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
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Subscribing to the Motor Trader e-magazine is free. Click here to subscribe
MOTOR TRADER PUBLISHING POLICY
Motor Trader is the official publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland. The role of Motor Trader is to inform members of current issues and legislation affecting the industry. As such it can be regarded as the business magazine for the Queensland motor industry. The role of Motor Trader is not to be in competition with the technical magazines already on the market. It will advise of new vehicles being released and of the latest technology incorporated into them; it will advise of latest technology affecting members in each of the MTA Queensland Divisions; it will keep members abreast of the latest in motor industry training and industrial affairs; and it will keep members informed of the latest technical aids available through MTA Queensland Member Services, which will assist members in staying ahead of the technological revolution presently being encountered within the motor industry. The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any advertisement and the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher for all damages or liabilities arising from the published material.
MTA QUEENSLAND ABN: 74 028 933 848
CORPORATE PARTNERS
JONATHAN NASH EDITOR
WELCOME
October 2022 edition of Motor Trader.
We are now just a month away from MTA Queensland’s 2022 Industry Awards Gala and at that event, the winners of the Associations business and training awards will be announced.
Last month, we revealed the finalists of the Community award, the Innovation award, and the Women In Industry award categories, and in this month’s edition we shine the spotlight on the Apprentice of the Year finalists.
This very talented group, some of whom have now qualified in their chosen trade, have been outstanding students and well deserve the recognition that comes with being a finalist for this award. We delve into their stories this month and you can read all about them from page 90.
Also this month we have a
report on a recent research tour that saw our CEO, Rod Camm, along with leaders of other state motor trade associations and the VACC, travel to Europe. The aim of the trip was to get a deeper understanding of Europe’s ongoing transition to electrified vehicles and how that could inform Australia’s shift to electrification. The timing of the visit was fortuitous – while it was long in the planning, it took place just a few weeks before the new federal government unveiled its consultation paper on a national electric vehicle strategy. The insights on the challenges faced in Europe will enable MTA Queensland and the other associations to craft a detailed and well-informed submission to the government. A report will be published soon. You can read about the trip from page 18.
As always, we have plenty of other news - from industry innovations to new vehicle launches - in Motor Trader this month. I hope you enjoy this edition and do reach out if you have some interesting news to share. I look forward to hearing from you.
jonathann@mtaq.com.au
IAM EXCITED TO introduce new area managers to assist supporting our members!
ROD CAMM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
MTA QUEENSLAND
HE MONTH OF September was fascinating as I was able to join the leaders of Australia’s motor trade associations to research the automotive industries and electric vehicle (EV) strategies in Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom. While Australia may be behind these countries in relation to EV policy and uptake, it is clear from European investigations that Australia is arguably in a far better position to avoid the unintended consequences of other EV transition pathways.
Learnings from this in-depth study tour will directly be used in a national submission for the National Electric Vehicle Strategy consultation paper released on 28 September. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our industry to lead the direction for affordability, expanding EV options and uptake, reducing emissions and continuing to manage and service the existing vehicle fleet, and opening the potential for local manufacturing. We will be able to provide the roadmap to deliver a truly fit-for-purpose plan for Australia, and lead Asia Pacific in the transition to zero emission vehicles. The Strategy will need to:
• Be a national plan to align all states and territories
• Mandate emission targets across the entire vehicle fleet
• Consider the geographic size of the country to build a comprehensive network of public and private charging infrastructure
• Ensure cost of power is not an inhibitor
• Ensure the availability of EVs to achieve an increase in sales
• Include hydrogen vehicles.
TMatthew Donaldson will service members north of Brisbane up to Bundaberg and Rockhampton. Rebecca Mcreight will cover areas in Mackay and North Queensland.
KELLIE DEWAR DEPUTY CEO | GENERAL MANAGER MEMBER SERVICES
The Industry Awards Gala is scheduled for Saturday 19th November, which is the day after our Annual General Meeting. All members are welcome, and this provides a great opportunity to engage with board members and senior management.
The recent meeting with the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, has resulted in further investigation into:
• three-month car registrations for independent car dealers, which was acknowledged as helpful for small business.
• the price paid for safety certificates, which was determined not appropriate if businesses were losing money.
On 11 March 2022, the Queensland Workforce Summit was completed and resulted in the release of the Workforce Strategy 2022-32 on the 30 August 2022. The Queensland Government is committed to increasing the size, skills, and adaptability of the State’s workforce with a particular focus on five key areas - workforce participation, local solutions, school to work transitions, workforce attraction and retention and skilling Queenslanders now and into the future. MTA Queensland will tender for programs across these areas in late 2022 to further support industry.
We will continue meeting members in regional Queensland, which are held outside business hours, and welcome your thoughts for guest presenters.
AUSTRALIA IS ARGUABLY IN A FAR BETTER POSITION TO AVOID THE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF OTHER EV TRANSITION PATHWAYS.
THE INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA IS SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY 19TH NOVEMBER, WHICH IS THE DAY AFTER OUR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
Michael Hart owns and runs the Bob Jane T-Marts store in Nerang on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Having started his career working with his father at another Bob Jane franchise, Michael took over the Nerang store three years ago and also stepped up to become the Chairperson of MTA Queensland’s Tyre and Undercar Division, focusing on the opportunities, trends and issues affecting the sector. Motor Trader caught up with Michael to talk business, tyres, and more.
What products and services do you offer at Bob Jane T-Marts Nerang?
MH: We offer a huge range of tyres and alloy/steel wheels. We also sell batteries, offer balancing and alignment services, and puncture repairs.
How long have you been in the tyre business, how did you get your start, and what has been the journey for you to become the owner of Bob Jane T-Marts Nerang?
MH: I’ve been involved in the tyre industry in some capacity since I could walk! My family has had Bob Jane T-Marts since the early 1980’s and I would spend a lot of time in our store at Southport when I was growing up. School holidays were spent fixing punctures and picking stock for the tyre fitters and I started full time in sales in early 2000. From there, and as I became more experienced, I
became second-in-command at Bob Jane Mermaid Beach.
In 2005, my dad Neil Hart and I took over the struggling Bob Jane Beenleigh, with dad as franchisee and me as manager. We took an underperforming store and turned it around into the juggernaut it is today.
I was manager there until 2019, when a golden opportunity to purchase Bob Jane Nerang arose. I grabbed the bull by the horns and, for the first time in my life,
“BOB JANE T-MARTS ARE LIKE ONE BIG FAMILY. WE HAVE EACH OTHER’S BACKS AND WHEN THE TIMES GET TOUGH, WE GET TOGETHER AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER.”Michael Hart, owner of Bob Jane T-Marts, Nerang
became a business owner/franchisee. The on-the-job training and customer service-focused attitude to running a business I have learned from Dad is the foundation to my success in business and in life. I’m truly lucky to have such an amazing mentor to learn from over my journey so far.
What is the benefit of working with Bob Jane and being part of that organisation as a franchisee?
MH: Bob Jane T-Marts are like one big family! We have each other’s backs and when the times get tough, we get together and support each other. We have a fantastic group of experienced franchisees that all work towards a common goal. Add to that, there’s a National Support office with support staff in every state and territory in Australia. We are independent so there is no underlying agenda or product pushing, and we still have a ‘Jane’ driving us into the future with Rodney Jane, Bob Jane’s son, the CEO and proudly continuing his father’s legacy leading Australia’s number one tyre retailer.
You are Chair of MTA Queensland’s Tyre and Undercar Division (TUDQ). Can you tell us about the issues, concerns, trends, and opportunities that business owners in the sector are currently facing?
MH: The sector is like a duck swimming on
a pond - from the top it looks calm and graceful but underneath its legs are kicking like crazy. On the surface, the industry is in good shape, but more experienced operators know it’s smoke and mirrors. The cost of new stock - for example new tyres, exhaust systems, suspension components and consumables like engine oil - has skyrocketed over the last 12 months or so. This has driven the increase in sales, so if you’re looking at sales increase on a PNL, you’re giving everyone a big pat on the back. But the cost of operating a business has also skyrocketed. End-of-life tyre disposal has tripled in the
“ON THE SURFACE, THE INDUSTRY IS IN GOOD SHAPE, BUT MORE EXPERIENCED OPERATORS KNOW IT’S SMOKE AND MIRRORS. THE COST OF NEW STOCK - FOR EXAMPLE NEW TYRES, EXHAUST SYSTEMS, SUSPENSION COMPONENTS AND CONSUMABLES LIKE ENGINE OILHAS SKYROCKETED . . .”
last couple of years with no long-term solution on the horizon; insurance/work cover premiums continue to increase; and wages and other costs like electricity are all on the up.
At the end of the day, the end user pays for the increases, but with interest rates increasing there is a lot of pain being felt in the back pocket of the average Australian.
Luckily, the supply problems we experience during Covid-19 lockdowns have been mostly rectified, though are not solved completely, while recruiting and retaining quality staff continues to be a major issue in the sector. This could explain the increase in mobile tyre services, which have no bricks and mortar costs and only one staff member and a van as overheads.
Tyre manufacturers are now producing tyres specifically for electrified vehicles. Are electrified vehicles making any impact on the tyre sector in Australia yet?
MH: There is no doubt EV/hybrid vehicles are the future of the motor industry, and many tyre manufacturers, such as Michelin, are leading the way with specific EV tyres. They offer less straightline rolling resistance, so a vehicle can travel further on a charge, while also decreasing road noise (there is no engine noise) at the same time. We stock a lot of tyres for the Tesla range, as well as Camry and Corolla EV’s, and I would 100 per cent recommend a specific EV tyre to be fitted onto an EV/Hybrid Vehicle. You would be crazy not to.
With a steady increase in EVs on our roads, the average tyre shop/workshop will have to adapt to the new and future technology they use, including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
This is a big issue as the average tyre shop hasn’t had ADAS training but a lot of the driver aids - such as lane assist, and radar cruise control - are standard on new vehicles.Some wheel alignment machines, like the Hunter HawkEye, can reset the steering angle sensors when the vehicle is aligned, and some scan tools can also perform this process. However, without the appropriate training you can cause more damage than good. Moving forward, all shops that change tyres and wheel-align vehicles will have to have some form of tech training to address these issues. These vehicles will require a specific skill set to work on/service them and the MTA
Institute are working like crazy behind the scenes to ensure we have appropriate industry training available.
How do you market your business? What is the most effective way you have found to get your message out to the public?
MH: At Bob Jane T-Marts we have a designated marketing department that handles all national and local marketing. This includes, but is not limited to, TV, radio, motor racing (our pedigree) and sporting teams. We also have a solid presence on social media. However, word of mouth is the best form of growing my business. Looking after every customer and giving them the best possible retail experience will aways be our number one priority. Growth should happen organically if every customer expectation is met and, in most cases, exceeded.
How long have you been involved with MTA Queensland? What are the benefits of membership, and why did you decide to take on the role of Chair of the Association’s Tyre and Undercar Division?
MH: Bob Jane T-Marts in Queensland has always been a big supporter of MTA Queensland. It does offer many benefits for small, medium, and large motor industry
“LOOKING AFTER EVERY CUSTOMER AND GIVING THEM THE BEST POSSIBLE RETAIL EXPERIENCE WILL AWAYS BE OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. GROWTH SHOULD HAPPEN ORGANICALLY IF EVERY CUSTOMER’S EXPECTATION IS MET AND, IN MOST CASES, EXCEEDED.”
businesses and the Beenleigh and Nerang stores were members before we became owners. HR issues can be a legal mine field, and MTA Queensland membership gives you full access to a fantastic team of workplace relations experts. There are lots of other benefits too, of course, such as free workplace safety audits and free eftpos fees and electricity price reviews.
I became Chair of the TUDQ approximately two years ago and have found the role to be very rewarding. I love engaging with members and industry.
What does the future look like for the tyre industry and what plans do you have for Bob Jane Nerang?
MH: The future is exciting! No doubt there will be a lot of changes as vehicles become more advanced and automated, and it will be the businesses that embrace change and adapt that will succeed. The ones that stick their heads in the sand and pretend nothing is changing will fold.
The sky’s the limit, as is the future for Bob Jane T-Marts
Nerang. I love my job, I love the industry and I’m so proud of my team. Together we will continue to offer excellent customer service and offer a massive range of products and services at the same time as embracing technology. I’m passionate about being a market leader and adopting new ideas and training. It’s always my goal to be in front of the market, not falling behind and chasing it.
What do you do with your spare time, if you have any?
MH: I love watching my teenage boys play sport! I’m an F45 member and a mountain bike rider, but my all-time favourite thing to do is sit in my spa with a cold beer!
“THE SKY’S THE LIMIT, AS IS THE FUTURE FOR BOB JANE T-MARTS NERANG. I LOVE MY JOB, I LOVE THE INDUSTRY AND I’M SO PROUD OF MY TEAM.”
THIS MONTH SAW the celebration of females in the automotive industry with business owners, executives, administrative teams, experienced tradeswomen, and apprentices coming together at the inaugural Auto Women Dinner on Friday, 7 October 2022.
MTA Queensland hosted the event, welcoming over 100 attendees from across the State to enjoy a night of entertainment and dining.
“We are very excited to be promoting the importance of gender diversity across all workplaces," said Rod Camm, Group
CEO of MTA Queensland. “However, we must be mindful of where are coming from as currently around 20 per cent of the automotive workforce is female, and only 4 per cent of technicians are women.
“Tonight is a therefore a celebration of both the achievements and importance of women in our industry, but it’s also an absolute commitment that we want to do better; that we must do better,” said Mr Camm.
The Auto Women dinner showcased the accomplishments of high achievers such as Andrea McCarthy, owner and
operator of McCarthy Panel Works in Mackay, a Director on the Board of MTA Queensland, a member of I-CAR Australia’s Industry Advisory Board, and Chair of MTA Queensland’s National Auto Collision Alliance.
Earlier this year, Andrea was awarded one of the Auto Women professional development scholarships, enabling her to undertake the highly sought-after Executive Ready course.
“By highlighting what can be achieved within workplaces, we can demonstrate to young women and career changers how exciting our industry is and how we support new entrants through career enhancement support, mentoring and scholarships,” said Mr Camm.
MTA Queensland already has programs underway, including the National Careers Institute’s Driving Auto Women’s Career project and the ‘It’s Hard to Be What You
The Hon. Shannon Fentiman, Queensland’s Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, Minister for Women, and Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence was a special guest
Cannot See’ collaboration with RACQ to showcase what careers can look like for women in the automotive industry.
The Hon. Shannon Fentiman, Queensland’s Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, Minister for Women, and Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence was a special guest of the night.
“Women in workplaces across the country right now are stepping up and stepping into their rightful place as equal and respected partners in the success of their industries, and your industry is no exception. Women have long held leadership positions in this sector and have made significant contributions to mechanic, sales, and administrative roles. But now, we have a network which supports even more women, to not just enter the industry, but to thrive.
“Every woman and girl in Queensland must be given equal access to all the exciting opportunities that this State has to offer, and the Auto Women initiative is another practical way of helping drive change in our Industry.
“A recent report just showed us how important women’s economic participation is. Cutting workplace gender inequality in half could generate an extra 111 billion dollars in revenue. So, if initiatives like yours keeps driving women
into this fabulous industry, and we reduce gender inequality in our workplaces, the country is only going to go from strength to strength,” said Ms Fentiman.
MTA Queensland welcomes the significant support of the event’s sponsors Spirit Super, Capricorn and BUSY Sisters.
The 2022 Auto Women Dinner was a tremendous evening, and the Association thanks its guests, friends, and sponsors for making it so memorable.
“EVERY WOMAN AND GIRL IN QUEENSLAND MUST BE GIVEN EQUAL ACCESS TO ALL THE EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES THAT THIS STATE HAS TO OFFER, AND THE AUTO WOMEN INITIATIVE IS ANOTHER PRACTICAL WAY OF HELPING DRIVE CHANGE IN OUR INDUSTRY.”Lysa Dugandzic, General Manager Marketing & Communications for MTA Queensland, with Rod Camm, MTA Queensland CEO, and Louisa Bonner, who delivered the Welcome to Country
Are you a business or organisation that encourages diversity in your workplace?
Do you want to support your female apprentices or trainees?
With more women choosing careers in industries like construction, plumbing, carpentry, automotive and engineering, we are connecting apprentices, trainees, employers and industry associations to educate and provide access to greater opportunities and support.
AT THE END of September, the Australian Government launched a consultation program seeking input on the development of policies that will encourage the take up of electric vehicles (EVs), improve charging infrastructure, the reduction of transport emissions, and increasing local manufacturing in the sector.
For the nation’s automotive industry, it is another important step in grappling with the challenges posed by the transition to electrification. And that transition is one that Australia must embrace. All developed nations are moving toward an electrified, zero emission, transportation future, with governments legislating the shift
and supporting it through subsidies and other incentives. Just as importantly, the manufacturers that produce the vehicles we all drive are in on the move. Cajoled by governments to meet rigorous emissions standards, and persuaded - in part perhaps, by the performance of such companies as Tesla - that EVs are what the public wants, they are, from the big legacy companies to new start-ups, pumping billions into EV development and production.
If Australia wants to play any significant part in this electrified future, then those that have ‘skin in the game’ – be they
national, state and local governments; energy providers; business groups; environmental advocates; business owners or, of course, automotive associations – must be involved in the larger conversation and provide their insight and wisdom into developing a national electric vehicle plan that works.
