MTA QUEENSLAND hosts quarterly Divisional Committee meetings for:
› AUSTRALIAN AUTOMOTIVE DEALER ASSOCIATION (NEW CAR DEALERS)
› AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS DIVISION (MECHANICAL REPAIRERS)
› AUTOMOTIVE PARTS RECYCLERS DIVISION (PARTS RECYCLERS)
› AUTOMOTIVE REMARKETING DIVISION (USED CAR DEALERS)
› ENGINE RECONDITIONERS ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND (ENGINE RECONDITIONERS)
› NATIONAL AUTO COLLISION ALLIANCE (PAINT & PANEL / TOW TRUCKS)
› QUEENSLAND FARM & INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DEALERS DIVISION (FARM & INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY)
› QUEENSLAND MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY DIVISION (MOTORCYCLES)
› RENTAL VEHICLE INDUSTRY DIVISION (RENTAL VEHICLES)
› SERVICE STATION & CONVENIENCE STORE ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND (SERVICE STATIONS)
› TYRE & UNDERCAR DIVISION OF QUEENSLAND (TYRES, BRAKES, SUSPENSIONS)
The Agenda topics include:
› robust discussions around the priorities of the Division,
› issues that need to be directly presented to government and submissions,
› skilling needs,
› membership representation,
› technical and educational updates, and
› innovation opportunities.
The 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.
HEAD OFFICE
Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113
P.O. Box 4530, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113
Tel: 07 3237 8777
Fax: 07 3844 4488
Toll Free: 1800 177 951
Email: publications@mtaq.com.au
Website: www.mtaq.com.au
EDITOR
Jonathan Nash
ART DIRECTOR
Marco Ilinic
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
Evangeline Kannis
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
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MOTOR TRADER PUBLISHING POLICY
Motor Trader is the official publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland. The role of Motor Trader is to inform members of current issues and legislation affecting the industry. As such it can be regarded as the business magazine for the Queensland motor industry. The role of Motor Trader is not to be in competition with the technical magazines already on the market. It will advise of new vehicles being released and of the latest technology incorporated into them; it will advise of latest technology affecting members in each of the MTA Queensland Divisions; it will keep members abreast of the latest in motor industry training and industrial affairs; and it will keep members informed of the latest technical aids available through MTA Queensland Member Services, which will assist members in staying ahead of the technological revolution presently being encountered within the motor industry. The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any advertisement and the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher for all damages or liabilities arising from the published material.
MTA QUEENSLAND ABN: 74 028 933 848
CORPORATE PARTNERS
JONATHAN NASH EDITOR
March edition of Motor Trader.
For a while now, it has been clear that we like big American trucks here in Australia. The performance of RAM Australia and the demand for its right-hand drive conversions has been stellar, and Ford is about to join the fray with its F-150. To be sold locally in two variants - the XLT and Lariat - and with order books now open, the F-150 should make the tussle for big pick-up truck bragging rights an interesting one. And it will get spicier down the track when Toyota rolls into town with its Tundra model, possibly next year.
So what can we expect from the F-150? Ford has revealed details of the models to be sold here and you can find out more from page 38.
We go from big and tough trucks to sleek and sublime
sportscars this month as we also take a look at Lamborghini, which this year is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the company in 1963. Some quite astonishing cars have been conjured up by Lamborghini magicians over those decades, and we take a look at some of them, and the company's story, from page 12.
Also in this edition, along with our regular news sections, we meet Trevor Cole from the Cole Motor Group of North Queensland in our member Q&A feature; report on the launch of new micro-credential courses designed to prepare industry to work safely on electrified vehicles (EV); and continue our journey with the MTA Institute's Manager of Training Delivery, Scott Gehrke, as he puts MTA Queensland's EV - a BYD Atto 3 - through its paces to find out what living with an electric car is really like.
I hope you enjoy this month's edition of Motor Trader, and if you have any news you'd like to share; or have a classic bike, car or truck we might feature, then please do get in touch with me.
Cheers
Jonathan Nash, Editor
jonathann@mtaq.com.au
F THERE IS one thing I have learnt during my time here at MTA Queensland, it is that as our industry shifts gear and pace, so too must we. With this in mind, we have been working incredibly hard behind the scenes over the summer to launch new services that maximise the value of membership and provide the support our members need to flourish now and into the future. As a result, I am pleased to say we are now offering several programs never before seen by our industry in Australia!
ROD CAMM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MTA QUEENSLAND
In addition to our ongoing Industry Skills Advisor role, working with government to make informed decisions related to small business, skill, and job outcomes, we have introduced the Industry Workforce Advisor program. This role will see a dedicated advisor connecting with businesses across Queensland to identify and address workforce challenges and build tailored plans for diversifying and growing your business!
We are also all in on nurturing the connection between schools and the automotive industry, dedicating substantial resources toward educating schools on career prospects and school-based apprenticeship while also, excitingly, offering accredited training programs such as VET in Schools and Auto Ready directly into schools.
Finally, we are in the midst of rolling out a series of targeted online ‘top-up’ training programs that look at dealing with and handling emerging technology in the industry. We believe that the future of training involves these short, self-paced micro-credential courses that complement existing training and qualifications, which can be accessed anywhere, anytime. We are incredibly excited to explore this training method further over the coming months as we bring the latest innovative training to our industry.
IIT HAS BEEN a whirlwind start to 2023 on the advocacy front, with MTA Queensland now working closely with its state counterparts to tackle the critical policy issues at the national level. We have already delivered a Federal Pre-Budget Submission, Australian Apprenticeship Services and Support Discussion Paper, and a submission on the Inquiry into the Perceptions and Status of Vocational Education and Training, and members can be assured we are working hard to fight for their interests.
KELLIE DEWAR DEPUTY CEO | GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES
At the State level, we are working on numerous issues at the bequest of our members, including the Review of the Written Off Vehicle scheme, continuation of three months’ registration for Dealers, Electric Vehicle rebates and its current exclusion of Demonstrator Vehicles and, most recently, we posted a submission on the Inquiry into the Liquid Fuel Supply (Minimum Biobased Petrol Content) Amendment Bill 2022, which you can read HERE.
You may have also seen media attention of late around rising DPF/DPD and catalytic converter theft and odometer fraud. We have engaged with the Police Commissioner and Department of Transport on these issues respectively and we will keep members updated on outcomes. If you suspect you have been the victim of odometer fraud, please don’t forget to submit any evidence to our Report Odometer Fraud platform.
I am also pleased to announce that nominations are open for our Auto Women scholarships! These scholarships are an opportunity for two women in the automotive industry to further their leadership credentials and career prospects, and you can nominate now HERE.
And finally, I would like to thank our members in Hervey Bay and Bundaberg who attended our first regional discussions for the year. Both Rod and I came away with some interesting learnings that will help us in our pursuit of providing tailored support for the automotive industry.
WE BELIEVE THAT THE FUTURE OF TRAINING INVOLVES THESE SHORT, SELF-PACED MICRO-CREDENTIAL COURSES THAT COMPLEMENT EXISTING TRAINING . . .
40 years ago, John Cole moved his family from Townsville to Atherton on the Tablelands behind Cairns to work at the local Toyota dealership. Today John has a thriving business with multiple locations and his family are hard at work to build on the legacy that he established. Motor Trader recently spent a morning with John’s son Trevor to learn about the Cole Motor Group.
YOUR DAD IS A BIT OF A LEGEND IN THE DEALERSHIP WORLD OF FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND. TELL US THE STORY OF HOW HE WENT FROM WORKING AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO OWNING THE JOHN COLE TOYOTA AND COLE MOTOR GROUP COMPANIES.
TC: In 1983, I was two years old. Dad packed the family up to take a job at the Toyota dealership in Atherton. Dad could see a lot of things that could be changed or improved and so in 1984 he took over the dealership. In 1998, Dad took over the Toyota dealership in Innisfail giving us two locations. We moved to our new location on the Kennedy Highway in Tolga, just north of Atherton, in 2020 where my brother Adam is the General Manager and my sister Toni is the Guest Experience Manager.
SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE GROWN UP TO BE A TOYOTA MAN. HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN THE BUSINESS?
TC: As a teenager I aspired to be a professional golf player. My handicap was four and I was very keen, but I was also very practical about my future income and career prospects as a golf pro. I joined the family business and worked in every element except as a trade-qualified mechanic on the tools.
Dad believed that we need to learn every part of the business in a hands-on capacity. I started as a detailer in 1998, learning my way around the cars. Over time I worked my way into the office, learning administration, payroll and then sales. I went to Cairns Business College in 2000 to study accounting. In 2003, I sold my first
car, and I haven’t looked back. Today, I am the Dealer Principal for the Cole Motor Group with 10 brands.
EVERYONE IN FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND HAS HEARD OF JOHN COLE TOYOTA BUT THE COLE MOTOR GROUP IS A NEWER NAME IN TOWN. HOW DID IT COME TO BE?
TC: We formed the Cole Motor Group company in 2017 when we took on the Isuzu dealership. In August of 2022, we bought the Chano Trentin All-Wheel Drive centre in Atherton. With the new acquisition we added the Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki cars and Suzuki motorcycles brands to the Isuzu fleet. The purchase also expanded our range to include lawn mowers and power tools with Stihl, Cox, Ferris, Victa, and Briggs & Stratton amongst the brands.
FOR LOCALS, CHANO TRENTIN IS A HOUSEHOLD NAME. HOW ARE YOU TAKING ON SUCH A LEGACY?
TC: Chano Trentin sure is a legacy. The AllWheel Drive centre first opened in 1963 on the corner of Vernon and Louise Streets.
After 59 years, their brand was fully entrenched in the community and remains one of the oldest Stihl dealerships in the country. Chano used to import Stihl power tools before Stihl had actually launched in Australia. Many of our staff had worked their whole career as a part of the team. Con Spanos, who currently works for us as a sales consultant, pumped fuel here as a kid when Chano Trentin sold petrol at the bowsers out the front. Shayne Vit in our mower sales department took his first job at Chano Trentin straight after high school and 36 years later he has set new benchmarks within the industry. I plan on being here in another 59 years
going from strength to strength with a team who is just as loyal and dedicated.
