functions can be controlled, and both models can be had with the incredible A-pillar-to-A-pillar Hyperscreen with AMG-specific functions and displays for the MBUX infotainment system.

Further AMG options can be had, including design features such as the AMG Night Package with elements in black and black chrome, red brake callipers, or AMG 58 | Motor Trader March 2022

VIDEO: MERCEDES-AMG EQE 53

carbon-fibre trim elements. There is also the choice of 20- and 21-inch AMG lightalloy wheels.

AMG Track Pace is also available as an option. This software is part of the MBUX infotainment system and permanently records more than 80 vehicle-specific pieces of data – such as speed and acceleration while driving on a racetrack.

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March 2022 Motor Trader | 59 CLICK HERE TO ACCESS PAST ISSUES OF MOTOR TRADER

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Peugeot 508 GT Fastback Plug-In Hybrid

PEUGEOT 3008 AND 508 HYBRID VARIANTS NOW AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA

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EUGEOT AUSTRALIA HAS launched plug-in hybrid variants of its 3008 SUV and 508 Fastback models.

Priced from $79,990 (excluding delivery and other charges) the 3008 GT Sport Plug-In Hybrid AWD offers 60km (WLTP) of electric driving range thanks to its 13.2kWh battery capacity. Dual electric motors supply 81kW of power up front and 83kW at the rear. Combined with the 147kW, 1.6-litre PureTech engine, 222kW/520Nm of power is achieved.

As well as being the first electrified variant of the 3008 SUV model range, the 3008 GT Sport Plug-In Hybrid AWD is the first variant introduced in all-wheel-drive to the Australian market.

At $76,990 (excluding delivery and other charges), the front-wheel-drive 508 GT Fastback Plug-In Hybrid offers 165kW/360Nm of power through the combination of a 133kW, 1.6-litre PureTech engine and an 81kW electric motor. It has 11.8kWh battery capacity and can deliver

60 | Motor Trader March 2022

up to 55km of electric driving range.

Both the 3008 and 508 hybrids use an 8-speed e-EAT8 automatic gearbox to incorporate the electric drive train. To alternate between electric and combustion engines, the torque converter of the combustion engine 3008 and 508 variants is replaced by a wet multi-plate clutch.

Both models use regenerative braking and a feature called e-SAVE enables realtime control over electric energy reserves.

Both also have a 3.7kW charger and each comes with a mode two charging cable enabling charging from a 240V socket.

While charging time depends on variables such as ambient temperature, Peugeot says that charging the 508 GT Fastback’s battery from 0-100 per cent can take five hours via the 2.3kW mode two cable. Charging the 13.2kWh battery of the 3008 GT Sport to 100 per cent will take half-an-hour longer.

Peugeot makes attractive cars, and both the 3008 and 508 are certainly that. They

Peugeot 3008 GT Sport Plug-In Hybrid AWD

Both the 508 (left) and 3008 (right) Hybrid models get very smart, high-tech interiors

both come with plenty of luxury-style trim and comfort features too, as well as a stack of infotainment and safety features.

In the 3008’s very smart interior, there’s a customisable and configurable 12.3-inch head-up digital instrument panel, and a 10-inch central touchscreen, and features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorScreen, two rear seat USB sockets, and a FOCAL premium audio system.

Safety and driver assistance systems include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop and Go, Lane Positioning Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear View Camera, 360-degree front and rear cameras, Park Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Warning Alert, Speed Sign Recognition and Recommendation, and

Active Blind Spot Monitoring.

The cabin for the 508 GT Fastback gets the same classy treatment as the 3008, with a configurable 12.3-inch head-up digital instrument panel, and a 10-inch central touchscreen. There’s the connectivity too, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorScreen, two rear seat USB sockets, and a FOCAL premium audio system.

Safety and driver assistance systems are equally comprehensive in the 508 GT Fastback as the 3008, and include Adaptive Cruise Control with stop function, Rear View Camera, Park Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Active Lane Keeping Assistance, Driver Warning Alert, Speed Sign Recognition and Recommendation, and Active Blind Spot Detection.

March 2022 Motor Trader | 61

Auto news

LOTUS LAUNCHES NEW ADVANCED PERFORMANCE DIVISION Lotus Evija Electric Hypercar

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K SPORTS CAR manufacturer Lotus has launched a new design and experiential division to deliver new halo project vehicles and world-class customer experiences.

Called Lotus Advanced Performance (LAP), the division will be charged with delivering ultra-exclusive and unique vehicles; limited edition, highspec variants of the company’s cars; personalisation and bespoke services for its cars; a range of products and merchandise; and experiences for customers, fans and partners of the brand.

Also on the list is both the creation of a Lotus Driving Academy to offer expert tuition at the wheel of a Lotus at locations around the world, and a move into motorsport which will include the delivery and support of lightweight competition cars to customers around the world.

It’s another step in the transformation of Lotus, which has moved to become a maker 62 | Motor Trader March 2022

of electric vehicles, and has the heavyweight backing of its majority owner, China’s Geely.

Simon Lane, formerly of the bespoke ‘Q by Aston Martin’ business, will lead the Lotus Advanced Performance division.

“I have always been a Lotus fan, and this has to be one of the most exciting roles in the automotive industry right now – a blank sheet of paper and the opportunity to launch a completely new division at the world’s most ambitious car brand,” he said.

“The LAP team and I have some fantastic and truly innovative ideas with very broad appeal, for Lotus fans young and old to those in search of unique experiences and collectible opportunities.

“Working in tandem with the hugely experienced Lotus Design team, and colleagues in our engineering teams around the world, we are going to build the most exciting and exclusive Lotus cars, embracing our exciting, electrified future while also honouring our illustrious past.”

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Ford’s next-generation Ranger Raptor

FORD REVEALS NEXT-GEN RANGER RAPTOR

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ORD’S NEXT-GENERATION RANGER Raptor will have some serious performance chops and be packed with features.

Revealed last month, the Raptor will be available with a new 3-litre V6 Twin Turbo EcoBoost engine - mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission - that produces up to 292kW at 5650rpm and 583Nm of torque. It will also have an anti-lag system – available in something called Baja mode – which keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver backs off the throttle, allowing for faster resumption of acceleration out of corners or between gears.