IF AUSTRALIA WANTS TO PLAY ANY SIGNIFICANT PART IN THIS ELECTRIFIED FUTURE, THEN THOSE THAT HAVE ‘SKIN IN THE GAME’ . . . MUST BE INVOLVED IN THE LARGER CONVERSATION AND PROVIDE THEIR INSIGHT AND WISDOM INTO DEVELOPING A NATIONAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE PLAN THAT WORKS.MTA Queensland CEO, Rod Camm
The urgency of this work has become even more pressing given the new national Labor Government’s assumption that 89 per cent of all vehicles sold in Australia by 2030 will be electric. Following the passing of the Climate Change Bill in September this year, the Australian Government effectively has a mandate to act quicker towards meeting their 2030 and 2050 CO2 emissions targets.
Automotive associations such as MTA Queensland will be crucial to the success of any plan and in September, MTA Queensland’s CEO Rod Camm, along with leaders from the MTAs in NSW, SA/NT, WA and Victoria’s VACC, travelled to Europe to a get a close-up look at the state of play in the zero and low-emission vehicle (ZLEV) sector there. Europe has long been at the centre of the ZLEV revolution, with some countries, particularly Norway, having started the transition more than a decade ago. To tap into the knowledge of these markets and learn what the European experience might mean for the automotive industry in Australia just makes sense. The delegation visited automotive
THE DELEGATION VISITED AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS, INDIVIDUAL REPAIR SHOPS, DEALERSHIPS, MANUFACTURERS AND GOVERNMENT POLICY MAKERS ACROSS NORWAY, SWEDEN, THE NETHERLANDS, GERMANY, AND THE UK.
industry associations, individual repair shops, dealerships, manufacturers and government policy makers across Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK. The level of engagement was, said Mr Camm, broad and detailed enough to provide a basis through which the motor trade associations could take an informed position and advise their members and government accordingly.
A handful of major talking points emerged from the delegation’s trip.
Europe, and indeed other nations such as the US and China, are much more advanced than Australia in their transition to ZLEVs and Australia is probably around 10 years behind the leaders. However, more than one industry commentator during the delegation’s tour suggested Australia had a great opportunity to leapfrog many of the challenges faced by those countries and could become a leader in the Asia Pacific region.
In Germany, Sweden, Norway and the UK, the Australian team visited dealerships, independent workshops, panel repair businesses, charging stations and more to see how the EV transition is being implemented in Europe
“This is the opportunity for Australia,” said Mr Camm. “As long as we learn, and we observe closely, we can see what stimulus worked, and what hasn't.
“We are way behind, but we can certainly position ourselves to lead the Asia Pacific very comfortably, and we should.”
An example of the ‘leapfrogging’ opportunities highlighted to the travelling delegation was that Australia can begin its transition by installing higher output charging stations. In countries that moved early towards electrification, older, lower output charging stations are already having to be upgraded. Australia can skip that step.
Norway - widely considered the leading EV nation and which can boast an astonishing 65 per cent of new car sales being electric - provides the insight as to why this is a good step to make. Norwegians, the Australian delegates discovered, were not at all concerned with ‘range anxiety’ thanks
to well-located charging infrastructure. They were, however, encountering ‘queue anxiety’, a phenomenon that results from large numbers of EVs waiting for extended periods at the numerous but lower-output charging points. Recognising this issue and installing, for example, 350kW fast chargers from the start, will enable Australia to effectively clear the queue anxiety hurdle.
Policy makers around the world often look at Norway as the benchmark against which to grade itself regarding its EV
and renewable energy credentials. It is a tough act to follow. Not only are its EV sales extraordinarily strong, but the Scandinavian country generates more than 95 per cent of its electricity via renewable energy projects. Thanks to its peculiar topography of steep valleys and fjords, along with its abundance of water, hydropower plays a huge part in the nation’s power generation.
While Australia does not have that advantage, solar power is plentiful, and it was the view in Europe that Australia’s solar power opportunities could replicate Norway's renewable energy advantage.
Green energy is, said Mr Camm, essential to the overall EV plan, and in the current era in which energy prices are rising – to extreme levels in Europe –it is even more essential to have reliable, renewable energy sources.
“What they're finding is that because electricity prices are escalating - five or six increases in the last year or so across Europe - the cost benefit of an electric vehicle, if you're using public charging stations, is not there,” said
“GREEN ENERGY IS ESSENTIAL TO THE OVERALL EV PLAN, AND IN THE CURRENT ERA IN WHICH ENERGY PRICES ARE RISING – TO EXTREME LEVELS IN EUROPE – IT IS EVEN MORE ESSENTIAL TO HAVE RELIABLE, RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES.”
Mr Camm. “You've got to charge at home and, absolutely if you can, you've got to be charging off renewable energy.
“So it's really important that we get that infrastructure right. Australia's got a great opportunity, because we've got a lot of sun and a lot of roof panels. But we’ve got to get the infrastructure right in houses so people can charge their vehicles at home and store power at home.”
There was a shared view in the delegation’s discussions that public electricity and hydrogen power charge points be near each other. Existing industry infrastructure was also consistently raised in discussions.
While it appeared logical for service stations to have EV charging points, other opportunities - where facilities could have been funded by government to provide a better charging infrastructure - were overlooked. Vehicle dealerships and vehicle repair shops were an example of this.
It was also considered that bidirectional power, that effectively transforms cars into mobile power plants, would be a game changer in transitioning drivers into ZLEVs given the capacity to charge cheaply and upload power into the home. From a grid management perspective, this provides government with huge flexibilities given it can contract car owners to upload and download power
to the grid when it is needed.
However, many European countries found major challenges in ZLEV drivers gaining access to charging stations. In Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany around 40 per cent of drivers have no capacity to charge their vehicle at home. This is often due to people living in apartments and in body corporates where the costs of facilitating charging points is not fully supported.
To support an ZLEV roll-out then, it is seen as essential that sufficient public charging stations are available to people from
“AUSTRALIA'S GOT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY, BECAUSE WE'VE GOT
A LOT OF SUN AND A LOT OF ROOF PANELS. BUT WE’VE GOT TO GET THE INFRASTRUCTURE RIGHT IN HOUSES SO PEOPLE CAN CHARGE THEIR VEHICLES AT HOME AND STORE POWER AT HOME.”
across the community. A leading European industry group suggested that a reliable arrangement of public charging stations for EVs would include at least one charging station for every 10 EVs and charging banks of between 6 to 8 chargers every 50 to 75kms along major highways.
As well as charging infrastructure, discussions highlighted the state of a country’s national power grid as being central to support any vehicle transition plan. This didn’t mean countries must wait to start their transition until the power
grid and connection points for EVs were all in place, but more that a coherent and funded plan to develop infrastructure be in place to parallel ZLEV vehicle uptake. This idea was raised repeatedly as a key principle of any transition plan.
Incentives have been crucial to encourage the uptake of EVs across Europe, although for car buyers in Norway, Sweden and Germany they are slowly being removed - a move that could lead to more drivers keeping their older internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.
Vehicle carbon taxes are used in some countries to pressure people out of their ICE vehicles. However, there are those who cannot afford a ZLEV and have little choice but to hang on to their old car. This could lead to global car fleets getting older and dirtier. While this scenario isn’t the worst outcome for the vehicle service and repair industry - older vehicles generally need more maintenance and repair than newer ones - it also reinforces that longer-term
incentives are vital for ZLEV take-up.
Across Europe, it's clear that the degree of incentivisation had a direct correlation to the speed at which consumers purchased ZLEVs. The length of time a financial incentive was available also played a key role with longer-term regimes providing purchasers with the confidence to time-out their ICE vehicles and arrange the finances to transition into a new or used ZLEV.
Regarding vehicle supply, Europe has much better access to ZLEVs than Australia. Currently, ZLEVs imported to Australia are low in number and mainly at a price range too high for many motorists. Whether governments like it or not, manufacturers ship cars into markets where they are likely to be sold. If other nations are incentivising ZLEV vehicles or creating cheaper running cost regimes, then these markets will be more attractive.
For automotive workshops, there is much change ahead.
Across Europe, it was noted that
EVs have less service and maintenance requirements than ICE vehicles, and in regions where ZLEV fleets were large, dealerships reported the need to cycle more vehicles through their service areas.
With less service and repair work required, EVs would often spend less than an hour in the dealership with vehicle owners timetabled to strict time slots to reduce storage back-ups and the cost of continually moving cars around parking bays.
The speed of ZLEV turn-around and the constant moving of ZLEVs in and out of a workshop has ramifications for the independent repair market where smaller workshops in built up areas often already have parking challenges.
In a ZLEV market, where there is less work and less margin in service and maintenance, dealerships and independent repairers are already looking to either bring back previously outsourced work into their workshops, or to value-add where they can. An independent workshop in Sweden that services ZLEVs reported that the days of free advice and helping customers for free were over. In a market where a change
of technology meant thinner margins, everything would need to be timed and paid for. The business owner reported ‘we will need to become more like dentists and doctors, billing for every minute’.
The observations of the Australian delegation indicated that body repairers
would be less affected by the growth of the ZLEV fleet. While adapting to the technology and safety requirements of working with EVs - including the recalibration of sensors and handling high-voltage batteries - would necessitate a considered approach, the fundamentals of the sector would remain – cars crash, repair is needed and, once the battery is depowered, the process is essentially the same as it has always been.
Regarding ZLEV batteries, in the majority of cases, European automotive business owners would not get involved in the repair of high-voltage
ACROSS EUROPE, IT WAS NOTED THAT EVS HAVE LESS SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS THAN ICE VEHICLES . . .Visiting BMW at its Munich head office complex, the delegation gained insights into the German manufacturer's ideas for electrification, mobility and sustainability, including its research into hydrogen power (below)
components or batteries. Repairers suggested that there were business opportunities, however, and indications are it would be in the repair and repurposing of vehicle batteries.
In markets where ZLEV uptakes were significant there was already the emergence of such enterprises engaging in the changeover, diagnostics, and repair of batteries.
Both independents and dealership are adapting to the changing market. Service offerings they might not have considered in the past, such as windscreens, tyres, and detailing are now becoming part of the servicing package. One approach from dealerships has been to offer a monthly subscription payment plan to cover the servicing of used cars they sell – cars that, in the past, they would likely not have seen again once they had been driven off the lot, but which now offer a revenue stream they cannot ignore.
While this innovation in work means adapting and perhaps reabsorbing traditioinal jobs, it is EV batteries where a truly new avenue of business can be identified. The battery packs that power EVs are expensive as a whole package, but they consist of cells stacked together, and therein lies the opportunity.
“They're are expensive, but they can be repaired. That's what they're learning,” said
Mr Camm. “In Norway, they've learned that independent mechanics can specialise in unpacking a battery, diagnosing the failing cells and replace them. And they think that's definitely an opportunity.”
All manner of other opportunities will emerge over time – from adjusting and streamlining working practices to identifying new avenues of income – as Australian businesses adapt to the ZLEV transition.
As the Australian government begins to formulate its national electric vehicle policy, the experiences of other nations will be essential. A tremendous amount was learned by the industry delegates on their European visit and a full report on their findings will be made available to members in due course. This will also be used to frame the Associations’ submissions to the national consultation conversation.
“National leadership is the only way we can get to lower emissions and ultimately zero emissions, so that consultation paper is really important,” said Mr Camm. “If we can land the framework right, so that manufacturers suddenly look across and go ‘this is now an interesting market’, I think we can get there.”
Today, that magazine is known as Motor Trader and it is a digital publication, easily accessible to anyone with an internet connection. There are 8 years worth of digital magazines – starting from 2014 - that can currently be viewed via the MTA Queensland website Archive pages. However, there are hundreds more in our printed archive that stretch back nearly 90 years and which offer a unique insight into the history of the Queensland automotive industry.
MTA Queensland is now working to digitise these back issues and make them available online too. Our digital Historical Archive will grow over time, and can be accessed by clicking on the link below.
BACK IN JULY of last year, Motor Trader met up with Joe D’Ercole and Ben Silver, entrepreneurs who were, at the time, deep into planning the development, launch, establishment, and growth of their electric scooter business, Benzina Zero.
Already a couple of years into the project, Joe and Ben were drawing on their collective decades of experience in the scooter sector – which had seen them sell more than 18,000 scooters through Joe’s company Scooterlife – and their shared interest in environmentally friendly mobility solutions, to build a business offering a selection of electric scooters that would offer decent range, would be easy to charge, be practical and affordable, and be well suited to the urban landscape and to the commuters and delivery businesses to which they would likely be of interest.
Working in collaboration with a production factory in China, Joe and Ben worked to develop scooters of the highest quality, utilising first-rate components including Bosch motors, LG batteries and disc brakes, and which offered a range of appealing features.
Light and manoeuvrable, and with features that include, depending on the model, keyless ignition; an LED display; USB connectivity to charge other devices; storage
“WE ARE READY TO GO . . . WE HAVE THE DUO, CITY AND SPORT MODELS IN OUR WAREHOUSES AND IN DEALERSHIPS RIGHT NOW AND OUR NEW MODELS WILL START PRODUCTION IN 2023.”Benzina Zero held its official launch at EV Motor Brisbane
and attachment options for carrying objects and goods; and anti-theft elements including an immobiliser, portable alarm, motor and steering lock, the Benzina Zero scooter range that emerged from those years of effort is top-notch.
On September 15 this year, the company had its official launch at an event held at EV Moto Brisbane – a business that
focuses on electric vehicle options, including scooters and mopeds, and which is part of the Bartons Motor Group dealership network. At the launch was Benzina Zero’s fourscooter range - the City, the Duo, the Duo+, and the Sport.
The City has a top speed of 45km/h a range of 80km and is a classiclooking scooter. The Duo range consists of the Duo and the Duo+, with the Duo able to reach 45km/h and travel for 105km, and the Duo+ receiving a more powerful Bosch motor and able to reach 65km/h and go for 95km. The Duo is also the company’s most adaptable model, with as many as 20 different attachments available that can be fitted to carry all manner of goods, from a surfboard to groceries.
The Sport is fitted with a pair of lithium batteries, is the most powerful scooter in the range and can reach 75km/h and be ridden for up to 90km. It has a twinspeaker Bluetooth audio system and USB charging for devices.
While charging times might be the brow-furrowing concern of electric car owners, the smaller batteries – of around the 2kWh size - used by these scooters mean charging times are much shorter. In fact, thanks to the ability to hot-swap the batteries – meaning a drained battery can be swapped out for a fully charged one in just a few seconds – there is barely any need for downtime at all.
It’s important to note that Benzina Zero is offering the environmentally conscious buyer more than just an emissions-free way of getting around. The company’s 1M2 project sees them regenerate one square metre of land in Australia for every vehicle they sell, and has signed up to the national B-cycle battery recycling initiative.
While Benzina Zero only launched officially last month, new models are in the development pipeline and Joe and Ben have been building the distribution network for many months with the range available through 10 dealerships.
“We are ready to go,” said Ben. “We have the Duo, City and Sport models in our warehouses and in dealerships right now and our new models will start production in 2023.
“Everyone is talking about electric,” he added. “People are starting to make the switch because they can see the social,
lifestyle and environmental benefits.
“Swapping a car for a Benzina Zero electric scooter means you can remove two tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from our atmosphere every year.
“We were the first electric vehicle manufacturer in the country to sign up to the B-cycle battery recharging program ahead of all the major players including four and two-wheel vehicles.”
The Benzina Zero range of scooters is also available internationally, with the company based in Italy for distribution through Europe and further international networks being developed. The European move has, said Joe, been a successful one.
“The Italians love the way they look,” he said. “I was on a Duo in Italy in August and locals were literally flagging me down from the sidewalks and shouting out from balconies to ask me what it was and where they could buy one!
“People are telling us they love how practical they are, they are impressed with the quality of the scooters and how good they look.”
With the electric mobility revolution well underway, two-wheel scooters offer an attractive way for people to get into the action. With the price for the Benzina Zero range starting at $4,250 for the City model and reaching $7,250 for the Sport, City
they are an incredibly affordable option for efficient and cost-effective transport.
“Our scooters are perfect for commuting and great for deliveries. They are the perfect vehicle between a push bike and a ute,” said Joe. “They fulfil this really important space where you can do quick, localised deliveries, you can carry a decent
amount of goods. And you can do that quicker than you can on a pushbike, and you can carry more and get into places that you can’t in bigger vehicles.
“Our prices mean that our Benzina Zero scooters are available to stacks of people. It’s a fantastic second vehicle for a family who want more mobility but not a big expense and, of course, don’t have the space for a second car.”
Benzina Zero is a finalist for the MTA Queensland Innovation Award, the winner of which will be announced on 19 November.
“PEOPLE ARE TELLING US THEY LOVE HOW PRACTICAL THEY ARE, THEY ARE IMPRESSED WITH THE QUALITY OF THE SCOOTERS AND HOW GOOD THEY LOOK.”
INAUGURAL AUTO WOMEN
scholarship recipient, Andrea McCarthy, is fast approaching the completion of the Executive Ready professional development program and has already begun incorporating its many teachings into her panel repair facility.
The program, run by Women & Leadership Australia, is a seven-month career accelerator designed to assist midlevel managers and independent business owners unlock the full potential of their staff and enhance their leadership abilities.
Passionate about life-long learning, Andrea applied for the scholarship back in March, hoping to use its teachings to drive future direction in her business and the industry as a whole.
“I am always looking for new ways to develop my skills, so when the opportunity presented itself, of course I jumped at it!” said Andrea.
“I have always placed high importance on professional development and have fostered a strong workplace culture that supports continual learning.”
Andrea is the owner and operator of
McCarthy Panel Works in Mackay, a Director on the Board of MTA Queensland, a member of I-CAR Australia’s Industry Advisory Board, and Chair of MTA Queensland’s National Auto Collision Alliance.
“As a full-time business owner, it can be difficult to find training that works in with my busy schedule, so being a fully online course definitely has its benefits. I can study and complete the program at my own pace, without feeling overwhelmed.”