IT MUST BE A CHALLENGE TO MANAGE SO MANY BRANDS UNDER ONE ROOF. HOW DO YOU DO THAT?
TC: With a lot of patience. It isn’t easy because each brand has unique set of inventory management systems, customer service protocols and marketing guidelines. We are slowly implementing the HR strategy and the software we need
to stay on top of it all. Luckily, we have the legacy of the Cole name as well, and being able to draw on the skillset and resources of the John Cole Toyota company has been invaluable to me.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN BUILDING THE COLE MOTOR GROUP?
TC: Without a doubt the biggest challenge we face is staffing. When we bought Chano Trentin All-Wheel Drive Centre, there
Trevor Cole (left) and industry veterans Shayne Vit (centre) and Con Spanos (right)
were 16 staff. Some chose to retire, some chose other pursuits, and five remained in the business. Replacing two-thirds of the workforce is never easy but doing it while in the process of taking over the reins is very challenging. We are currently looking to hire small-engine apprentices and sales staff.
TC: We do a little bit of everything at the moment. We have the Nissan X-Trail and the Qashqai vehicles brand new on the showroom floor and plenty more in stock. We sell, repair and service new cars, motorcycles, mowers and power tools for our licensed brands. We stock a comprehensive range of genuine and aftermarket spare parts, as well as providing general servicing and repairs to all other makes and models.
There are in-house finance options for customers through each licensed brand and through Allied Credit.
The thing we do the best though, is be a local. Our staff have lived in this community and worked in this industry all of their lives. When they provide
advice on the best vehicle or mower for a customer to purchase, they do so knowing our weather, our roads and our people personally.
TC: There are big plans for the next few years. Immediately on the horizon is the new range of electric vehicles and we are very excited to see the latest range to come through our doors from Subaru and Nissan. It is our plan to establish and stabilise Nissan and Subaru as brands in our community on the Tablelands. We really treasure our role in the community and our ability to provide employment, donations to local projects and support for youth sporting teams. We are working hard to future-proof the business because we don’t want pandemics like Covid or natural disasters like cyclones to throw a spanner in our works. The plan is to remain in the current showroom in the heart of Atherton supporting small business in the community, but we might relocate to the larger showroom at the Toyota dealership on the Northern side of town in a few years.
For over 30 years, we’ve supported the motor trades and backed workers and apprentices like you as your industry has evolved. We’re proud of this history and committed to carrying it forward.
Combine your super accounts and stop paying multiple sets of account fees
If you’ve ever flipped burgers or stacked shelves, you probably already have one or more super accounts. Combining your super into a single account can save you money on fees and reduce life admin. It’s all about keeping things streamlined and simple.
Did you know you can choose how your super’s invested? We have nine investment options but if you don’t choose one, you’ll automatically be invested in the default Balanced (MySuper) option. You can change options at any time. If responsible investing is important to you, read more about our approach to ESG (environmental, social and governance) on our website.
Did you know you can use super to save for a house?
Saving for a house is really hard. It can take years to get a deposit together, especially when rent’s going up and food and fuel prices are skyrocketing. But that’s where your super could come in. Under the First home super saver scheme, you can make voluntary payments into your super to save a deposit to buy your first home. Because of the special tax treatment super gets, it helps you save your deposit faster.
Earn less than $57,016?1 For every $1 you pay into super from your after-tax earnings (up to $1,000 each financial year), the government may contribute up to 50 cents. This could mean up to an extra $500 in your super. Easy money!
Manage your account through the Spirit Super app
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when starting work is where to put your super. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. At Spirit Super, we make your super work as hard as you do.
world's coolest and most iconic car manufacturers.
That man was Ferruccio Lamborghini, and 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of his company, Automobili Lamborghini.
Ferruccio was born in 1916 in Renazzo, a small town in northern Italy. After serving in the Italian Air Force during World War II, he would establish a tractor manufacturing business, Lamborghini Trattori, in 1948 – a business that became very successful and which, by the early
1960s, had made Ferruccio a very rich man.
Despite his success in the tractor business, Lamborghini was a car enthusiast at heart. He owned several high-end sports cars but was, apparently, often frustrated by their lack of reliability.
Legend has it that Ferruccio, unimpressed with some aspects of a Ferrari he owned, actually had a run-in with Enzo Ferrari over clutch issues. The story goes that
during this conversation, a bristling Enzo, irritated at Ferruccio’s efforts to engage him on solutions to the car’s shortcomings, told him to stick to building tractors.
Whether that story is true or not, it is true that Ferruccio resolved to build his own sports cars, and it wasn’t long before the first model from his new company, Automobili Lamborghini, made its debut.
Established in 1963, Lamborghini debuted a prototype - the 350GTV - at that year’s Turin Auto Show. A head-turning
two-door, two-seat Grand Tourer that sported a new, Lamborghini-developed, 268kW, 3-litre V12 under the bonnet, the 350GTV showed Ferruccio was serious about his sportscar/GT-building ambitions and the next year, the company’s first production car, the 350 GT, appeared.
Built from 1964 to 1966, the 350 GT was a redesigned version of the GTV. It still boasted a V12 and kept much of the sleek prototypes styling. It could also tear to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 250km/h – awesome performance for the time.
Just 120 of the 350 GTs were built over the two years of its production life, and another 250 of an evolutionary model, the 2+2 seater 400 GT. But Ferruccio and Lamborghini had made a loud statement that there was another maker of awesome sportscars on the scene, and things were
going to get interesting.
In 1966, Lamborghini introduced the Miura, a mid-engine supercar that is widely considered one of the most beautiful cars ever made. Sublime styling – care of gifted designer Marcello Gandini of Bertone - was paired with a 4-liter V12 engine that produced 270kW, and the Miura was capable of reaching speeds of up to 290km/h, making it the fastest production car in the world. It was a sensation, and Lamborghini would build around 760 of them, in two variants, through its production life.
During those years, Lamborghini would introduce other models. In 1968, the Espada four-seater debuted, as did
the Islero, a 2+2 coupe that was the successor to the 400GT. The Jarama 2+2 grand tourer followed in 1970, and the Urraco, a V8-powered 2+2 coupe, in 1972. These were all fine cars, with nice styling and design and decent power, but it would be Lamborghini’s next effort that would make the biggest splash, that would show the company was not afraid to push the boundaries of sportscar design to the
MiuraIN 1966, LAMBORGHINI INTRODUCED THE MIURA, A MID-ENGINE SUPERCAR THAT IS WIDELY CONSIDERED ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CARS EVER MADE.
extreme, and that would go on to become one of the most iconic cars of all time.
Debuting in 1971 as a prototype at the Geneva Motor Show, the Countach - designed by Marcello Gandini and considered a replacement for the Miura - featured a 4-litre V12 nestled in behind the driver, and boasted a unique, jawdropping, angular design that made it look like the Countach could smash the speed of light and hit warp speed without breaking a sweat.
A rapturous response to the protoype’s appearance at Geneva ensured it would go into production and the first model, the LP400, made it into roads in 1974.
Countach LP400
THE COUNTACH WOULD BE COME LAMBORGHINI’S MOST FAMOUS CREATION, WITH MANY VARIANTS APPEARING OVER ITS PRODUCTION LIFE.Jarama Urraco
The Countach would become Lamborghini’s most famous creation, with many variants appearing over its production life. The final version of its initial production run was the 25th Anniversary edition of 1988. That one was powered by a 5.2-litre, V12 developing 335kW and 500Nm that blasted it to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds on to a top speed of 298km/h.
While the Countach would be replaced at the end of the 1980s, such has been its importance, that Lamborghini would celebrate the car’s 50th birthday in 2021 by revealing a lowproduction special – the LPI 800-4. Keeping with tradition, the LPI 800-4 has wicked styling and brutal power, but it’s a sophisticated car too, with its 6.5-litre V12 paired with an electric motor to give the hybrid beast a combined 599kW of grunt.
While the Countach was a sensation when it first appeared, the company itself was in some financial strife by this time – as were many thanks to a global financial downturn and the infamous 1973 oil crisis - and Ferruccio sold the company in 1974. Just one new car, the Silhouette would appear over
the next few years until the company came into the hands of the Mimran brothers in 1980.
Their investment in Lamborghini would see the development of the V8-powered Jalpa and the LM002, the outrageous off-road monster that surely no one expected a sportscar-maker to
build but which, perhaps, foresaw the current obsession with SUVs and offroaders that there is today.
In 1987, Lamborghini was bought by Chrysler, under whose stewardship the excellent Diablo appeared in 1990. A return to the bonkers styling of the Countach, the V12-powered Diablo was well received, but Chrysler did not hold onto the company for long.
In 1994, Lamborghini was sold to an
Jalpa
THE DIABLO WAS A MAJOR SUCCESS, AND IT BECAME ONE OF LAMBORGHINI'S MOST POPULAR AND ICONIC MODELS.LM002
Diablo
Since 1998, Lamborghini has continued to introduce some breathtaking sportscars. The Murcielago was built from 2001 to 2010, the Gallardo appeared in 2003 and was produced to 20134, and the Aventador, a 6.5-litre V12-powered monster capable of reaching 350km/h, debuted in 2011. Currently, the company also builds the two-door, 5.2-litre V10-powered Huracan, and the Urus SUV.
Moving into the SUV market, as
have many of its luxury carmaker peers, has been a major success for Lamborghini. On the market from 2018, the Urus established a record for
Murcielago
Huracan
SINCE 1998, LAMBORGHINI HAS CONTINUED TO INTRODUCE SOME BREATHTAKING SPORTSCARS.Gallardo
the company when, in 2022, and after hitting the 20,000-sales mark, it became Lamborghini’s biggest selling model in the lowest period of time.
The future looks pretty bright for the company - it reported its best year ever in 2022, delivering 9,233 cars worldwide (5,367 of those being Urus models), an increase of 10 per cent over the previous year – and, it is certainly more ‘raging bull’ than ‘aging bull’.