Ford says a unique chassis set-up will ensure performance in off-road conditions, and there’s a redesigned suspension system too. There are all-new, lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms, long-travel front and rear suspension, Watt’s link equipped coil-spring rear 64 | Motor Trader March 2022

suspension, and FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers.

Ranger Raptor also gets permanent four-wheel drive system with an all-new electronically controlled on-demand twospeed transfer case, combined with front and rear locking differentials.

There are seven selectable drive modes, including the aforementioned ‘Baja’ mode which is engineered for high-speed off-roading. Each drive mode adjusts a number of elements from engine and transmission to ABS sensitivity and calibration, traction and stability controls, exhaust valve actuation, steering and throttle response.

An electronically controlled active valve exhaust system amplifies the engine note in four selectable drive modes (Quiet, Normal, Sport and Baja) and drivers can choose their preferred

engine sound by pressing a button on the steering wheel, or by selecting a drive mode.

Also available is Trail Control, which Ford says is like cruise control for offroading. The driver can select a set speed (below 32km/h), and the vehicle manages acceleration and braking while the driver concentrates on steering.

The Raptor does, of course, look plenty tough enough for off-road duty.

Flared fenders accommodate a choice of two 17-inch wheel designs, the optional one with beadlock capability (allowing for lower tyre pressures), and each wrapped in BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO2 tyres. The rear bumper features

an integrated step pad and towbar that is tucked up high to aid the Raptor’s departure angle.

On the inside, the cabin features jet fighter-inspired sports seats, and Code Orange accents on the instrument panel, trim and seats. There’s ambient lighting, and a leather sports steering wheel and cast magnesium paddle shifters.

There’s a high resolution 12.4-inch digital cluster and a 12-inch centre touchscreen incorporating Ford’s SYNC 4A connectivity and entertainment system, which offers both Apple and Android wireless smartphone connectivity. Wireless charging is available and there’s a Bang & Olufsen sound system.

The next-gen Raptor is reportedly to arrive in Australia by the end of the year.

March 2022 Motor Trader | 65

Auto news

ALFA ROMEO UNLEASHES THE TONALE

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LFA ROMEO HAS unveiled its latest vehicle, the Tonale compact SUV. Packed with state-of-the-art tech and available in Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid versions, the Tonale not only looks great – which you would expect from Alfa Romeo – but also looks to deliver the goods in an automotive landscape that is becoming stacked with electrified, high-tech vehicles.

While not all markets will have access to all variants, the Tonale debuts with a range of powerplants. At launch, the entry-level Tonale will be a 97kW engine Hybrid version, with the engine paired with a 7-speed Alfa Romeo TCT transmission and 48-volt, 15kW/55Nm electric motor.

There’s also the 1.5-litre 120kW Hybrid

TOP PERFORMANCE COMES WITH THE 205KW PLUG-IN HYBRID Q4, WHICH . . .

CLOCKS UP 0-100 KM/H IN 6.2 SECONDS WHILE ALSO OFFERING A PURE ELECTRIC RANGE OF UP TO 80KM. VGT (Variable-Geometry Turbo) engine, also paired with the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and 15kW/55Nm electric motor. The company says this set-up offers start-up and travel in electric mode at low speeds and when parking and cruising.

Top performance comes with the

205kW Plug-in Hybrid Q4, which has a 15.5kWh battery and clocks up 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6.2 seconds while also offering pure electric range of up to 80km.

To complete the engine range, there’s a front-wheel-drive, 1.6-litre, 97kW /320Nm diesel variant.

Other technologies see top-level connectivity and an all-new infotainment system for the Tonale.

Major new features include built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant features and an all-new infotainment system with a customisable Android operating system and 4G connectivity that allows for Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. The system includes a fully digital 12.3-inch screen,

and a main 10.25-inch touchscreen unit.

Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering and Traffic Jam Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Drowsy Driver Detection, Blind Spot Detection, and Rear Cross Path Detection.

One odd innovation comes in the shape of non-fungible token (NFT) technology, with Alfa Romeo becoming the first carmaker to link a car with an NFT digital certificate. The technology is based on the “blockchain card” concept, a nonmodifiable record of the main stages in the life of a vehicle, and Alfa says that this can be used as a guarantee that the car has been properly maintained.

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NEW HAVAL H6 HYBRID TO LAND IN AUSTRALIA SOON

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HE NEW HAVAL H6 Hybrid is set to arrive in Australia in the coming weeks.

Based on the range topping H6 Ultra, the new H6 Hybrid will be available initially in just one grade, the H6 Hybrid Ultra.

Powered by a 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine mated to a two-speed 130kW electric drive motor, the H6 Hybrid delivers 179kW and 30Nm, with fuel efficiency claimed at 5.2 litres per 100km using regular unleaded.

Drive to the front wheels is directed through GWM’s DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission) smart hybrid system which combines the petrol engine and electric motor with an electronically controlled transmission.

Multiple drive modes are available - including EV, Series, Parallel and Regeneration - with the DHT system designed to provide ‘maximum efficiency across all speed and load conditions.’

68 | Motor Trader March 2022

Visually, the H6 Hybrid differs from the current H6 thanks to a new grille, added door trims and rear centre brake lights.

Features are extensive and include 19-inch alloy wheels, leather seats with 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, heated leather steering wheel, 10.25-inch colour LED instrument cluster, 12.3-inch colour multimedia touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, electronic anti-glare rear view mirror, and Heads-Up Display.

Safety and driver assistance systems are solid too. These include Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Change Assist/Blind Spot Monitoring, Traffic Sign Recognition, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Driver Fatigue Monitoring, 360-degree camera, and fully automatic parking.

The Haval H6 Hybrid is priced at $44,990 drive away.

MG EXPANDS HS PLUS EV RANGE

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G MOTOR HAS added a new, more affordable, variant of its HS Plus EV to its line-up in Australia.

The HS Plus EV Excite comes in at $46,990 drive-away, and shares the same petrol/electric powertrain, plug-in battery, and safety technology as its stablemate, the HS Plus EV Essence.

Both models are powered by the same combination of a direct-injection four-cylinder 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and 90kW electric motor to produce a total of 189kW and 370Nm, while returning a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of 1.7L/100km.