Delivered through a blend of virtual workshops, webinars, peer coaching, and self-directed learning, the program keeps the content relevant to each individual while also bringing new insights and perspectives on each topic.
“I was actually surprised by how engaging the course was. There are 28 other ladies
“THE EXECUTIVE READY SCHOLARSHIP IS A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL WOMEN, AND I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED TO APPLY.”Andrea McCarthy
in my class, all working in completely different industries and types of businesses, so you get a whole new set of experiences to learn from.
“It was also insightful to see how one’s own preferred style of communication impacted on others. With such a diverse group, we were able to grasp the practical implications of managing people with different backgrounds and personalities, as well as how best to build individual capability and support optimal teamwork.”
Having learnt a great deal from both the program coaches and other participants, Andrea has already applied many of the teachings to her business and has redefined her leadership style.
“One of my main takeaways is to take a step back and assess the situation before acting. As humans, we tend to put our own interpretation onto a situation, yet this is very rarely the whole story.
“The course has taught me to ask more questions and let people have their say before jumping to conclusions. Especially when training apprentices, it is easy to forget that they are still learning and need patience.”
Nearing the end of the program, Andrea couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity, and encourages all those eligible to
take a chance and apply.
“The Executive Ready scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for all women, and I strongly encourage anyone who is interested to apply. In only a few months, I have developed greater self, team, and organisational awareness.
“Even when covering basic principles of leadership, the program communicates them in such a practical way that you gain a deeper level of understanding on how to successfully use them... It really is a fantastic program.”
The scholarships, sponsored by MTA Queensland, Spirit Super, and Women & Leadership Australia, aim to support the career advancement of women working across the automotive industry.
“It has been amazing to see Andrea grow and flourish under the Executive Ready Program,” said Kellie Dewar, MTA Queensland Deputy CEO and Auto Women Mentor.
“These scholarships not only offer the opportunity to develop new skills and hone a competitive edge, but the chance to become truly great leaders.
“We have so many brilliant women working across the industry, and I hope to see many of them apply for the scholarships in the future.”
The Scholarships are open twice per year.
NISSAN AUSTRALIA IS to launch a Circular Economy project in Victoria, with the Nissan Casting Australia Plant (NCAP) to use recycled LEAF batteries to power part of its production facility.
NCAP was established in 1982 and more than 50 per cent of its operation is dedicated to the manufacturing of high-quality aluminium castings that are fitted to Nissan’s battery electric and hybrid vehicles sold globally.
The NCAP Battery Project, called Nissan Node, will see a new solar array installed at NCAP, as well as new EV chargers. It will include the installation of a new Battery Energy Storage System made of nine repurposed Gen 1 Nissan LEAF batteries which will be charged via the solar array.
Nissan says the project is estimated to reduce annual CO2 emissions by 259 tons, while saving 128 megawatts of energy every year.
The Node Project is being completed in partnership with Melbourne-based company Relectrify - a developer of battery management and inverter technology designed to extend the life of batteries, reduce battery system costs, and enable the repurposing of high-quality, second-life
batteries from electric vehicles.
“This isn’t just a hugely exciting project, but an important step into the future for end-of-life EV batteries,” said Peter Jones, Nissan Casting Australia Managing Director.
“As an early pioneer of the electric vehicle both globally and locally, we can also demonstrate leadership in second-life battery initiatives. I’m proud that this solution is every bit as innovative as the launch of the LEAF in Australia was more than 10 years ago.”
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
WILLIAMS ADVANCED ENGINEERING (WAE) has unveiled its EVR ultra-high performance electric vehicle platform, designed as a cost-effective platform for manufacturers to build around and use as the foundation for their own performance vehicles.
The latest iteration of WAE EV platforms, EVR offers a lightweight composite structure that mounts the high-performance battery system in the middle of the vehicle.
WAE says the EVR can support a range of electric hypercar configurations, from track-only vehicles where powerto-weight is maximised, to roadgoing models, both open-roof Targa and
fixed-roof GT architectures.
Offering an 85kWh battery and peak power of 1650kW, WAE says the EVR can accommodate various e-motor configurations and can enable 0-100km/h acceleration under two seconds. Top speed of more than
OFFERING AN 85KWH BATTERY AND PEAK POWER OF 1650KW, WAE SAYS THE EVR CAN ACCOMMODATE VARYING E-MOTOR CONFIGURATIONS AND CAN ENABLE 0-100KM/H ACCELERATION UNDER TWO SECONDS.The WAE EVR ultra-high performance electric vehicle platform
400kmh is possible. A fast-charging capability of sub-20mins and a range in excess of 450km is also possible, and both all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive layouts are supported.
For start-up carmakers, EVR provides a complete solution, with WAE delivering the entire vehicle, with exterior design support supplied by the customer or a WAE partner.
For OEMs, WAE says the EVR accelerates route to market, with the entire engineering and assembly of the rolling chassis completed by WAE.
“EVR combines WAE’s exceptional expertise in motorsport-bred lightweight, composite structures and high-performance battery powertrains with our knowledge in developing and delivering electric vehicle programs,” said Paul McNamara, Williams Advanced Engineering Technical Director. “It rapidly accelerates highperformance electrification offering a turnkey solution for both start-ups and OEMs with an affordable business case, reduced time to market and a highly flexible architecture.”
WAE is targeting delivery of a first EVR-based prototype within 12 months, with delivery of a first production vehicle in 24 months. An EVR-H hydrogen fuel cell variant is being developed.
UK AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRIFICATION specialist
Equipmake has developed a compact, lightweight, high-power electric drive system for manufacturers of highperformance electric vehicles.
Called the Ampere-220 e-axle, the system has peak power of 220kW and a maximum motor speed of 30,000rpm. Weighing just under 20kg, it offers power density of 11kW per kg. The key to its performance, Equipmake says, is its combination of the company’s spoke design with additive manufacturing, allowing Ampere’s metal structure to be 3D-printed rather than milled from a solid billet.
The electric motor is combined with all necessary power electronics, including Equipmake’s highperformance silicon carbide-based inverter, and an integrated transmission system, resulting in a compact and lightweight electric drive system that is ready to be integrated into a highperformance electric vehicle.
Debuted in twin-motor specification, Ampere-220 e-axle offers 440kW peak power per axle with a total unit weight of 85kg.
HYUNDAI HAS ANNOUNCED that its Ioniq 6 EV Streamliner, the newest member of its Ioniq EV brand, will offer 614km of range (according to the WLTP procedure) in its longest-range configuration.
That model will be powered by a 77.4kWh battery and be able to stretch its legs beyond the 600km mark in 2WD (rear-wheel-drive) guise running on 18inch tyres. When fitted with 20-inch tyres, range is reduced to 545km.
The model’s streamlined appearance and various design elements such as an active air flap, wheel air curtains, integrated rear spoiler and wheel gap reducers, enhance the model’s aerodynamic performance, and it boasts a drag coefficient of 0.21 –the lowest in the company’s line-up.
The long-range 77.4-kWh battery can also be paired with a dual electric motor layout offering all-wheel-drive (AWD). This top-ofthe-line setup produces a combined power output of 239kW and 605Nm of torque, with range reaching 583km on 18-inch tyres, and 519km on the 20-inch options.
The Ioniq 6 is built on Hyundai Motor
Group’s dedicated architecture for EVs, the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), providing 800V ultra-fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes and supporting 400V charging without the need for additional components or adapters. At a 350kW charger, the Ioniq 6 can charge from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 18 minutes.
“We put every effort into designing the most efficient car in the EV segment,” said Byung Hoon Min, Head of Total Vehicle Performance Development Centre at Hyundai Motor Company. “Our focus on improving aerodynamics helped to achieve one of the longest all-electric range vehicles available, which will reduce customers’ EV range anxiety and help grow the segment.”
“OUR FOCUS ON IMPROVING AERODYNAMICS HELPED TO ACHIEVE ONE OF THE LONGEST ALL-ELECTRIC RANGE VEHICLES AVAILABLE . . . ”
MERCEDES-BENZ VANS AND electric vehicle manufacturer
Rivian are to cooperate on the production of electric vans. The companies intend to establish a new joint venture manufacturing company with the purpose of investing in, and operating, a factory in Europe to produce large electric vans for both Mercedes-Benz Vans and Rivian. The aim is to build an all-new electriconly production facility leveraging an existing Mercedes-Benz site in Central/Eastern Europe.
The companies envisage vehicle designs allowing for efficient manufacturing on common assembly lines and aim to produce two large vans, one based on Mercedes Benz' VAN.EA Vans Electric Architecture, and the other based on the second generation electric-van Rivian Light Van (RLV) platform.
Both companies plan to rapidly scale the production of electric vans and say
that by working together, they will be able to substantially increase cost efficiency to help make the vans more affordable.
Rivian, which manufactures only electric vehicles, currently has the R1T pick-up and R1S SUV in its model line-up and investors in the company include Ford and Amazon. It builds the EDV electric van, which was designed and engineered by Rivian in collaboration with Amazon.
BOTH COMPANIES PLAN TO RAPIDLY SCALE THE PRODUCTION OF ELECTRIC VANS AND SAY THAT BY WORKING TOGETHER, THEY WILL BE ABLE TO SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE COST EFFICIENCY TO HELP MAKE THE VANS MORE AFFORDABLE.Rivian EDV Rivian R1T
ENABLE HANDS-FREE DRIVING ON PREQUALIFIED SECTIONS OF DIVIDED HIGHWAYS CALLED HANDS-FREE BLUE ZONES THAT MAKE UP OVER 130,000 MILES OF NORTH AMERICAN ROADS.
FORD IN THE US is upgrading to its semi-autonomous driving systems in theUS with the launch of BlueCruise 1.2 and Lincoln ActiveGlide 1.2.
BlueCruise and ActiveGlide enable hands-free driving on prequalified sections of divided highways called Hands-Free Blue Zones that make up over 130,000 miles (210,000km) of North American roads.
Ford says the upgrades offer new features that deliver ‘. . . more of a human-like driving feel’, and those features include Lane Change Assist that will perform a hands-free lane change when requested by the driver tapping the turn signal. It can also suggest if a lane change would be beneficial when following slow-moving traffic.
There’s also Predictive Speed Assist that automatically adjusts the speed as drivers approach a sharp curve and will help signal the driver ahead of time when a speed change is about to occur, and InLane Repositioning that Ford says makes hands-free highway driving feel more natural, keeping the vehicle in its lane
while subtly shifting the vehicle’s position away from vehicles in adjacent lanes.
The new system will start arriving on vehicles toward the end of this year, beginning with the Mustang Mach-E.
“We are investing in our ADAS team to constantly improve BlueCruise and ActiveGlide for our customers,” said Doug Field, Chief EV & Digital Systems Officer, Ford Model e - Ford's business arm that focuses on EVs and connectivity. “The latest improvements allow customers to command lane changes using just a turn signal, and make hands-free driving feel more human-like by smoothly slowing down for turns and giving more room to large vehicles in neighbouring lanes. These improvements are just the beginning of a constant journey toward improving safety and giving customers valuable time back.”
Collectively, 75,000 Ford and Lincoln owners enrolled in BlueCruise and ActiveGlide, with more than 16 million hands-free driving miles accumulated through the end of August.
TECHNOLOGY AND CHIPMAKER NVIDIA has introduced Drive Thor, its next-generation computer/ chip system processor aimed at unifying autonomous car technologies – bringing features such as automated and assisted driving, parking, driver and occupant monitoring, digital instrument cluster, in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) and rear-seat entertainment into a single architecture offering greater efficiency and lower cost.
Typically, dozens of electric control units are distributed throughout a vehicle to power individual functions. With Drive Thor, NVIDIA says manufacturers can consolidate many functions on a single system-on-a-chip (SoC), which eases supply constraints and simplifies vehicle-design development, resulting in significantly lower cost, less weight and fewer cables.
NVIDIA says Drive Thor will be available for carmakers’ 2025 models and that Geely-owned Chinese manufacturer ZEEKR is set to integrate it into its nextgeneration intelligent electric vehicles, starting production in early 2025.
“Advances in accelerated computing and AI are moving at lightspeed,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA.
“Drive Thor is the superhero of centralised compute, with lightning-fast performance to deliver continuously
upgradable, safe and secure softwaredefined supercomputers on wheels.”
NVIDIA, best known to the general public as the manufacturer of graphics processing units (GPUs) and graphics cards used in computers, has been developing chip systems aimed at the autonomous car market for nearly a decade. Its current Drive Orin SoC system has been adopted by more than 25 vehicle manufacturers.
“DRIVE THOR IS THE SUPERHERO OF CENTRALISED COMPUTE, WITH LIGHTNING-FAST PERFORMANCE TO DELIVER CONTINUOUSLY UPGRADABLE, SAFE AND SECURE SOFTWARE-DEFINED SUPERCOMPUTERS ON WHEELS.”
The Milwaukee Job Site Solutions (JSS) team consists of experienced, trade specialised experts, with knowledge across all modes of transport. Our specialists bring the best advice and the best range of transportation-focused power tools, hand tools, and accessories. From repairs and maintenance to body work and detailing, our site specialists ensure that the tools you have on hand, your ways of working and your workshop’s safety and efficiency are maximised.
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT has released its consultation paper that outlines the framework to help shape a new National Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy. At the heart of the national strategy will be a plan to improve affordability and choice for consumers by growing the Australian EV market, and amongst other items, the paper seeks views on issues including the increase of charging infrastructure, reducing road transport emissions, and increasing local manufacturing, and vehicle fuel efficiency standards.
The Labor Government has already unveiled the National Reconstruction Fund which will be used for, amongst other initiatives, the Powering Australia plan aimed at developing energy initiatives
and projects – from electricity grid upgrades to solar banks to community batteries – to reduce Australia’s emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 and for the nation to be net zero by 2050. The Government says that road transport makes up 16 per cent of national emissions so, clearly, electric vehicles are to play a part in that emissions reduction effort.
While EV sales are growing (click HERE for September’s new vehicle sales data), in 2021 they accounted for just under 2 per cent of sales.
Beyond the health benefits of reducing emissions, the consultation paper identifies other opportunities for Australia, noting that the nation has the resources – in skills and minerals – to become a leader in several critical areas, from
“RIGHT NOW, AUSTRALIANS MISS OUT ON A WIDER CHOICE OF AFFORDABLE EVS BECAUSE OF OUR POLICY SETTINGS ARE OUTDATED. IT'S TIME FOR AUSTRALIANS TO GET A FAIR GO WHEN THEY'RE DECIDING ON THEIR NEXT CAR.”
manufacturing batteries to other aspects of vehicle manufacturing, including production of mechanical and electronic componentry, and converting this to create jobs, grow exports and increase fuel security, amongst other benefits.
“At the heart of the national strategy will be a plan to improve affordability and choice for consumers by growing the Australian EV market,” said Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy in a statement.
“This is a genuine consultation to inform the right policy settings so we can see more affordable electric vehicles on our roads.
“Right now, Australians miss out on a wider choice of affordable EVs because of our policy settings are outdated. It's time for Australians to get a fair go when they're deciding on their next car.”
The consultation paper, and its approach to the EV discussion, has been welcomed by automotive industry organisations, including MTA Queensland, which was recently part of an industry delegation that visited Europe to analyse EV strategies being implemented across that continent and which will contribute to a report on its findings in the coming weeks.
“To date our approach has been fragmented, with each state and territory developing independent policy measures in the absence of national leadership,” said Rod Camm, MTA Queensland Group CEO. “A national strategy that coordinates and aligns these models will drastically change our trajectory to electrification by attracting a better supply of vehicles and facilitating the transition to new technology, business viability, and employment.
“Australia is escalating its transition to zero-emission vehicles. This paper provides the opportunity to bring everyone together to reimagine an exciting future, including how we reduce emissions over the entire vehicle fleet.
“Looking to the experiences of Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom, we can gain a clear
insight into the impact electric vehicles will have on Australia’s automotive industry and broader community.
“Our findings will allow for long-term planning that oversees the transition of Australia’s fleet as well as a deeper understanding of the strategies we can employ locally to maximise benefits and mitigate business losses.”
A national strategy will, said Mr Camm, assist Australia to become a globally competitive market, and a leader in the Asia Pacific.
“Success will require a collected effort by government and industry to develop the right policy settings and investments,” he said. “The Association remains a valued and influential voice for the Queensland automotive value chain and will continue to represent members on the important topics affecting the industry.”
Some people have trouble finding their car in the shopping centre car park. Allan Jones is not one of those people. Nearly 10 years ago, Allan began piecing together the jigsaw puzzle that would become his unique Holden panel van. Motor Trader recently caught up with Allan in Innisfail to learn the story behind the creation of this one-of-a-kind car.
WORDS: LARA WILDE
PICTURES: JESSE DONOGHOE, SWEET SPOT PHOTOGRAPHY
LIKE SO MANY good car stories, this one began on eBay. My first and only ever eBay purchase,” says Allan Jones, co-owner of Innisfail Pro Motors and builder of the remarkable, Frankensteinlike machine that is the ‘Jigsaw’, a Holden/Nissan offroading hybrid built to participate in the annual Variety Bash –
the 10-day vehicular adventure through regional Queensland that raises funds for Queensland kids.
Allan, who has been a dedicated Variety Bash participant for many years, had already built a VH Commodore wagon from the ground up, and cruised the back roads of Queensland with
mates, racking up thousands of dirtroad miles, plenty of laughs, and tens of thousands of dollars for charity.
But he had a dream to create the perfect car for the Bash, and after selling the VH to purchase a steel bumper Kingswood, he had a budget and a one-year deadline to get the panel van on the road and entered into its first fundraising Bash adventure.