Aventador
VIDEO: LAMBORGHINI HURACÁN EVO
It is not treading water when it comes to embracing technological advancements in the industry. Back in 2021, Lamborghini unveiled a strategy that would see the highest-ever investment in the company (€1.8 billion or $AU2.8 billion) – an
investment that would fund the company’s move into the production of hybrid cars and electric cars.
It probably might feel a little weird to be driving a Lamborghini powered by silent motors fed with electrons rather than a noisy, potent V12, but as long as the performance is there, and the company doesn’t lose its taste for the outrageous and bonkers styling, we reckon we will all get used it.
VIDEO: LAMBORGHINI URUSTHE FUTURE LOOKS PRETTY BRIGHT FOR THE COMPANY - IT REPORTED ITS BEST YEAR EVER IN 2022 . . .Urus
MTA QUEENSLAND’S AUTO Women Initiative held another of its innovative Connect virtual events in February, with more than 45 women from across the state taking part in the online gathering.
Held via the Teams communication platform, the event – the fourth held since the initiative was established at the beginning of 2022 – is an opportunity for women to connect and network, seek advice from others, including experienced mentors, about working in the automotive trades, as well as hear from some world-class speakers.
Joining this edition of the Auto Women Connect event as a guest speakers were Hannah Busch and Sarah Moran.
Hannah is a mechanical engineer and an instructor at driver-training company Skid Control. She is also one of the team behind the women-only She’s In Control initiative, which Skid Control runs and which is focused on teaching women performance driving skills.
Hannah spoke about the challenges to entering motorsport, as well as developing pathways for female participation, of entering the industry through breaking down barriers, through building confidence, through being involved and building a network.
The second guest speaker was Sarah Moran, co-founder of Girl Geek Academy
- a social enterprise dedicated to achieving gender equality in the technology industry – and also the Head of Engagement for the Electric Vehicle Council of Australia. Sarah spoke about overcoming adversity in male-dominated fields and opened up about her own career challenges and experiences, as well as the support, opportunities and pathways for women and young people wanting to enter the tech industries.
THE AUTO WOMEN INITIATIVE CONTINUES TO EXPAND, WITH A GROWING BASE OF SUPPORTERS AND PARTICIPANTS
ACROSS ALL SECTORS OF THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY AND BEYOND.
Following the talks from Hannah and Sarah, there was an interactive Q and A session, where attendees could raise any issues for the group to address, and also an update on the Auto Women professional development scholarships program, the next application round of which opened this month.
The scholarships, sponsored by MTA Queensland, Spirit Super and Women & Leadership Australia, and delivered by Women & Leadership Australia, aim to support the career advancement of women working in the automotive industry through two, fully funded, high-impact training programs.
The first course, Leading Edge, is designed to assist females in early-career positions to transition into confident, capable, and motivated leaders.
The second, Executive Ready, is designed to stretch mid-level leaders and propel them towards executive-level positions.
The Auto Women initiative continues to expand, with
a growing base of supporters and participants across all sectors of the automotive industry and beyond. At a time when our industry is going through much change, when technological advances are happening at lightning pace, and when the need for fresh ideas and talent has never been greater, Auto Women is highlighting the depth of talent amongst women, as well as the enthusiasm they have to be part of this evolving industry.
“It's been exciting to watch this platform continually grow not just in numbers but in genuine engagement and connection,” said Kellie Dewar, MTA Queensland Deputy CEO and Auto Women Mentor.
“I encourage all of our women in automotive - from apprentices, trades, administration, managers and business owners - to join our Auto Women group.”
The next Auto Women Connect event is scheduled for August, but you can keep up-to-speed with everything to do with the Auto Women initiative by following the Auto Women Facebook page.
Auto Women is a supportive group that:
Raises the profile of women in the automotive industry
Advocates for women in the automotive industry on key issues to government
Promotes career opportunities for women and the advantages of diversity to employers
Hosts virtual and in-person networking and social events that educate, connect and support women
Is led by a diverse mentor team
Provides career enhancement courses and scholarships
FOLLOW AND LIKE @AUTOWOMEN
JOIN THE GROUP @AUTOWOMEN
READ MORE AT WWW.MTAQ.COM.AU/AUTO-WOMEN
JAGUAR LAND ROVER (JLR) is expanding its global digital capability by opening three new tech hubs in Europe. The hubs are being set up to develop autonomous driving systems for JLR’s next generation of vehicles, and the new hubs are to be situated in Germany, Italy, and Spain. They join existing JLR tech hubs in the USA, Hungary, Ireland, China, India and the UK.
Collectively these hubs employ over 1100 engineers, forming part of JLR’s nearly 9000-strong global engineering force. The hubs will provide services and feed data into the Advanced Product Creation Centre in Gaydon in the UK.
"We are harnessing talent in autonomous technologies around the world to develop new autonomous technologies for our future products
which will deliver a truly modern luxury experience for our clients,” said Thomas Müller, Product Engineering Director at Jaguar Land Rover.
“Software is essential for us to deliver a fully connected experience for our clients and creating global engineering hubs will enable seamless hybrid working across several locations and ensure we harness the best talent for our business.”
The creation of the three new tech hubs marks the progression of JLR’s multi-year partnership with artificial intelligence (AI) and accelerated computing company NVIDIA. Under the partnership, JLR engineers are working to develop and deliver next-generation automated driving systems, digital services, and experiences for clients.
ALARGE FIRE THAT ripped through a waste management facility in the Port Lincoln region of South Australia last month serves as an urgent warning to Australian Governments to deal with the growing issue of end-of-life tyre management.
The fire, which was sparked during a heatwave in the region, was fuelled by multiple storage tanks filled with end-of-life tyres and similar combustible materials, releasing severely toxic fumes into the atmosphere.
Unfortunately, multiple occurrences of used tyre stockpiles catching fire have been witnessed across Australia in recent years. Following the decision to ban the exportation of whole-baled tyres in 2021, the automotive industry has been left to deal with the estimated 26 million tyres that are sent to waste each year.
With severe weather events now regularly impacting across the country, combined with the rapidly growing number of used tyres lying idle in waste management centres, MTA Queensland is
urging Australian Governments to invest in the technology that safely and responsibly recycles end of life tyres.
“Since the ban came into effect, tyre piles are growing rapidly, as is the price for collecting and storage of the tyres. Prices have grown by 140 per cent since the ban,” said Rod Camm, MTA Queensland CEO.
“As a result, we are commonly seeing businesses having to store large numbers of these materials on-site for months at a time before they can be removed and taken to various stockpiles, leaving an eyesore and incredibly hazardous situation left largely unattended.
“And while legislation was introduced at the Federal level to abolish exportation, the issue of dealing with the fall-out and ensuring the safety of local communities has been left to the respective state governments.”
An Australian innovator has the solution to completely recycle and reuse the components from tyres. Green Distillation Technologies (GDT) has developed a technology that converts end-of-life tyres
into sellable commodities including carbon, oil, and steel using a heat-based process that produces no emissions. MTA Queensland is an investor in the company.
“The work of GDT is the first of its kind in Australia and has the potential to change how we view tyres as a recyclable commodity,” said Mr Camm.
“Using nothing but destructive distillation, GDT can turn tyres stripped from old cars – whether that be a light commercial vehicle or a truck – into valuable oil, steel, and carbon that can be on-sold as raw materials.
“GDT need government support and access to crucial funding to enable them to establish operational capacity, whereby private market can invest with confidence, creating a genuine circular economy.”
FRENCH CAR MAKER Renault, China’s Geely, and Saudi Arabian energy company Aramco are planning to join forces to create a new powertrain technology company dedicated to internal combustion and hybrid powertrain technologies.
In a joint statement, the companies said that Aramco would become a potential minority stakeholder in the new powertrain technology company, with Geely and Renault Group expected to retain equal equity stakes in the new independent entity.
Aramco’s investment would support the growth of the company and 'contribute to key research and development across synthetic fuels solutions and next-gen hydrogen technologies.'
The planned company is intended to be a standalone global supplier with a combined capacity of over five million internal combustion, hybrid and plugin hybrid engines and transmissions per year, the companies said.
“This partnership with Aramco will raise our joint Powertrain company together with Geely Group to the next level and give it a head start in the race towards ultra-low-emissions ICE powertrain technology,” said Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group. “Aramco’s entry brings to the table unique know-how that will help develop breakthrough innovations in the fields of synthetic fuels and hydrogen.”
FORD HAS ANNOUNCED it is investing $3.5 billion ($AU5.1 billion) to build an LFP (Lithium Iron Phospate) battery plant in Michigan in the US.
LFP batteries comprise a different lithium-ion battery chemistry, and use less of the high-demand materials, than the NMC (Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt) batteries used in many electric vehicles. While it is considered that LFPs may not deliver quite the same performance as NMCs, they do, said Ford, last longer, are exceptionally durable and are cheaper
thanks to the more readily available materials from which they are made.
Ford will continue to offer NCM batteries too and said that having both variants available would allow its customers to choose an EV with 'battery performance characteristics most aligned with their needs.'
At a presentation held in February announcing the investment, Ford said the plant, which will utilise tech from battery manufacturer CATL,
FORD SAID THE PLANT . . . WOULD START PRODUCTION IN 2026 AND WAS PART OF THE COMPANY'S PLANS TO DIVERSIFY AND LOCALISE ITS BATTERY SUPPLY CHAIN WHERE IT BUILDS EVS . . .
would start production in 2026 and was part of the company's plans to diversify and localise its battery supply chain where it builds EVs and improve availability and affordability for customers. The company said it is working to deliver 600,000 EVs globally per year by the end of this year and 2 million globally by the end of 2026.
The new battery production facility will add approximately 35 gigawatt hours per year of new battery capacity for Ford in the US initially - capable of powering approximately 400,000 EVs. Before the
new plant is built, however, Ford will start using LFP batteries in some of its vehicles, with the Mustang Mach-E to get them this year, and the F-150 Lightning in 2024.
The Mustang Mach-E, and the F-150 Lightning are slated to get LFP batteries in the US
VOLKSWAGEN IS LAUNCHING a campaign at its Wolfsburg manufacturing complex in Germany with the aim of training production employees in e-mobility.