The new Excite, like the higher-end Essence, accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds. A liquid-cooled 16.6kWh lithium-ion battery provides a driving range of 63km (NEDC) on a full charge.

The HS Plus EV Excite comes with the MG Pilot active safety suite, 17-inch alloy

rims, LED daytime running lights and taillights, a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The five-seat SUV also sports automatic headlights and wipers, keyless entry and pushbutton start, and electronic park brake.

Other standard features include driver’s 6-way electrically adjustable seat, leatherwrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wiper, halogen headlights with automatic illumination, front and rear reading lights, and tyre repair kit.

Safety Technology includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Assist System, Traffic Jam Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Headlamp Control, and Intelligent Speed Assistance System.

March 2022 Motor Trader | 69

Auto news

INEOS GRENADIER PROTOTYPES ROLL OUT OF THE FACTORY AS FULL PRODUCTION NEARS

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HE MUCH-ANTICIPATED INEOS Grenadier 4x4, the rugged-looking offroader designed to be a ‘capable and comfortable go-anywhere working vehicle’, is edging closer to making its way into the hands of customers with production prototypes rolling off the line at INEOS Automotive’s Hambach plant in France.

The company is nearing the end of a first production try-out (PTO1) phase and is building 130 PTO1 Grenadiers to assist in defining the assembly process and to provide its engineering team with production-representative vehicles for final rounds of testing and certification.

A PTO2 phase is scheduled to start in March to validate the assembly process and build quality, before production of launch series vehicles proves out the

supply chain, logistics, and build rate.

INEOS acquired the Mercedes-Benz Hambach site in January 2021 and has invested more than €50 million ($AU78 million). Mercedes-Benz invested €470 million ($AU741 million) into the plant in 2019 for the building of the company’s Smart EQ ForTwo vehicle, which will continue to be built at the site.

The line now dedicated to the Grenadier includes a new fully automated body shop, a new semi-automated paint shop, and an upgraded general assembly facility.

The Grenadier is being built on an all-new platform, will have a box-section ladder frame; solid beam axles; multilink suspension with separate coils and dampers; diff lockers front, rear and centre; and two-speed transfer case

The INEOS Automotive Hambach plant

amongst other features that look to make it a rock-solid platform for off-road work.

Power will come from a choice of 3-litre turbo BMW petrol or diesel engines.

INEOS says preparations for commercial parts of the business continue too, with over 100 sales and service partners around the world nominated, and contracts signed with parts distribution and retail finance partners.

Initially available in a five-seat wagon body, or FIND OUT two-and five-seat utility MORE AT THE wagon, reservations INEOS GRENADIER for the Grenadier can WEBSITE be made now at the company’s website. Full pricing and specifications will be announced in April.

POLESTAR FLICKS THE SWITCH ON AUSTRALIAN SALES POLESTAR HAS OFFICIALLY commenced sales in Australia, with deliveries of pre-configured Polestar 2 vehicles set to begin this month.

This follows Polestar’s test-drive roadshow, which has enabled over 1,600 customers to experience Polestar 2 in person at locations in Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

Polestar 2 is the first fully electric model in the brand’s portfolio, with pricing starting at $59,900 for the Standard range Single motor and $64,900 for the Long range Single motor. The Polestar 2 Long range Dual motor variant – which has a range of 480km - headlines the model range and comes in at $69,900. Option choices such as the Performance pack will add to the price of the vehicle.

Polestar’s sales model is direct-tocustomer and comes with a Customer Satisfaction Guarantee in Australia, which extends up to seven days from the date of delivery, assuming the vehicle has not been driven more than 500km. If for any reason a customer is not totally satisfied with their purchase, the company says they can return their vehicle for a full refund.

March 2022 Motor Trader | 71

Auto news

RENAULT ARKANA R.S. LINE LANDS DOWN UNDER

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HE NEW ARKANA R.S. Line variant of Renault’s tasty-looking SUV has joined the local range, offering some extra sporty styling touches inside and out.

The top-of-the-range R.S. Line model gets 18-inch R.S. Line diamond-cut alloys, a specific front bumper design with an F1-inspired aero blade, R.S. Line badging, gun metal grey door trims and front and rear skid plates.

Inside, there are R.S. Line door sills, carbon-look interior trim, alloy sport pedals, a leather and perforated leather steering wheel with R.S. Line badging, red and grey contrast stitching, and R.S. badging.

Additional specifications over and above the Arkana Intens variant include a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster, a frameless autodimming rearview mirror, and a sunroof.

Options are

72 | Motor Trader March 2022

metallic paint ($750) and contrasting black roof ($600).

Powering the R.S. Line is a 1.3-litre petrol TCe petrol engine, delivering 115kW at 5,500rpm and 262Nm at 2,250rpm. Euro 6 compliant, economy sits at 6 litres per 100km on the combined cycle.

Passive and active safety measures include Active Emergency Braking with vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Arkana range starts with the ZEN model, priced at $34,590. The Intens variant is priced at $38,590. Top-of-the-range R.S. Line is priced at $42,090.

LAWS PROTECTING AGAINST HARASSMENT RECENT MEDIA STORIES about what may be happening in some parliamentarian’s offices is a reminder to all employers and business owners that no-one is immune from a sexual harassment claim.

The Fair Work Act and Regulations will soon be amended to give employers more power to sack perpetrators of sexual harassment.

The Federal Government has announced it will amend section 387 of the Act to clarify that sexual harassment can be a valid reason for termination when determining whether a dismissal was unfair.

It will also amend the definition of “serious misconduct” in the Fair Work Regulations to include sexual harassment, to clarify that this behaviour can justify summary dismissal.

In addition, education and guidance on unfair dismissal and other workplace rights will be updated. The Act will include a ‘stop sexual harassment order’ by clarifying that a stop-bullying order is available in the context of harassment.

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

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

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

TO MORE THAN 13,000 PEOPLE workplace.

This willDIRECTLY help to increase POSITIVE DUTY ALREADY EXISTS INVOLVED IN THE MOTORING INDUSTRY A positive duty already exists under awareness of the duty to manage (website or e-magazine options)

psychosocial health and safety risks and improve compliance, it says, adding it will continue to support this work.

The aim is to create an improved culture of respectful workplace behaviour.