10 years later, and with that budget completely exhausted many times over, he is ready to put ‘Jigsaw’ on the road!
It was 2012 when Allan, cashed up from the sale of that VH, went shopping on eBay to find the Bash car of his dreams. It had to be more then 30 years old, it had to be comfortable, it had to have a lot of room for signage and, above all, it had to be reliable.
In Bendigo, Victoria, Allan found a 1983 WB Holden panel van. It had originally been owned by the Victorian Government and had come stock as a six-cylinder 202, no frills work van. When Allan found it in the eBay listings, the WB had lost the 202 and had a V8 petrol 308 plonked in the engine bay with a 4-speed manual behind it. Deal of the Century. Allan paid his money and jumped on a plane to Melbourne town to drive the big girl home.
“25 times it broke down between Melbourne and Brisbane. 25 times I
IT HAD TO BE MORE THAN 30 YEARS OLD, IT HAD TO BE COMFORTABLE, IT HAD TO HAVE A LOT OF ROOM FOR SIGNAGE AND, ABOVE ALL, IT HAD TO BE RELIABLE.Allan Jones, co-owner of Innisfail Pro Motors and builder of the remarkable, Frankenstein-like machine that is the ‘Jigsaw’.
sat beside the road questioning my life choices,” says Allan of that challenging drive north through the eastern states. Eventually, the panel van beat Allan and wore him out. He left the car at his mum and dad’s house in Brisbane and flew the last leg to Cairns until he could face driving the Kingswood home the last 1,600 kms. It took him a month to summon the reserves required and to fly back to Brisbane with his toolbox and a box full of parts, including a distributor. The final trip from Brisbane to Innisfail was smooth and uneventful.
Once home, Allan began to enjoy the WB. He drove it for a few months to and from his workshop at Innisfail Pro Motors and on the odd weekend adventure until, finally, the day came for him to begin the build to create the Variety Bash car of his dreams. Something reliable, comfortable and capable. A hybrid of all of Allan’s favourite cars. A unique ride that could go anywhere.
Allan had a vision to see the panel van lifted and then wrapped with a jigsaw design to reflect the many pieces that came into play.
ALLAN HAD A VISION TO SEE THE PANEL
VAN LIFTED AND THEN WRAPPED WITH A JIGSAW DESIGN TO REFLECT THE MANY PIECES THAT CAME INTO PLAY.
The first step was to overhaul the running gear. The 308 motor was thirsty and clunky, the driveline slightly agricultural. Allan opted to upgrade. A 1990 Nissan GQ wagon was sacrificed
to the Jigsaw puzzle. The body was picked up and bolted down to the stock Nissan chassis and driveline. The Nissan 4.2-litre diesel donk was left in and freshened up to prime her for long dirt road journeys. A door was ripped off an HJ station wagon to add access to the rear seats. The interior was torn out of the Nissan and made to fit the Kingswood cabin.
This panel van has a serious identity crisis. At first glance you think for sure it is a Holden WB, maybe even an Overlander. The registration papers read Nissan
Patrol. Sitting in the driver’s seat is a surreal experience as Holden and Nissan branding fight to hold your attention and convince you that they made this car. In reality the whole Jigsaw needs to be rebadged as an “Allan special”.
Originally Allan had planned to paint the WB white and have it wrapped with jigsaw pieces. A last-minute choice to paint the whole car in a stunning Commodore Karma Blue has played out well, although Allan now regrets it.
“I really wish I had painted it a vibrant turquoise colour to match the interior,” he says. Maybe next time.
“People keep asking me when I am going to put a V8 in it, but I think I am done,” he adds. “When do you stop?”
After nine-and-a-half years, Allan has decided this is enough, although there are still a few finishing touches to be done, such as mounting the spare wheel swing arms on the back and tidying up the interior.
So, what are the plans for the Jigsaw?
“I have really misjudged this,” he says. “I thought it would take a year to build a Variety Bash car. Instead, I took nine-and-ahalf years and the car I have built is too nice and too unique to take on a charity cruise.”
Allan has a few more ideas like adding a turbo, but there will always be more ideas. For now, and perhaps for the next six months or so, he plans to use the Jigsaw as his daily driver before selling it to fund his idea for a new toy.
“My next project will be a 1940s era
truck like a Dodge or an International,” he says.
Hopefully, that dream won’t take a decade to realise.
If you are interested in purchasing a turnkey, ready-to-rumble Variety Bash rig, be sure to drop Allan a line at Innisfail Pro Motors. Alternatively, if you have a 1940s era Dodge or International truck for sale you might have a buyer waiting for you in Innisfail.
TOYOTA’S GR PERFORMANCE
model stable is set to grow with the introduction of the GR Corolla scheduled for next year. 500 units of the hot hatch have apparently been secured for Australia, and it will join the GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR86 in the local GR range.
Toyota say the new GR variant will also complete the Corolla family, which will now be offered locally in hatch, sedan, SUV and performance hot hatch form.
Power will come from the G16E-GTS 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine that is also in the GR Yaris. However, it has been enhanced further with more power to suit the larger hatch, with a 10 per cent increase in power to 220kW. Maximum torque is 370Nm and it is paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
The GR Corolla employs the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system developed through Toyota's involvement in the World Rally Championship and offers four drive modes - Normal, Sport, Track and Custom – allowing the driver to tailor the drive to the conditions.
Visually, the GR Corolla has the lower grille opening shared by other GR products. There’s also triple-exit exhaust tips and aerodynamic spoiler, and 18-inch black alloy wheels shod in high-performance Yokohama ADVAN Apex tyres.
Inside, the GR Corolla features an 8-inch touchscreen display screen with Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay and satellite navigation, all included as part of the infotainment system. There’s also a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster display, head-up display, and a wireless smartphone charger.
Other features include dual-zone climate control; heated front seats and steering wheel; leather trim for the steering wheel, parking lever and shift knob; power windows; smart entry and start; illuminated entry; and tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment.
Active safety features as standard include Pre-Collision Safety System with Pedestrian and Daylight Cyclist Detection, Intersection Assist, Emergency Steering Assist, Lane Trace Assist, Active Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors. Further details, including pricing, will be announced closer to the model's launch in the first quarter of 2023.
FERRARI HAS MADE an SUV. Seems odd to say that, but here we are. The iconic Italian sportscar manufacturer unwrapped its latest creation last month, revealing a serious contender to the models its supercarmaking rivals – think the Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga, Rolls-Royce Cullinan etc – have been championing for the past few years.
Called the Purosangue (apparently meaning ‘thoroughbred’), the all-wheeldrive SUV is, as one might expect from Ferrari, a beautifully designed luxury vehicle with a mountain of muscle under the bonnet.
Power comes via a naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 that delivers up to 716Nm and 533kW through an 8-speed dualclutch transmission, a set-up enabling the Purosangue to hit 100km/h in 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 310km/h.
The power suits the styling, which screams performance. Sleek and potentlooking, the Purosangue also has rear
POWER COMES VIA A NATURALLY ASPIRATED 6.5-LITRE V12 THAT DELIVERS UP TO 716NM AND 533KW THROUGH AN 8-SPEED DUAL-CLUTCH TRANSMISSION.
‘suicide’ doors - doors that are hinged at the back - which are a pretty cool feature, and on the inside, driver and passengers are enclosed in an elegant, luxurious cabin. There are four separate
VIDEO: INTRODUCING THE NEW FERRARI PUROSANGUE
and independently adjustable seats and up front there’s a digital display set-up similar to other recent Ferrari models, including a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. Top-notch materials – including leather and carbon fibre – are used for the trim.
Designed from scratch, the Purosangue has plenty of lightweight materials in its construction – including aluminium and carbon fibre – plus high-strength steel, and there’s a single-shell carbon fibre roof with integrated soundproofing. That roof is optional, and also available is a fulllength electrochromic glass roof that can have its tint adjusted.
There’s active suspension technology; a new generation front suspension set-up; torque vectoring; new electronic management system; Side Slip Control that manages traction control, stability control and other features; and an array
of driver assistance (ADAS) features that includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Brake System, Auto High Beam, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Drowsiness and Attention, and more. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard.
While pricing has not been revealed, expect to pay a decent wedge (reports suggest something well north of $AU500,000) to get your hands on a Purosangue. That’s a lot of money for sure, but owning the first Ferrari SUV would be quite something.
. . . ON THE INSIDE, DRIVER AND PASSENGERS ARE ENCLOSED IN AN ELEGANT, LUXURIOUS CABIN.
TO MORE THAN 13,000 PEOPLE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE MOTORING INDUSTRY (website or e-magazine options)
FORD HAS REVEALED the seventh generation of its big-selling Mustang. The new model gets improved tech, tasty new styling, and updated engines offering more power and performance.
The potent GT variant is powered by a 5-litre Coyote V8 which Ford says will deliver the most naturally aspirated horsepower of any Mustang GT. It will be available with a six-speed manual or 10-speed auto transmission. The EcoBoost model will get an updated version of the four-cylinder turbocharged 2.3-litre powertrain.
The new design updates the Mustang’s aggressive look, with wider rear haunches and a more chiseled, brawnier feel, with the GT model differentiated from EcoBoost variants by larger grille openings engineered to allow increased airflow. There's also new hood vents and a redesigned front splitter.
In the US, customers can choose from three Brembo brake caliper color options: Black, Red and Grabber Blue, plus an all-new line-up of alloy wheels, ranging from 17-inch
standard size on base models to 19-inch for GT with optional 20inch alloy wheels. The Mustang will also be available with an optional Performance Pack, which adds a host
of track-focused features, including a front Tower Brace, Torsen Limited Slip differential and optional MagneRide active suspension, wider rear wheels and tyres, and larger, 390mm front and 355mm rear Brembo brakes. The GT Performance Pack adds brake ducts for more enhanced
THE POTENT GT VARIANT IS POWERED BY A 5-LITRE COYOTE V8 WHICH FORD SAYS WILL DELIVER THE MOST NATURALLY ASPIRATED HORSEPOWER OF ANY MUSTANG GT.
cooling and a standard auxiliary engine oil cooler. Performance Pack also offers optional Recaro seats and active exhaust. The interior gets some serious updates, with the fighter jet-inspired cabin offering the driver two digital curved displays – a 12.4-inch instrument screen and 13.2-inch infotainment display – that can be customised to display different animated designs and new drive-mode dependent instrument clusters. There’s a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and the centre console can incorporate a wireless mobile phone charging pad while new overhead USB
ports are installed above the cockpit, located for a track camera and other devices, and helping prevent wires from draping across the cabin. A Bang & Olufsen sound system is available. Tech and advanced driving assistance features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (both of which are fully compatible with Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system), Speed Sign Recognition, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (with stop-and-go functionality on automatic transmission equipped variants), Lane Centring Assist, Evasive Steer Assist and Reverse Brake Assist. The new Mustang is due to go on sale in Australia in late 2023.
MG MOTOR AUSTRALIA and New Zealand launched its updated ZS EV compact SUV in September, with the model available in two variants - an entry-level Excite model priced at $44,990 drive away, and a premium Essence model priced at $48,990 drive away. The ZS EV has received an exterior makeover and a bump up in range to 320km from 263km on the previous model. MG says that new on-board charging capabilities means up to 80 per cent of charge can be achieved in as little as 54 minutes, based on a 50kW combined charging system (CCS). Charging can also be done with a 7kW fixed wall charger,
taking around 8 hours to fully charge. Charging is done via ports hidden within the front grille. A V2L (vehicle-to-load) feature allows for the powering of appliances. Regenerative braking is, of course, a feature, and there are three driving modes available – Eco, Normal, and Sport.
THE ZS EV HAS RECEIVED AN EXTERIOR MAKEOVER AND A BUMP UP IN RANGE TO 320KM FROM 263KM ON THE PREVIOUS MODEL.
The ZS EV is powered by a 50.3kWh battery and a front-mounted electric motor that deliver 280Nm and 130kW. The sprint to 100km/h can be done in 8.2 seconds. Inside, access to infotainment
features comes via a 10.1-inch colour touchscreen and there’s an upgraded 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Much more top-notch technology is at hand, including satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Tyre Pressure Monitoring and more, as well as the MG Pilot Driver Safety Technology system that includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Departure Warning, Traffic Jam Assist, Intelligent Cruise Assist, and Speed Assistance across both the Excite and Essence models.
The Essence model gets some extra features, including Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, as well as six-speaker audio system, a wireless phone charger, electrically folding and heated door mirrors, a panoramic glass sunroof, rain sensing wipers, and a sixway electrically adjustable driver’s seat.
MG has had a good year in Australia so far in 2022. Latest figures show the company has recorded 33,860 sales so far, placing it 7th on the biggest-selling brands list for the year. The company now has 83 dealerships across the country.
FROM JANUARY 2023 ANCAP, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program, will adding new and updated tests and assessments to its star rating regime.
ANCAP shares common test and rating protocols with its European counterpart Euro NCAP, and these changes form part of ANCAP and Euro NCAP’s regular regime enhancements to encourage continual safety improvements every few years. The previous step-change in criteria took effect from January 2020.
“Our 2023 requirements build upon our existing criteria to promote further vehicle safety improvements and address some of the ongoing challenges on our roads,” said Carla Hoorweg, ANCAP CEO.
ANCAP’s expanded 2023 test and assessment criteria will include new areas such as the ability of a vehicle to avoid a crash with a motorcyclist, child presence detection, and vehicle submergence.
Several existing assessment areas will also be enhanced, including:
• a heighted focus on vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility (introducing a potential 8-point penalty compared with the current 4-point penalty);
• a 10 per cent increase to the star rating thresholds for Vulnerable Road User Protection;
• the assessment of direct driver monitoring systems to manage driver inattention and fatigue; and
• an expansion of autonomous emergency braking test scenarios to include
additional night-time tests and child pedestrian avoidance tests when a vehicle is in reverse.
“Vehicles, and the safety technologies within them, are continuing to evolve, and our test criteria are too,” said Ms Hoorweg.
“Physical protection in a crash, and the ability to actively avoid a crash are both essential elements to achieve a high ANCAP safety rating, and this approach will continue from 2023.”
The requirements set for each star rating level are designed to encourage vehicles that provide a good balance of passive safety - how well a vehicle will protect occupants in a crash, and active safety - the ability of a vehicle to prevent or minimise the outcomes of a crash through active collision avoidance systems.
“ANCAP safety ratings are designed to ensure new car buyers and the road users they interact with are offered the safest vehicles and newest technologies,” said Ms Hoorweg. “We encourage all vehicle purchasers to choose a vehicle with the highest ANCAP safety rating possible and the latest date stamp. It could save your life, or the lives of those closest to you.”
MTA Queensland has developed a series of posters that can be downloaded free of charge for members only. These are signs commonly asked for, and used, in workshops.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN-IN OR REGISTER FOR ACCESS TO MEMBER SIGNAGE
We hope to build a library of commonly needed signs, so please contact info@mtaq.com.au if you have suggestions.
MERCEDES-AMG HAS
UNVEILED the all-new C-Class 63 S E Performance, a hybrid that channels motorsport technologies and thinking into a truly potent, highperformance monster.
No longer boasting the twin-turbo V8 that powered its predecessor, the new C63 S E Performance pairs a 2-litre turbo engine with a two-speed electric motor on the rear axle and a high-performance battery system. Add a sprinkling of Formula Oneinspired engineering magic, an electric exhaust gas turbocharger that all but eliminates lag, and fully variable all-wheeldrive, and the result is a car pumping out a blockbuster 500kW and 1020Nm and which can sprint to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds on to a top speed of 280 km/h.
The 150kW electric motor is integrated with an electrically shifted two-speed gearbox and the electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential in a compact electric drive unit (EDU). The lightweight, 6.1kWh high-performance battery - which is designed for fast power delivery and draw rather than range - is located in the rear above the rear axle. While it is aimed at aiding performance, the battery can deliver 13km of electric-only range.
A belt-driven starter generator (RSG) combines an alternator and starter in one component. The RSG starts the combustion engine and ensures the basic supply of the ancillary components such as air conditioning or driving lights. This also applies when the vehicle is at a traffic
light and the charge level of the highvoltage battery is no longer sufficient to support the low-voltage on-board electrical system. The RSG is integrated into a 400-volt high-voltage network.
Eight drive modes – Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Race, Slippery, and Individual - are available to control the hybrid system and its performance.
AMG Ride Control steel-spring suspension with Adaptive Damping System is standard and there is AMG parameter steering –that adapts to a selected drive program, increasing or decreasing power assistance – and standard rear-axle steering.
The standard rear axle steering operates with a maximum steering angle of 2.5 degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels at speeds of up to 100 km/h. At speeds above 100 km/h, the rear wheels turn in parallel to the front wheels - up to a maximum of 0.7 degrees.
The integrated AMG dynamic control system is also part of the standard specification. It influences the control strategies of ESP (Electronic Stability
Program), the all-wheel drive, and the electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential.
The braking set-up is an AMG highperformance composite brake system with 6-piston fixed callipers at the front and 1-piston floating callipers at the rear as standard. A ceramic high-performance composite braking system is available as an option.
The C 63 S rolls on 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. Optional wheel/tyre combinations are available in 20-inch size, likewise with mixed tyres, among them a new forged wheel.
Numerous paint finishes and equipment items are also available, with the AMG matt paint finish graphite grey magno available exclusively for the C 63 S. The exterior design can be accentuated with the AMG Exterior Carbon Fibre packages I and II, the AMG Night packages I and II or
the AMG Aerodynamics Package.
On the inside, there are AMG sports seats, while a second-generation AMG Performance seat is available as an option. The MBUX infotainment system includes various AMG- and hybrid-specific displays and functions. These include special displays in the instrument cluster, on the multimedia central display in the centre console and on the optional head-up display.