The Wolfsburg facility, Europe's largest car manufacturing complex which churns out some 3,500 vehicles every day, is to add the production of electric vehicles (EVs) over the next few years with sub-assembly of the ID.3 hatchback to begin later this year and full production in 2024.
In addition to the ID.3, VW says Wolfsburg is to begin building an SUV model based on its MEB electric vehicle platform in the near future.
While Wolfsburg will continue to produce internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles as well as EVs, VW has already converted its large factories at Zwickau and Emden to build electric vehicles as it moves to meet its goal of producing 10 new electric models by 2026 and manufacture only EVs in Europe by 2033.
"After Zwickau and Emden, our Wolfsburg plant is now beginning the transition to e-mobility in the brand's German production network," said Christian Vollmer, Volkswagen's Brand Boar of Management Member for Production and Logistics.
"Wolfsburg is special in that ICE vehicles will also still be built here for many years to come. In other words: For Wolfsburg, the upcoming transformation is first and foremost about integration - interfacing smoothly with ongoing operations and with production. That is a very special challenge."
“AFTER ZWICKAU AND EMDEN, OUR WOLFSBURG PLANT IS NOW BEGINNING THE TRANSITION TO E-MOBILITY IN THE BRAND'S GERMAN PRODUCTION NETWORK.”
THE NSW GOVERNMENT has announced it plans to install 30,000 electric vehicle (EV) chargers across the state by 2026.
In a statement released in mid-February, the government said there are currently 1,000 public chargers in the state, and the leap to 30,000 such outlets would see twice as many chargers as petrol pumps available to drivers. The goal is to fasttrack the rollout of public and private EV charging plans by:
• reforming strata laws to make it easier for people living in apartments to charge their EV
• installing EV chargers throughout NSW transport hubs including commuter carparks and train, bus and ferry stations
• streamlining planning laws to accelerate the construction of chargers in public places like on power poles and parking meters.
Minister for Planning and Homes
Anthony Roberts said the Government was working to streamline planning laws to make it easier to install EV chargers in public places such as power poles and parking meters.
“We know that 30 per cent of drivers can’t access off-street parking and will rely on public chargers, which is why we are cutting red tape to roll them out even faster,” he said.
Minister for Fair Trading Victor Dominello said the Government would also work closely with stakeholders on developing 'right to charge' strata reforms,
meaning where apartment owners are willing to pay the cost and comply with strict safety requirements, their requests to install EV chargers cannot be unreasonably refused.
“These reforms will make it as easy as possible for people living in one of the 84,000 apartment buildings in NSW to install a charger, without passing on unfair costs to other residents,” said Mr Dominello.
Another goal would be to roll out EV chargers in transport hubs across the state’s train, bus and ferry network.
“Commuter carparks are a great option for EV drivers to recharge while at work, making sure they can hit the road fully charged by the end of the day,” said David Elliott, Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney.
The announcement of the charger plan came just a few weeks before the NSW election - due to be held at the end of this month, and was met with support from the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC).
"Thanks to the government’s efforts, New
“WE KNOW THAT 30 PER CENT OF DRIVERS CAN’T ACCESS OFFSTREET PARKING AND WILL RELY ON PUBLIC CHARGERS, WHICH IS WHY WE ARE CUTTING RED TAPE TO ROLL THEM OUT EVEN FASTER.”
South Wales is one of the best places to own and drive an EV in Australia. That status is set to strengthen thanks to these reforms," said Behyad Jafari, EVC Chief Executive.
"We know new apartment buildings will support EV charging, but we also need to consider the hundreds of thousands of existing apartments and this is where 'Right To Charge' laws will be vital. Apartment owners who are willing to pay the cost of installation should not have their requests easily knocked back by strata committees.
"The Electric Vehicle Council has been proud to work with New South Wales, and other state and territory governments, towards a future where apartment dwellers can easily move to EVs while making sure the costs are shared equitably.
"The Electric Vehicle Council's most recent policy report card rated NSW as the highest performing state for EV-supportive policies and we are extremely pleased to see the trajectory continuing."
AUSTRALIAN HYDROGEN FUEL
Cell Vehicle Manufacturer H2X Global Limited has announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Norwegian Hydrogen AS - a green hydrogen production, distribution, and refuelling company - to collaborate on the commercial supply of hydrogen and a range of Hydrogen Fuel Cell commercial vehicles.
The new venture will focus on the Nordic region, and the companies will develop a joint commercial and operational framework for commercial fleet operators located near Norwegian Hydrogen's sites.
The intention is to offer all components for climate-friendly commercial transport through a single channel, such as the production and purchase of green hydrogen, distribution, and hydrogen refuelling stations, and to provide customers with the supply and aftersales of vehicles.
H2X has revealed a number of contracts and partnerships over the last few months, including in ISweden, where it is to supply hydrogen powered commercial vehicles in the 3.5T, 5.0T and 18T categories.
FORD AUSTRALIA HAS revealed the details on the incoming F-150, with the big American truck to be available in local showrooms later this year in two variants, the XLT and the Lariat. Both will be available in SWB and LWB body styles.
Ford says the range will start with a Manufacturer List Price (MLP) of $106,950 plus on-road costs for the XLT SWB model and $107,945 for the XLT LWB. The flagship Lariat starts at $139,950 for the SWB model and $140,945 for the LWB.
As can be seen from the success of Ram Australia and its right-hand-drive converted vehicles in recent months, Australia seems to have quite an appetite for large, powerful, American trucks and the beefed-up towing capability and space they offer. Ford says
the re-introduction of the F-Series into the country comes after significant local demand. The trucks have, the company adds, been extensively re-engineered by Ford Australia and RMA Automotive.
"As an iconic, full-size American pick-up, the F-150 is joining Australian showrooms thanks to an extensive and meticulous local re-engineering program. Together with RMA Automotive, Ford Australia earned the privilege of developing a world-first right-hand drive program for the F-150. We set ourselves the target of equivalency without compromise and are incredibly proud to have achieved this to our exacting standards, while offering our customers compelling value and generous standard specification," said Tom
Dohrmann, F-150 Assistant Chief Program Engineer, Ford Australia.
Both the XLT and Lariat F-150 will feature the 3.5-litre EcoBoost TwinTurbo V6 petrol engine, delivering 298kW and 678Nm, coupled with 10-speed automatic transmission in 4x4 Crew cab configuration. Engine technology includes a port-fuel and direct-injection (PFDI) system, which uses a pair of injectors per cylinder along with twin-intercooled turbochargers.
All F-150 models in Australia will, Ford says, be capable of towing 4.5 tonnes.
The first F-150s destined for remanufacture in Australia have already been built in the U.S., and are, Ford adds, en route to the country.
“AS AN ICONIC, FULL-SIZE AMERICAN PICK-UP, THE F-150 IS JOINING AUSTRALIAN SHOWROOMS THANKS TO AN EXTENSIVE AND METICULOUS LOCAL RE-ENGINEERING PROGRAM.”Ford F-150 XLT LWB
F-150 XLT
• two-bar style grille with chrome surround and black accents.
• 20-inch six-spoke machined faced alloy wheels
• Chrome front and rear bumpers
• Black platform running boards
• Tailgate with flexible step and work surface
• Tough Bed spray-in bedliner
• Boxlink cargo management locking cleats
• Underbody skidplates
• 12-way power (including lumbar) driver cloth seat
• 10-way power (including lumbar) front passenger cloth seat
• Column-mounted gear shifter
• Satellite Navigation
• Seven-speaker sound system
• 8-inch multi-view digital instrument cluster
• FordPass Connect
• Dual zone automatic climate control
• Power adjustable foot pedals
• Foldout office workspace
• Six airbags
• Rear-view camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Ford Pro-Trailer Back-Up Assist
• Cruise control
• Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking
• BLIS with cross-traffic alert and trailer tow coverage
• Lane-keeping aid and driver alert system.
(IN ADDITION TO XLT)
• Premium mesh insert grille with chrome surround
• Chrome appearance package including mirror scalps, door handles, belt moldings, tow hooks and running boards
• Powered twin-panel moonroof
• LED headlights, fog lights and tail-lamps
• Power release and close tailgate
• Power sliding rear window
• Leather-accented seats
• Heated and cooled front seats
• Heated rear seats (excluding middle seat)
• 12-way power (including lumbar) driver seat with memory settings
• 12-way power (including lumbar) front passenger seat
• Floor console mounted shifter
• 12-inch centre touchscreen
• 12-inch digital instrument cluster
• B&O unleashed sound system with 18 speakers
• Power adjustable foot pedals with memory settings
• Front parking sensors
• 360-degree camera
• Intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
• Lane centering
• Speed sign recognition
• Evasive steering assist
• Intersection assist
• Wireless phone charging Colour options for the range include Oxford White, Agate Black, Iconic SIlver, Antimatter Blue, Carbonized Grey, and Rapid Red (Lariat only).
The Ford F-150 models are available to order now with deliveries scheduled in the third quarter of this year.
PEUGEOT AUSTRALIA HAS announced that its electric e-Partner van is due in the local market in the first half of this year. The light commercial vehicle (LCV) will mark the brand’s first fully electric vehicle on sale in Australia.
The Peugeot Australia LCV range consists of the Partner, Expert and Boxer models. The Partner is the company’s smallest van, currently available in shortwheelbase and long-wheelbase variants. The e-Partner will be introduced as one long-wheelbase variant.
Based on the EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform) multi-energy modular platform, Peugeot says the e-Partner offers a maximum power output of 100kW and a maximum torque of 260Nm. It will be available with a 50kWh battery.
Following closely on the heels of the e-Partner onto our shores will be the
e-2008 fully electric SUV. Based on the CMP (Common Modular Platform), the e-2008, which Peugeot says will launch in one variant - is to be equipped with a 50kWh battery, a 100kW electric motor and 260 Nm of torque.
“This year, we have set out to accelerate our local electrification journey and the exciting addition of the e-2008 will play an important role in building our electrified offering and ultimately offering more choice for Australian consumers,” said Kate Gillis, Managing Director Peugeot Australia.
“The 2008 has a powerful and distinctive style and now the addition of an Electric Vehicle variant, this will certainly strengthen the appeal of our small SUV range.”
Full Australian specifications and pricing for both models will be released closer to the on-sale date.