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

CLICK HERE FOR MEDIA GUIDE AND COSTS

Auto news

THE ALL-NEW MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS

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HE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class has landed in Australia and the range will, initially, be available in two variants - the C 200 Sedan and the C 300 Sedan.

Mild hybrid drivetrains provide the power for the new modelswith fourcylinder turbocharged petrol engines using an integrated starter-generator (ISG) for assistance at low engine speeds. The ISG – which can add additional output of up to 15 kW and 200 Nm – uses a 48-volt electrical system.

The C 200 comes equipped with the 1.5-litre version of the M 254 petrol engine and 9G-TRONIC auto. Before mild hybrid assistance, the engine makes 150kW and 300 Nm, and offers a fuel economy rating of 6.9 L/100 km. The C 300 Sedan gets a 2.0-litre M 254 engine making 190kW and 400Nm, which achieves an economy figure of 7.3 L/100 km. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h for each of the two variants takes 7.3 seconds and 6.0 seconds respectively.

The new C-Class also gets the second generation of the MBUX infotainment Mercedes-Benz C 200 Sedan system, rendered on a new portraitorientation 11.9-inch central screen with a more pronounced tilt towards the driver. The driver’s display is a freestanding 12.3-inch LCD screen.

The appearance of the screens can be individualised with three display styles

THE NEW C-CLASS ALSO GETS THE SECOND GENERATION OF THE MBUX INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM, RENDERED ON A NEW PORTRAIT-ORIENTATION 11.9INCH CENTRAL SCREEN WITH A MORE PRONOUNCED TILT TOWARDS THE DRIVER.

(Discreet, Sporty, Classic) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service).

Mercedes says the vehicles’ voice assistant is more interactive and capable of learning by activating online services in the Mercedes me App. Online Music and major music streaming services are fully integrated into MBUX. Below the central display, there’s a fingerprint scanner that allows users to log into their own MBUX profile.

The new C-Class is larger than its predecessor with the wheelbase increased by 25mm to 2865mm. Elbow room has been increased by 22mm in the front and 15mm in the rear, there’s 35mm more kneeroom in the second room, and headroom in the rear has increased by 13mm.

The C 200 interior features sporty AMG Line trim and AMG floor mats, 64-colour ambient lighting, an illuminated front door sill with ‘Mercedes-Benz’ lettering, keyless entry and start and dual-zone climate control.

The AMG Line exterior features AMG body styling, while the exterior mirrors are electrically adjustable with electric folding and heating. The LED headlights include Headlamp Assist and Adaptive High Beam Assist. There is an optional Digital Light package.

Standard safety features include a centre-front airbag between the driver and front-seat passenger, a 360-degree camera that assists with parking, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic ultrasonic sensors, Active Distance Assist cruise control, Attention Assisst driver drowsiness monitoring, Speed Limit Assist and lane tracking including Active Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.

In addition to the specification of the C 200 Sedan, the C 300 Sedan receives full leather upholstery, 19-inch AMG multispoke bi-colour alloy wheels, and darktinted privacy glass behind the B-pillar.

Inclusion of the Driving Assistance Package Plus adds a suite of active assistance and convenience features including Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, and Active Stop-and-Go Assist. Also included is Evasive Steering Assist, Extended Automatic Restart on motorways, and the Pre-safe Impulse Side accident anticipation and protection system.

Excluding on-road costs, The Mercedes-Benz C 200 Sedan is priced at $78,900, while the Mercedes-Benz C 300 Sedan is priced at $90,400.

March 2022 Motor Trader | 75

Auto news

NEW CAR SALES SHOW UPTICK IN FEBRUARY

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EW CAR SALES were respectable in February, with figures for the month reaching a total of 85,340 vehicles – a 1.6 per cent increase on February 2021.

The data, published by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), also revealed the up and down nature across the country of the February sales figures. In Queensland, numbers were up 3.8 per cent on the same month last year with 18,962 sales recorded. New South Wales, meanwhile, was down 3.5 per cent with 26,360 sales.

Northern Territory sales decreased by 5.6 per cent (705 vehicles sold) South Australian sales increased by 8.9 per cent (5,810 vehicles sold), Tasmanian sales increased by 16.6 per cent (1,561 vehicles sold) Victorian sales increased by 5.5 per cent (22,177 vehicles sold), and sales in Western Australia were down 1.7 per cent (8,409 vehicles sold).

Toyota was the market leader in February with 20,886 vehicles sold. In second spot was Mazda with 8,782, followed by Mitsubishi with 7,813, Kia with 5,881 and Hyundai with 5,649.

Toyota’s Hilux was the highest selling model with 4,803 sales. The Toyota RAV4 came in second place with 4,454.

Mitsubishi’s Triton was in third place with 3,811 sold, while the Ford Ranger took out fourth place with 3,455 sales and Toyota’s Prado was in fifth place with 2,778.

76 | Motor Trader March 2022

“THE CONSUMER DEMAND FOR NEW CARS IN AUSTRALIA REMAINS STRONG, AND MANUFACTURERS ARE CONTINUING TO WORK HARD TO GET CARS INTO THE HANDS OF MOTORISTS.” “Global supply chains for microprocessor units are still some distance from full recovery, so we are pleased to see this small increase on 2021 figures,” said Tony Weber, FCAI Chief Executive.

“The consumer demand for new cars in Australia remains strong, and manufacturers are continuing to work hard to get cars into the hands of motorists.”

LOOKING FOR WORK? Check out MTA Queensland’s Job Board for all the latest opportunities in the automotive industry.

Visit www.mtaq.com.au today

77 | Motor Trader September 2020

March 2022 Motor Trader | 77

Workplace relations AUSTRALIA: FLEXIBILITY AT WORK

BY PCC EMPLOYMENT LAWYERS

U IAN NAYLOR SENIOR WORKPLACE RELATIONS ADVISOR

NDER THE FAIR Work Act 2009, employers have a legal obligation to provide flexible work arrangements to their employees.

WHO CAN MAKE A REQUEST FOR FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS? For many, the term ‘flexible work’ has become synonymous with family and parental responsibilities. However, it is important that employers understand that an employee’s entitlement to flexible work arrangements under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (the FW Act) is based on a wider set of circumstances.