The appearance of the instrument cluster can be personalised with different display styles and individually selectable main views, including an AMG-specific Supersport style. The head-up display also offers AMG-specific display styles such as Race and Supersport. Accessible is AMG TRACK PACE, the data logger for use on the racetrack and which records more than 80 vehicle-specific data such as speed, acceleration, steering angle and brake pedal actuation ten times per second while driving around a racetrack. In addition, the lap and sector times are displayed. Standard is the AMG Performance steering wheel, enabling plenty of features to be controlled without the driver having to remove their hands from the wheel.
It is possible to select the regeneration levels of the hybrid drive via the steering wheel buttons.
The Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance is expected in Australia in mid-2023.
VIVA ENERGY GROUP is to acquire the Coles Express convenience store and fuel retail business from Coles.
The $300 million acquisition will create the largest single branded Australian fuel and convenience network under a single retail operator, with 710 Coles sites to be rebranded over the next two years.
Coles Group and Viva Energy had a Fuel and Convenience Alliance via which, under arrangements announced in 2019, was set to run to 2029 and saw Viva Energy take responsibility for retail fuel pricing and marketing while Coles Express remained responsible for convenience retailing through operating the stores.
Viva said in a statement that by bringing the two businesses together now through the acquisition, it can ‘more efficiently optimise the network and is in a better position to make the investments necessary to keep evolving the convenience offer at a point where sales are recovering, and consumers are increasingly seeking greater convenience offers.’
Viva is the exclusive licensee to supply Shell fuels in Australia, has a network of around 1,350 Shell and Liberty service stations across the country, and also owns and operates the Geelong Oil Refinery.
As part of the transaction, Coles customers will continue to be offered benefits such as access to the four cent per litre fuel docket, and Viva Energy will remain a partner of the Flybuys Program, allowing customers to continue redeeming points across the network.
Viva Energy said that it expects the convenience market - which had achieved average annual growth of 3.1 per cent in
the last seven calendar years - to continue to deliver strong growth potential.
The company also said that demand for traditional fuels is expected to remain strong well into the next decade, ‘and the adoption of new energies such as battery and hydrogen electric vehicles will lead to growing demand for convenient onroad recharging and refuelling options, and therefore new convenience growth opportunities.’
“This is an exciting step for Viva Energy that will enable us to further extend our network, invest in new and innovative convenience offers across our stores, and enhance our loyalty and digital programs to simplify the way our customers transact with us” said Scott Wyatt, CEO of Viva Energy.
The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to complete in the first half of 2023.
SUZUKI QUEENSLAND HAS launched the new S-Cross SUV, with the new model offering the highest levels of luxury and active safety features ever released under the Suzuki brand.
Two variants of the newly designed S-Cross are available – the GL-Plus and GLX – with both being powered by a 103kW/220Nm, 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbo charged engine matched to a six-speed automatic transmission with a centre shift lever and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts.
Suzuki says fuel economy is 5.2 litres per 100km on the extra urban cycle, 7.9 on the urban cycle and 6.2 litres per 100km on the combined.
The new S-Cross sports Suzuki’s Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS) system featuring an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) a lane weaving alert and lane departure warning.
TWO VARIANTS OF THE NEWLY DESIGNED S-CROSS ARE AVAILABLE – THE GL-PLUS AND GLX – WITH BOTH BEING POWERED BY A 103KW/220NM, 1.4-LITRE BOOSTERJET TURBO CHARGED ENGINE MATCHED TO A SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION . . .
It incorporates an autonomous braking system that has three levels of assistance:
• Potential forward collision warning
• Forward collision mitigation and braking assistance and,
• Full autonomous braking
Adaptive cruise control which regulates travelling distance to the vehicle in front, is standard across both models. A speed limiter is also included.
Parking sensors, front and rear, also are standard across the S-Cross range.
Both models also have Suzuki’s All-Grip traction system which automatically switches between two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive depending on road conditions and driving style. There are four modes – Auto, Sport, Snow and Mud, and Lock - to the All-Grip system.
The new S-Cross has heated front seats covered in fabric material on the GL-Plus and a combination of leather and leatherette on the GLX.
The GL-Plus has a 7-inch infotainment system which incorporates a rear-view
camera. The GLX gets a 9-inch system with navigation and a 360-degree camera. The display also has a digital clock, gear position indicator, driving mode indicator, driving range until empty and ambient temperature, and can be personalised to display data the way the driver wants.
Auto adjusting headlights and daylight running lights are standard as are seven airbags, tinted front windows and rear privacy glass.
The S-Cross GL Plus has an RRP OF $40,990, the GLX variant comes in at $43,490 or $44,490 with the optional sunroof.
AUSTRALIA has launched the eVito all-electric van models – the eVito Panel Van and the eVito Tourer eight-seat people mover – into the local market.
The eVito Panel Van has an electric motor sending 85kW of power and 360Nm of torque from the 60kWh battery pack to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. Estimated driving range is up to 262km (NEDC) between recharging.
The company says a charging time from 0-100 per cent using AC with a charging power of 11 kW is estimated to take approximately 6.5 hours. 80kW DC fast charging can top up the battery pack from 10-80 per cent in around 35 minutes. Both methods use the vehicle’s inbuilt Type 2 (CCS) charging system. Regenerative braking adds to the vehicle’s range.
The eVito Panel Van offers an 882kg of payload, a GVM of 3200 kg, and up to 6 cubic metres of cargo load volume via a
. . . A CHARGING TIME FROM 0-100 PER CENT USING AC WITH A CHARGING POWER OF 11 KW IS ESTIMATED TO TAKE APPROXIMATELY 6.5 HOURS. 80 KW DC FAST CHARGING CAN TOP UP THE BATTERY PACK FROM 10-80 PER CENT IN AROUND 35 MINUTES.
loading space that is 2398mm long, 1709mm wide (excluding wheel arches) and 1392mm high. There are dual rear sliding doors.
The two-seat eVito Panel Van offers Blind Spot Assist with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert; Lane Keeping Assist; Active Brake Assist; PARKTRONIC Active Parking Assist; Highbeam Assist Plus; Hill-Start Assist; Crosswind Assist; front and rear parking sensors; front, thorax and window airbags;
automatic headlights; rain-sensing wipers; daytime running lights; and a front and rear acoustic sound generator. Other driving aids include rollover mitigation, load adaptive control, enhanced understeer control and acceleration skid control.
Standard equipment includes Active Distance Assist cruise control; a reversing camera with dynamic steering lines and three rear-view modes; a seveninch touchscreen with voice control capability, Bluetooth audio streaming and Smartphone integration (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay); a leather-covered, adjustable multifunction steering wheel; a seatbelt warning for both seats; illuminated exits; handy stowage including a centre console, eyewear compartment and cup
holders; heated and electrically adjustable side mirrors; and window tinting. The fabric trim seats have lumbar support and cushion length adjustment and are heated.
The eight-seater eVito Tourer shares the same underpinnings and basic architecture, plus safety features and spec list as the Panel Van though it is equipped with a more powerful electric motor sending 150kW and 365Nm to the front wheels. A 90kWh battery offers a claimed 421km of range. Mercedes-Benz Vans says charging from 0 to 100 per cent using AC charging (at 11 kW) takes 10 hours, while DC fast charging (at 110 kW) from 10-80 per cent requires around 45 minutes.
MLRP pricing for the eVito models sees the Van come in at $89,353, and the Tourer people mover at $116,115.
eVito Tourer
HILUX Rogue flagship pick-up is set to arrive in showrooms this month boasting significant mechanical upgrades.
The changes to the Rogue's suspension centre around a front and rear track increase of approximately 140mm, while ride height has also been increased by approximately 20mm.
Engineers upgraded the HiLux suspension by extending the length of the front suspension arm and front stabiliser bar, while also adjusting the front damper angle.
The rear axle has been lengthened, and the rear dampers have been moved out towards the wheels.
A rear stabiliser bar has been installed, which Toyota says helps to improve roll rigidity by 20 per cent and enhance steering feel when cornering and changing lanes.
Brakes have been improved with rear ventilated disc brakes replacing the existing drum brakes. The existing 17-inch alloy wheels have been replaced by 18-inch alloys with a darkened finish.
Rogue retains features such as the locally developed motorised roller cover, resin sports bar, and tub lined with marine-grade carpet.
Other standard specification highlights include heated front seats with perforated leather accented upholstery, panoramic view monitor and an integrated trailer wiring harness and towball.
HiLux Rogue is powered by a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 150kW/500Nm, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Nine exterior colours are available, consisting of Glacier White, Frosted White, Silver Sky, Graphite, Eclipse Black, Nebula Blue, Feverish Red, Saturn Blue and Oxide Bronze.
The upgraded HiLux Rogue will be priced from $70,200 plus on-road costs.
THE MITSUBISHI TRITON ute range is to get a ‘Sport Edition’ variant. Limited to 400 units and based on the premium GLS Deluxe grade, the new model features some aesthetic and functional updates to make it stand apart, including red accents applied to the skid plate, side steps and rear section, with bonnet and tailgate decals. Inside, the seats are upholstered in black leather with red stitching.
All Triton Sport Editions are configured as Dual Cab Pick Ups. Based as it is on the GLS Deluxe grade, the Triton Sport Edition is available with the six-speed automatic transmission.
The 2023 model year update will see the return of the factory-fitted SDA1 audio system to Triton GLX-R and GLS model grades, thanks to improved component supply conditions. This system features a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as two USB points and a HDMI port to support multiple connections.
All Triton variants are powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged, intercooled diesel engine. In the Sport Edition, the set-up delivers 133kW and 430Nm and 8.6 litres per 100km fuel consumption.
Triton models get a range of passive and active safety features, including airbags to the front and side for both the driver and front passenger, curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag.
Active safety and support features include Emergency Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist, Active Stability Control, Trailer Stability Assist, Active Traction Control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Brake Override System. Features including Forward Collision Mitigation system with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Hill Descent Control are available depending on the model.
The updated Triton range is expected in dealerships from December with prices ranging from $30,740 to $64,640.
LDV IS TO introduce three new electric vehicles into the Australian market, including the first electric ute/pick-up, starting this November.
LDV is backed by China’s SAIC, one of the world’s largest carmakers which delivered nearly six million vehicles in 2021 and which also owns the fast-rising MG brand. The company will launch the eT60, Australia’s first fully electric ute; the eDeliver 9, an electrified version of LDV’s large van; and the Mifa 9, a luxury electric people mover.
The headliner amongst this product offering is the eT60. Based on the T60 model, the EV variant will be offered initially in 4x2 double cab guise and will be powered by an 88.5kWh battery pack,
good for a claimed combined WLTP range of 330km. LDV says charging from 5-100 per cent using an 11kW charger takes approximately 9 hours, while DC fast charging will charge the ute from 20 to 80 per cent in approximately 45 mins.
While the complete Australian specs are yet to be revealed, the eT60 is on sale in New Zealand and there it has a 150\ kW/310Nm motor, a payload of 750kg and a braked towing rating of 1500kg, and comes safety, driving assistance, and infotainment features including Anti-lock braking, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist, Reversing Camera, Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist, Electronic Stability
Control with Roll Movement Intervention, Automatic Front Headlights, Automatic Rain Sensing Wipers, USB connections, and a 10.25-inch touch screen entertainment system with Apple CarPlay.
Also to be revealed in November is the eDeliver 9 large van which will be available in long wheelbase mid- and high-roof variants, along with cab chassis options. The vans are powered by an 88.5kWH battery back offering a claimed 280km of range (WLTP, based on mid roof model).
LDV says charging time for the eDeliver 9 via a 3-phase AC charger takes approximately 9 hours with a maximum charge rate of 11kW, while DC fast-charging takes approximately 45 minutes to go from 20-80 per cent charge at a maximum rate of 80kW.
The LDV Mifa 9 electric people mover initially be offered in a 7-seater variant (with an 8-seat model due in 2023) and will be available in three variants.
The Mifa 9 is powered by a 90kWh battery delivering a WLTP combined range of up to 440km depending on the variant. Charging time via an 11kW charger takes approximately 8.5 hours, while DC fast charging takes approximately 36 minutes to charge from 20-80 per cent.
The Mifa 9 will come with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Collision Warning System, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Assist, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Electronic Stability Control and Fatigue Reminder.
Full details, specification and pricing of the eT60, eDeliver 9 and Mifa 9 will be revealed in November.
“The global auto market is undergoing its most significant revolution in decades,” said Dinesh Chinnappa, General Manager of LDV Australia, in a statement.
“Every major OEM is committed to developing electric vehicles, but what is less spoken about is the growing influence of China’s EV market on the rest of the world – and we in Australia are now benefiting from that influence with the arrival of eT60, eDeliver 9 and Mifa 9.
“In the first half of 2022, 2.4 million EVs were delivered to customers in China, more than double the total annual new car market in Australia. EVs now account for 26 per cent of all car sales in China, and 57 per cent of global EV sales. China is moving ahead in electrifying its transport industry and it’s bringing the rest of the world – including Australia – with it.”
NEW VEHICLE SALES were strong in September with the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) reporting that 93,555 units were sold during September, a 12.3 per cent increase on the same month in 2021. That number brings year-to-date sales to 811,130 for 2022.
Sales were up in Queensland by 2.9 per cent to 20,634, with increases also recorded in the ACT (up 67.7 per cent with 1,498 vehicles sold), New South Wales (up 20.8 per cent with 28,945 sold), and Victoria (up 23.8 per cent with 25,367 sales). All other States and Territories recorded declines in sales with the Northern Territory down 9.8 per cent (832), South Australia down 2.2 per cent (6,005), Tasmania down 0.9 per cent (1,630), and Western Australia down 6 per cent (8,644).
Toyota led the market with a total of 14,852 vehicles sold. Kia was next with 7,290 followed by Mazda (7,259), Mitsubishi (6,784) and Ford (6,635).
The Toyota Hi-Lux was the highest selling model with 5,170 sales reported with the Ford Ranger following with 4,890. Tesla’s Model Y was next with 4,359 followed by Mazda’s CX-5 (2,439) and
Mitsubishi’s Triton (2,319).
Battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales were up strongly over August. 7,247 sales were recorded in September against 4,235 in August – an indication of the interest in BEVs amongst Australia’s new vehicle buyers.
Tesla, once again, was the gorilla in the EV room, notching up 5,969 sales for September (up from 3,397 in August) enabling to company to hold on to the 7th place spot on the biggest-selling manufacturers that it secured last month.
“During September 2022, 7,247 battery electric vehicles were sold, more than hybrid and plug-in-hybrid combined (5,141),” said Tony Weber, FCAI Chief Executive.
“Year to date, 21,771 battery electric vehicles have been sold. While the overall market share of battery electric vehicles remains low (2.7 per cent), there is a clear market trend towards zero emission technology.”
The FCAI noted in its sales report that China was the third largest supplier of vehicles to the Australian market in September with 14,889 vehicles. Japan (23,880) and Thailand (20,363) remain Australia’s largest source of vehicles.
IN A REMINDER to all about the importance of accurate record keeping and not falsifying timesheets, time theft was found to be grounds for serious misconduct that led to the instant dismissal of an employee.
This case showed that employers don't have to warn employees not to act dishonestly, nor provide them with detailed allegations prior to a disciplinary meeting. In this case, the Fair Work Commission rejected a worker's unfair dismissal claim*.
This decision not only reinforces longstanding principles around misconduct dismissals, but also the serious nature of "time theft".
The Axiom Rail full-time shift worker was dismissed after he sought to claim hours he hadn't worked for a shift he started two hours late.
The employee tried to claim the real reason for his dismissal was that he sought to assert his rights to full-time hours and the corresponding pay, but the Fair Work Commission found otherwise.
Amongst the various facts considered was a final written warning given to the employee after he sent an abusive text
complaining about his roster and telling the employer to "get it right #^%"; showing up late to a shift; being "difficult" when given specific instructions; and leaving early without permission.
Getting expert timely advice for management to follow appropriate disciplinary process is a valuable service that the Workplace Relations Advisors give to MTA Queensland Members.
*Tiavo v Axiom Rail Pty Ltd [2020] FWC 4819
For Business enquiries about wages, salaries, employment contracts, dismissals and representation, please contact the MTA Queensland Workplace Relations team on 07 3237 8777.
EMPLOYERS DON'T HAVE TO WARN EMPLOYEES NOT TO ACT DISHONESTLY, NOR PROVIDE THEM WITH DETAILED ALLEGATIONS PRIOR TO A DISCIPLINARY MEETING.
Trade Recognition is the process of having your skills and work experience formally assessed against industry and educational requirements for the purpose of gaining a formal trade qualification.
MTA Institute offers a Government
Subsidised Trade Skills Assessment and Gap Training Program for the following qualifications:
• AUR30316 – Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
• AUR30416 – Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology
• AUR30616 – Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
• AUR30716 – Certificate III in Outdoor Power Equipment
• AUR30816 – Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology
• AUR31016 – Certificate III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting)
• AUR31116 – Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
• AUR31216 – Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology
• AUR32116 – Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology
• AUR32416 – Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology
• AUR32518 – Certificate III in Automotive Underbody Technology
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
i) Aged 21 years or over
ii) Have not completed a trade qualification in the same industry area
iii) Permanently reside in Queensland
iv) Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or hold an eligible visa as identified by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training; or
v) Meet any additional eligibility requirements identified through this Initiative and:
a. Individuals assessed as demonstrating substantial competency in a prospective trade qualification, who require gap training in no more than 40% of the funded competencies of that Priority Trade Qualification; and
b. Express a commitment to gain the entire qualification.