BENTLEY HAS ANNOUNCED it is to cease the production of its iconic W12 engine in 2024.
The British luxury carmaker revealed the news last month as it continues to pursue its Beyond100 strategy, which will see the company’s entire model line be fully electrified by the start of the next decade. The W12 engine line will become part of the production areas for V8 and V6 Hybrid powerplants.
Since first launched in 2003, Bentley says it has produced more than 100,000 of the engines, with the powerplants at the heart of models including the Continental GT, the Flying Spur, and the Bentayga.
The company is saying farewell to the W12 in a dramatic manner, with the most powerful variant ever to be built for the Bentley Mulline Batur – a two-door grand touring coupe that is showcase for the new design language Bentley will use for its future range of electric vehicles.
Just 18 Batur’s are to be built and they will be powered by hand-built, twin-turbo, W12 engines delivering 552kW and 1000Nm.
Over the 20 years of production and development, the W12 has seen performance consistently improved. Power has increased by 37 per cent and torque by 54 per cent while emissions have been reduced by 25 per cent.
Each W12 is hand-built over 6.5 hours by a team of craftspeople, and Bentley says that its aim is to retrain and redeploy all 30 of those employees.
THE MILESTONES KEEP on coming for RAM Trucks Australia, with the company annoucing it has produced its 20,000th right-hand drive truck.
This 20,000th truck – a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 HEMI® TRX in Hydro Blue – was built at RAM Trucks Australia’s recently-expanded Melbourne Manufacturing Facility.
In 2022, the company recorded more than 6,000 sales.
All RAM Trucks Australia vehicles are international-spec vehicles, the company says, and are uniquely coded for the Australian and New Zealand markets and the local build process.
RAM Trucks pick-up range starts with
the RAM 1500 Express Crew and Warlock models in the original DS variant, followed by the 1500 Laramie and 1500 Limited in the recently launched DT model range, the Heavy Duty 2500 Laramie and Heavy Duty 3500 Laramie, and RAM TRX.
CHERY, THE CHINESE brand that disappeared from the Australian car market a few years ago, is back. And it’s back with a very tidy looking new entrant in the small SUV market. Called the Omoda 5, it is destined to be the first of a range of new vehicles from the company to make their way to our shores, with the brand saying it ‘will usher in a new era as a
“WE WANT AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE TO EXPERIENCE THIS FEATURE-PACKED SUV, AND WE WANT TO PROVIDE TRUE VALUE IN THE AUSTRALIAN NEW-CAR MARKET.”Chery Omoda 5
wholly owned OEM with a national dealer footprint and a growing family of models.’
The company says the Omoda 5 will be available here in two trim levels - the Omoda 5 and Omoda 5 EX. Both are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine, producing 115kW and 230Nm, which drives the front wheels via a Constantly Variable Transmission. Chery claims the engine will provide ‘perky’ performance and says its combined fuel use is rated at 6.9-litre per 100km.
The Omoda 5 is to receive 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and DRLs, remote engine start (and the ability to preheat or pre-cool the cabin), keyless entry with push-button start and a noise-reduction windshield with silent wipers as standard.
The SUV arrives with synthetic leather seats, twin-zone climate control with rear vents, a six-way power-adjust driver’s seat, one-touch power windows in all four doors and ambient lighting in the front of the cabin.
Also up front there’s a twin-screen digital dash, with a 10.25-inch driver display joined by a 10.25-inch central infotainment screen. The latter delivers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless device charging. There’s also an eightspeaker stereo system, and a "Hello Chery” voice-control feature that allows drivers to operate key functions.
The Omoda 5 EX model builds on these features with red brake calipers and detailing, along with "OMODA” puddle lighting, ambient interior lighting in the second row, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. A power-adjust passenger seat, a powered boot and a powered sunroof complete the equipment list.
Design-wise, the Omoda 5 is a goodlooking vehicle – one that the company says is the first model to debut a new Art In Motion design language. And it looks to score well in safety too, with Chery saying it carries a five-star EuroNCAP
safety rating and a full suite of hightech safety systems, including Lane Change Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Blind Spot Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Integrated Cruise Assist, Front Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Automatic Emergency Braking, Traffic Jam Assist, Speed Limit Information Function, Speed Control Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Monitoring System, Intelligent Headlamp Control and Emergency Lane Keeping. That looks like a pretty comprehensive list.
There’s also a 360-degree around-view camera, and both models are equipped with seven airbags, including front, side, curtain and a centre airbag.
Every new Chery will arrive in Australia with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, seven years of roadside assistance, and seven years capped-price servicing, the comany says.
The Omoda 5 range will arrive in Australia priced from a very competitive $29,900 (MRSP) with the flagship Omoda 5 EX coming in at $32,900 (MRSP).
“Chery’s brand philosophy is to put its
customers first, which is exactly what the Omoda 5’s pricing strategy aims to do,” said Andy Zhang, Chery Australia CEO in a media release.
“We want as many people as possible to experience this feature-packed SUV, and we want to provide true value in the Australian new-car market.
“The Omoda 5 delivers on both counts, with its competitive pricing and a long list of premium features across two seriously well-equipped trim levels.”
The Omoda 5 launch looks to be the first step in a comprehensive brand rollout that will see Chery represented in every capital city in every state and territory. The company says four models - the Omoda 5 EX+, Omoda 5 EX+ AWD, Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro - will arrive before the end of 2023 - while a battery-electric variant of the Omoda 5 is expected in 2024.
THIS IS THE Ioniq 6, the sleek, all-electric ‘Streamliner’ that is the second model in Hyundai’s Ioniq range.
The mid-size IONIQ 6 is the first sedan built on the Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), and there is plenty to like, including its unusual but aerodynamic styling.
The Ioniq 6 model range will be offered in three trims – Dynamiq, Techniq, and Epiq - with rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive powertrains matched to a 77.4kWh battery across the range.
Hyundai says the Dynamic grade offers the longest driving range; Techniq grade brings additional power, all-wheel drive,
and an array of extra features; while Epiq is the ‘ultimate grade’ and features all the goodies and cutting-edge technology.
The entry-level Dynamic has rear-wheel drive and features a 168kW, 350Nm rear electric motor and that 77.4kWh lithiumion battery, which Hyundai claims will provide a range of 614km in this package.
That driving range is helped along by the very slippery aerodynamics, with the Ioniq 6 offering a low 0.21 drag co-efficient.
The all-wheel drive Ioniq 6 Techniq and Epic models feature an HTRAC all-wheel drive (AWD) system comprising a 74kW, 255Nm front motor and a 165kW, 350Nm rear motor. With the same 77.4kWh battery as the Dynamiq, the AWD variants have a range of 519km.
All models share an 800V electrical architecture, which the company says offers the capability for rapid charging from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 18 minutes.
Hyundai says the Ioniq 6 is the most advanced Hyundai ever, and it features Bluelink connected car services with an expanded suite of EV.
Enhanced SmartSense driver assistance and advanced active safety suite and an Intelligent Front-lighting System are also available. The driver assistance and safety features list is long, and includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blin Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind-
Spot View Monitor, Driver Attention Warning, - Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Lane Following Assist, Parking CollisionAvoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance, Rear Occupant Alert, Smart Cruise Control, 3D Surround View Monitor, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and more.
Inside, the cabin space features integrated Digital Side Mirrors, interactive ambient lighting and eco-friendly sustainable materials, and there’s a heap of tech on tap. There’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch multimedia navigation unit, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging, a headup display, and plenty more.
“We are thrilled to introduce our firstever IONIQ 6 as the latest addition to our IONIQ range,” said Ted Lee, Hyundai Motor Company Australia Chief Executive Officer in a statement.
“IONIQ 6’s 800V EV architecture is just the beginning of the advanced technology, which also includes expanded SmartSense and Bluelink suites, and the capability for Over-The-Air system updates.
“IONIQ 6 showcases the Hyundai brand’s technological ambition and our commitment to developing sustainable mobility solutions, while giving customers an exciting, accessible and versatile EV,” he said.
Pricing for the Ioniq 6 range will see the Dynamiq come in at $74,000, the Techniq at $83,500, and the Epiq at $88,00, with all prices excluding on-road costs.
“IONIQ 6 SHOWCASES THE HYUNDAI BRAND’S TECHNOLOGICAL AMBITION AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY SOLUTIONS, WHILE GIVING CUSTOMERS AN EXCITING, ACCESSIBLE AND VERSATILE EV,”
THE UPDATED CITROËN C5
Aircross Sport is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms later in the first half of this year. It will be available in a single, Sport variant and boasts an upgraded engine and transmission combination alongside additional features as standard.
The C5 Aircross Sport now features a 133kW 1.6-litre Turbo Petrol PureTech engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, compared to the previous model’s 121kW engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.
Citroen says the C5 Aircross Sport offers a wide range of latest-generation technologies including Highway Driver Assist, a Level 2 autonomous driving system combining Adaptive Cruise Control with a Stop & Go function and the Active Lane Departure Warning system.
Additional safety features, as standard, include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind spot detection, Speed limit recognition and recommendation, Grip Control terrain management system with hill descent assist, Tyre pressure monitoring system, Anti-lock Braking System with
Electronic Braking Distribution and Emergency Braking Assistance, Automatic hazard light activation upon heavy brake application, Dynamic Stability Control, and Electronic anti-skid system.
Also updated is the styling with Citroen saying the C5 Aircross Sport introduces a new design language in which curves give way to more structured lines. Updated interior features include a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen (previously 8-inch), and a new central console which also integrates a large storage area and regroups connectivity with 2 USB-ports and a wireless charger.
THE C5 AIRCROSS SPORT NOW FEATURES
A 133KW 1.6-LITRE TURBO PETROL
PURETECH ENGINE PAIRED WITH AN 8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION...Citroën C5 Aircross Sport
TOYOTA’S LATEST FIRE-BREATHING GR model will land in Australia this month, with the GR Corolla joining the GR86, GR Supra, and GR Yaris in the highperformance family.
Toyota Australia says it has secured 700 units of the GR Corolla GTS for sale in the first year, which will be joined by a limited run of the two-seater Morizo Edition, of which just 25 will be available.