To be entitled to make a request for flexible work arrangements under section 65 of the FW Act, an employee must fall into one of the categories defined in the section. These include a person who: • has a child of school age or younger (this includes all school aged children, including 17 and 18-year-olds attending high school); • is a carer; • has a disability; • is over 55 years of age; or • is experiencing violence from a family member or is providing care or support to an immediate family or household member who is experiencing such violence.

If any of the above circumstances apply, the employee may request a change in their working arrangements relating to those circumstances.

To be entitled to make a request under section 65, a permanent employee must 78 | Motor Trader December 2021/January 2022

WHEN CONSIDERING AND IMPLEMENTING FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT EMPLOYERS CAREFULLY ASSESS THE RISKS AND LIABILITIES THAT MAY ARISE DUE TO THESE NEW ARRANGEMENTS. EMPLOYERS SHOULD CONSIDER WHETHER THE FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS AFFECT EMPLOYEE ENTITLEMENTS. have completed at least 12 months of continuous service with the employer.

For casual employees, they must be employed on a regular basis, for a sequence of periods of employment of at least 12 months, and they must have a reasonable expectation of continuing employment on a regular and systematic basis.

HOW SHOULD THE REQUEST BE MADE? The request for flexible work arrangements must be in writing.

The request must set out the details of the changes sought and the reason for the requested change.

AN EMPLOYER’S RESPONSE An employer must respond to an employee’s request, in writing, within 21 days of receiving the request. The written response must indicate whether the request has been accepted or denied.

If the request is denied, then reasonable business grounds must be given for the denial, such as the proposed arrangement being too expensive, damaging customer service or teamwork, or causing difficulties for other employees. The expenses involved with complying with work health and safety obligations are also relevant.

MODERN AWARDS If an award-covered employee requests flexible working arrangements, employers should review the applicable modern award and ensure compliance with any additional requirements.

INDIVIDUAL FLEXIBILITY AGREEMENTS

the requirements under the FW Act and there are no reasonable business grounds to deny the request. Further, an IFA is only required where the arrangement would be inconsistent with a term of the industrial instrument. If a request for flexibility is not inconsistent, then an IFA will not be necessary. However, it is critical for employers to note that if an employees request for Flexible Work Arrangements under section 65 has the effect of the employee working outside the terms of the award, then an IFA will need to be considered.

It is also a useful reminder to consider that not all award terms are ‘financial’ in nature. Terms dealing with issues such as minimum engagements, ordinary hours, meal breaks, and breaks between shifts, all may be affected by requests for flexible arrangements.

There are strict requirements regarding the implementation, form, and termination of an IFA, so employers should ensure that they consult with the applicable award and seek advice where necessary.

There is often confusion between a request for ‘Flexible Work Arrangements’ under the FW Act, and an ‘Individual Flexibility Agreement’ made under a Modern Award, enterprise agreement or other registered agreement. These are separate legal concepts, although they are sometimes related.

Under an Individual Flexibility Agreement (IFA), an employer and employees covered by a modern award CONSIDERATIONS may agree to change the effects of certain When considering and implementing clauses. For example, an employer and flexible work arrangements, it is important employee may agree, via an IFA, to vary that employers carefully assess the a clause about the employee’s working risks and liabilities that may arise due hours, or their entitlement to overtime to these new arrangements. Employers or penalty rates, if that accommodation should consider whether the flexible is to provide flexibility to the employee. work arrangements affect employee Importantly, an IFA must not be used entitlements. to reduce an employee’s entitlements.

If these arrangements impact The IFA must leave the employee ‘better entitlements, employers and employees off over all’, with consideration and may benefit from referring to the comparison of both the financial and nonfinancial benefits to the employee than if it applicable industrial instruments and considering Individual Flexibility were not in place.

Agreement’s for employees to vary IFAs are different to flexible these entitlements.

CLICK TO working arrangements, as both VISIT THE parties must freely agree to an IFA. This general advice only. Employers MTAQ MEMBER PORTAL Whereas an employer must agree seeking information about any flexible work to an employee’s request for flexible arrangements should contact the Workplace working arrangements if they satisfy Relations Advisors on 3237 8777.

March 2022 Motor Trader | 79

OUR VISION IS TO BE QUEENSLAND’S MOST TRUSTED, INFLUENTIAL & ENGAGED INDUSTRY BODY The Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) is the peak organisation in the state representing the specific interests of businesses in the retail, repair & service sectors of the automotive industry.

Member benefits include: Advocacy MTA Queensland makes representations to state and federal governments on the BIG issues affecting your business and industry.

Services Our members can utilise free Workplace Relations advice and Consumer Complaint support; access a cost-effective website building service and, through our self-service Member Portal, access information regarding wages & awards, health & safety, public holidays and more. There also is a FREE-to-use online Jobs Board platform to advertise open positions, plus discounted signage & stationery products are available through the online MTA Queensland shop.

Training The MTA Institute (RTO 31529) is the awardwinning, leading provider of automotive training and apprenticeships in Queensland. Course & training options include: • Apprenticeships • Traineeships • Skills Recognition • Automotive Licensing • Short Automotive Courses (including some which attract a 20% discount for members) • Pre-apprenticehips

Support Members can take advantage of a wide range of services & benefits, including: •B anking, insurance, payment options, legal advice and workplace health & safety compliance advice, offered by our Corporate Partners.

• A library of small business resources.

• A Weekly Industry Bulletin containing updates on industry news and events, workplace relations, divisional updates and training courses.

•C omprehensive webinar and micro-credential program (coming soon).

•M onthly subscription to the Motor Trader e-magazine and free business profiling.

•S avings and discounts from a range of industry stakeholders.

• I nvitations to industry signature events Industry Awards Gala, Golf Day, and Carmageddon.

Innovation Stay at the front of cutting-edge information and business solutions connected to the automotive digital revolution with access to events and MTAiQ – Australia’s first automotive innovation hub which is a facility offering an eco-system that supports innovation in the motor trades.

20190801

Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains www.mtaq.com.au | info@mtaq.com.au (07) 3237 8777

M E M B E R S

MTA Institute News

E S S E N T I A L S

PAUL KULPA GENERAL MANAGER MTA INSTITUTE

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March 2022 Motor Trader | 81

E S S E N T I A L S

WE’VE GOT A LOT HAPPENING, BUT SO HAS THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY AND WE CAN SUPPORT BUSINESSES IN THE INDUSTRY BY PROVIDING THESE SOLUTIONS.