This program is mostly subsidised by the Queensland Government; however, mandatory student co-contribution fees are applicable for all units requiring gap training.
The course duration will depend upon individual circumstances and the amount of gap training required.
The duration and applicable fees will be advised upon a successful application.
Training and assessment can be arranged at either MTA Institute’s premises or an approved automotive workplace. Please refer to www.mtai.edu.au for full details or for further information contact one of our friendly team members using the contact details below.
WE ARE ALWAYS looking at ways to support industry and, in a move to help support the labour shortages in the automotive industry, we have embarked on a program to train international students.
With Australia's borders reopening, the focus on international training has begun to move beyond our Queensland apprenticeship training model to provide a further avenue for workplace skills for the local automotive industry. The MTA Institute is looking forward to delivering its first intake of international students in the first half of 2023.
Not that we are just focussing on international students. The MTA Institute continues to grow its apprentice cohort throughout the state with a significant increase in apprenticeship numbers, whilst maintaining its position as the leader in automotive apprenticeship training in Queensland.
Of particular interest is that some 64 per cent of our apprentices are training in regional Queensland, where skilled automotive labour is greatly needed. It is well known that a student who can train within their home region is more than
likely to stay and reside within their home region, something that continues to be of economic importance to Queensland. We pride ourselves on delivering workplace-relevant skills in the workplace and it is pleasing to see this is recognised by our apprentices and their employers.
To continue with this pipeline of industryready people, we continue to support the regions with our Auto Ready program, delivering a week-long school program at locations across the State. So far, we’ve delivered in Oaky, Dysart, Rockhampton, and Brisbane, with future sites located in Mackay and the Sunshine Coast.
As always, if there is any question you have regarding automotive workforce training, please reach out.
APPRENTICE:
MELISSA SMITH
WORKPLACE:
CRANK AUTO ELECTRICS & AIR CONDITIONING, DECEPTION BAY APPRENTICESHIP:
AUTO ELECTRICAL
The 35-year-old is in the third year of her autoelectrical apprenticeship and works at Crank Auto Electrics and Air Conditioning in Deception Bay, north of Brisbane.
While Melissa is, according to her MTA Institute trainer Roger West, ‘one of the most dedicated and professional apprentices I have ever trained’ possessing an ‘attention to detail that is second to none’, there is more to Melissa’s involvement with Crank than being an apprentice toiling to earn her trade certificate.
Melissa is, in fact, a co-owner of the business with her husband Cameron, and as well as helping out in the workshop and keeping up with her studies, she does the administration and bookwork for the business too. On top of that, the couple, who run Crank on their own, are bringing up three young children. A harder working, more dedicated duo would be hard to find.
Taking on an auto electrical apprenticeship was not something that Melissa considered as a career when she was younger, but when Cameron, who also did his training with the MTA Institute, left his job with a small auto-electrical business in 2016, the couple decided to go it alone, starting Crank as a mobile business. It was a brave call and the start of a couple of long years establishing the business.
“We’d just had our twins, we had $500 in the bank, and we bought a $600 Kia hatchback for Cameron to get around in with his tools in the back!” said Melissa. “Our daughter arrived a year later, so Cameron was doing just about everything for a while.”
As things began to settle, Melissa was able to help out. “Once I was back on my feet after our daughter arrived, I started getting into the administration and accounting side of things,” she said. “In 2018, we moved into a shop, but we had a few difficulties and moved to
where we are at the moment at the end of 2019.”
Taking on the apprenticeship can be attributed to Melissa’s single-minded character and partly to the fact she bumped regularly into the prejudices of those who didn’t believe she knew enough about the business in which she was working.
“I did all the paperwork for the business and it was more that people would have a dig at me that I didn’t understand the industry,” she said. “And I was thinking, ‘I’ll get into it then!’
"I like knowing everything, so if I couldn’t explain something 100 per cent, it irritated me. As soon as someone says I can’t do something it makes we want to do it even more!”
Cue taking on the apprenticeship and the training that Cameron was adamant she complete with the MTA Institute.
Today, Melissa is well-skilled and working on complex and tricky tasks. She does, she said, like a challenge, and as Crank offers a wide variety of services, she gets to enjoy plenty of them.
“We do performance builds, body and engine swaps, 4WDs, accessories like winches, full kit outs, air conditioning –anything to do with auto-electric work, we can do it,” she said.
“I enjoy doing the full builds – top-to-tail rewires – and troubleshooting the computer side of things. That is one of Cameron’s strengths and watching him troubleshoot and diagnose is quite something. It is astounding how he works it all out.”
As small business owners, Melissa and Cameron can work epically long hours, but the couple are, Melissa said, content with the progress they are making, and determined to grow Crank into something truly substantial.
“We work hard, but get the satisfaction of seeing the business develop,” she said. “If you want to keep going and get somewhere in life, you have to put the work in.
“Our plan is to become a one-stop shop for cars to go through a start-to-finish process. We’d love to take on a mechanic and a fabricator and offer everything required for a car build to be completely custom.
“That’s our absolute dream,” she added. “I am a realist and that might take time, but we are hoping the business will be generational and be a little empire for kids to take on. We have big dreams, and I don’t think we can stop!”
• 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 September 2022 - it is a fantastic achievement!
Aaron Garrett
Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology
Brayden Meredith Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology
Caitlin Cortis Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
Zachary Worthington Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
Alex Gosley
Christine Wilkins
Jack Paton
Daniel Ashford
Ethan Blundell
David Burnie
Nicolae Cirstea
Danielle Clark
James Crickmay
Murray Emmett
Kye Hinrichs
Joshua Isaacson
Nicholas Klease-Andrews
Tyson Lamb
Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology
Certificate III in Automotive Sales (Parts Interpreting)
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
Benjamin Madsen Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Zackary Molnar
Lochlan Rouse
Dylan Sanders
Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Beaudene Slatter Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Dalton Theilemann Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Martin Wylie Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Brendan Clark
Ethan Homer
Max May
William Noonan
Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology
Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology
Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology
Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology
Shane Palmer
Shane Palmer
Gareth Hartley
Roger West
Shane Palmer
Scott Buckley
Jeff Mann
Stuart Davies
Jens Puder
Stephen Blaauw
Antony Joslin
David Twidale
Simon Verkroost
James Dixon
Terry Palfrey
Simon Verkroost
Sol Layland
Dennis Shaw
James Dixon
Dennis Shaw
Andrew Keys
Ross Wilson
Don Lerm
Stuart Davies
David Twidale
Ivan Aird
Jason McCann
Jason McCann
Neville Donaldson
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.
openpay is a leading buy now, pay later service favoured by the automotive industry. Openpay gives customers longer to pay for servicing and parts through interest-free payment plans, while you get paid the next business day. Not just a payment method, but a smarter way to triple your Average Transaction Value.
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.
MTA QUEENSLAND WILL be hosting its Industry Awards Gala Dinner at the Emporium Hotel in Brisbane on the evening of Saturday, 19 November.
Bringing all sectors of the automotive industry together to celebrate the achievements of MTA Queensland members, MTA Institute apprentices, and the industry as a whole, the evening will be hosted by Ben Davis from Channel Seven, who will be joined by special guest Dean Boxall, the award-winning Australian swimming coach who has guided several of the nation’s top competitors, including current double Olympic Champion Ariarne Titmus, to glory in the pool. The highlights of the evening, as ever,
will be the announcement of the winners of the MTA Queensland awards. In last month’s edition of Motor Trader, we published the details of the amazing individuals and businesses that are finalists in the Community award, the Innovation award, and the Women In Industry award categories.
THEY REPRESENT THE FUTURE OF THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY, AND IT IS NO SMALL ACHIEVEMENT TO SHINE WHILE WORKING IN AN INDUSTRY THAT IS CHANGING AT SUCH PACE.2021 MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year finalists
In this month’s edition, and over the next few pages, we focus on the incredibly talented group of finalists in the running for the MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year award.
They represent the future of the automotive industry and it is no small achievement to shine while training and working in an industry that is changing at such pace. New challenges and new technologies - including the rise of electrified vehicles - demand much of those working across all sectors, and these 12 finalists have been exceptional in rising to those challenges with dedication, zeal, and plenty of skill. Noteworthy too, is that amongst the 12 are three women, proving that the male-centric view that is often
held of our industry is becoming outdated. All of these finalists excelled during their apprenticeship training and are already winners, having been presented with the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month award at some stage over the past 12 months. That, in itself, is something to be proud of, as the MTA Institute (RTO No. 31529) – the largest independent provider of automotive apprenticeship and training in Queensland – is currently training more than 2200 students across the state. It takes quite a bit to stand out in that crowd! However, there can be only one winner of the Apprentice of the Year award and that person will be revealed on November 19. Congratulations to them all on their achievements so far, and good luck!
EMPLOYER DURING APPRENTICEHIP: CAM DUFFY AUTOS
MITCHELL JOHNSTON was the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month award winner for September 2021.
The then 18-year-old had, in fact, just completed his light vehicle apprenticeship when Motor Trader spoke with him about winning the award.
Starting his training when he was just 15, Mitchell showed plenty of passion for the work and enthusiasm to learn, and impressed throughout his apprenticeship with his work ethic and skills.
“Mitchell has demonstrated focus in training visits, has always complied with requests, and completed training tasks to a very high standard,” said his MTA Institute trainer Scott Buckley at the time. “I have seen Mitchell grow with knowledge and confidence in his light vehicle mechanical trade and I believe he will become a top technician.”
Mitchell completed his apprenticeship at, and still works for, Cam Duffy Autos in Malanda, Far North Queensland, and started work there as a school-based apprentice.
His family owns a dairy farm and a concrete business, so he grew up around trucks and heavy machinery, helping out where he could and where, he said, he ‘loved to get involved’.
While that meant that initially he was interested in becoming a heavy vehicle technician, chances to get an apprenticeship in that trade were limited, so he took the chance to get into the industry and start learning when a light
vehicle apprenticeship opportunity emerged at Cam Duffy Autos.
With the business being involved in everything from general vehicle servicing to autoglass to wheel alignments and pretty much everything in between, Mitchell has been able to gain experience across many vehicle maintenance requirements.
“The opportunity was close to home, was in the industry, and doing what I enjoyed,” he said. “And we do a wide variety of work here. We work on passenger vehicles, 4WDs, light trucks, caravans – all sorts of things. There’s quite a variety of work, although I prefer working on older vehicles and engines – anything that is a bit older really.”
As Cam Duffy Autos is also an RACQ Approved Repairer and RACQ Road Service Contractor, Mitchell also gets the opportunity to get mobile.
“I do enjoy getting out on the road doing RACQ work,” he said. “There’s a lot of travelling and having to think on the spot, and I like a challenge.”
Having trained with the MTA Institute and Scott Buckley since the beginning of his apprenticeship, Mitchell said that the Institute’s model of one-on-one training at the student’s place of employment was one that he could readily recommend.
“I didn’t have to travel away for weeks at a time, and it was all done at the workshop,” he said. “You get a lot more time with the trainer and are able to go through things a lot better. The other way of training – when you go away for a time to learn – does mean you get to meet new
people and make new contacts, but the Institute training did work well for me.”
While he is now qualified as a light vehicle mechanic, Mitchell, like many young people entering the industry, is aware of the changes in vehicle tech that are on the horizon such as electric vehicles. More training, he said, is likely to feature down the track, and he is keen to follow up on his first interest –heavy vehicle – while gaining plenty of experience at Cam Duffy Autos.
“I’d like to stay here for a few years,” he said. “I am really enjoying it, I really like working with the people here, and I do need to thank Cam and Andrea for giving me the chance at the apprenticeship, and my mum and dad for supporting me.
“I haven’t had a lot to do with
electric vehicles, so I’ll see what happens there and adapt to the changes as they happen, but one day I would like to go into heavy vehicle and maybe even have my own mobile heavy vehicle business.”
Mitchell will have plenty of support at the Industry Award Dinner evening, with his parents and six of his colleagues from Cam Duffy Autos making the trip down from Malanda to cheer him on. He was, he said, looking forward to the night, regardless of who amongst the finalists picks up the Apprentice of the Year award.
“Being from a small town, it’ll be something quite different to be down in the big city,” he said. “We all deserve to be there, so we’ll wait and see what happens, but I’m sure it will be a good night!”
QUALIFICATION: AUR30620 CERTIFICATE III
LIGHT VEHICLE MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY
EMPLOYER DURING APPRENTICEHIP: INSANE PERFORMANCE
TODD MARSHALL was the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for October 2021.
The 39-year-old completed his light vehicle apprenticeship in September last year with Insane Performance in Rockhampton and today runs his own business, TM Performance and Fabrication, building and modifying drag and race cars.
Starting an automotive apprenticeship in your mid-30s is something of an unusual move, but Todd has always had a passion for cars. He helped his father work on his cars, and has owned, modified and built drag racing cars since he was a teenager – a pastime that enabled him to develop fabricating and welding skills that he could
easily build a career around.
However, as sometimes happens, a person can find themselves following a different path than the one that seems obvious and Todd would spend several years as a qualified butcher, then several more in the construction industry, during which time he would gain a Certificate III in Chemical Processing while working at a chemical plant. But it was those skills learned building his own cars that would ultimately see Todd make the switch to the automotive industry.
“I have always been into cars, and drag racing in particular,” said Todd when Motor Trader caught up with him last year after he picked up the Apprentice of
the Month award. “Since I was 18, I have always had a drag car or a streetcar, and I have always worked on them myself, making what I needed.”
Todd’s skillset becomes apparent when you catch a glimpse of his current drag car – a 1975 Ford Cortina that can run the quarter-mile in 8.2 seconds at 162mph (260km/h).
“I’ve had that car for about five years and bought it as a drag car, but it was sort of unfinished,” he said. “It was really a shell with a roll cage when I got it, and I rebuilt the roll cage, built the differential – the diff housing – the rear suspension, fabricated the front suspension, used lightweight components, and the engine is a turbocharged LS1 that runs on methanol and produces about 1000hp (745kW). My focus is 1/8-mile racing and I have done a 5.1 at 120mph (193km/h).”
It was for these skills, developed over years, that Todd ended up working with Insane Performance. The business offers a broad range of services –from logbook servicing and general repairs and maintenance of regular passenger vehicles, through to 4WD diesel ECU remapping and DPF solutions, to full-on performance work including race car fabrication and engine upgrades. It’s a place where Todd could fit right in.
“When I finished up at the chemical plant, I thought I might have a couple of months off work, but a mate showed me on Facebook that Insane Performance were looking for someone and I ended up there,” he said. “I started as a fabricator, doing work on exhausts and race cars, but about three months after starting, I was offered an apprenticeship.”
While working for Insane Performance had been a great experience, the pull to be his own boss and focus on building cars was strong, and things fell quickly into place for Todd to branch out on his own.
“I was happy at Insane Performance, but I have always done drag car fabrication and I was continually having people approach me to work on their cars,” said Todd. “I got offered a workshop at the right price and thought, ‘I’m not getting any younger, I should probably give it a crack’.
“So now I have my workshop and build complete cars for people,” he said. “They come in with a shell and I can fit them out with a roll cage to ANDRA/IHRA requirements, I build the differentials, the four-link system, the front suspension system, and fabricate fuel tanks. Some come in and I build the complete chassis out of tube.
“The majority of my work is roll cages and diff conversions, drag race chassis and suspension set-ups, but I am about to start a road-legal drag car which means there are a lot more boxes to tick, as I have to take into consideration the Australian Design Rules.”
Todd is planning to be at the awards night and said he was proud to be a finalist for the Apprentice of the Year award. He recognised too what the boost of winning the award might do for his fellow finalists and is very relaxed about the outcome on the night.
“I am very pleased to be a finalist, 100 per cent,” he said. “But it maybe that the award would be better off going to one of the younger finalists. However, I am looking forward to coming down and having a few beers and enjoying the evening!”
QUALIFICATION: AUR31120 CERTIFICATE II IN HEAVY COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY
EMPLOYER DURING APPRENTICEHIP: TRUCKS ON THE RUN
ANDREW SHEPHERD was the Apprentice of the Month for November 2021. The 24-year-old completed his Heavy Commercial Vehicle apprenticeship last year and works at Trucks On The Run in Toowoomba, a business that offers truck and trailer repairs and maintenance, mobile and on-site servicing, and a 24/7 breakdown service.
Andrew started with the business in 2016, working first as a casual trades assistant before being offered an apprenticeship. Having grown up on the family farm and being used to helping to repair and maintain the machinery that a farm needs to function, Andrew was well prepared to take on a mechanical trade.
His original choice of trade was something agricultural but, at the time, opportunities were rare.
“I grew up around tractors, trucks, ploughs, and planters so I have always had a mechanical interest and a basic knowledge of how some things work,” said Andrew when he talked to Motor Trader last year.
“When I finished school in 2014, I was looking at getting in as a tractor mechanic but there wasn’t a huge demand for apprentices. So, I spent time on the farm and then I got a job as a casual trades assistant at Trucks On The Run and was offered the apprenticeship after about 8 months.
“It is a great place to work. We are looked after really well, everyone gets along and, while it is laid back, we do a great standard of work.”
And there is plenty of work to be done.
Transport, agriculture and mining are big parts of the region’s economy, so the heavy commercial industry is essential and Trucks On The Run’s services mean Andrew and the team get plenty of experience.
“We do breakdowns – we’re on call 24/7 – and we have contracts to service trailers and trucks and do on-site repairs and so on. I get to do a fair bit of that,” he said. “Back at base, we do the big jobs like rebuilds on motors, clutches, and discs, as well as steering and suspension, and a bit of auto electrical. We basically cover the whole machine – truck and trailer – from front to back.”