GR Corolla features a turbocharged petrol engine, all-wheel drive, wider track front and rear, completely overhauled suspension, and design features and styling enhancements that clearly set it apart from the rest of the Corolla family.
That engine is a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine also found in the GR Yaris, and has been tuned to produce a boosted 221kW of power at 6500rpm and 370Nm of torque over a wider rev band, from 3000-5550rpm. The improved output
to enhancements such as the triple-exit exhaust which reduces back pressure, reinforced pistons and exhaust valves, and increased capacity for the direct-injection fuel pump and engine oil cooler. The Morizo Editions will get something a little extra, with Toyota saying it will squeeze 30Nm from the engine.
All GR Corollas come equipped with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission with intelligent rev-matching technology.
The GR Corolla gets the GR-FOUR allwheel-drive system, supported with Torsen
limited-slip differentials on both the front and rear axles. Chassis reinforcements, weight reduction and dedicated ventilated disc brakes help deliver on performance and driving experience, with the Morizo Edition offering even further weight reduction and structural reinforcement.
On the outside, the GR Corolla gets unique front and rear bumpers to accommodate the wider track, additional air ducts to enhance aerodynamics and cooling, a special triple-exit exhaust system, raised hood and unique 18-inch alloy wheels shod with high-performance Yokohama tyres.
Morizo Editions gain their own 18-inch BBS forged, dark silver alloys with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, as well as a carbonfibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) roof.
Inside, all versions gain a dedicated gear
shifter and centre console, aluminium pedals, manual parking brake and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
There’s an 8-inch touchscreen display housing the latest Toyota multimedia system including Toyota Connected Services, paired with a 12.3-inch multiinformation display and colour head-up display. The touchscreen is compatible with wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, features DAB+ digital radio and satellite navigation. There’s also heated front seats and steering wheel, a wireless phone charger, dual-zone climate control and an eight-speaker JBL premium sound system. A full suite of Toyota Safety Sense active safety technologies features in the GR Corolla.
Together with the removal of the rear seats to save weight, the Morizo Edition is differentiated inside with unique bucket front seats with contrast red stitching, red seatbelts, suede trim for the steering wheel, gear shifter and parking brake, a red centre marker for the steering wheel and alumite red trim on the shift knob.
Pricing for the GR Corolla will see the GTS available at $62,300 and the MNorizo Edition at $77,800 (prices excluding on-road costs).
As an Industry Skills Advisor we engage with employers, small business and industry stakeholders to provide high quality, evidence-based industry advice and intelligence about current and emerging industry direction, regional skills needs and training solutions, job growth and employment opportunities.
HYUNDAI IS INTRODUCING the Staria-Load Premium van to the local market this month.
The Premium model brings with it a raft of safety and convenience features that Hyundai says makes it the safest van available.
Highlights among the new features are a 10.25-inch supervision instrument cluster and 10.25-inch navigation multimedia unit, LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, smart key with push button start, and a smart power tailgate.
The five-star ANCAP safety rated StariaLoad gets the Hyundai SmartSense driver assistance and safety system as standard. This includes 7 airbags, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Smart Cruise Control, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, tyre pressure monitoring, and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist amongst others. The Premium model gains additional safety tech in the form of a Blind Spot View Monitor and High Beam Assist. In ANCAP’s Commercial Van Safety
Comparison analysis, the Staria-Load performed highly in each area to earn the first PLATINUM level of crash avoidance in the segment, with a score of 90 percent.
The Staria-Load Premium will have additional excterior colour choices, with Abyss Black, Graphite Grey, and Moonlight Blue added to the existing Creamy White and Shimmering Silver options.
The two-seat Stario-Load Premium van will sit above the regular Staria-Load Van, while the five-seat Staria-Load Crew Van continues as a single-grade model.
Each variant is powered by a 2.2-litre CRDi turbo-diesel engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
Pricing for the Premium model is $51,240 (excluding on-road costs).
Staria-Load PremiumAUTOMOTIVE
delivered 86,878 vehicles during February 2023 - a 1.8 per cent increase on the same period in 2022, according to data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and VFACTS.
That growth was not reflected everywhere, however, with sales in Queensland falling by 2.8 per cent (18,427); South Australia, 4.5 per cent (5,549); Tasmania 9.4 percent (1,414); and Victoria 1.3 percent (21,894).
Sales in the ACT increased by 7.2 per cent with 1,454 vehicles sold; NSW, 4.7 per cent (27,600); Northern Territory, 2.8 percent (725) and Western Australia BY 16.7 percent (9,815).
Toyota led the market with a total of 14,332 vehicles sold. Mazda was second (7,667), followed by Ford (6,022), Kia (6,000) and Hyundai (5,504).
The Ford Ranger was the highest-selling model with 4,473 sales reported. Toyota’s Hi-Lux followed with 3,939.
Tesla’s Model 3 was third with 2,671, an indication of the growing popularity of electric vehicles.
According to the data, battery-electric vehicles accounted for 6.8 per cent of sales with 5,932 sold in February. Add in hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and electrified vehicles accounted for 13.9 per cent (12,102) of sales. Tesla continues to be the one to beat in the all-electric sector, with the American manufacturer having
already sold over 6,800 vehicles this year and looking set to beat its sales of 19,594 recorded for 2022.
“Growing sales of electric vehicles proves that where a battery-electric product exists which suits the driving habits, needs and finances of Australian motorists, they will purchase these vehicles,” said Tony Weber, CEO of the FCAI.
Overall, the Passenger Vehicle Market was up by 750 vehicle sales (4.8 per cent) over the same month last year; the Sports Utility Market was up by 2,953 vehicle sales (6.6 per cent); the Light Commercial Market was down by 2,959 vehicle sales (-13.6 per cent) and the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market was up by 794 vehicle sales (26.4 per cent) versus February 2022.
ACCORDING TO THE DATA, BATTERYELECTRIC VEHICLES ACCOUNTED FOR 6.8 PER CENT OF SALES WITH 5,932 SOLD IN FEBRUARY.Tesla Model 3
AFTER ONE EMPLOYEE intimidated another by leaving them threatening notes, the employer’s decision to dismiss was appropriate.
A recent Fair Work Commission decision confirmed the employer’s decision to dismiss an employee who regarded the company code of conduct as simply a "moralistic document" rather than a "directive of expected behaviour".
GPC Asia Pacific sacked the customer sales representative in July last year, after finding he'd breached its code and equal opportunity policy, and he claimed unfair dismissal. There was evidence of inappropriate and insulting conduct. Then a couple of months later, the employee was involved in a dispute about parking spaces with a nearby business, and he wrote a letter and left it on a counter at work for collection. It was subsequently returned to him by another staff member at which time he made threatening actions and behaviour.
The employee who received those threats made a formal complaint which was investigated and the allegations were found to be substantiated.
The response from the accused could have constituted victimisation which was added as an extra
allegation; the employee was suspended; and after an investigation he was sacked.
Fair Work Commission Deputy President Bryce Cross said the employee presented as someone "prone to extremes of exaggeration that belied belief"; he "characterised the innocuous actions of others as virtually earthshattering, while describing his own inexcusable actions as of no concern". Also, the applicant had considered the employer’s investigation processes as "somewhat of a game". The decision to dismiss was upheld. This information is provided as general guidance, and professional advice and assistance is recommended. For Business enquiries about wages, salaries, employment contracts, dismissals and representation, please contact the MTA Queensland Workplace Relations team on 07 3237 8777.
TO MORE THAN 13,000 PEOPLE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE MOTORING INDUSTRY (website or e-magazine options)
IT HAS BEEN just over a month since I took over at the wheel of the MTA Institute and I’ve certainly got my feet well and truly under the desk.
As an update on my previous column, we are gaining traction in the digitisation space with February seeing a significant reduction in the use of hard copy training material. This aligns with our aspiration of being paperless where practical.
Late February saw us commence a pilot program with an online trainer-led session for students in regional Queensland. It was a great success, and while this model will never replace the face-to-face training delivery the Institute offers, it certainly complements it and supplements our engagement with students in the regions.
We are excited to announce we are playing a large part at this year’s AAAA Autocare program in June at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Be sure to keep an eye out for our trade stand and take advantage of a local (greater SEQ) trade event that includes some electric vehicle (EV) training from our people.
On another note, we are undertaking an internal audit of all things training in order to have some fresh eyes scrutinise what we do. Compliance is a critical part of any organisation, and we anticipate some areas
of improvement which will feed into our continuous improvement framework.
While it is crucial to be compliant, our challenge is to ensure our training remains relevant and aligns with industry requirements.
Related to compliance and more-so an industry expectation, we’re acutely aware that all of our trainers need to maintain their respective industry currency. It is our aim to provide them with any professional development opportunities available to ensure they keep up to speed with the ever-changing technology with which our industry is bombarded. This is a challenge we’re all encountering, and continually investing and upskilling our people is not only essential but inevitable if we wish to remain ahead of the curve.
I hope you’re having a great first quarter of the year.
“. . . CONTINUALLY INVESTING AND UPSKILLING OUR PEOPLE IS NOT ONLY ESSENTIAL BUT INEVITABLE IF WE WISH TO REMAIN AHEAD OF THE CURVE.”
APPRENTICE: LEVI FLANDERS WORKPLACE:
ROCKHAMPTON VW
APPRENTICESHIP: LIGHT VEHICLE MECHANICAL
LEVI FLANDERS is the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for February 2023.
The 19-year-old is in the third year of his Light Vehicle apprenticeship with Rockhampton VW and is proving to be a top-notch employee and student, impressing with his enthusiasm for both the work and training, with his employer stating that Levi "has been an inspiration not only to the other apprentices but to the more experienced mechanics also with his positive attitude and willingness to learn."
Having been interested in cars since he was a young lad, and encouraged to take opportunities and seek out experiences when they arose, Levi successfully applied for the apprenticeship with Rockhampton VW after completing Year 11 at school.
"I'd always been into cars," he said. "My stepdad had a Clubsport and my dad also wanted me to get used to all aspects of life – mechanical, being outdoors, working hard and so on - so I’ve always been around, and wanted to work on, cars.”