M E M B E R S

IRSTLY, IT’S ALWAYS hard when you see weather events like the recent floods sweep through, and I can only think and ponder that, on top of everything else going on We offer HEV/BEV, Electrical Skills Set and ADAS courses to upskill technicians in the world right now, people have to deal with this! I hope everyone is safe and OK as we make our way through this new challenge.

I know - just another challenge - and the industry has coped with adversity before and we’ll continue to do so through this.

It got me thinking about business challenges and how the MTA Institute can support industry and provide workforce solutions to help with those challenges.

I read the latest Automotive Industry

The solution: We deliver apprenticeship Skills Advisor Annual report about the and traineeship training across issues industry faces right now and into Queensland and also a suite of microthe future. Whilst these are real, the MTA credentials to upskill existing staff.

Institute has some tools to help: 3. The challenge: Unprecedented labour 1. The challenge: Rapid technological shortages. advancements in vehicles including The solution: We offer automotive electrification, automation, and pre-employment programs and will be connectivity. delivering to international students this The solution: We offer HEV/BEV course year who will need work placements.

HERE, Electrical Skills Set HERE, ADAS We’ve got a lot happening, but so has the courses to upskill technicians. automotive industry and we can support businesses in the industry by providing 2. The Challenge: Unparalleled skill these solutions. shortages.

E S S E N T I A L S M E M B E R S

Apprentice of the Month: February 2022 job is paying off, with one of the shop’s regular farming customers giving her the nickname “Amazing Grace”.

Working in automotive was not originally something on Grace’s radar, but when the opportunity to begin an apprenticeship came up, Grace was eager to get involved.

“Ross and Andrea are good RACE CAMPBELL IS the MTA family friends. One day I was visiting Institute Apprentice of the their workshop and they mentioned Month for February 2022. they needed an apprentice. The The 21-year-old, who works automotive industry offers so many pathways to go for Central Bike Centre in Emerald, is in the third down, so of course I was keen get started.” year of her automotive sales (parts interpreting) Three years later, Grace is still enjoying every apprenticeship and is proving to be an excellent minute of it. student, impressing both her employer and trainer “I am really happy working here. It’s just the seven with her work ethic, customer service and product of us in the shop, so we are all really close. They are knowledge. like a second family to me.

“Grace is an exemplary employee displaying “Working here, you’re smiling when you get to the learning, personal behavioural characteristics and shop and still smiling when you go home.” skills of the highest standard and order,” said Ross Having trained with MTA Institute since the and Andrea Drayton, Grace’s Employers.

“Her level of attention to customer care and service beginning of her apprenticeship, Grace said that is exceptional, supported by her ability to provide full the in-person, one-on-one training at the student’s circle support through her product knowledge.” place of employment was one she could readily As a parts interpreter in training, Grace talks to recommend. customers regularly to find out their exact needs and “Andrew is a fantastic trainer. Once you have recommend the appropriate parts. She must identify completed your workbook, he will sit with you and the different make, model and variations of vehicles, go through the answers – what you did well, what motorcycle, and power equipment, and assist could have been improved. He really takes the time customers in finding the right product. to explain the different areas, so you have a good “Grace is constantly on the move, answering understanding of them.” phones, dealing with customers both external With a plan to finish her final units in October this and internal. I have never met anyone that applies year, Grace is looking to continue her studies with a themselves to their job as she does and enjoys every course in business management, something that her minute of their day,” said Andrew Keys, Grace’s employers support wholeheartedly.

MTA Institute Trainer.

“Grace is a person that will continue on the But to Grace, this is just one small part of the job. highway of learning throughout her life and already is “It’s not just about getting the work done, looking to her next challenge with undergraduate CLICK it’s talking to customers, seeing how their studies in management being considered TO VISIT day is and giving them a great experience. after completion of her apprenticeship,” THE CENTRAL BIKE CENTRE You want them leaving the shop thinking said Ross and Andrea.

WEBSITE ‘wow that was easy’,” she said.

“As her employer, we are extremely proud Grace’s helpfulness and dedication to the of what Grace has achieved with us.”

APPRENTICE: GRACE CAMPBELL WORKPLACE: CENTRAL BIKE CENTRE, EMERALD APPRENTICESHIP: AUTOMOTIVE SALES PARTS INTERPRETING

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82 | Motor Trader March 2022

N OM IN AT E FOR T HE MTA INS TIT U TE APP R E N TIC E O F T HE MONT H AWARD • Are yo u em p loyi ng a n a p p re nti ce wh o is excelling i n th e wor kp l a ce?

• Do yo u have a hi g h- a chi ev i n g ap p rent ice co lle a g u e?

• Are they t rainin g wi th MTA Ins ti tu te?

If th e ans wer is ‘ye s ’, the n nom i nate th e m fo r t he M TA In s ti tute Ap p re nti ce of th e Mo nt h Awa rd.

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

E S S E N T I A L S M E M B E R S

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 Sean Edwards Cailan Foster Neil Narvas Dylan Lambert Shawn Buie Andrew McLean Samuel Reynolds Jacob Lewin Anthony Murphy Luke Jones Luke Chase James Bennett Jacob Mainwaring-Samwell Dylan Oppert Dylan Foden Jeremy Brew Jordan Hill Sherwin Abalos Jesse Butt Adrian Morris Billy Crole Jordan Collins Connor Crapp William Gill-Strang John Thake Paul Milevskiy Joshua Frampton Cai Ellis Lachlan Jones Blake Trotter Liam Jackson Ben Hagan Blake Small Benjamin Carr Jye Bojic Luke D'Ath Patrick Davey

students complete their trade qualification. Congratulations to everyone who was issued a qualification in February 2022 - it is 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 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 Refinishing Technology Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing 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 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

84 | Motor Trader March 2022

TRAINER Brett Baker Luke Cooper Brett Baker Luke Cooper Alfio Rotolone Andrew Keys Lloyd Cross Jason Tucker Luke Cooper Alfio Rotolone Scott Buckley Gavin Jacobs Gavin Jacobs Steve Adams Colin Crichton Colin Crichton Michael De Waard Colin Crichton Andrew Keys Scott Buckley Terry Palfrey Andrew Elson Scott Buckley Kevin Ryan Stuart Davies James Dixon Don Lerm Roger West Stuart Davies Don Lerm Derrick Pratt Don Lerm Keith Minchin Derrick Pratt Derrick Pratt James Dixon Scott Buckley

Can you afford not to be in the circle?