Regarding his training, Andrew said he was glad to have switched to MTA Institute after a couple of false starts with other organisations. The Institute’s in-theworkplace, one-on-one method of training delivery worked well for him, he said, and Wayne Abrahams, his trainer, had delivered great support.
“It was a good run once I came over to MTA Institute,” said Andrew. “And during the times when we were really busy and I had a bit of trouble keeping up with my theory study, Wayne made room for that and helped along. The support was great all around.”
Over the past year, Andrew has taken on more responsibility and more technical jobs at Trucks On The Run, including more diagnostic and top-end electrical work, as well as helping to supervise the current crop of five apprentices at the workshop.
In the long run, however, Andrew said that he may look at a return to his agricultural roots.
“Long term I think I would like to go farming,” he said. “When I was on the farm, I would sometimes watch the professional mechanics come in and do their stuff and I always wanted to be able to do that – to be able to look at something, know what was wrong with it and fix it. And
now I can do that, and that is a dream come true.”
Andrew will be attending the Industry Awards Gala Dinner and said he had no expectations beyond having a good night.
“I am excited to see who gets the award, and meeting everyone and learning their backgrounds and where they stand amongst it all,” he said. “It’ll be great, and I am really looking forward to it.”
QUALIFICATION: AUR30320 CERTIFICATE III
AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY
EMPLOYER DURING APPRENTICEHIP: MACKAY TRANSIT COACHES
A YOUNG AND enthusiastic apprentice can often bring new and exciting ideas to a workplace, and Britain Leotta, the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for December 2021, is one such person.
The 20-year-old works for Mackay Transit Coaches – which operates school, urban route, mine transfer and charter/ tour services – and is now in the third year of his auto electrical apprenticeship. Britain has impressed not only with his passion for the job and his skill level, but with his initiative. For example, when Motor Trader first spoke with him when he won the Apprentice of the Month award, Britain was using his interest in the relatively new area of 3D printing to manufacture cost-effective replacement parts. For example, when the cover of an Allison transmission controller needed replacing, rather than waiting for a new part – which would have involved purchasing the whole controller unit for around $1000 – it was Britain who
came up with the idea that the plastic cover could, in fact, be replaced with a 3D printed part for a fraction of the cost. And Britain was able to make that part himself – for a cost of just $12!
With hundreds of other parts able to be replicated this way, it’s no wonder Britain has begun to print other components as well.
“I have printed parts such as door handles and things like that, because in some cases you can’t buy them at all,” he said. “To do that, I get the broken part, measure it with a vernier and model it using Inventor – which is a 3D graphic design program – and then print them out.”
In fact, in the past few months, Britain has grown what was a hobby to become a fledgling business – 3D Print And Design Mackay – creating parts from battery adapters to custom tool box organisers, using four 3D printers.
It’s well known that OEM manufacturers use 3D printing for fast prototyping, or to make replacement parts for their
classic cars. For a 20-year-old apprentice to be doing essentially the same thing is an eye-opener and it is just this type of initiative that has marked Britain out as a standout employee and student. It is also the progression you might expect to see in someone who has, since he was a small child, been fascinated with discovering just how things work.
“I’ve always been a tinkerer,” he said. “My parents hated it because everything I got for Christmas lasted about a month! I would pull apart remote control cars to see how they worked. And that led me to decide to be an engineer.
“In Year 10, I did some work experience with an auto electrician, and I loved it. I decided engineering wasn’t for me and kept going with the work experience.”
Actually, Britain did several stints of unpaid work experience with different shops before securing the apprenticeship at Mackay Transit Coaches. It’s no surprise to find he is just as enthusiastic about his work there.
“We work mostly on buses, and I love the problem-solving aspect of the job,” he said. “You have an issue, and you have to think about what caused it and test and diagnose. I enjoy that.”
With the electric vehicle (EV) revolution now underway, Britain knows that EVs will play a part in his future. As an autoelectrical apprentice, he is in as good a position as anyone to adapt and is happy that Mackay Transit Coaches will likely give him the chance to upskill.
“I am definitely going to stay in the same field and move into the high-voltage work,” he said. “And I am very happy to be here. It is a great company to work for.”
Britain will be attending the Industry Award Gala Dinner with his partner and parents and said that he was looking forward to being a part of the event.
“I could not be more excited,” he said. “I don’t know who if I’ll get the award, but I am just excited about the night, and to have already received the Apprentice of the Month was a big honour.”
QUALIFICATION: AUR31120 CERTIFICATE III IN HEAVY COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY
EMPLOYER DURING APPRENTICEHIP: BMAS BILOELA
EMILY HODDA was the MTA Institute
Apprentice of the Month for January 2022.
The 21-year-old works at BMAS Biloela in Central Queensland, has already completed her light vehicle apprenticeship and, at the end of last year, started training for her Heavy Commercial Vehicle qualification. That’s impressive stuff for someone that age, and it is even more so when
considering Emily is also an Approved Examiner, has her automotive air conditioning licence, and has undertaken extensive training in other areas, including in agricultural equipment.
Perhaps it is not surprising Emily is already so skilled, as BMAS Biloela is clearly a good place to learn the automotive trades. The business had one of its team as a finalist for last year’s MTA
Queensland Apprentice of the Year award, and with the company offering so many services to its community – in addition to offering regular mechanical services it is a dealership for farm machinery including from companies such as Massey-Ferguson and Deutz – the opportunities to learn are broad and wide-ranging.
Emily’s dedication to the work has seen her take every training opportunity available, and that passion stems from a childhood which saw her grow up around farming equipment.
“I’ve always been interested in the mechanical side of things,” she said. “My parents own a property – doing agricultural work and some farming – and I was always following dad around. Then, for work experience in Year 11, I came here to BMAS and they offered me an apprenticeship. I started a school-based apprenticeship when I was 17 and began full time when I finished school.”
Kicking off with the light vehicle apprenticeship, the plan for Emily has always been to learn more and delve into the broad range of automotive work.
“At BMAS, we cover a wide variety of vehicles – light and heavy, and a lot of farm machinery,” she said. “So I started on the light vehicles and have worked my way up.
“While the Covid situation has made things a little bit hard, there have certainly been a lot of opportunities to give it a crack and learn new things.”
Her apprenticeship training – both light vehicle and heavy commercial –has been delivered by the MTA Institute, and the Institute’s oneon-one, in-the-workshop method of training is, said Emily, one that has been really valuable.
“I find it quite beneficial. If there’s something you don’t understand, especially if it is
a module you are doing, you can ask questions and then walk out into the workshop and get hands-on,” she said. “And the trainers have been great.”
As with most young apprentices, Emily recognises that electrified vehicles (EVs) will be an important part of the industry, and that while her interests may be in areas other than road-going passenger vehicles, more training is likely.
“That is where the future is going and we will have to do our best to get on top of the diagnostics and everything else that comes through over the next few years,” she said.
“I do have a huge passion for the agricultural industry, so I think a part of me, in the next 10 years, would like to explore that a bit more, but I’ll certainly still do the mechanical side of things and just keep learning.”
Time is on Emily’s side. She will likely complete her Heavy Commercial in the next couple of months thanks to the recognition of prior learning accomplished through her light vehicle qualification and will be dual-qualified and have a bundle of other certificates and qualifications to her name by the time she turns 22. With all that to her name, Emily should have no problem finding plenty of work to occupy her time.
Her future looks bright, and busy, and she has the Industry Awards Gala Dinner to look forward to as well, which Emily will be attending with her partner and parents. She was, she said, honoured to be named amongst the top MTA Institute apprentices.
“I’m grateful to have my work recognised and to have been given this opportunity to be a finalist,” she said.
QUALIFICATION: AUR31020 CERTIFICATE III IN AUTOMOTIVE SALES (PARTS INTERPRETING)
EMPLOYER DURING APPRENTICEHIP: CENTRAL BIKE CENTRE
GRACE CAMPBELL was the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for February 2022.
The 22-year-old, who works for Central Bike Centre in Emerald, has just completed her automotive sales (parts interpreting) apprenticeship and during her training Grace proved to be an excellent student, impressing both her employer and trainer with her work ethic, customer service and product knowledge.
“Grace is an exemplary employee displaying learning, personal behavioural characteristics and skills of the highest standard and order,” said Ross and Andrea Drayton, Grace’s Employers, when she picked up the Apprentice of the Month award.
“Her level of attention to customer care and service is exceptional, supported by her ability to provide full-circle support through her product knowledge.”
As a parts interpreter, Grace talks to customers regularly to find out their exact needs and recommend the appropriate parts. She must identify the different make, model and variations of vehicles, motorcycles, and power equipment, and assist customers in finding the right product.
“Grace is constantly on the move, answering phones, dealing with customers both external and internal. I have never met anyone that applies themselves to their job as she does and enjoys every minute of their day,” said Andrew Keys, Grace’s MTA Institute Trainer.
But to Grace, this is just one small part of the job.
“It’s not just about getting the work done, it’s talking to customers, seeing how their day is and giving them a great experience. You want them leaving the shop thinking ‘wow that was easy’,” she said.
Grace’s helpfulness and dedication to the job is paying off, with one of the shop’s regular farming customers giving her the nickname “Amazing Grace”.
Working in automotive was not originally something on Grace’s radar, but when the opportunity to begin an apprenticeship came up, Grace was eager to get involved.
“Ross and Andrea are good family friends. One day I was visiting their workshop and they mentioned they needed an apprentice. The automotive industry offers so many pathways to go down, so of course I was keen to get started.”
Nearly four years later, Grace is still enjoying every minute of it.
“I am really happy working here. It’s just the seven of us in the shop, so we are all really close. They are like a second family to me.
“Working here, you’re smiling when you get to the shop and still smiling when you go home.”
Having trained with MTA Institute throughout her apprenticeship, Grace said that the in-person, one-on-one training at the student’s place of employment was one she could readily recommend.
“Andrew is a fantastic trainer. Once you have completed your workbook, he will sit with you and go through the answers
what you did well, what could have been improved. He really takes the time to explain the different areas, so you have a good understanding of them.”
With her apprenticeship now complete, Grace is looking to continue her studies with a Diploma in Business – a 12-to-24-month course she has applied to complete at Central Queensland University.
“I really enjoyed doing my three years with the MTA Institute and they encouraged me to continue my educational journey,” said Grace. “I am looking at doing that diploma now that you guys have
helped me through my Cert III, and I have applied to start that at the beginning of November.”
Grace will be at the Industry Award Gala with her partner and Central Bike Centre owners Ross and Andrea. And she is, she said, proud to be a finalist for MTA Queensland’s top student award.
“I’d like to think I have a chance for Apprentice of the Year, and I am excited and nervous,” she said.
“I don’t go to Brisbane very often, so it will be good to see the city a bit, and be great to meet everyone and all the other finalists.”
QUALIFICATION: AUR30620 CERTIFICATE III LIGHT VEHICLE MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY
EMPLOYER DURING APPRENTICEHIP: DONE RIGHT AUTOMOTIVE
SOME YOUNG PEOPLE are lucky enough to know what they want to do as a career from an early age. Such was the fate of Jack Farraway, the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for March 2022.
The 19-year-old, third-year light vehicle apprentice has been working at Done Right Automotive in Charters Towers since he was just 14 and, according to his trainer at the time of his award win, his ‘commitment to his training, development, and employment . . . is outstanding.’
Having finished school at the end of 2021, Jack has been with the business full time only since January this year but has been a highly valued member of the Done Right team from the start when he began working at the shop a couple of afternoons a week after school. It wasn’t long before he had secured a school-based apprenticeship position.
“It was clear from early on he had the potential and was eager to learn,” said Done Right owner Mick Blacklock. “He soon became a part of the furniture.
“Jack’s positive attitude and willingness to learn and achieve is outstanding and makes him a valuable member of our team. His interactions with customers and suppliers, combined with his maturity and respect for his peers and workplace demonstrates his understanding of his position within the business and automotive industry . . . We can’t speak highly enough of him. We have struck gold with this man!”
Jack has always been interested in cars and would help his dad work on his when he could. He even got his hands on his own vehicle nice and early, owning a 1996 Patrol since he was 13 – a useful project car for a young man fascinated by the workings of the combustion engine and all things automotive.
“I have always enjoyed cars and how it all works has always interested me. The technology, and how it has come such a long way in a short amount of time, blows my mind,” he said when speaking to Motor Trader earlier this year.
That fascination with the technology is still strong, and Jack said it is the challenges that the mechanical trade can throw his way that makes the work especially interesting.
“We work on pretty much everything here,” he said. “Any job from general services to replacing engines – we can do anything on any make and model. And I like the long, technical jobs that come in – the challenging ones. Doing work you might not have done before, and learning the things needed to complete that job –there’s a sense of accomplishment when you complete that kind of work.”
Having trained with the MTA Institute since he started his apprenticeship – now with trainer Gavin Jacobs but beginning with the late and much-missed trainer Richard Matthews – Jack said the one-on-one, in-theworkplace training model delivered by the Institute was one he enjoyed.
“Both my trainers have been excellent, and the MTA Institute training works really well for me,” he said. “Anything I am
struggling with or need to understand better, then Gavin can go in-depth on that with me, and that really helps.”
Jack’s apprenticeship is expected to be completed toward the end of 2023, and he already has some ideas about where his career may head. He also recognises that the industry is changing rapidly, and more training is likely in the future.
“I am interested in diesels, and I think I might go for my diesel qualification,” he said. “And I know electric vehicles are coming, even if it seems unlikely we’ll see many of them out here for a while, so I would certainly be interested in learning about them.
“I wouldn’t mind having my own workshop at some point, and I would like to get more into the performance side of things. That really is interesting – making something that shouldn’t be going very fast, go fast. That does get me going!”
Jack will be attending the Industry Awards Dinner with his mum and perhaps some workmates too, and he is, as many of the other finalists are, delighted to have been recognised for his work.
“I’m both confident and nervous about the night,” he said. “But I do feel proud to be a part of it and to whoever wins, good on them and congratulations!”
QUALIFICATION: AUR30620 CERTIFICATE III
LIGHT VEHICLE MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY
EMPLOYER DURING APPRENTICEHIP:
GMW MECHANICAL & TOWING
TIMOTHY LOUDEN was the MTA Institute
Apprentice of the Month for April 2022. The 20-year-old is about to start the fourth year of his light vehicle apprenticeship and has been working at GMW Mechanical & Towing in Gladstone since he was 17.
According to his trainer, Nev Donaldson, Timothy ‘is very keen with his training, all work is completed on time, and he researches areas to extend his knowledge. He will make a great mechanic and is a pleasure to train.’
Stepping into an automotive
apprenticeship was always something that Timothy had in mind. His father is a transport Inspector and a trained mechanic and, naturally enough, Timothy found plenty of his childhood was spent helping dad out.
“My dad had his own business and I used to go over there after school and help and watch what he was doing. I used to get stuff, pull it all apart and see how it goes back together. I always liked that,” said Timothy.
“When I finished Grade 11, I got the job here,” he added. “My dad knows the owners, John and Libby, and he let them know I was looking for a bit of work and they asked me to come in for an interview. I went for it, and I haven’t looked back.”
Working at GMW means Timothy gets to work on a very wide range of vehicles and jobs. The business offers maintenance and repairs on all makes and models (petrol and diesel) – including caravans, RVs, and motorhomes – and, as a towing business too and RACQ repairer, just about any problem can appear at the workshop.
“We do pretty much everything here,” said Timothy. “And I get to work on all of that – including the service and repairs of caravans which could be brakes, springs, axles, wheel bearings and so on – as well as do engine swaps and cylinder head work.
“I really like the variety of work we get. There’s something different every day,” he added. “I really enjoy working on the mechanical internals of motors – swapping cylinder heads over and that sort of thing. That is very interesting.”
Having trained with the MTA Institute since he began his apprenticeship, Timothy said that the one-on-one training the Institute delivered was proving to be a beneficial way to learn. He also added that future training – given the direction the industry was heading and the technology involved, especially with electrification and electric vehicles (EVs) – was almost certain.
“I hope there will be more training,” he said. “I don’t think many places know too much about them [EVs] apart from dealerships, so I will look to do some EV training and it will be quite interesting to learn that aspect of things.”
As for his long-term future, while he has an eye on EVs and how the industry is changing, the work he does now is something he would like to continue to do.
“I see myself staying here for a while once I have finished my apprenticeship,” he said. “From there, I wouldn’t mind having my own business one day, and try and keep things as we do here – I enjoy the system that we have and what we do.”
NATHAN FAGGOTTER
QUALIFICATION: AUR30320 CERTIFICATE III
AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY
EMPLOYER DURING APPRENTICEHIP: LONGREACH MOTORS
the beginning of 2020, is now in the third year of his auto electrical apprentice and has become an integral member of the workshop team.
NATHAN FAGGOTTER was the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for May 2022. The 19-year-old has been working at Longreach Motors in Longreach sinceStepping into an automotive apprenticeship was not something that had initially crossed Nathan’s mind. However, as can often happen, a chance opportunity opened up a world of possibilities, and a work experience stint at Longreach Motors was the key to showing Nathan that a career as an auto electrician might be just the thing for him.
That opportunity came three years ago when Nathan’s school had a work experience initiative in place for those in Year 10, meaning Nathan had to find something to do for a week. His dad – a small motors mechanic by trade – reached out to Longreach Motors to see if there might be a spot for his son. There was, and things quickly fell into place even though Nathan had no knowledge of, and little interest in, auto electrical work.
“I did a week of work experience here and I really enjoyed it,” Nathan said when speaking to Motor Trader about his Apprentice of the Month win back in May. “I was working with the auto electrician, and we did mobile work, as well as plenty in the workshop, and that whole week was great. I was hooked.”