This appreciation for cars, coupled with a decent work ethic, has proved to be something of gamechanger for Levi who had got himself into some trouble in his youth. However, thanks in great part to a supportive employer and teammates, he managed to avoid travelling any further down that potentially damaging road.
“At the time around when I started the apprenticeship, I was hanging around with the wrong crowd, getting into some mischievous stuff and it took me a bit to realise what I was doing and change the way I was acting,” said
Levi. “And that was mainly because of the boys in the workshop. It feels like a family. They were always there to support me and it changed my mindset. They treat you like you are one of their own and, no matter what you do, if you are truthful and respectful towards them you get the same treatment back.”
Today, Levi’s attention is fully on becoming the best mechanic he can be, and he gets that opportunity at the Rockhampton VW workshop. The business also comprises MG and LDV dealerships and also sells used vehicles, so Levi has the opportunity to work on a wide range of vehicles, as well as being exposed to the latest automotive technology in the form of the battery-electric cars from MG. While he still has plenty of training to do with regards to electric vehicle technology, the exposure to them now is, he invaluable, and he is excited about the direction the industry is taking.
“Because MG already has an electric car on the market, we are involved with them a little bit,” he said. “I have worked on one, but because of the high-voltage I haven’t been able to fully go through it. But I am excited to learn anything and everything about cars and learn more and get better every day. Whatever gets thrown at me I take on and do to the best of my ability.”
While Levi has only 18 months or so left before completion of his apprenticeship, he is not thinking too far ahead when it comes to what his next career steps might be. Instead, he is keen to focus instead on improving his skills and becoming a better mechanic.
he said when asked where his career might take him in a few years time. "However, if I am not here, then hopefully I am somewhere still doing the best I can and trying to get better.”
“I hope I’ll be still working here because I do love it,"
“. . . I AM EXCITED TO LEARN ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING ABOUT CARS AND LEARN MORE AND GET BETTER EVERY DAY. WHATEVER GETS THROWN AT ME I TAKE ON AND DO TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY.”
• Are you employing an apprentice who is excelling in the workplace?
• Do you have a high-achieving apprentice colleague?
• Are they training with MTA Institute?
If the answer is ‘yes’, then nominate them for the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month Award.
THE MTA INSTITUTE is the largest independent provider of automotive apprenticeships and training in Queensland and it is always a proud moment when its
students complete their trade qualification. Congratulations to everyone who was issued a qualification in February 2023. It's a fantastic achievement!
Thomas Lavelle
Leon Van Den Berg
James Eves
David Price
Jessica Anderson
Lee-Annah Murratt
Brendan Herridge
Ivan De Beer
Sam Wallace
Adrian Nan
Simon Hayward
Carl Schmidtke
Nasio Fakatava
Daniel Chapman
Shannon Cottam
Connor Jenner
Nikolas Vukelic
Ashton Korn
Brody Baker
Nestor Tulio Lopez Rivera
Marko Cosic
Myles Bamberry-Carmody
Sebastian Wilson
Declan Anderson
Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
Certificate III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting)
Certificate III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting)
Certificate III in Automotive Underbody Technology
Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Certificate III in 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
Jai Beaven Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Sy Lam Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Andrew Elson
Roger West
Keith Minchin
Jeff Mann
Scott Buckley
Stephen Blaauw
Jens Puder
Michael De Waard
Derrick Pratt
Stuart Davies
Stuart Davies
Gareth Hartley
Andrew Keys
Ross Wilson
Michael De Waard
Colin Crichton
Dennis Shaw
Terry Palfrey
Ross Wilson
Derrick Pratt
Simon Verkroost
Dennis Shaw
Keith Minchin
Stephen Blaauw
Stephen Blaauw
Stuart Davies
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.
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.
• Apprenticeships • Traineeships • Skills Recognition.
• Automotive Licensing • Short Automotive Courses (including some which attract a 20% discount for members)
• Pre-apprenticehips.
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
Stay ahead of the automotive digital revolution with access to events and the MTAiQ Innovation Hub.
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.
The Commonwealth Bank offers members some of the lowest EFTPOS charges in the country. Members have saved thousands with CBA.
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.
Guard Insurance Brokers specialises in insurance and risk management solutions and offers dedicated service to MTAQ members at market leading rates.
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.
Safety Help provides the automotive industry with a service dedicated to making your business compliant.
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.
Make it Cheaper are Australia’s leading energy comparison and broker service for Aussie businesses, working with up to 10 energy retailers to find customers a great electricity or gas plan and reduce energy costs.
LAST MONTH, MTA Queensland launched the first of a series of microcredential courses that explore the safety aspects and risks associated with Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV).
Created to help address the workforce development needs of the emerging electric vehicle sector, the courses offer short, affordable, and immediate safety skills upgrades for business owners, tradespeople, and apprentices alike.
Supported and funded by the Queensland Government under the new $15m VET Emerging Industries initiative, the program will help prepare Queensland automotive businesses for the impending arrival of more electric vehicles in the workshop.
The initiative includes a $4 million dollar commitment towards supporting energy skills including for hydrogen, electric vehicles, and renewable energy.
“It’s important we continue to invest in future skills and our future workforce, and these industry-led micro-credentials
“IT’S IMPORTANT WE CONTINUE TO INVEST IN FUTURE SKILLS AND OUR FUTURE WORKFORCE, AND THESE INDUSTRY-LED MICRO-CREDENTIALS ARE A FORWARD-THINKING APPROACH TO UPSKILLING.”Technical Learning and Development Officer Nigel Palmer is part of the team that developed the micro-credentials and is also the on-camera trainer throughout the series of online training courses
are a forward-thinking approach to upskilling,” said Dianne Farmer MP, Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development.
“Micro-credentials help businesses to quickly upskill and train their staff, help industries meet workforce challenges, such as keeping up with changing technologies and help jobseekers update their knowledge and qualifications by completing a short course.
“I thank the Motor Trades Association of Queensland for their ongoing support and commitment to creating a skilled future workforce for Queensland.”
The first course, HEV/BEV Light & Commercial Vehicle Technician Safety, was launched in February and covers the potential dangers that can arise during the repair and maintenance of electrified vehicles, and how best to mitigate them.
Upon successful completion of this course, a participant should be able to:
• Identify the risks of working on and around electric vehicles
• Identify, test, and use the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used when working on or around electric vehicles
• Identify, test, and use the tooling to test and diagnose electric vehicle systems
• Identify the main electric vehicle system components and explain their operation. Amongst the first to take the course was Bryan Foster, Service Manager at Andersons Auto City - a large dealership in Gladstone that sells the Mazda, Mitsubishi, MG and LDV brands, and is a Holden Certified Service Outlet.
The course is, said Bryan, extremely useful - a good introduction to the requirements of working with electrified vehicles and one that he could easily recommend.
"It is very relevant, and a good starting point," he said. "I think from anybody's point of view that completes it, it would be beneficial, even just to know some of the safety risks that go with EVs and hybrids.
"I have 11 tradespeople and 10 apprentices on site and at the very least my tradespeople will do it."
Online learning has become an important training tool, added Bryan, with the technology and the content available becoming invaluable, especially during the Covid pandemic when travelling from regional areas to the training facilities of large urban centres proved a challenge.
"I’ve always pushed strongly for online learning," he said. "During Covid, getting people out of central Queensland was a nightmare - nobody wanted to leave for risk of catching it. But what Covid taught us is that we can do it, and we can do a hell of a lot more online than we’ve ever done before."
Further to the HEV/BEV Light & Commercial Vehicle Technician Safety course, new micro-credentials will be released in the coming months covering micro-mobility and outdoor power equipment, heavy vehicle and mobile plant, as well as driver/operator safety.
“As we face what is arguably the biggest transition in our sector’s history, it is crucial that training is available now to ensure employees have the knowledge to work safely on and around these highvoltage vehicles," said Paul Kulpa, MTA Queensland Director of Industry Initiatives.
“The world of work is changing, and with it, so must we. Already in 2022, a total of 33,410 battery electric vehicles were sold across Australia. Combine this with the 81,786 Hybrid and 5,937 Plug-in Hybrid,
electric vehicles account for roughly 11 per cent of the total new car market, and this number is not slowing anytime soon.
“MTA Queensland is proud to bring these courses to market; helping to instil confidence to work safely and paving the pathway to specialised training.”
Available online, with the HEV/BEV Light & Commercial Vehicle Technician Safety priced at just $27.50 incl. GST, the micro-credential courses are non-accredited and can be completed anytime, anywhere, and only take a few hours to complete. Each course is full of tips, takeaways, and reflective questions to test and build a participant’s knowledge, with a Certificate of Completion issued at the end of each course.
“AS WE FACE WHAT IS ARGUABLY THE BIGGEST TRANSITION IN OUR SECTOR’S HISTORY, IT IS CRUCIAL THAT TRAINING IS AVAILABLE NOW TO ENSURE EMPLOYEES HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE TO WORK SAFELY ON AND AROUND THESE HIGH-VOLTAGE VEHICLES.”
(RTO. 31529) is expanding its extensive range of automotive training courses with the new AUR22021 – Certificate II in Automotive Accessory Fitting traineeship to be available from late March 2023.
This new qualification will deliver knowledge and skills related to fitting/installing and replacing automotive accessories in accordance with Australian Design Rules compliance and Vehicle Standard Bulletin requirements. As the leading provider of automotive training in Queensland, the MTA Institute is the first Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to offer this traineeship in Queensland.
“We are always looking for opportunities to grow and bring new skills to the industry, particularly now at a time where skills and labour are in such high demand,” said MTA Institute Director Marcello Riotto. “The expansion of new training areas is of utmost importance to the MTA Institute, and we are thrilled to offer the Certificate II in Automotive Accessory Fitting, which we believe will lead to some fantastic outcomes for industry.”
With a team of highly experienced
technical trainers located across Queensland, the MTA Institute is wellplaced to deliver training to all workshops and businesses statewide.
For more information about the Certificate II in Automotive Accessory Fitting, and to enquire about the course, contact courses@mtai.edu.au
“WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW AND BRING NEW SKILLS TO THE INDUSTRY, PARTICULARLY NOW AT A TIME WHERE SKILLS AND LABOUR ARE IN SUCH HIGH DEMAND.”