P a r t n e r s

Stay ahead of the automotive digital revolution with access to events and the MTAiQ Innovation Hub.

illion is the leading independent provider of trusted data and analytics products and services in Australasia. Members are eligible for substantial savings on annual subscriptions.

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INNOVATION

Safety Help provides the automotive industry with a service dedicated to making your business compliant.

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Our corporate partners offer a wide range of services & benefits, including banking, insurance, payment options, legal advice, and advice on workplace health & safety compliance Library of online business resources and templates Weekly industry bulletin Webinar and micro-credential program (coming soon).

FREE Jobs Board Discounts on stationery & workshop products Monthly subscription to the Motor Trader e-magazine Regular specials & discounts

Providing legal services across a number of core areas, Bennett & Philp Lawyers have been providing effective legal solutions to meet the needs of dealers, suppliers, racers, financiers and other motor vehicle professionals for more than ten years.

a

SUPPORT

openpay is a leading buy now, pay later service favoured by the automotive industry. Openpay gives customers longer to pay for servicing and parts through interest-free payment plans, while you get paid the next business day. Not just a payment method, but a smarter way to triple your Average Transaction Value.

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• Apprenticeships • Traineeships • Skills Recognition.

• Automotive Licensing • Short Automotive Courses (including some which attract a 20% discount for members) • Pre-apprenticehips.

Guard Insurance Brokers specialises in insurance and risk management solutions and offers dedicated service to MTAQ members at market leading rates.

o

TRAINING

Capricorn makes it easier for its members buy parts, earn reward points and share in the benefits of being a member of the largest and oldest automotive parts buying cooperatives in Australasia.

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Receive FREE expert advice on Workplace Relations matters & Consumer Complaint Support. Access a website building service and, through the Member Portal, information regarding wages & awards, health & safety, public holidays and more. There also is a FREE-to-use online Jobs Board platform, and discounted products available through the online MTA Queensland shop.

The Commonwealth Bank offers members some of the lowest EFTPOS charges in the country.

Members have saved thousands with CBA.

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SERVICES

Spirit Super is a multi-industry super fund with over 300,000 members and $23 billion funds under management. We put the spirit in your super.

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MTA Queensland will represent you to state and federal governments on BIG issues affecting your business and the industry. We represent service stations, new & used car dealers, tyre businesses, paint & panel, repairers, parts recyclers, engine re-conditioners, farm & industrial machinery businesses, motorcycle sales and rental vehicles, so can actively espouse direct industry perspective.

SAVE WITH OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS

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ADVOCACY

MTA Queensland

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March 2022 Motor Trader | 85

20150315

Address Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113 Phone (07) 3237 8777 Fax +61 7 3844 4488 Email info@mtaq.com.au Website www.mtaq.com.au Postal PO Box 4530 Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113

ELECTRIC VEHICLE APPRENTICESHIP NOW AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA

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USTRALIA NOW HAS access to a new training apprenticeship package aimed at creating a new generation of electric vehicle technicians.

In February, the Australian government released the details for the training package and qualification called AUR32721 – Certificate III in Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology.

According to training.gov.au – the National Register on Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia - this qualification ‘reflects the role of individuals who service, diagnose and repair battery electric vehicles and components in the automotive, service and repair industry who carry out work according to Australian Standards (AS) 5732 Electric vehicle operations Maintenance and repair.’

The training package includes specific core units for both light vehicle and heavy vehicle categories, meaning students can become qualified with either a Certificate III Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology (Light Vehicle), or Certificate III in Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology (Heavy Vehicle), depending on the units completed.

Total units required to complete the training is 30, consisting of 17 core units and 13 electives. Core units include: • Depower and reinitialise battery electric vehicles, • Diagnose and repair traction motor speed control systems in battery electric vehicles, • Diagnose and repair high voltage traction motors in battery electric vehicles, 86 | Motor Trader March 2022

“. . . TRADITIONAL APPRENTICESHIPS DO NOT SUIT AN APPRENTICE WHO WORKS PURELY ON EVS, SO THIS QUALIFICATION IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT FOR APPRENTICES WHO ARE EMPLOYED WITH VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS WHO ONLY HAVE ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN THEIR FLEET.” • Diagnose and repair DC to DC converters in battery electric vehicles, and • Use and maintain electrical test equipment in an automotive workplace.

The development of an EV-specific apprenticeship has been in progress for some time with industry stakeholders, including MTA Queensland and the MTA Institute, involved in that process, engaging with the government and PwC’s Skills for Australia – which helps develop training packages – in identifying the skills and knowledge requirements of an EV workforce.

The release of the qualification has been widely anticipated and is extremely welcome.

Marcello Riotto, MTA Queensland’s Deputy General Manager for Member Services, and an Industry Skills Advisor, is part of the Industry Reference Group that helped shape the qualification, providing industry feedback and technical advice.

The new qualification, he said, reflects the shift of the world’s transportation model to electrification and Australia’s need to be

With the Certificate III training package now approved, and with just some administrative details to be signed off, MTA Queensland will be offering the qualification training imminently

prepared for that future. able to attain the qualifications “With this transition from ICE-powered through bridging courses. vehicles to electrically powered ones “MTA Queensland will deliver this comes a skill and knowledge gap that qualification through its RTO, the MTA requires filling,” said Marcello. “This new Institute, as soon as physically possible,” qualification is doing exactly that. To date, said Marcello. “At this stage we are waiting traditional apprenticeships do not suit an on the registration and the funding apprentice who works purely on EVs, so mechanisms from the State Government this qualification is particularly important before it can go live to industry, and it is for apprentices who are employed with anticipated to take a couple of months to vehicle manufacturers who only have complete this process. electric vehicles in their fleet.”