A short time later, Nathan was back to do another week at the shop and then approached Longreach Motors’ owners to see if there was room to take him on full time as an apprentice. There was, and he started the apprenticeship within a few days.
Two-and-a-half years later and Nathan is as enthusiastic about the job as he was after that first week of work experience. And while he works predominantly on auto electric jobs, thanks to the range of services on offer at Longreach Motors he is being stretched and challenged in other areas too.
The business is member of the Tyrepower network and offers mechanical, electrical, diagnostic, maintenance, accessory fitting, and a
host of other services for vehicles ranging from passenger cars to heavy trucks to utes, caravans and RVs. It’s a stimulating environment for a young apprentice to learn their trade.
“I get to work on mechanical jobs –servicing, repairs, tyre fitting, accessory fitting through ARB – so there’s always plenty going on,” said Nathan. “And I enjoy being able to have that knowledge of how to do those jobs, even though I do really enjoy the electrical side of things.”
With battery-electric vehicles and hybrids sure to become more common over the next few years, Nathan’s interest in, and knowledge of, auto electrical technology will be very useful. Electric vehicles may also play a part in his planned future pursuit of a career as a business owner.
“I think about electric vehicles all the time and I am very interested in extending my learning further about them,” he said. “They will be a very big part of the industry’s future and especially my trade, so training on electric and hybrid vehicles really interests me.
“And I am very interested in business,” he added. “Most of my family have some sort of tie with businesses – either owning one or being a major part of one – and that really does interest me. Hopefully, one day down the line, I will be able to have a business of my own.”
Nathan will be attending the Industry Awards Gala Dinner with his partner, and whether he wins the Apprentice of the Year award or not, he said he was honoured to have the effort he had put in through his apprenticeship recognised by being a finalist.
“I am nervous about the evening, and I can’t say I am confident, but I am very proud and very grateful to be where I am and to be a finalist,” he said.
EMPLOYER DURING APPRENTICEHIP: MERCEDES-BENZ SUNSHINE COAST
KLARAH CASSAR-TAN's name probably looks familiar. And well it should, for while Klarah was named the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for June 2022, the 19-year-old – who works at Mercedes-Benz Sunshine Coast and is now well into her fourth year of training to become a light vehicle mechanic – was also Apprentice of the Month for April 2021 and a finalist for the prestigious MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year award last year.
Taking out the Apprentice of the Month award twice is a pretty good indication of Klarah’s outstanding qualities as an apprentice and employee and Klarah was, naturally, proud to have won the award for the second time, though shocked to have done the double.
“It was very unexpected, and I was like ‘What the hell!’ when my trainer called to tell me,” she said when Motor Trader spoke to her in June. “I am so honoured to have received it again.”
Perhaps Klarah’s success should not come as a surprise. Fascinated by cars for as long as she can remember, she leapt at the chance of an apprenticeship at the earliest opportunity.
“My school was organising work experience opportunities, and when we were asked what we would like to do, I instantly said motor mechanics,” she said. “It has always interested me, and I really wanted to have a go with Mercedes-Benz. I went to do a week of work experience and was then offered a school-based apprenticeship. It was all very exciting.
“I have been here since 2018 when I
was doing one day a week as part of that school-based apprenticeship and started here full time in July 2019. I have no regrets. I’m very lucky to be working for Mercedes-Benz. I love it so much.”
While those words were spoken in 2020, when Klarah was first a finalist for the Apprenitce of the Year award, she said the feeling has remained unchanged. What has changed, however, is the excitement, and a slight sense of nerves, as the anticipation of completing her trade qualification nears.
“It has come to the point where it is like ‘What is going to happen when I qualify?’,” she said. “There’s the added pressure of more responsibility and working on cars by yourself, and although I do that already, as an apprentice you obviously are still in the learning stages and not expected to know everything. It’s an exciting prospect and I am just trying to learn as much as I can.”
And there will be plenty more to learn. There is no expectation that an apprentice/tradesperson will know everything the moment they receive their trade qualification, and in the evolving, highly technical and innovative world of automotive, training is a career-long exercise. This is certainly true in the cutting-edge workshops of Mercedes-Benz which are beginning to see the results of the company’s move into electric vehicles.
“We have our new AMG EQS 53 here and that has been a real highlight of the year,” said Klarah. “I haven’t worked on it yet, but I have done some training to go towards becoming an EV technician.
“Only certain people can work on those cars as you need to go through so many courses before you get to that stage, but I am currently on that pathway. It will take quite a while, but I have started.
“I am so proud to be in the industry as it is going through this change. I am very lucky.”
Once again, Klarah will be attending the Industry Awards
Gala, and said that, whether she wins the Apprentice of the Year award or not, she is proud to have been recognised for her abilities and for her progress.
“I feel like I have already achieved way more than I could ever have imagined,” she said.
“It would be awesome to win, but at the end of the day, if I don’t, I know I have come a long way.”
LUCAS GIACOBONI
QUALIFICATION: AUR30620 CERTIFICATE III
LIGHT VEHICLE MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY
EMPLOYER DURING APPRENTICEHIP: AUTO GIANT
LUCAS GIACOBONI was the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for July 2022.
The 20-year-old, third-year light vehicle apprentice has been working at Auto Giant in Brendale, Brisbane, for just over two years and has impressed both his trainer and employer with the quality of his work, his dedication to the job, and his determination to improve.
“Lucas has an ability to do things others can’t do,” said Tony Fasano, director of Auto Giant. “He is able to accept feedback and use that feedback to drive forward to success. He is always looking to better himself. He loves to add value to himself and his team and Auto Giant.”
A career working with cars was something that Lucas had in mind from when he was at school. Many members of his family are car enthusiasts, and he spent much time during his childhood helping his father and uncles with their cars.
“I would help dad and then, when I got my first car, I would work on that when I got home from school,” he said. “They have always been a big passion of mine
and working on them as a career was something that I wanted to pursue.”
That desire for a career in automotive was strengthened after working at a Subaru dealership while still at school, and the interest was still strong after his return from an extended trip overseas that he took after he had finished his school education.
“I worked at Subaru one day a week for a year and it was good fun and I learned a lot,” he said. “I did get offered a job at the end of it, but I had decided to go to Italy to visit family. When I came back, I was looking for a job and I discovered Tony’s profile. I read about his background in motorsport and that really stood out to me.
“He wasn’t looking for an apprentice at the time, but a couple of months later he got back to me and gave me a chance. I have been here ever since.”
Auto Giant offers passionate, aspiring mechanics like Lucas plenty of learning opportunities. The business offers a huge range of services on all makes and models of cars and trucks, including mechanical maintenance and repairs, diagnostic
testing, suspension airbag sales and installation, auto electrical servicing and repairs, and diesel repairs and engine reconditioning, to name just a few.
Working in that environment is challenging, said Lucas, and something he really enjoys.
“You name it, we do it here,” he said. “We might start the day with a valve clearance on a Landcruiser, then you’re doing an oil filter housing on a VW, and then after that, who knows, it just keeps going and you never know what you’re going to get!”
Like many other apprentices, Lucas knows the technology revolution in vehicles will impact the wider automotive industry and having the skills to work on hybrid and electric vehicles will be a necessity. With that in mind, more training is a certainty down the track.
“After I finish this light vehicle training, I do want to do a hybrid course and auto electrical training and other courses that deal with that side of things,” he said. “That is the direction the industry is going – it’s all ECUs and BCMs – and I want to have an understanding of that. You have to move with it or fall behind.”
He will likely get that training and absorb that knowledge at an innovative enterprise like Auto Giant.
“I do want to stay here well past the completion of my apprenticeship,” said Lucas. “There is so much knowledge in this workshop and so much I can learn here that I want to stay and get as much knowledge as I can. Far from now, I may open my own workshop, but for now it’s about keeping doing what I am doing and getting better every day.”
With his 21st birthday landing on the day of the Industry Awards Gala, Lucas is hoping for the ultimate birthday gift. Whether he wins the Apprentice of the Year award or not, however, Lucas is proud that his achievements have been recognised with a spot as a finalist.
“It will be a fantastic night and I am excited to meet everybody involved, including the other 11 apprentices who are finalists and pick their brains about the knowledge they have,” he said. “It will be a great event and, fingers crossed, if I win apprentice of the year, that will be fantastic.”
PHOENIX AH-TOON
QUALIFICATION: AUR32420 CERTIFICATE III IN AUTOMOTIVE REFINISHING TECHNOLOGY
EMPLOYER DURING APPRENTICEHIP: ALLSPEC COATINGS
PHOENIX AH-TOON was the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Month for August 2022.
The 21-year-old is in the third year of his automotive refinishing technology apprenticeship with Allspec Coatings, a subsidiary of waste management company J.J. Richards Engineering, and is proving to be, according to his supervisor David
Cragnolini and MTA Institute trainer Alfio Rotolone, a highly skilled employee who is always trying to improve his skills and learn new ones while bringing precision and speed to his work.
These are useful abilities and traits to bring to his job and the environment at the J.J. Richards Engineering depot in Yatala, south of Brisbane, where Phoenix is based.
The huge facility is where the company – Australia’s largest privately owned waste management company – builds its waste disposal trucks. The trucks, either Scanias or Volvos, arrive at the depot in basic form, without a body or any of the necessary hydraulics or other fitments. Those elements are fabricated and constructed on-site at Yatala, with the body going through the huge Allspec Coatings workshop for sandblasting and painting before being joined to the truck. It really is an impressive set-up.
The Allspec Coatings division numbers four employees, including two apprentices, and working here has given Phoenix the opportunity not only to learn the painting trade, but to get other tickets too, including his forklift and dogman (someone who is qualified to work on moving loads using overhead cranes and hoists) licences. While he has yet to work in the huge sandblasting booth, that also is something he is looking forward to being trained to do.
It’s been an interesting three years for Phoenix who, at age 19 and after working for a while in retail, began to search for an apprenticeship role. Uncertain what that might be, he reached out to Busy At Work, who put him in touch with J.J. Richards. It was a great call.
“I’ve always enjoyed working on cars and doing them up, that was my hobby, and I definitely enjoy what I am doing now,” said Phoenix. “And I feel like I am slowly getting better, and I am always looking to improve.
“That’s what I like – that there’s always different ways you can improve. It’s not going to be the same thing every time. I like that I am in the booth, but also outside of it I am setting things up and getting stuff ready for people and so on.
“And there is also the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve made something look that good when its painted,” he added. “That’s especially
true of the refurbs that we sometimes get. They can arrive looking pretty bad but then you sand it, get it all painted, and then it looks pretty mint going out.”
The painting work at Allspec Coatings is a little different from the regular automotive set-up. The trucks are rugged and put through hard work, so the painting is more industrial in nature than the norm, enabling Phoenix to learn different painting techniques, including gravity fed, pressure pot, and airless processes.
For the automotive-style painting training, Phoenix attends scheduled days at the MTA Institute workshop. Training with the Institute, whose delivery model for instruction in most cases is on-site at the student’s workplace, has been, Phoenix said, a great experience.
“It is good. Alfio gets to see what we do and how we are progressing, as well as work with us on the modules directly,” he said. “That one-on-one training definitely helps you focus and concentrate more.”
With perhaps only a year left before he completes his apprenticeship, Phoenix said he isn’t looking past the opportunity that working for J.J. Richards has given him.
“I definitely feel there is a lot they can teach me,” he said. “It’s a huge company and there’s lots going on. I definitely want to progress further here.”
Phoenix will be attending the Industry Awards Gala with his partner and said that no matter what the outcome, he was honoured to be a finalist for the Apprentice of the Year award.
“I am proud to be a finalist and to have been named an Apprentice of the Month winner,” he said. “To be chosen out of all the students MTA institute trains was a shock and I was very grateful to receive that award.”
ROUND 2 OF the 2022 Vocational Education Training (VET) Trainers Scholarship has been completed and the scholarships have been awarded to Cail Parsons from Peak Automotive Solutions, Mount Glorious, and Dallas Sykes from Western Truck Group, Toowoomba.
The scholarship offers individuals the opportunity to undertake the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40116), valued at $2,500, which is designed to teach the skills and knowledge required to deliver training in the VET sector.
Cail is the owner of Peak Automotive Solutions, a mobile repair business in Brisbane. With nearly 20 years’ experience as a qualified tradesperson, he holds a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology, Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis, and Certificate II in AirConditioning Technology, among other qualifications. With extensive experience undertaking his own training, Cail is ready to give back and pass on his learnings to those currently coming through.
Dallas is a qualified light and heavy vehicle mechanic with over 28 years of experience in the automotive industry in numerous roles, from mechanic to parts interpreter to service advisor. Having moved into senior management roles over the last decade, he has developed an enthusiasm for helping his staff progress through training
accreditations and develop into leaders in the workplace and hopes to use the TAE to continue to hone his training skills.
“With the automotive industry continuing to experience crucial skill shortages, it is imperative individuals like these have a deeper understanding of Vocational Education and Training to support the learning opportunities of the automotive industry,” said Paul Kulpa, General Manager of the MTA Institute.
“Both recipients display a clear dedication to the trade and immense passion for passing on their extensive wealth of knowledge to support other automotive professionals through this scholarship. I look forward to following the progress of both individuals as they complete the TAE40116 course.”
The VET Trainer Scholarship is offered twice per year to trade-qualified automotive professionals employed in the Queensland automotive industry.
This year has shot by and we are, unbelievably, only a couple of months away from celebrating Christmas. We are certain that there are plenty of you who have yet to turn your mind to the thought of gifts for the family, so here are a few we’ve found that might help out on your search for those stocking fillers.
A can opener is a must-have for the kitchen, and here’s a cool little carshaped can opener from Ototo Design that could be a great stocking filler for the car enthusiast out there. Made of stainless steel and ABS, and BPA free, the can opener is 8.8cm x 5.8cm x 5.8cm and comes in a smart red.
Price: $39.90
Available from The Design Gift Shop
There’s something about the styling of old-school racing posters. Skilled artists
recreate the thrill of the race, there's a splash of colour, retro-style fonts . . . they just look cool. This poster, reflecting the Monaco Grand Prix of 1963, looks a winner. Printed on matte premium and age-resistant paper, the print is available in two sizes: 30cm x 40cm, and 50cm x 70cm.
Price: $21.95 (small version) or $37.95 (larger version) Available from desenio.com
Give your brain a timeout with a tabletop version of a classic arcade racing game! Featuring 30 different 8-bit racing games and a mini steering wheel, this tabletop game looks excellent fun – especially
for those a little nostalgic for old-school games and arcade machines. A must-have for the desk we reckon, the arcade game measures 16.1cm x 8.6cm x 8.3cm with a 6cm screen. It requires three 1.5V AA batteries. Not suitable for children below 3 as small parts present a choking hazard.
Price: $49.99
Available from www.yellowoctopus.com.au
Truck-loving kids might like this excellent table light, designed to mimic the look of hulking trucks. It’s pretty smart looking with the metallic look and rust detailing. It has an LED globe for its light source and the whole thing gives off a soft glow – ideal for a kid’s bedroom. Made from polyresin/ fibreglass, the lamp is 24.6cm (L) x 11.2cm
(W) x 14.7cm (H). For ages 3 and older. Not suitable for children under 3 years due to choking hazard.
Price: $59.99
Available from www.yellowoctopus.com.au
Any bicycle mechanics or enthusiasts out there? Then here’s a really cool set of patent-style design prints. Each print uses the real patent design and information, including the signature of the inventor, and the dark colour and blueprint designs are pretty striking. These would surely make an interesting display for any wall. The 3 prints come in at 20cm x 30cm in size. Frames are not included.
Price: $39.99
Available from www.yellowoctopus.com.au
THIS IS GEN.TRAVEL, a design study concept vehicle from Volkswagen.
The company says the all-electric concept, which is designed to be a Level 5 autonomous vehicle, ‘gives a realistic outlook for the mobility of the coming decade’, and its interior concept ‘makes it a flexible, sustainable Mobility-as-a-Service alternative to short-haul flights.’
As a research vehicle, the Gen.Travel is made to test ideas and see how customers respond to those features and functions. Based on the study results, individual features may later be transferred to series vehicles.
A modular interior concept can be customised for each journey and booked as a Mobility-as-a-Service offering. Depending on the configuration, up to four people can be transported. For business trips, a conference setup offers four seats and a large table in the middle. A configuration in the overnight setup allows the conversion of two seats into two beds that can be folded out to a full-flat position.
AS A RESEARCH VEHICLE, THE GEN. TRAVEL IS MADE TO TEST IDEAS AND SEE HOW CUSTOMERS RESPOND TO THOSE FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS.
A passenger restraint system ensures maximum safety even in a lying position. For family trips, the Gen.Travel’s front seats can be configured to entertain the children using augmented reality (AR). The Gen.Travel has active suspension eABC (electric Active Body Control) that calculates vertical and lateral movements such as acceleration, braking, or cornering ahead of time, and optimises the driving style accordingly. Artificial intelligence (AI) and platooning – fully autonomous driving in convoys – are a feature built into the concept and can be used to further increase the range for long-distance journeys.
“With its New Auto strategy, Volkswagen defines the mobility for generations to come – sustainable and digital,” said Dr. Nikolai Ardey, Head of Volkswagen Group Innovation. “In the group-wide Volkswagen Innovation Research department, we are further advancing this idea, showing how our customers will be able to experience mobility in the future – for example, as a service. With Gen.Travel, we can already experience today what will be possible in the near future with innovative technology. Door-to-door travel at a new level. Emission-free and stress-free.”
New name. Same love for the motor trades.
Some things never change — like our support for the motor trades. Low fees. A history of strong returns. Excellent service. We’re the super fund with spirit.