IAM NOW OVER three months into living with the BYD Atto 3 electric vehicle (EV), and with over 6000km now on the odometer, this month I’m looking at my experience with charging - the options, the costs, and other issues that cropped up for me.
Am I still enjoying my time behind the wheel? Yes. The BYD Atto 3 delivers a comfortable ride, the build quality is excellent, and there have been no mechanical or electrical issues. Smooth sailing so far.
While it may not look it, the BYD Atto 3 is quick. People are surprised by its pace, and I seem to be winning more than my fair share of 'traffic light grand prix’ (up to the speed limit, of course!), which is a bit of fun.
We know BYD has made a significant splash in the local EV market, with the
Atto 3 proving to be a popular model with consumers, and I am now seeing a few others on the road. For me, they tend to blend into the sea of other mini-SUVs, but, for the moment at least, they are still rare enough that many people are curious and interested in it at traffic lights and when it is parked up. Maybe it’s the 'Build Your Dreams' badging (which can cause a giggle or two) on the tailgate, or the warning 'hum' it makes at up to 30km/h that is designed to warn pedestrians there is a moving vehicle nearby.
I am asked about charging regularly by friends, family and work colleagues. How long does it take? Is it an inconvenience? What does it cost?, and have I run out of battery yet (NO!).
“. . . WHILE BECOMING FAMILIAR USING A FULL EV AS MY DAILY TRANSPORT, I WAS CHARGING EVERY DAY, BUT AFTER A FEW WEEKS I BECAME MORE CONFIDENT IN THE RANGE OFFERED BY THE BYD’S 60.4KWH BATTERY.”
Early in my 'ownership', while becoming familiar with using a full EV as my daily transport, I was charging every day, but after a few weeks I became more confident in the range offered by the BYD’s 60.4kWh battery (the company claims a range of up to 420km, and that seems just about right). I now am quite confident running the battery down to 20 per cent before looking to charge.
How long that charge takes depends on the charger (AC or DC or a combination), and the rate at which it charges.
BYD supplies owners with a domestic three-pin plug AC charger, which connects to a normal home power point. This method charges at around 1.5 to 2kW and means a charge from 20 per cent to 100 per cent will take more than 24 hours. While charging at home is, obviously, very convenient, if you are driving large distances daily, this method is probably not going to work. I have only done it once, for 8 hours. Good news is the cost would have been negligible.
To charge from a Type 2 charging station - that's the type that can charge at a higher rate, up to 22kW in some casesrequires the purchase of a Type 2-to-Type 2 charging cable. This was not supplied with our Atto 3 and that cable can cost between $200 and $300.
Type 2 charging is used universally across Australia’s charging network - and is commonly installed at workplaces and homes - and is what I have available at the MTA Queensland head office. An AC charger, it replenishes the battery at a rate of 6.3kW. In my experience this rate takes 7 to 8 hours to charge the BYD from 20 to 100 per cent. Having a charging point at work, at a 6kW+ charging rate, has been very convenient and I use it two to three times a week. There is no wait time, and it is cost-neutral when you take into account the building's extensive solar panel infrastructure.
Finally, I have used a local (to where I reside) Chargefox network CCS2 combo plug DC charger. This is one the fastest charging types available and is located at a major shopping centre. This charge point delivers power at 50kW - which is actually less than the maximum 80kW (DC) that the BYD can accept - and at this rate, a 20 per cent to 100 per cent charge takes approximately 75 minutes. The charging rate is also acceptable for a quick battery boost - 20 minutes delivers a 20 per cent charge.
The charger's location is handy too - a full top-up can be done while completing the shopping. In this situation it is
Scott uses the Type 2 charging station located at the MTA Queensland head office several times a week to keep the BYD Atto 3 charged
convenient, but there is a price to using it. The time I used it, that cost was $15 to charge from 20 to 100 per cent.
I was lucky in that no one else was using it when I wanted to plug in. However, when I returned, I could see the frustration etched on the face of a Tesla owner who was waiting for his turn.
So, what have the issues been with charging? Well, while these are relevant only to me and my circumstances, I imagine that other EV owners can relate.
1: Home charging without a 'proper' Type 2 charging point is too slow. I think it makes sense to have one installed.
2: My local area only has one CCS2 combo plug DC fast charging port (50kW). The next closest is another 18km away at an Ampol service station where the same charge from 20 per cent to 100 per cent will (at the time of writing) cost $30. That's almost as expensive per kilometre as my previous company vehicle, a Camry Hybrid.
3: The one time I felt I really needed a quick boost (a 15-minute fast charge), my local CCS2 combo plug DC fast charging port was out of order. It was out of order over a month later too.
4: After business hours, that charging location is not particularly well lit, located as it is deep in a shopping centre's underbuilding car park. At that time, there is no local café in which to sit and wait, there is nobody around and, for me at least, that made me feel a little wary.
5: As a general observation, charging infrastructure has yet to catch up with the growing demand and use of EVs.
6: On the plus side of things, I haven’t consumed as many coffees and snacks as I thought I might have when waiting for the car to charge!
Joking aside, though finding and using public charging stations can be a little frustrating, I am quite taken by the BYD Atto 3, and EVs in general, and that has led me to research other brands and models on the market. For a V8 enthusiast and amateur motorsport competitor like me, I’ll admit that my research has focused on performance EV models such as the Kia EV6 GT, the Polestar 2 and 3, and the Porsche Taycan. The performance abilities of these does interest me. Could one of them replace one of my own combustion engine performance vehicles?
To help convince me of a change, if anybody has one of those models I could borrow for a while, let me know!
“THE ONE TIME I FELT I REALLY NEEDED A QUICK BOOST (A 15-MINUTE FAST CHARGE), THAT SAME LOCAL CCS2 COMBO PLUG DC FAST CHARGING PORT WAS OUT OF ORDER. IT WAS OUT OF ORDER OVER A MONTH LATER TOO.”
AUDI HAS UNVEILED a range of ‘Sphere’ electric concepts in recent years, and its latest, dubbed the Activesphere, is a stunning follow-up to the equally impressive Skysphere roadster of 2021, and both the Grandsphere sedan and Urbansphere of 2022.
The four-door crossover coupe is a luxury off-roader, and it looks like it, with huge 22-inch wheels with active aerodynamic features, large wheel arches, short overhangs, some hefty-looking protection around the sills and bumpers, and plenty of ground clearance.
Audi says practicality for those offroad missions has been built into the Activesphere’s design, with the rear door lowering flat to become a cargo bed of
PRACTICALITY FOR THOSE OFF-ROAD
MISSIONS HAS BEEN BUILT INTO THE ACTIVESPHERE’S DESIGN, WITH THE REAR DOOR LOWERING FLAT TO BECOME A CARGO BED OF SORTS, ALLOWING FOR ALL MANNER OF OVERSIZE ITEMS . . .
sorts, allowing for all manner of oversize items – e-bikes, for example – to be carried. The Activesphere’s front doors are hinged at the A pillar, and its rear passenger doors at the C pillar. There is no B-pillar, so the entire interior space opens up for passengers to gain easy access to the minimalist, futuristic, four-seat interior. That interior offers up some fancy tech. Particularly fascinating is the mixed reality concept, where occupants can use mixed
reality headsets to interact with digital features – in which features and functions can be accessed through augmented reality rather than physical displays and screens. Pretty amazing stuff.
There is autonomous driving capability, Audi says, and when in autonomous driving mode, the steering and pedals, and dashboard too, retract out of the way.
Audi says the Activesphere is built on the Premium Platform Electric – or PPE
platform. That platform, being developed in conjunction with Porsche, is designed exclusively for battery-electric drive systems and the company says its first production vehicles based on the platform can be expected before the end of this year.
The key element of the future PPE fleet is a battery module between the axles. In the Activesphere concept, that battery is a whopping 100kWh pack. That, Audi says, means a range of up to 600km.
There’s more to this than just being able to travel a fair distance, of course. Electric motors on the front and rear axles – that also help deliver electronically controlled quattro all-wheel drive – pack a punch, delivering 325kW and 720Nm. The front and rear wheels are connected via a five-link axle and the Activesphere also features adaptive air suspension with adaptive dampers.
PPE offers 800-volt charging technology and Audi says the battery on the Activesphere can be charged with up to 270kW at fast-charging stations – a set-up that means 300km of range can be added in about 10 minutes. In less than 25 minutes, the 100kWh battery can be charged from 5 to 80 per cent.
As with most concepts, the Activesphere is not likely to make it into production, but some functions and features might make it to road-going models. Let’s hope so.
VIDEO: THE NEXT SPHERE OF FUTURE PREMIUM MOBILITYAS WITH MOST CONCEPTS, THE ACTIVESPHERE IS NOT LIKELY TO MAKE IT INTO PRODUCTION, BUT SOME FUNCTIONS AND FEATURES MIGHT MAKE IT TO ROADGOING MODELS. LET’S HOPE SO.
AUTO READY
3 - 6 Apr 2023 (MACKAY )
3 - 6 Apr 2023 (BRISBANE) 11 - 14 Apr 2023 (BRISBANE) SALES/DEALERS/WRECKERS
BATTERY ELECTRIC AND HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES COURSE
28 Feb - 2 Mar 2023 (SOLD OUT )
4 - 6 Apr 2023
AIR CONDITIONING COURSE 26 - 28 Apr 2023 24 - 26 May 2023
2 - 4 May 2023
2 – 4 May 2023
AUTOMOTIVE VOCATIONAL PREPARATION COURSE
13 Feb - 17 Mar 2023
2 May - 2 June 2023
Enquiries to: courses@mtai.edu.au Website www.mtai.edu.au
MIG WELDING FUNDAMENTALS COURSE
8 Mar 2023
19 April 2023
ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS COURSES
AWARENESS COURSE TO BE ADVISED
VEHICLE GLASS COURSE TO BE ADVISED
TECHNICIAN COURSE TO BE ADVISED
10 May 2023
Enquiries to: courses@mtaq.com.au Website www.mtaq.com.au 20170566
*Course dates subject to change