“The delivery model for the With the Certificate III training apprenticeship will be no different to what package now approved, and with just the Institute currently provides - being a some administrative details to be signed blend of both workplace and institutional off, MTA Queensland will be offering delivery where possible. In addition to the the qualification training imminently. full qualification for new-start apprentices, Apprentices will be able to complete the there will also be skill sets which full Certificate III in Automotive existing technicians can complete to Electric Vehicle Technology (both CLICK become EV qualified.” light vehicle and heavy vehicle TO VISIT THE MTA INSTITUTE Visit the MTA Institute website to see what qualifications) while current WEBSITE qualified technicians will be courses are currently available.

March 2022 Motor Trader | 87

Concept corner

DS E-TENSE P 88 | Motor Trader March 2022

ERFORMANCE

March 2022 Motor Trader | 89

Concept corner

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S AUTOMOBILES, THE French luxury car brand that is part of the Stellantis Group, has decent electric vehicle (EV) credentials – the company has been part of the Formula E racing championship for a number of years and has lifted the teams’ and drivers’ titles twice with the Techeetah team.

It plans to be an EV-only carmaker by the middle of the decade and has used its accumulated knowledge - plus the expertise of its DS Performance motorsport division - to create this, the DS E-Tense Performance prototype, which the company says it conceived as a high-performance laboratory to help the development of its technology.

The DS E-Tense Performance is based on a carbon monocoque, features twin electric motors dishing out 600kW (250 kW at the front and 350 kW at the back) and has a four-wheel drive transmission.

No word on performance figures, but they would have to blistering you would think.

The prototype has a monster regeneration capacity, and DS says that

90 | Motor Trader March 2022

THIS NEW PROTOTYPE IS AN ADVANCE ON THE E-TENSE CONCEPT FIRST REVEALED IN 2016, AND WHILE THE STYLING IS SIMILAR, THINGS HAVE MOVED ON A BIT IN SIX YEARS AND THE E-TENSE PERFORMANCE REFLECTS THAT IN ITS APPEARANCE. VIDEO: DS E-TENSE PERFORMANCE

only regeneration is used for braking. It is still fitted with a braking system with discs and pads, but they are for safety only - the regen system is designed to do all the heavy work.

The battery - developed jointly with TotalEnergies and battery company

Saft - is housed in a carbon-aluminium composite envelope located in a central rear position for optimum weight distribution. It uses what the company calls ‘an innovative chemistry and an immersive cooling system for cells’ and permits phases of acceleration and regeneration of up to 600kW. This new prototype is an advance on

the E-Tense concept first revealed in 2016. While the styling is similar, things have moved on a bit in six years and the E-Tense Performance reflects that in its appearance. Up front there’s a new look to the grille area, combining the DS Automobiles logo with a threedimensional effect. On either side, new daytime lights, made up of more than March 2022 Motor Trader | 91

800 LEDs, are super-slim but offer a wide span of light. Two cameras sit in the spot you might expect to see headlamps and are to be used for data collection.

There’s a new colour for the exterior – one that appears to change colour depending on the angle from which it is viewed - and as well as aerodynamic tweaks to the body, there are 21-inch wheels with an aerodynamic profile and unique inserts.

The cockpit, of which there are no images as yet, has been conceived to gather data, the company says, but it apparently sports bucket seats, a top-notch sound system, a Formula E steering wheel and leather trim.

“Our objective is to apply the experience acquired in Formula E and the expertise that we’ve taken from our international titles to a project which predicts the highperformance electric car of tomorrow,” said Thomas Chevaucher, DS Performance Director. “It is a laboratory that we will use to analyse the behaviour of components and to develop them with a view to 92 | Motor Trader March 2022

“OUR OBJECTIVE IS TO APPLY THE EXPERIENCE ACQUIRED IN FORMULA E AND THE EXPERTISE THAT WE’VE TAKEN FROM OUR INTERNATIONAL TITLES TO A PROJECT WHICH PREDICTS THE HIGH-PERFORMANCE ELECTRIC CAR OF TOMORROW.” future manufacturing. The idea is also to find solutions to lower costs, make them easier to manufacture and explore implementations in production models.

The next generations of the E-TENSE range will benefit from these developments.”

MTA INSTITUTE COURSES AUTOMOTIVE VOCATIONAL PREPARATION COURSE 26 Apr - 27 May 2022 25 Jul - 26 Aug 2022

RTO No: 31529

BATTERY ELECTRIC AND HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES COURSE 22 - 24 Mar 2022 SOLD OUT 3 - 5 May 2022 SOLD OUT 7 - 9 Jun 2022

SALES/DEALERS/WRECKERS LICENCING COURSES AVAILABLE ONLINE

AIR CONDITIONING COURSE 20 - 22 Apr 2022 16 - 18 Aug 2022

COMMENCES ON ENROLMENT

Enquiries to: courses@mtai.edu.au Website www.mtai.edu.au

MTA QUEENSLAND COURSES MIG WELDING FUNDAMENTALS COURSE 11 May 2022, 8:30am - 12:30pm 3 Aug 2022, 8:30am - 12:30pm

ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS COURSES AWARENESS COURSE

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE COURSE

11 Apr 2022 28 Jun 2022 20 Sep 2022

VEHICLE GLASS COURSE

11 May 2022, 8:30am - 12:30pm 3 Aug 2022, 8:30am - 12:30pm

12 Apr 2022 29 Jun 2022 21 Sep 2022

TECHNICIAN COURSE

POST-TRADE TRAINING AVAILABLE ONLINE

13 - 14 Apr 2022 30 Jun – 1 Jul 2022 22 - 23 Sep 2022

*Course dates subject to change

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Enquiries to: courses@mtaq.com.au Website www.mtaq.com.au

Rhonda Madden Your Superannuation Adviser

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Talk to one of our super experts to find out how your super is travelling. We can help with boosting your super, investment options, insurance, combining super, retirement options and more.

Book an appointment today Call us on 1800 005 166.

Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) (Spirit Super Advice), which is wholly owned by Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). A copy of the Financial services guide for Spirit Super Advice is available at spiritsuper.com.au/financial-services-guide or by calling us on 1800 005 166. You should consider the Product disclosure statement and Target market determination available at spiritsuper.com.au/pds or by calling 1800 005 166 before deciding if the fund is appropriate for you.